26X dimensions help for AIS install

[tuxonpup]

So it's my second off season with the Millennium Guppy stowed on the hard at Lake Powell, where it's currently 34 degrees, and once again I find myself making off season upgrade purchases with no access to the boat. Boat came with a Metz Manta-6 on the mast, but no whip, and an Apelco 8500 in the console. Last winter I procured a replacement Metz 3' whip, dropped the mast in the spring, got the VHF connected up and found the Apelco was kaput. We pivoted to an Icom IC-M94D hand held for our first summer, which had the added bonus of AIS receiving/display.
For our second season I've been shopping for a replacement VHF that could also connect over NMEA 2000 to display AIS targets on the new chart plotter. At the same time, we found we need a "marriage saver" comm system for when I'm on the bow feeding out anchor rode and Vicky is sitting at the wheel directly above our growling Nissan two stroke. She has fairly severe hearing loss, so leveraging her Bluetooth hearing aids to keep in communication seems smart but without resorting to sending a call to a satellite and back.
Hence, we've ordered this VHF/AIS/BT intercom rig: https://em-trak.com/products/x100/
Defender has it for a couple hundred less than the link above, so now I just need to send them our MMSI and some boat info for the dealer programming. Where I need a little help are the dimensions questions A, B, C & D below, from the bow, stern, port and starboard sides to the VHF/GPS location, which will be just inside the companion way on the port side, mounted similar to the second photo.

[Starscream]

Interesting that up here in Canada you just download a free app and program your AIS by yourself.

I remember that when I mounted mine I gave approximate values without a direct measurement. I used 16/10/2/5 for A/B/C/D as a guess since my boat was inside a frozen hill of snow at the time.

[NiceAft]

Is this of any help?

“BoatUS offers free Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers (9-digit identification codes for VHF/AIS radios) to members, or $25 for non-members. These numbers are valid for U.S.-only, non-commercial, recreational, and voluntarily equipped vessels under 65 feet. The registration instantly connects your boat to the USCG Search & Rescue database.
How to Get an MMSI through BoatUS:
Eligibility: Must be a U.S.-based, voluntarily equipped recreational boat (no commercial or international travel).
Application: Apply online at BoatUS.com/MMSI.
Cost: Free for members, $25 for non-members (includes a 1-year membership).
Process: Provide personal/vessel information, and receive your number instantly upon completion.
Programming: Enter the 9-digit number into your radio/AIS device.
Important Notes:
International Travel: BoatUS numbers do not work in foreign ports. For international travel, an FCC-issued number is required.
One-Time Setup: Once assigned, the number stays with the boat, though it can be updated if the vessel is sold.
Purpose: Crucial for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) to ensure your vessel is identified during emergencies. ”

I send this because I don’t remember doing any of what you are doing when I set up my system.

[tuxonpup]

Interesting that up here in Canada you just download a free app and program your AIS by yourself.

I remember that wehn I mounted mine I gave approximate values without a direct measurement. I used 16/10/2/5 for A/B/C/D as a guess since my boat was inside a frozen hill of snow at the time.

Yeah, seeing that they want it rounded to the nearest meter I'm gonna do similar, 5m to bow, 3m to stern, 0m to port (it's right next to the hull there) and 2m to starboard. And why are you giving imperial measurements in Canada anyway!

[tuxonpup]

Is this of any help?

“BoatUS offers free Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers (9-digit identification codes for VHF/AIS radios) to members, or $25 for non-members. These numbers are valid for U.S.-only, non-commercial, recreational, and voluntarily equipped vessels under 65 feet. The registration instantly connects your boat to the USCG Search & Rescue database.
How to Get an MMSI through BoatUS:
Eligibility: Must be a U.S.-based, voluntarily equipped recreational boat (no commercial or international travel).
Application: Apply online at BoatUS.com/MMSI.
Cost: Free for members, $25 for non-members (includes a 1-year membership).
Process: Provide personal/vessel information, and receive your number instantly upon completion.
Programming: Enter the 9-digit number into your radio/AIS device.
Important Notes:
International Travel: BoatUS numbers do not work in foreign ports. For international travel, an FCC-issued number is required.
One-Time Setup: Once assigned, the number stays with the boat, though it can be updated if the vessel is sold.
Purpose: Crucial for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) to ensure your vessel is identified during emergencies. ”

I send this because I don’t remember doing any of what you are doing when I set up my system.

I used US Power Squadrons to get my MMSI last year, no dimensions needed for VHF/DSC/AIS Rx functions, I just entered the MMSI into the Icom myself. It's when you're adding an AIS transmitter to your boat they want the US dealer to compensate for the GPS antenna's location, this em-trak unit both receives and transmits AIS, hence being kinda pricey for a VHF.

[Starscream]

Yeah, seeing that they want it rounded to the nearest meter I'm gonna do similar, 5m to bow, 3m to stern, 0m to port (it's right next to the hull there) and 2m to starboard. And why are you giving imperial measurements in Canada anyway!

Hahaha i'm so used to having to translate for my US friends and customers.

[NiceAft]

It’s too snowy and cold for me to get into NiceAft to read my manual for my AIS compatible radio, so I can’t reply any more than this. I don’t know.

[OverEasy]

So I can see a sorta benefit to an AIS if it transmits one’s location so that one doesn’t get to inspect the bottom side of say a lager boat like a freighter but if your not in that kind of an operational environment what’s the benefit?

Most current VHF radios have a connection to input GPS data for an automatic distress broadcast.
An EPIR is a good option for a distress beacon especially if you can take it over the side with you.
There are several handheld GPS track & text type units out there as well that have an emergency broadcast option that communicates via satellites… this also give you not only the means to communicate directly with people via text but allows you to communicate with an emergency response desk what the particular emergency is so that the appropriate resources are dispatched.
There is an additional advantage in that these satellite text/beacon units work worldwide for a relatively nominal cost and have the capability to work anywhere you are on land or sea.

Then there is the aspect that if you are in a high traffic area where one might be concerned about potential collision there are radar reflectors you can put out to increase your boats radar visibility that are very effective and relatively inexpensive.

Just trying to see what the advantages are of an AIS….
THANKS,

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[tuxonpup]

Our last trip was dinghy sailing on San Diego bay, while also scouting some longer term anchorages there. Our plan is to continue our ASA certification classes there and then move the Guppy 6 hours to the West of us instead of its current location 6 hours to the North. It's a pretty high traffic bay between cargo, military and pleasure vessels and adding an AIS transponder is 100% about being able to be seen by that traffic once moved there. We've had AIS receiving on the hand held for a year now, made sense to us to add transmission while replacing the VHF connected to the mast top antenna. There are only a few VHF/AIS transceiver combo units, the Simrad/B&G model that requires separate antennas or a splitter, Garmin's Vesper Cortex headless unit with wireless command mic and this new em-trak unit, the last two both having integrated splitters which can be connected to a single antenna. We went with the em-trak, who have just been an AIS transponder manufacturer up until now, as we decided to mount the fixed VHF on that port companionway bulk head along with the chart plotter, so the mobile device integration lets us use assisted listening devices as command mics or crew intercom out on deck. The VHF, AIS, MOB and anchor alarm displays are all available on your mobile device, so you'll get anchor drag, AIS collision warnings or MOB alerts on the device with you at the helm or in your berth. The MOB function works by registering each passenger's mobile device and dropping a MOB marker and an alert if it sees the device suddenly depart the boat, so don't jump in with your phone in your pocket!
We'll see how well it functions soon, they must've been okay with the dimensions I sent as I got shipment notification yesterday!

[NiceAft]

Overeasy,
All good points, but if one’s disposable income allows it, the extra safety of an AIS system is worth it. Have as much protection against collision as possible.

Radar balls are good, but size matters and wet surfaces can diminish the quality of radar reflection.

[Starscream]

So I can see a sorta benefit to an AIS if it transmits one’s location so that one doesn’t get to inspect the bottom side of say a lager boat like a freighter but if your not in that kind of an operational environment what’s the benefit?

Most current VHF radios have a connection to input GPS data for an automatic distress broadcast.
An EPIR is a good option for a distress beacon especially if you can take it over the side with you.
There are several handheld GPS track & text type units out there as well that have an emergency broadcast option that communicates via satellites… this also give you not only the means to communicate directly with people via text but allows you to communicate with an emergency response desk what the particular emergency is so that the appropriate resources are dispatched.
There is an additional advantage in that these satellite text/beacon units work worldwide for a relatively nominal cost and have the capability to work anywhere you are on land or sea.

Then there is the aspect that if you are in a high traffic area where one might be concerned about potential collision there are radar reflectors you can put out to increase your boats radar visibility that are very effective and relatively inexpensive.

Just trying to see what the advantages are of an AIS….
THANKS,

Best Regards,
Over Easy

AIS helps when you forgot where you parked

[Russ]

Just trying to see what the advantages are of an AIS….

Over Easy

I see the advantages of Detection BY others and visibility OF others.

Captains that operate in crowded areas or fog would see benefits here. Years ago on trips to Block Island was always met with dense fog. We didn't have GPS or AIS back then and relied on radar. Our boat would sport a radar reflector hoping the ferries would see us and blow a horn if we were in their path. If WE had radar we could see other boats. Ringing a bell every minute in the hopes a ferrry or other boat would hear it was optimistic.

AIS is a great collision avoidance system. Of course not all boats participate, however the BIG ones do and having them see ME would be a plus also.

[Starscream]

A big benefit of AIS is the combination with DSC. Other ships or bridge/lock operators can see your MMSI and call you directly, or at least they have your callsign if they want to broadcast a hail on 16.

Receiving a DSC is much harder to miss than a broadcast hail. And easier, too, as the channel switching part is automatic.

We have found it very convenient to be able to be hailed directly through DSC, especially in busy channels or locks.

[Russ]

A big benefit of AIS is the combination with DSC. Other ships or bridge/lock operators can see your MMSI and call you directly, or at least they have your callsign if they want to broadcast a hail on 16.

Receiving a DSC is much harder to miss than a broadcast hail. And easier, too, as the channel switching part is automatic.

We have found it very convenient to be able to be hailed directly through DSC, especially in busy channels or locks.

That is very cool. I know next to nothing about DSC other than the capabilities of what you mentioned.

Can you to a DSC call from boat to boat? How does the auto switching work?

[NiceAft]

DSC For those of us who are not name droppers.

“ Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio is a modern maritime VHF/MF/HF communication standard that enables automatic, digital distress alerts and direct, private calling to specific vessels or shore stations. By pressing a red distress button, it immediately transmits the vessel's unique MMSI number and GPS position to rescuers, significantly improving response times.
Key features and details include:
Emergency Functionality: The primary purpose is to send a "Mayday" or urgent alert that notifies authorities and nearby ships immediately, even if the radio operator cannot speak.
Automatic Position Tracking: When interfaced with a GPS, the system automatically sends the vessel’s coordinates.
Direct Calling: Similar to a telephone, it allows users to direct-call specific ships using their 9-digit MMSI number.
Operation: It uses dedicated Channel 70 for data transmission, which operates alongside standard voice channels.
Requirements & Setup
To use DSC, the radio must be programmed with a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. It is a standard feature on all fixed-mount VHF radios and many handhelds. “. *

*AI sourced off of the internet.