December 2013:
Digital Yacht have launched a new combination AIS-GPS antenna designed specifically for Class B AIS transponders. It’s a very compact “mushroom” style GPS antenna with an integrated whip antenna to function with AIS receivers and transponders. Despite its compact size, it offers excellent performance as it’s tuned specifically to 162MHz which is the frequency used for AIS transmissions.
All Class B transponders must integrate a GPS which means that installers would have to accommodate a GPS antenna as well as a VHF antenna for AIS functionality. Specialist splitters to share the main VHF antenna are available but they are costly and mean that AIS transmissions are muted when the VHF is utilised. The GV30 is an affordable and easy to install solution.
It’s manufactured from a tough UV resistant ABS plastic and has two 10m coax cables fitted for the transponder. The cables are terminated with a micro sized FME connector to allow the cables to be run through the boat without drilling large holes and Digital Yacht also include a TNC and BNC adaptor to fit directly to the transponder connections. The antenna is fitted with a 1” style threaded base so it will fit any industry standard 1” rail, deck or pole mount bracket.
The GV30 is available now and priced at £85 excluding VAT. Further details from Digital Yacht TEL 01179 55 44 74 www.digitalyacht.co.uk
