New pint-sized Class B AIS transponder

Digital Yacht has introduced a new class B AIS Transponder – the AIT2000. Despite being half the size of its predecessor, the AIT2000 crams in more functionality and is said to be one of world’s smallest class B devices.

A class B transponder sends and receives AIS data to other vessels equipped with either class A or B AIS systems allowing an on-board chart plotter or radar to display these targets on an electronic chart. All commercial ships over 300 tonnes have to carry a class A AIS transponder and class B transponders, like the AIT2000, have been designed for fitting on non-mandatory vessels such as yachts and fishing boats.

The new AIT2000 features dual NMEA 0183 input and output capability (with data multiplexing) to allow for just about every possible installation. Digital Yacht has also added their new proprietary N2NET interface which is a certified NMEA 2000 system allowing connection to NMEA 2000 networks. For PC users, there’s also a USB connection allowing you to interface with most leading brands of chart plotter including Standard Horizon, Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance and Furuno.

The AIT2000 allows connection to either 12V or 24V systems, consumes around 5W (ideal for use on sailing vessels), and comes complete with PC programming software as well as SmarterTrack Lite (a powerful viewing program for PCs that allows the display of AIS targets and information).

The Digital Yacht AIT2000 retails for $799.

For more information visit www.digitalyacht.co.nz.