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 :: COMAR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS AT OCEANTALK
Oceantalk has been appointed the exclusive regional distributor by UK based Comar Systems for their innovative Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) range of products. Bringing recreational boat owners access to commercial ship technology for added safety and peace of mind.
AIS transponders are now carried by all international vessels over 300 tons. The AIS unit transmits and receives vessel information including position, speed, course, call sign (MMSI number) and other important data via a VHF signal. This information is used by Chart plotting systems to display the vessels on the electronic chart – a system similar to aviation transponders that allow air traffic to be monitored and tracked on an air traffic controller's screen.
One of the more prudent pieces of data available through AIS is the vessel's MMSI number and call sign: this allows digital selective calls (DSC) to be made to individual vessels and the call sign assists in normal radio communication contact between vessels should DSC not be available.
Comar produce two main models, one that is a receiver only of the signals and the other that both transmits and receives AIS information.
The Comar SLR 200 AIS Receiver is the receiver only unit, it decodes and displays any AIS data received on a compatible chart plotter or software program. This unit retails for less than AUS $1000 and is a worthwhile addition to any navigation system.
The Comar CSB 200 transponder is both a receiver and transmitter of AIS data. It gives recreational boats the ability to transmit their own AIS signal in order to recognize and be recognized by other AIS equipped vessels. The CSB 200 will be available from April 2006 and will retail for under AUS $2500.
Both models are easy to install and integrate with Raymarine C and E Series units (software upgrade may be required) and PCs running compatible navigation software.
“As the region's leading supplier of marine electronics, we are thrilled to have Comar Systems on board. This is cutting edge technology, a world first, and a product ideally suited to the Australasian boating market. And as with all our products, we have the expertise, technical support and after sales service to do the system justice,” comments Robin Kydd, Managing Director of Oceantalk.
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