Receive AIS data wirelessly with iNavX

Posted on Auteur Francis6 comments

iais

I explained, in a recent post, how to receive NMEA data from on-board instruments without using a Mac (or a PC) on board. It is now possible to do the same thing for receiving AIS data with an iPad or iPhone.

Digital Yacht has developed a new AIS receiver for use with Apple mobile devices. iAIS, is its name, transmits navigation data received from ships via WiFi to dedicated applications on iPhone or iPad via the TCP/IP protocol. Featured with AIS dual-channel A and B receiver, it also allows compatible applications access to NMEA data from on-board instruments.

How it works ?

iAIS communicates with Apple mobiles in WiFi network. It requires a simple connection to a dedicated standard VHF antenna, or the VHF antenna on board by adding a splitter. iPhone or iPad users must enable WiFi and connect to the iAIS WiFi network. No internet connection required, no cumbersome cable to connect. AIS data (which provide information such as position, nom, call sign, MMSI number, course and speed of ships) are then available for any compatible application.
iAIS can also multiplex other NMEA data available on board the boat, GPS ou instruments, and transmit them combined with those of the AIS. Some users may prefer to use the GPS data from the onboard device rather than the location services of an iPhone or iPad. A plus you WiFi, two outputs NMEA0183 and USB allow a direct connection to a Mac, a PC or chartplotter.
iAIS WiFi

WiFi network between iAIS and mobiles

What does it work with? ?

The most suitable application for iPhone and iPad is naturally iNavX, which manages the TCP/IP protocol and supports real-time reception and display of all NMEA data. iNavX selectively displays AIS targets on the chart, and vessels information.
Digital Yacht offers on the AppStore a standalone application for displaying targets and AIS information like a RADAR screen, developed by Richard Ray (designer of iNavX, MacENC and GPSNavX). This application is free but does not support mapping.
IAIS is also compatible with PC and any application (Android, Windows Mobile, aso.) knowing how to manage wireless data transfer (TCP/IP) for navigation information.

Implementation with iNavX :

Réglages

Settings on iPhone then in iNavX

  • Open them Settings from iPhone / iPad
  • Select "WiFi"
  • Activate "Wi-Fi" to "ON"
  • Choose “DY-iAIS-XXXX”. If another network is already selected, click the blue arrow button, then on “Forget this network”
Leave the settings and launch iNavX. In the Preferences select "TCP / IP NMEA Client" :
  • Host : to input " 169.254.1.1 ”
  • Port : to input " 2000 ”
  • Enable “Location Service” to “I” if no GPS data is sent to the iAIS. This will allow iNavX to use iPhone/iPad location services
  • Set "Active" to "ON"
  • Close with the “Save” button

iais appstore

The application is available for free on the AppStore, two versions for iPhone and iPad. We will easily recognize on the screens the “ design touch » de Richard Ray.

iais plotter

Digital Yacht made this video, dubbed in French, for more explanations :

YouTube player

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Relative article : Connect GPSNavX/MacENC with an AIS

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6 Replies to “Receive AIS data wirelessly with iNavX”

  1. Moi, I'm quite tempted, anyway a try. Unless you test it yourself, from Canet to Gib, it's not bad, After, arrival in Colòn, there are people, then you can turn it off ! And what's more, I master accents, thank you again Francis for your advice and as for the Ipad, definitely adopted.

  2. Many thanks for all this information, it’s fantastic as an evolution.
    There are downsides : availability end 11/2010 and the price 399$ + TVA.
    Ipad and iNax fanatic, I use the ADVANSEA AIS RX-100 AIS receiver via USB connection on a PC.
    Ma question : is it possible to connect a WiFi transmitter to use it with my iPad?
    Good answer – in principle – is yes but do you have any advice, a solution to propose?
    Thank you and good luck.
    DD

    1. I don't think that 290 € excluding tax is a downside. Let's go, let's be serious, how much does an iPad 3G cost ? All navigation instruments are expensive because they are intended for a limited audience, therefore a low sales volume. Moreover, end of November is a month away, you have such an urgent need ?
      I don't know your AIS model, but you can still use the Digi Connect Wi-SP which I talked about on this blog. Alas, he is at 337$ by B&B Electronics.

  3. Is this AIS wifi receiver compatible with the “marine navionics” application? ?
    JFL

  4. This is really interesting information. .
    I did not dare hope for the release of such a product which gives even more credibility to the iPad .
    In any case, AIS is not luxury for night fishing trips near me between Marseille and Martigues or near 80 tankers are at anchor … (I'm sure Shipfinder owners have already taken a look !!)

    Thanks again to François for this good news !

    It remains to be seen the price … If several of us are interested on the site, we can negotiate a price …?

  5. Really’ IPAD ….is fabulous. And fortunately we benefit from the skills and generosity of Françis Fustier, without whom we could miss out on a lot of things..

    Merci

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