Kiss,
1) Regarding not having an MMSI#...
You don't mention what nation your vessel is flagged under, but whatever it is, THAT is the nation whose marine station
license you should already have, as you already have a VHF radio on-board and are sailing internationally....
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...=ship_stations
(it is an international requirement, and a requirement of all nations that are signatories to the ITU, IMO, SOLAS, GMDSS, etc....the US ridiculously allows US-flagged boats that are used ONLY in US waters and ONLY make US domestic VHF radio calls, to install VHF radios without licensing, but that's it!
And, it is the national licensing authority (such as the FCC, for US-flagged vessels) that issues your MMSI#...
2) Regarding the
hardware...for any AIS transponder, you will need a VHF
antenna and coax cable (or the expensive "splitter")...
{Note that all AIS transponders will come with their own built-in GPS receiver (a
legal / standards requirement) and will have their own GPS antenna (which can be installed below
deck, in most boats) for this GPS receiver...}
And...
If on a
budget, and needing a standalone unit, and needing in quickly (10 days), the best choice is:
Vesper...
A Vesper Watchmate 850 ($ 895 USD) is an all-in, easy-to-use, low-power, AIS transponder, that is probably THE BEST AIS transponder on-the-market!
https://www.vespermarine.com/transpo...chmate-tx.html
Or, if you do not want a display, and/or want a cheaper solution, try the Vesper XB-6000 ($ 595 USD)
https://www.vespermarine.com/transpo...ansponder.html
Or, if want to display on smart
phone, tablet, etc. via Wi-Fi, then try the Vesper XB-8000 ($ 799 USD)
https://www.vespermarine.com/transpo...ansponder.html
3) Regarding
installation....
You can do it yourself in a few hours...
If you can wire up a VHF radio, you can install the AIS transponder....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiss2016
I have to have an AIS installed before checking out of Phuket.
Do you know any business that could do that in Phuket other than
Andaman Electrical Marine or
Electrical Marine ?
I am on a tight budget and short calendar (oct 24).
Thanks
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiss2016
No, I don't have an MMSI number.
I was told I could get one in Thailand.
The only electronic I have on the boat is an old VHF.
Its true that I could try to install it myself and call for help if in difficulties.
I will check with Raymarine to see what they offer.
Thanks for the advice.
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I would NOT recommend a Raymarine AIS transponder....they are expensive and have a poor
reliability record....(and I own and use a full suite of Raymarine
electronics on-board, but don't use Raymarine AIS!!)
I hope this helps..
Fair winds...
John