AIS "B" receive only "hack" for $20

[jolly jack tar]

Ahoy there,
I stumbled accross this geeky couple from California calling themselves "hack5" on youtube and they have a video how to use a USB dongle, VHF antenna, Laptop and google earth to create a realtime platform for AIS (receive only). They run it on Google earth but maybe it could also be ran on OpenCPN. I am not very tekkie so I don't know but it might be worth a look for a cheap coastal solution.

here is a link to their dongle

HakShop — Software Defined Radio Kit

and here is a link to their yt video

Identify And Locate Ships Via AIS Transmissions!, Hak5 1610 - YouTube

they get right into the nitty gritty at 12.20 so you may want to fast fwd

check it out,
It would be nice to hear if anyone gets it working on OpenCPN
cheers,

JJT

[muammer]

This settlement receives only "half" of the AIS data.

[Hak5Darren]

We demonstrate AIS with OpenCPN in this follow-up video. It starts at about 34:45

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZTP...4-48SBhwZsuv1K

You can get both channels with multiple SDR dongles.

Our show is Hak5. We've been covering the geek realm since 2005.

More on AIS with the RTL SDR:
RTL-SDR Tutorial: Cheap AIS Ship Tracking - rtl-sdr.com

Cheers!

[jolly jack tar]

Originally Posted by Hak5Darren

We demonstrate AIS with OpenCPN in this follow-up video. It starts at about 34:45

You can get both channels with multiple SDR dongles.

Our show is Hak5. We've been covering the geek realm since 2005.

More on AIS with the RTL SDR:
RTL-SDR Tutorial: Cheap AIS Ship Tracking - rtl-sdr.com

Cheers!

BRILLIANT,
Thanks Darren,
I am sure a lot of folks here will very much appreciate your work.
do you have a Bitcoin "tips" wallet address?

cheers,
JJT

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by Hak5Darren

We demonstrate AIS with OpenCPN in this follow-up video. It starts at about 34:45

You can get both channels with multiple SDR dongles.

Our show is Hak5. We've been covering the geek realm since 2005.

More on AIS with the RTL SDR:
RTL-SDR Tutorial: Cheap AIS Ship Tracking - rtl-sdr.com

Cheers!

So for two $20 setups you get full AIS? What do you miss with only one?

[jolly jack tar]

Originally Posted by cwyckham

So for two $20 setups you get full AIS? What do you miss with only one?

Having watched both videos, it appears that AIS data is transmitted on 2 frequencies. With a single dongle you can only receive the data packets on a single frequency. I am guessing with a second dongle you can point it towards the other frequency and receive data packets from that one also.

40 bucks should give you full AIS "reception" for all ships within VHF range. which is compatible with OpenCPN as demonstrated in the second video.

cheers,
JJT

[Viking Sailor]

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

I don't recommend anyone purchase an expensive unit when they could just use this:

RTL2832U R820T DVB T USB Digital TV Tuner Receiver Support SDR F Laptop PC He | eBay

It receives from both channels at the same time because it has a 250khz wide bandwidth. This unit can also receive vhf audio channels if your main radio breaks (for weather or..) and also am/fm and with hacking can receive ssb as well. It can also turn your computer into a digital tv.

The above quote is from the following thread:

http://http://www.cruisersforum.com/...ls-125733.html

Enjoy,