AIS feed to OpenCPN

[lucasudd]

Hello,

I am wondering how I can set up an AIS feed to OpenCPN. I have seen many threads about this, but I haven't come to an answer. I am sure it is possible to set up an AIS, but I (yet) don't know how.

I am using OpenCPN together with a simulator on my PC, meaning that I use OpenCPN to navigate in my simulator. I don't use OpenCPN for real life purposes.

I would like to see other vessels on OpenCPN along with my own vessels. It does not have to be in realtime, it could upate, let's say every 5-60 minutes.

Where can I find sources to add to my connections-list? Or is there a plugin avaliable?

Thanks

[pnw2022]

Some years ago I simply used a cheap AIS receiver that plugged into the USB port of the laptop. I think I bought it on Amazon.

Since then I installed an NMEA2000=>WifI bridge so the regular boat AIS sentences get transmitted over the WiFi to the laptop.

[TheOffice]

I used a Daisy AIS unit - about $40.

[lucasudd]

Originally Posted by pnw2022

Some years ago I simply used a cheap AIS receiver that plugged into the USB port of the laptop. I think I bought it on Amazon.

Since then I installed an NMEA2000=>WifI bridge so the regular boat AIS sentences get transmitted over the WiFi to the laptop.

Thank you for your reply.

Getting an AIS receiver is the last option. Isn't it possible to obtain AIS via for instance an API key, or a plugin, or another connection?

[thomm225]

You'll need an AIS receiver of some sort is my understanding.

The new Moitessier HAT 2 is one option. (for Raspberry Pi 4's)

https://www.rooco.eu/products/moites...-ais-receiver/

Currently I feed AIS data into my OpenCPN from my VHF radio which has an AIS receiver.

Data comes off via NMEA 0183 and into a USB adapter to my laptop or Raspberry pi which ever I have onboard at the time

[Franziska]

If you are inshore you might be able to get a feed coming in via the internet.
Marinetraffic or the like as source.

Still I think that it would be much wiser to get a cheap AIS dongle to receive.

You can find info on this by searching AIS dongle at Google or on the forum.

I highly recommend a proper transceiver though, so that others can see you too.

[lucasudd]

Originally Posted by Franziska

If you are inshore you might be able to get a feed coming in via the internet.
Marinetraffic or the like as source.

Still I think that it would be much wiser to get a cheap AIS dongle to receive.

You can find info on this by searching AIS dongle at Google or on the forum.

I highly recommend a proper transceiver though, so that others can see you too.

I know that Marinetraffic offers API keys for AIS positions from custom areas of your own choosing, and I know how to obtain then. But then, when I have the API key I have no idea where I am supposed to put it in OpenCPN in order for it to actually work. I saw another user using this method..

[bcn]

Vesselfinder and AIShub are other sources. As a contributor to AIShub you can get access to the complete data stream. IP based, and just one more COM input of OpenCPN.
Contributor: you have an AIS receiver and will forward the data to AIShub.

[wholybee]

The easiest for your use is a public AIS feed. There are some free ones out there, and some that are free if you contribute, etc.

The Exploratorium in San Francisco used to offer a free AIS feed of SF bay, but I'm not sure if they still do or what the IP address is. Or, pay a small fee for the AIS feed from one of the bigger sites.

If OpenCPN is on your boat and you have an AIS device, then it's usually pretty simple to connect, exact details depend on the device.(either via a serial Adapter, or WiFi)