AtoN information missing

[yachtvalhalla]

My AIS system (Vesper 6000) has recorded the existence of an AtoN but the range and bearing information is missing from the AIS Target List, hence cannot 'Center view' to locate it nor is an icon shown on the screen (that I can find).


Terry

[petter5]

The ATON is not sending position so Opencpn cant display the location - mostly a problem with the GPS on the ATON

Originally Posted by yachtvalhalla

My AIS system (Vesper 6000) has recorded the existence of an AtoN but the range and bearing information is missing from the AIS Target List, hence cannot 'Center view' to locate it nor is an icon shown on the screen (that I can find).


Terry

[yachtvalhalla]

Finally got a good position from the AtoN. Just took a long time.


Terry

[petter5]

It ca't be stressed enough: AIS receivers require good quality dedicated antenna and minimum RG213 coax cable quality. Avoid antenna splitter at any cost. A lot of antennas sold for " pleasure craft AIS" is just rubbish. Go for Comrod or another manufacturer of commercial antennas - they cost a little bit more but reception quality is superior compared to most " pleasure craft" antenna manufacturers.

Originally Posted by yachtvalhalla

Finally got a good position from the AtoN. Just took a long time.


Terry

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by yachtvalhalla

Finally got a good position from the AtoN. Just took a long time.


Terry

Why do you use "AIS Radar View" plugin? It is not needed, all AIS targets are seen in the chart.

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by CarCode

Why do you use "AIS Radar View" plugin? It is not needed, all AIS targets are seen in the chart.

The AIS radar can have different zoom level than the chart. The AIS can see far even when chart is zoomed in. When panning the chart the AIS radar stays centered on the boat. Also, if you have 2 displays the AIS radar can be on a separate display. There may be other reasons but that’s enough I think.

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

The AIS radar can have different zoom level than the chart. The AIS can see far even when chart is zoomed in. When panning the chart the AIS radar stays centered on the boat. Also, if you have 2 displays the AIS radar can be on a separate display. There may be other reasons but that’s enough I think.

However I am afraid the AIS radar plugin might bother the normal AIS display on the chart.
And if you want better AIS receive results take into account the tropospheric ducting forecast. That is very importand. In good conditions I receive VHF signals more than 80 miles away.
See: Tropospheric Ducting Forecast for VHF & UHF Radio & TV
I am interested in the Mediterranian but it is available all over the world.

[transmitterdan]

The AIS plugin does nothing to OpenCPN itself. The data flow is only from OpenCPN into the plugin. Nothing is sent from the plugin to the main program. The plugin uses the same NMEA data stream as the dashboard plugin.

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

The AIS plugin does nothing to OpenCPN itself. The data flow is only from OpenCPN into the plugin. Nothing is sent from the plugin to the main program. The plugin uses the same NMEA data stream as the dashboard plugin.

You have checked it does not interfere?
In my opnion it is absolutely useless.

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by CarCode

You have checked it does not interfere?
In my opnion it is absolutely useless.

Yes, I have checked. The only thing it affects is the main window loses focus when the user clicks on the plugin window. But that is true for all plugins. It is not a significant effect.

No one is forcing anyone to use the AIS plugin. Other people have found it useful. What is the problem?

[yachtvalhalla]

Originally Posted by CarCode

In my opnion it is absolutely useless.

If that's your opinion then don't use it or muddy the discussion. What IS useless are targets 80 miles away.

The ability to see targets beyond the currently displayed area is an excellent feature as a 'heads up' to traffic in the area. I find that 4 or 8 mile range to be the best.

Terry

[CarCode]

Originally Posted by yachtvalhalla

If that's your opinion then don't use it or muddy the discussion. What IS useless are targets 80 miles away.

The ability to see targets beyond the currently displayed area is an excellent feature as a 'heads up' to traffic in the area. I find that 4 or 8 mile range to be the best.

Terry

If you ever have to cross a traffic separation scheme you might see ships with a speed of more than 20 miles. An AIS range of 8 miles is often too less then.

[yachtvalhalla]

Originally Posted by CarCode

If you ever have to cross a traffic separation scheme you might see ships with a speed of more than 20 miles. An AIS range of 8 miles is often too less then.

I agree that when crossing into and out of Singapore, which I've done several times, the amount of traffic and their location has to be taken into consideration. Terry