A053T Class B Portable AIS Transponder with WiFi

Description

Meet the A053T, bringing flexibility to the AIS Transponder market. 

The A053T Portable Class B AIS Transponder is the ideal solution for receiving and transmitting AIS information from the palm of your hand.

Compact, portable and efficient, the A053T not only meets your local Class B AIS compliance requirements, but also offers flexibility in situations where a permanent fixed transponder may not be possible or suitable.

In addition to transmitting your AIS data to nearby vessels and shore stations, the A053T also receives and decodes incoming AIS messages — just like our dedicated AIS receivers. It integrates GPS data with AIS signals, allowing you to accurately track your own position and see other vessels in your vicinity in real-time.

The A053T supports the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless standard and offers two main modes of operation: Ad-hoc mode (peer-to-peer) and Station mode (infrastructure mode). The device can operate in both modes simultaneously, allowing flexible network connectivity options.

Features:

• Transmits your vessel’s position, speed, heading, and other key data to nearby vessels and AIS receiving stations within VHF range.
• Receives and processes all AIS message types, as well as GPS data.
• Monitors the position, speed, and heading of other AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range.
• Tracks movement of nearby AIS vessels in real time, displaying their course, speed, and heading changes on a suitable device via WiFi.
• A cost-effective solution for collision avoidance and maritime monitoring.
• Fully compliant with all required standards under the European R & TTE directive.
• Real-time LED indicators confirm successful transmission of AIS messages, giving you confidence the A053T is working correctly.
• Supports web-based configuration via WiFi.

Technical Summary:

• AIS transmission rate: 2 Watts, CSTDMA protocol. Class B standard.
• VHF connector port: SMA Female. Connects to an external VHF/AIS antenna (included)
• GPS connector: SMA Female. Connects to an external GPS  antenna (included)
• BATTERY capacity: Li-ion 6800 mAh
• POWER supply range: 5V DC (via USB Type C). Can operate fully while charging.
• USB: Type C USB for charging purposes only.
• WiFi Output: The decoded AIS sentences are transmitted through WiFi. It supports Ad-hoc and Station mode WiFi (with and without a router). No configuration required for Ad-hoc WiFi. Fitted with internal WiFi antenna.
• LED indicators confirm battery status, charge level, GPS and TX (transmission) function.

Find out whether you need a Class A, Class B or Class B+ transceiver here.

Perfect for use in all Class B boats (under 300 tonnes etc.): sailing boats or yachts, small fishing boats, etc..

Easy to install and use…

Step 1 – Decide where to put your transponder on your boat

A key advantage of this Class B Transceiver is that it does not require mounting or fixing so the possibilities are endless. However we recommend placing the A053T in a secure position (to avoid any potential damage should it fall).

Step 2 – Initial Configuration

For initial configuration only, the A053T will need to first be connected to a router with internet connectivity,  this is required for the Vessel information to be saved to the A053T. Due to the ability of the A053T to simultaneously operate in Adhoc and Station modes, the configuration of the WiFi network in this step will not affect the Adhoc function.

Step 3 – Connecting GPS and  VHF  antennas

The A053T is supplied with both GPS and VHF Antennas to enable out of the box operation.

They are both SMA connectors and designed for use with the A053T and screw directly on.

The function of both antennas.

• A VHF antenna – to collect and transmit the AIS data
• (If you want to use the same VHF antenna as your radio communication, simply use a splitter before connection.)
• A GPS antenna – used to pinpoint your accuate location. Without a GPS fix, the A053T will not transmit your location or AIS data.

To achieve greater transmission and reception range, the supplied antenna can be replaced with a higher-gain AIS antenna, such as the AS02 or AS12. Both antennas can be connected to the same SMA interface using the appropriate adaptor:

•  AS02 antenna requires an SMA(M)-to-BNC(F) adaptor.
•  AS12 antenna requires an SMA(M)-to-UHF adaptor. Users and installers should ensure that the adaptor selected has the correct UHF gender (male or female) to match the specific antenna connector type.

To enhance portability, the A053T is supplied with a compact GPS antenna that connects to the transponder via an SMA connector. For installations requiring greater flexibility or a clearer view of the sky, the supplied antenna can be replaced with an external GPS antenna, such as the AS04 or AS14.

•  The AS04 GPS antenna connects directly to the transponder’s SMA port.
• The AS14 GPS antenna requires an SMA(M)-to-BNC(F) adaptor for connection.

Step 4 –Power, GPS, TX.

To operate to its full operational performance, the A053T requires 4 factors:

• Power
• Antenna connections
• Vessel information configured
• GPS Fix

When all of these are met, the A053T will begin to transmit your vessels information.

This Transponder works in both WiFi modes, Ad-hoc and Station modes simultaneously.

• Adhoc mode will be used to connect directly to the device, this can be used to view the saved vessel information but it cannot be altered in this way. Connecting directly to the device in this method will also allow the connection to applications such as OpenCPN or Navionics where the A053T will work as an AIS Reciever, showing the user nearby AIS targets.
• Station mode is used primarily for configuration of the vessel information.
  

Who will be able to see my transmitted AIS signal?

Nearby ships will be able to view your details using their AIS receiver, even in bad weather and poor visibility.

Around the world, AIS data from most ports, coastlines and internal waterways is uploaded to the internet by the local community. This means that, if you are in one of these areas; your teammates, partners and loved ones will be able to view your location, using one of the free online AIS websites, from anywhere in the world.

Whether for peace of mind or project tracking, this can be very useful. Find out more here.

What’s included?

• 1 x A053T Portable Class B AIS Transponder
• 1 x USB Type C Cable
• 1 x GPS Antenna
• 1 x VHF/AIS Antenna

Available to add to your order:

• AS02 AIS/VHF Whip Antenna
• AS12 AIS/VHF Fiberglass Antenna
• AS04 Portable GPS Antenna
• AS14 Waterproof GPS Antenna

IMPORTANT: Class B Transponder

AIS transponders themselves don’t need to be registered, however, each requires a unique and official 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assigned to the vessel and its owner.

To obtain an MMSI number, you should contact the relevant authority in your country. Different countries have different authorities responsible for this service. If you are not sure, search ‘how to apply for an MMSI in (country name)’

Please Note: The A053T Transceiver will allow you input an MMSI number only once without any further authorisation.

Please make sure you input the correct MMSI number before clicking ‘config’, as changes are not permitted after confirming.

Any further changes to vessel information not only require internet connectivity via station mode but will also require authorisation from Quark-elec. Each change requires contact information to be provided  (kept solely for record keeping purposes) and submitted to us before the steps and authorisation is granted. Until this has happened, the A053T will NOT transmit the vessels data, however it will still function as a receiver.

Help and Support

For any technical questions regarding this product, you can visit the forum at https://www.quark-elec.com/forums/ and ask us your question,  it’s regularly checked by our technical team and your question may already have been answered there.

Alternatively, contact us directly, with details of your set up and we will be happy to help.

Click Here for all our Marine Products