Overview

The Simrad 000-13611-001 is a Class B AIS transceiver that transmits your vessel identity and position while receiving AIS targets around you for display on compatible navigation gear.

It runs on 9.6 to 31.2 V DC for 12 V and 24 V systems, with an average current draw of 180 mA at 12 VDC. The unit is waterproof to IPX7 and measures 152 x 98 x 52 mm, which makes it easy to place at the helm electronics bay or another protected location below deck.

Connections include NMEA 2000, two NMEA 0183 ports, and USB, so it can integrate with a modern backbone, feed an older plotter over NMEA 0183 at 38,400 baud, or connect to a PC or Mac for configuration.

Key features

• Class B AIS transceiver with send and receive functionality for tracking nearby AIS-equipped traffic
• Wide input voltage range: 9.6 to 31.2 V DC (12 V and 24 V systems)
• Low average current draw: 180 mA at 12 VDC (with 2 A peak current rating)
• Network interfaces: NMEA 2000 (LEN=1), NMEA 0183 high-speed 38,400 baud, and NMEA 0183 low-speed 4,800 baud with multiplexing support
• USB connection for configuration and for sending AIS data to a PC or Mac at 38,400 baud
• IPX7 waterproof rating for marine installation environments
• VHF antenna connection uses an SO-239 connector (mates with a PL-259 plug); separate external GPS antenna connection uses an SMA connector
• External silent mode switch input for quickly disabling transmissions when needed

Installation and setup

Mount the transceiver in a protected, below-deck location where the indicator lights are easy to see and there is room to route cables. It can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and it should be kept at least 0.55 m from the vessel compass. The supported ambient temperature range is -15°C to +55°C.

The AIS transceiver needs a connection to a suitable marine-band VHF antenna to transmit and receive. If you are sharing a single antenna with a voice VHF radio, use an antenna splitter that is intended for this transceiver model. The VHF antenna connector on the unit is SO-239 and the coax should be 50 ohms.

For position reporting, the unit uses an internal GPS receiver with an external GPS antenna connection. Install the GPS antenna where it has a clear view of the sky and route the cable back to the transceiver. This part number does not include the optional GPS antenna or the optional NMEA 2000 cable.

Electrical and system integration

For chartplotter integration, you can connect over NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183. NMEA 0183 port 1 is the high-speed, bi-directional port intended for AIS data to a chartplotter at 38,400 baud, and port 2 is the low-speed, bi-directional port at 4,800 baud for other NMEA 0183 devices. Multiplexing support allows messages from one port to be passed to the other when needed.

USB can be used for configuration, diagnostics, and for sending AIS target data to navigation software. Expect to program the vessel MMSI and static data during setup so the transceiver broadcasts the correct identity information.

Compatibility and fit

It networks with Simrad NSS, NSO, and GO series multifunction displays, and it can be integrated with compatible Simrad RS VHF systems as part of a connected helm. If your boat has a mix of NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 electronics, the dual NMEA 0183 ports help bridge older devices into the same traffic picture.

Use on board

This is a practical upgrade for coastal cruising, offshore runs, and fishing boats that operate near shipping lanes, busy channels, and congested ports where traffic awareness matters. It is also a good fit for boats that want AIS targets available at the helm without a high continuous power draw.

What's included

• NAIS-500 AIS transceiver unit
• Power and data cable (2 m)
• USB configuration cable
• Mounting screws (packet of 4)
• Product manual
• Quick start guide
• Product CD
• Warranty information