Overview

The Simrad 000-13963-001 is a Class B AIS transceiver kit that combines the NAIS-500 AIS unit with an NSPL-500 VHF/AIS/FM antenna splitter, a GPS-500 antenna, and NMEA 2000 network hardware. It runs on 12 V or 24 V systems with a 9.6 to 31.2 V DC input range, and connects into onboard electronics using NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, or USB.

On the water, it lets you transmit your vessel information while also receiving AIS targets from other boats, so your chartplotter or PC can show who is around you and where they are headed. The NAIS-500 is water resistant to IP67 and has a compact footprint at 152 x 98 x 52 mm, which helps when space is tight behind a helm or inside an electronics locker.

The included NSPL-500 splitter is there to simplify the RF side of the install by letting one VHF antenna serve VHF voice, AIS, and FM, instead of adding a second antenna and another coax run.

Key features

• Wide input range for 12 V or 24 V systems: 9.6 to 31.2 V DC
• NMEA 2000 networking (LEN=1) plus NMEA 0183 and USB for flexible integration
• Two bi-directional NMEA 0183 ports with default speeds of 38,400 baud and 4,800 baud
• Water resistance: NAIS-500 rated to IP67; NSPL-500 rated to IPX7
• Connectors that match common marine cabling: SO-239 VHF antenna connector on the AIS unit and an SMA connector for the external GPS antenna
• NSPL-500 supports one-antenna installs for VHF/AIS/FM, with no insertion loss on AIS and VHF receive and low insertion loss on AIS and VHF transmit
• Low draw for everyday use: average power consumption is 180 mA at 12 VDC (peak current rating 2 A at 12 VDC)
• Environmental specs that suit real boat conditions: operating temperature from -15°C to +55°C and tested to IEC 60945 "Protected" category

Compatibility and system integration

For modern networks, the cleanest setup is typically NMEA 2000: the AIS data becomes available to any compatible display on the backbone, and the unit presents a standard NMEA 2000 connector. If you are feeding older equipment, the NMEA 0183 ports can output AIS at 38,400 baud while keeping a 4,800 baud port available for other NMEA 0183 devices.

USB is available for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting through NAIS System Configurator, which is also useful for confirming GPS reception during setup.

Installation and setup

Plan the install around three things: a protected mounting spot for the AIS unit, a clean RF path for the VHF antenna through the splitter, and a GPS antenna location with a clear view of the sky. The NAIS-500 is small enough to mount close to the helm electronics, which helps keep data and antenna cabling tidy.

With the NSPL-500 in the system, your existing VHF antenna line is routed through the splitter so the AIS and VHF radio can share it, and the splitter also provides an FM connection for a compatible stereo. The GPS-500 connects to the AIS unit through the external GPS antenna port.

Until the unit is configured, it will receive AIS messages but will not transmit. Configuration requires details such as MMSI, vessel name, vessel type, call sign, and vessel dimensions; MMSI programming is a one-time step. After initial setup, it may take up to six minutes for your full vessel details to become visible to others.

An external switch can be wired for silent mode, which stops transmitting your own position while continuing to receive other vessels.

Use on board

This setup fits boats that spend time in busy approaches, shipping lanes, and crowded harbors where knowing what traffic is doing matters. It also makes sense for sailboats and powerboats that want an AIS transceiver without adding a second VHF antenna, while keeping current draw modest for longer days away from shore power.

What’s included

• N2K-T-RD Network T-Connector
• NMEA 2000 6 ft Network Extension Cable
• NSPL-500 Antenna Splitter
• NAIS-500 Class B AIS
• GPS-500: GPS antenna for NAIS-500 AIS transceiver