Overview

The Simrad 000-14380-001 is a V3100 SOTDMA Class B AIS transponder that transmits and receives AIS targets, with 5 W output power and an IP67 water-resistant enclosure. It runs on 12 V or 24 V DC (9.6 to 31.2 V) and connects to onboard electronics over NMEA 2000, dual NMEA 0183, or USB.

SOTDMA helps the unit negotiate a regular transmit timeslot, which supports more frequent position reports in busy traffic. A micro SD card slot is built in for AIS data logging, and the GPS-500 antenna is included for GPS position input.

Key features

• 5 W AIS transmit power with SOTDMA Class B operation for more frequent position reports in higher-traffic areas
• NMEA 2000, dual NMEA 0183, and USB connectivity for chartplotters, instruments, and a PC
• 12 V or 24 V DC input (9.6 to 31.2 V) with a recommended 3 A fuse on the supply
• IP67 waterproof rating and IEC 60945 protected-category environmental rating
• Micro SD card slot for onboard AIS data logging
• Silent mode can be controlled by dedicated wiring or from a compatible Navico multifunction display
• Operating temperature range from -15°C to +55°C

Installation and setup

Mount the transponder in a dry, accessible location where the LEDs can be checked and the micro SD slot can be reached. The main unit is 177 mm wide, 60 mm high, and 132 mm deep (excluding the connector), so leave a little extra room for cable bends and strain relief.

Power is provided through the 8-pin lead. The circuit should be capable of supplying 2 A peak current at 12 V DC, and a 3 A fuse on the feed is recommended before connecting directly to a battery or distribution panel.

Connectivity and integration

On NMEA 2000, the V3100 uses a Micro-C connector and has LEN 1, so it fits cleanly into an existing backbone with a T-connector and drop cable. Two NMEA 0183 ports are also available for boats that still rely on 0183 connections, with default baud rates of 38,400 and 4,800 bps.

USB is used for configuration from a computer and can also pass AIS data to navigation software. MMSI and vessel details must be programmed before the unit will transmit.

Data logging and storage

The unit can record AIS voyage data to a micro SD card. Supported card types include standard SD up to 2 GB and SDHC up to 32 GB.

What's included

• V3100 AIS Class B transponder
• User manual
• 12-pin data cable
• 8-pin power cable
• Mini USB to USB cable
• Software CD (configuration utility, USB driver, AIS viewer, user manual)
• GPS-500 antenna
• TNC-to-SMA adaptor
• Mounting screws for the GPS antenna

Use cases on board

This is a good match for cruising sailboats, fishing boats, and faster powerboats that spend time in traffic lanes, harbors, or crowded coastal routes and want their position reports to keep up with surrounding AIS traffic. It also suits installations where you want AIS sent across a NMEA 2000 network while keeping NMEA 0183 available for older gear.