raspAIS

Category: Navigation & Communication Systems Tags: Automatic Identification System, Marine Navigation Brand: Weatherdock

Description

The raspAIS is a compact, low-cost Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver built around a Raspberry Pi platform. Designed primarily for maritime navigation and vessel tracking, the raspAIS enables real-time reception and decoding of AIS messages transmitted by nearby ships. These messages contain vital information such as a vessel’s position, speed, heading, identification, and voyage details, making the device suitable for both amateur maritime enthusiasts and professional use in port monitoring, research, and marine traffic management.

Function

The new raspAIS from Weatherdock is equipped with a latest generation 2-channel-receiver for parallel and persistant reception of the two AIS standard frequencies.
The unit picks up all kind of AIS signals:
AIS Class A, AIS Class B, AIS SART, AIS MOB as well as AtoN signals will be received out of the vicinity.
A low power consumption management ensures that as less power as possible will be used to run the system.
The collected data stream will be interpreted and forwarded by Wifi connection to a connected
mobile device to display on an electronic chart.
The base component is a Raspberry Pi® Modell 3B doing a perfect job in the background. Due to the wide range of possible connectivity, received AIS data can be forwarded via WiFi or LAN connection.

Highlights

Real parallel AIS reception mode on both AIS
frequencies (161,025 MHz + 162,025 MHz)
High channel sensivity
Multi-Port data output
HDMI port
AUX output for speaker
LAN and WiFi connectivity
Pre-installed AIS capable software
Less power consumption

Technical Data

2-Channel VHF receiver for both AIS frequencies
Connection port for mobile AIS antenna
Connection ports for USB, LAN, HDMI & 3,5mm audio-out
WiFi and LAN connectivity
Pre-installed AIS software „openPlotter“
based on Raspberry PI® Modell 3B
palm-sized housing: 85 x 56 x 45mm
only 150g weight
external GPS source required

Key Features of the raspAIS

AIS Receiver
- Dual-channel VHF receiver compliant with AIS standards (ITU-R M.1371).
- Capable of receiving Class A and Class B transmissions.
- Tracks real-time vessel positions within VHF range (~30–40 nautical miles depending on antenna and location).
Raspberry Pi Integration
- Built using Raspberry Pi (typically Raspberry Pi 3B or 4).
- Offers flexibility and power to process, log, and stream AIS data.
- Linux-based operating system, often Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS), supports open-source software like rtl_ais, aisdecoder, OpenCPN, and kplex.
Connectivity Options
- USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connectivity.
- Can be configured as a standalone AIS server or integrated into a broader marine data network (e.g., NMEA over TCP/IP).
- Support for GPS (via USB or HAT modules) to tag AIS data with local positioning.
Data Output Compatibility
- Sends AIS data over NMEA 0183 protocol.
- Compatible with navigation software like OpenCPN, Navionics, or cloud platforms for remote monitoring.
- Can be used as a feed source for MarineTraffic or AIS Hub.
Power Supply and Consumption
- Typically powered via 5V USB (standard for Raspberry Pi).
- Low power consumption makes it ideal for continuous or remote operation (solar-powered setups possible).
Antenna Requirements
- Requires a VHF antenna tuned to AIS frequencies (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz).
- Often uses SMA connector with external antenna for extended range.

Typical Use Cases

Marine navigation assistance (small boats and yachts).
Harbor and marina vessel tracking.
Coastal monitoring stations.
DIY maritime tracking and research projects.
Integration with smart AtoN (Aid to Navigation) systems like easyAtoN.

Additional information

Brand	Weatherdock

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