Icom 505 with AIS

[Erin]

Have just read about the new version of the 505. It seems it now comes with AIS reception built-in so there's no need for extra aerials and GPS inputs that most of the AIS standalone units need. I'm always in favour of less wires and aerials bolted on.

This all sounds dandy, but not if you have to buy a whole new 505, when you've already got one nicely fitted in the console, so is it possible to have an existing non-AIS unit upgraded. I guess it's a software change to receive and decipher the signal.

[Jon Brooks]

my understanding is that is not just software it would need some hardware installed as well.

Also as mentioned in other threads the Icom does have some failings in practice.

If you install a stand alone AIS it will work in the background, if its turned on it work in simple terms.

With the Icom you have to tell the radio to scan, if you don't set the unit to scan the AIS will not function, it will also still need to be wired to a chartplotter to give you a display.

The Easy AIS system also gives you the option of an antenna splitter. This mean you can use the same antenna for both VHF and AIS. so need for an extra antenna. Have tested this and it works very well, have this system in our office.

Hope that helps a bit

[Erin]

Thanks Jon. I suppose if I ever upgrade to AIS I would go for a radio with nmea2000 in it as well.