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DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF PRODUCTS

Digital Yacht’s extensive range of AIS products provides solutions for every type of boat.

Digital Yachts range of Internet products include Long Range Wi-Fi adaptors, 4G booster and wireless routers.

Digital Yacht’s GPS, Wind and Compass sensors offer Plug-And-Play compatibility with your PC and Navigation Systems.

Digital Yacht’s Interfacing products provide smart and cost effective solutions for connecting dedicated marine electronics to the latest consumer devices such as smart phones, laptops and tablets.

A Digital Yacht PC not only brings email and web access but also Electronic Charting, Navigation and entertainment onto your boat.

Digital Yacht’s innovative navigational software and application solutions for PCs, Tablets and Smartphones are powerful and easy to use..

ABOUT DIGITAL YACHT

Boating should be fun, safe and easy and our products integrate into existing and new boat networks to bring a powerful dimension to your on-board electronics.   Our design team has 100’s years combined experience in marine electronic systems and we take pride in our quality heritage with manufacturing in the UK and global reach with offices in the US and France. Last year our products were sold in over 100 countries worldwide.

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Digital Yacht Products Make Liveaboard Life Easier

• By David Schmidt
• October 25, 2022

Liveaboard life can be ideal, so long as zoom works. Mark and Julie Altman learned this lesson earlier this year while anchored aboard Unruly Julie, their 22-year-old Caliber 40 LRC, near Panama City Beach, Florida.

He was on a conference call with multiple people, while she was screen-sharing with a California-based colleague. They simultaneously ran their communications through their Digital Yacht 4GXtream, which uses cellular networks to deliver onboard internet. Paired with a $20-per-month AT&T SIM card, it gives them unlimited data and unthrottled speeds.

“It just works,” Mark Altman says of their kit, which includes an AIS transmitter and an antenna splitter. “We’ve made a few other mistakes, but Digital Yacht is one that we got right.”

Nick Heyes, an electrical engineer and marine-industry veteran, founded Digital Yacht in 2011 in Somerset, England. He caught what he terms a lucky break. The automatic identification system was just reaching recreational yachts, Apple’s iPad was brand-new, and Digital Yacht’s first product—the iAIS wireless AIS receiver—fused the two with perfect market timing. The flooding AIS tide allowed his company to innovate across a range of technologies and become an international exporter.

The business—built alongside chief technology officer Paul Sumpner, director of business development and marketing Nicolas Guerin, and head of hardware engineering Akos Keleman—quickly expanded its product portfolio. Marinized black-box PCs were first, followed by data gateways, navigation software, sensors, long-range cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity solutions, TV antennas, and recently, vessel-monitoring systems that use artificial intelligence.

Digital Yacht’s products have always been open-source and certified by the National Marine Electronics Association, which lets them play nicely with third-party apps, software and hardware. In some cases, the company’s alerts and devices can be displayed on, and controlled by, third-party multifunction displays.

While Digital Yacht sells a high-definition display, Heyes has long believed that consumer-grade tablets and smartphones can be wirelessly networked via data gateways with older onboard systems to create information-rich environments for a fraction of the cost of an electronics refit.

“People walk around with $1,000 computers in their pockets that have way more processing power, speed and [screen] quality than any marine product,” Heyes says. “We can convert old and legacy data to a format that people want. … I fundamentally believe the customer is the key driver of what we need to do.”

Digital Yacht often innovates based on conversations with customers. An example is the second SIM-card port the company added to the 4GXtream. “We have a ‘make, don’t debate’ approach,” Heyes says. “If we see an idea and we think it could be successful, we bring [it] to market with 80 percent of the features. We can add features later, but we’ve got to have confidence in its reliability.”

This is where Digital Yacht’s relatively small size is advantageous. It can develop a product in less than a year, Heyes says, using a range of microprocessor libraries, an NMEA 2000 stack and a 4G interface. It’s all “a bit like Lego,” he says, with additions being made to existing products, creating new applications.

It also helps to understand boats. Heyes is a lifelong sailor, Sumpner lives on an all-electric canal boat, and Digital Yacht maintains a dedicated test boat called Gigabyte. (Heyes jokes that the next ride will be called Terabyte.)

“Globally, we have 35 people, and we do $10 million a year in revenue,” he says. The company exports to 70 countries. “We’re small, but not tiny,” he says.

While Digital Yacht’s head count is a market differentiator, so too is its production strategy. The company manufactures 90 percent of its product in the UK and 10 percent in France. It’s considering expanding manufacturing to the United States. “Shipping and freight are super-expensive,” he says.

Looking ahead, Heyes envisions ever-evolving user interfaces and increased use of artificial intelligence. This past November, the company unveiled NavAlert, a monitoring system that uses artificial intelligence to scrutinize any parameter on a yacht’s N2K network, allowing for smart anchor-drift alarms and AIS-based collision alarms. Should a default or customer-dictated threshold trip, the system records the data and triggers onboard audio and visual alarms. Users can pair a NavAlert with a 4GXtream cellular modem, allowing NavAlert to transmit notifications autonomously.

NavChat is expected to arrive this year, converting NavAlert’s ones and zeros into nouns and verbs. NavChat “takes the NavAlert alarm and turns it into a spoken alarm,” Heyes says. It should allow boaters to set alarm parameters using a single MFD.

These days, whether it’s AIS or AI, Digital Yacht makes a product for almost every type of yacht, so long as it involves data and DC power. After all, you just might find yourself at anchor, collaborating with co-workers while your first mate screen-shares with a colleague a continent away—all for a fraction of the airtime cost of an at-home connection. The upshot is that liveaboard life can be ideal.

Royal Approval

In 2011, Digital Yacht collected a DAME Design Award for its iAIS wireless AIS system. This year, it earned a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the most prestigious award the monarchy bestows upon British businesses. 

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Digital Yacht is all about next generation navigation,

Communication, and entertainment systems for your boat., discover our range of products.

Digital Yacht's extensive range of AIS, internet onboard, sensors, NMEA, PC Onboard and softwares products provides solutions for every type of boat.

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Who are we?

Digital yacht is all about next generation navigation, communication and entertainment systems for your boat. boating should be fun, safe and easy and our products integrate into existing and new boat networks to bring a powerful dimension to your on-board electronics. we firmly believe that low cost consumer devices such as iphones and tablets, pcs and macs have a place on board and can help make legacy systems compete with the latest in dedicated marine electronic products at a fraction of the cost. we make internet access whilst afloat easy and affordable as well as bringing all your navigation data to your favourite consumer devices – not just for you but for crew and guests too..

Our navigation systems cover advanced GPS and compass technology as well as the most comprehensive range of AIS products in the marketplace. Plus our PC and software solutions bring simple yet powerful solutions to a variety of on board requirements from communication to navigation, entertainment to monitoring. Our design team has 100’s years combined experience in marine electronic systems and we take pride in our quality heritage with manufacturing in the UK and global reach with offices in the US and China. Last year our products were sold in over 100 countries worldwide.

Manufacturing & technology, our products are designed and manufactured in the uk and us. we’re proud to be part of a hi-tech local manufacturing revolution. our technology encompasses specialist positioning and heading sensors, ais class a and b and receivers, nmea networking, wireless navigation and communication and on board networks and control systems. our uk r&d facility is located just outside bristol and we have electronic and mechanical assembly facilities in fareham and poole. our us sales and development office is located in boston and our china facility for software projects is based in shanghai., our range of products by digital yacht.

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• AIS Transponders
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• Antenna Accessories

AIS transponders allow you to receive data from vessels close to you, but also to transmit your vessel’s identity, position, speed and heading as well as other relevant information to all other vessels equipped with an AIS system within your range. There are 3 types of AIS transponders: Class A, Class B and Class B+. They all interoperate.

Class A AIS are mandated for vessels over 300 tons, fishing vessels over 15m, passenger carrying vessels and for SOLAS Convention.

AIS Class B are for recreational craft installation and have a transmission power of 2W (range of about 10 miles).

AIS Class B+ (also called Class B SOTDMA) use the same SOTDMA technology as a AIS Class A transponders and therefore have the same priority when it comes to reserving a slot, thus ensuring that they will always be able to transmit, even in high traffic areas. They have a transmission power of 5W.

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AIT1500 – AIS Transponder with built-in GPS & NMEA 0183

“Entry level AIS Transponder with industry standard NMEA0183 interface and internal GPS antenna that makes installation aboard smaller fibreglass (GRP) boats much quicker and easier.”

AIT1500N2K – AIS Transponder with built-in GPS & NMEA 2000

“An easy to install Class B AIS transponder with plug ‘n play NMEA 2000 interface. Built in GPS antenna and ideal for use on smaller yachts and boats like RIBs and center consoles.”

iAISTX – AIS Transponder with Wi-Fi

“iAISTX is an AIS transponder with Wi-Fi interface designed specifically for the growing number of boaters who use a tablet for their navigation tasks.”

AIT2000 – Class B AIS Transponder with external GPS antenna

“ Ultra-compact AIS Transponder Class B that uses the latest AIS transponder technology to squeeze more performance and interfacing options with half the size of our previous generation transponder. “

iAISTX Plus – AIS Transponder with Wi-Fi & NMEA 2000

“iAISTX Plus is an AIS transponder with Wi-Fi interface for tablet & PC navigation and also has a NMEA 2000 interface (with integral drop cable) to integrate with modern plotters, instruments and multi-function displays to provide AIS functionality.”

AIT2000 + GV30 BUNDLE (COMBO VHF+GPS ANTENNA)

“This AIT2000 plus GV30 bundle is ideal for smaller boats and tenders, providing a single combination VHF+GPS antenna solution that makes installation easy and simple.”

Nomad 2 – Portable AIS Transponder

“Nomad 2 is a portable AIS navigation solution from Digital Yacht. It is a class B AIS transponder with a wireless and USB interface built in for tablets and PCs. It ships with a compact combination VHF and GPS antenna.“

AIT2500 – Class B+ 5W AIS Transponder

“The AIT2500 is a full function Class B+ SOTDMA AIS transponder with NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and USB data outputs. It is supplied with a GPS antenna.”

iAISTX Plus & GV30 Bundle (Combo VHF/GPS Antenna)

“This iAISTX Plus & GV30 bundle is ideal for all type of boat with NMEA 2000 MFDs, providing a single combination VHF+GPS antenna solution that makes installation easy and simple.”

AIB1000 – Self-contained AIS Transponder

“AIB1000 is a ruggedized, fully self-contained AIS Class B vessel tracking transponder – ideal for small vessel tracking and monitoring”.

AIT5000 – Class B+ AIS Transponder with Wi-Fi, NMEA & VHF Splitter

“The AIT5000 is a Class B+ AIS Transponder with a 5W power output, a Wi-Fi interface, a built-in VHF splitter and utilises SOTDMA format transmissions.”

CLA2000 – Class A AIS Transponder

“CLA2000 is the ultimate SOLAS and inland waterway globally approved Class A AIS transponder with a full integrated 5” hi-res colour display. “

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Best boating products of 2022: The hot list

• Rupert Holmes
• January 19, 2022

What are the best boating products to look out for in 2022? Rupert Holmes previews some of the most exciting gear to come this year

2021 has seen many new boating products come onto the market, despite the difficulties seen throughout the year, here’s our Yachting World roundup of the best boating products of 2022 to help you with your sailing this season.

2021 finished with METS equipment show returning after cancellation in 2020 due to Covid, although the show went ahead this year it was at a somewhat reduced capacity and a late cancellation of Boot Dusseldorf was a blow to the marine sector.

Despite these difficulties, however, the annual DAME awards took place at METs so impressive kit and DAME winners were still duly selected.  A common theme at November’s METS marine equipment trade show was that of existing products benefitting from development work that dramatically improves functionality, which you will see reflected in our selection of the best boating products of 2022.

ServoProp upgrades

One example of a manufacturer focussing on updated kit is Oceanvolt, which has worked on its ServoProp series of electric saildrive units to improve efficiency in propulsion mode and to increase battery charge rates when regenerating power while under sail.

Improvements have been achieved through a two-pronged approach. Software changes give much more linear and stable regeneration at higher boat speeds. This is especially true in surfing conditions, when boat speeds can vary dramatically. This update is available for owners with existing systems.

In addition, improved water cooling helps to increase efficiency at higher speeds. At 11 to 12 knots – a speed many cruising catamarans can achieve – a massive 3kW of power is produced by the ServoProp 15.

Re-engineering mechanical elements of the system has reduced friction, enabling a big boost to charging rates at lower boat speeds. Regen now starts at 4.5 knots instead of 5.5, the amount of energy needed to spin the propeller fast enough to initiate charging is reduced by one third and there’s a tangible jump in charge rates at 5-6 knots of boat speed.

The ServoProp 15 (suitable for yachts up to 15m with a single electric motor and larger yachts with twin units), for example, now produces 220W at 5 knots of boat speed, increasing to 500W at 6 knots and close to 800W at 7 knots.

Relatively lightweight cruising yachts equipped with a Code 0 and asymmetric spinnakers are easily capable of achieving 5-7 knots, even in very light airs, providing the apparent wind is kept well forward. This may mean gybing through large angles, which can mean slow VMG.

However, instead of zigzagging slowly downwind, fast cruisers with electric propulsion may want to route more like a raceboat in light airs. These might use the Code 0 to reach off quickly towards another part of the ocean with more breeze, or at least towards an area where a new wind is expected to build.

For cruisers this approach reduces time spent under power, while increasing the time the regen function is able to put substantial charge back into the batteries.

Price: from €39,400 for ServoProp 10 system including 13.3kWh battery bank.

Read more about the Oceanvolt ServoProp 10 at Oceanvolt

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Profurl spinex.

This second generation top-down furler for asymmetric spinnakers and reaching sails offers a number of important refinements. The larger spool diameter, for instance, reduces the physical effort needed to furl the sail.

The plastic sleeve around the torsion rope isolates the sail from the cable, which improves the reliability of furling, while also minimising the risk of damaging the sail. In a similar vein, the hardware top and bottom has been redesigned with more rounded edges to reduce chafe.

As with the previous version, sealed bearings are used on all but the smallest model. These need no maintenance other than a regular wash with fresh water.

The Spinex is produced in four versions to suit boats from 29ft (8.9m) to 60ft (18.2m).

Price: from €2,000

Buy the Profurl Spinex from Profurl

Digital Yacht NavAlert

Many new products offer such a wide range of benefits they’re becoming increasingly difficult to categorise. Digital Yacht’s NavAlert, for example, works as a remote monitoring device that will ping you an SMS message in the event of a problem.

However, it’s also designed to produce helpful alerts when you’re on board – it’s supplied with an audible and visual alarm to mount in the cockpit and can be interfaced with compatible MFDs, where an alarm will open a pop up window.

NavAlert is therefore in effect a universal system that’s capable of monitoring any parameter on the boat’s NMEA 2000 network, from engine data to GPS position, bilge pumps, sensors and anchor drift alarm. It interfaces with Digital Yacht’s existing 4GXtream internet connectivity product, which means there are no additional on-going costs.

It’s also designed to interface with a NavChat device that will be available in early 2022. This offers spoken alarms such as “Caution – low depth alarm!”

Price: £240

Find out more about Digital Yacht’s NavAlert at Digitalyacht

Dometic Voyager TX aircon

Improvements in technology have led to the development of more compact air conditioning systems, with lower power requirements, simplified maintenance and greater longevity.

Dometic’s Voyager TX series is available in 10,000BTU and 18,000BTU units (roughly 2.9kW and 5.2kW) and are a drop-in replacement for the previous DTG range. They run on both 110V and 240V AC power and both have a built-in inverter.

Instead of distinct ‘on’ and ‘off’ modes the variable capacity compressor is able to maintain exactly the speed required to keep interior temperatures constant. This also helps reduce noise levels and the power draw at start up.

Built-in digital pressure sensors eliminate the need for a technician to visit the boat and connect his own pressure gauges as the first step in a trouble-shooting process.

Prices from approx US$2,500

Find out more about the Dometic Voyager TX aircon at Dometic

Sailmon Max mini

Uptake of Sailmon’s compact Max wireless instrument display and analytics tool has been dramatic in many classes – 84 J/70s use the system, for instance, as do many foiling Moth sailors. However, many keelboat and dinghy classes don’t allow electronic displays.

Sailmon therefore developed the Max mini, which includes all the sensors and processors of the original Max in a black box format. It can operate as a stand-alone device, or interface with other systems on board, including Cyclops load sensors, and relay data to the cloud via a 4G data connection.

Despite the lack of a display, it’s therefore possible to use Sailmon’s performance analysis tools after racing or training. You can replay the course to see which boats around you were higher or faster and even drill down to details such as comparing heel angles across the fleet.

Price: €399

Buy the Sailmon Max mini now from Sailmon  

Marinised tablet

This 10in rugged tablet is an affordable and flexible alternative to an on board navigation computer. With the waterproof covers on the various ports closed it is water resistant to IP67 and rated to withstand being dropped from a height of 1.2m (4ft). The 850nits sunlight viewable screen uses a third generation Gorilla glass with an anti-glare coating.

Its 10,000mAh battery is easily changed, allowing the unit to be used on deck for extended periods, whether for race navigation or complex pilotage. When used at the navstation it can be connected to a remote monitor, bluetooth keyboard and trackpad.

The SP10W sits in Sail Proof’s range alongside 8in and 10in marinised Android tablets.

Price: €995

Buy the Sailproof SP10W from Sailproof

On Deck USB charging port

Scanstrut has added this dual USB-C/USB-A charging port to its range of products for powering portable devices on board. The USB-C outlet provides 36W on 12V boat systems – that’s enough to directly power many laptop computers. An impressive 60W is available when used with 24V DC systems.

The USB-A outlet provides up to 36W for fast charging. With the flap closed the unit is waterproof to IPX4 standards, so it can be installed on deck. Called the Flip Pro, this charging port will be available from February.

Price: £45.12

Buy the Scanstrut Flip Pro from scanstrut

Solution for lithium battery fires

The rapidly increasing popularity of lithium-ion batteries poses a problem that conventional fire extinguishers cannot deal with effectively. These batteries pack so much energy density into a tight volume that, if a fire occurs, temperatures can rise to 800°C.

The solution is an AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) extinguisher. These spray a fine mist of water and platelets of vermiculite, a type of aluminium-iron-magnesium silicate.

The water has a vital cooling effect, while the vermiculite platelets form a layer over the battery that seals it from oxygen in the atmosphere and dramatically reduces the risk of re-ignition.

Learn more about the Sea-fire AVD from Sea-fire

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Hacked GPS tracker reveals location data of customers

Stalkerware researcher maia arson crimew strikes again . Big time.

We know maia as a researcher that loves to go after stalkerware peddlers, which Malwarebytes—as one of the founding members of the  Coalition Against Stalkerware —loves to see.

This time the target company, Tracki, is one selling GPS trackers and doesn’t hesitate to explicitly market itself as a device for spying on a spouse or other family member. Tracki devices are sold by some major telecommunication companies, sometimes under the Tracki brand or sometimes under their own label.

Tracki’s mother company Trackimo—hey we’re not the ones that made that name up—co-owns a subsidiary called watchinU that offers a Nickelodeon-branded smart watch for kids, the NickWatch, which is currently only available in the UK and Israel.

The investigation into Tracki, besides uncovering a tangled web of companies, dubious websites, and false identities, also led to a data breach that maia says could possibly affect almost 12 million users.

Researching the technology behind the tracker and the web portal for customers that want to see all their trackers on a map, maia found various hardcoded usernames and passwords used to load data from a number of administration and support tools.

One of the tools, the Trackimo Troubleshooter, was designed for remote debugging of all Tracki and Trackimo devices, by showing the technical support agents practically all the data from any given device by just entering a device identification number.

This “simple internal support tool” required no other authentication than logging in using a password that shared between Tracki and Trackimo employees. All you need to is a device id which follows a standardized format, so it looks like it’s possible with a bit of scripting to grab all the relevant data from each device.

Tracki support receives multiple subpoenas per week from local and federal law enforcement worldwide. Many are for stalking or harassment but also occasionally for other charges, including domestic violence, attempted murder, and murder. In all these cases, the victim was being tracked by using a Tracki device. maia says Trackimo is not only aware of these use cases, but actively assisted customers to set up nonconsensual tracking of individuals via its helpdesk.

Worryingly, agencies and military programs in the US and other governments around the world use Tracki devices, typically for asset, personnel, and vehicle tracking.

Our takeaway from this research is that by deciding to use stalkerware, of almost any kind, you are not the only one who might be able to follow the target. We have shown time and time again that these companies do not invest as much in keeping their records secure as you would expect or hope.

If you’re curious about the companies and people behind them, please read maia’s blog . It contains a lot of juicy details.

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Malwarebytes has a free tool for you to check how much of your personal data has been exposed online. Submit your email address (it’s best to give the one you most frequently use) to our  free Digital Footprint scan  and we’ll give you a report and recommendations.

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Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Keep threats off your devices by  downloading Malwarebytes today .

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AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)

What is AIS?

Automatic Identification System (AIS)  is the name given to an international maritime communications protocol developed back in the late 90s. AIS is now one of the most widely used and significant navigation safety technologies since the introduction of radar. The system was originally developed as a collision avoidance tool to enable commercial vessels to ‘see’ each other more clearly in all conditions and improve the helmsman’s information about his surrounding environment.

AIS uses GPS and VHF radio technologies to automatically communicate between vessels allowing vessel identity, position, course and speed (and other data) to be shared to other AIS users within range. These could be vessels, aircraft, coast stations or satellites. A single AIS transmission (message) can contain up to 27 pieces of information and can be used to carry numerous different types of data.

AIS forms an important part of a toolbox of aids to navigation. Information received via AIS can supplement and improve radar information and therefore is a valuable aid to assist in collision avoidance. It’s affordable, easy to install and also easier to interpret for leisure users compared to small radar systems. An AIS transponder is a mandatory fit on all vessels greater than 300 tonnes or carrying 12 or more passengers.

If you want to learn more about AIS, please click on the button below

Benefits of AIS

CPA and TCPA

Most navigation system can calculate the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) of every AIS target and also the Time to CPA (TCPA). The navigation system can trigger an audible and visual alarm when dangerous targets are detected.

See around corners

Useful to see around corners vessels, AtoNs, rescue Craft, etc. AIS is a low power and low cost alternative to radar for small boats.

Identification

Receive MMSI number, vessel name and boat type of all AIS equipped vessels. Useful to find any of your friends’ boats.

Collision Avoidance

Receive clear and regular position reports of all AIS equipped vessels in your area. You can identify and make a DSC radio call to a dangerous vessel using their MMSI number.

Emergency services and port authorities are using AIS for surveillance, safety with quick and easy vessel identification. Also, your friends and family can use online AIS services to track your trip/race from home.

Types of AIS

Digital Yacht’s extensive range of AIS products provides solutions for every type of boat, from an open cockpit RIB to a SOLAS Super Tanker. An AIS which sends and receives data is known as a  transceiver (or often called a transponder) . There are also simple devices called  AIS receivers  which pick up transmissions and decode for displaying on a compatible chart plotter or PC based navigation system – or even an iPad or tablet.

TRANSPONDERS

• Class B AIS Transponder
• Class B+ 5W AIS Transponder
• Class A AIS Transponder

Class B AIS Transponder  is for recreational craft installation and is a simplified, lower powered 2W transceiver which is normally a black box and uses a connected chart plotter to display local AIS targets. It transmits every 30 seconds regardless of vessel speed and can’t transmit additional data like destination port.

Class B+ AIS   Transponder  (also called Class B SOTDMA) is a new standard that utilises SOTDMA format transmissions which offer a 5W power output (2.5 x more powerful than a regular Class B), a guaranteed time slot for transmission in busy traffic areas and faster update rates depending upon the speed of the vessel. It’s ideal for ocean sailors requiring the best possible performance and future proof satellite tracking applications, fast power boats and smaller non-mandated commercial vessels.

Class A AIS Transponder  must have a dedicated (and type approved) display to show the location of nearby AIS targets and transmits at 12.5W. Data is sent at up to every 2 seconds depending upon the vessel speed and the display also allows for data to be inputted to the transmission such as vessel destination. A Class A device is normally used on commercial vessels as its Type Approved to IMO specifications.

TYPES OF AIS

• AIS base stations

ATON (Aids To Navigation)  is an AIS transceiver specifically for use on marine infrastructure and buoys to provide real time hazard alerts as well as live monitoring data such as weather, sea and lantern status. ATON transmissions can be displayed on compatible chart plotter and ECDIS systems and allow a buoy or structure to be positively identified as well as the ability to display local wind, tide or metrological data.

AIS SART (Search And Rescue Transmitter)  is a homing beacon designed for use in an emergency. When activated an AIS SART transmits its GPS position using AIS in a special SART message. This message is recognised by the AIS display systems on other vessels (and potentially on shore) as an emergency message and generates an alarm.

An AIS SART can be used to locate a life raft or lifeboat in an emergency situation. Available in vessel versions (SART) or personal versions (PLB) with the difference being size and range. An AIS SART with its position close to the waterline and limited 2W output would typically have a maximum range of 5-6NM. A PLB device would typically have a range of 2-3NM.

AIS base stations  are fixed (non-mobile) stations that port authorities use to monitor and control vessel traffic. Major ports and harbours install these systems to give additional control over local AIS users. These base stations can also control other AIS devices with the ability to turn other AIS devices on or off, reserve time slots for special transmissions, control which time slots mobile AIS devices use and even control the power level of AIS transponders.

Digital Yacht also manufacture many accessories

Such as AIS alarms, interfaces for AIS and Zero-Loss VHF antenna-splitter allowing the VHF antenna to be shared with an AIS receiver/transponder and with a VHF radio.

Discover our products

The most extensive AIS Receiver range of any Marine Electronics manufacturer, with a model to suit every application.

Transponders

Our range of AIS transponders include Class A, Class B and Class B+ units for Commercial and Pleasure vessels.

Splitters & Antennas

All our VHF antennas and Zero Loss VHF splitters for any AIS receivers and transponders.

AIS Beacons

Our AIS Beacons products such as an AIS Sart, an MOB beacon and an AIS alarm box.

• Accessories

Our AIS accessories such as AIS internet base station, passive GPS antenna and interfaces for Class A AIS

• Automatic Identification System (AIS)
• Navigation sensors
• Internet on board
• Portable Navigation
• AIS Transponders
• AIS Receivers
• VHF Splitters & Antennas
• AIS Accessories
• Multisensor
• NMEA Interfaces
• NMEA to Wi-Fi Servers
• NMEA 2000 Cables
• SeaTalk Interfaces
• USB Converters
• 4G/5G Internet Access
• Hi Power Long Range Wifi
• PC Accessories
• TV Antennas
• PC Software
• Apple & Android apps
• Antenna Mounts
• Connectors + Adapters
• Internet Access
• PC Navigation
• Product Manuals
• Product Firmware
• Technical Notes
• Utilities and tools
• Software and utilities
• USB drivers
• Get Support
• Product Registration
• Product Return Form
• How to configure our AIS
• How to configure our 4G products
• How to create an NMEA 2000 network
• How to configure apps & software
• Technical FAQs
• Products with NMEA 2000 interface
• WLN10/WLN30
• Login / Register

Small Business Productivity, Tools and Tips – Android and iPhone Sync

Top-rated digital products you need to check out this year.

Technology is evolving at lightning speed, and the digital landscape is overflowing with innovative products. You may be a tech-savvy entrepreneur looking for cutting-edge tools, or someone eager to elevate your personal life with the latest applications. In this article, we’ll discuss the top-rated digital products worth researching.

Streaming Services

Thanks to these, your favorite movies and series are just a tap away on smartphones and tablets. Services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Disney+ offer vast libraries catering to every taste.

You can download content for offline viewing, transforming long commutes or unexpected delays. You can also receive personalized recommendations powered by cutting-edge algorithms.

Finance Management Tools

Modern apps (e.g.You Need A Budget (YNAB) and Mint) automate calculations and provide intuitive interfaces. These platforms encourage proactive financial habits – allowing users to set goals, monitor progress in real-time, and automatically categorize spending.

PocketGuard helps users identify recurring charges they might forget about, while suggesting areas where they can cut back. The Internet is a great place to further your search. Specialist websites display the best rated digital products , and you can search by category or subcategory. You can study apps, services, websites, and software, as well as magazines and blogs.

Productivity Tools

Task management apps (e.g. ClickUp and Notion) go beyond traditional to-do lists. They integrate project timelines, goal tracking, and collaboration features into one seamless platform. This declutters your workflow and fosters greater accountability among team members. It also allows for a more agile response to changes in project scope or urgency.

Automation tools such as Zapier can free you from mundane tasks. You can effortlessly sync leads from your email into a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system), or trigger reminders based on project deadlines.

Creative Software

Designers and artists now use tools like Procreate. It’s redefined digital illustration on the iPad, offering a plethora of brushes that mimic traditional media. Platforms like Figma and Adobe XD are revolutionizing UI/UX design . This is achieved through collaborative features promoting real-time brainstorming among teams.

AI-driven software (e.g. Daz 3D) is transforming how creators conceptualize characters and environments. Video editors are seeing a surge in tools (e.g. DaVinci Resolve) that integrate robust color grading and editing features into one platform. This enhances post-production speed and also the creative quality of visuals delivered.

Learning Platforms For Skill Development

Advanced technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence and machine learning) help to tailor courses specifically to individual needs. This keeps learners engaged, dramatically enhances retention rates, and makes it easier for individuals to acquire new skills or refine existing ones. 

Many of these platforms foster a vibrant community where users can collaborate on projects, share insights, and gain feedback from peers worldwide. The integration of gamification elements (e.g. badges, leaderboards, and challenges) transforms mundane learning into an exciting adventure.

The digital products highlighted in this article represent some of the best options available this year. They can help you enhance productivity, creativity, and personal organization. In turn, you can become more fulfilled, more effective, and more able to live in this increasingly digital world. 

• Digital Yacht

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PORTABLE NAVIGATION

What is portable navigation.

At Digital Yacht we define Portable Navigation as being able to use a laptop, tablet, smartphone for navigation and mapping. With the rise of technology, portable navigation is becoming more and more common.

Navigation applications and software are more and more popular and numerous for Android or Apple products and now most of them support NMEA data allowing your tablet, smartphone, laptop to become a complete and trusted navigation system.

By connecting an  NMEA to WiFi adaptor  or an  NMEA to USB adaptor , your navigation software or iOS/Android app will be connected to your navigation system (chart plotter, instruments, autopilot, AIS, etc.). Then, your software or navigation app will display in real time AIS targets, GPS, Wind and all navigation information.

Digital Yacht   has also developed innovative, easy to use and powerful apps and navigation software for smartphones, tablets and PCs. However, our NMEA to WiFi adaptors and NMEA to USB connectors are fully compatible with all the popular navigation software and apps

We have developed a list of the best apps for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android which you can discover here:

Benefits of iPad & Tablet navigation

There are numerous benefits of using an iPad or tablet for navigation. Obviously, the financial aspect is the most important for portable navigation, where a simple system allows you to get all navigation data on your mobile devices. With most people already owning a tablet or smartphone, the user only needs to purchase the product needed to transmit the data to these devices.

Tablet navigation also gives the user the ability to greatly improve their electronic system and utilise a navigation system with unlimited functions. If a chart plotter is already owned, customers can connect their existing plotter system to a product that will broadcast NMEA data wirelessly. This works with all major brands including Raymarine, Navico, Furuno, Garmin, etc.

This means that if the customer already has a tablet or smartphone they will receive the data and be able to use comprehensive and powerful applications or navigation software. For example, the customer will be able to broadcast AIS data on a tablet that they can use cooperatively with their plotter and therefore he will be able to navigate and track a route on the existing plotter and at the same time look at the surrounding AIS targets on the tablet.

In addition to navigation and cartography, having an iPad, Tablet or Smartphone on board allows you to connect to the internet (if you have access) and therefore check your emails, surf the internet, Youtube, Facebook, etc.

Moreover, the portable navigation is a backup solution in case of problems with your main chart plotter. Also if your chart plotter has a small display, portable navigation can be a perfect solution for you. For a minimal cost, you will get all your data on a much larger screen. Chart plotters are limited to navigation, whilst tablets can also display weather data and receive navigation data from the internet too.

Discover our products

NMEA to WiFi

Our NMEA to WiFi servers to connect your tablet/iPad to your navigation system.

iOS/Android

Our apps for iPhone, iPad and Android tablets & smartphone.

Our navigation software for laptop and PC.

• Automatic Identification System (AIS)
• PC on Board
• Portable Navigation
• AIS Receivers
• AIS Transponders
• VHF Splitters & Antennas
• AIS Beacons
• AIS Accessories
• Multisensor
• NMEA to WiFi Servers
• NMEA Interfaces
• NMEA 2000 Cables
• SeaTalk Interfaces
• USB Interfaces
• 4G/5G Internet Access
• Hi Power Long Range Wifi
• Accessories
• PC Accessories
• TV Antennas
• PC Software
• Android Apps
• Antenna Mounts
• Connectors + Adaptors
• Instruments
• PC Navigation
• Internet Access
• Get Support
• Product Manuals
• Tech Support Notes
• Product Firmware
• Software and utilities
• USB Drivers
• WLN10 & WLN30
• Products with NMEA2000 interface
• How to configure apps & software?
• Product Registration
• General News & Events
• Product Information
• Applications
• Product Pictures
• Product Guide
• Login / Register

We value your privacy

Privacy overview.

Digital Yacht at Sydney Boat Show 2024

Webinar on 4G and 5G Internet routers for your boat.

Webinar on Digital Yacht AIS Transponder Range

Webinar on Net Protect – NMEA2000 Cyber Security Tool

Digital Yacht is all about next generation navigation, communication and entertainment systems for your boat. Boating should be fun, safe and easy and our products integrate into existing and new boat networks to bring a powerful dimension to your on-board electronics.

We firmly believe that low cost consumer devices such as iPhones and tablets, PCs and MACs have a place on board and can help make legacy systems compete with the latest in dedicated marine electronic products at a fraction of the cost. We make internet access whilst afloat easy and affordable as well as bringing all your navigation data to your favourite consumer devices – not just for you but for crew and guests too.

Our navigation systems cover advanced GPS and compass technology as well as the most comprehensive range of AIS products in the marketplace. Plus our PC and software solutions bring simple yet powerful solutions to a variety of on board requirements from communication to navigation, entertainment to monitoring.

Our design team has 100’s years combined experience in marine electronic systems and we take pride in our quality heritage with manufacturing in the UK and global reach with offices in the US and China. Last year our products were sold in over 100 countries worldwide.

Manufacturing & Technology

Our products are designed and manufactured in the UK and US.  We’re proud to be part of a hi-tech local manufacturing revolution.  Our technology encompasses specialist positioning and heading sensors, AIS Class A and B and receivers, NMEA networking, wireless navigation and communication and on board networks and control systems. Our UK R&D facility is located just outside Bristol and we have electronic and mechanical assembly facilities in Fareham and Poole. Our US sales and development office is located in Boston and our China facility for software projects is based in Shanghai.

Dealers and distributors:

If you want to distribute our products, please contact us: [email protected]

All our products come with a comprehensive TWO year return to base warranty.

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