A051T AIS Class B/CS 2W Transponder with WiFi & NMEA 0183/2000
Enhance your safety and visibility on the water with our Class B/CS AIS transceiver—perfect for recreational boats, yachts, and fishing vessels
Key Features
- Low-cost anti-collision and monitoring system
- Receives and processes all AIS message types
- Automatically transmits position, speed, and heading to other vessels
- Silent mode for power saving, privacy, or security
- Supports WiFi connections for up to four devices
- Connects to NMEA 2000 networks for AIS and position data sharing
- Multiplexing additional NMEA 0183 input
- Built-in NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 Converter
Description
The A051T Class B/CS AIS Transponder is an essential piece of marine safety equipment that transmits your vessel's information—including location, name, dimensions, and speed—to other vessels and coastal stations within VHF range.
This compact transponder fulfills local Class B/CS legal requirements while providing peace of mind and real-time vessel tracking. Beyond transmitting your AIS data, the A051T also receives and decodes AIS messages from surrounding vessels, functioning as both transmitter and receiver.
The integrated GPS module receives your precise location, which is then combined with incoming AIS data to display your position relative to other vessels and the coastline.
View Your AIS and GPS Data On:
- Chart plotters via NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 backbone
- Laptop, computer, or tablet through USB OTG (Android or Linux compatible)
- Up to 4 WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously
Features
- Transmission of vessel's position, speed, and heading to other vessels and receiving stations within VHF range
- Receives and processes GPS and all AIS message types
- Real-time monitoring of position, speed, and heading of other AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range
- Plot progress and track changes in heading/speed of other AIS vessels on PC, chart plotter, or wireless device
- AIS transmitter 'Standby' facility to conserve power or maintain privacy
- Low-cost anti-collision and monitoring system
- Complies with all necessary standards under the European R&TTE directive
- LED indicators provide real-time feedback—flashing with each successful transmission or reception
- Read raw AIS messages using our free OceanCom application
Technical Summary
Transmission & Reception
- AIS transmission power: 2 Watts
- Protocol: CSTDMA
- AIS receiving range: Up to 40 nm
Connectors
- VHF connector: Standard SO239/UHF female (requires PL-259/UHF male plug)
- GPS connector: TNC female bulkhead for external GPS antenna
- Power connector: 12-pin POWER/NMEA connector
- USB: Type B USB for laptop/PC configuration and data viewing
Power & Data
- Power supply range: 12V – 35V DC
- NMEA 0183 output: For chart plotters and compatible equipment
- NMEA 2000 output: Connects to NMEA 2000 networks for AIS and position data sharing
- WiFi output: NMEA 0183 sentences transmitted via WiFi in Ad-hoc and Station modes
- WiFi modes: Ad-hoc (no router required) and Station (with router)
Indicators
- LED status lights: Confirm incoming/outgoing AIS messages, GPS fix, WiFi connection, and power
Perfect for: All Class B/CS vessels under 300 gross tonnes—sailing boats, yachts, small fishing vessels, and recreational craft
Easy to Install and Use
Step 1 Decide Where to Mount Your Transponder
A key advantage of the A051T is its aluminum enclosure, which minimizes electromagnetic interference from other equipment. This expands installation location options significantly compared to plastic-housed transponders, allowing more flexible placement on your vessel.
Step 2 Choose Your Power Source
The A051T operates on a wide voltage range from 12V to 35V DC, covering most marine power systems. This versatility is a distinct advantage over transponders limited to 12V only, making installation easier across different vessel types.
Step 3 Connect Your Antennas
The A051T broadcasts your location while simultaneously receiving AIS signals from nearby vessels and GPS position data. You'll need to install two antennas:
- VHF/AIS antenna: Collects and transmits AIS data (use an antenna splitter if sharing with your VHF radio)
- GPS antenna: Receives satellite signals for precise position fixing
Step 4 Configure Transmission Mode
As a Class B/CS transponder, you control when your location is transmitted using STANDBY mode in the configuration software. This allows you to disable transmission when desired for privacy or power conservation.
Step 5 Choose Your Display Options
Connect the A051T to your preferred display device(s):
- NMEA 0183 chart plotter via NMEA 0183 output
- Windows or Linux laptop using USB input or WiFi
- Up to 4 wireless devices (phones, tablets, laptops) in Ad-hoc WiFi mode
- Wireless devices through your router in Station WiFi mode
- NMEA 2000 chart plotter through NMEA 2000 backbone
WiFi Operation Modes
The A051T supports both WiFi modes for maximum flexibility:
- Ad-hoc mode: Direct device-to-device connection without a router—no configuration required
- Station mode: Connects through your existing WiFi network/router for integrated connectivity
What's Included
Standard Package Contents:
- 1× A051T AIS Transponder Class B/CS 2W
- 1× WiFi antenna
- 1× 12-pin POWER/NMEA cable
- 1× USB Type B cable
- Installation guide and documentation
Optional Add-ons:
- AS12 AIS/VHF Fiberglass Antenna
- AS14 Waterproof GPS Antenna
- NMEA 2000 drop cable (if using N2K connection)
- VHF antenna splitter (if sharing with radio)
IMPORTANT: Class B/CS Transponder Registration
MMSI Number Required
AIS transponders do not require device registration, but each must have a unique and official 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assigned to the vessel and its owner.
How to Obtain an MMSI Number
Contact the relevant maritime authority in your country. Different countries have different authorities responsible for MMSI registration:
- South Africa: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
- United Kingdom: Ofcom
- United States: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or BoatUS (for recreational vessels)
- European Union: National telecommunications regulatory authorities in each member state
One-Time Configuration Only
The A051T allows you to input an MMSI number only once. Ensure you enter the correct MMSI number before clicking 'Config'—changes are not permitted after confirmation to comply with international maritime regulations.
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