iNavX allows you to connect, since version 3.1.7 from February the 11 October 2010, to the data server AIS SiiTech which I talked about in a previous post (¹). The interest of this service remained questionable in France because of the poor coverage of our coasts. That could change.
Indeed, the number of SiiTech ground stations is increasing, the Channel coasts are now well covered, and the Atlantic coast should be gradually equipped (²).
In addition, The version 3.2.4 of iNavX comes with an improvement that makes a revival of interest for this feature : it is now available to select the origin point of AIS data from SiiTech server, or the position of the ship (that of the iPhone/iPad used), or a previously created waypoint. The reception radius being about 30 nautical miles around place of origin, this allows for a significant increase in the coverage of AIS data reception.
Needed, of course, to have a cellular network (3G) or WiFi connection to access the server SiiTech with TCP / IP. But if you practice coastal navigation, or during an landing, And if you don't have an AIS receiver on board, This function can be very useful.
Sitech server configuration on an iPad
In the example above, I'm connected from Nantes to SiiTech server using as a waypoint origin located near Cherbourg (Barfleur). This allowed me to follow the displacement of ships in real time and obtain their information, toward very important distance.
Another interest in this connection is to be able to follow, from the earth, a friend's boat equipped with an AIS Class B transponder for pleasure.
It should be noted that access to SiiTech server is integrated in iNavX, Identifier and password are provided, So there are no subscription fees to be expected, This professional service is free.
A dedicated page was added to the French aid file of the version 3.2.4 of iNavX, available April the 8 th.
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(²) Coverage area
Thank you for this information, I thought of "Ships Ahoy! "Whose originality lies in his way of marking on the photos of the boat the information AIS…An original idea of an English developer.
Indeed Sitech works much better for the Channel and no longer limits the buildings to the "rail" on the English side. For Le Havre all in the perfect look, But on the other hand he did not display the ferry in Ouistreham (?). It is a very practical complement in case of poor visibility but beware : stay in standby anyway !
There is also on the Apple Store a photographic application which gives the names of the ships in the photo. Less useful but nice because Sitech is content to give the NMSI number
There are indeed two major applications :
• Ship Finder to Pinkfroot which is available in 4 Free and paid versions for iPhone or iPad.
• MarineTraffics, To date only in iPhone format, iOS version of the website of the same name (See the article AIS reception on the web). By far my favorite.
Bonjour,
I tried this day the Siitech solution on my iPad and my iPod. Without success. On the iPad, The IP parameters are saved by default but lack the Sitech account settings (Email address and password) so that the connection works.
I went for a walk on the Sitech site but no free offer of direct web connection.
Peut-être avez vous la solution ou pouvez vous la négocier avec SiiTech ou GpsNavx ?
Sincerely (bravo pour vos efforts en faveur du Mac maritime 😉
Laurent.
Les identifiant et mot de passe sont indiqués dans l’iNavX Help, en anglais comme en français.