Nomad, an AIS Classe B mobile transponder

The company Digital Yacht propose Nomad, the first AIS transponder class B mobile with Wi-Fi interface.

The Nomad is supplied with a portable VHF antenna of 25 cm equipped with a sucker and a 4 metres cable, and with a built-in GPS antenna. USB and Wi-Fi interfaces will allow the use of the device with many navigation and charting application for iOS devices, Android, PC and Mac.

The power supply and data transmission are through USB allowing Nomad to be powered from any USB source. So it can be powered through a computer, an USB charger, an USB external battery or with an USB/12V cigarette lighter adapter. Note that the antenna will be able to serve as an emergency VHF antenna, in the case of dismasting for example, by means of a PL259/BNC converter.
The Nomad is featured with a Wi-Fi access-point with TCP/IP protocol allowing for up to 7 simultaneous connections.

This device should be useful for boaters who need a portable solution to navigate and receive GPS data and AIS targets on their computers, tablets or smartphones. The Nomad will be particularly useful for boating professionals, as the skippers-conveyors, and boat owners preferring an easy-to-install and easily transportable system.

However, Without MMSI number (¹) program, the Nomad will act only as a receiver and transmit GPS and AIS targets data through Wi-Fi and USB . For professionals who frequently change the boat, particularly conveyor skippers and trainers, It will be necessary to activate the transmitter for each boat reprogramming the MMSI number which has been assigned to it. This implies using ProAis2 programming software (Windows/MacOS) or aisconfig (Android) which allow the configuration of the nomad for each new boat, and request Digital Yacht for the executable utility (Windows only) allowing the MMSI number reset.

Features :

• Power supply : USB 5V. 0,5A
• Interface Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Protocole TCP/IP
• Dimensions : 12 x 13,5 x 5 cm wide
• Weight : 425 gr.
• Protection : IPx5
• Prize announced : 715 euros TTC

I will have the opportunity to test this device at sea soon.

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(¹) Maritime Mobile Service Itontity
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