True Heading, a manufacturer of Automatic Identification System (AIS) solutions, GPS compasses and app navigation, announced its complete line of Graphene Class B AIS transponders have received type approval and are now shipping in the North American market.
The Seapilot Class B AIS is offered in four different versions, the CTRX Graphene, WiFi-AIS CTRX Graphene, CTRX Graphene+ and WiFi-AIS CTRX Graphene+. Compact and easy to install, the Seapilot Class B transmitter sends vessel information including heading and speed, as well as vessel name, call sign, MMSI number, size and type to ships with AIS receivers in the area. The data can be graphically displayed on appropriate electronic charting software to provide increased situational awareness and assist in collision avoidance. AIS also contributes to a faster response should an accident occur as many of today’s Search and Rescue operations are increasingly reliant on AIS data.
Each Seapilot Class B AIS system features connectors for NMEA0183, NMEA2000 and voltage protected USB to output to computers and chartplotters. WiFi units provide for a wireless connection of AIS information and vessel position to mobile devices. The Graphene+ models also have a built-in VHF splitter for shared use of a single VHF antenna, ideal for installations where running another cable and antenna is undesirable. The Graphene+ WiFi units are the only Class B receivers on the market with both WiFi capabilities and a VHF splitter.
“Our Graphene Class B AIS transponders have been extremely well received in Europe and we are proud to make them available for recreational and commercial vessels in North America,” said Jens Johansson, CEO, True Heading. “With almost 40% of the world market share of recreational Class B transponders, our award-winning AIS solutions are recognized as being of the highest quality and offering the features boaters desire in a rugged and compact solution that applies to any vessel, regardless of its purpose.”
As an added bonus to Graphene customers, a free download coupon of the popular Seapilot App for iOS, Android or Windows 8 is included. With the coupon, customers will have free use of the charts of their choice, weather services and AIS data for one year.