[CA] [CA11] STLK Fail Lightning Issue

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Q1. Does the passive GPS antenna that comes with the AIS 650/700 need installation? or is it built-in?
A1. The passive GPS antenna is an external part which looks similar to a GPS sensor. Like a GPS sensor, the passive GPS antenna should be installed in a location which will afford it an unobstructed view of the skies overhead. These antennas are commonly mounted on the aft rail of a sailing vessel, masthead, or other suitable location.

Q2. I do not believe our VHF antenna currently supports AIS transmissions (we only receive currently) It sounds like we would need to upgrade our antenna? If so, do you sell these, or would that be a third party? Recommendations?
A2. The frequencies used be an AIS transceiver are within the band supported by VHF radio. Accordingly, any quality VHF antenna will suffice for this purpose. As indicated previously, when seeking out a VHF antenna, the AIS650/700 installation manuals call for using one with a gain of -3db or less. VHF antenna tuned specifically for Class B AIS frequencies are not recommended if the antenna splitter feature of the AIS700 or AIS650 & AIS100 Class B AIS Antenna Splitter will be installed. Some of the better known VHF antenna manufacturers include Shakespeare, Digital, etc. If you click here, you will also find a list of VHF antenna manufacturers which may be filtered by application domain to list those producing VHF antennas specifically suited for sailboats.