Garmin’s AIS 300 – a black-box Automatic Identification System receiver (only) that monitors Class A and B AIS-enabled vessels – is the first of its kind to offer NMEA 2000 support, Garmin says. The AIS 300 receives Class A and B signals simultaneously and allows mariners to independently monitor both channels. A built-in passive splitter eliminates the need for two VHF antennas. The receiver can be integrated into the Garmin network on 12- and 24-volt systems. The 300 also offers a NMEA 0183 output with selectable speeds. With the unit, a chart plotter can display detailed information such as ship-identification data, position, and course and speed for AIS-transmitting vessels within range. When integrated with a Garmin plotter and VHF radio via NMEA 2000, users can initiate a call from the plotter to any MMSI target. Boaters may also activate the AIS target, which draws a heading line from the target in the direction of travel and indicates turn direction and rate. Cost is $499.99. Call 800-800-1020, or visit www.garmin.com.
