In this section, we'll explore how to share AIS data from your receiver. There are three main scenarios to consider:
Commercial Vessels: These typically use Serial (RS-422 or RS-485) and Ethernet connections with NMEA 0183 protocols. You'll need a serial-to-USB adapter or an Ethernet port to connect these to a computer.
Leisure Crafts: These typically use the CAN bus and NMEA 2000 protocols. To interface with a computer, you'll often need a CAN-to-USB adapter.
On-Land Receivers: These setups use standard networking connections. To interface with a computer, you can use Ethernet connections or Wi-Fi, often requiring minimal additional hardware.
Connection
First, you should check the connections your device has. This will determine the next steps and the best way to share your data. The Serial RS-422/RS-485, Ethernet or CAN. The end goal is to transfer AIS data to MarineTrafffic over the Internet.
Serial RS-422/RS-485
To connect the AIS to the PC, use the AIS output from either the AIS directly, the junction box, or the NMEA splitter. Most of the time, there will be RS-422 standard, rarely RS-485. Plenty of converters are available, as shown below, and they are cheap. Buying one that can convert RS-422 and RS-485 standards is best practice.
Below are the RS-422 and RS-485 connections with corresponding labels
RS-422 uses TX/RX/GND, and RS-485 uses A/B/C (C=GND). In both cases, the GND connection is not needed.
Ethernet
To connect AIS data to a PC via Ethernet, you only need a LAN cable. AIS devices that support Ethernet communication adhere to the IEC 61122-450 standards for transmitting NMEA data. To decode this data on a PC, the software must be compatible with these standards. Unfortunately, there is currently no widely available software that can decode this standard.
Our ground station receivers as one below, use Ethernet or Wifi communication to transfer the AIS data.
Serial CAN
To connect to the CAN bus infrastructure and interface to the PC, you need NMEA 2000 to USB converter. The converter must be connected to the CAN bus to receive the AIS data.
There are plenty of converters available, as shown below. However, they tend to be more expensive. The device will appear in the PC as the serial COM port.
Software
To find the right software for your device that is compatible with your operating system, refer to our overview of available software. This section also includes relevant links for more information about the software, including setup instructions.
Next, you will need to identify the correct COM port to access your receiver as an input. More information on this can be found here.
Internet
For installation on board, you need to ensure that data can be continuously sent to MarineTraffic. Near the coast, a GSM internet connection is suitable, while a satellite internet connection is required for global coverage in the open sea.
If you install your station on a boat that actively transmits AIS data, you should enter your MMSI. This ensures that your station is always displayed at the correct location and that the range is calculated accurately.
Please note: If you do not transmit AIS and travel long distances, issues may arise. Our filters only accept data within a certain range from the station as correct and filter out all other data for safety and quality reasons.