InnovAntennas 162 MHz AIS LFA Yagis

InnovAntennas 162 MHz AIS LFA Yagis are vertically polarized Loop Fed Array (LFA) base station beam antennas designed specifically for 161.5 – 162.5 MHz range of the Marine Band, featuring simplified installation with integral rear-mount mast brackets. Three models are offered, each performance optimized with extensive computer modeling. High quality materials are used in manufacturing, ensuring durability and high reliability. InnovAntennas LFA Yagis inherently receive less ambient noise and are virtually impervious to the detuning effects of rain and ice that render non-loop antennas unusable. Adverse weather conditions and wind speeds of over 124 mph (200 km/h) are no problem for LFA Yagis. These antennas are made with 5/8 inch (16mm) parasitic elements complemented by a driven loop of 1/2 inch (13mm) and 3/8 inch (9.5mm) diameter tube. It also has fully insulated elements which will ensure continuous, high performance and ensures corrosion will not impact performance. Marine grade stainless steel is used throughout. They include a ferrite choke with a low-loss type N female connector at a 50-ohm impedance. These antennas handle a maximum transmitter power of 5 kW.

AIS is the maritime Automatic Identification System, a radio-based transponder system that automatically tracks and identifies ships at sea by broadcasting their position, speed, course, and other data. Its purpose is to prevent collisions, assist in search and rescue operations, and help vessel traffic services (VTS) monitor traffic. InnovAntennas 162 MHz AIS LFA Yagis are specially designed for professional use at coastal radio stations, for use with AIS repeaters and for suppliers of AIS systems. Of course, they are also ideal for anyone who would like to enter the exciting and fascinating world of AIS reception or take their existing equipment to the next level.

Due to their frequency coverage, InnovAntennas 162 MHZ AIS LFA Yagis are also ideal for long range directional reception of the National Weather Service (NWS) NOAA Weather Radio transmitters broadcasting on 162.400 through 162.550 MHz.

The AIS system was developed, among other things, to improve safety in shipping, using the frequencies 161.975 and 162.025 MHz, corresponding to marine radio channels 87B and 88B. It works by transmitting data over VHF radio frequencies to other vessels and shore stations. Receiving vessels can display this information on an electronic chart plotter, showing nearby ships as symbols. AIS systems are mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)for large commercial freight and fishing ships and for passenger vessels.