There are well over 100,000 Class A AIS systems installed on vessels globally. While the latest Class A AIS transponders (like the Digital DeepSea CLA2000) already have a wireless interface incorporated for iPad and tablet connectivity, many systems just use a standardised “Pilot Plug” wired interface. This Amphenol standard multi pin design allows NMEA AIS and GPS data to be accessed from the transponder and pilots and delivery captains would use a simple USB interface cable for their personal PC based ECDIS system. However, more and more captains now choose to use an iPad or tablet so need wireless connectivity.PilotLINK 2 allows these Class A transponders to interface with the latest range of mobile devices including iPhones, tablets and PCs/MACs. Applications range from maritime pilots through to survey ship charter users who may want access to the ship’s AIS and GPS data.
