Icom Creates Unique, Smart Class B AIS Transponder
(Bellevue, WA) – AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a marine safety tool that
has quickly grown in use, especially as shipping lanes have become busier. Up until recently, AIS has been
used primarily by commercial shipping. With the introduction of the MA-500TR AIS transponder, a Class B
transponder for non-SOLAS vessels, owners of leisure and small craft can benefit from this safety technology –
with some unique features supplied by Icom engineering.
The MA-500TR is a compact, waterproof Class B AIS transponder that actively notifies other vessels of your
exact position. The MA-500TR also has a dual channel receiver allowing boat owners to receive AIS information
(both Class A and Class B AIS signals) on two channels simultaneously. This real-time information is then
displayed on its large, backlit full dot-matrix display giving the boat owner real-time vessel traffic
information thus aiding navigation and collision avoidance.
The MA-500TR’s compact size means that it can for example be installed in a convenient place near the chart
table, in the wheelhouse, on the fly bridge or on a pedestal in the cockpit. The MA-500TR features large, easy
to use, backlit buttons that will make it easy to operate even in tough conditions. The MA-500TR can be
integrated with either Icom’s IC-M504 or IC-M604, both award-winning marine VHF radios. This combination of AIS
transceiver and VHF radio allows you to transmit DSC individual calls to a selected vessel instantly without manual
MMSI entry; very handy whether its an emergency or for simply contacting nearby friends. The MA-500TR AIS data output
uses the NMEA 0183 format for easy connectivity to most radars, chart plotters, and navigation systems.
The MA-500TR has several collision-risk management functions. It identifies a target list (those in a local area),
dangerous list (those you could potentially collide with) and what the closest point of approach is. A collision alarm
and external alarm connection to optional external audio equipment gives the boat owner extra warning of potential impact.
The MA-500TR is for the boater who does not need or want a large, expensive glass-panel helm that cost’s nearly as
much as the boat itself. This is an affordable alternative that will look great in any installation, offering a complete
nav + com station that’s easy to set up and use.
Icom began as an engineering and manufacturing company, making advanced, compact solid-state radio equipment for
use by amateur radio enthusiasts. Icom has since grown to become an industry leader with a product line that includes
state-of-the-art communications equipment for land mobile and marine use as well as avionics. Icom America's headquarters
are in Bellevue, Washington. www.icomamerica.com.
A hi-resolution, print-ready image of the MA-500TR may be downloaded directly from
www.icomamerica.com/downloads
This device has not been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. This device may not be sold or leased,
or be offered for sale or lease, until approval of the FCC has been obtained.
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