Vesper XB-6000 High Performance AIS Transponder Package w/AIS Only Antenna

The Vesper Marine WatchMate WatchMate XB-6000 High Performance Class B AIS Transponder

Unlike any other AIS the high performance Class B AIS with built-in NMEA 2000 gateway and internal GPS, XB-6000 integrates AIS, GPS and NMEA information so that you can see your safety and navigation on any AIS-capable chart plotter or MFD. Or use your PC and Mac for easy computer navigation. Easily integrate AIS to your existing marine electronics and convert NMEA 2000 & 0183 instrument data to USB, facilitating 3rd party navigation software.

Features:

• NMEA 2000 / 0183 and waterproof USB
• Compatible with all NMEA 2000 certified chart plotters and MFD’s
• The only AIS transponder that can be used as a GPS source for NMEA 2000
• Fast 5Hz GPS update rate provides greater detail and higher resolution plotting
• Can be put in Silent Mode (receive-only) 
• Includes 50 channel GPS with WAAS/EGNOS and powerful external GPS antenna
• Built-in internal GPS antenna allows for easy installation when the XB-6000 has a view of the sky. Perfect for small vessels
• Galvanic isolated USB and NMEA ports protects the transponder and your other equipment against damage and installation problems

Complete Class B AIS Transponder

WatchMate XB-6000 is a Class B AIS transponder with a two-channel parallel receiver and transmitter. It transmits your vessel position and details and receives the same kind of information from other vessels with AIS transponders.

The AIS data is sent every few seconds and includes information such as course, speed, latitude, longitude, and heading. Static information about the vessel is sent every few minutes and includes the name, type of vessel, length, beam, draft, etc.

Certified NMEA2000 Gateway-Built in

Translates NMEA 2000 instrument data (heading, wind, depth, speed, log, temperature) and routes it over USB and NMEA 0183.

All NMEA 2000 navigation data is combined with GPS and AIS data and sent to computers via USB. Display and use this data in your navigation applications on Windows and Mac navigation software.

Simply plug the XB-6000 into your NMEA 2000 network and your integration is done. Or connect it to the NMEA 0183 input on your chart plotter. And if you have a mixed network you can even use the XB-6000 to integrate the two by connecting your XB-6000 to your NMEA 2000 navigation instruments and a NMEA 0183 chart plotter. The XB-6000 makes your new NMEA 2000 instruments appear on the chart plotter!

High speed 5Hz GPS navigation and built-in GPS Antenna

A built-in 50 channel GPS receiver (with WAAS/EGNOS) and its own internal GPS antenna eliminates the need to install an external GPS antenna in many situations.

However, it also includes a powerful external antenna for those installations that require it. The external antenna can be pole mounted on standard 1″ threaded tubing or mounted on a flat surface with the included base. The cable has a small connector, about the same diameter as the cable, to facilitate easy routing through small holes.

The fast 5Hz GPS update rate results in higher resolution and smoother tracks on your plotter or MFD, even during high speed maneuvers. It can be used as a source of GPS data for the entire NMEA 2000 network

Easy to Install:

Mounting

Mounting the XB-6000 is made easy with innovative cable connection points that create low profile installations. As well as being waterproof the XB-6000 also has multiple connection options: NMEA 2000 / 0183 and USB connectivity.

Fully Water Proof

Unlike most other AIS transponders, the XB-6000 is water proof so you can mount it wherever convenient without worrying about water. It is even rated IPx7 which means it is totally submersible to 1m for up to 30 mins!

Self Diagnosis Status Lights

Multi-color LEDs keep you informed of operational status of the XB-6000 with self diagnosis that shows warnings if AIS, GPS, or antenna are not functioning.

USB Connection (waterproof and locking with optional cable)

The USB connection can be used to connect the XB-6000 to on-board computers. The XB-6000 provides a GPS and AIS data feed directly to computer-based navigation software. It translates selected NMEA 2000 instrument data and sends that to your computer too. An optional 5m (16′) waterproof cable features a locking ring so it can’t vibrate out of the back of the XB-6000.

Other Innovative Features:

Ultra-low power consumption

Designed for minimal power consumption the WatchMate XB-6000 is extremely well suited for energy conscious vessels.

Low power operation is particularly important on a long voyage when charging from solar or wind. The XB-6000 consumes less power than other AIS transponders even with the NMEA 2000 gateway operating!

Positive Identification

You’ll have each vessel’s name and call sign and others using AIS will also have yours. If you wish to call another vessel you will be able to ensure you are talking to the correct vessel. This is very important when operating in busy areas or in bad weather when visibility is reduced.

Silent Mode Control via PC, Mac or an external switch

The XB-6000 can be put into silent mode. When in this mode, the AIS receivers and GPS continue to operate normally. The only change is transmissions are inhibited. Perfect for those times when you want privacy. Silent mode can be controlled by an external switch (not included) or via your PC or Mac.

Firmware Updates

When you buy a WatchMate XB-6000, you get an extendable AIS platform. Designed to be compatible with a continuous stream of feature updates, your WatchMate XB-6000 can be upgraded with the latest firmware via USB and your computer.

High Performance Antenna – AIS Only

An antenna dedicated for AIS! Always on. Always visible. Always watching. AIS tuned 1.0M stainless steel antenna for masthead or other similar installations.

Has SO-239 socket and mounting L-bracket. Perfect for installations where the lowest possible windage is a requirement.

Although referred to as a masthead antenna, it is also suitable for mounting anywhere the L-bracket suits the location. Example mounting locations are along side solar panels, bimini side, on an arch, above a radar or at the upper edge of a cabin top.

A detachable cable makes installation and maintenance easier and allows for any length cable to be used. It easily mounts on a mast but is also suitable for mounting almost anywhere with it’s included 316 stainless steel L-bracket.

Features:

• Specially designed 1.0M (3′) 316 stainless steel antenna
• Easily replaceable stainless steel whip if it gets lost or damaged
• Optimized for AISIncludes SO239 socket and 316 stainless steel mounting bracket
• Perfect for masthead or installations where the L-bracket suits
• Easily adapted to most any installation configuration
• Detachable cable allows for any length to be used

Note: The VA162 is a dedicated AIS antenna. If the installation requires sharing one antenna between the VHF radio and the AIS transponder using a Vesper Marine SP160 Antenna Splitter, use the VA159 Antenna specifically designed for sharing with a VHF radio. If sharing one antenna, use VA159 Antenna and SP160 Antenna Splitter.