TEST AIS and AIS-SARTs
in scope of IMO Radio Survey

AIS TESTER M1

Modern Technology to ensure safety at sea

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Progressive technology to ensure maritime safety

AIS Tester M1

AIS Tester M1 is professional equipment for surveyors providing mandatory annual testing of Class A and Class B AIS mobile and base stations, AtoNs and AIS-SARTs in accordance with IMO and SOLAS requirements. The device complies with the IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1252 - Guidelines on annual testing of the AIS unit.

01
TEST AIS CLASS A and B, AIS-SARTs and AtoNs

Product overview

AIS Tester M1 is a globally recognized testing tool that has been used in radio surveys for over 15 years and has proven its reliability in the field.

It is designed for annual surveys and shore-based maintenance in accordance with IMO requirements for AIS testing (IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1252, “Guidelines on annual testing of the AIS unit”). The AIS Tester M1 allows surveyors to check any AIS station, ensuring that its functional parameters comply with the appropriate IMO standards.

The tester is an industry standard and is continuously improving. Our engineers regularly release firmware and software updates, keeping the tool at the forefront of technology. 

With the AIS Tester M1, a radio surveyor can confidently check any AIS station, whether it is an older model or a modern one. You can review the technical specifications by clicking the button below.

Technical Specifications

  • AIS operational frequencies are: channel 1    -  161,975 MHz; channel 2   -  162,025 MHz;
  • DSC operational frequency channel 70 - 156,525 MHz;
  • Setting accuracy of output frequency – no less than ±1ppm;
  • Output power of AIS channel 1 and 2 and channel 70 DSC not less than (-7) dBm or 100 mW;
  • AIS modulation - FM-GMSK;
  • AIS channel band rate - 9600 Baud;
  • DSC channel band rate - 1200 Baud;
  • Tester provides carrier frequency measurement in the range of 156-162 MHz within the accuracy  ± 99 Hz;
  • Input\Output resistance - (50 ± 1.5) Ohm.

Approximate continuous operation time using the battery – about 5 hours.

The tester power supply is performed by four AA batteries 1,5V, as well as by external DC source with voltage 4,5…7V and load current no less than 500 mA.

Tester displays internal battery voltage with accuracy ± 5%.

The tester is designed to operate at the temperature range from +5С to +45С  and relative air humidity should be no more than 95%, which is determined by used LCD.

 
AIS Tester M1 Overview
02
AIS Tester M1 Dimensions
 
AIS Tester for IMO Annual surveys

Dimensions

AIS Tester M1 is professional equipment designed for surveyors to perform mandatory annual testing of Class A and Class B AIS mobile stations and AIS-SARTs.

It is manufactured according to the standards and recommendations of ITU-R M-1371-3, M.1371-5 (02/2014) and IEC 61993-2, and is capable of operating on AIS Channel 1 (ch87B) and AIS Channel 2 (ch88B). Thus, this tool can test any AIS device.

The standard set is shipped in a cardboard box. A watertight and crushproof plastic case is available for order at an additional cost.

Dimensions of main unit: 195 x 101 x 43 mm

Weight of main unit: 0.55 kg

Dimensions of plastic case: 280 x 250 x 110 mm

Total weight in case: 1.5 kg

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Mandatory AIS Surveys: automated testing

Product Features

AIS Tester M1 is a user-friendly and easy-to-operate device.

The AIS Tester allows the user to:

  • Measure AIS frequencies (on channels 1 and 2)
  • Measure or estimate the AIS transmitted power (on channels 1 and 2)
  • Receive and decode AIS messages
  • Send data to AIS stations
  • Pass DSC polling information (channel 70)
  • Check the AIS response to a “virtual vessel”
  • Simulate NMEA data transmissions
  • Simulate AIS data transmissions, such as ship’s name, position, length, course, speed, power and beam
  • Transmit and receive the DSC messages of different types for VHF stations
  • Check the AIS-SART operation functions
  • Receive data from pilot plug or external sensors
 

Other features of the tester:

  • Supports any AIS Class A and Class B stations
  • Carrier frequency measurement in the range of 156-162 MHz with an accuracy of  ± 99 Hz
  • Supports pilot plug and external sensors
  • Internal database of received data with the ability to save up to 10 test results
  • Easy connection to a PC, laptop, or notebook for processing stored data
  • User-friendly desktop application for Windows and macOS, supporting database storage, review, and report processing and printing
  • Long-life batteries, easy to replace
  • Easy recalibration without the need to return to the factory
  • 2- year warranty
 

All test procedures are conducted in accordance with international standards, such as:

  • The circular letter MSC.1/Circ.1252 (for AIS stations).

All data can be viewed on the tester’s LCD screen, saved, or transmitted to a PC for report creation.

The tester is powered by four 1.5V AA batteries, or by an external DC source with a voltage 4.5-7V and a minimum load current of 500mA.


Complete set
 

In the box

NMEA In/Out cable (089 fem - open wires 1.5m)
1
UHF RF cables set
2
AIS Tester M1 Complete Set
Attenuator
3
Telescopic antenna
4
Main unit (AIS Tester M1)
5
USB-A - USB-B cable
6
Connectors
7
  1. NMEA In/Out cable (089 fem - open wires 1.5m)
  2. UHF RF cables set
  3. Attenuator
  4. Telescopic antenna
  5. Main unit (AIS Tester M1)
  6. USB-A - USB-B cable
  7. Connectors

Complete set
 

Also you get

AIS Tester software

Software for Windows and macOS

 
GMDSS Tester User Manual

User manual

 
GMDSS Tester CE && Calibration Certificates

CE & calibration certificates

 
Complete set
 

Available options

AIS Tester Plastic Case

Watertight & crushproof plastic box

 


It makes starting easy and fast

Video Manuals for AIS Tester M1

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AIS Tester Videos

AIS Tester Software and connection to PC

The AIS tester can be easily connected to any PC or laptop. The connection is carried out by means of standard USB A-USB A cable and special software available on http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads.html website.

AIS Tester description part 1

AIS Tester is a test device operating on AIS channel 1 (ch87B), AIS Channel 2 (ch88B) and DSC Channel 70 frequencies. The tester is designed under corresponding standards and recommendations ITU R M-1371-3 and IEC 61993-2 as a tool of operation and installation tests of AIS unit (Automatic Identification System).

AIS Tester description part 2

AIS Tester is a test device operating on AIS channel 1 (ch87B), AIS Channel 2 (ch88B) and DSC Channel 70 frequencies. The tester is designed under corresponding standards and recommendations ITU R M-1371-3 and IEC 61993-2 as a tool of operation and installation tests of AIS unit (Automatic Identification System).

AIS Class A testing procedure

The tester is designed under corresponding standards and recommendations ITU R M-1371-3 and IEC 61993-2 as a tool of operation and installation tests of AIS unit (Automatic Identification System). The tests volume complies with IMO circular letter \"Guidelines on annual testing of the AIS unit MSC.1/Circ.1252\"

04
Connect the tester to your laptop to create test reports

Connection to PC & Downloads

The cutting-edge software is designed to make survey work easier.

The device can be connected using a standard USB A - USB A cable. Special software is available for download.

The software is compatible with Windows and macOS. It enables the automatic generation of IMO-compliant reports for all types of tested equipment.

A surveyor’s paperwork can now be reduced to a minimum: just generate a report, print it, and sign! Or save it and send by e-mail. Since reports are saved in DOC/PDF format, you can add your logo, contact details, and more.

 
Here you can download user manuals, test report examples, and software for the AIS Tester M1. Some files require formal registraton. Please click .
Pilot plug - USB cable user manual.
Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
FTDI Drivers (version: 2.12.28; 30.08.2017; 2.4Mb)
Drivers to create a virtual COM port for direct connection.
Specifications / Brochure (version: 2.0; 14.02.2020; 2.5 Mb)
Complete specification and product brochure of the AIS Tester. Available in PDF format.
Complete technical description and user manual for the AIS Tester. Available in PDF format.
Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
The latest software for GMDSS Tester. Download and manage test results for Radios, AIS and EPIRB. Automatic generation of test reports. 32bit and 64bit Windows OS compatible.
Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
Latest software for GMDSS Tester. Download and manage test results for Radios, AIS and EPIRB. Automatic generation of test reports. Mac OS X.
Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
Test report examples (version: 8.04; 29.02.2016; 0.34 Mb)
Examples of test reports created by the AIS Tester software. The test report is an important final step in the testing process.
Driver (version: CDM 2.00.00; 05.06.2009; 706 kb)
FTDI drivers are required when connecting the tester to a PC. Please install the drivers before running the software.
Full Catalogue GMDSS Testers (version: 1.2; 05.12.2019; 5.7 Mb)
Full catalogue of our equipment with detailed description and specifications
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