Navico NSPL-500 Antenna Splitter

Navico NSPL-500 Antenna Splitter Product Description

Equip your vessel with the smart solution for seamless communication on the water. The NSPL-500 antenna splitter lets you leverage a single high-quality antenna for your VHF radio, AIS transponder, and FM stereo—all without the expense or complexity of adding extra hardware. Perfect for boaters navigating congested harbors, open seas, or weekend cruises, this compact device ensures reliable signal sharing so you stay connected and aware.

Imagine threading through heavy traffic in a busy marina or monitoring distant vessels during a coastal passage. Paired with systems like the NAIS-500, the NSPL-500 enhances your situational awareness by transmitting and receiving AIS data alongside VHF calls and your favorite tunes, all from one antenna mount.

Why Boaters Rely on the NSPL-500

• Effortless Integration: Plug-and-play setup with dedicated FM connectivity for SonicHub 2 or similar marine stereos, minimizing wiring headaches.
• Featherlight Design: At a mere 260 grams, it won't add unnecessary weight to your setup, ideal for sailboats where every ounce counts.
• Rugged Marine Build: IPX7 waterproofing shrugs off spray, rain, and submersion, standing up to harsh saltwater environments.
• Efficient Power Draw: Sips less than 150 mA at 12V DC, preserving battery life on long voyages or when engines are off.
• Versatile Power Compatibility: Handles 9.6V to 31.2V DC systems, suiting both 12V and 24V boats from tenders to yachts.
• Superior Signal Integrity: Zero insertion loss on receive for AIS and VHF, with minimal loss on transmit—keeping communications crystal clear even in demanding conditions.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Details
Ports	4 (Antenna, VHF/AIS, FM, Power)
Voltage Range	9.6–31.2V DC
Frequency Range	156–162 MHz (VHF/AIS)
Current Draw	<150 mA @ 12V
Impedance	50Ω (Antenna/VHF/AIS), 75Ω (FM)
Dimensions	6" L x 3.8" W x 2" H
Operating Temperature	-15°F to 55°F (-25°C to 13°C)
Waterproof Rating	IP67/IPX7
Weight	260g

These specs make the NSPL-500 a go-to for marine electronics enthusiasts seeking reliability without bulk.

How the NSPL-500 Delivers Shared Antenna Performance

This active splitter intelligently routes signals: VHF and AIS traffic takes priority during transmission to avoid interference, while FM radio accesses the antenna passively. Low-noise amplifiers ensure VHF/AIS receive paths remain unaffected, even with FM in use. The result? Full duplex operation for critical safety comms, plus entertainment, all from your primary antenna.

In real-world scenarios, like coordinating with tow services in fog or plotting safe passages amid commercial shipping, the splitter's low-loss design prevents dropped signals. Boaters report maintaining full AIS range—up to 20+ nautical miles—without compromising VHF clarity.

Simple Installation for Any Skill Level

Mount the unit securely using included screws in a dry, ventilated spot below deck. Connect your existing antenna to the splitter's antenna port, then run VHF/AIS and FM cables to their respective ports. Power it via the dedicated DC input—polarity-protected for safety. Grounding is straightforward with the unit's design.

1. Secure the splitter to a flat surface.
2. Attach antenna cable (SO-239 connector).
3. Plug in VHF/AIS outputs.
4. Connect FM stereo input.
5. Wire to 12/24V supply with fuse.
6. Test all channels on the water.

Pro tip: Route cables away from high-current lines to minimize noise. Most installs take under an hour, freeing you to focus on the helm.

Elevate Your On-Water Experience

Beyond specs, the NSPL-500 shines in practicality. Sailors appreciate its low profile on masthead setups; powerboaters value the space savings over dual antennas. It future-proofs your electronics bay for upgrades like digital switching or enhanced plotters. In collision-prone areas, AIS integration via shared antenna boosts safety margins, potentially avoiding close calls.

"Switched to the NSPL-500 on my 32-foot—VHF punch stayed strong, AIS painted every target, and tunes flowed without static. Game-changer for coastal hopping." – Experienced skipper

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the NSPL-500 handle both transmit and receive for VHF and AIS simultaneously?

Yes, it prioritizes VHF/AIS transmissions with no receive loss and minimal transmit insertion loss, ensuring reliable two-way communication.

Is the NSPL-500 compatible with all marine VHF radios?

It works with standard 50Ω VHF/AIS systems, including most Simrad, Lowrance, and B&G units, via plug-and-play connections.

Does it support FM radio without interfering with safety frequencies?

Absolutely—the 75Ω FM port operates independently, with intelligent switching to protect VHF/AIS channels.

What's the waterproof rating, and where can I mount it?

IPX7 rated for temporary immersion; mount in protected areas like console or cabin to maximize longevity.

Will it work on my sailboat with limited power?

Definitely—its ultra-low 150mA draw at 12V is perfect for battery-powered setups without alternator support.

How does it compare to passive splitters?

Active amplification provides better signal quality and no loss on receive, outperforming passives in transmit-heavy use.

Save the hassle of installing a costly second antenna and use your existing single antenna with VHF/AIS/FM, by enlisting the lightweight, compact NSPL 500 antenna splitter. When combined with the NAIS 500 AIS system, you can see and be seen on the water, whether tackling busy shipping lanes or crowded ports.

Simrad 0013612001 Attributes

• Connection Type: Plug And Play
• Number Of Ports: 4
• Voltage: 9.6 To 31.2 Volt
• Frequency: 156 Megahertz To 162 Megahertz
• Ampere Rating: 150 Milliampere At 12 Volt
• Impedance: 75 Ohms FM Port Impedance/50 Ohms AIS/ VHF And Antenna Port Impedance
• Dimension: 6 Inch Length X 3.8 Inch Width X 2 Inch Height
• Temperature Range: -15 Degree Fahrenheit To 55 Degree Fahrenheit
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 Waterproof
• Includes: With Power And FM Radio Cable/ Screws

Simrad 0013612001 Features & Benefits

• Plug And Play: FM Connector For SonicHub ™ 2 Or Any Compatible Stereo FM Unit
• Lightweight Unit: Just 260 Gram
• Waterproof: IPX7 Standard
• Low Power Consumption: Ideal For Sailboats Or Power Boats, The NSPL 500 Features A Low Average Power Consumption Of Less Than 150 MA At 12 Volt DC
• Wide Voltage Range
• High Performance With Low Loss: The NSPL 500’s High-Performance Design Means No Insertion Loss On AIS And VHF Receive, And Low Insertion Loss On AIS And VHF Transmit
• No Supplier Warranty

Simrad 0013612001 Installation Instructions

• NSPL-500_UM_EN_988-11241-001_w.pdf

Simrad 0013612001 Warranties

• Simrad-Professional-Global-Warranty-Policy-2016-v2.pdf

NSPL-500 Antenna Splitter

Save the hassle of installing a costly second antenna and use your existing single antenna with VHF/AIS/FM, by enlisting the lightweight, compact NSPL 500 antenna splitter. When combined with the NAIS 500 AIS system, you can see and be seen on the water, whether tackling busy shipping lanes or crowded ports.

Features:

• Plug and Play - FM connector for SonicHub™ 2 or any compatible stereo FM unit
• Lightweight Unit - Just 260 grams
• Waterproof - IPX7 standard
• Low Power Consumption - Ideal for sailboats or power boats, the NSPL 500 features a low average power consumption of less than 150 mA at 12 V DC
• Wide Voltage Range - The NSPL 500 is suitable for 12 or 24 V DC systems with a wide range of supported input voltages from 9.6 V to 31.2 V DC
• High Performance with Low Loss - The NSPL 500’s high-performance design means no insertion loss on AIS and VHF receive, and low insertion loss on AIS and VHF transmit

Simrad NSPL 500 AIS splitter 000 type 13612 001 plug-and-play FM connector for SonicHub 2 or any compatible stereo FM unit. The lightweight unit is only 260 grams. Waterproof IPX7...



Buy with the best price Navico NSPL-500 Antenna Splitter for only $296 from NVN Marine! Same day free shipping before 3pm.