Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS Transceiver with Antenna Splitter

The Raymarine AIS700 (part E70476) is the Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver designed primarily for Raymarine multifunction navigation displays but compatible with any chartplotter through standard NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 connections. Full transmit and receive AIS, the latest SO-TDMA networking technology, built-in VHF antenna splitter so the AIS shares your existing VHF radio antenna, dedicated internal 72-channel GPS receiver with external GNSS antenna included, both hardware and software-enabled Silent Mode for security situations, and the rugged IPX6/IPX7 waterproof construction that handles real marine helm exposure. For Raymarine helm builds, the AIS700 is the natural AIS choice. For non-Raymarine helms with NMEA networking, it works equally well.

What an AIS transceiver actually does. AIS broadcasts your vessel's position, heading, speed, and identifying information over a dedicated VHF marine band channel that all other AIS-equipped vessels in range can receive. At the same time, it receives the same information from other AIS-equipped vessels around you. Your chartplotter shows their positions and headings as targets on the chart. AIS dramatically improves collision avoidance in any condition where visibility is reduced (fog, night, busy harbors) and gives you positive identification of vessels you're communicating with on VHF.

SO-TDMA networking is the modern Class B AIS standard. SO-TDMA stands for Self-Organized Time Division Multiple Access, which is the protocol Class B/SO transceivers use to coordinate transmission timing without conflicting with Class A commercial vessel transmissions. Compared to the older CSTDMA Class B protocol, SO-TDMA delivers longer range and faster reporting intervals (5 to 30 seconds depending on speed instead of the older 30-second-fixed reporting). Faster reporting means commercial bridges see your position with less lag, which matters in close-quarters maneuvering.

The built-in VHF antenna splitter is the install convenience that owners notice most. AIS transmits and receives on the marine VHF band (channels 87 and 88, the dedicated AIS channels). Without an antenna splitter, you'd need either a dedicated AIS antenna mounted somewhere on the boat or you'd need an external antenna splitter box. The AIS700 has the splitter built in, so you connect your existing VHF antenna to the AIS700 and the AIS700 connects to your VHF radio. VHF and AIS share the same antenna without interference. One mast-mount antenna covers both functions, which is a major install win on space-constrained boats.

Internal 72-channel GPS receiver with external GNSS antenna handles AIS positioning. The 72-channel receiver tracks GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo constellation signals for sub-meter positioning accuracy. The external GNSS antenna mounts on a clear-sky location (typically the mast top or a dedicated antenna mount) and connects to the AIS700 via the included antenna cable. Required by international standards for Class B AIS units (the AIS GPS antenna can't be hidden inside the boat). The GPS in the AIS700 is dedicated to AIS positioning and doesn't replace your chartplotter's primary GPS.

Silent Mode is the security feature that distinguishes the AIS700 from basic Class B units. With Silent Mode enabled, the transceiver continues to receive AIS broadcasts from other vessels (so you maintain situational awareness) but stops broadcasting your own position. Useful for security situations: cruising in waters where you don't want your position publicly tracked, fishing on productive spots that you don't want to advertise to other AIS-equipped vessels, or operating in a security-sensitive context. Silent Mode is enabled either via a hardware switch on the unit (or wired to a remote switch) or via software command from a connected chartplotter, depending on which control style your install prefers.

NMEA 2000 connectivity for direct integration with the boat's modern N2K backbone. NMEA 0183 connectivity for older legacy electronics that haven't been upgraded to N2K. SeaTalkng connectivity for the Raymarine ecosystem of instruments and autopilots (the included DeviceNet to SeaTalkng adapter cable is what bridges between the standard N2K and the Raymarine SeaTalkng connector standard). USB / PC connection for setup and diagnostic configuration via a Windows computer. The full connectivity stack means the AIS700 fits in any helm build, whether all-Raymarine or mixed-vendor.

FCC programming requirement. Important note for U.S. owners: the FCC requires all Class B AIS units sold in the U.S. to be programmed by a qualified technician with the vessel's MMSI number, vessel name, and other identifying information before the unit can transmit. Programming requires a copy of the MMSI Registration or FCC Ship Station License plus the vessel master's or owner's signature on the programming form. Most marine electronics dealers offer programming services. Submit the programming form at time of purchase to have the unit programmed before shipping (programming may add 1 to 2 business days to delivery).

The IPX6/IPX7 waterproof rating is what you'd expect for a marine helm-mount AIS. IPX6 means the unit handles powerful water jets from any direction. IPX7 means immersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The blackbox form factor lives below deck or behind the dash, but the rating means brief water exposure during install or troubleshooting won't kill the unit.

Compatibility with Raymarine multifunction displays is the primary design intent. AIS targets appear directly on Raymarine chartplotter screens with full target identification, CPA / TCPA collision-prediction alarms, and target-vessel detail inspection. For Raymarine Axiom, eS Series, and gS Series MFDs, the AIS700 is the recommended AIS option for the Raymarine ecosystem. For non-Raymarine MFDs that accept NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 AIS data, the AIS700 also works (with feature support varying by chartplotter manufacturer).

What's in the box. The AIS700 transceiver, the external GNSS antenna with its mounting hardware and connection cable, the power cable, the data cable, the VHF radio interface cable, and the DeviceNet to SeaTalkng adapter cable for connecting to Raymarine SeaTalkng networks. The VHF antenna itself is sold separately (most boats already have one and the AIS700 shares it via the internal splitter).

Mount the AIS700 anywhere sheltered from direct water exposure: behind the dash, in a sealed equipment locker, in the engine room (away from heat sources), or in any other dry location. The IPX6/IPX7 rating gives margin for incidental exposure but the unit isn't intended for permanent wet-mount install. The external GNSS antenna mounts where it has clear sky view (typically the mast top or a dedicated antenna platform).

What this isn't. It is not a Class A AIS (which is required for commercial vessels over 65 feet and certain other categories, with higher transmit power and continuous reporting intervals). It is not a receive-only AIS (those are smaller, simpler, cheaper, but don't transmit your position). It is not a chartplotter or display (the AIS targets show on a connected chartplotter or MFD).

2-Year Limited Raymarine warranty. Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock units (note: programming may add 1 to 2 business days for programming and verification before shipment).