Garmin AIS 800 Class B/SO Blackbox Transceiver

The Garmin AIS 800 (part 010-02087-00) is the Class B/SO blackbox AIS transceiver in Garmin's marine AIS line. Five watts of transmit power for the new Class B/SO position-reporting standard (faster reporting than the older Class B), built-in GPS antenna for AIS positioning, NMEA 2000 connectivity for direct integration with compatible chartplotters and multifunction displays, and the internal VHF antenna splitter that means you don't have to install a second mast antenna for AIS. IPX7 waterproof black box that you mount where you've got space and forget about until you need to look at AIS targets on the chart.

What an AIS transceiver actually does. AIS (Automatic Identification System) broadcasts your vessel's position, heading, speed, and identifying information over a dedicated VHF 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, so you know where the commercial traffic is, where the cargo ships are, where the fishing fleet is. AIS dramatically improves collision avoidance in any condition where visibility is reduced (fog, night, busy harbors, restricted visibility around bridges) and gives you positive identification of vessels you're communicating with on VHF.

Class B/SO is the upgrade from the older Class B. Class B is the recreational AIS class with 2-watt transmit power and slower position reporting (every 30 seconds while moving, every 3 minutes at anchor). Class B/SO bumps the transmit power to 5 watts and reports position every 5 to 30 seconds depending on speed. Faster reporting means commercial vessels and other recreational AIS users see your position update with less lag, which matters in close-quarters maneuvering and high-traffic situations. The 5-watt power means your transmissions reach further (typically 7 to 10 nautical miles vs. 3 to 5 for Class B), giving traffic earlier warning that you're in the area.

The blackbox form factor is the right install style for boats where helm space is at a premium. Older AIS units were panel-mount with their own display and controls, which meant you had to find dash space for them. The blackbox AIS lives in a sheltered location below deck or behind the dash, and the AIS data appears as targets on your existing chartplotter. No additional helm space required, and the cleaner installation looks better than another panel-mount box on the dash.

Built-in GPS handles AIS positioning without requiring a separate AIS-dedicated GPS antenna. The internal antenna gets fix from inside the boat under most conditions. for boats where the AIS lives in a particularly sheltered location with poor sky view, the rear-panel connector accepts an optional external GPS antenna for more reliable fix in marginal conditions. Most installs work fine with the internal antenna.

NMEA 2000 connectivity is the connection story. Plug the AIS 800 into your NMEA 2000 backbone via the included T-connector and drop cable, and AIS targets appear automatically on any compatible chartplotter or MFD on the same network. Garmin chartplotters integrate AIS targets directly into the chart display with target identification, CPA / TCPA alarms, and right-click target inspection. Other NMEA 2000 chartplotters from major brands also receive the AIS data and display it (with feature support varying by manufacturer).

The internal 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 AIS dedicated channels). Without an antenna splitter, you'd need either a dedicated AIS antenna mounted somewhere on the boat or you'd need to share your VHF antenna using an external splitter box. The AIS 800 has the splitter built in, so you connect your existing VHF antenna to the AIS 800 and the AIS 800 connects to your VHF radio. VHF and AIS share the same antenna without interference. One mast-mount antenna covers both functions.

The 5-watt Class B/SO transmit power and the position reporting timing gives the AIS 800 measurably better visibility than older Class B units. In a busy harbor entrance where multiple commercial vessels are in close-quarters maneuvering, faster reporting means the cargo ship's bridge sees your position update every 10 to 30 seconds instead of every 30 to 180 seconds. That's the difference between the bridge being able to plan a turn around you and the bridge having stale position data that's useless for collision avoidance.

FCC programming requirement. Important note for U.S. owners: the FCC requires all Class B and Class B/SO 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 (downloadable from the Garmin product page or available from your dealer) at time of purchase to have the unit programmed before shipping.

What's in the box. The AIS 800 transceiver, the NMEA 2000 T-connector for connecting to your existing N2K backbone, a 2-meter NMEA 2000 drop cable, the VHF antenna extension cable, the USB adapter for connecting the unit to a PC for configuration if needed, and the power cable. The VHF antenna itself is sold separately (most boats already have one). The optional external GPS antenna is also sold separately if your install location has poor sky view.

Mount the AIS 800 anywhere sheltered from direct water exposure. Behind the dash, in a sealed equipment locker, in the engine room (away from heat and vibration sources), or in any other dry location. The IPX7 waterproof rating means brief incidental water exposure is fine, but the unit isn't intended for permanent wet-mount installation. Keep AC noise sources (alternators, switching power supplies) away from the unit's GPS antenna for cleaner reception.

Power consumption is low (250 mA in receive-only mode, 400 mA peak during transmit). Wire to a 12V DC fused circuit. The unit can stay powered continuously without significant drain on the boat's battery system. most users leave it powered whenever the boat's main switch is on.

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 power and continuous reporting). It is not a receive-only AIS (those are smaller, simpler, cheaper, but don't transmit your position to other vessels). It is not the GPS 24xd or other Garmin standalone GPS receivers (the AIS 800 includes GPS for its AIS positioning function but doesn't replace a chartplotter GPS).

1-Year Limited Garmin 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).