{"product_id":"si-tex-mda-6-class-b-sotdma-ais-transceiver","title":"Si-Tex MDA-6 Class B SOTDMA AIS Transceiver 5W","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eThe Si-Tex MDA-6 is a 5-watt SOTDMA Class B\/SO AIS transceiver that lets your vessel see and be seen at greater range than a standard Class B unit. It transmits and receives AIS targets, includes an external GPS antenna, and connects over NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Rated IP67 and USCG certified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Si-Tex MDA-6 is a Class B\/SO AIS transceiver built for boaters who want to be seen early and track other traffic clearly. AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is how vessels broadcast their position, speed, and heading to one another and to shore stations. A transceiver like the MDA-6 does both halves of that job. It transmits your own vessel's data so others know exactly where you are, and it receives the AIS signals around you so you can see nearby ships on a compatible chartplotter, tablet, or laptop. On a busy waterway or in poor visibility, that shared picture is one of the best safety tools you can add to a boat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets the MDA-6 apart is how it transmits. It uses SOTDMA, a Class B\/SO signaling method, and pushes out a full 5 watts of transmit power. That's more than twice the power of a standard Class B AIS unit. More power and smarter timeslot handling mean your vessel gets detected earlier and at greater distances, even when the airwaves are crowded with traffic. It also updates more often, so the position other boats see for you stays current instead of lagging behind your actual movements. The MDA-6 continuously broadcasts dynamic data including speed over ground, course over ground, and heading, giving surrounding vessels a sharper, more accurate read on what you're doing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnectivity is where this unit really opens up. It talks to your electronics over NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and USB, so it drops into both traditional and modern network setups. On top of the wired connections, the MDA-6 has integrated high-power Wi-Fi, which lets you view AIS targets right on a tablet or laptop without a dedicated display. There's no built-in screen on the unit itself, and that's by design. It feeds the displays you already own instead of forcing you to buy another one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetup and daily use are handled through Si-Tex apps. A Bluetooth programming app makes initial configuration and troubleshooting quick, so entering your vessel details and getting on the air doesn't turn into an afternoon project. There's also an AIS Control App with hazard reporting, so you can flag and share on-water hazards with a familiar, easy-to-use interface. It's a modern take on a piece of gear that used to be fussy to commission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MDA-6 ships with an external GPS antenna, which feeds the precise position data your AIS broadcast depends on. Accurate position in equals accurate position out, and that external antenna helps the unit hold a solid fix even when it's mounted below deck. Power draw is low, so the transceiver won't be a burden on your electrical system whether you're running the engine or sitting at anchor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSi-Tex engineered the MDA-6 for real-world conditions. The housing is rated IP67, which means it's waterproof, dustproof, and vibration resistant, so it holds up in the damp, shaky places boats put electronics. It's compact and lightweight too, so you can find a home for it on just about any vessel without hunting for panel space. For the boater who wants dependable, high-priority AIS without the marketing fluff, that no-nonsense build is exactly the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's certified to the standards that matter, meeting IEC-62287-2 and carrying FCC and USCG certification, so you can install it with confidence that it meets the requirements for AIS equipment. If you're upgrading from receive-only AIS or adding a transceiver for the first time, the MDA-6 gives you strong transmit power, flexible connectivity, and easy app-based setup in one compact box. See and be seen, and do it farther out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing worth planning before you install is your VHF antenna setup. Like any AIS transceiver, the MDA-6 needs a VHF antenna to send and receive on the AIS channels, either a dedicated AIS antenna or a shared connection through a splitter with your existing VHF radio. Sort that out ahead of time and the rest of the install is straightforward. You'll enter your vessel name, call sign, and MMSI during the Bluetooth setup, and once you're programmed and on the air the MDA-6 quietly does its job in the background, making you more visible to the traffic around you every time you leave the dock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eClass B\/SO SOTDMA AIS transceiver, transmits and receives AIS targets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFull 5-watt transmit power, more than twice a standard Class B unit for earlier detection at greater range\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eContinuously broadcasts speed over ground, course over ground, and heading\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and USB connectivity for wired networks\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrated high-power Wi-Fi to view AIS targets on a tablet or laptop\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBluetooth programming app for fast setup and troubleshooting\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAIS Control App with on-water hazard reporting\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExternal GPS antenna included for accurate position broadcast\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIP67 rated, waterproof, dustproof, and vibration resistant\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact, lightweight design and low power consumption\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCertified to IEC-62287-2 with FCC and USCG certification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Si-Tex reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is a Class B\/SO AIS transceiver?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's a device that both transmits your vessel's AIS data and receives AIS signals from other boats. Class B\/SO uses SOTDMA signaling, which gives higher transmit priority and faster update rates than standard Class B, so you're seen more clearly by nearby traffic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow is the MDA-6 different from a standard Class B AIS?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe MDA-6 transmits at a full 5 watts, more than twice the power of a standard Class B unit. That extra power and its SOTDMA timing mean your vessel gets detected earlier and at greater distances, even in congested waterways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes the MDA-6 have its own screen?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo, and that's intentional. It feeds AIS data to displays you already own, like a compatible chartplotter, tablet, or laptop, over wired connections or its built-in Wi-Fi. That keeps the unit compact and lets you view targets on the screen you prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I view AIS targets from this unit?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYou can view targets on a compatible chartplotter through NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000, or on a tablet or laptop over the integrated high-power Wi-Fi. USB connectivity is available as well for computer-based navigation software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes it include a GPS antenna?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. The MDA-6 comes with an external GPS antenna. It supplies the precise position data your AIS broadcast depends on and helps the unit hold a solid fix even when mounted below deck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I set it up?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eSetup runs through a Bluetooth programming app, which makes entering your vessel details and troubleshooting quick and straightforward. There's also an AIS Control App with hazard reporting for daily use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs it waterproof enough for an open boat?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt carries an IP67 rating, so it's waterproof, dustproof, and vibration resistant. It's built to hold up in the damp, shaky spots where boats mount electronics, though a protected location is always best for longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs the MDA-6 certified for use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. It meets the IEC-62287-2 standard and carries FCC and USCG certification, so it meets the requirements for AIS transceiver equipment. You'll enter your vessel MMSI and details during setup before transmitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSi-Tex MDA-6 Class B SOTDMA AIS Transceiver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSi-Tex\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDA-6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e010407510729\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAIS Transceiver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAIS Class\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClass B\/SO (SOTDMA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTransmit Power\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 watts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGPS\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExternal GPS antenna included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBuilt-in Display\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone, feeds external displays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWired Connectivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, USB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWireless\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated high-power Wi-Fi, Bluetooth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eApps\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBluetooth programming app, AIS Control App with hazard reporting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBroadcast Data\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpeed over ground, course over ground, heading\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater Rating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP67 waterproof, dustproof, vibration resistant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCertifications\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIEC-62287-2, FCC, USCG\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is a Class B\/SO AIS transceiver?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's a device that both transmits your vessel's AIS data and receives AIS signals from other boats. Class B\/SO uses SOTDMA signaling, which gives higher transmit priority and faster update rates than standard Class B, so you're seen more clearly by nearby traffic.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How is the MDA-6 different from a standard Class B AIS?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The MDA-6 transmits at a full 5 watts, more than twice the power of a standard Class B unit. That extra power and its SOTDMA timing mean your vessel gets detected earlier and at greater distances, even in congested waterways.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does the MDA-6 have its own screen?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"No, and that's intentional. It feeds AIS data to displays you already own, like a compatible chartplotter, tablet, or laptop, over wired connections or its built-in Wi-Fi. That keeps the unit compact and lets you view targets on the screen you prefer.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do I view AIS targets from this unit?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"You can view targets on a compatible chartplotter through NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000, or on a tablet or laptop over the integrated high-power Wi-Fi. USB connectivity is available as well for computer-based navigation software.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does it include a GPS antenna?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. The MDA-6 comes with an external GPS antenna. It supplies the precise position data your AIS broadcast depends on and helps the unit hold a solid fix even when mounted below deck.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do I set it up?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Setup runs through a Bluetooth programming app, which makes entering your vessel details and troubleshooting quick and straightforward. There's also an AIS Control App with hazard reporting for daily use.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is it waterproof enough for an open boat?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It carries an IP67 rating, so it's waterproof, dustproof, and vibration resistant. It's built to hold up in the damp, shaky spots where boats mount electronics, though a protected location is always best for longevity.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is the MDA-6 certified for use?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. It meets the IEC-62287-2 standard and carries FCC and USCG certification, so it meets the requirements for AIS transceiver equipment. You'll enter your vessel MMSI and details during setup before transmitting.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Si-Tex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44784530554973,"sku":"1004543","price":827.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0299\/7266\/0317\/files\/112597XL.jpg?v=1784899548","url":"https:\/\/nvnmarine.com\/products\/si-tex-mda-6-class-b-sotdma-ais-transceiver","provider":"NVN Marine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}