The Furuno FA30’s Ethernet port means it can plug right into a NavNet vx2 network, but it also offers standard NMEA AIS output and comes with a PC AIS plotting program able to use the Ethernet feed, so it can be set up in many ways. The FA30—expected to cost less than $1,000—is a true dual-channel receiver (see more on Class B AIS transponders), which incidentally, Furuno plans to “eventually” offer in this same slightly bulky 10″x8.5″x3.5″ casing. ACR showed a Class B prototype in Miami, and at least one other major manufacturer had one behind its booth.
Furuno
(360) 834-9300
This article originally appeared in the May 2007 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
