Raymarine AIS700 Class B Transceiver with Splitter E70476

What Is the Raymarine AIS700 and Why Does It Matter?

AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is a VHF radio-based technology that allows vessels to exchange real-time position, speed, heading, and identification data with one another and with shore-based stations. The Raymarine AIS700 is a Class B AIS transceiver, meaning it both receives AIS data from other vessels and transmits your own vessel's information outward. This two-way capability is a significant step beyond a receive-only AIS unit: not only can you see commercial ships, ferries, and other AIS-equipped vessels on your chart display, but those vessels can also see you.

For boaters navigating busy shipping lanes, coastal passages, or low-visibility conditions, having your vessel appear on a commercial ship's AIS display can be a meaningful safety advantage. The AIS700 is designed to integrate cleanly into a Raymarine navigation system, making it a natural addition for owners of Axiom, eS, gS, or legacy Raymarine MFD series.

Built-in VHF Antenna Splitter: Simplified Installation

One of the most practical aspects of the AIS700 is its integrated VHF antenna splitter. Most vessels already have a VHF radio antenna installed, and running a second dedicated antenna solely for AIS is not always feasible or desirable. The built-in splitter allows the AIS700 to share your existing wideband VHF antenna with your VHF radio, eliminating the need for a separate AIS antenna and reducing the number of cable runs and deck penetrations required.

It is important to note that the AIS700 requires a wideband VHF antenna covering 156 MHz to 162 MHz. Using an antenna optimised only for AIS frequencies or only for standard VHF radio frequencies can cause performance issues or damage to the unit. A wideband antenna with a VSWR not exceeding 2:1 across the full frequency range, 50-ohm impedance, a maximum gain of 3 dBi, and a PL-259 connector type is recommended.

SO-TDMA Networking for Reliable AIS Performance

The AIS700 uses SO-TDMA (Self-Organising Time Division Multiple Access) networking, which is the latest Class B AIS transmission protocol. SO-TDMA allows Class B transceivers to operate more efficiently on shared VHF channels, providing longer range and faster update performance compared to older CSTDMA-based Class B units. The AIS700 includes one transmitter and two receivers, allowing it to monitor both AIS channels simultaneously while transmitting your vessel's position data.

The unit's GNSS receiver supports both GPS and GLONASS positioning, with 72 channels and a nominal cold-start acquisition time of 26 seconds. A passive GNSS antenna with a 10-metre (33 ft) captive cable is included in the box and must be installed with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky for the AIS to function correctly.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The AIS700 is designed to work within a Raymarine navigation ecosystem but also supports connection to third-party displays. It is compatible with NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, SeaTalkng, and PC via USB, giving installers flexibility in how the unit is integrated into an existing electronics suite.

For Raymarine MFD users, SeaTalkng is the preferred connection method and is compatible with LightHouse 3 MFDs including Axiom XL, Axiom Pro, and Axiom series, as well as LightHouse 2 MFDs including gS, eS, a, e, and c Series. Legacy E-Series, C-Series, G-Series, and A-Series MFDs are also supported, with E-Series Classic and C-Series Classic connecting via NMEA 0183 only. Compatible instrument displays include the i70 and i70s. Third-party displays can connect via NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 at 38,400 baud.

• SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000: preferred connection for Raymarine and compatible third-party MFDs
• NMEA 0183: two bidirectional ports with configurable baud rates, RS422 levels, 4-wire differential signalling
• USB (Micro-B): for initial configuration using the ProAIS2 software on a PC or laptop
• Silent Mode switch: hardware connection available via bare-ended wires on the power/data cable

Silent Mode: Discretion When You Need It

The AIS700 includes a Silent Mode that stops the unit from transmitting your vessel's position data while still allowing it to receive AIS information from other vessels. Silent Mode can be activated either through software via a connected Raymarine MFD or through a dedicated hardware switch wired to the power/data cable. The hardware switch, when fitted, overrides the MFD setting. This feature is useful in situations where you prefer not to broadcast your position while still maintaining full situational awareness of surrounding traffic.

Installation and Initial Configuration

The AIS700 is designed for below-deck mounting on a flat, secure surface. The unit should be located away from prolonged direct exposure to rain and salt spray, kept clear of motors, generators, and radio transmitters that could cause electrical interference, and positioned where the LED status indicator is easily visible for diagnostics.

Before first use, the AIS700 must be configured using a PC or laptop running the ProAIS2 software, which is available for download from the Raymarine website. Configuration must include programming the unit with a valid 9-digit MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number. In Canada, you do not need a licence to operate this product within the sovereign waters of Canada or the United States. For operation outside of Canada or the USA, licensing information is available from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Note that the MMSI number can only be entered once; if it needs to be changed after initial programming, the unit must be re-programmed by an authorised Raymarine dealer.

The included GNSS antenna must be mounted in a location with a clear, unobstructed line of sight to the sky, at least 1 metre (3 ft) from other antennas and electronic equipment, and not up a mast where swinging could introduce position errors. The grounding stud on the unit must be connected to the vessel's RF ground point via a suitable grounding strap (not supplied) to safely discharge energy from near-lightning strikes.

What's in the Box

The AIS700 ships with everything needed to complete a standard installation, including the GNSS antenna, all necessary cables, mounting hardware, and configuration software.

• AIS700 Class B AIS Transceiver with built-in VHF antenna splitter
• GNSS (GPS) antenna with captive 10 m (33 ft) cable
• Power/data cable 2 m (6.56 ft)
• VHF Radio cable 1 m (3.28 ft)
• DeviceNet to SeaTalkng adaptor cable 1 m (3.28 ft)
• GNSS antenna gasket
• GNSS antenna pole mount
• Unit fixings: 4 x No.8x19 self-tapping screws
• M5 nut and washer for grounding
• GNSS antenna fixings: 3 x M3x40 stud and thumb nut
• Software CD
• Documentation kit

LED Status Indicator at a Glance

The AIS700 includes an onboard LED status indicator that provides a quick visual reference for the unit's operating state, making it straightforward to confirm normal operation or identify issues during installation and use.

• Green: transceiver is powered up and operating normally
• Amber: transceiver is not transmitting - check for a local authority quiet-time request
• Red: transceiver fault or MMSI number not programmed
• Blue: transceiver is running in Silent Mode and not transmitting

Specifications

• Supply Voltage: 12 V dc / 24 V dc
• Operating Voltage Range: 9.6 V dc to 31.2 V dc
• Power Consumption: <3 W
• Peak Current: 3 A
• Fuse Rating: 3 A
• LEN (Load Equivalency Number): 1
• Operating Temperature Range: -15°C to +55°C (+5°F to +131°F)
• Storage Temperature Range: -20°C to +75°C (-4°F to +167°F)
• Humidity: Up to 93% at 40°C
• Water Ingress Protection: IPx6, IPx7
• AIS Transmitters: 1
• AIS Receivers: 2
• Transmitting Frequency Range: 156.0 MHz to 162.025 MHz
• Receiving Frequency Range: 156.0 MHz to 174.0 MHz
• Channel Spacing: 25 kHz
• AIS Performance: 5 W SO-TDMA
• GNSS Channels: 72
• GNSS Cold Start Acquisition: 26 s (nominal)
• GNSS Position Sources: GPS, GLONASS
• VHF Antenna Connector Type: SO-239 co-axial
• VHF Radio Connector Type: SO-239 co-axial
• GNSS Antenna Connector Type: 50 Ohm TNC co-axial
• SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 Connector Type: 5-way DeviceNet male
• Power and NMEA 0183 Connection: 12-way bare-ended wires
• NMEA 0183 Port 1 (MFD Connection): NMEA 0183 HS (IEC 61162-1) compliant, bi-directional, RS422 levels, 4-wire interface (differential signalling), configurable baud rate
• NMEA 0183 Port 2 (Instrument Connection): NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162-1) compliant, bi-directional, RS422 levels, 4-wire interface (differential signalling), configurable baud rate
• USB Connection: Micro-B
• Earth Stud: Threaded stud (M5 nut and washer supplied)
• Silent Mode Switch Connection: 2-way bare-ended wires
• GNSS Antenna Cable Length: 10 m (33 ft)
• Power/Data Cable Length (supplied): 2 m (6.56 ft)
• VHF Radio Cable Length (supplied): 1 m (3.28 ft)
• DeviceNet to SeaTalkng Adaptor Cable Length (supplied): 1 m (3.28 ft)
• Recommended VHF Antenna Frequency Band: 156.025 MHz to 162.025 MHz
• Recommended VHF Antenna VSWR: Not to exceed 2:1 across entire frequency range
• Recommended VHF Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohm wideband
• Recommended VHF Antenna Gain: 3 dBi max.
• Recommended VHF Antenna Connector: PL-259

Key Features 

• Full Class B transmit and receive: your vessel is visible on other mariners' AIS displays, not just the other way around
• Built-in VHF antenna splitter: share your existing VHF antenna with the AIS700, avoiding the need for a separate antenna and additional cable runs
• SO-TDMA networking: provides longer range and faster position update performance compared to older Class B protocols
• Dual-receiver architecture: monitors both AIS VHF channels simultaneously so no targets are missed
• GPS and GLONASS positioning: dual-constellation GNSS support improves position fix reliability in challenging environments
• Silent Mode via software or hardware switch: stop transmitting your position instantly when discretion is required, while continuing to receive AIS data
• IPx6 and IPx7 water ingress protection: withstands water jets and temporary immersion for reliable below-deck installation
• Dual-voltage operation: compatible with both 12 V dc and 24 V dc vessel electrical systems
• Broad Raymarine MFD compatibility: integrates with LightHouse 3 and LightHouse 2 MFDs including Axiom, eS, gS, a, e, and c Series via SeaTalkng or NMEA 0183
• Third-party display support: connects to non-Raymarine chartplotters via NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 at 38,400 baud
• LED status indicator: four-colour LED provides an at-a-glance confirmation of operating status, silent mode, or fault conditions
• Complete installation kit included: GNSS antenna with 10 m cable, all data and power cables, mounting hardware, and ProAIS2 configuration software included in the box