The Furuno FA-50 is a Class B AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder designed to exchange real-time navigation and vessel data between ships and coastal stations. It enhances situational awareness and collision avoidance, especially for small commercial vessels, fishing boats, and yachts.
Technical Specification
he FA-50 consists of:
- Transponder unit (main processing system)
- Internal GPS receiver + external GPS antenna
- External VHF antenna (required)
Inside the unit:
- VHF transmitter
- Two TDMA AIS receivers (dual-channel)
- Communication processor and interface circuits
📡 AIS Communication System
- Operates on VHF AIS frequencies (156–162 MHz)
- Uses TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology for communication
- Transmits and receives:
- Vessel identity (MMSI)
- Position, speed, and course
- Voyage and safety-related data
👉 This allows vessels to “see and be seen” electronically in all conditions (fog, night, heavy traffic).
🛰️ GPS & Navigation Function
- Built-in 12-channel GPS receiver (all-in-view)
- Supports differential GPS (DGPS) for improved accuracy
- Provides:
- Latitude / Longitude
- Course Over Ground (COG)
- Speed Over Ground (SOG)
👉 GPS data is used to:
- Synchronize AIS transmissions
- Provide accurate vessel position
🔌 Interfaces & Integration
- Outputs AIS data via:
- NMEA (IEC 61162) serial interface
- Ethernet connection
- Can connect to:
- Radar systems
- Chartplotters
- ECDIS / PC software
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