AIS TESTER M1
TEST AIS and AIS-SARTs in scope of IMO Radio Survey
AIS Tester M1 – Professional Annual Survey Solution
The AIS Tester M1 is a specialized instrument built for marine surveyors who perform mandatory yearly inspections of Class A and Class B AIS transceivers, AIS base stations, Aids to Navigation (AtoNs), and AIS-SARTs. Fully aligned with IMO and SOLAS requirements, the device follows the procedures detailed in IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1252 (Guidelines on annual testing of the AIS unit).
Trusted by surveyors worldwide for over 15 years, the AIS Tester M1 has built a reputation for field-proven reliability. It serves as the go-to tool for both periodic vessel surveys and shore-based maintenance tasks, all in accordance with IMO’s annual AIS testing guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1252). With the M1, an inspector can assess any AIS station — new or old — and verify that every functional parameter meets relevant international standards.
As an established industry benchmark, the device benefits from continuous improvement. Regular firmware and software updates from our engineering team keep the tester current with evolving technology. Whatever the generation of AIS equipment under review, the AIS Tester M1 gives the surveyor full confidence in the results.
Physical Specifications
The AIS Tester M1 is purpose-built for professionals performing mandatory annual checks on Class A/B AIS mobile stations, AIS-SARTs, and other compliant devices. It is manufactured in line with ITU-R M.1371-3, M.1371-5 (02/2014), and IEC 61993-2, supporting operation on both AIS Channel 1 (ch87B) and AIS Channel 2 (ch88B). This ensures it can interrogate effectively any AIS unit on the market.
Standard delivery comes in a cardboard carton. For those who need extra protection in the field, an optional watertight, crushproof hard plastic case if is available.
- Main unit dimensions: 195 × 101 × 43 mm
- Main unit weight: 0.55 kg
- Hard case dimensions: 280 × 250 × 110 mm
- Total weight in hard case: 1.5 kg
Key Features & Functionality
The AIS Tester M1 combines a straightforward user interface with powerful testing capabilities. Its feature set includes:
- Frequency Measurement: Accurately measures AIS carrier frequencies on channels 1 and 2.
- Power Output Verification: Measures or estimates transmitted AIS power on both channels.
- Message Decoding & Reception: Receives and fully decodes standard AIS messages.
- Data Transmission: Sends predefined or custom data to AIS stations.
- DSC Polling (Ch.70): Passes DSC polling information to check VHF and AIS integration.
- Virtual Vessel Response: Tests how the AIS responds to a simulated vessel.
- NMEA Data Simulation: Generates simulated NMEA data streams for comprehensive diagnostics.
- AIS Data Simulation: Transmits realistic AIS data including vessel name, position, dimensions, course, speed, and more.
- DSC Message Exchange: Transmits and receives multiple DSC message types for VHF station testing.
- AIS-SART Validation: Runs function checks specifically designed for AIS search and rescue transmitters.
- External Sensor & Pilot Plug Input: Accepts data directly from a pilot plug or external sensors.
Additional Capabilities
- Compatible with all Class A and Class B AIS stations.
- Measures carrier frequency from 156 to 162 MHz with an accuracy of ±99 Hz.
- Supports external sensors and the standard pilot plug interface.
- Built-in memory logs received data and retains up to 10 complete test results.
- Simple PC, laptop, or notebook connection for managing stored data.
- Intuitive desktop software for Windows and macOS, enabling database storage, result review, report generation, and printing.
- Long-life, easily replaceable batteries (4 × 1.5V AA), with the option for external DC power (4.5–7V, minimum 500 mA load).
- Field recalibration possible without returning the unit to the factory.
- Backed by a 2-year warranty. All test sequences strictly adhere to international regulations, in particular the procedures defined in MSC.1/Circ.1252. Results appear in real time on the tester’s built-in LCD, can be stored internally, or transferred to a PC where a professional survey report can be compiled with a single click.