AIS 162 MHz Outdoor Antenna, White

I have used this antenna with the matching receiver (Ship Xplorer usb receiver) attached to a Libre single board computer with AIS-Catcher software and had surprisingly good reception. The key to success is taking the time to set up the SDR software for best reception and then getting the antenna as high as posssible. I was able to pick up signals across Lake Michigan, 71 miles away. I’m not sure a full sized AIS antenna with the need to add adapters to fit into the Ship Xplorer AIS receiver would do much more, but it would easily cost twice as much.

This antenna is decent as an entry level antenna. It was mounted approx 75ft ASL and approx 3 miles from the ocean. I had it paired with an Uputronics 162MHz LNA and filter. The antenna performed OK, picking up just about everything in the local marina, but I wanted something that was more consistent at picking up vessels further offshore. I ultimately returned this antenna and upgraded to a DPD Productions AIS antenna. This antenna is decent, but it would probably be best if you are less than a mile from the ocean.