AIS / VHF / FM Antenna Splitter (SP160)

At last An Antenna Splitter with Gain Not Loss

Many AIS splitters introduce significant signal loss, some say no loss but this unique Vesper Marine splitter is the only one that provides signal gain - improving AIS reception and increasing range. This is because the Vesper Marine splitter has a built-in low noise amplifier. This is especially important to increase the receive range from the increasing number of low power AIS SART and MOB devices.

In addition to the amplification provided by this splitter, when used with your existing antenna you can optimize the range of your AIS transponder because the antenna is also mounted as high as possible.

Designed to work with all Vesper Marine AIS transponders including the popular WatchMate XB-6000 and WatchMate XB-8000. In addition it has a unique on-screen VHF-in-use indicator when used with the WatchMate 850 and WatchMate Vision AIS transponders.

Increases the performance of other manufacturer's AIS receivers and transponders too!

To simplify installation you can share an existing VHF antenna by using this splitter. The unit removes the need for a separate VHF antenna for an AIS receiver or transponder and allows a single antenna to be shared with a VHF radio.

This is an excellent solution when it is difficult to install an additional antenna or you wish to share an existing VHF antenna and maximize your AIS range.

This Vesper Marine splitter is specifically designed for use with both AIS receivers and transponders.

You can use this splitter with an existing antenna installation that is in good operating condition. However, for an optimized AIS and VHF antenna system, choose our AIS antenna designed to be shared with VHF radios.

Our splitter includes two 2m (6.5ft) long patch cables to go between the splitter, AIS and your VHF radio. This provides everything needed for most installations. However, if you require a longer cable be sure to choose high quality marine grade 50 ohm cable with standard PL259 plugs to go between the splitter and your AIS transponder or VHF.

AIS Sensitivity Gain

The SP160 provides amplification to the AIS signal resulting in much higher AIS sensitivity, improving AIS receive range.

Low power consumption

Very low power consumption designed to save your battery power.

Simple connections

No adapters or special patch cords needed for VHF/AIS. Uses standard PL-259 patch cables (two 2m (6.5ft) cables included).

Easy installation

Very compact and easy to install with built-in mounting flanges.

LED status indicators

4 status LED's (power, VHF transmit, AIS transmit, antenna quality).

AM and FM radio connection

Provides AM/FM radio connection. An optional cable with a standard "Motorola plug" is available to make installation easy. Plugs directly into almost all car or marine stereos.

VHF-in-use indicator

VHF-in-use indicator appears on the screen of the WatchMate 850 and WatchMate Vision AIS transponders whenever the VHF radio is being used. This unique feature indicates when AIS traffic is delayed due to the antenna being in-use by the VHF radio and is also an excellent indicator if a stuck-mic condition exists.

Fail-safe VHF priority

VHF radio always has priority and the VHF can always transmit even if the power to the splitter fails.

Antenna quality monitor indicates if there is a problem

The unique antenna quality LED will indicate a problem with the antenna, cable or installation.

12 or 24 Volt supply

Designed to work with either 12 or 24 volt supply.

Waterproof

IPx7 rated. High quality rugged construction made specifically for marine use.

High performance

The Vesper Marine SP160 Splitter has higher performance than any other AIS splitter, whether it's used with an AIS receiver or transponder. It’s also been designed to be used with other manufacturer's AIS receivers and transponders making it very versatile.

One easy to install junction box

This new splitter provides a convenient and intelligent junction box for VHF, AIS and AM/FM break out points. Using the SP160 allows AIS transponders or AIS receivers to be easily installed with a single coaxial cable run to each device and only one cable to your shared VHF antenna.

Outstanding receive performance

The unique design of the SP160 means it doesn't have the signal loss associated with other AIS splitters ensuring you can achieve full performance from your VHF radio and your Vesper Marine WatchMate or XB-8000 (or other AIS receiver or transponder).

Improves AIS receive range

The SP160 improves AIS receive range by providing amplification to the AIS signal resulting in much higher AIS sensitivity - especially useful for receiving the growing number of 2W Class B AIS transceivers.

What's In The Box

Frequency Range	156MHz to 163MHz
Operating temperature	-25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F)
Environmental	Watertight (USCG CFR-46, IPx7)
Power Supply	10-32 VDC, <0.8W nominal
Maximum Current	270 mA
Overall Size	135mm Long x 107 Wide x 56 Deep (5 5/16” x 4 1/4“ x 2 1/4”) (includes connectors)
Maximum VHF power	25W
Maximum AIS power	12.5W
Compatibility	Fully compatible with all Vesper Marine AIS transponders and receivers. Also compatible with other manufacturer's AIS receivers and transponders and will typically increase their performance.
Antenna Connector	50 ohm, SO-239 (UHF)
VHF & AIS Connectors	SO-239 (UHF). Requires two appropriate length standard 50 ohm patch cables with PL-259 plugs (two 2m (6.5ft) cables included).
AM / FM Connector	75 ohm, BNC, optional 2m (6') cable available BNC to Motorola plug
Patch Cable	Two provided as standard. 2m (6.5ft) long 50 Ω cable with PL259 connectors.
Insertion Loss	VHF RX <1.5dB / VHF TX <1dB / AIS TX <1dB
AM/FM Insertion Loss	AM [500kHz - 26 MHz] 3dB Max, FM [87 - 108 MHz] 8 dB Max
AIS Receive Gain	12dB
Noise Figure	<1.5dB
Switching Time	<10µs
AIS Sensitivity with Vesper Marine transponders	-119 dBm, 6dB improvement

Specifications may change due to product improvements.