Vesper Marine XB-6000 AIS Transponder

Vesper Marine WatchMate XB-6000 is a Class B AIS transponder with a two channel parallel receiver and transmitter. It transmits your vessel position and details and receives the same kind of information from other vessels with AIS transponders.
The AIS data is sent every few seconds and includes information such as course, speed, latitude, longitude, and heading. Static information about the vessel is sent every few minutes and includes the name, type of vessel, length, beam, draft, etc.

NMEA 2000 Gateway

Simply plug the XB-6000 into your NMEA 2000 network and your integration is done. Or connect it to the NMEA 0183 input on your chart plotter. And if you have a mixed network you can even use the XB-6000 to integrate the two by connecting your XB-6000 to your NMEA 2000 navigation instruments and a NMEA 0183 chart plotter. The XB-6000 makes your new NMEA 2000 instruments appear on the chart plotter!
Translates NMEA 2000 instrument data (heading, wind, depth, speed, log, temperature) and routes it over USB and NMEA 0183.
All NMEA 2000 navigation data is combined with GPS and AIS data and sent to computers via USB. Display and use this data in your navigation applications on Windows and Mac navigation software.

High speed 5Hz GPS navigation and built-in GPS Antenna

A built-in 50 channel GPS receiver (with WAAS/EGNOS) and its own internal GPS antenna eliminates the need to install an external GPS antenna in many situations, however, it also includes a powerful external antenna for those installations that require it. The external antenna can be pole mounted on standard 1" threaded tubing or mounted on a flat surface with the included base. The cable has a small connector, about the same diameter as the cable, to facilitate easy routing through small holes.
The fast 5Hz GPS update rate results in higher resolution and smoother tracks on your plotter or MFD, even during high speed maneuvers. It can be used as a source of GPS data for the entire NMEA 2000 network.

Easy to install

Mounting
Mounting the XB-6000 is made easy with innovative cable connection points that create low profile installations. As well as being waterproof the XB-6000 also has multiple connection options: NMEA 2000 / 0183 and USB connectivity.
Fully Waterproof
Unlike most other AIS transponders, the XB-6000 is waterproof so you can mount it wherever convenient without worrying about water. It is even rated IPx7 which means it is totally submersible to 1m for up to 30 mins!
Self Diagnosis Status Lights
Multi-color LEDs keep you informed of operational status of the XB-6000 with self diagnosis that shows warnings if AIS, GPS, or antenna are not functioning.
USB Connection (waterproof and locking with optional cable)
The USB connection can be used to connect the XB-6000 to on-board computers. The XB-6000 provides a GPS and AIS data feed directly to computer-based navigation software. It translates selected NMEA 2000 instrument data and sends that to your computer too. An optional 5m (16') waterproof cable features a locking ring so it can't vibrate out of the back of the XB-6000.

Other innovative features

Ultra-low power consumption
Designed for minimal power consumption the WatchMate XB-6000 is extremely well suited for energy conscious vessels.
Low power operation is particularly important on a long voyage when charging from solar or wind. The XB-6000 consumes less power than other AIS transponders even with the NMEA 2000 gateway operating!
Positive Identification
You'll have each vessel's name and call sign and others using AIS will also have yours. If you wish to call another vessel you will be able to ensure you are talking to the correct vessel. This is very important when operating in busy areas or in bad weather when visibility is reduced.
Silent Mode Control via PC, Mac or an external switch
The XB-6000 can be put into silent mode. When in this mode, the AIS receivers and GPS continue to operate normally. The only change is transmissions are inhibited. Perfect for those times when you want privacy. Silent mode can be controlled by an external switch (not included) or via your PC or Mac.
Firmware Updates
When you buy a WatchMate XB-6000, you get an extendable AIS platform. Designed to be compatible with a continuous stream of feature updates, your WatchMate XB-6000 can be upgraded with the latest firmware via USB and your computer.

What's In The Box

XB6000 AIS Transponder, GPS antenna with 10m (33') cable, Installation Guide, 2mtr (6.5') Power/data cable, 1mtr (3') USB cable.
Click for Vesper's brochure.
Click for Vesper's installation guide.