A053T Class B Portable AIS Transponder with WiFi
$710.00
Stay visible wherever you sail with the A053T. A truly portable Class B AIS transponder designed for skippers, charter operators, small boat owners, and emergency use. Rugged, WiFi enabled, with a 15-hour battery, it’s ready to use on any vessel without installation.
- Receives and processes all AIS message types
- Compact and rugged enclosure suitable for marine environments.
- Portable and plug-and-play design, easily transferable between vessels with no installation
- Built-in rechargeable battery providing up to 15 hours of continuous operation.
- Integrated WiFi for wireless data output to mobile devices, tablets, or navigation software.
- Ideal for delivery skippers, charter operators, small boat owners, or as a portable AIS backup.
In stock (can be backordered)
- Description
- Downloads
- Technical Summary
- What's in the box?
- Product Videos
- MMSI Notice
- Installation and Connectivity
- FAQ
Description
Meet the A053T Portable Class B AIS Transponder, bringing flexibility to the AIS Transponder market. 
The A053T is the ideal solution for receiving and transmitting AIS information from the palm of your hand.
Compact, portable and efficient, the A053T not only meets your local Class B AIS compliance requirements, but also offers flexibility in situations where a permanent fixed transponder may not be possible or suitable.
In addition to transmitting your AIS data to nearby vessels and shore stations, the A053T also receives and decodes incoming AIS messages — just like our dedicated AIS receivers. It integrates GPS data with AIS signals, allowing you to accurately track your own position and see other vessels in your vicinity in real-time.
The A053T supports the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless standard and offers two main modes of operation: Ad-hoc mode (peer-to-peer) and Station mode (infrastructure mode). The device can operate in both modes simultaneously, allowing flexible network connectivity options.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transmits Vessel Data | Sends your vessel’s position, speed, heading, and other AIS data to nearby vessels and AIS stations within VHF range. |
| Receives AIS Messages | Receives and processes all AIS message types, as well as GPS data. |
| Monitors Other Vessels | Monitors the position, speed, and heading of nearby AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range. |
| Real-Time Tracking | Tracks nearby AIS vessels in real time and displays course, speed, and heading changes on a device via WiFi. |
| Cost-Effective Solution | Provides an affordable option for collision avoidance and maritime monitoring. |
| Standards Compliant | Fully compliant with required standards under the European R&TTE directive. |
| LED Status Indicators | Real-time LEDs confirm successful AIS transmission, ensuring the A053T is operating correctly. |
| Web-Based Configuration | Supports configuration via WiFi through a web interface. |
Available to add to your order
VHF/AIS Antenna (while not required, these nay be fitted to increase range):
- AS02 AIS/VHF Whip Antenna (BNC (female) to SMA (male) connector required)
- AS12 AIS/VHF Fiberglass Antenna (SMA (male) to SO239 (male) or SO239 (female)Connector required)
GPS Antenna ((while not required, these nay be fitted to increase reception):
- AS04 Portable GPS Antenna
- AS14 Waterproof GPS Antenna BNC (female) to SMA (male) connector required)
| Document Type | Link |
|---|---|
| Set Up Guide |  |
| User Manual | |
| Firmware |  |
Technical Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AIS Transmission Rate | 2 Watts, CSTDMA protocol (Class B standard). |
| VHF Connector Port | SMA Female. Connects to an external VHF/AIS antenna (included). |
| GPS Connector | SMA Female. Connects to an external GPS antenna (included). |
| Battery Capacity | Li-ion 6800 mAh. |
| Power Supply | 5V DC via USB Type-C. Device can operate fully while charging. |
| USB Port | USB Type-C for charging only. |
| WiFi Output | Decoded AIS sentences transmitted via WiFi. Supports Ad-hoc and Station mode (with or without router). No configuration needed for Ad-hoc mode. Internal WiFi antenna included. |
| LED Indicators | Show battery status, charging level, GPS status, and TX (transmission) activity. |
Find out whether you need a Class A, Class B or Class B+ transceiver here.
Perfect for use in all Class B boats (under 300 tonnes etc.): sailing boats or yachts, small fishing boats, etc..
What’s included?
- 1 x A053T Portable Class B AIS Transponder
- 1 x USB Type C Cable
- 1 x GPS Antenna
- 1 x VHF/AIS Antenna
Unboxing
Initial Configuration Guide
How to change MMSI and Vessel Info
How to view and connect to OpenCPN to view AIS Targets
IMPORTANT: Class B Transponder
AIS transponders themselves don’t need to be registered, however, each requires a unique and official 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assigned to the vessel and its owner.
To obtain an MMSI number, you should contact the relevant authority in your country. Different countries have different authorities responsible for this service. If you are not sure, search ‘how to apply for an MMSI in (country name)’
Please Note: The A053T Transceiver will allow you input an MMSI number only once without any further authorisation.
Please make sure you input the correct MMSI number before clicking ‘config’, as changes are not permitted after confirming.
Any further changes to vessel information not only require internet connectivity via station mode but will also require authorisation from Quark-elec. Each change requires contact information to be provided (kept solely for record keeping purposes) and submitted to us before the steps and authorisation is granted. Until this has happened, the A053T will NOT transmit the vessels data, however it will still function as a receiver.
Installation and Connectivity
Step 1 – Decide where to put your transponder on your vessel
A key advantage of this Class B Transceiver is that it does not require mounting or fixing so the possibilities are endless. However we recommend placing the A053T in a secure position (to avoid any potential damage should it fall).
Step 2 – Initial Configuration
For initial configuration only, the A053T will need to first be connected to a router with internet connectivity, this is required for the Vessel information to be saved to the A053T. Due to the ability of the A053T to simultaneously operate in Adhoc and Station modes, the configuration of the WiFi network in this step will not affect the Adhoc function.
Step 3 – Connecting GPS and VHF Antennas
The A053T is supplied with both GPS and VHF Antennas to enable out of the box operation.
They are both SMA connectors and designed for use with the A053T and screw directly on.
The function of both antennas.
- A VHF antenna – to collect and transmit the AIS data
- (If you want to use the same VHF antenna as your radio communication, simply use a splitter before connection.)
- A GPS antenna – used to pinpoint your accuate location. Without a GPS fix, the A053T will not transmit your location or AIS data.
To achieve greater transmission and reception range, the supplied antenna can be replaced with a higher-gain AIS antenna, such as the AS02 or AS12. Both antennas can be connected to the same SMA interface using the appropriate adaptor:
- AS02 antenna requires an SMA(M)-to-BNC(F) adaptor.
- AS12 antenna requires an SMA(M)-to-UHF adaptor. Users and installers should ensure that the adaptor selected has the correct UHF gender (male or female) to match the specific antenna connector type.
To enhance portability, the A053T is supplied with a compact GPS antenna that connects to the transponder via an SMA connector. For installations requiring greater flexibility or a clearer view of the sky, the supplied antenna can be replaced with an external GPS antenna, such as the AS04 or AS14.
- The AS04 GPS antenna connects directly to the transponder’s SMA port.
- The AS14 GPS antenna requires an SMA(M)-to-BNC(F) adaptor for connection.
Step 4 – Power, GPS, TX
To operate to its full operational performance, the A053T requires 4 factors:
- Power
- Antenna connections
- Vessel information configured
- GPS Fix
When all of these are met, the A053T will begin to transmit your vessels information.
This Transponder works in both WiFi modes, Ad-hoc and Station modes simultaneously.
- Adhoc mode will be used to connect directly to the device, this can be used to view the saved vessel information but it cannot be altered in this way. Connecting directly to the device in this method will also allow the connection to applications such as OpenCPN or Navionics where the A053T will work as an AIS Reciever, showing the user nearby AIS targets.
- Station mode is used primarily for configuration of the vessel information.
Who will be able to see my transmitted AIS signal?
Nearby ships will be able to view your details using their AIS receiver, even in bad weather and poor visibility.
Around the world, AIS data from most ports, coastlines and internal waterways is uploaded to the internet by the local community. This means that, if you are in one of these areas; your teammates, partners and loved ones will be able to view your location, using one of the free online AIS websites, from anywhere in the world.
Whether for peace of mind or project tracking, this can be very useful. Find out more here.
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