Modern SOTDMA AIS transponder
The TRUE HEADING CTRX VISION+ is a modern 5 watt AIS Class B transponder that uses the SOTDMA protocol. Just like the AIS Class A transponders, the CTRX VISION+ also uses the time slot reservation method so that there is always a free time slot available to transmit its position with a higher transmission power of 5 watts and a faster update rate than conventional AIS transponders.
Switch the AIS transponder to " silent mode" and you can suppress the transmission of your AIS data while still being able to receive AIS data.
Integrated antenna splitter
Save yourself the trouble of installing an additional antenna cable and finding a suitable installation location for an additional VHF antenna. The CTRX VISION+ has a built-in high-performance antenna splitter, which makes it possible to use your existing VHF marine radio antenna for loss-free transmission and reception of radio messages and AIS data.
Easy installation
Thanks to its compact design and low weight, the TRUE HEADING CTRX VISION+ can be installed quickly and easily with concealed mounting. The PL-SO 239 sockets provided for the antenna and radio connection are compatible with PL-259 plugs most commonly fitted to antenna cables.
The AIS SOTDMA transponder can also be connected to a chart plotter or on-board network in a variety of ways. NMEA2000 Micro-C, serial NMEA0183 and USB interfaces allow for multiple connection options.
The CTRX VISION+ / WiFi can be easily programmed with your personal data using the proAIS2 software. Download the software free of charge from the
manufacturer's website.
High-quality GPS antenna included
The high-quality 72-channel GPS antenna included determines current position precisely and reliably at all times. The GPS antenna is connected directly via the TNC connection.
What is the AIS SOTDMA access scheme?
AIS signals are transmitted using two main methods: CSTDMA (Carrier Sense Time Division Multiple Access) and SOTDMA (Self Organising Time Division Multiple Access).
With conventional CSTDMA, the system checks the availability of a free slot before transmitting AIS information. If no slots are free, the system waits until a free slot becomes available. This can lead to a long waiting time before the transmitted AIS signal can be sent.
By contrast, SOTDMA transmissions are more structured. Here, each transmitted AIS signal is coordinated and prioritised with other signals. Instead of waiting for the next free slot, an additional slot is reserved for the next SOTDMA signal. This leads to more structured and more frequent transmissions compared to the conventional CSTDMA method. The AIS - SOTDMA system has a clear advantage over the CSTDMA system, especially in heavily frequented areas such as the English Channel and the waterways around large harbours such as Rotterdam. In addition, SOTDMA AIS transponders operate with an increased transmission power of 5 watts, which significantly increases the range of the transponder.
Note: You can programme the AIS receiver yourself. However, if you would like us to programme the device, we charge our
programming fee for this service.
The application for allocation of the MMSI can be found in our
Service / Downloads section.
All connections at a glance
| 1 |
NMEA2000 Micro-C (male) |
| 2 |
Power supply, NMEA0183 (input/output), USB |
| 3 |
VHF radio (PL socket SO-239) |
| 4 |
VHF antenna (PL socket SO-239) |
| 5 |
GPS antenna (TNC socket) |
Technical Data
| Operating voltage |
12 V - 24 V DC |
| Current consumption: |
< 220 mA at 12 VDC |
| Interfaces: |
NMEA2000 Micro-C (male)
NMEA0183 output (38,400 baud)
NMEA0183 input (4,800 baud)
USB |
| Connections: |
VHF antenna input PL socket SO-239
VHF antenna output PL socket SO-239
NMEA2000 Micro-C (male)
GPS GNSS antenna connection TNC socket
12-pin connector for power supply, NMEA0183 (input/output), USB and "silent mode" |
| LED displays: |
Power, TX Timeout, Error and "Silent Mode" |
| GPS GNSS receiver: |
72 channel GPS-GLONASS-SBAS receiver incl. 10 metre connection cable |
| Dimensions: |
173 x 128 x 53 mm (L x W x H) |
| Weight: |
380 g (only the AIS transponder without accessories) |