**As the FCC requires all units sold in the US to be programmed by a qualified technician. Please submit the form below for programming at the time of purchase. A copy of the MMSI Registration or FCC Ship Station License is required along with the vessel master or owner’s signature on the completed programming form. **

Click here to download form.

WatchMate XB-6000 High-Performance AIS Transponder with Built-In NMEA 2000 Gateway

The Vesper Marine WatchMate WatchMate XB-6000 High-Performance Class B AIS Transponder

Unlike any other AIS the high-performance Class B AIS with built-in NMEA 2000 gateway and internal GPS, XB-6000 integrates AIS, GPS, and NMEA information so that you can see your safety and navigation on any AIS-capable chart plotter or MFD. Or use your PC and Mac for easy computer navigation. Easily integrate AIS to your existing marine electronics and convert NMEA 2000 & 0183 instrument data to USB, facilitating 3rd party navigation software.

Features:

• NMEA 2000 / 0183 and waterproof USB
• Compatible with all NMEA 2000 certified chart plotters and MFD’s
• The only AIS transponder that can be used as a GPS source for NMEA 2000
• Fast 5Hz GPS update rate provides greater detail and higher resolution plotting
• Can be put in Silent Mode (receive-only) 
• Includes 50 channel GPS with WAAS/EGNOS and powerful external GPS antenna
• Built-in internal GPS antenna allows for easy installation when the XB-6000 has a view of the sky. Perfect for small vessels
• Galvanic isolated USB and NMEA ports protect the transponder and your other equipment against damage and installation problems

Complete Class B AIS Transponder

WatchMate XB-6000 is a Class B AIS transponder with a two-channel parallel receiver and transmitter. It transmits your vessel’s 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.

Certified NMEA2000 Gateway-Built in

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.

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 an NMEA 0183 chart plotter. The XB-6000 makes your new NMEA 2000 instruments appear on the chart plotter!

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 eliminate 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 Water Proof

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 the 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 onboard 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.