SI-TEX MDA-5 5W SOTDMA Class B AIS Transceiver with Built-In Antenna Splitter & Wi-Fi
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SI-TEX MDA-5 Hi-Power 5W SOTDMA Class B AIS Transceiver with Built-In Antenna Splitter & Long Range Wi-Fi
Description
The SI-TEX MDA-5 is the world's most sophisticated fully certified 5-Watt SOTDMA Class B AIS transceiver available, engineered for mariners who demand maximum visibility and reliability on the water. With its elevated 5-watt transmitter output, your vessel broadcasts at significantly longer ranges than standard Class B units, ensuring you're seen by other ships and tracked on AIS websites even in the most congested commercial harbors and ports. SOTDMA Class A network priorities mean you always get a transmission slot - no more being squeezed out in busy shipping lanes where traditional Class B units lose priority.
The MDA-5 integrates a zero-loss VHF antenna splitter directly into the unit, so you won't need to install a second antenna. Built-in 802.11 b/g/n long-range Wi-Fi streams AIS and position data wirelessly to any connected device, while a hi-resolution 72-channel GPS and GLONASS receiver ensures pinpoint positioning. Whether you're outfitting a recreational vessel or a commercial installation, the MDA-5 delivers a feature set that sets the benchmark for Class B AIS.
Key Features
- 5-Watt SOTDMA Transmitter: Higher output power means your vessel is visible at longer ranges by nearby ships and AIS tracking websites.
- SOTDMA Class A Priorities: Guarantees transmission slots in congested commercial harbors and ports where standard Class B units lose network priority.
- Integrated Zero-Loss VHF Antenna Splitter: No second antenna required - share your existing VHF antenna with no signal loss.
- Built-In 802.11 b/g/n Long Range Wi-Fi: Streams AIS and GPS position data wirelessly to any Wi-Fi connected device onboard.
- 72-Channel GPS & GLONASS Receiver: Hi-resolution dual-constellation satellite navigation for accurate and reliable positioning.
- NMEA-0183 & NMEA-2000 Connectivity: Integrates seamlessly with all standard marine bridge systems and chartplotters.
- Galvanic Isolated USB Connection: Protects the transponder and connected PCs from harmful electrical interference.
- Automatic VDR Function: Voyage Data Recorder automatically saves the previous 30 days of voyage data - no setup required.
- Dual Receivers: Decodes all DSC and AIS messages, including MOB (Man Overboard) and SART emergency signals.
- IPX7 Waterproof Certified: Built to withstand marine environments and submersion conditions.
- Certifications: IEC-62287-2, FCC, USCG certified, and Industry Canada approved for legal use in U.S. and Canadian waters.
- 2-Year Warranty: Backed by SI-TEX's standard two-year manufacturer warranty.
Shipping
Ships free! Please email us at service@omahasportsandgames.com for a delivery ETA or to confirm shipping details.
What's Included
- SI-TEX MDA-5 SOTDMA Class B AIS Transceiver
- Internal GPS Antenna
- External GPS Antenna (for commercial vessel installations)
Why You'll Love It
The MDA-5 represents the pinnacle of Class B AIS technology, trusted by commercial and recreational mariners who refuse to compromise on safety and visibility. Its SOTDMA transmission protocol - traditionally reserved for Class A commercial units - means you stay visible even in the busiest shipping channels where lives depend on it. The built-in antenna splitter and long-range Wi-Fi eliminate the need for additional hardware, reducing installation complexity and cost. Certified by the FCC, USCG, and Industry Canada, you can cruise with confidence knowing the MDA-5 meets the highest regulatory standards. With automatic voyage data recording, dual MOB and SART decoding, and ultra-power-efficient operation, this is the AIS transceiver built for serious mariners who demand the best from their electronics.
Product Specifications
View Product Specs
| Transmitter Power | 5 Watts |
|---|---|
| AIS Class | Class B SOTDMA |
| GPS/GNSS | 72-Channel GPS & GLONASS |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n Long Range |
| Data Ports | NMEA-0183, NMEA-2000, Galvanic Isolated USB |
| Antenna Splitter | Integrated zero-loss VHF antenna splitter |
| VDR Storage | 30 days of voyage data |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Certifications | IEC-62287-2, FCC, USCG, Industry Canada |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Manuals & Guides
FAQ
What is the difference between SOTDMA Class B and standard Class B AIS?
Standard Class B AIS uses CSTDMA (Carrier Sense Time Division Multiple Access), which means it waits for a free slot before transmitting - in crowded harbors, it can get pushed out entirely. SOTDMA (Self-Organized TDMA) is the same protocol used by Class A commercial units. It reserves transmission slots in advance, guaranteeing your vessel broadcasts even in the most congested waterways. The MDA-5's SOTDMA operation makes it far more reliable in busy commercial ports than traditional Class B units.
Do I need to install a separate VHF antenna for the MDA-5?
No. The MDA-5 features an integrated zero-loss VHF antenna splitter, allowing it to share your existing VHF antenna with no signal degradation. This simplifies installation considerably and eliminates the cost of purchasing and mounting a dedicated AIS antenna.
How does the built-in Wi-Fi work?
The MDA-5's built-in 802.11 b/g/n long-range Wi-Fi creates a wireless connection that streams AIS target data and your vessel's GPS position to any Wi-Fi enabled device onboard - including tablets, phones, and laptops running navigation apps. No additional hardware or wiring is needed for wireless data distribution.
Is the MDA-5 legal for use in US and Canadian waters?
Yes. The MDA-5 is fully certified by the FCC, USCG, and Industry Canada, making it approved for legal operation on US and Canadian waters. It also meets the international IEC-62287-2 standard for Class B AIS transponders.
What is the Automatic VDR Function?
The Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) function automatically logs and stores the previous 30 days of your vessel's voyage data - including position, speed, and course - without any manual action required. This data can be invaluable for reviewing routes, incident reconstruction, or compliance purposes.
Thank you for trusting us with your order! This product is shipped directly from the manufacturing warehouse to get to customers all over the U.S. as soon as possible!
While many of our products are prepared and shipped out within 48 hours, some of our items are built to order or require custom pieces that could take 2-6 weeks to prepare before shipping! Please contact us at 888-884-2234 for a delivery ETA if you have a strict timeline.
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Omaha Sports & Games Team
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. To start a return, you can contact us at service@omahasportsandgames.com.
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