TO: All Dealers

RE: AIS Antenna Options for FA100 February 12, 2004 02-04T
Release Date Release No.

Please note that most VHF-FM Radiotelephone Antennas are NOT compatible
with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
Most marine VHF Radiotelephone Antennas have a center frequency of approximately
156 Megahertz, and this is suitable for reg ular VHF-FM voice communications. AIS
transmitters, however, operate on slightly higher frequencies from 156 MHz to 162
MHz. Using a regular VHF Radiotelephone Antenna with an AIS causes an impedance
mismatch, since regular VHF Antennas do not represent a 50-ohm load at the higher
AIS frequencies. This mismatch causes reflected energy that is directed back towards
the AIS transmitter. This reflected energy can damage the transmitter circuitry, and will
often trigger an “ANT FAIL” alarm in the FA100. Additio nally, the impedance mismatch
decreases overall system performance, since a portion of the transmit signal is not
radiated by the antenna.
You must use an antenna that is specifically designed for AIS operations.
Using the correct antenna will optimize power transfer, increase system performance,
and eliminate common failures often associated with a high Voltage Standing Wave
Ratio (VSWR).
There are several AIS antennas available that are specifically designed for AIS Products.
We recommend that you use one of the following AIS -rated antennas with the Furuno
FA100:

Manufacturer Model/Part Number

FURUNO 150M-W2VN, P/N 000 -113-498
COMROD AV-7 UAIS Antenna
MORAD 159HD UAIS Antenna
Digital Antenna 578-SW, 876-SW or 974 SW
Shakespeare 396-1 AIS
Furuno USA will not honor any warranty claims for FA100 failures associated with using
an incorrect VHF-FM Antenna. If you require technical assistance, you may visit our
website (www.furuno.com) and click on “Support,” then “Ask Furuno a Question.” You
may also contact a FURUNO support technician at either our Camas, WA facility, (360-
834-9300) or at our Denton, MD facility, (410) 479-4420.
Best Regards,

Paul Downs
National Service Manager

4400 N.W. PACIFIC RIM BLV D. l CAMAS, WA 98607- 9408 l TEL: (360) 834 -9300 l FAX: (360) 834- 9400 l www.Furuno.com