FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RadarPlus® AIS-BX Approved and Available
Port Ludlow, WA, October
16, 2008
Shine Micro has received FCC
approval of the RadarPlus® AIS-BX Class B AIS transponder, which is
now available for shipment to U.S. customers with full transmit and receive
capability.
The U.S. boating community
has been anxiously awaiting FCC approval since 2006, when the standard
was adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Earlier
this year, Shine Micro released the RadarPlus® AIS-BX Class B AIS
to U.S. customers with Receive-Only functionality; to be optionally upgraded
to full transmit capability when the FCC granted approval. At long last,
Class B AIS is available to boaters in U.S. waters too.
AIS is an internationally accepted
navigation aid system, that also assists in route planning, asset tracking,
and enhances Marine Domain Awareness (MDA). AIS data is instrumental in
search and rescue, vessel traffic management, environmental protection,
port security, and more. Class B AIS devices provide a lower cost alternative
to Class A devices, to encourage the voluntary adoption of these powerful
safety aids.
The FCC announced approval of all IEC compliant Class B AIS devices, with the following additional requirements:
- Entering incorrect static data into a Class B AIS device is prohibited by US Law.
- Static data must be entered by the vendor or professional installer.
- A conspicuous label stating the above requirements must be adhered to the unit, and appropriate language included in the user manual.
Shine Micro can issue an MMSI number at no charge to customers, and pre-program all static data; complying with the requirements above and allowing customers a "plug-and-play" installation.
The static data can be provided to Shine Micro via three (3) easy methods:
- Online Form found at www.shinemicro.com/staticdata.asp
- PDF Form provided via email
- Phone Support at 360.437.2503
Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm, PST
For further information about
AIS, or to purchase online, please visit
www.shinemicro.com
To view this News Release online, please visit www.shinemicro.com/ClassBAISapproval081016.htm
About Shine Micro
Shine Micro provides high performance AIS solutions for Maritime Domain
Awareness on marine, airborne, and terrestrial platforms. The RadarPlus®
SM1610 Long Range AIS Receiver was selected by the United States Coast
Guard (USCG) for the Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS).
Shine Micro was founded in 1980 and has over 100 years of combined experience
in the engineering and production of marine VHF technologies. Shine Micro
actively participates in both National and International standards committees
such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Radio
Technical Commission for Maritime services (RTCM). Increasing awareness
and promoting safety by making AIS available and affordable for the everyday
boater is a core value of Shine Micro, Inc.
For more information about Shine Micro, please visit www.shinemicro.com
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Contact:
Stephanie Nevarez
Manager of Marketing and Customer Relations
Shine Micro, Inc.
stephanie@shinemicro.com
360.437.2503