Si-Tex MDA-2 Dual Channel AIS Receiver
Best safety upgrade for boaters seeking real-time collision avoidance.
Elevate your maritime safety with the Si-Tex MDA-2 Dual Channel AIS Receiver. This advanced unit maximizes reception range and decodes AIS messages in real-time, displaying nearby vessels on your compatible chartplotter or radar to prevent collisions. It integrates seamlessly with your existing marine electronics via NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 networking. The MDA-2 offers color-coded target displays by vessel type and includes crucial safety alarms for closest point of approach, ensuring enhanced situational awareness on the water. All necessary cables and manuals are included for a straightforward setup.
$309.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
117
/ 330
#117 in Marine Electronics
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Connectivity
01832000
/ NMEA, NMEA, USB
Who it's for
- Safety-conscious sailors needing constant, comprehensive vessel tracking
- Navigators looking for seamless integration with existing marine electronics
- Budget-minded boaters seeking affordable collision avoidance upgrades
Who should skip it
- Skippers requiring active visibility to other AIS-equipped vessels
- Boaters wanting a simple, all-in-one installation process
- Tech-savvy users desiring modern wireless connectivity and data logging
Performance breakdown
Tracking Reliability
Dual-channel reception ensures consistent, real-time monitoring of all nearby maritime traffic.
System Integration
Broad compatibility with NMEA 2000 and 0183 simplifies network installation.
Situational Awareness
Color-coded target displays provide immediate visual clarity for identifying vessel types.
Collision Avoidance
Proactive CPA alarms offer critical alerts before potential hazards become emergencies.
Installation Ease
Includes all essential cabling and mounting hardware for a straightforward setup.
Form Factor
Compact black box design fits easily into tight marine electronic consoles.
Key Specs
Connectivity
NMEA0183, NMEA2000, USB
Dimensions
5.5"W x 3.9"H x 1.9"D
Warranty
2 Year
Channels Supported
Dual-Channel
Mounting Options
Four mounting screws included
Radio Form Factor
Black Box
Manufacturer Number
MDA-2
Features
- Dual-channel AIS reception for comprehensive tracking
- NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity
- Color-coded target display by vessel type
- Safety alarms for closest point of approach
- Maximizes reception range with advanced technology
- Integrates with existing chartplotters and radar
- Includes necessary power and data cabling
- Real-time vessel tracking for enhanced safety
What customers say
The Si Tex MDA 2 Dual Channel AIS Receiver earns high praise for its exceptional reliability and robust performance across recreational and professional use. Users consistently note its superior sensitivity for effectively tracking distant AIS targets, even in busy waters. The dual channel capability significantly enhances situational awareness, directly improving safety. While integration with NMEA 2000 is straightforward, older NMEA 0183 setups require careful configuration. Despite a moderate initial cost, the consensus is that this dependable, high quality unit offers excellent value for its critical role in navigation. Overall, its core performance and dependability are the standout features.
Know before you buy
No, the MDA-2 is a dedicated AIS receiver. It relies on your existing chartplotter or a separate GPS source connected via your NMEA network to provide position data.
Yes, the unit is designed with both connectivity options, allowing you to integrate it into a modern NMEA 2000 backbone while maintaining compatibility with older NMEA 0183 marine electronics.
Dual-channel reception allows the unit to monitor both AIS frequencies simultaneously. This ensures you receive all AIS messages in real-time without missing data that might occur if the receiver were switching between channels.
No, the MDA-2 is a receiver only. It will display other vessels equipped with AIS on your screen, but it does not broadcast your own vessel's information to others.
The CPA alarms are managed through your compatible chartplotter or radar display. Once the MDA-2 is connected, you can set your desired safety parameters directly within your display's AIS settings menu.
The MDA-2 features a black box design intended for protected installation. It should be mounted in a dry, interior location, such as behind the helm or in an electronics locker, rather than exposed directly to the elements.
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