Vesper
Vesper Cortex M1 SmartAIS Transponder
Best advanced safety hub for tech-savvy sailors prioritizing collision avoidance.
The Vesper Cortex M1 SmartAIS Transponder Hub is a central component for advanced marine navigation and safety. This "black box" unit integrates high-speed SOTDMA AIS for superior collision avoidance and proactive threat warnings. It features a built-in heading sensor for precise collision prediction and offers remote monitoring and control of vessel systems via smartphone apps. The M1 hub supports up to five vessel parameter sensors and is compatible with NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 networks, providing comprehensive data integration for your vessel.
$1449.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 178
#2 in Marine Radios
Price vs Category Average
+190%
Above average
Navigation rate
10
/ Hz
Who it's for
- Cruisers requiring reliable security while at anchor
- Safety-conscious sailors needing proactive collision warnings
- Boat owners wanting peace of mind while away
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused boaters seeking basic AIS functionality
- Users avoiding recurring monthly service fees
- DIY installers lacking advanced marine electronics experience
Performance breakdown
Collision Avoidance
SOTDMA technology provides industry-leading visibility and proactive threat detection.
Network Integration
Seamlessly bridges NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 data for a unified vessel ecosystem.
Remote Monitoring
Smartphone connectivity offers reliable oversight of critical vessel systems from anywhere.
Sensor Versatility
Five dedicated inputs allow for comprehensive monitoring of essential onboard hardware.
Durability
IPX7 waterproof rating ensures robust performance in harsh marine environments.
Navigation Precision
High-speed 10Hz GPS delivers exceptionally accurate tracking and collision prediction.
Key Specs
Navigation rate
10 Hz
Certifications
IEC 61108
Antenna connector
SO239
AIS power output
5W
Wireless Connectivity
Access point for up to 5 handsets (max 10 devices total), 2.4 GHz, 802.11b/g/n
NMEA 2000 Gateway
1 isolated micro-C male port
External sensor inputs
5 (Digital 0-24V, Analog 0-17V)
Operating voltage
9-33V
Features
- High-speed SOTDMA AIS for enhanced visibility
- VHF Ready with optional handsets
- Built-in heading sensor for accurate collision prediction
- Remote vessel monitoring and control via smartphone apps
- Integrated WiFi and Cellular connectivity
- Supports monitoring of up to 5 vessel sensors
- NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 network compatibility
- Proactive collision, anchor drag, and MOB alerts
What customers say
Mariners view the Vesper Cortex M1 as an indispensable safety and vessel management hub, praising its premium quality and reliability. The core strength lies in its superior anchor watch feature, offering peace of mind with accurate, dependable alerts unmatched by standard applications. Remote monitoring via the intuitive mobile app is highly valued, allowing users to check essential parameters like battery voltage and security status from shore. While the initial cost is higher, customers agree the advanced safety features, seamless integration, and comprehensive oversight fully justify the investment. The M1 is recognized as a high performance companion that significantly elevates vessel security and situational awareness.
Know before you buy
SOTDMA (Self-Organized Time Division Multiple Access) provides a higher power output and a faster reporting rate than standard Class B AIS. This ensures your vessel is visible at a greater range and more frequently, which is critical for collision avoidance in busy waterways.
Yes. The Cortex M1 features integrated cellular and WiFi connectivity, allowing you to receive alerts and monitor vessel data directly through the Vesper smartphone app from anywhere with a cellular connection.
The M1 is a 'black box' hub that acts as the core of your communication system. While it handles AIS and data processing, you will need to add Vesper Cortex handsets to utilize the VHF voice and DSC radio functionality.
The hub supports up to five external sensors, including digital (0-24V) and analog (0-17V) inputs. These can be used to monitor critical systems like bilge pumps, battery levels, or security switches, providing proactive alerts if parameters fall outside of your set range.
The M1 is highly compatible, featuring both NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 interfaces. This allows it to integrate seamlessly with your existing chartplotters, wind instruments, and other onboard navigation data.
The integrated heading sensor provides precise, real-time orientation data for your vessel. This allows the system to calculate more accurate collision predictions, helping you identify potential threats before they become immediate dangers.
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$1450