Furuno FA170 Class A AIS Transceiver
Best professional-grade AIS transponder for commercial vessel collision avoidance and safety.
The Furuno FA170 is an IMO Approved Class A AIS Transponder featuring a 4.3-inch Color LCD Display, designed for superior collision avoidance support. It clearly displays information about other AIS-equipped ships, coastal stations, and Aids to Navigation within VHF range. This unit efficiently outputs AIS data to connected ECDIS and Radar systems, supported by ample ports for dual configuration. The FA170 is BAM (Bridge Alert Management) ready and offers network integration via a LAN interface. It stores up to 2,048 targets and facilitates the exchange of safety-related messages between vessels.
$3495.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 240
#2 in Marine Radios
Price vs Category Average
+599%
Above average
Type
4.3
/ Class A AIS Transponder with " Color LCD Display
Who it's for
- Commercial captains needing reliable long-range vessel tracking
- Navigators requiring clear, immediate visual collision avoidance data
- Fleet operators seeking seamless integration with existing marine systems
Who should skip it
- Recreational boaters on a budget looking for affordable AIS
- DIY enthusiasts lacking professional marine electronics installation experience
- Owners of smaller vessels with limited electrical battery capacity
Performance breakdown
Target Capacity
Handles 2,048 targets with ease for high-traffic maritime environments.
System Integration
Seamlessly bridges data to ECDIS and radar via robust LAN connectivity.
Regulatory Compliance
Fully IMO approved and ready for strict bridge alert management standards.
Display Clarity
Compact 4.3-inch color screen provides essential data at a quick glance.
Connectivity Versatility
Multiple I/O ports ensure flexible configuration for complex vessel setups.
Safety Functionality
Reliable SART signal reception provides critical support during search and rescue.
Key Specs
Type
Class A AIS Transponder with 4.3" Color LCD Display
Ports
6 in/out, 3 input only, 1 LAN, 1 alarm output
BAM Ready
Meets IMO MSC.302 (87) requirements
AIS Target Storage Capacity
Up to 2,048 targets and SARTs
Message Storage
Up to 20 transmitted and 20 received messages
Network Compatibility
Ethernet (LAN interface)
Certifications
IMO Approved
Display Size
4.3 inches
Features
- Displays AIS targets on a 4.3" Color LCD screen
- Outputs data to ECDIS and Radar systems
- BAM (Bridge Alert Management) ready compliance
- Stores up to 2,048 AIS targets and SARTs
- Exchanges short, safety-related messages
- Receives AIS-SART signals for SAR assistance
- Simple network integration via LAN interface
- Supports dual configuration of navigational equipment
What customers say
The Furuno FA170 Class A AIS Transceiver earns high praise primarily for its exceptional reliability and robust build quality, essential features for professional maritime use. Commercial operators value its superior performance, noting excellent transmission and reception sensitivity that ensures strong situational awareness in difficult conditions. A key strength is its seamless integration with existing bridge systems using standard NMEA protocols, simplifying installation. While the initial cost is high, users consistently find the investment worthwhile due to the unit's mission critical dependability and expected longevity. This transceiver is viewed as a vital, high performance safety and navigation tool that delivers professional grade assurance.
Know before you buy
Yes, the FA170 is an IMO-approved Class A AIS transponder. It is fully compliant with international standards and meets the IMO MSC.302 (87) requirements for Bridge Alert Management (BAM).
Absolutely. The unit is designed for seamless integration and features multiple input/output ports specifically for sharing AIS data with your onboard ECDIS and radar displays.
The FA170 has a robust processing capacity, allowing it to store and track up to 2,048 AIS targets and SARTs simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness in busy shipping lanes.
Yes, the FA170 is equipped to receive AIS-SART signals. This is a critical feature for search and rescue assistance, helping you quickly identify and locate distress beacons within your VHF range.
The integrated LAN interface simplifies network integration by allowing the transponder to communicate easily with other networked bridge equipment, reducing the need for complex point-to-point wiring.
Yes, the device supports the exchange of short, safety-related messages. You can store up to 20 transmitted and 20 received messages, providing a reliable way to communicate critical information to other vessels.
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