Description
Comar R550NGi Intelligent Network AIS & GNSS Receiver with Wi-Fi
A professional dual-channel AIS and GNSS receiving platform with integrated processing, Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi and Comar Connect software for coastal vessel monitoring and maritime network applications.
Dual-Channel AIS
Integrated GNSS
Gigabit Ethernet
Comar Connect
Product information:
The R550NGi is designed for professional land-based and shoreside monitoring. It combines dual-channel AIS reception, an integrated commercial-grade GNSS receiver and onboard network processing within one compact unit.
Overview
The Comar R550NGi is an intelligent network AIS and GNSS receiver designed for commercial coastal monitoring, port operations, vessel tracking and maritime data-distribution applications.
The receiver continuously monitors both international AIS channels while its integrated GNSS receiver provides independent position, time, speed and course information.
AIS and GNSS data can be filtered, processed and forwarded across a compatible Ethernet network using the supplied Comar Connect software. Multiple R550 Series receivers can therefore be incorporated into a wider networked monitoring system covering ports, approaches and coastal areas.
The R550NGi is built around a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, 1GB RAM and 16GB eMMC storage. It also provides Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI and two USB-A host ports.
The unit is intended for professional, protected indoor installations and can be used with proprietary vessel-monitoring software, compatible AIS plotting systems or maritime data servers.
Dual-Channel AIS
Receives AIS transmissions simultaneously on AIS Channel A and AIS Channel B.
Integrated GNSS
Integrated 32-channel GPS and GLONASS receiver providing GPRMC navigation data.
Network Data Forwarding
Forwards AIS and GNSS data using configurable TCP or UDP network services.
Integrated Processing
Uses an onboard Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 for data processing and software integration.
Key Features
- Commercial-grade dual-channel AIS receiver
- Integrated commercial-grade GNSS receiver
- Simultaneous reception of AIS Channel A and AIS Channel B
- Supports GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations
- 32 parallel GNSS receiving channels
- AIS receiver sensitivity up to -112 dBm
- GNSS receiver sensitivity up to -163 dBm
- Supplied with Comar Connect AIS and GNSS data-forwarding software
- Gigabit Ethernet network connectivity
- Integrated dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 processing platform
- Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor
- 1GB RAM and 16GB onboard eMMC storage
- Two USB 2.0 Type-A host ports
- HDMI display connection
- Low-power USB-C supply connection
- Designed for professional land-based maritime monitoring installations
Combined AIS and GNSS Reception
The R550NGi combines two different sources of maritime information within one network receiver.
AIS Reception
The dual-channel receiver collects vessel information transmitted by compatible Class A and Class B AIS equipment, AIS aids to navigation and AIS search-and-rescue transmitters.
GNSS Reception
The integrated GNSS receiver uses GPS and GLONASS satellite signals to provide UTC time, date, position, speed over ground and course over ground.
Comar Connect Data Management
The R550NGi is supplied with Comar Connect, a browser-configured software package developed for forwarding received AIS and GNSS data across an Ethernet network.
Comar Connect can operate as either a TCP or UDP client or server. Configuration is completed through a web browser using the local IP address of the receiver.
TCP Client
Sends received AIS and GNSS data to up to four separate TCP servers.
TCP Server
Allows up to four concurrent TCP clients to connect and receive data.
UDP Client
Sends data simultaneously to up to four configured UDP destinations.
UDP Server
Responds to a remote UDP client using its detected IP address and port number.
Comar Connect Functions
Configure the receiver remotely through a compatible web browser.
Initial setup uses DHCP, after which a fixed IP address can be configured.
Displays the active protocol, network address and operating status.
Displays received data and the configured destination details.
Back up or transfer Comar Connect configuration settings between devices.
Change the administrator username and password through the web interface.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB Information
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality are provided through the Raspberry Pi operating system. They are not configured through Comar Connect.
The two USB-A ports are host connections for peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse or USB storage device. They are not intended for AIS or GNSS data output.
Professional Monitoring Workflow
1. Receive
Collect AIS vessel transmissions and GNSS navigation data.
2. Process
Use the integrated Compute Module 4 platform for onboard processing.
3. Forward
Transmit the data to compatible TCP or UDP destinations.
4. Monitor
Display and analyse vessel traffic using compatible monitoring software.
Integrated GNSS Receiver
The R550NGi includes an integrated GNSS receiver for combining position and timing information with received AIS data.
- 32 parallel GNSS channels
- GPS and GLONASS constellation support
- SBAS support
- One-second update rate
- GNSS sensitivity up to -163 dBm
- GPRMC NMEA 0183 output sentence
- Provides UTC time, date, latitude, longitude, speed and course information
A suitable active 3.3V GNSS antenna with a gain of approximately 10 to 30 dB is required for GNSS operation.
Integrated Hardware Platform
64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor.
1GB system RAM.
16GB onboard eMMC storage.
RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interface.
Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
Two USB 2.0 Type-A host ports.
HDMI connection for a compatible display monitor.
Technical Details
AIS Reception
- Dual-channel parallel AIS reception
- AIS Channel A: 161.975 MHz
- AIS Channel B: 162.025 MHz
- Channel spacing: 25 kHz
- AIS sensitivity: up to -112 dBm
- GMSK demodulation
- NMEA 0183 VDM AIS output format
GNSS Reception
- GPS frequency: 1575.42 MHz
- GLONASS frequency: 1598.0625 to 1605.375 MHz
- GNSS sensitivity: up to -163 dBm
- GPS and GLONASS constellation support
- 32 parallel GNSS channels
- GPRMC NMEA 0183 output
Network Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
- 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless compatibility
- Bluetooth 5.0
- DHCP required for initial network setup
- Fixed IP address configurable after initial setup
Physical Connections
- USB-C power connection
- RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Two USB 2.0 Type-A host ports
- HDMI display port
- RP-SMA male GNSS connection with TNC female adaptor supplied
- SMA male AIS connection with BNC female adaptor supplied
Environmental and Mechanical
- Dimensions: 90 × 96 × 28 mm
- Net weight: 130 g
- ABS enclosure
- Black finish
- Ingress protection: IP40
- Operating temperature: -15°C to +40°C
- Storage temperature: -15°C to +70°C
- Operating humidity: 0–93% RH, non-condensing
- Compass safe distance: 50 cm
Receiver Status Indicators
Green Power LED
Indicates that the receiver is powered and operating.
Red Channel A LED
Flashes when AIS data is being received on Channel A.
Red Channel B LED
Flashes when AIS data is being received on Channel B.
Complete Installation Considerations
A complete R550NGi installation will normally require the following equipment in addition to the receiver:
AIS Antenna
A dedicated marine VHF receiving antenna centred around the AIS operating frequencies near 162 MHz.
Active GNSS Antenna
A suitable active 3.3V GPS and GLONASS antenna with approximately 10 to 30 dB gain.
Antenna Mounting
Suitable pole, mast, rail or fixed mounting arrangements for both antennas.
Coaxial Cable
Low-loss coaxial feeder selected according to antenna type, cable length and installation.
RF Connectors
Correct connectors and adaptors for the selected AIS antenna, GNSS antenna and coaxial cables.
Network Equipment
Compatible Ethernet cabling, router, network switch, firewall or remote communications equipment.
Power Supply
A suitable regulated 5.1V DC USB-C power arrangement.
Monitoring Software
Compatible AIS vessel-tracking, plotting or maritime data-management software.
AIS Antenna Installation Guidance
Reception range depends on antenna height, cable loss, local terrain and the presence of surrounding obstructions.
- Use an omnidirectional marine VHF antenna suitable for AIS reception
- For best performance, select an antenna centred around 162 MHz
- An antenna gain of 3 dB or more is recommended
- Mount the antenna with a clear view towards the sea and horizon
- Keep coaxial cable runs as short as reasonably possible
- Weatherproof all external RF connections to prevent moisture ingress
Typical Applications
- Government shoreside vessel monitoring
- Port and harbour traffic management
- Monitoring port approaches
- Search and rescue support
- Coastal surveillance stations
- Tug and supply-vessel operations
- Marine security operations
- Fishing-zone monitoring
- Maritime traffic analysis
- AIS vessel-tracking websites
- Remote AIS and GNSS receiving stations
- Networked maritime monitoring systems
Typical AIS Data Received
Subject to the transmitting vessel and AIS message type, received information may include:
Vessel name
MMSI
Position
Speed over ground
Course over ground
Heading
Rate of turn
Call sign
Vessel type
Navigational status
Destination
Vessel dimensions
Standard Package
- Comar R550NGi AIS and GNSS receiver
- USB-C power cable
- Power supply with universal adaptors
- 2-metre RJ45 Ethernet cable
- SMA male to BNC female AIS adaptor
- RP-SMA male to TNC female GNSS adaptor
- Comar Connect AIS and GNSS data-management software
Technical Summary
| Model | Comar R550NGi Intelligent Network AIS & GNSS Receiver with Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| SKU | 001-1150 |
| AIS Reception | Dual-channel parallel AIS reception |
| AIS Frequencies | 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz |
| AIS Sensitivity | Up to -112 dBm |
| GNSS Constellations | GPS and GLONASS |
| GNSS Channels | 32 parallel channels |
| GNSS Sensitivity | Up to -163 dBm |
| GNSS Output | NMEA 0183 GPRMC |
| Processing Platform | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 |
| Processor | 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 |
| Memory | 1GB RAM |
| Storage | 16GB eMMC |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, 802.11b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| USB | Two USB 2.0 Type-A host ports |
| Display | HDMI |
| Power | 5.1V DC, 900–1200mA typical |
| Software | Comar Connect AIS and GNSS data-management software |
| Network Services | TCP client, TCP server, UDP client and UDP server |
| Dimensions | 90 × 96 × 28 mm |
| Weight | 130 g |
| Ingress Protection | IP40 |
| Operating Temperature | -15°C to +40°C |
| Typical Use | Port monitoring, coastal surveillance, vessel tracking and AIS/GNSS network data distribution |
Downloads & Further Information
Need a Complete AIS and GNSS Monitoring Package?
F&C Marine can assist with the Comar R550NGi, AIS and GNSS antennas, mounting arrangements, coaxial cables, RF connectors, power supplies and network installation accessories. Please advise the intended monitoring software, network environment, antenna cable lengths and installation location when requesting a quotation.
For Comar R550NGi supply or replacement enquiries, confirm the exact model or part reference against the equipment already installed. Installation requirements for the Comar R550NGi should be checked against the vessel or shore-side system before ordering. F&C Marine can help confirm Comar R550NGi compatibility where existing equipment details are available.
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