The AIS tracking is off or lagging

You have the AIS tracking enabled and configured, nevertheless the position isn't updated on the map?

Why the AIS tracking isn't updating my position ?

The tracking via AIS isn't 100% reliable as numerous factors may influence the signal reception. AIS signals transmitted from your boat are received by terrestrial stations as well as satellites.

First thing to consider is that the typical AIS range for terrestrial station to receive your signal is 15-20 NM. But it can vary. It can be more with a proper installation ( 5 Watts transponder or class A device, antenna high above water and good coaxial cable)and it can be less than 5 NM with a bad installation (a 2 Watts transponder, low quality cable and low antenna installation).

Solution : check your installation (see below).

Secondly Skipperblogs uses data from a provider which collect AIS data from other providers. Each AIS network is different but the access cost to those data is quite high (and satellite AIS data is way beyond Skipperblogs' means). Therefore, there are some shadow aeras where your AIS signal can't be forwarded to Skipperblogs' servers.

Solution : use complementary trackings available on Skipperblogs

Urban aeras and high traffic zone are more densely covered by terrestrial stations, while remote places are more prone to have AIS shadow

You can fill up the blanks

If your track is missing some waypoints, you can add them afterwards and modify your track using the map editor.

AIS tracking does not work for blue water passages

As terrestrial station may only pick up your AIS signal up to 20NM away from land and as Skipperblogs can't afford satellite AIS data, the AIS tracking will not work for blue water passage. However, as trackings are complementary, you can setup and enable other trackings like IridiumGo, InReach and more to keep your map updated when sailing away from dry land.

How to tell if my installation need improvement?

Switch your AIS transponder ON and wait a couple of minutes. Then search your boat using your MMSI number on the following platforms :

If none of the websites mentioned above and Skipperblogs does not display your boat or update your position to the latest time, you may check your onboard AIS installation, cables and antenna.You can check this article for installation tips: https://www.quark-elec.com/how-to-boost-ais-reception/

How to tell if I am in a shadow aera and Skipperblogs can't see me?

Switch your AIS transponder ON and wait a couple of minutes. Then perform a reception test from the tracking configuration page https://www.skipperblogs.com/dashboard/nav/tracking. Select AIS tracking and then hit Perform a test button. If your position is not correct or if the timestamp is not actual, it means that Skipperblogs can't see you for the moment.

That said, can still enable the tracking and your position will be updated as soon as your signal is received. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a couple of miles before your signal is received.

Did you know ?

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