Garmin
Vesper VHF-AIS-FM Splitter with VSWR Indicator SP160
Pickup available at Mercury Yacht Harbour
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Description
The SP160 simplifies installing an AIS transponder or receiver by letting it share an existing VHF antenna, removing the need for a dedicated second antenna. A built-in low-noise amplifier improves AIS receive performance, increasing range and lifting sensitivity to -119 dBm when paired with a Vesper Marine transponder, while insertion loss stays low at 1 dB on transmit and 1.5 dB on VHF receive.
A separate 75 ohm port adds an AM/FM antenna feed for a stereo. The splitter is fail-safe, always giving the VHF radio priority even when its power is switched off, so safety communications are never interrupted. Front-panel indicators show power, VHF and AIS transmit activity, and a red Check Ant warning lights if the VHF transmits into a short or open-circuit antenna. The unit is water resistant and accepts 10-32 V DC.
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Shares one VHF antenna between a VHF radio and an AIS receiver or transponder, saving a second antenna and cable run
- Built-in low-noise amplifier improves AIS receive performance, lifting sensitivity to -119 dBm with a Vesper transponder
- Ultra-low insertion loss: 1 dB on VHF and AIS transmit, 1.5 dB on VHF receive
- Additional 75 ohm AM/FM antenna feed so a stereo can share the same antenna
- Fail-safe design always gives the VHF radio priority, even with the splitter powered off
- Built-in VSWR 'Check Ant' indicator warns of a faulty or damaged antenna, plus VHF and AIS transmit activity LEDs
- SP160 AIS/VHF/FM antenna splitter
- Installation guide
No exploded diagram available for this product.
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General
| Product type | AIS/VHF/FM antenna splitter with VSWR (antenna fault) indicator |
| Function | Shares a single VHF antenna between a VHF radio and an AIS receiver or transponder, with an additional feed for an AM/FM radio |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Radio
| Frequency range | 156 MHz to 163 MHz |
| Insertion loss, VHF transmit | 1 dB |
| Insertion loss, VHF receive | 1.5 dB |
| Insertion loss, AIS transmit | 1 dB |
| Gain, AIS receive | 12 dB (low-noise amplifier); AIS sensitivity increased to -119 dBm when used with a Vesper Marine transponder |
| Noise figure | Less than 1.5 dB |
| Maximum VHF transmit power | 25 W |
| Maximum AIS transmit power | 12.5 W |
| Switching time | Less than 10 microseconds |
| VSWR / antenna fault indicator | Red "Check Ant" indicator lights when the VHF transmits on high power into a faulty antenna (short or open circuit); amber VHF TX and AIS TX activity indicators; green power indicator |
| Fail-safe operation | Always gives priority to the VHF radio, even if the splitter power is switched off |
Connectivity
| Antenna port | 50 ohm, SO239 connector |
| VHF and AIS ports | 50 ohm, SO239 connectors |
| AM/FM port | 75 ohm, BNC connector |
Electrical
| Power supply | 10-32 V DC, less than 0.8 W nominal |
| Maximum current | 270 mA |
Physical
| Dimensions (including connectors) | 135 x 107 x 56 mm |
Environmental
| Operating temperature | -25 C to +55 C |
| Water resistance | Water resistant; recommended to install in a dry location |
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