EP21 : Matsutec AIS Transponder installation and review

In this article we are reviewing Matsutec ha 102 HS AIS Transponder made by a Chinese brand named Matsutec.

The last 4 Years we have been sailing Nala without an AIS transponder but, after our latest sailboat delivery from Australia to Slovenia, we got to experience the benefits of having an AIS transponder on board.

When we first looked around all the mainstream Transponders cost over 400 Euros, and most of them could be used only for one boat, because you could change the mmsi only once.

Looking around on amazon i scramble upon the Matsutec AIS ha 102 unit and it looked really promising and for half the cost of the mainstream ones so we decided to give it a try!

If you are interest in the transponder you can buy from this link, that way we receive a commission from your purchase and you are helping us on our trip around the world.

We purchase the unit from amazon : Matsutec HA-102 Marine AIS Receiver and Transmitter
MatsutecMatsutec AIS Transponder

The unit arrived very well packed and after testing for the past few months we can tell that is working as intended.
Pros of Matsutec 102 Class B AIS :

Low Consumption
Can change the Boat and MMSI data multiple times
Distress Button
Separate GPS and AIS antenna
Low Price
Can connect to laptop or other Devices using nmea protocol
Works with OpenCpn and other plotters that accept nmea 0180

Cons of Matsutec ha 102

No build in wifi
Not supported by navionics
No WiFi

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[joseignaciohernandezbrito]

Hi can you show me the configuration used in opencpn to connect se ais ? You used RS232 to usb converter ? And what boud rate?

[gnougnougnou]

Hey, there's one thing I don't understand, do we need always a computer running?

[PanosKontogiannis]

Hi, did you try outthe transmission? Do the other vessels see your boat?

[누-zj]

hi~
HA-102 data cable rs422 tx+ tx- what color is it?

[pmgear]

very good, thanks for sharing, was looking at this but not a word about the mmsi and how to program or change, but apparently that is not an issue as I understand. question: is there a silent mode meaning you can see ships but don´t broadcast?

[누-zj]

matsutec HA-102 RS422 (out)TX+ (out)RX - Data cable What color is it?

[TheDowe]

I see the AIS antenna is tilted. It should be straight up for better coverage.

[hall]

MATSUTEC HA-102 - frequency issue which is may be on all older versions - firmware issue.
Ask developers for the newer firmware - reprogramming is easy for guys which is familiar with PC programming.
Developer sent me newer FW - and after that the frequency is right !

[leocabral]

Oi amigo, é possível conectar ao gps garmin?