PortTracker AIS Catcher App
Turn any Android smartphone or tablet into a portable, high-performance AIS receiver. The PortTracker AIS Catcher app connects to RTL-SDR USB dongles to decode live AIS signals and stream vessel data directly into the PortTracker ecosystem.
How It Works
1. Plug In
Connect an RTL-SDR USB dongle to your Android device via USB-C or OTG adapter. No special hardware required — commodity SDR sticks work perfectly.
2. Decode
The app uses the AIS-catcher engine for multi-channel AIS decoding at 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz. Real-time NMEA parsing with position, speed, heading, and vessel identity.
3. Stream
Decoded AIS messages are forwarded to PortTracker via UDP/TCP. Your received vessels appear on the live map alongside satellite and terrestrial AIS feeds.
Use Cases
- Portable Monitoring — Take AIS reception to the harbour, the bridge, or the coastline without fixed infrastructure.
- Backup Receiver — Use old smartphones as redundant AIS receivers for critical coverage areas.
- Field Testing — Evaluate antenna placements and reception quality before deploying permanent Navisense SDR hardware.
- Community AIS — Contribute vessel sightings to the PortTracker network and improve coverage in underserved areas.
Requirements
| Device | Android 8.0+ with USB-C or Micro-USB (OTG capable) |
| SDR Hardware | Any RTL-SDR compatible USB dongle (RTL2832U chipset) |
| Antenna | VHF marine antenna recommended for best range (included antennas work for testing) |
| Data Connection | WiFi or mobile data for streaming to PortTracker |
Get Started
The PortTracker AIS Catcher app is available as a direct download. Contact us for integration with your PortTracker tenant.
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