Track ships in real-time using a $20 SDR dongle!

ByMuhammad Imanudin Posted on

Setting Up AIS-Catcher with OpenCPN on Windows: A Complete Guide

Why This Setup?

Automatic Identification System (AIS) lets you monitor vessel movements globally. With AIS-Catcher (a lightweight, open-source decoder) and OpenCPN (popular marine navigation software), you can turn an RTL-SDR dongle into a powerful AIS receiver. Perfect for sailors, hobbyists, or coastal residents!

You’ll Need:

  • RTL-SDR dongle (e.g., RTL2832U-based “Blog V4” or similar).
  • Windows PC (tested on Win 10/11).
  • Antenna: Stock antenna works, but a VHF marine antenna (25cm+) improves range dramatically.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Install RTL-SDR Drivers

  • Download Zadig.
  • Plug in your RTL-SDR.
  • Run Zadig as Administrator.
  • In Options → List All Devices.
  • From the dropdown:
  • Select Bulk-In, Interface (Interface 0) (often labeled “Blog V4”).
  • Driver: WinUSB → Click Install Driver.
    ✅ Success? You’ll see “Driver Installed.”

💡 Troubleshooting: If your dongle isn’t listed, unplug/replug it or try different USB ports.

2. Install AIS-Catcher

  • Download the latest ais-catcher-windows.zip from GitHub Releases.
  • Extract to C:\AIS-Catcher (create this folder if needed).

3. Launch AIS-Catcher

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  cd C:\AIS-Catcher
  ais-catcher.exe -u 127.0.0.1 10110


✅ What to expect:

  • A terminal shows real-time AIS messages like !AIVDM,1,1,,A,....
  • Errors? Ensure Zadig’s driver installed correctly.

⚙️ Pro Tip: Add -v 10 for verbose logs (e.g., ais-catcher.exe -v 10 -u 127.0.0.1 10110).

4. Configure OpenCPN

  • Install OpenCPN if not already.
  • Open OpenCPN → Options (gear icon) → Connections.
  • Under Data Connections:
  • Click Add Connection.
  • Settings:
    • Type: Network
    • Protocol: UDP
    • Address: 127.0.0.1
    • Port: 10110
    • Check ✅ Input and ✅ Enable this connection.
  • Click OK → Apply.

5. View AIS Data!

  • Position your antenna near a window (or outdoors).
  • In OpenCPN’s map view:
  • Ships appear as triangles with course/speed details.
  • Click any vessel to see its name, destination, and MMSI.
    🌊 Range: Expect 5-20 NM with a stock antenna; 50+ NM with an outdoor antenna.

Troubleshooting

  • No ships appearing?
  • Check AIS-Catcher’s terminal for messages.
  • Ensure OpenCPN’s connection port matches AIS-Catcher’s output (10110).
  • Try restarting both apps.
  • Weak signal?
  • Use an FM filter (87-108 MHz notch) to reduce interference.
  • Elevate your antenna.

Going Further

  • Overlay on Maps: Pair with VesselFinder to verify ship identities.
  • Feed to Marine Traffic: Use rtl_ais to share data.
  • Advanced AIS-Catcher Flags:
  ais-catcher.exe -u 127.0.0.1 10110 -gr tuner gain 35 -s 2304000

Conclusion

In under 10 minutes, you’ve built a ship-tracking station! This setup costs a fraction of commercial AIS receivers and is endlessly customizable. Share your results with #AIShacking on social media!

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Questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👇

🔒 Disclaimer: AIS data is public, but respect privacy laws. Do not disrupt maritime communications.