Featured AIS Feeder for September 2023: Alan Johnson from Thornlands, Australia (SXAISD0000513)

Alan Johnson, ShipXplorer AIS Feeder in Thornlands, Australia 

In the vast ocean of AIS (Automatic Identification System) data contributors, there are feeders like Alan Johnson who stand out for their technical prowess and passion for sharing maritime data. Hailing from Thornlands, Australia, Alan Johnson is our Featured AIS Feeder for September 2023. Let's dive into his journey and learn about his impressive setup and insights into ship tracking.

Meet Alan Johnson

Alan Johnson, an experienced IT specialist with a background in electronics engineering, has dedicated the past 27 years to information technology. Throughout this time, he has overseen IT operations for a bank based in Australia. Nevertheless, Alan's curiosity and passion for technology transcend his professional endeavors. He is a committed enthusiast who ventured into AIS data sharing, driven by his fascination with aviation and desire to explore technology.

Alan's antenna

Alan's venture into AIS data sharing commenced as he delved into ADSB (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) technology. Captivated by the potential of tracking aircraft and maritime vessels, he serendipitously discovered AIS. Although AIS was initially unfamiliar territory, his curiosity prompted him to delve deeper into this captivating realm. His journey started with a modest setup featuring an adjustable telescopic antenna placed near an ocean-facing window, which impressively yielded a range of 10 nautical miles (nm). This initial achievement stoked his passion for the subject.

Alan's antenna

Alan Johnson's setup

Alan Johnson's setup

Alan ingeniously crafted a budget-friendly dipole antenna using PVC piping and RG58 cables precisely calibrated to the 162MHz AIS frequency. This clever solution excited his AIS signal reception and showcased that AIS data sharing can be within reach for hobbyists on a tight budget. Committed to continuous enhancement, Alan has recently purchased a filtered amplifier, which he intends to install for even super performance.

SXAISD0000513 AIS Station in Thornlands, Australia 

Alan conducted various AIS decoders before settling on an AIS catheter for decoding and feeding AIS data. He has been actively feeding AIS data to ShipXplorer since around July 5, 2023, contributing valuable maritime information to the global community of ship-tracking enthusiasts.

Antenna Placement: Alan's antenna is strategically mounted on the roof of his double-story house, positioned approximately 8 meters above the ground. The elevation of his house at 66 meters above sea level provides an advantageous vantage point for tracking vessels at sea.

Setup Advice: Alan's advice to fellow AIS feeders is clear: invest in good quality RG58 cabling, fine-tune your antenna for the 162MHz frequency, and position it as high as possible outside your building. His own experience demonstrates that such adjustments can significantly increase your range from 10nm to an impressive 50nm.

Why ShipXplorer?

Alan opted for ShipXplorer for its well-designed user interface and overall ease of use when discussing his selection of an AIS data-sharing platform. He specifically emphasized his favorable encounter within the ShipXplorer WhatsApp group, where he encountered individuals who shared his enthusiasm for maritime tracking. The community gave him valuable guidance and knowledge, enhancing his AIS adventure.

Thornlands, Queensland, Australia 

Thornlands is a coastal residential locality in Redland, Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, Thornlands had a population of 19,263 people.

Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Alan Johnson's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and dedication. His resourceful approach and commitment to improvement have resulted in a remarkable AIS setup that benefits the maritime tracking community. As our Featured AIS Feeder for September 2023, Alan Johnson inspires fellow enthusiasts to explore the world of AIS and contribute to the fascinating realm of ship tracking.

Thank you, Alan, for your invaluable contributions to the ShipXplorer community and your story with us. We look forward to seeing how your setup evolves and the insights you continue to bring to the maritime world.

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