Digital Yacht SPL1500 Antenna Splitter VHF/AIS

The Digital Yacht SPL1500 Antenna Splitter VHF/AIS is a dual-band RF splitter engineered to eliminate the need for multiple antennas on vessels equipped with both VHF radio and AIS systems. Unlike passive splitters that simply divide the signal, the SPL1500 incorporates active circuitry to isolate transmitting and receiving paths, allowing a single VHF antenna to serve both AIS receivers and Class B transponders without signal degradation or operational conflicts. This is critical for vessels where antenna real estate is limited or where installation of additional masts is impractical.

The unit features three straightforward connections: one input for the primary VHF antenna and two outputs—one for VHF/DSC radio equipment and one for the AIS receiver or transponder. The integrated protection circuitry prevents transmit-power conflicts between the VHF transmitter and Class B AIS transponder, a risk that would damage or disable basic splitters. Operating in the 156–162 MHz maritime VHF band and the 161.975 MHz AIS receive frequency, the SPL1500 maintains port-to-port isolation while preserving signal integrity across both systems. Weighing just 1.6 pounds, the compact design (7 × 4 × 10 inches) mounts easily in a wheelhouse or console without taking up significant space.

This splitter is essential for commercial fishing vessels, patrol boats, rescue craft, and any maritime operator running dual VHF and AIS systems where antenna consolidation is required. It eliminates the compromise between coverage and signal quality that occurs with single-point antennas serving mismatched frequencies. The SPL1500 is particularly valuable for retrofit installations where adding a dedicated AIS antenna would violate vessel configuration standards or compromise structural integrity, and for operators who need simultaneous VHF distress capability and continuous AIS position reporting without signal switching or manual reconfiguration.