Scott, Don't let the problems get you down! As you have discovered by now, there almost never a cruising boat out there where every system is working all of the time. That's why one of the skipper's most important jobs is being the chief engineer! Sounds to me like your AIS problem is really an antenna problem. Here are some trouble-shooting ideas: --Did the AIS work at greater ranges previously? What changes have been made that might have affected reception? --Have you physically checked the AIS antenna? It's sometimes surprising what that will reveal! --Have you checked the antenna connector (PL239)? Is it clean? No corrosion? Well connected to the AIS? --Are there any other connections in the line? Each intermediate connection attenuates the signal; the best runs have no intermediate connections. --Are you using an antenna splitter? If so, temporarily take it out of the equation and wire the antenna directly to the AIS. Does that make a difference? (Keep in mind that a splitter is also an intermediate connection and attenuates the signal.) --Can you connect a different VHF antenna to the AIS for a temporary test? Does that make a difference? On Bluewater's original AIS installation, my installer mistakenly used a cell phone antenna instead of a VHF antenna, which REALLY reduced the range. Once I discovered that and replaced it with a proper VHF antenna, our range improved markedly. On Med Bound 2007, Moana Kuewa and Bluewater had identical (brand and model and antenna) AIS systems, yet Moana Kuewa could pick up targets significantly ahead of Bluewater, sometimes 10 miles earlier. We were never able to determine the reason, though Moana Kuewa's antenna as several feet higher than ours, which probably was responsible for some of the difference. Truth is, is you can pick up AIS targets at about 15 miles or more, you're getting all the warning you need. Anything less than 10 miles is unacceptable in my book. Have a great Fubar! --Milt Baker, N4732 Bluewater (temporarily hard ashore in Fort Lauderdale)