Getting Started

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, ensure you have the following:

1. Compatible Hardware Setup:
   A USB-based RTL-SDR device or another supported SDR receiver. An AIS antenna for optimal data reception.

2. Computer or Server:
   Windows, Raspberry Pi, Linux, or OSX with basic command-line proficiency.

3. Internet Connection:
   Essential for installation and accessing online resources.

4. Line of Sight to Ships:
   Position yourself near water with active vessel traffic to receive AIS signals effectively.

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Start Installation

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High Level Steps

Follow these high-level steps to get AIS-catcher up and running:

Decide on your desired setup
Decide on using the Web GUI or not, for Docker or Raspberry Pi

Install AIS-catcher
Follow the detailed instructions in the Installation Guide tailored to your platform and needs

Customize Input and Output
Tailor your setup with our advanced Options

Set up your Community Feed
Register your station at aiscatcher.org and start feeding

Leverage Advanced Features
Start experimenting with advanced options such as MQTT, Grafana, and NMEA2000 support

The Web GUI

The Web GUI management interface is available exclusively for Raspberry Pi and Docker deployments as a separate package to ease configuration and management of the receiver. Key features include:

• Background service management
• Configuration interface
• System monitoring

Note: Manual configuration edits may limit certain GUI functionality. The interface provides a lightweight solution ideal for Linux newcomers.