Product support: X100

What hardware do I need to connect my X100 to?

VHF Antenna

It is recommended that you use a VHF antenna tuned to 162MHz for optimum performance. For your splitter, one suitable for 156MHz and 162MHz is recommended.

VHF Antenna cable

RG-58 or RG-8X cables can be used for short distances, however for longer runs it is recommend to use a low loss cable like RG-213.

For further information on Antenna siting, see: Installing the VHF antenna

Power

The X100 is supplied with a two metre long power and data cable. If you require longer cables to reach your power supply, ensure the cables are capable of carrying currents of up to 6A peak and 200mA on average. You will also have to have means of connecting the cables together.

For further information on power and power cable requirements, see: Powering the X100 & Rear connectors

Optional hardware interfaces

NMEA0183

NMEA0183 connections can be used to connect your X100 to a Chartplotter or Multi Function Display. Generally your chart plotter should be configured to accept NMEA data at 38400 baud (sometimes referred to as ‘NMEA HS’). You may also need to enable the display of AIS targets in the chart options. See Rear connectors for further information

NMEA2000

If you use an NMEA2000 network on your vessel you can connect the AIS transceiver to the NMEA2000 network via a suitable cable. If you are not sure what cable is suitable, email support@em-trak.com or contact your dealer. See: Rear connectors for further details.

Loudhailer / external speaker

X100 can connect to either an External speaker (for incoming VHF audio) or a Loudhailer. See: Rear connectors for further details.

Connecting Mobile phone and Tablet devices to the X100

Any device you want to connect to the X100 needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the X100. So make sure the device is on the same network, then simply press the JOIN WI-FI softkey on the VESSEL screen.

Then scan the QR code with the device you want to join.

If you want to use the device to run a Third party Navigation app, you’re good to go, just setup the connection as per the navigation app vendor’s instructions.

If you want to use the phone or tablet with CONNECT-X, download and install the app from your App Store by clicking HERE.

Open the CONNECT-X app and follow the app’s instructions, the device will be connected in no time.

Minimum phone and tablet requirements:

• Android 11+
• iOS 15+

your App Store will tell you if the CONNECT-X App is compatible with your device or not.

X100 is designed to allow up to 10 Mobiles devices to be connected to its network at any one time in Direct Connect Mode.

How do I receive and install software updates?

Each time you open the app, it automatically checks for the latest X100 software update. If a newer version is available, it will download and install it for you automatically – when it is convenient for you.

When a software update is available for the app, your smart device will usually notify you. You can then download and install the update from the app store.

How do I check if my Chartplotter is AIS compatible?

Most modern Chartplotters will have the ability to accept AIS information via NMEA, however older models may not have this ability. This is due to technology continuously improving with new features being added. To check to see if your Chartplotter is fully compatible with the X100 contact us by clicking here, or email support@em-trak.com.

The X100 has an integrated zero loss splitter, so its AIS and VHF functions both operate and from a single VHF Antenna when connected directly.

Only consider an additional external splitter if you plan to share that same antenna with other equipment (e.g. another VHF radio), and in that case it must both support 156MHz and 162MHZ.

You can read more in the X100 product overview here.

For your em-trak X100 (which combines AIS & VHF), you need a good quality antenna that is tuned for the entire VHF Marine band (including AIS), ideally 1/2 wave for better performance without a ground plane, with a PL259 connector for the X100’s SO239 port.

Alongside an em-trak antenna (contact your local em-trak dealer for details), top brands like Shakespeare (e.g., Galaxy series) or Procom antennas are good choices, emphasizing proper mounting for clear sky/water view and distance from other electronics.

• Optimal Gain (3dB): A 3dB antenna provides a good balance of range and stability. Because it has a wider vertical beam, it maintains connection even when the boat rolls or pitches. For more stable vessels that heel over less (Catamarans and Motorboats), antennas with a higher gain (up to 6 dB) can be used.
• Height is Key: Since marine VHF is “line of sight,” placing a 3dB antenna at the top of the mast provides a much better range (approx. 30+ miles) than a higher-gain antenna mounted lower.

• Frequency: Covers 156-162 MHz (Marine VHF & AIS) tuned to a Centre frequency of 159 MHz.
• Type: A 1/2 wave is generally better than 1/4 wave as it doesn’t need a perfect ground plane.
• Connector: PL259 to fit the X100’s SO239 socket.
• Gain: Higher gain (dB) means reliability at range but can be more directional; a 3dB or 6dB is standard.

X100 contains an integrated GNSS Antenna which can be used when the radio is in a location with a clear view of the sky or near a window.

However, for utmost flexibility and performance, we recommend connecting an external antenna and mounting this in an outside location. See: GPS antenna options for further details.

A GNSS Antenna can be purchased with your X100, please see: https://em-trak.com/accessories/gps100/

If you have a GNSS antenna onboard that, for instance, was used for a previous radio or AIS, it may be possible to connect this to X100.

X100 requires a GNSS antenna to have:

• Male TNC connector
• Gain of 25dB or more
• Active Bias voltage of 3.3V – 5V (centre pin positive)