<Tom wrote: Could you let us know if you are using a dedicated VHF antenna or splitting into an existing one and how high above the water the antenna is?> I don't think that it is a reception issue. I think that the ships either aren't transmitting at all or are shutting them down and don't remember to turn them back on till someone alerts them to do so. As an example at this moment I can see 11 ships all within 4 miles. Only one is showing on the AIS and he has full details. Of the other that have been shown in my history log none have their names or any info except the MMSI numbers. I have heard from a few other folks that this is a common problem...few ships have them on and the ones that do are missing lots of data :-( I have a dedicated antenna and it is 17' or so above the water so don't think it is a reception issue. We need more feedback from others on this, me thinks. Cheers Dave & Nancy Swan Song Roughwater 58 Puerto La Cruz Venezuela