AIS Share – RTL AIS Driver

Android Marine AIS System

AIS Share + RTL AIS Driver

Turn a modern Android phone or tablet into a live dual-channel AIS receiver with elegant onboard sharing to charting apps over Wi-Fi.
Plug in an RTL-SDR dongle, press Play in AIS Share, and forward vessel targets to OpenCPN, Navionics Boating, Boat Beacon, and other NMEA 0183 compatible apps.

No cloud. No monthly fee. No dedicated marine black box required.

Dual-channel AIS UDP + TCP sharing GPS forwarding Polar Range Chart Unique Vessel Count v2.2.4

On This Page

This system is intentionally split into two parts so each app can do one job well.

Both apps must be installed. In daily use, AIS Share is the app you work with.

1. Device

Android phone or tablet

Use a recent Android device with USB-C OTG. Tablets work especially well if you want AIS Share visible next to your chart app.

2. Connection

USB-C OTG or powered hub

A good USB-C OTG adapter is essential. For longer onboard sessions, a powered USB-C hub keeps the dongle stable and reduces battery drain.

Amazon DE – USB-C OTG
AliExpress – USB-C OTG
AliExpress – USB-C Hub

3. Radio

RTL-SDR + proper antenna

Choose a stable 0.5 ppm / RTL-SDR Blog class receiver if possible. Pair it with a proper AIS or VHF antenna for real range.

Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V3
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V4
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V3 Bundle
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V4 Bundle
AliExpress – 0.5 ppm RTL-SDR
AliExpress – 0.5 ppm Bundle
AliExpress – AIS Marine Antenna

• Recommended: RTL-SDR Blog V3 and RTL-SDR Blog V4
• Works well: most Nooelec NESDR models using R820T or R860 tuners
• Usually compatible: many generic “DVB-T + DAB + FM” dongles sold on Amazon or AliExpress, although cheaper units may need more PPM correction
• Best antenna results: use a proper marine AIS or VHF antenna, ideally mounted high and clear of onboard interference
• Bias-T: available on RTL-SDR Blog V3/V4 for powering an active antenna or LNA; do not expect Bias-T on most generic sticks

Choose the antenna as carefully as the dongle

AIS reception range depends far more on antenna quality, cable losses, mounting height, and local RF noise than on tiny SDR spec-sheet differences. A good antenna often matters more than chasing the newest dongle revision.

• Android version: Android 6.0 or newer (minSdk 23)
• Target platform: current builds target Android 16 / API 36
• USB support: USB-C OTG or another working USB Host connection path is required
• Companion app: install both RTL AIS Driver and AIS Share
• Driver compatibility: RTL AIS Driver version 33 or newer
• Networking: Wi-Fi or another IP network is needed if you want to feed OpenCPN, Navionics, or other remote clients

1. Install RTL AIS Driver from Google Play.
2. Install AIS Share from Google Play.
3. Connect the RTL-SDR dongle with your USB-C OTG adapter or powered hub.
4. Open AIS Share and press the Play button.
5. Allow the USB permission request for RTL AIS Driver.
6. Wait for live message counts and status badges to turn active.
7. Point your charting app to the AIS Share UDP or TCP output.

1. Install RTL AIS Driver first, then install AIS Share.
2. Connect your RTL-SDR dongle through a reliable USB-C OTG adapter or a powered hub.
3. Attach a suitable AIS or VHF antenna before testing live traffic.
4. Open AIS Share, read the disclaimer/onboarding screens, and complete first-run setup.
5. When Android asks for USB access for the dongle, grant permission to RTL AIS Driver. If your device shows an “always use” option, enable it.
6. Open Settings and confirm your preferred UDP ports, TCP port, GPS options, and general behavior such as Keep Screen On or the Reception Range Chart.
7. Tap Play in AIS Share. The app will start the driver, background processing, and the configured sharing services automatically.
8. Watch the status badges: DRV confirms the dongle path, RX confirms decoding activity, and UDP/TCP/GPS confirm the selected outputs.
9. Point your charting app at the shown Wi-Fi IP and the matching UDP or TCP port. For same-device testing, localhost may work if the chart app supports it.
10. If you are away from live traffic, enable Simulation Mode and verify that targets appear in OpenCPN, Navionics, or your chosen AIS Decoder / NMEA client.

Background reliability matters on Android

After installation, use the whitelist/battery-optimization guidance for both AIS Share and RTL AIS Driver. This is especially important on tablets and phones that aggressively stop background services.

Status at a glance

The top status row shows whether the driver, background processing, UDP sharing, TCP sharing, and GPS sharing are actually running. The most important badge is DRV, because it confirms the dongle and radio path are alive.

Wi-Fi IP always visible

AIS Share shows the device’s current Wi-Fi IP right on the main screen, which makes Navionics, OpenCPN, and other network client setup much faster onboard.

Inline output editing

Tap an output row and change host, port, or active state directly from the main screen. No more digging through settings just to fix one port number.

Live activity feedback

Active rows show a pulse indicator and recent send activity, so you can see whether data is flowing now, not just whether a checkbox is enabled.

Use UDP

Best for simple distribution to one or more chart clients, especially OpenCPN-style setups and multi-device boat networks.

Use TCP

Best when a chart app prefers a single direct server connection, which is often the cleanest starting point for Garmin Navionics Boating.

1. In AIS Share, enable the TCP server.
2. Use the Wi-Fi IP shown on the AIS Share main screen.
3. In Navionics, open the external device or paired device connection screen and create a Wi-Fi NMEA / TCP connection.
4. Enter the AIS Share Wi-Fi IP and the same TCP port.
5. Return to the chart and confirm that AIS targets are enabled in the app view.

Important Navionics hints

• Navionics (Boating app) requires a valid chart subscription for the area you are testing. Without it, AIS targets may not be displayed correctly even if data is received.
• Depending on your setup, use the correct connection address:
  • Different device: use the Android device network IP (e.g. 192.168.x.x)
  • Same device: you can use 127.0.0.1 (localhost) if supported by the connection setup
• After connecting, make sure AIS targets are enabled in the chart display settings and that you are inside an area covered by your Navionics subscription.
• If AIS targets do not appear, check:
  • Chart subscription is active for the region
  • AIS layer/display is enabled in Navionics settings
  • You have valid GPS position and correct map zoom level
• For dry runs, use AIS Share simulation mode. Ensure the test target is placed inside your subscribed chart region, otherwise it will not be visible on the map.

• Options > Connections > Add Connection
• Type: Network
• Protocol: UDP
• Direction: Input
• Address: 0.0.0.0 or your chosen receive address
• DataPort: the same UDP port configured in AIS Share

• Enable one UDP output in AIS Share.
• Point it at the Boat Beacon device IP, or use your network broadcast strategy if appropriate.
• In Boat Beacon, enable the external AIS feed and use the same port number.

For GPS sharing, AIS Share generates standard NMEA 0183 sentences that many marine apps already understand:

• GPRMC for time, date, speed over ground, and course over ground
• GPGGA for core fix data and altitude
• GPGSA for active satellites and solution state
• GPGSV for satellites in view

GPS settings let you adjust update distance, update time, and the UDP send interval. If you enable Only Device NMEA, AIS Share forwards only the raw device-provided NMEA stream and disables the regular periodic sentence generation.

• Use the Whitelist action in AIS Share so Android does not aggressively stop background operation for either AIS Share or RTL AIS Driver.
• Enable Keep Wi-Fi radio on in General Settings when you depend on a continuous onboard network feed.
• Enable Keep Screen On if your helm tablet sleeps too aggressively during navigation.
• For long sessions, use a powered USB-C hub or a permanently powered tablet installation.
• If your device brand is known for killing background apps, check dontkillmyapp.com.

RTL AIS Driver dongle settings

• PPM correction for frequency calibration
• Gain from 0-100% or automatic gain behavior
• AGC toggle when you prefer automatic RF gain control
• DC Filter to reduce center-frequency artifacts
• Edge tuning for alternative tuning behavior on some devices
• Bias-T for active antennas or LNAs on supported RTL-SDR Blog V3/V4 hardware

AIS Share output settings

• Enable or disable each of the three UDP outputs
• Set destination host and port per UDP output
• Enable or disable the single-client TCP server and set its port
• Edit outputs directly from the main screen for fast onboard changes

GPS settings

• GPS share host and port
• Update distance in meters
• Update time in seconds
• UDP send interval in seconds
• Only Device NMEA mode for raw device NMEA pass-through

General and debug settings

• Keep Screen On for helm or dashboard use
• Keep Wi-Fi radio on / Wi-Fi wake lock for stable network sharing
• Reception Range Chart opt-in toggle
• Simulation mode enable switch
• Custom longitude and latitude for the simulated vessel set

Q: Why am I not receiving any ships?

A: First confirm that DRV and RX are active, then check the antenna, local vessel traffic, and whether you are in range of real AIS transmissions. Most “no ships” reports come from antenna placement, no nearby traffic, or USB power issues rather than the app itself.

Q: How far can AIS reception reach?

A: Range depends on antenna height, antenna quality, cable loss, surrounding terrain, and vessel antenna height. A good marine antenna can deliver surprisingly long coastal range, while an indoor whip may only see nearby traffic.

Q: Does it work completely offline?

A: Yes. After the apps are installed, AIS Share and RTL AIS Driver can receive, decode, and forward AIS data without any cloud service. Internet is only relevant for downloads, updates, or map data used by other chart apps.

Q: Can I use RTL-SDR Blog V4?

A: Yes. RTL-SDR Blog V4 is a good supported choice for this Android AIS setup, and it also supports Bias-T when you need to power an active antenna or LNA.

Q: Does it work with Nooelec NESDR dongles?

A: Usually yes, as long as the dongle uses the common RTL2832U platform with a compatible R820T or R860 tuner. As always, antenna quality still matters more than the sticker on the dongle.

Q: Can I use an external antenna?

A: Absolutely. In fact, a proper external AIS or VHF antenna is one of the best upgrades you can make for better Marine AIS reception and longer range.

Q: Can I use TCP output?

A: Yes. AIS Share provides a TCP server on port 10114 by default. It accepts one client at a time — see Sharing AIS Data for configuration details.

Q: Can I use UDP output?

A: Yes. AIS Share provides three independent UDP outputs by default — see Sharing AIS Data for ports and configuration.

Q: Can multiple navigation apps receive the stream at the same time?

A: Yes over UDP. Multiple apps or devices can listen to the same UDP feed if the IP/port setup matches. Over TCP, only one client can connect at a time.

Q: Which Android devices are compatible?

A: Any Android phone or tablet running Android 6.0+ with working USB Host / OTG support can be a candidate. In practice, tablets with stable power and decent Wi-Fi are especially convenient onboard.

Q: Can I forward my GPS position?

A: Yes. AIS Share can transmit your own device position over UDP as NMEA 0183, which is helpful when a chart app needs both AIS targets and a local GPS feed.

Q: What NMEA sentences are generated for GPS sharing?

A: AIS Share generates GPRMC, GPGGA, GPGSA, and GPGSV — see GPS Sharing for all options.

Q: Why is USB permission requested every time I connect?

A: That behavior depends partly on Android and partly on the device vendor. If your device offers an “always use” or “remember” checkbox for the USB permission dialog, enable it.

Q: Why is my reception poor?

A: Check the antenna first, then the cable, then the mounting position, then the dongle gain settings. AIS lives on VHF, so poor antennas, metal obstructions, and noisy electronics can reduce range dramatically.

Q: Can I use it with Navionics Boating / Garmin Boating?

A: Yes. Navionics usually works best with the AIS Share TCP server and the phone or tablet Wi-Fi IP, provided AIS display is enabled and the chart subscription covers the test area.

Q: Can I use it with OpenCPN?

A: Yes. OpenCPN is one of the easiest pairings because it supports flexible NMEA network inputs. UDP is often the simplest starting point.

Q: Can I use it with other navigation software?

A: Usually yes if the app accepts NMEA 0183 over UDP or TCP. That includes many Android, Windows, and marine charting tools beyond OpenCPN and Navionics.

Q: Can I run it in the background?

A: Yes. AIS Share is designed around a foreground service so reception and forwarding can continue while you switch apps.

Q: Does it run while my screen is off?

A: Usually yes, especially when battery optimization is disabled for both apps. Some vendors are more aggressive than others, so whitelisting is important.

Q: What is simulation mode for?

A: Simulation mode lets you test your AIS Decoder, network setup, and chart app compatibility without waiting for live vessels — see Simulation Mode for details.

Q: How do I test my setup without real vessels?

A: Enable Simulation Mode, then connect your chart app to the configured UDP or TCP output. You can also set a custom simulated position so the test vessels appear inside your subscribed chart area.

Q: What is the Reception Range Polar Chart?

A: It is a directional performance view — 16 sectors of 22.5° over 60 minutes — that helps you spot antenna shadowing. See Reception Analysis for how to enable it.

Q: Why does the Polar Chart need location permission?

A: The chart compares vessel positions with your own device location. Without location permission, AIS Share cannot calculate direction and distance from your position.

Q: What does the “Only Device NMEA” GPS setting do?

A: It forwards only the raw NMEA data supplied by the Android device and disables the app’s normal periodic GPS sentence generation. See GPS Sharing for all available options.

Q: What is Bias-T and when should I use it?

A: Bias-T injects DC power onto the antenna line to power an active antenna or low-noise amplifier. Only enable it when your hardware supports it and your antenna path is designed for it, such as RTL-SDR Blog V3/V4 with a compatible active front end.

Q: USB device not detected

A: Try a different OTG adapter, a powered hub, or a different Android device. Some phones provide limited USB power and will not reliably start certain dongles.

Q: USB permission denied or re-requested every time

A: Reconnect the dongle, reopen AIS Share, and accept the USB dialog for RTL AIS Driver. If the dialog offers an “always use” option, enable it so Android remembers the association.

Q: No AIS messages received

A: If DRV is active but counters stay at zero, focus on antenna, location, and live traffic conditions — check the Status Badges section for what each indicator means.

Q: Only a few ships received / poor coverage

A: This usually points to antenna placement, low antenna height, heavy obstructions, or a poor feed line. See Supported Hardware for antenna guidance.

Q: Poor AIS reception / short range

A: Try a better marine AIS or VHF antenna, check connectors for loss or corrosion, and test different gain or AGC settings. See Supported Hardware for antenna guidance.

Q: No GPS fix / GPS sharing not working

A: Make sure location permission is granted, GPS is enabled on the device, and the GPS sharing output is active.

Q: TCP client cannot connect

A: Verify the chart app is using the AIS Share device IP and the correct TCP port — see Sharing AIS Data for port defaults. The TCP server accepts only one client at a time.

Q: UDP stream not received by charting app

A: Check that the destination IP and port in AIS Share exactly match the listening IP/port in the charting app — see Sharing AIS Data for configuration.

Q: Android battery optimization killing the app in background

A: Use the battery-optimization whitelist for both AIS Share and RTL AIS Driver. On some brands, this single step makes the difference between a stable background receiver and constant shutdowns.

Q: USB OTG not working / dongle draws too much power

A: Use a powered USB hub or a better OTG cable. Power-starved setups often cause disconnects, failed initialization, or intermittent reception.

Q: Unsupported or unrecognized RTL-SDR device

A: Prefer RTL2832U-based hardware with R820T or R860 tuners. Very unusual tuner variants or non-RTL USB receivers are not the intended target for this app pair.

Q: Wrong or unsuitable antenna

A: AIS is transmitted on marine VHF frequencies, so random TV or HF antennas are a poor match. See Supported Hardware for antenna guidance.

Q: Network firewall blocking UDP/TCP traffic

A: Some routers, guest networks, and mobile hotspots isolate clients or restrict peer-to-peer traffic — see Sharing AIS Data for network setup guidance.

Q: AIS targets not appearing in Navionics despite connection

A: Check that your chart subscription covers the area — see the Navigation App Guide for Navionics tips and how to use Simulation Mode for testing.

Free Companion App

RTL AIS Driver

Free

Provides RTL-SDR device support and AIS signal decoding. This app receives AIS messages from a compatible RTL-SDR receiver and makes the decoded vessel data available to AIS Share.

Premium App

AIS Share

One-time purchase • No subscription

AIS Share is the premium companion app for your DIY AIS receiver setup. It provides a modern Material 3 interface, rolling reception charts, unique vessel tracking, and seamless NMEA 0183 integration for professional charting apps.

Do not rely on AIS Share or RTL AIS Driver for safety of life or property. These apps are for informational and hobby use. Reception quality, vessel coverage, message completeness, and network forwarding cannot be guaranteed. Always comply with local regulations for radio reception and always use approved marine navigation equipment where required.