Hi, my name is Bill Hersey. I've been building AzTrax for about 11 years now and have sold nearly 1000 units. For a while, that created a decent income and I tried to make it a full time profession. For better or worse, that dream did not materialize - however, I continue to support my customers and am always looking to serve new ones.

Look guys, I know how it is. The boat is significantly a boy's toy and given these tough economic times, spending on the boat may have to be restrained otherwise Mama ain't happy. I offer that putting an AzTrax on your boat might actually make her happy. You get satellite TV for a reasonable price that works just great when you are anchored in your favorite cove for swimming or whatever. The kids are happy, you are happy (the game is on at 7) and that makes Mama happy. QED.

For those that have patriotic loyalties, you should know that every part specifically fabricated for the AzTrax is done so by a US manufacturer. The cover is molded by a company outside of Boston, the machined parts are made by a machine shop in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Circuit cards are made in Colorado and final assembly and checkout is done in Bourne, Massachusetts. I do the selling, customer support and servicing from Maryland (where I moved for my new job). The only parts sourced offshore are those over which I have no control. Perhaps its not a perfect solution but its better than some...

Summer's here and given the slow economy, I will continue my spring special through July 4th. Here's the deal - I will accept orders for new systems for $1000 (That's a savings of about $200 off the regular price). Good for you - you get a quality system for a discount, good for me - I still make a little (and get some of the inventory out of my basement). Offer ends on July 4th!

Regardless, thanks for looking, Bill

"...Let me say a few words about the performance of the satellite tracking system. We used it throughout the Abacos Islands in the Bahamas, and it worked flawlessly. In winds up to 30 knots, when the boat would swing up to 180 degrees in a short period of time, we would never lose the picture. It was most comforting to be able to have full TV coverage at all times in a country that basically has no television. We were the envy of the anchorages..."

"... Again, thank you for providing such a fine product, and such caring customer service..."
 
 

Jim Godfrey, Freeport, Florida

 "...When I unpacked your shipment and examined all it's components I immediately knew I had purchased a quality system. Everything was just made of first class materials. The appearance and feel of every part was excellent. Installation was a breeze..."

"...Spent the last 24 hours "on the hook" and used your antenna system when we wanted to watch TV. It was just super!..."
 
 

Ken Neil, Jupiter, Florida Click here to see photos

 "...Thanks for your personal involvement in helping me get my marine satellite tracking system up and running. The installation went smoothly and everything works fine..."

"...The whole system is of excellent quality and should stand up well to salt water and the generally rugged marine environment..."
 
 

Ed Nagel, Clear Lake, TexasClick here to see photos

"Hi Bill,

We are sitting in a little anchorage called Peck Lake, just south of Stuart, Florida.  We decided to stay at the anchorage today becuse of 15-20 kt. winds.  We are swinging through an arc of about 65 degrees without a break in the satellite signal.
On our way to the Exumas for several months.  We are looking forward to having such good access to news, financials, and especially weather so far from home.
Thanks again for a great product and for the support you have given us."

Howard Schuneman

Data Sheet Available for Download

Made in USA

Now it is possible to receive quality programming including the Weather Channel, CNN, the Discovery Channel, Sports Channels, Movie Channels and much, much more (see Geoff Trowbridge's DBS Comparison Chart to compare services and more), while anchored or docked almost anywhere in the US. Imagine having access to the current radar maps provided by the Weather Channel while planning the day's outing, watching your favorite sporting team in action, or just relaxing after a day's sail with a top-notch movie - all from the comfort and privacy of your boat.

Why do I need this?

The standard 18" DBS antenna has a beam width on the order of 2 degrees to either side of peak. This means that if you mount your antenna to the boat, find the satellite and then have the boat heading deviate by anything much greater than 2 degrees, you will lose the signal. At dock or at anchor, a 2 degree heading change is almost unnoticable to you. To get a feel for what this means, extend your arm at full extension while pointing your thumb skyward. For the average person, your thumb is about 2 degrees wide. Much more heading error than this and your satellite receiver will lose signal acquisition.

The AzTrax unit reduces heading error to less than 1 degree RMS under most conditions. Add to the AzTrax heading servo, the signal capture range of the MARINE-SAT antenna and you can see that as your boat swings at anchor or moves about in your slip, the combination of the continuously adjusting heading servo continuously and antenna beam width will keep your signal reception level at its peak. Heading changes due to wind and current, are automatically compensated for. Under most conditions, this all happens without any degradation in signal quality.

Tracking system control is accomplished using either the provided infrared (IR) remote control, or by programming your DBS receiver remote with controls similar to a common autopilot except now instead of setting the desired boat heading, you set the desired antenna heading. In either case, it is possible to adjust the desired heading, as well as system operational parameters, without having to leave your chair.

System Components

The motorized antenna base supports the DBS antenna and is mounted to either on the deck or using the optional stanchion mounting bracket, rail mounts or rod-holder mounts. Utilizing a solid-state Magneto-Inductive compass sensor, antenna position is dynamically monitored and used to servo the antenna position to the user programmed setting. The net result is that the antenna heading remains constant. The antenna base is constructed from UV-stabilized ABS and PVC plastics and stainless steel to eliminate corrosion and is completely sealed assuring long operational life in the harsh marine environment. The system's clean white finish won't detract from the look of even the finest yachts.

The MARINE-SAT antenna construction complements the AzTrax construction perfectly. Also constructed from PVC and stainless, it will look and perform far better than standard household antennas for years to come

Click here for more construction details
 
 

The system controller acts as the interface between the user and the motorized antenna base. The system is activated and controlled using either the provided IR remote control or by programming your DBS system remote. System power, heading and control parameters are all adjustable from the IR remote control keypad. The controller includes a power cord with lighter plug and visibly displays the system parameters including antenna heading and operational modes.

Generation 3 improvements include built-in test and diagnostic tools to assist the owner in troubleshooting installation problems and to enhance system reliability.

Click here to see the easy step-by-step installation and setup technique

Included with the MARINE-SAT AzTrax system is a deck mount base complete with suction cup mounts for quick setup and stowage. The system also includes all necessary cabling to connect the tracking system to your existing DBS receiver and an infrared remote control for system activation. Rail mounts, rod-holder mounts and stanchion mounts are available optionally.

Click here for system comparison, configuration and pricing information

System Specifications

The MARINE-SAT AzTrax System includes

Full One-Year Warranty and 30-day Money-back Guarantee*

$1195 plus shipping and handling

Having problems with your AzTrax setup? Click here to see the Troubleshooting Guide.

For more information, email Marine Satellite Systems (mssat at comcast.net (replace the "at" with the "@" symbol)) or phone (800) 828-5331 or (443) 417-4319; fax (443) 788-0214.

* Try the system for 30 days - if you don't wish to keep it, return it in its original packing for full refund. Systems returned without packing material are subject to a 5% restocking charge.