Alltek Marine Electronics will put its new AMEC B620 and B650 AIS Class B transponder families at the centre of its IBEX 2026 display in Tampa. The two ranges cover both 2W CSTDMA and higher-output 5W SOTDMA configurations for recreational and light-commercial installations.
Both families are designed for modern networked boats while retaining support for older onboard electronics. NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 and USB connectivity are built into the current specification.
B620 targets compact Class B installations
The B620 family transmits at 2W and uses CSTDMA access, making it suitable for many leisure-boat AIS installations. The range includes standard, Wi-Fi, antenna-splitter and combined Wi-Fi/splitter versions.
AMEC also lists receive sensitivity below -111dBm and an IP68 enclosure for the series. Owners should still select an antenna arrangement and installation position that suit the boat rather than relying only on transponder specifications.
B650 moves to 5W SOTDMA
The B650 family increases transmit power to 5W and uses SOTDMA technology, which reserves transmission slots more predictably in busy AIS environments. It is also offered in versions with Wi-Fi and integrated antenna splitting.
That extra capability can be useful for faster craft or owners operating in congested waters, but it does not change the basic need for good watchkeeping. AIS is an aid to situational awareness rather than a substitute for visual observation and collision-avoidance rules.
IBEX gives the new ranges a US trade launch
AMEC says the B620 and B650 products will be demonstrated at IBEX from 6 to 8 October 2026. The company is using the show to present both the new Class B families and its wider AIS portfolio to builders, installers and distributors.
For LBG readers, the important change is the broader choice between lower-power CSTDMA and 5W SOTDMA systems within one product family. Buyers should compare network requirements, antenna setup and local regulations before choosing between the two.