Vesper Cortex Nuero
For operators of uncrewed surface vessels or drones, Cortex Neuro is a robust marine-grade communications gateway offering full VHF and AIS signal sharing and control to a remote command system.
- Allows remote operator access to vessel AIS and VHF data via Ethernet connection
- Get 25 watts of VHF transmit power for voice calls or DSC messaging
- Integrated AIS transponder provides traffic data and alerts for collision avoidance
- Software development kit (SDK) simplifies integration with the user’s control system
- Low power consumption helps limit electrical load on board to extend mission endurance
- Built for harsh environments, the impact-resistant housing is water-rated to IPX7
Technical Specifications
X| General | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 168 x 58.7mm (6 5/8″ x 6 5/8″ x 2 5/16″) |
| Power Supply | 9-33V DC |
| Current Draw | 6A max, 500mA nominal @ 12 volts |
| Weight | 770g (1.7lbs) |
| Enviromental | Water-resistant (IPX7) |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F) |
| Supported Protocols | AIS Class B SOTDMA
VHF Voice Class D DSC ATIS (User Configurable, EU region) |
| Transmitter frequency error | Less than 300Hz |
| Antenna Connector | SO239 |
| Splitter | Max input power 25W
Insertion loss Rx: 0dB, Tx: < 2dB |
| Splitter Connector | BNC |
| Non-SDK API Functions | |
|---|---|
| Key supported functions | AIS information
AIS MOB information AIS transmit disable DSC calling / messaging Heading, position & other sensors Collision risk reporting Cellular & Wi-Fi disable |
| Transport protocol | HTTP using a JSON encoding |
| AIS | |
|---|---|
| Class | SOTDMA Class B |
| Dedicated Rx channels | 2 |
| Frequency Range 1 | 56.025 - 162.025MHz |
| Power Output | 5W |
| AIS sensitivity (20% Per) | -113dBm |
| Adjacent channel selectivity | 80dB |
| Spurious response | 70dB |
| Intermodulation | 67dB |
| Networking | |
|---|---|
| Ethernet | 1 x 12 pin proprietary (adapter to RJ45 included) |
| NMEA2000 Gateway | 1 x isolated micro-C male port, AIS, GPS & MOB PGN output |
| Wireless | Access point for upto 5 handsets (Max 10 devices)
Simultaneous client mode 2.4GHz, 802.11 b/g/n, integrated antenna SMA-RP external antenna port |
| Wireless security | WPA2 Personal |
| Cloud connectivity | Cortex Monitor app only. LTE-M with 2G fallback, integrated antenna, SMA-RP external antenna port |
| DSC | |
|---|---|
| Class | D |
| Dedicated Rx channels | 1 |
| Sensitivity (1%Ber) | -115dBm |
| Adjacent channel selectivity | 80dB |
| Spurious response | 70dB |
| Intermodulation | 70dB |
| VHF Voice | |
|---|---|
| VHF frequence range | Tx: 156.025 - 161.600 MHz
Rx: 156.050 - 163.275 MHz |
| Dedicated Rx Channels | 3 |
| Power outage | 25W, 1W (High, Low) |
| Regions | US, Canada & International |
| Sensitivity (12dB Sinad) | -116dBm |
| Adjacent channel selectivity | 80dB |
| Spurious response | 70dB |
| Intermodulation | 70dB |
| Spurious emissions | Less than -80dBc (at 25W) |
| Max audio output power | 10W, <1% THD |
| GNSS | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | -167dBm |
| Constellations | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo |
| Channels | 72 |
| Differential support | SBAS, WAAS, EGNOS |
| Navigation rate | 10Hz |
| Connector | SMA |
| Certifications | IEC 61108 |
| Features | anti-jamming, anti-spoofing |
| Sensors | |
|---|---|
| Heading | 9-axial
Accuracy: ±10° Updated Rate: 10Hz (Max) |
| Barometer | Update Rate: 1Hz (averaged) |
| Battery voltage | Measured at power input |
| Sensors | |
|---|---|
| Supported functions | VHF Rx, Alarms |
| Amplifier | 10W class D, THD <1%
4 ohm |
| External speaker | 10W, 4 ohm |
| External loudspeaker | 30W, 4 Ohm |
For operators of uncrewed surface vessels or drones, Cortex Neuro is a robust marine-grade communications gateway offering full VHF and AIS signal sharing and control to a remote command system.
VHF, AIS and monitoring - This advanced VHF and AIS communications platform offers remote access capability for monitoring and control. It allows operators to check vessel status, receive alerts, send and receive voice transmissions and remotely control system settings for squelch, channel selection, transmit power and more.
The VHFOIP connection - The Cortex Neuro gateway’s proprietary VHF over IP protocol enables the system to send and receive VHF voice communications over Ethernet. This allows a remote operator to communicate with local marine traffic in the area of the unmanned surface vessel (USV).
Collision avoidance - The 5-watt Class B SOTDMA transceiver combines GPS, AIS and heading data with smart logic to proactively warn of certain collision risks. AIS vessel information can be shared via Ethernet or the NMEA 2000 network. And data from its built-in heading sensor is also broadcast, so other vessels can clearly identify which direction your USV is moving.
Software simplefied - A comprehensive SDK provides the toolset for straightforward integration of Cortex Neuro with the USV’s control system. A team of Garmin engineers is on call to answer software questions and provide implementation support.
Robust technology for harsh marine environments
Rugged, durable design - Water-rated to IPX7 standards, the thermal polymer housing is heat- and corrosion-resistant to withstand harsh marine conditions. Communication ports are isolated to protect the product and other connected instrumentation on board.
Low power consumption - Engineered for minimal power consumption, Cortex Neuro helps reduce load requirements on the USV’s electrical system, power generation and storage devices.
Handset compatible - An intuitive Cortex touchscreen handset (sold separately) is compatible with the Cortex Neuro system - allowing for local operation by human controllers interfacing with the USV.
Multi constellation GNSS - With fast 10 Hz GPS updates that keep up with your vessel, your USV’s position is plotted using multiple global satellite constellations.
Galvanic isolation - Galvanically isolated ports and internal components protect your Cortex hub and connected equipment from electrical shorts and circuit damage in the corrosive marine environment.
12 and 24 volt operation - The Cortex Neuro communications gateway will operate on 12- and 24-volt power supplies, making it easily plug-and-play compatible with most electrical systems on vessels of all sizes.



