Hunter, My thoughts exactly. Hydroman, being new, I'm not sure I will answer correctly, but AIS is different than doppler radar. The doppler radar used in the Garmin fantom radome will show boats coming at you in a different color than those standing still or going away from you. It will show anything coming at you faster than 5mph.The beauty is you see a threat and hopefully can avoid. The AIS is used to send your position in an emergency. Hopefully those with more experience will answer and give you the right answer, incase mine is wrong.
Darrell