AIS Class B transceiver Installation and operation manual
Thank you for purchasing this AIS Class B transceiver. This product has been engineered to offer you the highest level of performance and durability and we hope that it will provide many years of reliable service. We constantly strive to achieve the highest possible quality standards, should you encounter any problems with this product, please contact your dealer or support@em-trak.com who will be pleased to offer any assistance you require.
Table of contents Table of contents 1 Notices ............................................................ 4 1.1 Safety warnings ............................................................................. 4 1.2 General notices.............................................................................. 4 2 About your AIS class B transceiver ............. 8 2.1 About AIS....................................................................................... 8 2.
Table of contents 5.2 Switch functions ............................................................................. 38 5.3 Indicator functions ......................................................................... 39 6 Voyage Data Recorder................................... 41 7 Technical Information.................................... 42 7.1 NMEA 2000 PGN List .................................................................... 42 8 Troubleshooting...........................................
List of figures and tables List of figures and tables Table 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Table 2 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Table 3 Product variants................................................................... 11 Items included with the product ........................................... 12 AIS transceiver overview .....................................................
Notices 1 Notices ! When reading this manual please pay attention to warnings marked with the warning triangle shown on the left. These are important messages for safety, installation and usage of the product. 1.1 Safety warnings ! ! ! This equipment must be installed in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual. This AIS transceiver is an aid to navigation and must not be relied upon to provide accurate navigation information.
Notices 1.2.2 Compass safe distance The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.2m or greater for 0.3° deviation. 1.2.3 RF emissions notice Caution: The AIS transceiver generates and radiates radio frequency electromagnetic energy. This equipment must be installed and operated according to the instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so can result in personal injury and / or AIS transceiver malfunction. Caution: Never operate the AIS transceiver unless it is connected to a VHF antenna.
Notices 1.2.6 Accuracy of this manual The AIS transceiver may be upgraded from time to time and future versions of the AIS transceiver may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. Information contained in this manual is liable to change without notice. The manufacturer of this product disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided with this product. 1.2.
Notices 1.2.9 Industry Canada notice This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
About your AIS class B transceiver 2 About your AIS class B transceiver 2.1 About AIS The marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a location and vessel information reporting system. It allows vessels equipped with AIS to automatically and dynamically share and regularly update their position, speed, course and other information such as vessel identity with similarly equipped vessels.
About your AIS class B transceiver This product is an AIS Class B transceiver. 2.2 Static and dynamic vessel data There are two categories of information transmitted by an AIS transceiver: static and dynamic data. The vessel's dynamic data, which includes location, speed over ground (SOG) and course over ground (COG), is calculated automatically using the internal GNSS receiver. Static data is information about the vessel which must be programmed into the AIS transceiver.
About your AIS class B transceiver ! In the United States of America, the MMSI and static data must only be entered by a competent installer. The end user of the equipment is not authorised to enter their own vessel data. 2.4 Special features Some variants of this AIS Transceiver are WiFi and Bluetooth enabled, allowing for AIS data to be streamed from the transceiver to a 3rd party device or to the em-trak app “CONECT-AIS”.
About your AIS class B transceiver 2.5 Product range The em-trak AIS Class B transceivers are available with several different feature options This manual covers the following product variants. See table below.
About your AIS class B transceiver 2.6 What's in the box? Figure 1 shows the items included with your AIS transceiver purchase. The following sections give a brief overview of each item. If any of the items are not present contact your dealer or support@em-trak.com. Class B AIS transceiver Power and data cable Documentation pack Figure 1 FLEXI-FIT™ bracket system Fixings kit VHF radio accessory cable (B923, B924, B953 and B954 only) Items included with the product 2.
About your AIS class B transceiver 2.8 Mobile app An em-trak mobile app CONNECT-AIS is available for Apple and Android devices from the App store and Google play. 2.
About your AIS class B transceiver 2.9.1 Electrical connections The AIS transceiver has the following electrical connections: ● Power supply ● NMEA0183 data ports for connection to chart plotters or other NMEA0183 compatible equipment ● USB for connection to a PC or Mac ● External switch input for silent mode control ● NMEA2000 port for connection to an existing NMEA2000 network.
Installation 3 Installation 3.1 Preparing for Installation Before starting the installation you will need to download the manual and ProAIS2 software from the em-trak website www.em-trak.com/installation. If you have a WiFi and Bluetooth enabled variant you can configure the unit using your mobile phone and CONNECT-AIS, the app available for download from the App Store and Google Play. Figure 4 shows a typical installation configuration for the AIS transceiver without an antenna splitter.
Installation Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the system elements and their connections prior to attempting installation.
Installation VHF radio GNSS antenna (Optional) VHF antenna Chartplotter AIS Class B transceiver USB Power in Switch NMEA 0183 device Figure 5 NMEA 2000 Typical installation configuration with antenna splitter In addition to the items provided with your AIS transceiver the following items may also be required for the installation: 3.1.1 Screwdriver A small flat-headed screwdriver will be required to tighten the screw in the mounting bracket.
Installation 3.1.2 VHF antenna Connection to a suitable VHF antenna will be required for the AIS transceiver to receive and transmit. The standard transceiver variants will require an AIS antenna (tuned to 162MHz) for optimum performance. Transceiver/splitter variants will require a broadband antenna (tuned to 159MHz) so it will be compatible with both VHF radio (156MHz) and AIS (162MHz). Please take note of the warnings in section 1 regarding the use of antennas. 3.1.
Installation for use with AIS devices. Depending on the interfaces supported by your chartplotter, you can connect in the following ways: ● NMEA 0183 - we recommend that 38400 baud is used for outputting AIS data. This is also known as NMEA HS by some manufacturers. ● NMEA 2000 - you can connect to an existing NMEA 2000 network using a drop cable. This will allow you to output AIS data to any compatible devices that are connected on the network.
Installation 3.2 Installation procedures Before beginning installation of your AIS transceiver, please ensure you have any necessary additional items as detailed in section 3.1. It is strongly recommended that you read all of the instructions in this manual prior to installation. If after reading this manual you are unsure about any element of the installation process please contact your dealer or support@em-trak.com for advice.
Installation ● The transceiver should be mounted at least 1m away from sources of interference like VHF radios, transmitting antennas, radar, etc. 43 mm 115 mm 115 mm 150 mm 150 mm Figure 6 AIS transceiver dimensions 1. Mount the bracket to the suitable surface using the four self-tapping screws provided. A mounting template is provided to assist with drilling the correct hole positions. 2. Connect all the RF and power and data cables. 3.
Installation FLEXI-FIT™ bracket system Figure 7 Page 22 AIS transceiver mounting
Installation Step 2 - Installing an optional external GNSS antenna (Not supplied) The unit has an internal GNSS antenna. There is also the facility to connect an optional external GNSS antenna, which is available for purchase from emtrak. Please contact support@em-trak for more information. Please note the following guidelines when installing an external GNSS antenna. ● You will require a one inch 14 TPI threaded pole to mount the GNSS antenna.
Installation B921, B922, B951 and B952 GNSS antenna GNSS antenna Figure 9 B923, B924, B953 and B954 Position of the GNSS antenna connector Step 3 - Connecting the VHF antenna Route the cable from the VHF antenna to the AIS transceiver and connect to the VHF connector on the AIS transceiver as shown in Figure 10. The standard transceiver variants (B921, B922, B951 and B952) will require an AIS antenna (tuned to 162MHz) for optimum performance.
Installation Step 4 - Connecting the accessory cable An accessory cable is supplied with the product to provide connections to power, the external switch, the NMEA0183 data ports and USB. The cable has a pre-molded connector at one end which should be connected to the connector on the unit marked 'POWER/0183'. The other end of the cable has twelve colour coded bare wires ready for connection.The table below in Figure 1 lists the function of each colour coded wire for reference.
Installation Purple NMEA0183 port 2 TX+ Pink NMEA0183 port 2TX- Grey NMEA0183 port 2 RX+ Yellow NMEA0183 port 2 RX- Low speed NMEA port (4,800baud) intended for connection to other NMEA0183 compatible sensors for multiplexing of data to the chart plotter Table 5 Colour coding of wires in the accessory cable ! Page 26 Please check your wiring very carefully before applying power to the product. Failure to wire the product correctly could result in permanent damage.
Installation Step 5 - Connecting an external switch A toggle switch can be connected to the AIS transceiver to provide remote control of silent mode. Connect the toggle switch between the light green and orange wires as shown in Figure 11. Connection of an external switch to toggle silent mode is optional and not essential for normal operation of the product. ! Do not connect a voltage source across the switch inputs as this may damage the transceiver.
Installation Step 6 - Connection to an NMEA2000 network The AIS transceiver can be connected to an existing NMEA 2000 network to provide AIS and position data to other connected devices such as chartplotters, instruments, sensors, etc. Connection is made by a Micro-C drop cable. This item is not supplied so you will need to purchase one from your local dealer. Starter kits are available to purchase if you do not already have an NMEA 2000 network.
Installation Red Black Light green Orange Brown Blue White Green Purple Pink Grey Yellow Power in + Power in – Switch connection Switch connection Transmit + Transmit – Receive + Receive – NMEA0183 Port 1 38,400baud (chart plotter) Transmit + Transmit – Receive + Receive – NMEA0183 Port 2 4,800baud (other NMEA0183 device) Figure 12 Connecting to the NMEA0183 data port Step 8 - USB Connection A micro USB cable will be required to connect the transceiver to a PC or laptop.
Installation Step 9 - Connecting the VHF radio (applies to splitter variants only) A standard marine band VHF radio can be connected to the splitter variants of the transceiver, so that one VHF antenna can be used for both VHF radio and AIS. Using the supplied VHF radio accessory cable, route the cable from the VHF radio connector to the AIS transceiver connector shown in Figure 13.
Installation Step 10 - Connecting to a power supply The AIS transceiver requires a 12V or 24V power supply, typically provided by the vessel's battery to operate correctly. It is recommended that crimped and soldered lugs are used to connect the AIS transceiver to the power source via a suitable circuit breaker and/or 3A fuse block. The red and black wires as shown in Figure 14 need to be connected as follows: 1. Connect the red wire to a 12V or 24V power supply positive terminal. 2.
Configuring your AIS transceiver 4 Configuring your AIS transceiver Your AIS transceiver will only be able to transmit once it has been programmed with appropriate vessel data. The minimum required data is MMSI number, vessel name, and vessel type. 4.1 Switching on your AIS transceiver for the first time When power is applied to the transceiver for the first time all the status indicators will flash briefly, leaving only the amber and red indicators illuminated.
Configuring your AIS transceiver ! . US Customers only: It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission for the end user to program the vessel data. The vessel data must only be programmed by a competent installer. If your AIS transceiver has not been pre-configured for you please refer to your dealer or support@em-trak.com for advice on how to have the AIS transceiver configured by a competent installer. 4.3 Introduction to proAIS2 proAIS2 is available for download from www.
Configuring your AIS transceiver You will require the following information in order to configure your AIS transceiver: ● MMSI ● Vessel name ● Vessel type ● Vessel dimensions and position of your GNSS antenna installation. For further assistance in configuring your AIS transceiver please refer to the Help menu within proAIS2. ! Please ensure that you enter all vessel data accurately. Failure to do so could result in other vessels failing to identify your vessel correctly.
Configuring your AIS transceiver ● WiFi network name (the SSID will be blank, any name can be entered by user), ● IP address of the network (e.g. 192.168.0.1) ● Password - Any 8 characters or more. ● WiFi Channel - Preferably 1, 6, or 11). ● Port address (e.g. 2002) Once the ‘Write Configuration’ button is pressed on proAIS2, the WiFi feature will be enabled with these settings. Laptop Tablet Class B AIS transceiver Smartphone Figure 15 Typical mobile devices for WiFi and Bluetooth connection. 4.6.
Configuring your AIS transceiver experience slow connection speeds, signal dropouts or not being able to connect at all. 4.6.4 Line of sight and obstacles For best results, WiFi and Bluetooth products should have a clear, direct line of sight to the transceiver. Any physical obstruction can degrade or even block the signal. The construction of your vessel can also have an impact on performance.
Configuring your AIS transceiver 4.7 Configuration using the CONNECT-AIS Once CONNECT-AIS is installed on your smart-phone you will need to carry out the following to configure your transceiver: 1. Ensure the AIS transceiver is installed correctly and is powered up by 12 24V. 2. Start CONNECT-AIS. You will see a welcome screen. 3. Select “Lets Begin” and the “Setting up your AIS” screen will appear 4.
Operation 5 Operation 5.1 Using the AIS transceiver Once the unit has been configured it is ready for use. Providing other vessels installed with AIS transceivers are within radio range of your vessel you should see their details appear on your chart plotter, PC / laptop or mobile device. Please note that your full vessel details may not be visible to other vessels immediately as static data messages (containing vessel name, call sign, etc) are required to be transmitted every 6 minutes. 5.
Operation 5.3 Indicator functions The AIS transceiver includes four coloured indicators as shown in Figure 16. The state of the indicators provide information regarding the status of the AIS transceiver. Indicator lights Figure 16 Indicator location on the AIS transceiver unit The meaning of each indicator is shown in the table below Figure 16 shows the indicator positions on the AIS transceiver. Green indicator The AIS transceiver is configured and powered up.
Operation Amber indicator The AIS transceiver is not transmitting. This can be for a number of reasons: ● The AIS radio channels are exceptionally busy so there are currently no available slots for transmission. ● The unit has been in silent mode and after deactivating silent mode this amber indicator will illuminate until the first AIS message has been sent ● The AIS transceiver has been commanded by the local authority (via an AIS base station) to cease transmissions.
Voyage Data Recorder 6 Voyage Data Recorder This feature is available on AIS transceivers with the WiFi and Bluetooth Features only (B922, B924, B952 and B954). The transceiver will log your own position at regular intervals if your position has changed by more than 10m. Data is stored for 30 days. The VDR log can be retrieved from the VDR tab within proAIS2. The start and end dates of the log file are interrogated so you can select a date range to download.
Technical Information 7 Technical Information 7.1 NMEA 2000 PGN List The PGN’s listed in Table 10 are supported by the AIS transceiver. There are no unused fields PGN (Dec.) PGN (Hex.
Technical Information PGN (Dec.) PGN (Hex.
Technical Information PGN (Dec.) PGN (Hex.
Troubleshooting 8 Troubleshooting Issue Possible cause and remedy No indicators are illuminated ● Check that the power supply is connected correctly. ● Check that the power supply is a 12V or 24V supply. The red error indicator is flashing The red 'error' indicator is illuminated There may be a problem with the VHF antenna system. This can be confirmed using proAIS2.
Troubleshooting The amber indicator is flashing continuously ● The amber indicator flashes while the transceiver searches for a position fix. If it takes longer than a minute you can check the performance of the GNSS antenna by using the GNSS Status tab of proAIS2 No data is being received by the chart plotter ● Check that the signal wires are connected correctly. ● Check that the baud rate matches both the transceiver and the chart plotter.
Specifications 9 Specifications Parameter Value Dimensions 149 x 118 x 47 mm (L x W x H) Weight Transceiver only variants 380g Transceiver with splitter variants 345g Power DC (9.6V - 31.2V) Average power consumption Transceiver only variants 170mA at 12VDC Transceiver with splitter variants 220mA at 12VDC Peak current rating Transceiver only variants 2A Transceiver with splitter variants 2.
Specifications VHF Transceiver Transmitter x 1 Receiver x 2 (Receivers time shared between AIS and DSC) Frequency: 156.025 to 162.025 MHz in 25 kHz steps Output Power 33dBm ± 1.5 dB CSTDMA Output Power 37dBm ± 1.
Specifications Page 49
List of abbreviations 10 List of abbreviations AIS Automatic Identification System AIS SART AIS Search and Rescue Transmitter AP Access Point (Relating to WiFi behaviour) AtoN AIS Aid to Navigation CD Compact Disc CE European Declaration of Conformity COG Course Over Ground COM Common (electrical) CPA Closest Point of Approach CS Carrier Sense DC Direct Current Dec Decimal DGPS Differential GPS DGNSS Differential GNSS DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DOP Dilution of P
List of abbreviations ETA Estimated Time of Arrival EXT External FCC Federal Communications Committee GBS GNSS satellite fault detection message GFA GNSS fix accuracy and integrity message GGA Global positioning system (GPS) fix data message GLL Geographic position - Latitude/longitude message GLONASS Globalnaya Navigazionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (Russian GNSS) GND Electrical Ground GNS GNSS fix data message GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System GPS Global Positioning System GRS
List of abbreviations LAT Latitude LCD Liquid Crystal Display LON Longitude LR Long Range MKD Minimum Keyboard and Display MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity MOB Man Overboard NC Normally Closed (electrical) NAV Navigation NM Nautical Miles NMEA National Marine Electronics Association PDF Portable Document Format PGN Parameter Group Number PI Presentation Interface RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring RED Radio Equipment Directive RF Radio Frequency RMC Recomm
List of abbreviations TCP Transmission Control Protocol TCPA Time to Closest Point of Approach TDMA Time Division Multiple Access THS True heading and status message TNC Threaded Neill–Concelman (a type of connector) TPI Threads per Inch TX Transmit UDP User Datagram Protocol UHF Ultra High Frequency UTC Co-ordinated Universal Time VBW Dual ground/water speed message VDM All VDL AIS messages received VDO AIS own-ship broadcast data VHF Very High Frequency VSWR Voltage Standing
List of abbreviations Page 54
Manufacturer’s code: 427 NMEA 2000 Product code: XXXXXX 201-0952:1
