User Manual

Marine Systems
Aviation Recorders
Rev. 06
Mar . 16/11
165M0014-10
Page 1--3
ProTec AIS Introduction
1.1. General
The L-3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System transponder which is fully com-
pliant to the technical specifications defined by the IMO and outlined in ITU.R.M
1371-1. The transponder employs the latest radio frequency and Self Organized
Time Division Multiple Access (SOTDMA) and DSC controller technology to provide
a high performance, automated, and reliable identification system for commercial
mariners. The Transponder is a fully automated system which ties into ship’s naviga-
tional instruments to provide automatic transmission of ships identity, status, and
maneuvering intentions via standard marine VHF communication techniques. Se-
quencing of transmission between all vessels within VHF range is provided through
SOTDMA controlling software to handle high traffic volume situations.
The Transponder is a fully automated system. This means that once it is installed
and turned on, no maintenance is required to keep it operational. The only time the
user needs to perform any function on the transponder is to change the ship’s Ves-
sel/Voyage data as required.
1.1.1. System Overview
The L-3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System fully compliant with the IMO
specifications defined in IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IEC 61993-2, and ITU.R
M.1371-1. This AIS transponder has been developed using technology applied in
the design of our VHF DSC Class A radio, a design which has been field tested for
over a decade with over 10,000 units operational in the field. With the addition of the
SOTDMA controllers, the L-3 ProTec provides a cost-effective AIS solution which will
meet the needs of any vessel required to carry AIS. The compact, single-box design
allows the L-3 ProTec to be easily in corporated into any bridge layout thus simplify-
ing installation and cabling requirements.
The L-3 ProTec has been designed as maintenance-free unit which makes extensive
use of surface mount technology (SMT). The repair of printed wiring assemblies
(PWAs) containing SMT components requires specialized factory equipment, train-
ing, and techniques, therefore, such PWAs are not field-repairable.
As a result, maintenance philosophy for the L-3 ProTec is replacement of failed as-
semblies. In the case of the L-3 ProTec, the replaceable assemblies are the Face-
plate Assembly (192M0093-00), the Main PWA (205M0023-12), the Channel 70
PWA (205M0003-01), the IEC PWA (205M0274-11), and the Controller PWA
(205M0307-00).