FEBRUARY 2021 VesseLINK™ Installation Guide for Certus 350 and Certus 200 This document contains technology controlled for export by the U.S. Department of Commerce in accordance with Export Administration Regulations. Diversion contrary to U.S. law prohibited. COPYRIGHT © 2021 THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
RECORD OF CHANGES Rev Date Description of Change Author Rev A July 2018 Initial Release SJacques Rev B Sept 2018 SJacques Rev C Jan 2020 Rev D Oct 2020 Rev E Feb 2021 ECN 42140 • Update based on Beta user feedback and testing ECN 43090 • Update includes mounting hardware kit corrections • Added 700 kbps ECN 53618 • Update based on new software release 2.
This product is controlled by the export laws and regulations of the United States of America. The U.S. Government may restrict the export or re-export of this product to certain individuals and/or destinations. For further information, contact the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. This product User shall comply with all applicable laws related to export and import of this product in any jurisdiction and/or government authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 1-1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1-1 EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................ 1-1 Below Deck Unit (BDU) ..............................................................................................
LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1-1 THALES VESSELINK™ SYSTEM WITH ACCESSORIES.............................................................. 1-1 FIGURE 1-2 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) ..................................................................................................... 1-2 FIGURE 1-3 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) LEDS ........................................................................................... 1-3 FIGURE 1-4 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) FRONT PANEL DETAIL ....................................................
LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1-1 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) LED STATUS ................................................................... 1-3 TABLE 1-2 STANDARD KIT, VESSELINK™ CERTUS 350, LIST OF EQUIPMENT.............................. 1-6 TABLE 1-3 BASE KIT, VESSELINK™ CERTUS 350, LIST OF EQUIPMENT ....................................... 1-7 TABLE 1-4 BASE KIT, VESSELINK™ CERTUS 200, LIST OF EQUIPMENT ..................................... 1-7 TABLE 1-5 AVAILABLE VESSELINK™ ACCESSORIES.................................
SAFETY The Thales VesseLINK™ system should only be installed by a qualified professional installer of Maritime electronic systems. Improper installation could lead to system failure or could result in injury to personnel on board the vessel. The following are general safety precautions and warnings that all personnel must read and understand prior to installation, operation and maintenance of the VesseLINK™ system. Each chapter may have other specific warnings and cautions.
ANTENNA RADIATION HAZARDS To comply with FCC Radio Frequency radiation exposure limits, the WARNING antenna must be installed at a minimum safe distance as shown below. During operation, the antenna radiates high power at microwave frequencies that can be harmful to individuals. While the unit is operating, personnel should maintain a minimum safe distance from the antenna. The antenna should be mounted in an area that prevents the possibility of close exposure to the antenna’s radiation. 1.5m (4.9ft) 0.
FCC Information NOTE Certus 350 FCC Identifier: OKCVF350BM Contains FCC ID: OKCWROOM32U Certus 200 FCC Identifier: OKCVF200BM NOTE Contains FCC ID: OKCWROOM32U Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Industry Canada Information Certus 350 Industry Canada: 473C-VF350BM NOTE Contains IC: 473C-WROOM32U Certus 200 Industry Canada: 473C-VF200BM NOTE Contains IC: 473C-WROOM32U Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY,INC. Declaration of Conformity with Radio Equipment Directive The undersigned of this letter declares that the following equipment complies with the specifications of Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) concerning Radio & Telecommunications Equipment.
INTRODUCTION Introduction This installation guide provides instructions for proper installation and initial start-up of the VesseLINK™ system and a basic system overview. It contains critical information and safety guidelines for those who install the system and perform initial system activation and test.
Below Deck Unit (BDU) The Below Deck Unit (BDU) supports voice and data communications in a marine environment. The BDU is capable of supporting wireless voice and data that links the user with the Iridium satellite network. As a wireless access point, the BDU provides Wi-Fi (802.11) access for data and Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. Three RJ-45 Ethernet connectors and one RJ14 jack enables the user to tether directly to the BDU, if desired.
The BDU has three status LEDs on the top of the unit that indicate status of system power-up, satellite connection and the Wi-Fi.
The BDU front panel (left to right) has a main power button, one RJ-14 jack for POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) Phone(s), three PoE (Power over Ethernet) RJ-45 connections for VoIP phones or Ethernet-based devices, and one WAN (Wide Area Network) connection primarily used to connect an external cellular modem or VSAT.
Above Deck Unit (ADU) / Antenna The Above Deck Unit (ADU) or Antenna is a standalone unit that connects to the BDU through a single coaxial cable. DC power, RF transmit and receive signals, control data and GPS data are communicated between the ADU and BDU using this single coaxial cable. Figure 1-6 Above Deck Unit (ADU) / Antenna For Certus 350 and Certus 200 Systems Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
VesseLINK™ Kit Contents and Accessories The following tables list the kits available for purchase and their contents as well as accessories and spare parts that can be purchased separately.
Table 1-3 Base Kit, VesseLINK™ Certus 350, List of Equipment Part Number Description Base Kit, VesseLINK™ Certus 350 VF350BM-1 Qty Part Number Description 1 1600901-1 Above Deck Unit / Antenna, Certus 350 1 3402131-1 Quick Start Guide (QSG) VesseLINK™ 1 3900011-1 Mounting Template, BDU 1 3900014-1 Mounting Template, Antenna 1 4102947-511 BDU VesseLINK™ 1 85728-001 Wi-Fi Antenna, 2.
Table 1-5 Available VesseLINK™ Accessories Description Part Number Qty 19” Rack Mount Shelf Kit 1100796-501 1 Thales SureLINK IP Handset Kit 1100818-501 1 Kit, Below Deck Unit (BDU), Mounting Hardware 1100789-501 1 Kit, Antenna Maritime Mounting Hardware (Certus 350 only) 1100791-501 1 Mounting Template, BDU 3900011-1 1 Mounting Template, Antenna (Certus 350 only) 3900014-1 1 Power Supply, AC/DC 12V – 160W 84670-001 1 Cable AC Power with USA Plug Type B IEC 60320-C13 6 ft.
INSTALLATION General Guidelines General Guidelines for Installation • Do not attempt to service items such as Below Deck Unit (BDU) and antenna. • Do not alter or remove tamper seals/tape from the equipment. • Always use Ground Lugs as separate connections to chassis and antenna • Always torque hardware to specified values.
Precautions During Installation The following steps should be followed to prevent damage to the equipment: 1. Keep dust cover over the SIM Card, once installed. 2. Do not disassemble or modify parts in installation kit unless instructed to do so. 3. Keep mounting hardware covered and protected until needed. Stay minimum distance indicated in the SAFETY section from the antenna when powered on.
Figure 2-1 Placing Antenna for optimum performance Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Distance d = 2.0m for S-Band up to 50kW d = 4.0m for X & C-Bands up to 50kW Figure 2-2 Recommended Antenna Placement with Existing Radar Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Installing the Certus 350 Above Deck Unit (Antenna) The Standard VesseLINK™ 350 kit includes these hardware kits whereas as the Base VesseLINK™ 350 kit does not include them. The guidelines below are based on the use of these kits during installation. • ADU / Antenna Mounting Kit PN 1100791-501 • BDU Mounting Hardware Kit PN 1100789-501 NOTE In the event of a new installation, pole mount brackets are available as an option. Templates are available for a custom plate that needs to be fabricated.
Antenna Dimensions and Hole Pattern Figure 2-3 Antenna Dimensions and Hole Patterns (1 of 2) Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Figure 2-4 Antenna Dimensions and Hole Patterns (2 of 2) Mounting the Certus 350 ADU / Antenna Prior to installing the ADU, it is important to determine which hardware is best suited for installation – M6 or M10 hardware. The Installation Kit (PN 1100791-501) contains the mounting NOTE hardware needed for installation.
Figure 2-5: Mounting Holes in Bottom of Antenna and Mounting Template Mounting using M6 Hardware 1. Use the template information provided in Appendix A to create the appropriate hole pattern in the desired mounting surface for the chosen mounting hardware. Hole sizing and provided hardware are shown for through hole mounting as shown in Appendix A. User may mount antenna NOTE with other hardware at their discretion and own risk. 2.
6. Assemble screws (1) with flat washers (3) and split lock washers (2) as shown in Figure 2-6 and torque to requirements. 7. Run coaxial cable to approximate location of the BDU.
Mounting Hardware Installation Kit (PN 1100791-501) may contain additional hardware spares. The quantity listed in the NOTE above table reflects what is required for installation. Mounting using M10 Hardware 1. Use the template information provided in Appendix A to create the appropriate hole pattern in the desired mounting surface for the chosen mounting hardware. Hole sizing and provided hardware are shown for through hole mounting as shown in Appendix A.
Figure 2-7 Above Deck Unit / Antenna Installation (M10 Hardware) Table 2-2 Installation Kit, Mounting Hardware (M10 Hardware) Item Number 1 2 3 NI NI Description Screw, Button HD Socket Cap M10x1.5x25mm A4-70 (ISO 7380) SS Screw, Button HD Socket Cap M10x1.
Installing the Certus 200 Above Deck Unit (Antenna) The Certus 200 antenna dimensions and included hardware are shown in Figure 2-8. The antenna has a single M18 threaded mounting post on the bottom and includes a gasket, a stainless steel washer and two stainless steel M18 nuts for mounting the antenna to a custom made plate or an available accessory kit from Thales.
Figure 2-8 Certus 200 Antenna Dimensions and Mounting Post Figure 2-9 Certus 200 Antenna Dimensions and Mounting Post Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Figure 2-10 Certus 200 Antenna Mounting Details Installing the Below Deck Unit The VesseLINK™ Below Deck Unit is designed for ease of installation with four corner mounting locations for direct mounting. Figure 2-11 and Table 2-3 show the Thales BDU mounting kit with part number 1100789-501. It is strongly recommended that the BDU be grounded to vessel ground or earth ground for added protection against surges and static discharge.
Figure 2-11 Below Deck Unit (BDU) Mounting Detail Item Number 1 2 3 4 Table 2-3 Installation Kit, Below Deck Unit (BDU) (PN 1100789-501) Description Screw Phil Pan HD 18-8 M6x1x20mm SS BLK Oxide Washer Split Lock M6 (DIN 127B) A4 SS BLK Oxide Washer Flat M6 6.4mm ID x 12mm OD x 1.6mm THK SS BLK Oxide Nut Lock w/Nylon Insert M6x1 18-8 SS Part Number Qty 82768-001 4 71304-001 4 71298-001 4 75656-001 4 1.
BDU can be mounted in any orientation but for best performance, it is recommended that it is mounted horizontally with the Thales logo facing up. This will give the best NOTE protection against any spills or dripping water and allows for the best heat transfer. 2. Position the pattern to avoid interferences with the antenna or coaxial cable connection to the antenna. 3. Assemble screws with split lock and flat washers as shown in Figure 2-11 and torque to 4.5 Ft. Lbs. (6 Nm). 4.
Figure 2-13 Installing SIM Card and Engaging the Lock d. Secure the SIM Card cover once the SIM Card has been locked into place to prevent moisture or dust intrusion. (Figure 2-9) Figure 2-14 Secure the SIM Card Cover 5. Connect the provided RF cable that goes to the antenna. NOTE The BDU should be grounded. Use a 14 AWG (or larger) ground wire to connect the BDU to earth ground during normal use. Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Connecting Power To The BDU The BDU has two power connections available: • AC Operation: The external AC/DC supply (Part #: 84670-001) with power cord. (See Figure 2-15) Figure 2-15 AC/DC Power Supply To safely disconnect the BDU from the power source, unplug the unit from the power outlet. NOTE When installing the BDU, the power outlet should be near the BDU and be easily accessible.
DC Power Connection Installations using the DC power cable (PN 855024-020) should use the red and black primary power wires as well as the yellow remote wire as the ON/OFF switching source. The BDU will turn OFF with the vessel’s ignition switch when the yellow remote line is connected, so it is important to make that connection in the vessel if desired (see Figure 2-16). Figure 2-16 10-32V DC Power Connection 1. Connect the RED (+) cable to the positive terminal of DC power source. 2.
Figure 2-17 24V DC Power Connection System Status Indicators Now that the system installation is complete, press the power button on the BDU. In Figure 2-18, LEDs from left to right are: System (Overall System Status), Satellite (Satellite Connection Status) and Wi-Fi (Wireless Network Status). Table 2-4 describes the LED states. Figure 2-18 Below Deck Unit (BDU) LEDs Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Table 2-4 Below Deck Unit (BDU) LED Status Indicator Description System Solid GREEN Flashing GREEN Solid RED Flashing RED System functioning properly System busy (Booting up) Fault (minor issue) Critical fault (major issue) Satellite Solid BLUE Solid GREEN Flashing GREEN Solid RED Flashing RED Connected and passing data (over satellite) System functioning properly Acquiring satellite Fault (minor issue) Critical fault (major issue) Wi-Fi OFF Flashing GREEN Solid Green Solid RED Flashing RED Wi-Fi OFF W
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TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Table 3-1 Troubleshooting PROBLEM Satellite LED Flashing GREEN Satellite LED Flashing RED System LED Flashing Green System LED Flashing RED Wi-Fi LED SOLUTION • Flashing GREEN light indicates that it is acquiring the satellite. If it continues to flash for more than 5 minutes, check that the antenna has a clear view of the sky. • Reboot BDU. • Critical Fault Detected. Open Management Portal http://portal.thaleslink (or https://portal.thaleslink) and check Alerts.
PROBLEM Cannot connect to the Management Portal • • • • • • • • • • • • Cannot connect to Wi-Fi service • • • SOLUTION You may need to clear your browser cache. Ensure Terminal Unit is powered ON Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled and connected to ThalesLINK (or renamed SSID). If using a Wi-Fi enabled device, the Wi-Fi LED on the BDU should be solid GREEN. If not using Wi-Fi, ensure Cat 5 cable is connected to one of the three Ethernet ports (NOT WAN or POTS Port).
PROBLEM • • VesseLINK is not obtaining a satellite signal (Satellite LED is red) • • • • • • • • BDU does not Power-ON • • • • • BDU has power but accessories not working • • • Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E SOLUTION Check signal bars at the top of the Management Portal. If no bars are highlighted, the satellite is not being detected. Wait a few minutes to see if the signal strength improves as another satellite comes into view. Check antenna connection at the BDU and antenna.
PROBLEM • • BDU is not responding Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E • • SOLUTION Check LED status on BDU or on Management Portal. Make sure there are no RED LEDs. Check for Alerts in Management Portal by selecting the Alerts menu item Reboot the system and recheck for any Alerts that may have been generated. Call Service Provider if the BDU is still not responding.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Technical Specifications Table 4-1 Technical Specifications Description Parameters Technical Frequency of Operation Channelization Uplink (TX) Downlink (RX) FDMA spacing TDMA Timing Channels Available Voice EIRP (Weighted Average) Data Certus™ 2xC8 QPSK Data Certus™ 1xC8 16 APSK Data Certus™ 2xC8 16 APSK ™ Certus C1, C8 Voice/Data 12 dBW - - 15.2 dBW - 18.
Environmental Description Operating Temp Certus 200 Certus 350 -30°C to +55°C IP Rating Operating Temp IP Rating Mechanical IP67 -30°C to +55°C IP31 Certus 200 Certus 350 ADU BDU ADU RF Cables 5" D x 5.5" H (12.5 cm x 14 cm) 14.5" x 7.8" (36.8cm x 19.8cm) Weight 1 lb. (0.45 kg) 6.2 lbs. (2.8 kg) Dimensions 12” L x 9” W x 3” H (30.5 cm x 23 cm x 7.6 cm) Weight Length Width Height Weight AC Cable Length DC Cable Length 25 meter 50 meter (optional) 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) 6.6" (16.7cm) 2.6" (6.7cm) 1.
CONNECTOR DETAILS General Purpose Inputs / Outputs (GPIO) The DB-15 connector with Pin out shown in Figure 4-1. See User Manual for more details.
BDU 12V Connection Detail Type: KPPX-4x connector (or similar) shown in Figure 4-2. 2 4 1 3 PIN NO OUTPUT 2, 4 1, 3 +V -V VIEW INTO END OF MATING CONNECTOR Figure 4-2 12V Input and Mating Connector Detail BDU 10-32VDC Connection Detail Type: 684M7W2103L201 connector (or similar) shown in Figure 4-3. A1 = V+ /10-32VDC A2 =V- /GND Pin 5 = Ignition Figure 4-3 10-32 VDC and Mating Connector Detail Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
ACRONYMS / GLOSSARY Acronyms / Glossary Table 5-1 List of Acronyms Acronym ADU API BAA BAE BCX BDU BIT DTMF EBB ETSI GPIO HGA HRLP HTTP IP ICMP ITU LAN LED LGA MO Description Above Deck Unit Antenna Application Programming Interface Broadband Active Antenna Broadband Application Electronics Broadband Core Transceiver Below Deck Unit Terminal Unit Built In Test Dual Tone Multi-Frequency Enhanced Broadband European Telecommunications Standards Institute General Purpose Inputs/Outputs High Gain Antenna High
Acronym SV TCP TU UDP UL/DL VLAN VOIP WAN WI-FI WPA2-PSK Description Satellite Vehicle Transmission Control Protocol Terminal Unit User Datagram Protocol Uplink/Downlink Virtual Local Area Network Voice of Internet Protocol Wide Area Network Wireless Network Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 – Pre-Shared Key Table 5-2 List of Definitions Acronym API BAA BAE BCX BIT DTMF EBB ETSI GPIO HGA HRLP HTTP ICMP ITU LED Description Application Programming Interface Broadband Active Antenna Broadband Application Electroni
Acronym LGA Description Low Gain Antenna Management Portal MO MT NAS Mobile Originated Mobile Terminated Network Attached Storage PBX Private Branch Exchange POST POTS Power On Self-Test Plain Old Telephone Service Public Switched Telephone Network PSTN PTT Push-To-Talk R/W RGW Read/Write Radio Gateway SIM SIP Subscriber Identification Module Session Initiation Protocol SV SMBus Satellite Vehicle System Management Bus TCP TU Transmission Control Protocol Terminal Unit UL/DL UDP Uplink/Dow
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INDEX A Acronyms / Glossary.................................................................................................................... 5-1 C Connector Details BDU 10-32VDC Connector..................................................................................................... 4-4 BDU 12V Connector................................................................................................................ 4-4 General Purpose Inputs/Outputs (GPIO) ...........................................
S System Overview Above Deck Antenna Unit ....................................................................................................... 1-5 Below Deck Unit (BDU) ......................................................................................................... 1-2 T Technical Specifications .............................................................................................................. 4-1 Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Appendix A Antenna Mounting Plate Template (PN 3900014-1) Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Appendix B BDU Mounting Plate Template (PN 3900011-1) Installation Guide 84464 Rev.
Appendix C Certus 350 Antenna Pole Mounting (Optional) An optional 316 stainless steel antenna mounting bracket is available. o Antenna Pole Mount M6 (PN 85736-001)) o Antenna Pole Mount M10 (PN 85739-001) The bracket is designed to work on standard 1.9-inch (with included bushing), 52mm and 3-inch poles (poles not included). This bracket has mounting holes that match the mounting points on the bottom of the antenna (M6 or M10).
Antenna Pole Mount using M6 Hardware Shown Assembled Exploded View Figure C-2 Thales Antenna Pole Mount Kit – M6 (PN 85736-001) Table C-1 Antenna Pole Mount using M6 Hardware Kit (PN 85736-001) Item Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Description Outside Diameter 1.9” OD Blue Loctite S.S. Hub 52mm-ID for Metric 52mm Tube S. S. Bracket for Thales Antenna Nylon Bushing, ID.25, 24SW0250 Plastic Reducer Bushing for 1.5”-Pipe 1.9” OD S. S. Washer .275 x .5 x .062 S. S. Button Hd Bolt M6x20 S. S.
Antenna Pole Mount using M10 Hardware Shown Assembled Exploded View Figure C-3 Thales Antenna Pole Mount Kit – M10 (PN 85739-001) Table C-2 Antenna Pole Mount using M10 Hardware Kit (PN 85739-001) Item Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Description Outside Diameter 1.9” OD Blue Loctite S.S. Hub 52mm-ID fo Metric 52mm Tube S. S. Bracket for Thales Antenna Nylon Bushing, ID.25, 24SW0250 Plastic Reducer Bushing for 1.5”-Pipe 1.9” OD S. S. Washer .25” S. S. Button Hd Bolt M6x20 S. S.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. 22605 Gateway Center Drive | Clarksburg MD 20871 Toll-Free 1.800.324.6089 | Phone: 240.864.7000 | Fax: 240.864.7920 Email: Customer.Service@thalesdsi.com | Website: www.thalesdsi.
