Nauticast NAUTICASTA2 NAUTICAST A2 User Manual

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PRODUCT MANUAL

Class-A SOLAS/Inland

AIS Transponder

Art. No. 100 1001

Nauticast GmbH

Lützowgasse 12-14 / 3.OG

1140 Vienna, Austria

T: +43 (1) 5 237 237-0

F: +43 (1) 5 237 237-150

office@nauticast.com

Page 2 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

DISCLAIMER

Although Nauticast GmbH strives for accuracy in all its publications this material may contain errors or omissions and is

subject to change without prior notice. Nauticast GmbH shall not be made liable for any specific, indirect, incidental or

consequential damages as a result of the usage of this manual. Please visit our website for the latest manual revision at

www.nauticast.com if necessary.

This document is protected by copyright law. Copying or duplicating be it physically or electronically for any usage other

than the operation of a Nauticast A2 AIS System is prohibited and any offender may be liable to the payment of damages.

Dieses Dokument ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Jede Weitergabe oder Vervielfältigung dieser Unterlage ist ausschließlich

zur Unterstützung des Betriebes eines Nauticast A2 AIS Systems zulässig. Zuwiderhandlungen verpflichten zu

Schadenersatz.

Ce document est protégé par le droit d'auteur. Toute redistribution ou reproduction de ce document est autorisée

exclusivement pour appuyer le fonctionnement d'un système AIS A2 Nauticast. Les contrevenants seront passibles de

dommages-intérêts.

Este documento está protegido por derechos de autor. Cualquier redistribución o reproducción de este documento está

permitida exclusivamente para apoyar la operación de un sistema AIS A2 Nauticast. Los infractores quedan obligados por

daños y perjuicios.

GENERAL WARNINGS

All marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) units utilize a satellite based system such as the Global Positioning Satellite

(GPS) network or the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) network to determine their position. The accuracy of

these networks is variable and is affected by factors such as the antenna positioning, the number of satellites that are

available to determine a position and how long satellite information has been received for. It is desirable wherever possible

to verify both your vessel’s AIS derived position data and other vessels’ AIS derived position data with visual or radar

based observations.

In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessel’s marine VHF license provisions. The vessel

onto which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a valid VHF radiotelephone license which lists the AIS

system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number. Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more

information.

LIMITED WARRANTY

This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of

purchase. During the warranty period Nauticast GmbH will repair or at its option, replace the product at no cost to the

buyer provided that a return authorization is obtained from Nauticast GmbH, Lützowgasse 12-14 / 3. OG, 1140 Vienna,

Austria (see Section Contact & Support information). This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by

accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification by unauthorized service personnel. For authorized service

partners see our homepage www.nauticast.com or contact Nauticast support directly.

Warranty and certification void if device is opened.

Nauticast™ is a protected trademark of Nauticast GmbH

Page 3 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

Index

1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Description of AIS..................................................................................................................... 6

1.2 AIS Networks ........................................................................................................................... 8

1.3 Inland AIS................................................................................................................................ 8

2 SYSTEM OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 9

2.1 Product Description .................................................................................................................. 9

2.2 Main features ......................................................................................................................... 10

3 INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................. 11

3.1 Installation Requirements ....................................................................................................... 11

3.2 Installation Overview .............................................................................................................. 11

3.3 Mounting the NAUTICAST A2 .................................................................................................. 11

3.4 Mount the NAUTICAST A2 VHF antenna ................................................................................... 12

3.5 Mount the NAUTICAST A2 GPS Antenna .................................................................................. 13

3.6 Electrical Installation ............................................................................................................... 14

3.7 System Configuration .............................................................................................................. 19

4 OPERATION...................................................................................................................................... 20

4.1 System Mode ......................................................................................................................... 20

4.2 LED’s and Controls ................................................................................................................. 20

4.3 Main Menu – Tree View .......................................................................................................... 22

4.4 Configuration Parameters ........................................................................................................ 23

4.5 Alarm and Alert Pop-ups ......................................................................................................... 29

4.6 Status Bar .............................................................................................................................. 30

4.7 Status Icons ........................................................................................................................... 30

4.8 View Remote Ship Information ................................................................................................ 31

4.9 View Plot of Targets ............................................................................................................... 32

4.10 View Transmitted Own Ship Information .................................................................................. 32

4.11 Enter and Read Voyage Related Information ............................................................................ 33

4.12 Handling Safety Related Messages (SRM) and Text Messages ................................................... 33

4.13 Send Persons On Board .......................................................................................................... 34

4.14 Long Range Interrogations ...................................................................................................... 35

4.15 Inland ETA and RTA ............................................................................................................... 36

4.16 Inland Water Levels ................................................................................................................ 36

4.17 Regional Areas ....................................................................................................................... 37

4.18 Alarms ................................................................................................................................... 37

4.19 Status List .............................................................................................................................. 37

4.20 Non Functional Time ............................................................................................................... 38

4.21 GPS Status ............................................................................................................................. 38

4.22 View Raw Data ....................................................................................................................... 38

4.23 SW/HW Info ........................................................................................................................... 39

4.24 VHF Status ............................................................................................................................. 39

4.25 Communication Test ............................................................................................................... 39

4.26 Update Software .................................................................................................................... 40

4.27 Restore Config ....................................................................................................................... 40

4.28 Save Configuration to USB memory ......................................................................................... 40

4.29 Load Configuration from USB memory ..................................................................................... 41

5 SOFTWARE UPGRADE .......................................................................................................................... 43

6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 44

6.1 Transponder Physical .............................................................................................................. 44

6.2 Transponder Electrical ............................................................................................................ 44

6.3 Transponder Environment ....................................................................................................... 44

6.4 Transponder VHF Transceiver ................................................................................................. 44

6.5 Transponder Internal GPS Receiver ......................................................................................... 44

6.6 AIS Alarm Relay ..................................................................................................................... 44

7 TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................ 45

7.1 Troubleshooting Prerequisites ................................................................................................. 45

7.2 Troubleshooting with the Front Panel LED’s ............................................................................. 45

7.3 Troubleshooting with Alarm Messages ..................................................................................... 45

7.4 Troubleshooting via the Display ............................................................................................... 47

7.5 Reporting Intervals for Class A Transponders ........................................................................... 49

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7.6 F.A.Q ..................................................................................................................................... 50

7.7 Contact & Support information ................................................................................................ 50

7.8 Indication Messages ............................................................................................................... 51

7.9 Long Range Definitions ........................................................................................................... 51

8 INTERPRETATION OF INPUT SENTENCES .................................................................................................. 52

8.1 GPS and Sensor Input Sentences ............................................................................................. 52

8.2 General Input Sentences ......................................................................................................... 55

8.3 AIS Specific Input Sentences ................................................................................................... 56

8.4 Long Range Input Sentences .................................................................................................. 58

8.5 Proprietary Input Sentences .................................................................................................... 58

9 INTERPRETATION OF OUTPUT SENTENCES ................................................................................................ 59

9.1 Proprietary Output Sentences (PSTT) ...................................................................................... 59

9.2 Long Range Output Sentences ................................................................................................ 60

9.3 AIS Output Sentences ............................................................................................................. 61

10 GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................................................... 65

10.1 Inland ERI Ship Types ............................................................................................................ 67

10.2 Units ...................................................................................................................................... 68

11 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................................ 69

11.1 Appendix A – Drawings ........................................................................................................... 69

11.2 Appendix B – License .............................................................................................................. 72

11.3 Appendix C – Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................... 75

11.4 Appendix D – Certification ....................................................................................................... 76

Page 5 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

History of Changes

Software dependencies

This revision of the Manual is valid for the Software version (s) below stated and future versions unless

otherwise noted. Please find further information on the Nauticast homepage (www.nauticast.com).

Current software version can always be verified in the S/W info dialog as described in section 4.23.

Safety Instructions

Note the following compass safe distances:

Disposal Instructions

Broken or unwanted electrical or electronic equipment parts shall be classified and handled as ‘Electronic

Waste’. Improper disposal may be harmful to the environment and human health. Please refer to your local

waste authority for information on return and collection systems in your area.

Contact Information

For installation, service, ordering info and technical support please contact your local Nauticast service partner.

A list of dealers and service stations can be found on our website http://www.nauticast.com.

Date

Version

Status

Comments

Responsible

2013-07-15

1.2

Release

First Official Release

Ch. Aschl

2014-01-28

1.3

Release

Changes due to SW update

Ch. Aschl

2014-09-30

2.0

Release

Nauticast, Certification, general rework

V. Janik

Date

AIS software Version

Status

Comments

Responsible

2014-07-01

1.1.10

Release

Type approved

V. Janik

Equipment

Standard magnetic compass

Steering magnetic compass

Nauticast A2 Transponder

0.60 m

0.45 m

Page 6 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

1 General Introduction

1.1 Description of AIS

AIS stands for: “Automatic Identification System”

What is AIS?

According to IALA regulations, AIS is defined as follows:

AIS is a broadcast transponder system, operating in the VHF maritime mobile Band (161,975 and 162,025

MHz). It is capable of sending ship information such as identification, position, course, speed and more to

other ships and to shore stations. It can handle multiple reports at rapid update rates and uses Self-Organizing

Time Division Multiple Access (SOTDMA) technology to meet these high broadcast rates and ensure reliable

and robust operation.

The Modules of an AIS are:

 DGPS / GPS receiver

 VHF Radio

 Antenna

 Computer (CPU)

 Power Supply

Appropriate application software connects the individual modules.

In which modes do AIS operate?

AIS devices are required to function flawlessly in a variety of modes. The relevant regulations require that the

system shall be capable of

 An "autonomous and continuous" mode for operation in all areas. This mode shall be capable of being

switched to/from one of the following alternate modes by a competent authority;

 An "assigned" mode for operation in an area subject to a competent authority responsible for traffic

monitoring such that the data transmission interval and/or time slots may be set remotely by that

authority;

 A "polling or controlled" mode, where the data transfer occurs in response to interrogation from a ship

or competent authority.

Types of AIS:

 Class A Transponder – This type of transponder is used on open sea waters and is mandatory for ships

of 300 gross tonnage or more on international voyages, all cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

and on passenger ships.

 Class B Transponder – Used on smaller vessels and pleasure crafts. It transmits with less power than

class A transponders and has a lower priority ranking on the data link.

 Base Station – Fixed shore station that is typically connected to an AIS network to collect information

from all vessels around a certain port or shore line.

 Repeater Stations – Used to extend the coverage range by repeating incoming messages. Can be

implemented as a function in an AIS Base station or an AtoN station.

 SAR (Search and Rescue) Transponder – Used on airplanes and helicopters in search and rescue

missions.

 AtoN (Aids to Navigation) – A transceiver that is fitted on buoys and lighthouses in order to send

information about their positions.

 Inland AIS – A European standardized extension to Class A systems for use on inland water ways. An

inland transponder has additional messages to communicate with bridges, ports and locks and can

also send some additional information that are useful on water ways such as blue sign indication,

specific hazardous cargo etc.

 SART (Search and Rescue Transmitters) – Distress beacons for life rafts. An active SART signal will

always be sorted at the top of the target list to highlight its presence.

Page 7 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

AIS in an Operational Environment

This illustration depicts a typical AIS System, where two or more AIS equipped vessels (and

shore based systems) are automatically communicating with each other.

Figure 1 – AIS System

Both vessels in the above illustration are equipped with a NAUTICAST A2 (or any other certified AIS-

Transponder). Due to “Time – Synchronization” they use the same organization of free and allocated

windows (Slots) in the shared VHF Data Link (this method is called “Self Organized Time Division Multiple

Access”) to send and receive messages.

On the next page, a typical NAUTICAST A2 installation in a common environment is shown. The NAUTICAST

A2 is connected to the vessel’s emergency power supply, and in connection with the VHF, and GPS-

Antennas, the minimal requirements for transponder operation are fulfilled. By means of standardized

messages the involved AIS systems exchange certain static data and dynamic information, such as the

location and the course of the other ships in the area.

Page 8 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

1.2 AIS Networks

The illustration below shows a full AIS covered area (including applications and shore infrastructure).

Figure 2 – AIS Network

1.3 Inland AIS

The AIS Inland Standard is an European extension to class A devices for use on inland waterways. AIS Inland

transponders support additional messages for communication with Bridges, Ports and locks. Blue Sign or

dangerous cargo messages can also be transmitted.

Note:

The NAUTICAST A2 AIS can operate in both modes, standard (SOLAS) class A and Inland, depending the

user’s needs.

Page 9 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

2 System Overview

2.1 Product Description

The NAUTICAST A2 System consists of a transceiver radio unit, a GPS receiver, a controller unit and a colour

LCD with a numerical keypad. The radio has three receivers, two tuneable TDMA receivers and one DSC

receiver. The transmitter alternates its transmissions between the two operating TDMA. The controller unit

creates and schedules data packets (containing dynamic, static and voyage related data) for transmission

based on the IMO performance standard for AIS.

The NAUTICAST A2 shall be connected to the ship’s sensors as required by the installation guidelines published

by IALA. The NAUTICAST A2 can interface external navigation and presentation systems that support required

IEC 61162-1 sentences

Refer to chapter 8 for more information. The NAUTICAST A2 is prepared for connection

to Long Range systems like Inmarsat C.

The colour LCD and numerical keypad provides a graphical user-friendly interface to the system. It is possible

to plot the location of other vessels, aids to navigation and search and rescue vessels. The LCD and numerical

keypad can also be used to send and receive messages, perform configuration as well as supervise the systems

status.

Figure 3 – System Overview

Page 10 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

2.2 Main features

 Multi-colour 3.5” LCD with numerical keypad interface.

 USB Host interface for connection of USB keyboard and USB flash memories.

 Individual visual display settings for day and night operations.

 Broadcast of Dynamic, Static and Voyage related information.

 Standardized interface for connection to ship sensors e.g. GNSS, Gyro, Rate of Turn Indicator,

ECDIS/ECS and ARPA.

 Plot capable of presenting up to 500 targets in the vicinity of the own ship.

 Messaging views for generation and presentation of safety related messages and text messages.

 Pilot plug integrated to the front of the transponder unit.

 Channel management capability for areas without access to the worldwide allocated AIS frequencies.

 Possibility to generate Long Range AIS reply over satcom equipment such as Inmarsat C.

 In addition to the normal high (12,5W) and low (1W) power mode, the NAUTICAST A2 has a 1W

tanker mode in accordance with requirements for tanker operations in port.

 Reception and processing of AIS messages 18,19 and 24A/B as transmitted by AIS Class B ‘CS’

Transponders.

 Easily upgraded with the latest software release from Nauticast using USB memory.

 Save/Restore configuration using USB Storage.

Page 11 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

3 Installation

IMPORTANT:

AUTHORITIES MANDATE that after the physical installation has been successfully

completed, all ship data and settings be entered into the AIS transponder. See Section 4 for further

instructions.

3.1 Installation Requirements

General Requirements

Please note that international conventions, regulations, instructions and guidelines have to be followed when

installing the NAUTICAST A2.

The following points must be observed before installation can commence:

- Permission by the local authority to install such a device must be granted.

- Trained service personnel must undertake the installation.

- The NAUTICAST A2 must be fitted in a suitable place on the bridge.

- The VHF and GPS Antennas must be installed in a suitable position, where excellent reception

conditions apply (refer to Chapter 3.4)

- All available interfaces must be installed.

- The vessels power supply must suffice, and the GMDSS power supply has to be used.

- Installation of the pilot plug in conning position (close to the pilot’s work place).

3.2 Installation Overview

Basic Equipment:

Name

Part number

Qty.

NAUTICAST A2 AIS Transponder

SOLAS Class A & Inland AIS

1001001

Documentation for Nauticast A2

1001001-1

Power Cable 2m

1001002

Table 1 – NAUTICAST A2 Basic Equipment

AIS is considered part of the ship’s radio station and is surveyed together with radio installation. Surveys on

SOLAS Convention ships should be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down in IMO Res. A 746(18)

"Survey Guidelines under the harmonized system of survey and certification" (R) 8, and "Protocol of 1988

relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974."

The NAUTICAST A2 consists of one unit, which integrates all necessary modules.

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure:

When installing the NAUTICAST A2, it is recommended to follow the steps described in this manual. Details of

the installation procedure can be found in the coming sections.

Recommended installation steps:

1. Mount the NAUTICAST A2 at conning station

2. Mount the alarm relay unit (if available)

3. Mount the VHF antenna

4. Mount the GPS antenna

5. Connect antennas, all external systems and sensors to the NAUTICAST A2

6. Power up the system

7. Set configuration parameters

8. Perform system functional check

3.3 Mounting the NAUTICAST A2

3.3.1 Location

The NAUTICAST A2 should be mounted close to the position from which the ship is normally operated,

preferably on the bridge console close to the conning position.

When mounting the NAUTICAST A2, please consider the following:

 The NAUTICAST A2 shall be connected to ship ground using the earth terminal found on the rear plate.

 The temperature and humidity should be moderate and stable at the place of mounting, +15ºC to +35ºC

(Operating temperature: -15ºC to +55ºC.)

 Select a location away from excessive heat sources

Page 12 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

 Ensure that there is enough airflow to avoid high ambient temperatures

 Avoid areas where there is a high flow of humid salt air

 Avoid places with high levels of vibrations and shocks

 Avoid mounting the NAUTICAST A2 in direct sunlight for the best readability

 Ensure that the cables can be connected without violating their minimum bending radius

 The unit can affect magnetic compasses. The minimum compass safe distance is 0.60 meters to a standard

magnetic compass and 0.45 meters to a steering magnetic compass

Regarding the physical size please see the Appendix A – Drawings containing all mechanical drawings.

3.4 Mount the NAUTICAST A2 VHF antenna

Interference to the Ship’s VHF Radiotelephone

The AIS ship borne equipment, like any other ship borne transceiver operating in the VHF maritime band, may

cause interference to a ship’s VHF radiotelephone. Because AIS is a digital system, this interference may occur

as a periodic (e.g. every 20 seconds) soft clicking sound on the ship’s radiotelephone. This affect may become

more noticeable if the VHF radiotelephone antenna is located close to the AIS VHF antenna, and when the

radiotelephone is operating on channels near the AIS operating channels (e.g. channels 27, 28 and 86).

Attention should be paid to the location and installation of the various antennas, in order to support the

antenna characteristics in the best possible way.

3.4.1 VHF Antenna Location

Location of the mandatory AIS VHF-antenna should be carefully considered. Digital communication is more

sensitive than analogue/voice communication to interference created by reflections caused by obstructions

such as masts and booms. It may be necessary to relocate the VHF radiotelephone antenna to minimize

interference effects.

To minimize interference effects, the following guidelines apply:

 The AIS VHF antenna should have omnidirectional vertical polarization.

 The AIS VHF antenna should be placed in an elevated position, as free standing as possible, with a

minimum of 2 meters in horizontal direction from constructions made of conductive materials. The antenna

should not be installed close to any large vertical obstruction. The AIS VHF antenna should have a visible

sky of 360°.

 The AIS VHF antenna should be installed at least 3 meters away from interfering high-power energy

sources such as radar and other transmitting radio antennas, and out of the way of the transmitting beam.

 There should not be more than one antenna on each level. The AIS VHF antenna should be mounted

directly above or below the ship’s primary VHF radiotelephone antenna, with no horizontal separation and

a minimum of 2 meters vertical separation. If it is located on the same level as other antennas, the distance

apart should measure at least 10 meters.

3.4.2 VHF Cabling

The cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize attenuation of the signal. Double shielded coaxial

cable equal or better than RG214 is recommended to minimize the effects from electromagnetic interference

from high power lines, radar or other radio transmitter cables.

The table below gives recommendation on cables that can be used for the VHF-antenna connections, the

cables used should always be of marine approved type. The cable attenuation shall be kept as low as possible;

a 3 dB loss is the same as cutting the signal strength in half.

Table 2 – VHF Antenna Cables

Example: A cable of 40 meter RG 214 has a cable attenuation of 2.8 dB.

All outdoor connectors on the coaxial cables should be fitted with preventive isolation, such as shrink-stocking

with silicone to protect the antenna cable against water penetration. Coaxial cables should be installed in

Type

Attenuation @ 150

MHz (dB/100m)

 (mm)

Weight (kg/100m)

RG 214

10.8

18.5

RG 217

13.8

30.1

RG 225

10.9

23.3

Page 13 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

separate signal cable channels/tubes, and at least 10 cm away from any power supply cables. Crossing of

cables should take place at right angles (90°). Coaxial cables should not be exposed to sharp bends, which

may lead to changes to the characteristic impedance of the cable. The minimum bend radius should be 5 times

the cables outside diameter.

Grounding

Coaxial down-leads must be used for all receiving antennas, and the coaxial screen should be connected to

the ground at one end.

3.5 Mount the NAUTICAST A2 GPS Antenna

The NAUTICAST A2 shall be connected to a GPS antenna type Procom GPS-4 (1001022), Nauticast Standard

GPS antenna (3001002) or to a combined GPS/VHF antenna AC Marine VHF/GPS-2 (1001027). 5V DC is

supplied through the antenna lead for the antenna preamplifier.

Please note the Compass Safe Distances in section 6.3 “Transponder Environment”.

If the combined AC Marine GPS/VHF antenna is used the diplexer unit shall be installed in an indoor

environment.

Attention should be paid to the location and installation of the different antennas on the ship in order to obtain

the best possible efficiency. How and where the GPS antenna and cable is installed will greatly affect its sensing

efficiency.

3.5.1 GPS Antenna Location

The GNSS antenna must be installed where it has a clear view of the sky, so that it accesses the horizon freely

through 360°, with a vertical observation of 5 to 90 degrees above the horizon. Small diameter obstructions,

such as masts and booms, do not seriously impair signal reception, but such objects must not eclipse more

than a few degrees of any given bearing.

The antenna must be located at least three meters away from, and out of the transmitting beam of high-

power transmitters (S-Band Radar and/or Inmarsat systems). This includes the ship’s own AIS VHF antenna,

if it is designed and installed separately.

If a DGNSS system is included or connected to the AIS system, the installation of the antenna should be

undertaken in accordance with IEC 61108-4, Edition 1.

3.5.2 GPS Cabling

The gain of the GPS antenna built-in pre-amplifier shall match the cable attenuation. The resulting installation

gain (pre-amplifier gain minus cable attenuation) shall be within 0 to 26 dB. A minimum value of 10 dB is

recommended for optimum performance.

A double shielded coaxial cable is recommended. The coaxial cable should be routed directly between the GPS

antenna and the NAUTICAST A2 GPS connector in order to reduce electromagnetic interference effects. The

cable should not be installed close to high-power lines, such as radar or radio transmitter lines or the AIS VHF

antenna cable. A separation of 1 meter or more is recommended to avoid interference due to RF-coupling.

Crossing of antenna cables should be done at 90 degrees to minimise magnetic field coupling.

The table below gives recommendation on cables that can be used for the Transponder GPS-antenna

connections, the cables used should always be of marine approved type. Due to the high frequency it’s

important that the attenuation in the cable is low for the specific frequency (1.5 GHz).

Type

Attenuation @ 1.5

GHz (dB/m)

 (mm)

Weight (kg/100m)

RG 58

0.9

3.7

RG 400

0.6

4.95

6.3

RG 223

0.6

5.40

5.5

RG 214

0.35

10.8

18.5

RG 225

0.3

10.9

23.3

Table 3 – GPS Antenna Cables

For optimum performance approximately +10dB gain should be available when the cable attenuation has been

subtracted from the GPS-antenna preamplifier gain. The net gain shall not exceed +26dB.

Page 14 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

Example:

Cable type

Preamplifier

gain (dB)

Required min cable

length (m)

Recommended max.

cable length (m)

RG 58

4.5

RG 223

3.5

RG 223

26.5

RG 223

6.5

33.5

RG 214

11.5

Table 4 – GPS Antenna Cable Examples

Min length = (Preamp. Gain – 26 dB)/Cable attenuation per meter

Max length = (Preamp. Gain – 10 dB)/Cable attenuation per meter

Coaxial cables (marine approved type) should be installed in separate signal cable channels/tubes and at least

10 cm away from power supply cables. Crossing of cables should be done at right angles (90°).

Coaxial cables should not be exposed to sharp bends, which may lead to a change of the characteristic

impedance of the cable. The minimum bending radius should be 5 times the cable's diameter.

All outdoor installed connectors should be weather proofed, e.g. with shrink tubing, watertight seal tape or

butyl rubber tape and plastic tape sealing, to protect against water penetration into the antenna cable.

Secure the cable properly near the cable ends.

Grounding

Coaxial down-leads must be used. The coaxial shielding screen should be connected to ground at one end.

3.6 Electrical Installation

The protocol of the serial port interfaces is compliant to IEC 61162-1Ed.4 (2010-11).

All serial ports in the NAUTICAST A2 have the same capabilities with one exception, any Long Range equipment

must be connected to the Long Range port.

The primary external position sensor should be connected to the Sensor 1 port since this port has the highest

priority. The serial ports in the NAUTICAST A2 can also receive differential corrections in RTCM format for

correction of the internal GPS receiver. The ports in the NAUTICAST A2 have different default baud rates but

they can all be configured to any baud rate of 4800, 9600, 38400, 57600 or 115200 bps. The priority levels

for input of sensor data on the different ports are listed below:

Priority

Identification

Default Baud Rate

Port direction

1 (Highest priority)

Sensor 1

4800 bps

Input

(See note 1)

Sensor 2

4800 bps

Input

Sensor 3

4800 bps

Input

ECDIS

38400 bps

Input / Output

(See note 2)

Long Range

9600 bps

Input / Output

(See note 2)

Pilot

38400 bps

Input / Output

(See note 2)

(Lowest priority)

RS-232

38400 bps

Input / Output

(See note 2)

Table 5 Port Priorities and Default Baud Rates

NOTE 1: This means that if valid position data from external position sources are input on e.g. both Sensor 1

and ECDIS port, the position data from Sensor 1 will be used.

NOTE 2: Output will be limited if baud rate is below 38400 bps. VDM and VDO messages will not be output.

If the same data is provided using different NMEA sentences on the same port, the priority depends on the

Page 15 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

sentence in accordance with Table 6.

Priority

Position

COG/SOG

HDG

ROT

1 (Highest)

RMC

THS

ROT

GNS

VTG

HDT

GGA

VBW

OSD

GLL

OSD

Table 6 – Sentence priority

3.6.1 Output Drive Capacity for Serial Ports

Each serial port transmitter in the NAUTICAST A2 can have a maximum of 25 listeners consuming 2.0 mA

each.

3.6.2 Input Load

Input impedance for each listener input is 6.4 kΩ.

3.6.3 Schematics of a NAUTICAST A2 Serial Transceiver

Each of the RS422 serial interfaces on the NAUTICAST A2 fulfils the requirements of IEC 61162-2 and IEC

61993-2. A detailed schematic of one of the serial ports in the NAUTICAST A2 is shown below.

Figure 4 – Serial Port Schematics

ISO Power

Internal

Signals to AIS

To connected

equipment

Page 16 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

3.6.4 Data Interface Cable with open ends, 1001003

In/Out

Signal Name

Signal Type

Colour

Out

ECDIS - TxB (+)

RS422

White

Out

ECDIS - TxA (-)

RS422

Brown

Sensor1 - RxB (+)

RS422

Green

Sensor1 - RxA (-)

RS422

Yellow

Sensor2 - RxB (+)

RS422

Grey

Sensor2 - RxA (-)

RS422

Pink

Long Range - RxB (+)

RS422

Blue

Long Range - RxA (-)

RS422

Red

Long Range - GND

RS422

Black

ECDIS - GND

RS422

Violet

ECDIS – RxB (+)

RS422

Grey / Pink

ECDIS – RxA (-)

RS422

Red / Blue

Sensor1 – GND

RS422

White / Green

Sensor2 – GND

RS422

Brown / Green

Sensor3 – RxB (+)

RS422

White / Yellow

Sensor3 – RxA (-)

RS422

Yellow / Brown

Out

Long Range – TxB (+)

RS422

White / Grey

Out

Long Range – TxA (-)

RS422

Grey / Brown

Alarm Relay – GND

White / Pink

Out

Alarm Relay – Out

Pink / Brown

GND

White / Blue

Brown / Blue

Sensor3 – GND

RS422

White / Red

Alarm Relay - VCC

Brown / Red

In/Out

CAN (+)

Differential

CAN bus

White/Black

In/Out

CAN (-)

Differential

CAN bus

Brown/Black

Table 7 – 26-pin High Density D-sub

3.6.5 RS232 Data Cable

Signal Name

Not Connected

Tx (Transponder side)

Rx (Transponder side)

Not Connected

GND

Not Connected

Table 8 – 9-pin female D-sub

Page 17 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

3.6.6 Power Cable, 1001002

Signal Name

Colour

24VDC positive

Red

GND

Black

External Switch (R)

Brown

External Switch (F)

Orange

Table 9 – 4-pin male circular ConXall

3.6.7 External Switch

The Power Cable enables connection of an external switch to the NAUTICAST A2. This switch can be used as

a Silent switch or, if configured as an Inland AIS system, as a Blue sign switch.’

3.6.7.1 Blue Sign installation (Inland Mode only)

If the blue sign switch should be used, the parameter “External Switch” must be configured to “Blue Sign” in

Misc. Interface view accessed from

Main Menu  Config  Interfaces  Miscellaneous

The status of the blue sign can be controlled by input on the brown and orange wires of the Power Cable.

The status of the Blue Sign will be read by the NAUTICAST A2 and output on the VHF data link when operating

in “Inland Mode” (see section 4.4.16 for more details). Connect the blue sign switch to pin 3 (brown wire) and

pin 4 (orange wire) of the Power Cable together with an external parallel resistor. When the switch is open,

blue sign will be off. When the switch is closed, blue sign will be on.

The external resistor value depends on the power supply voltage the NAUTICAST A2 is using:

 12V: 2.2kΩ resistor, 10% tolerance, at least 1/8W power rating

 24V: 10kΩ resistor, 10% tolerance, at least 1/8W power rating

Figure 5 – Blue Sign Switch

3.6.7.2 Silent switch installation

It is possible to connect a silent switch to the NAUTICAST A2 to quickly turn off transmissions.

If a silent switch is to be used, the parameter “External Switch” must be configured to “Silent Switch” in Misc.

Interface view accessed from

Main Menu  Config  Interfaces  Miscellaneous

The silent switch should be connected in the same way as the blue sign switch. However, the external resistor

may be omitted for the silent switch.

When the circuit is closed (brown and orange wires connected with each other), the NAUTICAST A2 will

transmit as normal. When the circuit is open, the NAUTICAST A2 will be completely silent.

3.6.8 Alarm Relay

It is required that the AIS alarm output (relay) is connected to an audible alarm device or the ship’s alarm

system, if available.

Alternatively, the ship’s BIIT alarm system may use the alarm messages output on the AIS Presentation

Interface (PI) provided the alarm system is AIS compatible. The AIS Alarm Relay is either mounted directly on

a board or on the wall.

The alarm relay wires have the following colour codes in the 26-pole NAUTICAST A2 data interface cable:

RELAY VCC

Brown/Red

RELAY GND

White / Pink

RELAY OUT

Pink / Brown

Table 10 – Alarm Relay Wires

Figure 6 shows the alarm relay and its dimensions and explains how to connect the alarm relay to the data

cable and how to connect the load (Alarm Circuit) to the alarm relay. The operating voltage of the alarm relay

is 3 to 60 VDC with a load current of 0.1 to 2 A (3A when using a heat sink).

BLUE SIGN

SWITCH

Power Cable Pin 3

Power Cable Pin 4

External resistor

Page 18 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

Figure 6 – Alarm Relay

Transponder:

RELAY VCC

RELAY GND

RELAY OUT

Ext. Power Supply:

- (GND)

+12 to 32VDC

Page 19 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

3.7 System Configuration

When the physical and electrical installation of the system is complete, the NAUTICAST A2 needs to be

configured. The installer is required to set the parameters listed below. For detailed information about the

configuration parameters and how to set them, refer to section 4.2.1 and 4.4.

 MMSI number (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)

 IMO vessel number (should be set to zero for Inland vessels)

 Call Sign

 Ship Name

 Ship Type (Only when operating in Class A mode)

 Height Over Keel

 Ship dimensions and antenna positions. Refer to section 4.4.4 Main Menu  Config Ship Dimensions

for more information.

If the NAUTICAST A2 is operating in Inland mode, the following parameters also need to be configured:

 ENI, Unique European Ship Number

 ERI Ship Type (ERI code and standard AIS ship type will be set automatically by the NAUTICAST A2

when selecting an ERI Ship Type from list in Ship Static view.

 Quality setting for SOG, COG and HDG. Should be set to low if no type approved sensor (e.g. a gyro

or speed log) is connected to NAUTICAST A2.

When the NAUTICAST A2 has been installed according to the procedures described in previous sections, it is

recommended to make a first functional check of the system. Check the following things to ensure that the

NAUTICAST A2 is fully functional.

 Check the Transmitted Own Ship Data view to make sure that the configured data is sent by the

NAUTICAST A2 on the VHF link, refer to section 4.10 “View Transmitted Own Ship Information” for

more information.

 Make sure that there are no unexpected active alarms in the alarm list, see section 4.18 “Alarms”.

 Perform a communication test to ensure that the NAUTICAST A2 can send and receive messages from

other AIS transponders. Refer to section 4.25 “Communication Test” for information on how to perform

a communication test.

Page 20 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

4 Operation

4.1 System Mode

The NAUTICAST A2 can operate in two different system modes, Class A mode and Inland mode. The Class A

mode should be used for vessels falling under the carriage requirements of Chapter V of the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The Inland mode should be used for vessels travelling on European inland waterways that falls under the

carriage requirements of European River Information Services (RIS). When Inland mode is enabled, additional

views for ETA/RTA messaging and convoy settings will be enabled. The NAUTICAST A2 will also output binary

messages with Inland Static and Voyage data.

As default, the NAUTICAST A2 will operate in Class A mode. It is possible to switch system mode in the System

Settings view, see section 4.4.16 for more information.

4.2 LED’s and Controls

This section describes the controls and status LED’s on the front panel of the NAUTICAST A2. It is also possible

to connect a USB keyboard via the USB Host interface that can be found under the hatch of the front panel.

Figure 7 –Nauticast A2 Front View

STATUS LED (multi-colour)

This LED is constant green when the transponder is operating and no alarms are active. The LED is constant

red if there is an active alarm and it is flashing red if there is an unacknowledged alarm.

RX LED (yellow)

This LED is flashing yellow when the transponder is receiving a message on the VHF link.

TX LED (red)

This LED is flashing red when the transponder is transmitting a message on the VHF link.

LIGHT SENSOR

The light sensor will automatically dim the backlight of the display depending on measured input light to the

sensor.

ARROW KEYPAD and ENTER

The arrow keypad (< > and ∧ ∨) is used to navigate in menus, lists and edit fields. The center button of the

keypad is an ENTER button which is used to select the highlighted choice in a menu, list or edit control.

ESC

The ESC button is used to return to the previous screen or to cancel an edit change of a data field.

ALPHANUMERIC KEYS

These keys are used for entering text and numbers. To write a number in a numeric field, press the key once.

To write a character in a text field, press once for the character associated with the key, twice for the second

character and so on. When pressing twice on key “1” when editing a text field, a popup view with special

characters appears. Choose the desired special character by using the ARROW KEYPAD and ENTER.

Page 21 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

When a USB keyboard is used, the normal letters, numbers and special characters can be used. Only American

keyboard layout is supported.

OPT

This button is an “Option key” which is only active in some of the dialogs. When pressed, it gives the user a

list of options that can be performed on the highlighted item. In e.g. the Target List view the OPT button can

be used to send an SRM to the highlighted target. In the Main Menu view, the OPT button is used to quickly

change navigational status. When a USB keyboard is used, the ALT button of the keyboard corresponds to

OPT button on the NAUTICAST A2 keypad.

If the OPT button is pressed for more than 5 seconds, the visual settings in the NAUTICAST A2 will be restored

to default, i.e. LCD backlight, LED intensity and button backlight will all be 80% and day mode will be used.

BACKSPACE

The BACKSPACE button is used to erase the character to the left of the marker in an edit field.

4.2.1 Change Settings of a Parameter

Several of the views in the NAUTICAST A2 contain parameters that can be edited. To edit a parameter, select

it by using the ARROW KEYPAD and press ENTER.

Then enter data in one of the following ways:

 Numbers: Press the ALPHANUMERIC KEY that corresponds to each digit. To delete a digit, press

function key BACKSPACE. Some of the parameters are decimal numbers. The OPT button can then

be used to insert a decimal point.

 Text: Press the ALPHANUMERIC KEY that corresponds to each character. Press the key once for

the first character, twice for the second character and so on. Press the key “1” twice to, where allowed,

bring up a menu for entering special characters. To delete a character, press function key

BACKSPACE. When entering passwords both lower and upper case letters can be used. To change

between upper and lower case letters, press function key OPT and choose “Caps Lock Off” or “Caps

Lock On”.

 List of predefined values: Use the ∧ ∨ keys to select between the predefined values.

 List of predefined values and numeric input: In some of the views like the AIS Message Send

view where it is possible to send an SRM to a target, it is possible to select an MMSI in a list of

predefined values. The predefined MMSI values are the MMSI numbers that have been received by

the transponder. It is also possible to enter a new MMSI number that has not been received yet. To

do this, simply input a numerical value with the ALPHANUMERIC KEYS.

Press ENTER when done. If desired, use the ARROW KEYPAD keys to select a new parameter to be edited,

or navigate to the Save/Send button located above the list of parameters and press ENTER to save the

parameters / send the message.

Use the ESC key to undo changes and to return to the previous view.

NOTE: DO NOT TURN OFF TRANSPONDER WITHIN 2 SECONDS OF A PARAMETER CHANGE!

Page 22 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

4.3 Main Menu – Tree View

Figure 8 – Menu Tree

Page 23 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

4.3.1 Navigating in Menus

Use the ARROW KEYPAD buttons < > and ∧ ∨ to navigate between the view buttons in the different menus.

Press the ENTER button to enter the currently selected view. It is also possible to directly select a view by

pressing the ALPHANUMERIC KEY that corresponds to the number in the upper left corner of the view

button.

Figure 9 – Main Menu

4.4 Configuration Parameters

This section describes the different configuration parameters that can be set in the NAUTICAST A2. Some of

the parameters will only be available when operating in “Class A” mode; these parameters are marked with

light grey. Parameters that are only available when operating in “Inland” mode are marked with dark grey.

Common parameters for both system modes are white.

4.4.1 Main Menu  Voyage AIS Voyage

The parameters in AIS Voyage view are used for input of voyage specific information that is sent over the AIS

link. These parameters should typically be configured before each voyage.

When the NAUTICAST A2 system mode is set to “Inland”, additional voyage parameters for inland water way

voyages are available. The system mode can be configured in the System Settings view described in section

4.4.16.

Parameter Name

Description

Navigational Status

Changes the navigational status reported by own ship.

It is also possible to quickly change navigational status by

pressing the OPT button when standing in the Main Menu.

Destination

The destination for the current voyage

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

The estimated time of arrival to destination of current voyage

Draught (Class A)

The vertical distance measured from the lowest point of a

ship’s hull to the water surface, in meters (one decimal

precision)

Persons on Board

Total number of persons on board

Hazardous Cargo (X,Y,Z,OS)

Classification of current cargo according to X,Y,Z,OS

Draught (Inland)

The vertical distance measured from the lowest point of a

ship’s hull to the water surface, in meters (two decimal

precision)

Air Draught

The vertical distance measured from the ship’s waterline to

the ship’s highest point, in meters (two decimal precision)

Hazardous Cargo (Blue Cones)

Blue cone classification of cargo

Loaded / Unloaded

Specifies if the ship cargo is loaded or unloaded

Crew Members

Number of crew members on board

Passengers

Number of passengers on board

Personnel

Number of shipboard personnel on board

Page 24 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

4.4.2 Main Menu  Operational Mode

Parameter Name

Description

Tx Mode

This parameter determines the transmission of the

NAUTICAST A2. If set to “Silent”, the NAUTICAST A2 will be

completely silent on the VHF radio and it will not answer on

interrogations.

If a silent switch is used, this parameter will be locked and

“Silent Switch Used” will be displayed as parameter value.

4.4.3 Main Menu  Config Ship Static

Parameter Name

Description

MMSI

Maritime Mobile Service Identity reported by own ship

IMO

International Maritime Organization number reported by own

ship

Ship Name

Ship name reported by own ship

Call Sign

Call sign reported by own ship.

Shall be set to ATIS code for Inland vessel installations.

Height over Keel

Height over keel in meters (one decimal precision).

Height over Keel information is sent as a response to an

“Extended Ship Static and Voyage Related Data” request

message.

Ship Type (IMO)

Type of Ship according to ITU-R M.1371-4. Both numerical

input and selection from list is possible.

ENI

Unique European Vessel Identification Number reported by

own ship

ERI Ship Type

Ship or combination type according to numeric ERI

classification. Both numerical input and selection from list is

possible. See chapter 10.1 “Inland ERI Ship Types” for

available types.

Quality Speed

Shall be set to low if no type approved speed sensor is

connected to transponder

Quality Course

Shall be set to low if no type approved course sensor is

connected to transponder

Quality HDG

Shall be set to low if no type approved heading sensor is

connected to transponder

4.4.4 Main Menu  Config Ship Dimensions

The parameters in the Ship Dimensions view depends on the configuration parameter “Ship Size Mode” in the

Misc Interfaces view. The Ship Size Mode parameter can be set to either Standard or Simplified (default). The

Ship Size Mode affects how the user should input ship size and antenna position information and how it is

interpreted.

Standard Mode

In this mode the user must input:



Convoy/ship length

[m] (one decimal precision)



Convoy/ship beam

[m] (one decimal precision)



A, B, C, D

for internal antenna [m]



A, B, C, D

for external antenna [m]

It is the users responsibility to input correctly rounded data (

A+B

Convoy/ship length

rounded up,

C+D

Convoy/ship beam

rounded up).

If the user inputs data which is not correctly rounded the “Ship size mismatch” alarm will be activated.

The output on the AIS data link will be exactly the values input by the user.

Simplified Mode (default)

In this mode the user inputs:



Ship length

[m] (one decimal precision)



Ship beam

[m] (one decimal precision)



X, Y

for internal antenna relative to ship [m] (one decimal precision)



X, Y

for external antenna relative to ship [m] (one decimal precision)

Page 25 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

When operating in Inland Mode, extra convoy size can be added to ship dimension

Extra convoy size on each side (value = 0 if convoy not used):



Bow

[m] (one decimal precision)



Stern

[m] (one decimal precision)



Port side

[m] (one decimal precision)



Starboard

[m] (one decimal precision)

The extra convoy parameters can be configured from Main MenuVoyageConvoy Settings when the

Ship Size Mode is set to “Simplified”.

In this mode there is no way for the user to input mismatching data, all parameters uses the same precision

and each measurement is entered only once (in standard mode it is for example possible to enter three

different lengths of ship:

Convoy/ship length, internal A+B

and

external A+B

). In simplified mode the

transponder will automatically calculate and correctly round the A, B, C and D values reported on the VHF link.

4.4.5 Main Menu  Config VHF Radio  Regional Areas

This view shows the regional areas set in the transponder. To make a new regional area or to edit or delete

an existing regional area, press the OPT button and choose the desired action. The following parameters can

be edited when “New Area” or “Edit Area” is chosen:

Parameter Name

Description

Channel A

The channel number for AIS channel A (2087 = default) that

should be used in the regional area.

Channel B

The channel number for AIS channel B (2088 = default) that

should be used in the regional area.

Zone Size

The transitional zone size of the regional area in nautical miles

(NM).

Tx Mode

Decides on which channels the transponder will use when

transmitting in the regional area.

When set to “Silent”, the transponder will stop automatic

transmissions on AIS channels A and B.

Power

Output power for the transponder in the regional area. High

= 12.5 W, Low = 1 W.

LAT NE

The latitude for the North East corner of the regional area

LON NE

The longitude for the North East corner of the regional area

LAT SW

The latitude for the South West corner of the regional area

LON SW

The longitude for the South West corner of the regional area

4.4.6 Main Menu  Config  VHF Radio  LR Broadcast Settings

Parameter Name

Description

LR Broadcast Ch. 1

The first channel number for broadcasting long range

message 27. The message is sent every 6 minutes on each

channel so if both channels are configured a message 27 will

be broadcasted every 3 minutes. If this parameter is set to

zero no long range broadcast transmissions will be sent on

this channel.

LR Broadcast Ch. 2

The second channel number for broadcasting long range

message 27. The message is sent every 6 minutes on each

channel so if both channels are configured a message 27 will

be broadcasted every 3 minutes. If this parameter is set to

zero no long range broadcast transmissions will be sent on

this channel.

4.4.7 Main Menu  Config  Alarm

In this view all alarms can be configured to either “Enabled” or “Disabled”. When the alarm is enabled, an

active alarm will affect the external alarm relay, the buzzer in the NAUTICAST A2 and show a popup dialog in

the display. When the alarm is set to disabled it will not affect anything when the alarm becomes active. For

more information about the alarm view, refer to section 4.18 “Alarms”. For a list of all the alarms that can

occur, refer to section 7.3 “Troubleshooting with Alarm Messages.”

Page 26 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

4.4.8 Main Menu  Config  Password

Parameter Name

Description

New User Password

Changes the user level password for the NAUTICAST A2.

The default user level password is “user”

New Admin Password

Changes the admin level password for the NAUTICAST A2.

The default admin level password is “admin”

Restore Code

It is possible to restore both user password and admin

password to the default values above with a secret restore

code.

To obtain the restore code, contact Nauticast Technical

Support and be prepared to provide the serial number of the

transponder unit.

4.4.9 Main Menu  Config  Long Range

Parameter Name

Description

Reply Mode

When set to “Auto” the NAUTICAST A2 will automatically

respond to any Long Range interrogation messages.

When set to “Manual” the operator is responsible for sending

a response or refusal to any Long Range interrogation

message. This can be done from the

Long Range

view that is

accessed from

Main Menu  Messages  Long Range

. For

more information see section 4.14 “Long Range

Interrogations”.

The information that is sent in a response is automatically

filled in by the NAUTICAST A2 depending on the Long Range

filter settings (the parameters below).

Ship ID (A)