Seas of Solutions McMurdo M-2 McMurdo Automatic Identification System User Manual Installation Manual
Orolia Ltd McMurdo Automatic Identification System Installation Manual
Contents
- 1. Installation Manual
- 2. Operation Manual
Installation Manual

 Installation Manual 
M-2 AIS Transponder System 
35-060-001 
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Contents 
1 PREFACE.................................................................................................................................. 1 
2 INSTALLING THE AIS TRANSPONDER SYSTEM SAFELY........................................................ 2 
3 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 5 
3.1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL.............................................................................................................. 5 
4 AIS TRANSPONDER SYSTEM................................................................................................... 7 
4.1 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ....................................................................................................... 7 
4.2 INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................... 7 
4.3 AIS BUILDING BLOCKS ............................................................................................................ 7 
5 MECHANICAL MOUNTING OPTIONS AND GUIDELINES..........................................................10 
5.1 LOCATION ...........................................................................................................................10 
5.2 AIS TRANSPONDER UNIT .......................................................................................................10 
5.2.1 Transponder main dimensions .....................................................................................10 
5.3 AIS DISPLAY .......................................................................................................................13 
5.3.1 AIS Display trunnion assembly.....................................................................................13 
5.3.2 AIS Display flush mount assembly ...............................................................................14 
5.4 ANTENNA UNITS ...................................................................................................................15 
5.4.1 Antenna mounting position ..........................................................................................15 
5.4.2 VHF antenna..............................................................................................................15 
5.4.3 GNSS antenna ...........................................................................................................15 
5.4.4 Weld on plate mounting of the GNSS antenna..............................................................16 
5.4.5 Cable Preparation.......................................................................................................17 
6 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................................19 
6.1 GROUND CONNECTION..........................................................................................................19 
6.2 SIGNAL CABLE CONNECTIONS FOR AIS TRANSPONDER...............................................................19 
6.3 VHF AND  GNSS (GPS) ANTENNA CABLE CONNECTIONS ............................................................20 
6.3.1 VHF antenna..............................................................................................................21 
6.3.2 GNSS (GPS) antenna .................................................................................................21 
6.4 CONNECTION TERMINALS.......................................................................................................22 
6.4.1 Fuse values ................................................................................................................22 
6.4.2 Signal line termination .................................................................................................22 
6.4.3 Method of connecting screens at the transponder .........................................................23 
6.4.4 Test and program connections.....................................................................................24 
6.4.5 Power supply..............................................................................................................24 
6.4.6 DISP port – Display.....................................................................................................25 
6.4.7 SEN 1, 2, 3, 4 ports - Sensors......................................................................................25 
6.4.8 SEN Ports necessary sentences:.................................................................................26 
6.4.9 Main and AUX high speed input/output ports ................................................................26 
6.4.10 MAIN port ...................................................................................................................27 
6.4.11 AUX/Pilot port .............................................................................................................27 
6.4.12 Pilot Plug connection...................................................................................................27 
6.4.13 Long Range Port.........................................................................................................27 
6.4.14 RTCM port, Differential GNSS correction input/output port.............................................27 
6.4.15 Alarm relay .................................................................................................................27 
6.5 COMPLETION OF  INSTALLATION...............................................................................................28 
7 SPECIFICATION.......................................................................................................................29 
7.1 TECHNICAL INFORMATION......................................................................................................30 
7.1.1 RS-422 interfaces .......................................................................................................30 
7.1.2 Termination ................................................................................................................30 
7.1.3 Output drive capability.................................................................................................30 
7.1.4 Input loading...............................................................................................................30 
7.1.5 Isolation .....................................................................................................................30 
7.2 RTCM BINARY MESSAGES .....................................................................................................30 
7.3 NMEA SENTENCES USED ......................................................................................................30 
7.4 MESSAGE STRUCTURES ........................................................................................................32 
7.4.1 ABK - AIS addressed and binary broadcast acknowledgement ......................................32 
7.4.2 ABM – AIS addressed binary and safety related message.............................................32 
7.4.3 ACA – AIS channel assignment message.....................................................................32 
7.4.4 ACK – Acknowledge alarm..........................................................................................32 
7.4.5 ACS - AIS channel management information source.....................................................33 
7.4.6 AIR – AIS interrogation request ...................................................................................33 
7.4.7 ALR – Alarm condition and status ................................................................................33 
7.4.8 BBM - AIS broadcast binary message ..........................................................................33 
7.4.9 DTM – Datum reference..............................................................................................34 
7.4.10 GBS – GNS satellite fault detection..............................................................................34 
7.4.11 GGA – Global positioning system (GPS) fix data...........................................................34 
7.4.12 GLL – geographic position...........................................................................................35 
7.4.13 GNS – GNSS fix data..................................................................................................35 
7.4.14 HDT – heading true.....................................................................................................35 
7.4.15 LR1 - AIS long-range reply 1 .......................................................................................35 
7.4.16 LR2 - AIS long-range reply 2 .......................................................................................36 
7.4.17 LR3 - AIS long-range reply 3 .......................................................................................36 
7.4.18 LRF - AIS long-range function......................................................................................36 
7.4.19 LRI - AIS long-range interrogation................................................................................37 
7.4.20 RMC – recommended minimum specific GNSS data.....................................................37 
7.4.21 ROT – rate of turn.......................................................................................................37 
7.4.22 TXT – text transmission...............................................................................................37 
7.4.23 VBW – Dual ground/water speed .................................................................................38 
7.4.24 VDM – VHF data link message....................................................................................38 
7.4.25 VDO - AIS VHF Data-link own-vessel report .................................................................38 
7.4.26 VSD – AIS voyage static data......................................................................................39 
7.4.27 VTG – course over ground and ground speed...............................................................39 
7.4.28 VSD – AIS voyage static data......................................................................................39 
7.5 GENERAL FAULTS & ERROR MESSAGES ....................................................................................39 
8 SERIAL INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOLS..........................................................41 
8.1 SENSOR DATA INTERFACE .....................................................................................................41 
8.2 MAIN AND AUX PORT RECEPTION AND  TRANSMISSION OF AIS DATA .............................................41 
9 WARRANTY REGISTRATION & ACCEPTANCE RECORD........................................................43 
10 PRE-INSTALLATION INSPECTION RECORD........................................................................45 
11 GLOSSARY..........................................................................................................................49 
12 COMMISSIONING GUIDE .....................................................................................................51 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 1    
1 Preface 
Applicability of this manual 
This manual describes the installation of equipment to hardware build standard 02.02.  
In accordance with McMurdo's policy of continual development and product improvement, hardware may 
be upgraded from time to time and future versions may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. 
When necessary, upgrades will be accompanied by updates or addenda to this manual. 
IMPORTANT: Please take time to read this manual carefully and to understand its contents fully, so that 
you can install your AIS system correctly. 
Once installed please read the Operation Manual fully to make sure you understand how to use your new 
AIS. 
Disclaimer 
Information contained in this manual is supplied in good faith, but is liable to change without notice. 
McMurdo Limited disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in the 
manuals and documentation provided with this product. 
 2004 McMurdo Ltd. 

2 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
2 Installing the AIS Transponder System Safely  
Installation  
  WARNING: Do not connect the AIS transponder system to a mains (line) AC electrical 
supply, as an electric shock or fire hazard could result. 
  CAUTION: Do not connect the Transponder to a DC supply exceeding 32 V or reverse the 
supply polarity. Damage to the transceiver may result. 
  CAUTION: Do not bypass the built in fuse 
  CAUTION: The Transponder system is designed for operation in the temperature range  
-15 °C to +55 °C. Do not install (or use) the transponder system in environments which exceed 
this range. 
  CAUTION: The AIS Transponder is not water-resistant. Consequently, the Transponder must 
be installed in a dry place and must be protected from direct contact with water. 
  WARNING: Do not install the Transponder system in a position where; 
a) the controls of your vessel may be obstructed. 
b) it may obstruct your normal movement around your vessel. 
c) it may cause bodily injury. 
d) it cannot be easily accessed in an emergency. 
Use 
  WARNING: Certain parts of the Transponder chassis, notably the rear panel, can become 
hot, particularly if the ambient temperature is high. Avoid touching these areas when the 
Transponder is operating. 
  WARNING: Do not remove the cover of the Transponder before the power is switched off. 
Do not touch the antenna connections when the Transponder is operating and do not touch the 
antenna whip (mast) or connecting cable when the Transponder is in operation, for RF 
exposure and electrical safety reasons. Refer to Radio Frequency Exposure Warning. 
  WARNING: Unauthorised opening of the Transponder system will invalidate the warranty. 
Maintenance 
  CAUTION: Avoid using chemical solvents to clean the Transponder system as some 
solvents can damage the case material. 
NOTE: Apart from the fuse located beside the connectors, the Transponder system contains no 
user serviceable parts. Contact your Service Agent for repair if replacing the fuse fails to make 
the equipment servicable. 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 3    
Radio Frequency Exposure Warning 
To meet the current requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure it is necessary to install the 
antenna mast correctly and operate the equipment according to the instructions. 
The assumptions used in this assessment are: full transmit power is used, a good antenna is 
used (assumed to be a unity gain (0 dB) wideband omni-directional type). 
Where no suitable structure exists to achieve a 3 metre vertical separation then the antenna 
base must be mounted at least 1 metre above the head of any person within range and all 
persons must stay outside the 3-metre safety radius. 
Failure to adhere to these limits could expose persons within the 3 metre radius to RF radiation 
in excess of the MPE / SAR limits. 
  WARNING: The antenna mast must be mounted at a minimum distance (vertical separation) 
of 3 metres from the head of any person standing on deck to meet international safety directives 
on Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) / Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). 
  WARNING: Do not transmit when persons are closer than 3 metres to the antenna. If any 
person (e.g. the operator) must be closer, then a grounded RF shield should be interposed 
between that person and the antenna. 
Rules of Operation 
Licensing 
IMPORTANT: In most countries the operation of the AIS Transponder is a part of the radio 
regulations and therefore the ship must possess a current VHF radio telephone licence which 
lists the AIS system, and the equipment must be registered (Call Sign and MMSI number). 
Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information. 
Refer to the AIS Transponder Operation Manual for the full operating procedure. 
Good Practice 
The installer is expected to be familiar with IMO SN/Circ.227 Guidelines for the Installation of a 
Shipborne Automatic Identification System, and to comply with these recommendations. The 
document contains detailed information which supplements the instructions in this manual.  
Compass Safe Distances 
Display         0.7 m for 1° deviation; 1.2 m for 0.3° deviation 
Transponder:    1.3 m for 1° deviation; 2.1 m for 0.3° deviation 

4 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
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AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 5    
3 Introduction 
It is recommended that the vessel should be surveyed prior to commencing any installation 
work to determine the suitability of the existing on-board sensors. Section 8 of this Manual 
contains a ‘Pre-Installation Inspection’ form to assist this process. 
Installation of the AIS Transponder has been designed to be as easy as possible and requires 
few tools. However as the AIS equipment forms a vital part of the ship’s navigational equipment 
the installation must be performed with great care and with attention to detail. 
The AIS is considered part of the ship’s radio station and is surveyed together with the radio 
installation. Surveys on Convention ships should be carried out in accordance with the rules laid 
down in IMO Res. A 746(18) Survey Guidelines under the harmonised system of survey and 
certification and Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at 
Sea 1974 
For the AIS installation, it is likely that the following drawings will be required for the survey: 
• Antenna layout for the VHF and the GNSS antenna installation  
• AIS Arrangement drawing  
• Block diagram showing the interconnection to other units  
To assist in the preparation of this information, a Pre-installation Inspection Record is included 
in this manual at section 10. Completion of this Record will provide much of the required 
information.  
It is also necessary to complete an installation report, which shall be kept on board. 
3.1 About this manual 
This manual provides step-by-step guidance through the installation of the AIS Transponder 
system. Please read the manual carefully and make sure to follow the instructions. 
In this manual only the installation of the AIS stand-alone configuration will be described. If the 
AIS unit is to be connected to other display devices, refer to the manual for that display. 
However the setup must always be performed with the supplied Display unit.. Other display 
units will be additional to the IMO required installation. 
The procedures required for installation can be summarised: 
1. Obtain a copy of the AIS Pre-installation Inspection form; check that it is filled in with all the 
data necessary for the installation. If the form has not been filled in, it is advisable to do it at 
this stage, as this is a good way to make sure that all information is available for the 
installation.  
2. The available AIS Transponder system building blocks are listed in section 4.3. Before 
starting the installation ensure that everything needed for the installation is to hand. 
3. Locate the places to install the different units. The templates and the drilling instructions are 
provided in this manual. 
4. Connect the units and the sensors as shown in this manual. 
5. DO NOT POWER UP THE SYSTEM AT THIS STAGE. It is most important to read the 
Operation Manual, which contains the detailed commissioning information, before power is 
applied. 
6. Once the operating procedures are understood, the system may be powered up and the 
permanent parameters may be set. A guide listing the steps in this procedure is provided as 
Section 12 of this manual.  
The Warranty Registration & Acceptance Record, Section 9 at the rear of this manual, must be 
completed and signed when the system has been commissioned and accepted.  

6 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
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AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 7    
4 AIS Transponder System 
4.1 System Configuration 
The M-2 may be installed as stand-alone AIS equipment or integrated with Electronic Charting 
Systems (ECS) or Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS).  
Stand-Alone System The AIS transponder with Display unit is interfaced to the vessel's 
primary navigation sensors. The Display is used as both the AIS display unit and AIS control 
unit.  
Electronic Chart System (ECS) with AIS In this arrangement the stand-alone AIS installation 
and ECS display have been integrated. The Display is used mainly to input own ship's 
information with the ECS having the ability to display AIS target information. This arrangement 
greatly enhances the presentation of information by displaying AIS targets in an environment 
normally used for navigation of the vessel.  
Integrated Bridge System has the ability to display AIS target information directly on an 
Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA ) or Electronic Chart Display and Information System 
(ECDIS). By combining these technologies the navigator is provided with the optimum 
navigational information, directly on the vessel’s primary navigation display. Where approved for 
this purpose the ARPA or ECDIS equipment maybe used to directly control the function of the 
AIS transponder.  
4.2 Installation accessories 
An optional AIS installation cable kit contains all the basic installation materials and cables that 
are typically needed to ready a vessel for installation of the AIS equipment. 
Other accessories include a VHF antenna and a range of antenna bracket options, an AC/DC 
power supply unit, a Gyro Interface Unit (Stepper/Synchro gyro input - RS422 output) and a 
remote IMO Pilot Plug kit. (The Pilot Plug may be supplied with the system, depending on the 
configuration ordered.) 
4.3 AIS building blocks 
M-2 Class A AIS system, comprising:            Part  35-001-001A 
 - AIS transponder unit 
 - Display unit  
 - GNSS antenna  
 - Connector kit 
 - Operator and installation manuals 
M-2 Class A AIS system, comprising:            Part  35-001-002A 
 - AIS transponder unit 
 - Display unit  
 - GNSS antenna  
 - Connector kit 
 - Operator and installation manuals 
 - Pilot plug kit (-002 version) 

8 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
Packaging 
M-2 Master Carton        
Contains:- 
1 x M-2 Transponder        
2 x PL259 Plug for VHF Antenna 
2 x TNC Plug for GNSS Antenna 
4 x M6 x 40 mm Machine Screws for Bulkhead Mounting 
1 x Display interconnect cable 5 m 
1 x Set of screw terminal connectors (bagged) 
1 x Installation Manual    
1 x M-2 Display unit 
1 x Trunion Mounting Bracket 
1 x Flush Mounting Frame 
4 x No.10 x 25 mm Self-Tapping Screws for mounting Trunnion Bracket 
1 x Seal for Flush Mounting Frame 
1 x Operation Manual   
1 x GPS Antenna 
1 x Stub mounting pole 
2 x ‘U’ Bolts 
1 x Back Plate 
1 x Pilot Plug kit (-002 version) if part of system 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 9    
Optional Extras: 
 Part  Description 
89-020-001 AIS VHF antenna, 1.2 mtr 0 db Gain 
903-01 Antenna bracket -stand off mast 
903-02 Antenna bracket -stand off mast / Bulkhead 
903-04 Antenna deck mount fitting 
89-081-001 Pilot Plug kit to AIS Transponder, 25 m cable 
89-081-002 Pilot Plug kit to  Display, 5 m cable with D plug  
89-028 Gyro Interface Unit - Stepper / Synchro input - RS422 output 
89-029 AIS Power supply unit AC+DC input - 24 V DC output  
89-038 AIS Installation cable Kit (standard); 
 20 mtrs x 2 mm 2-Core Flex Power Cable 
 30 mtrs x RG214 VHF Coax Antenna Cable 
 30 mtrs x RG58 GPS Coax Antenna Cable 
 60 mtrs x 0.5 mm 4-Twisted Pair + Drain Signal Cable 
 200 x Cable Ties 
 20 x Cable Markers 
 2 x Self Amalgamating Tape 
 2 x  PL259 connector 
 2   x TNC connector 

10 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
5 Mechanical mounting options and guidelines 
5.1 Location 
The transponder unit is classed as protected equipment and thus should be located inside in a 
dry environment. Normally the transponder is located in the Radio Room. The transponder 
compass safe distance is 2.1 m. 
The recommended location should provide: 
A dry environment  
Access to connections (eg antennas, power, sensors) 
Minimal shock and vibration 
An ambient temperature between -15 °C and +55 °C 
A site clear of exhausts and vents 
Sufficient space to allow maintenance 
The transponder does not require external illumination during operation. Naturally, some form of 
illumination should be provided while installing or maintaining the transponder. 
The Display should be available to the mariner at the position from which the ship is normally 
operated. The Display compass safe distance is 0.7 m. The Display does not require external 
illumination during operation, as it has an internal backlight; the use of illuminated keys ensures 
that all controls are visible. 
The Pilot Plug should be installed on the bridge near the pilot’s operating position. It is 
recommended that a suitable mains outlet (3-pin 120 V AC) should be available at this location.  
Special siting considerations apply to antennas. These principles are outlined in section 5.4; for 
detailed advice, see the IMO Guidelines.  
5.2 AIS Transponder unit 
The transponder mounting plate is attached by four M6 screws. Keyhole slots in the plate allow 
two screws to be inserted in the mounting surface, then the plate to be mounted on the screws 
and to be self-supporting while the remaining screws are inserted and all screws are tightened. 
The transponder chassis is then attached to the plate using four screws, as shown overleaf. The 
transponder may be mounted at any angle. 
It is recommended to leave at least 300 mm free space around the terminals to allow for 
connection cables.  
5.2.1 Transponder main dimensions 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 11    
Exploded view of M-2 transceiver showing cover, detachable terminal blocks and mounting plate 

12 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
Transponder mounting plate drilling diagram and recommended clearances ( mm) 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 13    
5.3 AIS Display 
5.3.1 AIS Display trunnion assembly  
The Display can be either trunnion mounted or flush mounted.  
Hole size to fit #10 screw:  3.5mm 
Drilling drawing
 (mm)
Select hole size to suit method of 
fixing mountings – clear or 
tapped holes. 
Mounted dimensions:
Height:    150 mm 
Width:   270 mm 
Depth:   120 mm 
(over connectors) 
Connectors:  Display port   Pilot Plug   Test port 

14 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
5.3.2 AIS Display flush mount assembly 
NOTE: The Pilot Plug is intended to be connected to the Display, although an alternative 
connection is available on the transponder. The cabling arrangements should take this into 
consideration when flush mounting the Display. 
A cutting template is supplied with the flush mounting kit. This template carries full fitting 
instructions. 
FRONT 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 15    
5.4 Antenna units 
The AIS Transponder has to be connected to two antennas: a VHF antenna and a GNSS 
antenna. The GNSS (GPS) antenna is supplied as standard. 
5.4.1 Antenna mounting position 
In accordance with IMO guidelines, antennas should be mounted in positions which, as far as 
possible, minimise interaction between them.  The sketch summarises the recommendations: 
5.4.2 VHF antenna 
The VHF antenna is an important part of the receiver and transmitter system; the reception 
range is heavily dependent on the antenna installation. The VHF antenna must be installed as 
high as possible and free of shadow effects from the ship superstructure; effective installation 
will maximise the range of the system. The antenna must also be mounted so as to achieve the 
safety standards detailed in Section 2. 
WARNING: The antenna must have sufficient bandwidth to suit the AIS system, as otherwise 
the high VSWR produced may cause the transponder to shut down. It is recommended to use 
an omni-directional vertical polarised VHF antenna with unity gain (0 dB), and a bandwidth 
sufficient to maintain VSWR <1.5 over the frequency range 156 – 163 MHz.  A suitable antenna 
is available from McMurdo as an option, part number 89-020-001. 
5.4.3 GNSS antenna 
The Transponder package contains a GNSS antenna and a mounting bracket. The mounting 
bracket is designed for welding to the ship’s superstructure. 
Installation of the GNSS antenna is critical for the performance of the GNSS, which is used for 
timing of the transmitted time slots and for the supply of navigational information should the 
main navigational GNSS fail. We strongly recommend that the supplied antenna is used. 
 1. The GNSS antenna must be mounted in an elevated position and free of shadow effect 
from the ship’s superstructure 
Vertical 
separation
2m 
GNSS antenna
alternative 
position 
180° 
Horizontal
separation 
10 m 
Vertical
Separation 
2 m
360° 
GNSS antenna
preferred 
position 

16 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
2. The GNSS antenna must have a free view through 360 degrees with a vertical angle of 5 
to 90 degrees above the horizon.  
3. As the received GNSS signal is very sensitive to noise and interference generated by 
other onboard transmitters, ensure that the GNSS antenna is placed as far away as 
possible from Radar, Inmarsat and Iridium transmitters. Ensure the GNSS antenna is free 
from direct view of the Radar and the Inmarsat beam. It is also important that the MF/HF 
and other VHF transmitter antennas are kept as far away as possible from the GNSS 
antenna. It is good practice never to install a GNSS antenna within a radius of 5 meters 
from these antennas.  
  WARNING: Screw the rod into the GNSS antenna by turning the rod. Do not turn the GNSS 
antenna as this will twist the cable and damage the connection. 
5.4.4 Weld on plate mounting of the GNSS antenna 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 17    
5.4.5 Cable Preparation 
Ensure grommet is fitted before connector 

18 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
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AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 19    
6 Electrical connections  
This installation guide takes into account the IMO “Guidelines for installation of Shipborne 
Automatic Identification System”. However both the IMO publication and these instructions must 
be taken as guidance only; individual circumstances must take precedence. 
This guide is concerned only with the installation of the AIS transponder unit and does not cover 
the installation of any peripheral equipment connected to the transponder. For proper 
installation and connection of peripheral equipment to the transponder refer to the installation 
manuals for these products. 
 Connection Must connect Optional 
 24.0 VDC power supply* Yes   
 GNSS antenna Yes   
 VHF antenna Yes   
 Display system  Yes   
 Position (external GNSS) Yes   
 Heading (vessel gyro) Yes   
 Pilot plug See Note 1 See Note 1 
 Alarm Relay    Yes 
 ECDIS (Main port)    Yes 
 ARPA (Main port)    Yes 
 Long range function    Yes 
 RTCM, differential GNSS info.    Yes 
 Rate of turn    Yes 
 Speed and Course    Yes 
*WARNING: Ensure supply is compatible with voltage and current requirements. 
Note 1:  depends on IMO recommendations and local legislation. 
6.1 Ground Connection 
The earth stud on the transponder backplate must be connected to ship’s ground. The 
recommended connector wire is 4 mm2, green/yellow colour. 
6.2 Signal cable connections for AIS Transponder 
As shown in the table above, the AIS Transponder must be or may be connected to different 
types of peripheral units; these can be divided in three groups:  
• Coax connection to the antennas 
• signal cable connection to the sensors (GNSS, Gyro, Log)  
• signal cable connections to the five-input/output ports (Main, AUX/Pilot, long-range, 
RTCM, Display) 
Connecting the three types of interfaces is described in detail in the following sections. 
The signal connections are all connected via a serial RS422 type interface; data rates are 
normally 4800 or 38400 baud. 
In some cases, particularly in retrofit installations, it may not be possible to connect the AIS 
directly to the required sensor, because some sensors do not provide the IEC 61162-2 (NMEA) 
sentences required by the AIS unit. In such cases a protocol converter is required between the 
sensor and the AIS unit. Converters are available from different manufacturers, either as direct 
protocol converters or frequently as repeater instruments for the sensor. A Gyro Interface Unit, 
P/N 89-028, is available from McMurdo as an optional extra. 

20 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
6.3 VHF and GNSS (GPS) antenna cable connections 
The VHF and the GNSS antenna cables are connected directly to the transponder through a 
UHF and a TNC plug respectively. 
The coax cable plugs must be attached directly to the cables; the outer insulation must not be 
connected in the cable cleat but in the coax plug as illustrated below. 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 21    
6.3.1 VHF antenna 
To make sure that the transmitted and received VHF signal is not interfering with Radar signals, 
other VHF transmission or power lines it is important that the connection between the VHF 
antenna and the transponder is of a high quality double shielded coax cable. It is recommended 
to use a RG214 cable and PL259 connector.  
If the cable has to be longer than 40 metres, it is recommended to use a cable with lower loss; a 
40 metre RG214 coax cable has a signal attenuation of 3 dB at 150 MHz, thus the signal 
strength is reduced to half its value due to cable attenuation. 
Detailed instructions for fitting the connector are provided with the installation kit. The illustration 
shows the preparation of the cable and the components of the connector. 
6.3.2 GNSS (GPS) antenna 
The GNSS operates in the ultra high frequency band (1.575 GHz). The signal attenuation in 
cables is therefore substantial and has to be taken into account when the coax cable between 
the antenna and the AIS unit is chosen. To compensate for signal attenuation the supplied  
GPS antenna includes a pre-amplifier with a gain of 30 dB. 
The cable attenuation should not be greater than 30 dB for optimum results, because the aim is 
to have a total signal loss of less than 0 dB. The table shows the attenuation and the 
recommended maximum length of two types of coax cable.  
 Cable description Attenuation / 100 metres 
@ 1.5 GHz Recommended 
maximum cable length 
RG 58 70 dB  40 metres 
RG 214 37 dB 80 metres 
Connectors used must be TNC throughout.  
Detailed instructions for fitting the connector are provided with the installation kit. The illustration 
shows the preparation of the cable. 
Connector 
body 
“Top hat” 
Plastic sleeve 
Gland nut 

22 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
6.4 Connection terminals  
The AIS Transponder has detachable terminal blocks for connection of cables. Dedicated 
connections are provided for power sources, sensors, the Display and other interfaces. 
Refer to the wiring diagram, attached as an appendix, for details of connections to the terminal 
blocks. 
6.4.1 Fuse values 
The main system fuse (3.15 Amp) is located beside the connectors on the transponder chassis.  
 Fuse description Fuse value Part No. 
Main system fuse  3.15 Amp 99-084 
6.4.2 Signal line termination 
RS422 signal lines may need termination by resistors, depending on the length of connecting 
cable and the rate of data transmission. Suitable resistors are incorporated in the transponder 
listeners and can be switched in by wire links in the corresponding screw terminal blocks – see 
subsequent tables and section 6.4.4 for details. The talkers in the transponder have inbuilt 
termination resistors. 
Whether termination at the transponder is required depends on many factors, including how the 
other units are connected and whether any of these other units provides termination for the 
signal line. The following sketch shows the principle: 
Note: For clarity, the sketch shows the devices connected to the twisted pair by spurs; in practice, the twisted pair is 
looped through each device in turn. 
There is only one talker per twisted pair; there can be several listeners. The intention is that 
terminations must be provided by the devices at the ends of the line, regardless of whether they 
are listeners or the talker, and that no other device should provide a termination.  
A terminal is provided for the common connection at each port on the transponder; note that this 
is NOT a ground connection.  
It is good practice to use screened cables in all ship cable installations. Take care to connect 
the cable screen to ship’s ground at one end only of the cable, as connecting at both ends may 
cause ground loops and interference to the signals. The correct method of connecting the cable 
screen to ground is at the talker only, as shown in the diagram above. 
ListenerListener
Talker
Termination resistor
at end of line
Screen connected to ground
at talker ONLY
Twisted pair, with common and screen
Common Listener
Termination resistor
at end of line
Listener

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 23    
In the transponder unit the screen from some cable entries should be connected to ground at 
the transponder, as shown in the table. The technique of connecting the screen is illustrated 
below. 
 Function Lines terminated by resistor Connect screen 
at transponder 
 Display     Display (VDU) port    YES 
 LONG RANGE   Long Range port    PREFERRED 
 AUX / PILOT    Auxiliary or Pilot port    PREFERRED 
 MAIN     Main port    PREFERRED 
 RTCM    RTCM port for differential correction    PREFERRED 
 SEN 1    Sensor 1 port    NO 
 SEN 2    Sensor 2 port    NO 
 SEN 3    Sensor 3 port    NO 
 SEN 4    Sensor 4 port    NO 
PREFERRED means that the screen may be connected either at the remote device or at the 
transponder; if no other considerations apply, connection at the transponder is recommended. 
6.4.3 Method of connecting screens at the transponder 
If the screen is not to be connected at the transponder, secure the cleat over the outer cable 
insulation.  

24 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
6.4.4 Test and program connections 
The connectors are 5mm pitch female screw terminal conectors. Manufacturer’s numbers are 
given for the Hitaltech models, but any equivalent may be used. 
Connectors used: 
8 way   1 off     CIF08001 
7 way   4 off     CIF07001 
4 way   4 off     CIF04001 
3 way   1 off     CIF03001 
2 way RED   1 off     CIF02001OR 
6.4.5 Power supply 
Connect to the ship’s 24 V DC emergency power source, which ideally should be an 
uninterrupted power supply (UPS), through a 2-pole switched fused supply to allow isolation for 
servicing. The power requirements are 24 V DC +30% -10%, 2.5 A minimum. 
 Standby power requirement 15 W; 0.6 Amp at 24 V DC 
Peak power requirement 50 W; 2.0 Amp at 24 V DC  
Required conductor area as a function of cable length 
Power cable length Required conductor area 
0 – 10 metres 0.75 mm2 
10 – 20 metres 1.5 mm2 
20 – 30 metres 2.5 mm2 
30 – 40 metres 3.0 mm2 
Isolation between the power supply connections and any other connection to the transponder is 
1 kV minimum. 
The DC power source should comply with IMO guidelines for the class of vessel concerned. 
National authorities and classification societies may have their own power supply requirements; 
these should also be considered. 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 25    
Power Supply Unit (optional) 
An AC/DC + DC emergency backup power supply, P/N 89-029, is available as an option. Follow 
the installation instructions supplied with the equipment. 
6.4.6 DISP port – Display 
The DISP port connects the Display unit with the Transponder. The display connection cable is 
supplied ready for use, and needs only to be plugged into the appropriate ports on the 
transponder and the Display.  
For installations where the Display cable needs to be extended, the connections are given 
below.  
Display cable: 
Four twisted pairs, screened, PVC sheathed. For lengths to 200 meters, use 0.22 mm2 
(7/32); Belden 8104 or equivalent. 
The connection between the transponder connector block and the Display unit is given below,  
Connection is to the 15-pin socket on the Display. 
 Function Terminal Display pin 
Common 1 2 
Rx A 2 6 
Rx B 3 1 
Tx A 5 12 
Tx B 6 13 
Termination  4 (link to 3) 8 
+ Power out 7 3 
- Power out 8 4 
The twisted pairs are assigned as (Rx A/B), (Tx A/B), 
(common pair) and (power pair) 
6.4.7 SEN 1, 2, 3, 4 ports - Sensors 
Sensor input ports can be configured to receive serial data from the Gyro (or Gyro Converter), 
the external GNSS used for navigation and from the LOG. Each of the four sensor (SEN1, 
SEN2, SEN3 and SEN4) ports can be used to receive information from one of these sensors. 
Alternatively, all sensor information can be received at any one of the sensor ports provided that 
the information is first multiplexed. 
The sensor ports require configuration before use; this is outlined in the Commissioning Guide, 
section 12, and described in detail in the Operation Manual. 
The AIS must be connected to: 
• The GNSS unit used for navigation 
• The gyrocompass providing heading information 
If available the following information can be connected to the AIS: 
• Rate-Of-Turn (ROT)  
• Speed over ground from bottom-referenced log 
Sensor wire connection 
The twisted pair shall be assigned as RxA and RxB 

26 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
Recommended cable for connection of Sensors: 
Single twisted pair, shielded, PVC sheathed. 
(Note: The recommended sensor cable, as supplied in the optional Installation Kit 89-038, 
has four twisted pairs. Only one pair should be used.) 
For lengths to 200 meters, use 0.22 mm2 (7/32); Belden 8102 or equivalent (2 pairs) 
6.4.8 SEN Ports necessary sentences: 
The basic requirements are: 
IEC 61162-2 transmission standard 
ITU-T V.11 electrical properties 
Data bits 8, Stop bits 1, Parity none 
Speed 4800 or 38400 baud (transponder speed is configurable) 
All required as well as optional sentences are listed in the table; ensure that the connected 
sensor transmits at least the required sentences (as given by IEC 61162-1): 
 IEC 61162-1 sentence format Data Preferred Optional 
Reference datum  DTM   
Positioning system:  
Time of position 
Latitude/longitude  
Position accuracy 
GNS, GLL GGA, RMC 
Speed over ground (SOG) VBW VTG, RMC 
Course over ground (COG) RMC VTG, OSD 
RAIM indicator GBS   
Heading HDT   
Rate of turn (ROT) ROT   
6.4.9 Main and AUX high speed input/output ports 
The Transponder has two high-speed communication ports. The ports are identical, the same 
information is input and output on these ports. All information received and transmitted on the 
VHF link will be reflected as correct IEC 61162 sentences. All error messages will also be 
transmitted. 
The Main port will primarily be used to connect external equipment such as ECDIS and ARPA 
or another navigation information display system. 
The AUX port is normally connected to the display unit, where it is looped through to drive the 
Pilot Plug connector on the display unit. If a Pilot Plug is not required, the AUX port may be 
disconnected from the display (at the transponder end) and may then be used as an additional 
Presentation Interface (PI) port. 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 27    
6.4.10 MAIN port 
Three twisted pairs, shielded, PVC sheathed. 
For lengths to 200 meters, use 0.22 mm2 (7/32); Belden 8104 or equivalent 
Main port wire connection 
The twisted pairs shall be assigned as (RxA/RxB), (TxA/TxB) and (RxCom/TxCom). 
6.4.11 AUX/Pilot port 
Three twisted pairs, shielded, PVC sheathed. 
For lengths to 200 meters, use 0.22 mm2 (7/32); Belden 8104 or equivalent 
6.4.12 Pilot Plug connection 
The Pilot Plug is designed to be connected to the Display. The Plug supplied with the AIS 
system has the connector fitted, and needs only to be fixed and plugged in.  
6.4.13 Long Range Port 
The AIS Long-Range Function requires a compatible long-range communication system e.g. 
Inmarsat-C. If this is available, a connection to the Inmarsat-C system can be made. It is 
required that the Inmarsat-C input/output port can be interfaced using IEC 61162-2 and 
understand the long-range sentences as required by IEC 61993. 
Recommended cable for connection of Long Range port:  
Three twisted pairs, shielded, PVC sheathed. 
For lengths to 200 meters, use 0.22 mm2 (7/32); Belden 8104 or equivalent 
The twisted pairs shall be assigned as (RxA/RxB), (TxA/TxB) and (RxCom/TxCom) 
6.4.14 RTCM port, Differential GNSS correction input/output port 
The RTCM-port is the input port for differential correction. The AIS Transponder can receive 
differential correction in two ways: 
• The RTCM port can be connected to a DGNSS unit. The DGNSS unit will then provide 
differential correction to the AIS Transponder through the RTCM port. 
• Through message 17 transmitted from a base station. The RTCM port will then work as 
an output port, which can supply differential correction in RTCM format to other units. 
Recommended cable for connection of RTCM-port: 
Three twisted pairs, shielded, PVC sheathed. 
For lengths to 200 meters, use 0.22 mm2 (7/32); Belden 8104 or equivalent 
RTCM port wire connection 
The twisted pairs shall be assigned as (RxA/RxB), (TxA/TxB) and (RxCom/TxCom) 
6.4.15 Alarm relay  
The AIS requires that an alarm output (relay) be connected to an audible alarm device or to the 
ship’s alarm system, if available. 
If any failure or malfunction is detected that will significantly reduce integrity or stop operation of 
the AIS, an alarm is initiated. In this case: 
• An alarm message is displayed on the display unit 
• The alarm relay is activated 
• The transponder health status LED turns off 

28 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
• An appropriate alarm message is output via the presentation interface (Main and AUX-
ports) and repeated every 30 seconds. 
The AIS transponder provides a relay connection which can be selected as normally closed or 
normally open contacts. 
Recommended cable for connection of alarm relay:  
One twisted pair, shielded, PVC sheathed. The required cable dimension is dependent on 
the current necessary to activate the alarm indicator.  
Built in alarm relay ratings: 
 Absolute maximum ratings 
Maximum switching current in contacts 0.25 Amp 
Maximum carry current 1.20 Amp 
Maximum switching voltage 175 V (dc or ac peak) 
Test Port 
The test port is intended to allow easy field reprogramming of the transponder and should not 
be used in normal operation.  
6.5 Completion of Installation 
The foregoing provides the information necessary to perform the installation. Other useful 
information is contained in the sections following. 
The Pre-Installation Inspection Record (Section 8) should have been completed before 
installation commenced.  
It is most important that the installed system is not switched on at this stage. The 
inspection procedures given in the Operation Manual must be completed before power is 
applied.  
The Warranty and Acceptance Record can only be completed after the system is configured, as 
detailed in the Operation Manual. 
Transponder Screw terminal board 
N/C
Com 
N/O 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 29    
7 Specification 
 General Data: 
Power 
consumption: 50 W peak 
15 W average 
Power supply: 24 V DC –10% +30% 
AIS1 (CH87B) 161.975 MHz 
AIS2 (CH88B) 162.025 MHz 
Default 
frequencies: DSC (CH70) 156.525 MHz 
Operating 
temperature: -15 °C to +55 °C 
Storage 
temperature: -20 °C to +70 °C 
Environmental: IEC 60945 Protected Environment 
(Antennas: Exposed Environment) 
Transponder 
size/weight 331 x 274 x 100 mm, 4 kg 
VDU size/weight 220 x 150 x 72 mm, 1 kg 
GPS size/weight ∅ 115 mm x 76 mm, 0.25 kg 
Compass safe 
distance Display:      0.7 m for 1° deviation  
     1.2 m for 0.3° deviation 
Transponder:  1.3 m for 1° deviation  
     2.1 m for 0.3° deviation 
GNSS receiver: Used for TDMA timing. Optionally used 
for navigational information. 
GNSS antenna: Patch antenna with built-in 30 dB pre-
amplifier 
DSC Transmitter: 
Power output: 12.5 W or 2.0 W 
Frequency range: 156.025 – 162.025 MHz 
Antenna 
impedance: 50 ohms 
TDMA Receivers: 
Sensitivity: (PER) < 20% at –107 dBm (25 kHz) 
Frequency range: 156.025 – 162.025 MHz 
Channel spacing: 12.5 or 25 kHz 
Modulation: GMSK 
Data rate: 9600 bits/s 
Frequency stability:
< ± 1 ppm 
DSC Receiver: 
Sensitivity: BER <10-4 at 107 dBm 
Frequency range: 155.3 – 162.5 MHz 
Channel spacing 25 kHz 
Modulation 1300 Hz/2100 Hz - FSK 
Frequency stability < ± 1 ppm 
Serial inputs/outputs: 
SENS1/2/3/4 IEC61162-1/2 (input only) 
LONG RANGE, 
MAIN, 
AUX/PILOT, RTCM
IEC61162-1/2 (input & output) 
Display RS422 non-isolated 

30 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
7.1 Technical Information 
7.1.1 RS-422 interfaces 
The Transponder has eight RS-422 interfaces:  
• 4 sensor data input ports SEN1, SEN2, SEN3 and SEN4 
• 2 Bi-directional input/output ports MAIN and AUX/Pilot 
• 1 Bi-directional input/output port RTCM 
• 1 Bi-directional input/output port Long Range  
All communication interfaces are compatible with IEC61162-1 (2000) and IEC61162-2 (1998) 
standards. 
7.1.2 Termination 
Termination resistors are required at each end of the RS-422 connection, to match the 
impedance of the line to minimise reflections. The figures quoted assume that the line is 
correctly terminated, and allow for that extra loading. 
7.1.3 Output drive capability 
Each talker output has a capability of driving a minimum of 12 listeners on a terminated cable. 
7.1.4 Input loading 
Each receiver presents a load of approximately 12 kohm to the line. Line termination resistors 
are 100 ohms. 
7.1.5 Isolation 
The interface isolation is 1 kV minimum throughout. 
7.2 RTCM binary messages 
The RTCM port on the transponder accepts incoming messages from a differential beacon 
receiver in RTCM binary format and outputs messages in RTCM binary format. Differential 
correction data received on the VHF data link (in message 17) is also output to the RTCM port 
in RTCM binary format. 
7.3 NMEA sentences used  
The ports on the M-2 transponder accept and output different combinations of NMEA sentences 
as follows: 
Port Input sentences Output sentences 
Main, Display and Aux 
(“Presentation ports”) ACA, ABM, BBM, ACK, AIR, 
AIQ, LRI, LRF ABK, ACA, ACS, ALR, LRI, lRF, 
LR1, LR2, LR3, SSD, TXT, VDO, 
VDM, VSD 
Long Range LRI, LRF LRI, LRF, LR1, LR2, LR3 
S1, S2, S3 and S4 
(“Sensor ports”) DTM, GBS, GGA, GLL, GNS, 
HDT, RMC, ROT, VBW, VTG None 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 31    
Decoded Sentences 
The sentence types listed in the table below are decoded by the Transponder. 
Formatter Source
Primary function Optional function Comment 
ABK AIS      VDL Ack 
ABM AIS      Addressed binary 
message 
BBM        Broadcast binary 
message 
AIR AIS      Interrogation 
ACA AIS      Channel assignment
ROT Sensor Rate of turn     
HDT Sensor Heading    Heading 
VBW Sensor SOG     
GNS GNSS Pos + time of pos     
GLL GNSS Pos + time of pos     
RMC GNSS COG Pos + time of pos, SOG   
GBS GNSS RAIM indication    RAIM 
VTG GNSS    COG, SOG   
GGA GPS    Pos + time of pos   
VSD Display      Voyage data 
SSD Display      Static data 
LRF LR      Long range 
interrogation 
LRI LR      Long range 
interrogation 
TXT         
ALR         
ACK Display      Alarm ack 
Position Sensor Priority List 
Priority (Highest first) Sources 
External Differential GNSS GNS, GLL, RMC, GGA 
Internal Differential GNSS (msg17) GNS, GLL, RMC, GGA 
Internal Differential GNSS (RTCM ) GNS, GLL, RMC, GGA 
External GNSS GNS, GLL, RMC, GGA 
Internal GNSS GNS, GLL, RMC, GGA 
Manual input    
None available   
Notes: 
RAIM indication requires a valid GBS message from the sensor currently in use. 

32 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
7.4 Message structures 
Message structures are shown in the format used in IEC 61162-1 
7.4.1 ABK - AIS addressed and binary broadcast acknowledgement 
The ABK sentence is output by the transponder on the presentation ports in response to the 
receipt of an ABM, AIR or BBM sentence. Its purpose is to inform the requesting device about 
the success or failure of its request. 
$--ABK,xxxxxxxxx,x,x.x,x,x*hh<CR><LF> 
Type of acknowledgement 
Message sequence number 
M.1371 Message ID 
AIS channel of reception 
MMSI of the addressed AIS unit 
7.4.2 ABM – AIS addressed binary and safety related message 
This sentence is used to transmit M.1371 messages 6 (binary addressed) or 12 (addressed 
safety related) via the AIS system by encapsulating the M.1371 message within one or more 
AIS sentences. 
$--ABM,x,x,x,xxxxxxxxx,x,xx,s—s,x*hh<CR><LF> 
number of fill-bits 
encapsulated data 
M.1371 Message ID (6 or 12) 
AIS channel 
MMSI of the destination AIS unit  
sequential message identifier 
sentence number 
total number of sentences 
When the transponder receives an ABM sentence from an external device, it will return an ABK 
sentence to indicate the success or failure of the transmission attempt. 
7.4.3 ACA – AIS channel assignment message 
$--ACA,x,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x,xxxx,x,xxxx,x,x,x,a,x,hhmmss.ss*hh<CR><LF> 
time of “in use” change 
in-use Flag 
information source 
power level control 
Tx/Rx mode control 
channel B bandwidth 
channel B 
channel A bandwidth 
channel A  
transition zone size 
region southwest corner longitude, E/W 
region southwest corner latitude, N/S 
region northeast corner longitude, E/W 
region northeast corner latitude, N/S 
sequence number 
The ACA sentence is used both to send channel management information to the transponder 
and to obtain channel management information from it.  
7.4.4 ACK – Acknowledge alarm 
This sentence is used to acknowledge an alarm condition. 
$--ACK,xxx*hh<CR><LF> 
alarm ID 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 33    
7.4.5 ACS - AIS channel management information source 
This sentence is used in conjunction with the ACA sentence. It identifies the originator of the 
information contained in the ACA sentence and the date and time when the transponder 
received that information. 
$--ACS,x,xxxxxxxxx,hhmmss.ss,xx,xx,xxxx*hh<CR><LF> 
day, month, year 
UTC of receipt of information 
MMSI of originator 
sequence number 
7.4.6 AIR – AIS interrogation request 
The interrogation request sentence allows an external to request certain M.1371 messages 
from other remote devices via the AIS system.  
$--AIR,xxxxxxxxx,x.x,x,x.x,x,xxxxxxxxx,x.x,x*hh<CR><LF> 
message sub-section 
number of messages requested from station-2 
MMSI of interrogated station-2 
message sub-section 
number of second message requested from station-1 
message sub-section 
M.1371 message requested from station-1 
MMSI of interrogated station 
When the transponder receives an AIR sentence it sends M.1371 interrogation messages (type 
15) to the addressed station(s) and returns an ABK sentence to the requesting device indicating 
that the transmission is complete. 
7.4.7 ALR – Alarm condition and status 
This sentence is sent by the transponder to all presentation ports order to report an alarm 
condition on a device. It identifies the source of the alarm, whether it has been acknowledged or 
not and the time at which the condition changed.  
$--ALR,hhmmss.ss,xxx,A,A,c--c*hh<CR><LF> 
descriptive text 
acknowledge state 
alarm condition 
alarm source 
time of condition change 
This sentence is sent by the transponder whenever a new alarm is raised or its condition 
changes state. It is also sent periodically even when there are no active alarms In order to 
provide a positive indication of the current status of each alarm. 
7.4.8 BBM - AIS broadcast binary message 
The BBM sentence allows an external device to instruct the transponder to broadcast a block of 
binary data in an M.1371 binary broadcast message (type 8) or a safety related broadcast 
message (type 14).  
!--BBM,x,x,x,x,x.x,s—s,x*hh<CR><LF> 
number of fill-bits 
encapsulated data 
M.1371 message ID 
AIS channel for broadcast of the radio message 
sequential message identifier 
sentence number 
total number of sentences needed to transfer message 
When the transponder receives one or more BBM sentences from an external device, is de-
encapsulates the encoded data and re-assembles an M.1371 message of type 8 or 14 and then 

34 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
transmits it over the VDL (if possible). It then sends an ABK sentence back to the requesting 
device to indicate whether the transmission of the message succeeded or failed. 
7.4.9 DTM – Datum reference 
Local geodetic datum and datum offsets from a reference datum. 
$--DTM,ccc,a,x.x,a,x.x,a,x.x,ccc*hh<CR><LF> 
Reference datum 
Altitude offset, m 
Lon offset, min, E/W 
Lat offset, min, N/S 
Local datum subdivision code 
Local datum 
Note that the only datum supported by AIS is WGS84. The DTM sentence must be sent to the 
transponder at a frequency of more than once every 30 seconds otherwise any positional 
information sentences (eg GLL, GNS. RMC and GGA) will be ignored. 
7.4.10 GBS – GNS satellite fault detection 
This message is used to support receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM). 
$--GBS,hhmmss.ss,x.x,x.x,x.x,xx,x.x,x.x,x.x,*hh<CR><LF> 
Standard deviation of bias estimate 
Estimate of bias on most likely failed satellite 
Probability of missed detection for most likely failed satellite 
ID number of most likely failed satellite 
Expected error in altitude 
Expected error in longitude 
Expected error in attitude 
UTC time of GGA or GNS fix associated with this sentence 
7.4.11 GGA  – Global positioning system (GPS) fix data 
Time, position and fix-related data for a GPS receiver. 
   $--GGA,hhmmss.ss,IIII.II,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x,xx,x.x,x.x,M,x.x,M,x.x,xxxx*hh<CR><LF> 
 Differential reference 
station ID 
Age of differential GPS 
data 
Units of geoidal separation, 
m 
Geoidal separation 
Units of antenna altitude, m 
Antenna altitude 
above/below mean sea 
level (geoid) 
Horizontal dilution of 
precision 
Number of satellites in use 
GPS quality indicator 
Longitude E/W 
Latitude N/S 
UTC of position 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 35    
7.4.12  GLL – geographic position 
This sentence is a primary source of position information for the transponder when connected to 
a functional GNSS system. In the absence of GNS sentences, longitude and latitude information 
may also be obtained from GNS, GGA or RMC sentences.  
$--GLL,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,hhmmss.ss,A,a*hh<CR><LF> 
mode indicator (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘M’ -> used; ‘N’ -> invalid) 
status  (‘A’ -> use mode flag; ‘V’ -> use position as default) 
UTC of position 
longitude, E/W 
latitude, N/S 
Note that DTM sentences must be received by the transponder at least once every 30 seconds 
in order for the GLL sentence to be accepted. 
7.4.13 GNS – GNSS fix data 
The transponder may receive this sentence from other sensors and uses the information in its 
own calculations of the ship’s current position.  
$--GNS,hhmmss.ss,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,c—c,xx,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x*hh<CR><LF> 
Diff ref erence station ID (ignored) 
age of diff data (ignored) 
geoidal separation (ignored) 
antenna altitude (ignored) 
HDOP (ignored) 
number of satellites in use (ignored) 
mode indicator (‘A’, D’, ‘E’, ‘M’ - used; ‘N’ - default value) 
longitude, E/W 
latitude, N/S 
UTC of position 
7.4.14 HDT – heading true 
This sentence provides the actual vessel heading and may be sent by any system or device that 
calculates true headings. 
$--HDT,x.x,T*hh<CR><LF> 
heading, degrees true 
7.4.15 LR1 - AIS long-range reply 1 
The LR1 sentence identifies the destination for the reply and contains the information items 
requested by the function identification character in the LRF sentence that requested the 
information. 
$--LR1,x,xxxxxxxxx,xxxxxxxxx,c—c,c—c,xxxxxxxxx*hh<CR><LF> 
IMO number 
call sign 
ship’s name 
MMSI of requestor (reply 
destination) 
MMSI of responder 
sequence number 

36 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
7.4.16 LR2 - AIS long-range reply 2 
The LR2 sentence contains further information items that can be requested in an LRF sentence. 
$--LR2,x,xxxxxxxxx,xxxxxxxx,hhmmss.ss,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x.x,T,x.x,N*hh<CR><LF> 
speed over ground, Knots  
course over ground, deg 
True  
longitude, E/W 
latitude, N/S 
UTC time of position 
date 
MMSI of responder 
sequence number 
7.4.17 LR3 - AIS long-range reply 3 
The LR3 sentence contains further information items that can be requested in an LRF sentence. 
$--LR3,x,xxxxxxxxx,c—c,xxxxxx,hhmmss.ss,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x*hh<CR><LF> 
persons  
ship type 
ship breadth 
ship length 
ship/cargo 
draught 
ETA time 
ETA date 
voyage destination 
MMSI of responder 
sequence number 
7.4.18 LRF - AIS long-range function 
This sentence is used in both long-range interrogation requests and long-range interrogation 
replies. The LRF-sentence is the second sentence of the long-range interrogation request pair 
LRI and LRF. 
The LRF sentence is also the first sentence of the long-range interrogation reply. The minimum 
reply consists of an LRF sentence followed by a LR1 sentence. The LR2 sentence and/or the 
LR3 sentences follow the LR1 sentence if information provided in these sentences was 
requested by the interrogation.  
$--LRF,x,xxxxxxxxx,c—c,c—c,c—c*hh<CR><LF> 
function reply status  
function request 
name of requestor 
MMSI of requestor 
sequence number 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 37    
7.4.19 LRI - AIS long-range interrogation 
Long-range interrogation is a mechanism that allows one AIS unit to request certain data from 
another AIS unit through the use of a number of interrogation and reply sentences.  
When the transponder receives an LRI and LRF sentence pair on its Long Range port, it 
forwards them on to all the presentation ports. If the transponder has been configured to provide 
and automatic response to the interrogation then it does so; otherwise it waits for the sentences 
to be returned to it (on any presentation port) before responding. 
$--LRI,x,a,xxxxxxxxx,xxxxxxxxx,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a*hh<CR><LF> 
longitude, E/W (SW coordinate) 
latitude, N/S (SW coordinate) 
longitude, E/W (NE co-ordinate) 
latitude, N/S (NE co-ordinate) 
MMSI of destination 
MMSI of requestor 
control flag 
sequence number 
7.4.20 RMC – recommended minimum specific GNSS data 
This sentence is used to transmit the time, data, position, course and speed data from a GNSS 
navigation receiver. The sentence is transmitted at least once every two seconds from GNSS 
device(s) and is always accompanied by an RMB sentence when a destination waypoint is 
active. 
$--RMC,hhmmss.ss,A,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x.x,x.x,xxxxxx,x.x,a,a*hh<CR><LF> 
mode indicator (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘M’ -> 
used; ‘N’ -> invalid) 
magnetic variation 
date 
course over ground 
speed over ground 
londitude, E/W 
latitude, N/S 
status (‘A’ -> use mode field; ‘V’ -> 
use fields as default values) 
UTC of position fix 
Note that RMC has priority over VTG. 
7.4.21 ROT – rate of turn 
This sentence provides the rate and direction of turn. 
$--ROT,x.x,A*hh<CR><LF> 
status (‘A’ -> rate of turn is valid) 
rate of turn 
7.4.22 TXT – text transmission 
This sentence is used for transmitting text messages such as alarm messages from a sensor or 
the transponder to any presentation display device such as the M-2 display unit. 
$--TXT,xx,xx,xx,c--c*hh<CR><LF> 
text message 
text identifier 
message number 
total number of messages 

38 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
7.4.23 VBW – Dual ground/water speed 
S—VBW,x.x,x.x,A,x.x,x.x,A,x.x,A,x.x,A*hh<CR><LF> 
Status: stern ground speed 
Stern traverse ground speed 
Status: stern water speed 
Stern traverse water speed 
Status: ground speed 
Traverse ground speed 
Longitudinal ground speed 
Status: water speed 
Traverse water speed 
Longitudinal water speed 
Longitudinal ground speed – used 
Transverse ground speed – used 
Status of ground speed - used 
Other fields ignored 
7.4.24 VDM – VHF data link message 
This sentence is output by the transponder each time it receives an incoming message over the 
VHF data link. The VDM sentence encapsulates a part of an M.1371 message, and several 
VDM sentences may need to be decoded and re-assembled in order to re-construct the original 
M.1371 message. 
!--VDM,x,x,x,a,s—s,x*hh<CR><LF> 
number of fill-bits 
encapsulated ITU-R M.1371 radio message 
AIS Channel 
sequential message identifier 
sentence number 
total number of sentences needed to transfer message 
7.4.25 VDO - AIS VHF Data-link own-vessel report 
This sentence is output to all the presentation ports at regular intervals and contains the 
contents of the transponders own-vessel report. 
Each time the transponder transmits an own-vessel report, it encapsulates the M.1371 message 
in one or more VDO sentences and outputs them on its presentation ports. 
!--VDO,x,x,x,a,s—s,x*hh<CR><LF> 
number of fill-bits 
encapsulated ITU-R M.1371 radio message 
AIS Channel (‘A’ or ‘B’) 
sequential message identifier 
sentence number 
total number of sentences needed to transfer message 
The transponder outputs one VDO sentence every second in addition to echoing all transmitted 
VDO sentences as they are transmitted in order to provide frequent updates to all connected 
presentation devices. VDO sentences which have also been transmitted contain the appropriate 
AIS channel indicator whereas VDO sentences that have not been transmitted contain a NULL 
field for the channel indicator. 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 39    
7.4.26 VSD – AIS voyage static data 
This sentence may be output by the transponder in response to a query. 
$--VSD,x.x,x.x,x.x,c—c,hhmmss.ss,xx,xx,x.x,x.x*hh<CR><LF> 
regional application flags  
navigational status  
estimated month of arrival at destination 
estimated day of arrival at destination 
estimated UTC of arrival at destination 
destination 
persons on-board 
maximum present static draught 
type of ship and cargo category 
7.4.27 VTG – course over ground and ground speed 
This sentence contains the actual course and speed relative to the ground.  
$--VTG,x.x,T,x.x,M,x.x,N,x.x,K,a*hh<CR><LF> 
mode indicator 
speed over ground, km/h (ignored) 
speed over ground, knots  
course over ground, degrees magnetic (ignored) 
course over ground, degrees true 
Note that RMC has priority over VTG. 
. 
7.4.28 VSD – AIS voyage static data 
This sentence is output by the transponder in response to a query and contains the Ship’s 
voyage data. 
$--VSD,x.x,x.x,x.x,c—c,hhmmss.ss,xx,xx,x.x,x.x*hh<CR><LF> 
regional application flags  
navigational status  
estimated month of arrival at destination 
estimated day of arrival at destination 
estimated UTC of arrival at destination 
destination 
persons on-board 
maximum present static draught 
type of ship and cargo category 
7.5 General faults & error messages  
An ALR-sentence is used to indicate a failure or malfunction that will significantly reduce 
integrity or stop operation of M2. The Alarm messages generated are IEC61162-1 compliant 
“$AIALR”-sentences on the Presentation Interface output ports. 
The parameters of this sentence are: 
Time of alarm condition change (UTC) 
Unique alarm number (identifier) at alarm source 
Alarm condition 
Alarm acknowledge state 
Alarm description text 
and are set according to the table following. 
The "alarm condition" field is set to "A" when the alarm condition threshold is exceeded, and "V" 
when the alarm condition returns to a level that does not exceed the threshold. A continuing 
healthy status “V” is sent out at 1 minute intervals.  
NOTE: When all alarm conditions are healthy, a special single message is sent at 1 minute 
intervals. 

40 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
ALARM DESCRIPTION 
TEXT ALARM ID OR 
TEXT DENTIFIER REACTION OF THE SYSTEM TO THE ALARM 
CONDITION WHEN THRESHOLD EXCEEDED 
AIS: Tx malfunction  001 Stop transmission 
AIS: Antenna VSWR 
exceeds limit  002 Continue operation 
AIS: Rx channel 1 
malfunction 
003 Stop transmission on affected channel 
AIS: Rx channel 2 
malfunction 004 Stop transmission on affected channel 
AIS: Rx channel 70 
malfunction  005 Stop transmission on affected channel 
AIS: general failure 006 Stop transmission 
AIS: Display connection 
lost 008 Continue operation with "DTE" set to "1"  
AIS: external EPFS lost 025 Continue operation  
AIS: no sensor position 
in use 026 Continue operation  
AIS: no valid SOG 
information 029 Continue operation using default data 
AIS: no valid COG 
information 030 Continue operation using default data 
AIS: Heading 
lost/invalid 032 Continue operation using default data  
AIS: no valid ROT 
information 035 Continue operation using default data  

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 41    
8 Serial interface communications protocols 
The Transponder has eight RS-422 interfaces:  
• 4 sensor data input ports SEN1, SEN2, SEN3 and SEN4 
• 2 Bi-directional input/output ports MAIN and AUX/Pilot 
• 1 Bi-directional input/output port RTCM 
• 1 Bi-directional input/output port Long Range  
8.1 Sensor data interface 
The Sensor data input ports receive navigational data in NMEA–0183 format from the 
connected sensors. The connected sensors can be a GNSS unit used for navigation, a 
gyrocompass and a bottom track log. These data are processed in the AIS unit and transmitted 
as dynamic data. The data received by other stations over the VHF link form an image of the 
sensor data. It is therefore vital that the sensor data are correct and that the port is correctly 
configured.  
Navigational data must be received via the sensor ports within certain intervals; the maximum 
intervals are listed in the table below. If NMEA sentences containing identical information arrive 
at the sensor input ports, the AIS Transponder will choose the information with the highest 
priority level.  
The built-in GNSS unit will under normal conditions only be used for TDMA slot timing. However 
if no data are received from the external sensors, the built-in GNSS unit can be set to take over 
automatically and supply navigational information for the VHF data link transmission. The 
changeover between internal GNSS information and external sensor information happens 
automatically. Information received from the external sensors has priority and will always be 
used when available. 
Messages received and interpreted from sensors:  
 Data type 
Max update 
interval [s] NMEA application Default parameter value 
Date 3 RMC Year 2000, month. 0, day 0 
UTC 3 GNS, RMC, GGA, 
GLL 24:60:60 
Lat, Lon 3 GNS, RMC, GGA, 
GLL 91°00′00″ nl, 181°00′00″ wl 
Datum 30 DTM Not defined 
SOG, 
COG 3 RMC, VBW 102.3, 360° 
Altitude 3 GNS 4095 
Heading 10 HDT 511 
Turn rate 10 ROT -128 
RAIM 10 GBS Ok 
Route plans with positions are transmitted in RTE (Routes) and WPL (Waypoint location) 
sentences. There is no update interval for these data, therefore the last updated Route plan will 
be kept in memory until data are updated or the power is switched off, as the data are not kept 
in the permanent memory. 
8.2 Main and AUX port reception and transmission of AIS data 
Specific AIS Transponder functions are available via the Main and AUX ports. The ports are 
identical and will transmit all received VDL (VHF Data Link) messages as well as Transponder 

42 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
error messages. A request for information may be sent from equipment connected to the Main 
and AUX ports, ether a request for information or a request for the Transponder to carry out a 
specific task. The communication protocol is text, but in non-readable sentences which contain 
compressed binary data. 
The Transponder Main/AUX input port can accept requests: 
• To send a short text message or a small binary data array to a specified address (MMSI) 
or as a broadcast message 
• To send a static or voyage information request to a specified address (MMSI) 
• To change AIS radio frequencies and/or parameters of access to AIS channels (radiating 
power, frequency band etc.) 
The Transponder Main/AUX input port can accept: 
• Static and voyage related data 
• Navigation or dynamic data, similar to sensors data interface 
• Error situation message acknowledgement 
The Transponder Main/AUS output port can transmit: 
• Notifications about every VHF message received and transmitted via AIS channels with 
the VHF message included 
• Acknowledgement of requests from other stations 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 43    
9 Warranty Registration & Acceptance Record 
IMPORTANT! To validate product warranty, please fax a completed copy of this form to: - 
McMurdo Customer Services on +44 23 9262 3824 
 Vessel Data 
Vessel Name    Flag State   
Owner / Company    Radio Call Sign
Office: 
On-Board Contact  1 
Name  Telephone 
Number(s) GSM: 
Office: 
On-Board Contact 2 
Name   Telephone 
Number(s) GSM: 
 Scope Of Supply 
Part No. Description Serial No. Qty Location 
35-081-001A  Transponder       
35-080-001A   Display unit       
89-028 Gyro Interface Unit       
89-029 AC/DC Converter       
General Setup 
MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)           
IMO (International Maritime 
Organisation)           
RAIM Present (Automatically Selected) Yes No 
User password           (20 characters max)
Operator Password   (20 characters max)   
Service Password      (20 characters max)

44 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
Vessel Name 
Vessel and GNSS dimensions 
Vessel length    Metres
Vessel beam    Metres
 Internal 
GNSS External 
GNSS A External 
GNSS B  
GNSS antenna distance to Stern 
Metres
GNSS antenna distance to Port side 
Metres
RS-422 Setup 
Port General Baud rate Port General Baud rate 
Main On Off 4800 38400 Sen 1 On Off
4800
38400 
Aux On Off 4800 38400 Sen 2 On Off
4800
38400 
LR On Off 4800 38400 Sen 3 On Off
4800
38400 
RTCM On Off 4800 38400 Sen 4 On Off
4800
38400 
Installers Data 
Company Name  Stamp: 
Technician’s Name    
Address Line 1  
Address Line 2  
City / Town  
Province / State  
Post / Zip Code  
Country  
This is an acceptance record of the installation and commissioning of the AIS on-board 
the above-mentioned vessel. 24-months Warranty is valid on signing this form. 
Installer’s Signature Owners Representative’s 
Signature Commissioning Date 
Installer’s Name Owners Representative’s 
Name  

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 45    
10 Pre-Installation Inspection Record 
1. Vessel Data (  Tick appropriately ) 
Vessel Name    IMO Number  
Flag State    MMSI Number  
Owner / Company    Radio Call Sign  
 Office: On-Board Contact 
Name & Position
Telephone Number(s)
GSM: 
 Office: Shore-based Contact 
Name & Position
Telephone Number(s)
GSM: 
Type of Vessel
 Gross Tonnage gt
L.O.A
m
Beam m
Comments: 
2. Installation (  Tick appropriately ) 
Ship’s Emergency Power Source & Location
Cable length to Transponder =                                                             m 
 Optional AC to DC Converter (89-029) Required 
 12 V DC    24 V DC    110 V AC    220 V AC 
 50 Hz      60 Hz 
AIS Transponder Proposed Location
AIS Display Proposed Location
4 Twisted Pair + Drain Cable length to Transponder                           m  
AIS GNSS Antenna Proposed Location
RG58 Cable length to Transponder =                                                  m  
 Optional Antenna Adapter (89-362) Required 
AIS VHF Antenna Proposed Location
RG214 Cable length to Transponder =                                                m  
 Optional VHF Antenna (89-020-001) Required 
 Optional Antenna Mast Mount (903-01) Required 
 Optional Antenna Mast/Bulkhead Mount (903-02) Required 
AIS Pilot Plug* Proposed Location 
Cable length to Transponder =                                                             m 
Ship’s Ground Connection Location
Cable length to Transponder =                                                             m 
Ship’s Alarm Panel Location 
Cable length to Transponder =                                                             m 
* If a Pilot Plug is fitted, a mains  power supply for a PC should be made available nearby 
 Optional Installation Kit (89-038) Required 
Comments:  

46 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
Bridge Layout Drawing: Position of all parts & interface pick-off points 
3. Heading Sensor(s)* (  Tick appropriately ) 
Source Option A Option B 
Manufacturer
Model     
Type  GyroCompass      GNSS Compass 
 Fluxgate  Compass    
 Transmitting Magnetic Compass 
 GyroCompass      GNSS Compass 
 Fluxgate  Compass    
 Transmitting Magnetic Compass 
Output NMEA Message 
IEC 61162-2 RS422
Required:-     HDT     ROT** 
Optional:-     OSD 
Required:-     HDT     ROT** 
Optional:-     OSD 
If no NMEA
 Optional Gyro Interface 
Unit (89-028) Required 
 Synchro 
Reference Voltage = 
Phase Voltage =          Frequency = 
Ratio  -     90:1      180:1      360:1 
 Synchro 
Reference Voltage = 
Phase Voltage =          Frequency = 
Ratio  -     90:1      180:1      360:1 
  Stepper 
 Positive Step    Negative Step 
Step Voltage = 
Ratio  -     90:1      180:1      360:1 
 Stepper 
 Positive Step    Negative Step 
Step Voltage = 
Ratio  -     90:1      180:1      360:1 
Location
Cable length to 
Transponder 
m 
m 
* Heading information is a mandatory sensor input to the AIS. A converter will be needed if the ship’s compass has no IEC61162 output. 
** If a rate-of-turn indicator is available and it includes an IEC61162 output it should be connected to the AIS 
Comments: 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 47    
4. Position Sensor(s)* (  Tick appropriately ) 
Source
Option A Option B 
Manufacturer
Model
Type
 GPS     GLONASS     Differential  GPS     GLONASS     Differential 
Output NMEA Message
IEC 61162-2 RS422
Required:-      DTM     GNS     
 GLL     
 RMC      GBS     RTE      WPL 
Optional:-     GGA     
Required:-      DTM     GNS      
 GLL    RMC      GBS     RTE     
 WPL 
Optional:-     GGA     
Location
Cable length to 
Transponder
m 
m 
Antenna Location External Position Source 
GNSS Antenna AIS Internal Position 
Source GNSS Antenna Dimension 
Limits 
A = Distance to Bow
m 
m 
0- 511 m  
B = Distance to Stern
m 
m 
0 – 511 m 
C = Dist. to Port-Side
m 
m 
0 – 63 m  
D = Dist. to Starboard
m
m 0 – 63 m  
* Position information is a mandatory sensor input to the AIS. 
Comments: 
5. Speed Sensor(s)* (  Tick appropriately ) 
Source Option A Option B 
Manufacturer
Model     
Type  Bottom Track Log  Bottom Track Log 
Output NMEA Message
IEC 611622-2 RS422 
Required:-     VBW Required:-     VBW 
Location
Cable length to 
Transponder
m
m 
* If a Bottom Track Log is available and it includes an IEC61162 output it should be connected to the AIS. 
Comments: 

48 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manual 
6. ARPA / ATA RADAR(s) (  Tick appropriately ) 
Source Option A Option B 
Manufacturer
Model     
Type     
In/Output NMEA 
Message 
IEC 61162-2 RS422 
Location
Cable length to 
Transponder
m 
m 
Comments: 
7. ECDIS / ECS(s) (  Tick appropriately ) 
Source Option A Option B 
Manufacturer
Model     
Type     
In/Output NMEA 
Message 
IEC 61162-2 RS422 
Location
Cable length to 
Transponder
m 
m 
Comments: 
8. Notes 
Include comments relative to installation: Cable routing, Deck glands to be opened, Hot work required, Interfacing, Mounting, Earthing, 
etc… 

AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 49    
11 Glossary 
4S Ship-to-Ship & Ship-to-Shore 
AIS Automatic Identification System 
ALM Alarm 
ANT Antenna 
ARPA  Automatic Radar Plotting Aid 
ATA Automatic Tracking Aid 
AtoN Aid to Navigation 
AUTO Automatic 
AUX Auxiliary 
BAT Battery 
BIIT Built-In Integrity Test 
BRG Bearing 
BRILL Display Brilliance 
CG Coast Guard 
CH Channel 
CHG Change 
CLR Clear 
CNCL Cancel 
CNS Communication, Navigation & Surveillance
COG Course Over Ground 
CONTR Contrast 
CPA  Closest Point of Approach 
CPU Central Processing Unit 
CSE Course 
DEL Delete 
DEST Destination 
DG Dangerous Goods 
DGLONASS Differential GLONASS 
DGNSS Differential GNSS 
DGPS Differential GPS 
DISP Display 
DIST Distance 
DSC Digital Selective Calling 
DTE Data Terminal Equipment 
ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information 
System 
ECS Electronic Chart System 
EGNOS European Geo-stationary Navigational 
Overlay System 
ENC Electronic Navigation Chart 
ENT  Enter 
EPA  Electronic Plotting Aid 
EPFS Electronic Position Fixing System 
EPIRB Electronic Position Indicating Radio 
Beacon 
ERR Error 
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival 
EXT External 
FCC Federal Communications Commission 
FREQ Frequency 
GLO or 
GLONASS Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite 
System 
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety 
System 
GND Ground 
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System 
GPS Global Positioning System 
GYRO Gyro Compass 
HDG Heading 
HS Hazardous Substances  
HSC High Speed Craft 
I/O Input / Output 
IBS Integrated Bridge System 
ID Identification 
IEC International Electotechnical Commission 
IMO International Maritime Organisation 
IN Input 
INFO Information 
INS Integrated Navigation System 
ITU-R International Telecommunications Union – 
Radiocommunications Bureaux 
KN Knots 
L/L Latitude / Longitude 
LAT Latitude 
LON Longitude 
LOST TGT Lost Target 
M Metres 
MAG Magnetic 
MAN Manual 
MED Marine Equipment Directive 
MF/HF Medium Frequency/High Frequency 
MID Maritime Identification Digit 
MIN Minimum 
MKD Minimum Keyboard and Display 
MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity  
MOB Man Overboard 
MP Marine Pollutant 
NAV Navigation 
NM Nautical Mile 
NUC Not Under Command 
OOW Officer Of the Watch 
OS Own Ship 
OUT Output 
PI Presentation Interface 
POSN Position 
PPU Portable Pilot Unit 
PWR Power 
RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring 
RNG Range 
RORO Roll On, Roll Off 
ROT Rate Of Turn 
RR Range Rings 
RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime 
services  
RTE Route 
Rx Receive / Receiver 
SAR Search And Rescue 
SEL Select 
SOG Speed Over Ground 
SPD Speed 
SPEC Specification 
STBD Starboard 
STBY Standby 
STW Speed Through Water 
TCPA  Time to Closest Point of Approach 
TDMA  Time Division Multiple Access 
TGT Target 
TPR Transponder 
TRK Track 
TSS Traffic Separation Scheme 
TTG Time To Go 
Tx Transmit / Transmitter 
Tx/Rx Transceiver 
AIS Universal Automatic Identification System 
UHF Ultra High Frequency 
UTC Universal Time Co-ordinate 
VDU Visual Display Unit 
VHF Very High Frequency 
VOY Voyage 
VSWR Virtual Standing Wave Ratio 
VTS Vessel Traffic Systems  
WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System 
WCV  Waypoint Closure Velocity 
WGS World Geodetic System 
WIG Wing In Ground 
WPT Waypoint 

50 Issue 1 AIS Installation Manua 
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AIS Installation Manual Issue 1 51    
12 Commissioning guide 
The sequence of operations given here MUST be performed in order to set essential 
parameters of the AIS system, and to make it operational.  
The Operation manual contains detailed information on the method of setting these parameters. 
Refer to that manual if difficulty is found with any of the outline steps given below.   
 1. select “Setup mode: Ship's static data” by pressing and holding 'ENTER' 
2. select “edit SHIP'S DATA” 
3. enter service mode by using the service password (default 'SERVICE') 
4. go to page "Setup mode: Configuration" 
5. change the baud rate of each serial port in turn to match the baud rate of the external 
equipment connected to that port 
6. go to page “Setup mode: Ship’s static data” 
7. enter valid data for 'MMSI', 'IMO', 'vessel' & 'call sign' 
8. select 'vessel type' 
9. enter 'beam' & 'length' 
10. enter internal & external GNSS antenna positions 
11. press 'Save SHIP'S DATA' to save settings 
CAUTION: as soon as a valid MMSI number is saved, the AIS will begin operation. Allow at 
least 2 minutes for the system to initialise and obtain a valid GNSS fix. 
The next stage is to check that the sensors are operational. 
 12. select “Voyage mode: Current status” 
13. check that all available sensors are recognised 
14. temporarily disconnect the external GNSS signal (This will cause an alarm.) 
15. check that the internal GNSS is providing data, and that the display indicates the 
GNSS source as internal 
16. reconnect the external GNSS signal. Check that the GNSS source is now external 
Now change the service password: 
 17. select “Setup mode: Ship's static data”  
18. select “edit SHIP'S DATA” 
19. enter current service password (default 'SERVICE') 
20. enter new password in 'change password' field 
21. enter new password in ‘confirm password' field   
22. press 'verify password' to store the new service password 
This completes the entry of required parameters. The M-2 system is now fully operational. 
If it becomes necessary to disable an alarm, refer to the Operation manual.