Furuno USA 9ZWFA170 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

CLASS A AIS

Model

FA-170

PRODUCT NAME: U-AIS TRANSPONDER

www.furuno.com

(GREG) FA-170

OME-44900-Z10

Z10

OCT. 30, 2015:

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Cd

General

• The operator of this equipment must read and follow the descriptions in this manual. Wrong op­eration or maintenance can cancel the warranty or cause injury.

• Do not copy any part of this manual without written permission from FURUNO.

• If this manual is lost or worn, contact your dealer about replacement.

• The contents of this manual and equipment specifications can change without notice.

• The example screens (or illustrations) shown in this manual can be different from the screens
you see on your display. The screens you see depend on your system configuration and equip­ment settings.

• Save this manual for future reference.

• Any modification of the equipment (including software) by persons not authorized by FURUNO
will cancel the warranty.

• All brand and product names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their
respective holders.

How to discard this product

Discard this product according to local regulations for the disposal of industrial waste. For disposal
in the USA, see the homepage of the Electronics Industries Alliance (http://www.eiae.org/) for the
correct method of disposal.

How to discard a used battery

Some FURUNO products have a battery(ies). To see if your product has a battery, see the chapter
on Maintenance. Follow the instructions below if a battery is used. Tape the + and - terminals of
battery before disposal to prevent fire, heat generation caused by short circuit.

In the European Union

The crossed-out trash can symbol indicates that all types of batteries
must not be discarded in standard trash, or at a trash site. Take the
used batteries to a battery collection site according to your national
legislation and the Batteries Directive 2006/66/EU.

In the USA

The Mobius loop symbol (three chasing arrows) indicates that Ni-Cd
and lead-acid rechargeable batteries must be recycled. Take the used
batteries to a battery collection site according to local laws.

In the other countries

Ni-Cd Pb

There are no international standards for the battery recycle symbol. The number of symbols can
increase when the other countries make their own recycle symbols in the future.

i

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Immediately turn off the power at the
switchboard if water leaks into the
equipment or something is dropped
in the equipment.

Continued use of the equipment can
cause fire or electrical shock. Contact a
FURUNO agent for service.

Do not disassemble or modify the
equipment.

Fire, electrical shock or serious injury
can result.

Do not place liquid-filled containers
on the top of the equipment.

Fire or electrical shock can result if a
liquid spills into the equipment.

Use the proper fuse.

Use of the wrong fuse can cause fire or
permanent damage to the equipment.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Do not open the equipment.

Only qualified personnel should work
inside the equipment.

WARNING

To avoid electrical shock, do not
remove cover. No user-serviceable
parts inside.

Unit: PR-240 Power Supply
Name: Warning Label (1)
Type: 86-003-1011-3
CodeNo.: 100-263-233-10

WARNING LABEL
A warning label is attached to the AC-DC power
supply. Do not remove the label.
If the label is missing or damaged, contact a
FURUNO agent or dealer about replacement.

Mandatory Action

Prohibitive Action

WARNING

CAUTION

Warning, Caution

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
can result in minor or moderate injury.

WARNING

Immediately turn off the power at the
switchboard if the equipment is
emitting smoke or fire.

Continued use of the equipment can
cause fire or electrical shock. Contact a
FURUNO agent for service.

Make sure no rain or water splash
leaks into the equipment.

Fire or electrical shock can result if water
leaks in the equipment.

Do not operate the equipment with
wet hands.

Electrical shock can result.

The glass of an LCD panel breaks
easily. Handle the LCD carefully.

Injury can result if the glass breaks.

About the TFT LCD

The TFT LCD is constructed using the latest LCD
techniques, and displays 99.99% of its pixels. The
remaining 0.01% of the pixels may drop out or blink,
however this is not an indication of malfunction.

Do not approach the antenna closer
than listed below when it is
transmitting.

The antenna emits radio waves that
can be harmful to the human body.

RF power density on antenna aperture Distance

100 W/m

2

10 W/m

2

2 W/m

2

0.09 m

0.04 m

N/A

The operator must read the safety instructions before attempting to operate this equipment

ii

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

VTS Center

Own ship transmits

static/dynamic data*

Transmits and receives

static/dynamic data*

Transmits and receives

static/dynamic data*

*: Static data - MMSI, Name, etc.
Dynamic data - Position, bearing, COG, etc.

VTS Center sends various

information including

weather conditions and

frequency assignments.

Own ship

Other ship1

Other ship2

System overview

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) was originally developed to aid the Vessel Traffic Ser­vices (VTS) by use of a VHF transponder working on Digital Selective Call (DSC) at VHF CH70,
and is still in use along the UK coastal areas and others. Some time later the IMO developed a
Universal AIS using the new sophisticated technology called Self-Organized Time Division Multi­ple Access (SOTDMA) based on a VHF Data Link (VDL).

The system operates in three modes – autonomous (continuous operation in all areas), assigned
(data transmission interval remotely controlled by authority in traffic monitoring service) and polled
(in response to interrogation from a ship or authority). It is synchronized with GPS time to avoid
conflict among multiple users (IMO minimum 2000 reports per minute and IEC requires 4500 re­ports on two channels). The VHF channels 87B and 88B are commonly used and in addition there
are local AIS frequencies. Shipborne AIS transponders exchange various data as specified by the
IMO and ITU on either frequency automatically set up by the frequency management telecom­mand received by the DSC receiver on ship.

Not all ships carry AIS

The Officer of the Watch (OOW) should always be aware that other ships, and in particular leisure
craft, fishing boats and warships, and some coastal shore stations (including Vessel Traffic Ser­vice centers) might not be fitted with AIS.

The OOW should also be aware that AIS fitted on other ships as a mandatory carriage require­ment might be switched off by the master if its use might compromise the security of the vessel.
Thus, users are therefore cautioned to always bear in mind that information provided by AIS may
not be giving a complete or correct “picture” of shipping traffic in their vicinity.

AIS system

iii

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Use of AIS in collision avoidance

As an anti-collision aid, the AIS has the following advantages over radar:

• Information provided in near real-time

• Capable of instant presentation of target course alterations

• Not subject to target swap

• Not subject to target loss in clutter

• Not subject to target loss due to abrupt maneuvers

• Able to “detect” ships within VHF/FM coverage, including in some circumstances, around bends
and behind islands.

When using the AIS for anti-collision purposes it is important to remember that the AIS is an ad­ditional source of navigation information. It does not replace other navigational systems. The AIS
may not be giving a complete or correct “picture” of shipping traffic in its vicinity.

The use of the AIS does not negate the responsibility of the OOW to comply with all collision reg­ulation requirements, especially the maintaining of a proper look-out. The prudent navigator uses
all aids available to navigate the ship.

Erroneous information

Erroneous information implies a risk to other ships as well as your own. Poorly configured or im­properly calibrated sensors might lead to incorrect information being transmitted. It is the user’s
responsibility to ensure that all information entered into the system is correct and up to date.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD.................................................................................................................. vii

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................... ix

1. OPERATION .......................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Description of Controls ...............................................................................................1-1

1.2 How to Turn the Power On and Off ............................................................................1-2

1.3 How to Adjust the Panel and Display Brilliance..........................................................1-3

1.4 Display Overview........................................................................................................1-4

1.5 Menu Overview...........................................................................................................1-5

1.5.1 Menu operating procedure .............................................................................1-5

1.5.2 How to select a menu option..........................................................................1-6

1.5.3 How to enter numeric data .............................................................................1-6

1.5.4 How to use the software keyboard for alphanumeric input ............................1-6

1.6 How to Enter Voyage-Related Data ...........................................................................1-7

1.7 How to Set the Notification .......................................................................................1-10

1.8 How to Select a Display............................................................................................1-11

1.8.1 Plotter display...............................................................................................1-12

1.8.2 Target list......................................................................................................1-14

1.8.3 Dangerous (target) list..................................................................................1-15

1.8.4 How to interpret the [TARGET DETAIL] screen...........................................1-16

1.8.5 Own ship data ..............................................................................................1-18

1.8.6 Alert display..................................................................................................1-19

1.9 Messages .................................................................................................................1-20

1.9.1 How to send a message...............................................................................1-20

1.9.2 Receiving messages ....................................................................................1-22

1.9.3 How to use the message box (MSG BOX)...................................................1-22

1.10 Regional Operating Channels ..................................................................................1-24

1.10.1 How to view channel information..................................................................1-24

1.10.2 How to edit/view regional channels ..............................................................1-25

1.11 How to Enable/Disable the Key Beep.......................................................................1-28

1.12 Long Range..............................................................................................................1-28

1.12.1 How to set up long range response..............................................................1-28

1.12.2 How to broadcast own ship data ..................................................................1-29

1.13 Pilot Plug (FA-1703, option) .....................................................................................1-30

1.14 Viewing Initial Settings..............................................................................................1-31

1.15 Setting for Time Difference.......................................................................................1-32

2. INLAND AIS OPERATION ....................................................................................2-1

2.1 How to Activate the Inland AIS...................................................................................2-1

2.2 Selecting AIS Mode....................................................................................................2-2

2.3 How to Enter Voyage-Related Data ...........................................................................2-3

2.4 Static Data ..................................................................................................................2-8

2.5 Target List and Dangerous Target List.......................................................................2-9

2.5.1 Target list........................................................................................................2-9

2.5.2 Dangerous (target) list..................................................................................2-11

2.5.3 How to interpret the [TARGET DETAIL] screen...........................................2-11

2.6 Inland AIS Specific Messaging .................................................................................2-14

2.6.1 How to send a text message........................................................................2-14

2.6.2 How to view a sent text message.................................................................2-16

2.6.3 ETA and RTA messages..............................................................................2-16

2.6.4 No. of persons message ..............................................................................2-20

2.6.5 EMMA warning message .............................................................................2-21

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.6.6 Water level message.................................................................................... 2-22

2.7 Viewing Initial Settings ............................................................................................. 2-23

2.8 Setting for Time Difference ...................................................................................... 2-24

3. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................3-1

3.1 Maintenance...............................................................................................................3-1

3.2 Replacement of Fuse ................................................................................................. 3-2

3.3 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................... 3-2

3.4 Diagnostics.................................................................................................................3-3

3.4.1 Monitor unit test.............................................................................................. 3-3

3.4.2 Transponder test............................................................................................ 3-4

3.4.3 VHF communication test................................................................................ 3-5

3.4.4 TX on/off log...................................................................................................3-6

3.5 Alerts .......................................................................................................................... 3-7

3.6 GPS Monitor...............................................................................................................3-8

3.7 Displaying Sensor Status ...........................................................................................3-9

3.8 How to Restore Default Settings .............................................................................. 3-10

3.9 AIS-SART Test Indication in Target List .................................................................. 3-10

APPENDIX 1 MENU TREE .......................................................................................AP-1

APPENDIX 2 ALERTS, IDS, MEANINGS AND MEASURES...................................AP-7

APPENDIX 3 PARTS LIST/LOCATION..................................................................AP-10

APPENDIX 4 CHANNEL LISTS AND ERI CODES ................................................AP-11

APPENDIX 5 ABBREVIATIONS, UNITS AND SYMBOLS ....................................AP-13

SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................SP-1

INDEX..........................................................................................................................IN-1

vi

FOREWORD

A Word to the Owner of the FA-170

FURUNO Electric Company thanks you for purchasing the FA-170 AIS Transponder. We are
confident you will discover why the FURUNO name has become synonymous with quality and
reliability.

Since 1948, FURUNO Electric Company has enjoyed an enviable reputation for quality and
reliability throughout the world. This dedication to excellence is furthered by our extensive global
network of agents and dealers.

Your equipment is designed and constructed to meet the rigorous demands of the marine
environment. However, no machine can perform its intended function unless properly operated
and maintained. Please carefully read and follow the operation and maintenance procedures in
this manual.

We would appreciate feedback from you, the end-user, about whether we are achieving our
purposes.

Thank you for considering and purchasing FURUNO.

Features

The FA-170 is a universal AIS (Automatic Identification System) for open sea and inland
waterways, capable of exchanging navigation and ship data between own ship and other ships or
coastal stations.

It complies with IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IMO MSC.302(87), A.694, ITU-R M.1371-5 and DSC
ITU-R M.825. It also complies with IEC 61924-2, IEC 61993-2 (Type testing standard) and IEC
60945 Ed. 4 (EMC and environmental conditions).

The FA-170 consists of VHF and GPS antennas, a transponder unit, a monitor unit, and several
associated units. The transponder contains a VHF transmitter, two TDMA receivers on two parallel
VHF channels, a DSC channel 70 receiver, interface, communication processor, and internal GPS
receiver. The internal GPS is a 12-channel all-in-view receiver with a differential capability, and
provides UTC reference for system synchronization to eliminate clash among multiple users. It
also gives position, COG and SOG when the external GPS fails.

The main features are:

• Safety of navigation by automatically exchanging navigational data between ships and between
ship and coast

• Static data:

- MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)

- IMO number (where available)

- Call sign & name

- Length and beam

- Type of ship

- Location of position-fixing antenna on the ship

vii

FOREWORD

• Dynamic data:

- Ship’s position with accuracy indication and integrity status

- Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)

- Course over ground (COG)

- Speed over ground (SOG)

- Heading

- Rate of turn (ROT) where available

• Voyage-related data

- Ship’s draught

- Navigational Status (manual input)

- Hazardous cargo (type)

- Destination and ETA (at master’s discretion)

• Short safety-related messages, free messages

• LCD panel satisfies the IMO minimum requirements plus simple plotting modes

• Interfaces for radar, ECDIS, PC for future networking expansion

• GPS/VHF combined antenna for easy installation available

• Built-in GPS receiver for UTC synchronization and backup position-fixing device

• The Inland AIS feature is based on CCNR (Vessel Tracking and Tracing Standard for Inland
Navigation). Inland AIS receives and sends SOLAS AIS information, and interfaces automatic
data input such as blue sign, draught (in centimeters), air draught (height from waterline), haz­ardous cargo blue cone indication, euro ship identifier and inland ship type. Further, the inland
AIS sends ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) to lock, bridge, terminal, etc. and displays response
as RTA (Requested Time of Arrival) from the lock, bridge or terminal. Information receivable
from land stations include EMMA warning, water level data, etc.

Program Numbers

Unit & PC board Program No. Version No. Date of modification

Monitor Unit
(MAIN: 20P8200D)

Transponder Unit
(R-MOD: 05P0892)

Transponder Unit
(GPS: 20P8211)

: Minor modification

0550256 01.

0550255 01.

48504650 

viii

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

GPS/VHF
combined antenna
GVA-100-T

GPS antenna
GPA-017S

Distributor unit
DB-1

VHF antenna

VHF antenna

Power supply
PR-240

100/110/115/200/
220/230 VAC
1

ø, 50/60Hz

12-24 VDC

OR

24 VDC

MONITOR UNIT
FA-1702
(two units may
be connected)

External display, NavNet2,
NavNet 3D, Pilot plug (FA-1703),
Sensor

Beacon receiver

Alarm system

LAN

Blue Sign

GPS-017S Exposed to the weather
GVA-100-T
FA-1701
FA-1702
DB-1
PR-240

Exposed to the weather
Protected from the weather
Protected from the weather
Protected from the weather
Protected from the weather

:

Standard supply

:

Optional or local supply

TRANSPONDER UNIT

FA-1701

ix

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

This page is intentionally left blank.

x

1. OPERATION

1.1 Description of Controls

TYPE

B

MMSI

201502130

NAME { NO NAME }

POSN

135º 24

SOG

10.0kn

RNG

: CURSOR

1 2

ENT

: SELECT : RANGE

3 .0

3

A

34º 31

NM

CLASS A

.1234´N

.5678´E

HDG

COG

BRG

DISP

: NEXT

130º
135º

225º

7

4

5

6

No. Key name Function(s) when pressed

1 BRILL key • Displays brilliance setting pop-up window.

• Switches between Day and Night display modes.

2 DISP key • Cycles through display screens.

• Switches between Day and Night display modes when brilliance
pop-up window is active.

• Closes all active menu windows and returns to the last used display
screen.

3 MENU/ESC key • Opens the menu.

• Goes back one layer in the menu.

• Closes the settings screen, when displayed, and returns to the
menu.

4

Power key

• Short press to turn the unit on.

• Long press to turn the unit off.

5 NAV STATUS key Opens the [NAV STATUS] settings window.
6 ENT/ACK key • Confirms the currently selected item on the menu.

• Confirms adjusted settings.

• Acknowledge alerts.

7 Arrow keys • Move the selection cursor.

• Plotter display:  or  changes display range.

• TARGET LIST display:  or  changes pages.

• OWN INFORMATION display:  or  switches between informa-
tion tabs.

• ALERT display:  or  switches between the alert list and the alert
log.  or  selects an alert.

Note: The nominal viewing distance is 70 cm.

This manual uses the following terminology for the sake of brevity:

Terminology Example Meaning

Select Select [MSG]. Use the arrow keys to select [MSG].
, , ,  Press . Press the corresponding arrow key.

1-1

1. OPERATION

PROGRAM NO.

0550255 - xx . xx
1000-42xx - xxxxSERIAL NO.

ROM(T): OK
RAM(T): OK
ROM(M): OK
RAM(M): OK

This indication flashes to show the unit is ready for use. The
automatic startup test results are displayed when tests are
completed.

1.2 How to Turn the Power On and Off

Press the power key to turn the equipment on. When powered, the equipment

sounds a beep then proceeds in the sequence shown below.

To turn the power off, press and hold the power key .

Indication Description

PROGRAM NUMBER Displays the program number for this FA-170. The indication

"XX.XX" is replaced with the version number.
SERIAL NUMBER Displays the serial number for this FA-170.
ROM(T) / RAM(T) Displays the ROM/RAM test results for the connected FA-1701.
ROM(M) / RAM(M) Displays the ROM/RAM test results for the FA-1702.

The startup screen displays the program version number, serial number and the re­sults of the ROM and RAM data test, showing "OK" or "NG" (No Good) as the result.
The message "- PRESS ANY KEY -" flashes to indicate that the test is complete.
Press any key to close the test results. If "NG" appears for any of the check results
after the startup test is completed, contact your dealer for advice.

When no errors occur at startup, the plotter display is shown after the test is complet­ed.

If there is no response from the transponder unit or AIS symbols do not appear, the
message “COMMUNICATION ERROR” appears on the screen. Press any key to
erase the message. Check the connection between the monitor unit and the transpon­der unit.

The FA-170 should be powered while underway or at anchor. The master may switch
off the AIS if he believes that the continual operation of the AIS might compromise the
safety or security of his ship. The AIS should be restarted when it is safe to do so.

The equipment transmits own ship static data within two minutes of start-up and it is
transmitted at six-minute intervals thereafter. Static data includes MMSI number, IMO
number, call sign, ship name, ship length and width, ship type and GPS antenna po­sition.

In addition to static data, ship’s dynamic data is also transmitted. This data includes
position with quality indication, SOG, COG, rate of turn, heading, etc. Dynamic data is
transmitted every 2 seconds to 3 minutes depending on ship’s speed and course
change. Voyage-related data, such as ship’s draught, hazardous cargo, destination
and estimated time of arrival, are also transmitted at six-minute intervals.

1-2

1. OPERATION

DISPLAY (0 - 17) : 17

PANEL (0 - 17) : 17

: NIGHT : SET

DISP ENT

BRILL LEVEL SETUP (DAY)

The FA-170 starts receiving data from AIS-equipped ships as soon as it is turned on,
and those ships’ locations are shown on the plotter display with the AIS symbol. (To
learn more about the plotter display, see section 1.8.) With connection of a radar or
ECDIS, the AIS target symbols may be overlaid on the radar or ECDIS.

Note 1: If no navigation sensor is installed or a sensor such as a gyrocompass has
failed, the AIS automatically transmits “not available data” to AIS-equipped ships.

Note 2: The reporting intervals are as follows:

Ship’s navigational status Nominal reporting interval

Ship at anchor or moored or aground or not under command and
not moving faster than 3 kn

Ship at anchor or moored or aground or not under command and
moving faster than 3 kn

Ship speed 0-14 kn 10 seconds
Ship speed 0-14 kn and changing course 3 1/3 seconds
Ship speed 14-23 kn 6 seconds
Ship speed 14-23 kn and changing course 2 seconds
Ship speed faster than 23 kn 2 seconds
Ship speed faster than 23 kn and changing course 2 seconds

3 minutes

10 seconds

Note 3: The screen refreshes slower in low ambient temperature.

1.3 How to Adjust the Panel and Display Brilliance

The panel and display brilliance may be adjusted as follows:

1. Press the BRILL key to show the [BRILL LEVEL SETUP] pop up window.
If there is no operation within five seconds, the pop up window automatically clos­es.

2. Press  or  to adjust the panel brilliance;  or  to adjust the display brilliance.
The default panel and display brilliance settings are 15 and 15, respectively. To
restore default settings see "How to Restore Default Settings" on page 3-10.)

Note: The display brilliance can also be adjusted by pressing the BRILL key sev­eral times to cycle through brilliance levels.

3. Press the ENT/ACK key to close the setting screen and apply the settings.

How to switch between day and night displays

1. Press the BRILL key to show the [BRILL LEVEL SETUP] pop up window.

2. Press the DISP key while the pop up window is shown. The pop up window closes
and the display settings change.

3. Repeat the procedure to reverse the settings.

1-3