Nauticast A2 Users Manual

Nauticast GmbH

Lützowgasse 12-14 / 3.OG

1140 Vienna, Austria

T: [phone]

F: [phone]

[e-mail]

PRODUCT MANUAL

Class-A SOLAS/Inland

AIS Transponder

Art. No. 100 1001

DISCLAIMER
Although Nauticast GmbH strives for accuracy in all its publications this material may contain errors or omissions and is
subject to change without prior notice. Nauticast GmbH shall not be made liable for any specific, indirect, incidental or
consequential damages as a result of the usage of this manual. Please visit our website for the latest manual revision at

www.nauticast.com if necessary.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

This document is protected by copyright law. Copying or duplicating be it physically or electronically for any usage other
than the operation of a Nauticast A2 AIS System is prohibited and any offender may be liable to the payment of damages.

Dieses Dokument ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Jede Weitergabe oder Vervielfältigung dieser Unterlage ist ausschließlich
zur Unterstützung des Betriebes eines Nauticast A2 AIS Systems zulässig. Zuwiderhandlungen verpflichten zu
Schadenersatz.

Ce document est protégé par le droit d'auteur. Toute redistribution ou reproduction de ce document est autorisée
exclusivement pour appuyer le fonctionnement d'un système AIS A2 Nauticast. Les contrevenants seront passibles de
dommages-intérêts.

Este documento está protegido por derechos de autor. Cualquier redistribución o reproducción de este documento está
permitida exclusivamente para apoyar la operación de un sistema AIS A2 Nauticast. Los infractores quedan obligados por
daños y perjuicios.

GENERAL WARNINGS
All marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) units utilize a satellite based system such as the Global Positioning Satellite
(GPS) network or the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) network to determine their position. The accuracy of
these networks is variable and is affected by factors such as the antenna positioning, the number of satellites that are
available to determine a position and how long satellite information has been received for. It is desirable wherever possible

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

based observations.

In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessel’s marine VHF license provisions. The vessel
onto which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a valid VHF radiotelephone license which lists the AIS
system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number. Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more
information.

LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of
purchase. During the warranty period Nauticast GmbH will repair or at its option, replace the product at no cost to the
buyer provided that a return authorization is obtained from Nauticast GmbH, Lützowgasse 12-14 / 3. OG, 1140 Vienna,
Austria (see Section Contact & Support information). This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by
accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification by unauthorized service personnel. For authorized service
partners see our homepage www.nauticast.com or contact Nauticast support directly.
Warranty and certification void if device is opened.

© 2014 Nauticast GmbH

Nauticast™ is a protected trademark of Nauticast GmbH

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

Index

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page 4 of 80 1001001-2EN A2 Product Manual 2_0

Date

Version

Status

Comments

Responsible

2013-07-15

1.2

Release

First Official Release

Ch. Aschl

2014-01-28

1.3

Release

Changes due to SW update

Ch. Aschl

2014-09-30

2.0

Release

Nauticast, Certification, general rework

V. Janik

Date

AIS software Version

Status

Comments

Responsible

2014-07-01

1.1.10

Release

Type approved

V. Janik

Equipment

Standard magnetic compass

Steering magnetic compass

Nauticast A2 Transponder

0.60 m

0.45 m

History of Changes

Software dependencies

This revision of the Manual is valid for the Software version (s) below stated and future versions unless
otherwise noted. Please find further information on the Nauticast homepage (www.nauticast.com).

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

Safety Instructions

Note the following compass safe distances:

Disposal Instructions

Broken or unwanted electrical or electronic equipment parts shall be classified and handled as ‘Electronic
Waste’. Improper disposal may be harmful to the environment and human health. Please refer to your local

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

Contact Information

For installation, service, ordering info and technical support please contact your local Nauticast service partner.
A list of dealers and service stations can be found on our website http://www.nauticast.com.

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

1 General Introduction

1.1 Description of AIS

AIS stands for: “Automatic Identification System”

What is AIS?

According to IALA regulations, AIS is defined as follows:
AIS is a broadcast transponder system, operating in the VHF maritime mobile Band (161,975 and 162,025
MHz). It is capable of sending ship information such as identification, position, course, speed and more to
other ships and to shore stations. It can handle multiple reports at rapid update rates and uses Self-Organizing
Time Division Multiple Access (SOTDMA) technology to meet these high broadcast rates and ensure reliable
and robust operation.

The Modules of an AIS are:

 DGPS / GPS receiver
 VHF Radio
 Antenna
 Computer (CPU)
 Power Supply

Appropriate application software connects the individual modules.

In which modes do AIS operate?

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

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

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

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

Types of AIS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or competent authority.

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

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

from all vessels around a certain port or shore line.

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

missions.

information about their positions.

inland transponder has additional messages to communicate with bridges, ports and locks and can
also send some additional information that are useful on water ways such as blue sign indication,
specific hazardous cargo etc.

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

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

AIS in an Operational Environment

This illustration depicts a typical AIS System, where two or more AIS equipped vessels (and
shore based systems) are automatically communicating with each other.

Figure 1 – AIS System

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

Transponder). Due to “Time – Synchronization” they use the same organization of free and allocated
windows (Slots) in the shared VHF Data Link (this method is called “Self Organized Time Division Multiple
Access”) to send and receive messages.

On the next page, a typical NAUTICAST A2 installation in a common environment is shown. The NAUTICAST
A2 is connected to the vessel’s emergency power supply, and in connection with the VHF, and GPS­Antennas, the minimal requirements for transponder operation are fulfilled. By means of standardized
messages the involved AIS systems exchange certain static data and dynamic information, such as the
location and the course of the other ships in the area.

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

1.2 AIS Networks

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

Figure 2 – AIS Network

1.3 Inland AIS

The AIS Inland Standard is an European extension to class A devices for use on inland waterways. AIS Inland
transponders support additional messages for communication with Bridges, Ports and locks. Blue Sign or
dangerous cargo messages can also be transmitted.

Note:
The NAUTICAST A2 AIS can operate in both modes, standard (SOLAS) class A and Inland, depending the
user’s needs.

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

2 System Overview

2.1 Product Description

The NAUTICAST A2 System consists of a transceiver radio unit, a GPS receiver, a controller unit and a colour
LCD with a numerical keypad. The radio has three receivers, two tuneable TDMA receivers and one DSC
receiver. The transmitter alternates its transmissions between the two operating TDMA. The controller unit
creates and schedules data packets (containing dynamic, static and voyage related data) for transmission
based on the IMO performance standard for AIS.
The NAUTICAST A2 shall be connected to the ship’s sensors as required by the installation guidelines published
by IALA. The NAUTICAST A2 can interface external navigation and presentation systems that support required
IEC 61162-1 sentences. Refer to chapter 8 for more information. The NAUTICAST A2 is prepared for connection
to Long Range systems like Inmarsat C.
The colour LCD and numerical keypad provides a graphical user-friendly interface to the system. It is possible
to plot the location of other vessels, aids to navigation and search and rescue vessels. The LCD and numerical
keypad can also be used to send and receive messages, perform configuration as well as supervise the systems
status.

Figure 3 – System Overview

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

2.2 Main features

 Multi-colour 3.5” LCD with numerical keypad interface.
 USB Host interface for connection of USB keyboard and USB flash memories.
 Individual visual display settings for day and night operations.
 Broadcast of Dynamic, Static and Voyage related information.
 Standardized interface for connection to ship sensors e.g. GNSS, Gyro, Rate of Turn Indicator,

ECDIS/ECS and ARPA.

 Plot capable of presenting up to 500 targets in the vicinity of the own ship.
 Messaging views for generation and presentation of safety related messages and text messages.
 Pilot plug integrated to the front of the transponder unit.
 Channel management capability for areas without access to the worldwide allocated AIS frequencies.
 Possibility to generate Long Range AIS reply over satcom equipment such as Inmarsat C.
 In addition to the normal high (12,5W) and low (1W) power mode, the NAUTICAST A2 has a 1W

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

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

Transponders.

 Easily upgraded with the latest software release from Nauticast using USB memory.
 Save/Restore configuration using USB Storage.

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

Name

Part number

Qty.

NAUTICAST A2 AIS Transponder
SOLAS Class A & Inland AIS

1001001

1
Documentation for Nauticast A2

1001001-1

1

Power Cable 2m

1001002

1

3 Installation

IMPORTANT:

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

3.1 Installation Requirements

General Requirements
Please note that international conventions, regulations, instructions and guidelines have to be followed when
installing the NAUTICAST A2.
The following points must be observed before installation can commence:

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

- Trained service personnel must undertake the installation.

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

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

- All available interfaces must be installed.

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

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

3.2 Installation Overview

Basic Equipment:

AUTHORITIES MANDATE that after the physical installation has been successfully

conditions apply (refer to Chapter 3.4)

Table 1 – NAUTICAST A2 Basic Equipment

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

SOLAS Convention ships should be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down in IMO Res. A 746(18)
"Survey Guidelines under the harmonized system of survey and certification" (R) 8, and "Protocol of 1988
relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974."
The NAUTICAST A2 consists of one unit, which integrates all necessary modules.

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure:

When installing the NAUTICAST A2, it is recommended to follow the steps described in this manual. Details of
the installation procedure can be found in the coming sections.
Recommended installation steps:

1. Mount the NAUTICAST A2 at conning station

2. Mount the alarm relay unit (if available)

3. Mount the VHF antenna

4. Mount the GPS antenna

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

6. Power up the system

7. Set configuration parameters

8. Perform system functional check

9.

3.3 Mounting the NAUTICAST A2

3.3.1 Location
The NAUTICAST A2 should be mounted close to the position from which the ship is normally operated,
preferably on the bridge console close to the conning position.
When mounting the NAUTICAST A2, please consider the following:

 The NAUTICAST A2 shall be connected to ship ground using the earth terminal found on the rear plate.
 The temperature and humidity should be moderate and stable at the place of mounting, +15ºC to +35ºC

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

 Select a location away from excessive heat sources

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

Type

Attenuation @ 150
MHz (dB/100m)

 (mm)

Weight (kg/100m)

RG 214

7

10.8

18.5

RG 217

5

13.8

30.1

RG 225 8 10.9

23.3

 Ensure that there is enough airflow to avoid high ambient temperatures
 Avoid areas where there is a high flow of humid salt air
 Avoid places with high levels of vibrations and shocks
 Avoid mounting the NAUTICAST A2 in direct sunlight for the best readability
 Ensure that the cables can be connected without violating their minimum bending radius
 The unit can affect magnetic compasses. The minimum compass safe distance is 0.60 meters to a standard

magnetic compass and 0.45 meters to a steering magnetic compass

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

3.4 Mount the NAUTICAST A2 VHF antenna

Interference to the Ship’s VHF Radiotelephone

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

cause interference to a ship’s VHF radiotelephone. Because AIS is a digital system, this interference may occur
as a periodic (e.g. every 20 seconds) soft clicking sound on the ship’s radiotelephone. This affect may become

more noticeable if the VHF radiotelephone antenna is located close to the AIS VHF antenna, and when the
radiotelephone is operating on channels near the AIS operating channels (e.g. channels 27, 28 and 86).
Attention should be paid to the location and installation of the various antennas, in order to support the
antenna characteristics in the best possible way.

3.4.1 VHF Antenna Location
Location of the mandatory AIS VHF-antenna should be carefully considered. Digital communication is more
sensitive than analogue/voice communication to interference created by reflections caused by obstructions
such as masts and booms. It may be necessary to relocate the VHF radiotelephone antenna to minimize
interference effects.

To minimize interference effects, the following guidelines apply:

 The AIS VHF antenna should have omnidirectional vertical polarization.
 The AIS VHF antenna should be placed in an elevated position, as free standing as possible, with a

minimum of 2 meters in horizontal direction from constructions made of conductive materials. The antenna
should not be installed close to any large vertical obstruction. The AIS VHF antenna should have a visible
sky of 360°.

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

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

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

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

a minimum of 2 meters vertical separation. If it is located on the same level as other antennas, the distance
apart should measure at least 10 meters.

3.4.2 VHF Cabling
The cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize attenuation of the signal. Double shielded coaxial
cable equal or better than RG214 is recommended to minimize the effects from electromagnetic interference
from high power lines, radar or other radio transmitter cables.
The table below gives recommendation on cables that can be used for the VHF-antenna connections, the
cables used should always be of marine approved type. The cable attenuation shall be kept as low as possible;
a 3 dB loss is the same as cutting the signal strength in half.

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

All outdoor connectors on the coaxial cables should be fitted with preventive isolation, such as shrink-stocking
with silicone to protect the antenna cable against water penetration. Coaxial cables should be installed in

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

Table 2 – VHF Antenna Cables

Type

Attenuation @ 1.5
GHz (dB/m)

 (mm)

Weight (kg/100m)

RG 58

0.9 5 3.7

RG 400

0.6

4.95

6.3

RG 223

0.6

5.40

5.5

RG 214

0.35

10.8

18.5

RG 225

0.3

10.9

23.3

separate signal cable channels/tubes, and at least 10 cm away from any power supply cables. Crossing of
cables should take place at right angles (90°). Coaxial cables should not be exposed to sharp bends, which
may lead to changes to the characteristic impedance of the cable. The minimum bend radius should be 5 times
the cables outside diameter.

Grounding

Coaxial down-leads must be used for all receiving antennas, and the coaxial screen should be connected to
the ground at one end.

3.5 Mount the NAUTICAST A2 GPS Antenna

The NAUTICAST A2 shall be connected to a GPS antenna type Procom GPS-4 (1001022), Nauticast Standard
GPS antenna (3001002) or to a combined GPS/VHF antenna AC Marine VHF/GPS-2 (1001027). 5V DC is
supplied through the antenna lead for the antenna preamplifier.
Please note the Compass Safe Distances in section 6.3 “Transponder Environment”.
If the combined AC Marine GPS/VHF antenna is used the diplexer unit shall be installed in an indoor
environment.
Attention should be paid to the location and installation of the different antennas on the ship in order to obtain
the best possible efficiency. How and where the GPS antenna and cable is installed will greatly affect its sensing
efficiency.

3.5.1 GPS Antenna Location
The GNSS antenna must be installed where it has a clear view of the sky, so that it accesses the horizon freely
through 360°, with a vertical observation of 5 to 90 degrees above the horizon. Small diameter obstructions,
such as masts and booms, do not seriously impair signal reception, but such objects must not eclipse more
than a few degrees of any given bearing.
The antenna must be located at least three meters away from, and out of the transmitting beam of high­power transmitters (S-Band Radar and/or Inmarsat systems). This includes the ship’s own AIS VHF antenna,
if it is designed and installed separately.
If a DGNSS system is included or connected to the AIS system, the installation of the antenna should be
undertaken in accordance with IEC 61108-4, Edition 1.

3.5.2 GPS Cabling
The gain of the GPS antenna built-in pre-amplifier shall match the cable attenuation. The resulting installation
gain (pre-amplifier gain minus cable attenuation) shall be within 0 to 26 dB. A minimum value of 10 dB is
recommended for optimum performance.
A double shielded coaxial cable is recommended. The coaxial cable should be routed directly between the GPS
antenna and the NAUTICAST A2 GPS connector in order to reduce electromagnetic interference effects. The
cable should not be installed close to high-power lines, such as radar or radio transmitter lines or the AIS VHF
antenna cable. A separation of 1 meter or more is recommended to avoid interference due to RF-coupling.
Crossing of antenna cables should be done at 90 degrees to minimise magnetic field coupling.
The table below gives recommendation on cables that can be used for the Transponder GPS-antenna

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

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

For optimum performance approximately +10dB gain should be available when the cable attenuation has been
subtracted from the GPS-antenna preamplifier gain. The net gain shall not exceed +26dB.

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

Table 3 – GPS Antenna Cables

Cable type

Preamplifier
gain (dB)

Required min cable
length (m)

Recommended max.
cable length (m)

RG 58

12 0 2

RG 58

26 0 18

RG 58

30

4.5

22

RG 223

12 0 3.5

RG 223

26 0 26.5

RG 223

30

6.5

33.5

RG 214

12 0 6

RG 214

26 0 46

RG 214

30

11.5

57

Priority

Identification

Default Baud Rate

Port direction

1 (Highest priority)

Sensor 1

4800 bps

Input
(See note 1)

2

Sensor 2

4800 bps

Input

3

Sensor 3

4800 bps

Input

4

ECDIS

38400 bps

Input / Output
(See note 2)

5

Long Range

9600 bps

Input / Output
(See note 2)

6

Pilot

38400 bps

Input / Output
(See note 2)

7
(Lowest priority)

RS-232

38400 bps

Input / Output
(See note 2)

Example:

Table 4 – GPS Antenna Cable Examples

Min length = (Preamp. Gain – 26 dB)/Cable attenuation per meter
Max length = (Preamp. Gain – 10 dB)/Cable attenuation per meter

Coaxial cables (marine approved type) should be installed in separate signal cable channels/tubes and at least
10 cm away from power supply cables. Crossing of cables should be done at right angles (90°).
Coaxial cables should not be exposed to sharp bends, which may lead to a change of the characteristic
impedance of the cable. The minimum bending radius should be 5 times the cable's diameter.
All outdoor installed connectors should be weather proofed, e.g. with shrink tubing, watertight seal tape or
butyl rubber tape and plastic tape sealing, to protect against water penetration into the antenna cable.
Secure the cable properly near the cable ends.

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

3.6 Electrical Installation

The protocol of the serial port interfaces is compliant to IEC 61162-1Ed.4 (2010-11).
All serial ports in the NAUTICAST A2 have the same capabilities with one exception, any Long Range equipment
must be connected to the Long Range port.
The primary external position sensor should be connected to the Sensor 1 port since this port has the highest
priority. The serial ports in the NAUTICAST A2 can also receive differential corrections in RTCM format for
correction of the internal GPS receiver. The ports in the NAUTICAST A2 have different default baud rates but
they can all be configured to any baud rate of 4800, 9600, 38400, 57600 or 115200 bps. The priority levels
for input of sensor data on the different ports are listed below:

Table 5 Port Priorities and Default Baud Rates

NOTE 1: This means that if valid position data from external position sources are input on e.g. both Sensor 1
and ECDIS port, the position data from Sensor 1 will be used.
NOTE 2: Output will be limited if baud rate is below 38400 bps. VDM and VDO messages will not be output.

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

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

Priority

Position

COG/SOG

HDG

ROT

1 (Highest)

RMC

RMC

THS

ROT

2

GNS

VTG

HDT

- 3 GGA

VBW

OSD

-

4

GLL

OSD

-

-

ISO Power

Internal
Signals to AIS

To connected

equipment

sentence in accordance with Table 6.

Table 6 – Sentence priority

3.6.1 Output Drive Capacity for Serial Ports
Each serial port transmitter in the NAUTICAST A2 can have a maximum of 25 listeners consuming 2.0 mA
each.

3.6.2 Input Load
Input impedance for each listener input is 6.4 kΩ.

3.6.3 Schematics of a NAUTICAST A2 Serial Transceiver
Each of the RS422 serial interfaces on the NAUTICAST A2 fulfils the requirements of IEC 61162-2 and IEC
61993-2. A detailed schematic of one of the serial ports in the NAUTICAST A2 is shown below.

Figure 4 – Serial Port Schematics

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

Pin

In/Out

Signal Name

Signal Type

Colour

1

Out

ECDIS - TxB (+)

RS422

White

2

Out

ECDIS - TxA (-)

RS422

Brown

3

In

Sensor1 - RxB (+)

RS422

Green

4

In

Sensor1 - RxA (-)

RS422

Yellow

5

In

Sensor2 - RxB (+)

RS422

Grey

6

In

Sensor2 - RxA (-)

RS422

Pink

7

In

Long Range - RxB (+)

RS422

Blue

8

In

Long Range - RxA (-)

RS422

Red

9 - Long Range - GND

RS422

Black

10 - ECDIS - GND

RS422

Violet

11

In

ECDIS – RxB (+)

RS422

Grey / Pink

12

In

ECDIS – RxA (-)

RS422

Red / Blue

13 - Sensor1 – GND

RS422

White / Green

14 - Sensor2 – GND

RS422

Brown / Green

15

In

Sensor3 – RxB (+)

RS422

White / Yellow

16

In

Sensor3 – RxA (-)

RS422

Yellow / Brown

17

Out

Long Range – TxB (+)

RS422

White / Grey

18

Out

Long Range – TxA (-)

RS422

Grey / Brown

19 - Alarm Relay – GND

-

White / Pink

20

Out

Alarm Relay – Out

-

Pink / Brown

21 - GND

-

White / Blue

22 - - - Brown / Blue

23 - Sensor3 – GND

RS422

White / Red

24 - Alarm Relay - VCC

-

Brown / Red

25

In/Out

CAN (+)

Differential
CAN bus

White/Black

26

In/Out

CAN (-)

Differential
CAN bus

Brown/Black

Pin

Signal Name

1

Not Connected

2

Tx (Transponder side)

3

Rx (Transponder side)

4

Not Connected

5

GND

6

Not Connected

7

Not Connected

8

Not Connected

9

Not Connected

3.6.4 Data Interface Cable with open ends, 1001003

3.6.5 RS232 Data Cable

Table 7 – 26-pin High Density D-sub

Table 8 – 9-pin female D-sub

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

Pin

Signal Name

Colour

1

24VDC positive

Red

2

GND

Black

3

External Switch (R)

Brown

4

External Switch (F)

Orange

RELAY VCC

Brown/Red

RELAY GND

White / Pink

RELAY OUT

Pink / Brown

BLUE SIGN

SWITCH

Power Cable Pin 3

Power Cable Pin 4

External resistor

3.6.6 Power Cable, 1001002

Table 9 – 4-pin male circular ConXall

3.6.7 External Switch
The Power Cable enables connection of an external switch to the NAUTICAST A2. This switch can be used as
a Silent switch or, if configured as an Inland AIS system, as a Blue sign switch.’

3.6.7.1 Blue Sign installation (Inland Mode only)

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

Misc. Interface view accessed from

Main Menu  Config  Interfaces  Miscellaneous

.
The status of the blue sign can be controlled by input on the brown and orange wires of the Power Cable.
The status of the Blue Sign will be read by the NAUTICAST A2 and output on the VHF data link when operating
in “Inland Mode” (see section 4.4.16 for more details). Connect the blue sign switch to pin 3 (brown wire) and
pin 4 (orange wire) of the Power Cable together with an external parallel resistor. When the switch is open,
blue sign will be off. When the switch is closed, blue sign will be on.
The external resistor value depends on the power supply voltage the NAUTICAST A2 is using:

 12V: 2.2kΩ resistor, 10% tolerance, at least 1/8W power rating
 24V: 10kΩ resistor, 10% tolerance, at least 1/8W power rating

Figure 5 – Blue Sign Switch

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

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

Interface view accessed from
The silent switch should be connected in the same way as the blue sign switch. However, the external resistor
may be omitted for the silent switch.
When the circuit is closed (brown and orange wires connected with each other), the NAUTICAST A2 will
transmit as normal. When the circuit is open, the NAUTICAST A2 will be completely silent.

3.6.8 Alarm Relay
It is required that the AIS alarm output (relay) is connected to an audible alarm device or the ship’s alarm
system, if available.

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

Interface (PI) provided the alarm system is AIS compatible. The AIS Alarm Relay is either mounted directly on
a board or on the wall.
The alarm relay wires have the following colour codes in the 26-pole NAUTICAST A2 data interface cable:

Figure 6 shows the alarm relay and its dimensions and explains how to connect the alarm relay to the data
cable and how to connect the load (Alarm Circuit) to the alarm relay. The operating voltage of the alarm relay
is 3 to 60 VDC with a load current of 0.1 to 2 A (3A when using a heat sink).

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

Main Menu  Config  Interfaces  Miscellaneous

Table 10 – Alarm Relay Wires

.

Transponder:

RELAY VCC

RELAY GND

RELAY OUT

Ext. Power Supply:

- (GND)

+12 to 32VDC

Figure 6 – Alarm Relay

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

3.7 System Configuration

When the physical and electrical installation of the system is complete, the NAUTICAST A2 needs to be
configured. The installer is required to set the parameters listed below. For detailed information about the
configuration parameters and how to set them, refer to section 4.2.1 and 4.4.

 MMSI number (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
 IMO vessel number (should be set to zero for Inland vessels)
 Call Sign
 Ship Name
 Ship Type (Only when operating in Class A mode)
 Height Over Keel
 Ship dimensions and antenna positions. Refer to section 4.4.4 Main Menu  Config Ship Dimensions

for more information.

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

 ENI, Unique European Ship Number
 ERI Ship Type (ERI code and standard AIS ship type will be set automatically by the NAUTICAST A2

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

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

or speed log) is connected to NAUTICAST A2.

When the NAUTICAST A2 has been installed according to the procedures described in previous sections, it is
recommended to make a first functional check of the system. Check the following things to ensure that the
NAUTICAST A2 is fully functional.

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

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

 Make sure that there are no unexpected active alarms in the alarm list, see section 4.18 “Alarms”.
 Perform a communication test to ensure that the NAUTICAST A2 can send and receive messages from

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

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

4 Operation

4.1 System Mode

The NAUTICAST A2 can operate in two different system modes, Class A mode and Inland mode. The Class A
mode should be used for vessels falling under the carriage requirements of Chapter V of the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
The Inland mode should be used for vessels travelling on European inland waterways that falls under the
carriage requirements of European River Information Services (RIS). When Inland mode is enabled, additional
views for ETA/RTA messaging and convoy settings will be enabled. The NAUTICAST A2 will also output binary
messages with Inland Static and Voyage data.
As default, the NAUTICAST A2 will operate in Class A mode. It is possible to switch system mode in the System
Settings view, see section 4.4.16 for more information.

4.2 LED’s and Controls

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

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

Figure 7 –Nauticast A2 Front View

1. STATUS LED (multi-colour)

This LED is constant green when the transponder is operating and no alarms are active. The LED is constant
red if there is an active alarm and it is flashing red if there is an unacknowledged alarm.

2. RX LED (yellow)

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

3. TX LED (red)

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

4. LIGHT SENSOR

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

5. ARROW KEYPAD and ENTER

The arrow keypad (< > and ∧ ∨) is used to navigate in menus, lists and edit fields. The center button of the
keypad is an ENTER button which is used to select the highlighted choice in a menu, list or edit control.

6. ESC

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

7. ALPHANUMERIC KEYS

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

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

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

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

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

8. OPT

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

list of options that can be performed on the highlighted item. In e.g. the Target List view the OPT button can
be used to send an SRM to the highlighted target. In the Main Menu view, the OPT button is used to quickly
change navigational status. When a USB keyboard is used, the ALT button of the keyboard corresponds to
OPT button on the NAUTICAST A2 keypad.
If the OPT button is pressed for more than 5 seconds, the visual settings in the NAUTICAST A2 will be restored
to default, i.e. LCD backlight, LED intensity and button backlight will all be 80% and day mode will be used.

9. BACKSPACE

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

4.2.1 Change Settings of a Parameter
Several of the views in the NAUTICAST A2 contain parameters that can be edited. To edit a parameter, select
it by using the ARROW KEYPAD and press ENTER.
Then enter data in one of the following ways:

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

function key BACKSPACE. Some of the parameters are decimal numbers. The OPT button can then
be used to insert a decimal point.

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

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

bring up a menu for entering special characters. To delete a character, press function key
BACKSPACE. When entering passwords both lower and upper case letters can be used. To change

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

 List of predefined values: Use the ∧ ∨ keys to select between the predefined values.
 List of predefined values and numeric input: In some of the views like the AIS Message Send

view where it is possible to send an SRM to a target, it is possible to select an MMSI in a list of
predefined values. The predefined MMSI values are the MMSI numbers that have been received by
the transponder. It is also possible to enter a new MMSI number that has not been received yet. To

do this, simply input a numerical value with the ALPHANUMERIC KEYS.
Press ENTER when done. If desired, use the ARROW KEYPAD keys to select a new parameter to be edited,
or navigate to the Save/Send button located above the list of parameters and press ENTER to save the
parameters / send the message.
Use the ESC key to undo changes and to return to the previous view.

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

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

4.3 Main Menu – Tree View

Figure 8 – Menu Tree

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

Parameter Name

Description

Navigational Status

Changes the navigational status reported by own ship.
It is also possible to quickly change navigational status by
pressing the OPT button when standing in the Main Menu.

Destination

The destination for the current voyage

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

The estimated time of arrival to destination of current voyage

Draught (Class A)

The vertical distance measured from the lowest point of a

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

precision)

Persons on Board

Total number of persons on board

Hazardous Cargo (X,Y,Z,OS)

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

Draught (Inland)

The vertical distance measured from the lowest point of a

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

precision)

Air Draught

The vertical distance measured from the ship’s waterline to
the ship’s highest point, in meters (two decimal precision)

Hazardous Cargo (Blue Cones)

Blue cone classification of cargo

Loaded / Unloaded

Specifies if the ship cargo is loaded or unloaded

Crew Members

Number of crew members on board

Passengers

Number of passengers on board

Personnel

Number of shipboard personnel on board

4.3.1 Navigating in Menus
Use the ARROW KEYPAD buttons < > and ∧ ∨ to navigate between the view buttons in the different menus.
Press the ENTER button to enter the currently selected view. It is also possible to directly select a view by
pressing the ALPHANUMERIC KEY that corresponds to the number in the upper left corner of the view
button.

Figure 9 – Main Menu

4.4 Configuration Parameters

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

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

light grey. Parameters that are only available when operating in “Inland” mode are marked with dark grey.
Common parameters for both system modes are white.

4.4.1 Main Menu  Voyage AIS Voyage
The parameters in AIS Voyage view are used for input of voyage specific information that is sent over the AIS
link. These parameters should typically be configured before each voyage.

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

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

4.4.16.

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

Parameter Name

Description

Tx Mode

This parameter determines the transmission of the
NAUTICAST A2. If set to “Silent”, the NAUTICAST A2 will be
completely silent on the VHF radio and it will not answer on
interrogations.
If a silent switch is used, this parameter will be locked and
“Silent Switch Used” will be displayed as parameter value.

Parameter Name

Description

MMSI

Maritime Mobile Service Identity reported by own ship

IMO

International Maritime Organization number reported by own
ship

Ship Name

Ship name reported by own ship

Call Sign

Call sign reported by own ship.

Shall be set to ATIS code for Inland vessel installations.

Height over Keel

Height over keel in meters (one decimal precision).
Height over Keel information is sent as a response to an

“Extended Ship Static and Voyage Related Data” request

message.

Ship Type (IMO)

Type of Ship according to ITU-R M.1371-4. Both numerical
input and selection from list is possible.

ENI

Unique European Vessel Identification Number reported by
own ship

ERI Ship Type

Ship or combination type according to numeric ERI
classification. Both numerical input and selection from list is
possible. See chapter 10.1 “Inland ERI Ship Types” for
available types.

Quality Speed

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

Quality Course

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

Quality HDG

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

4.4.2 Main Menu  Operational Mode

4.4.3 Main Menu  Config Ship Static

4.4.4 Main Menu  Config Ship Dimensions

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

Misc Interfaces view. The Ship Size Mode parameter can be set to either Standard or Simplified (default). The
Ship Size Mode affects how the user should input ship size and antenna position information and how it is
interpreted.

Standard Mode

In this mode the user must input:



Convoy/ship length



Convoy/ship beam



A, B, C, D



A, B, C, D

It is the users responsibility to input correctly rounded data (

Convoy/ship beam

If the user inputs data which is not correctly rounded the “Ship size mismatch” alarm will be activated.
The output on the AIS data link will be exactly the values input by the user.

Simplified Mode (default)

In this mode the user inputs:



Ship length



Ship beam



X, Y



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

X, Y

for internal antenna [m]
for external antenna [m]

rounded up).

[m] (one decimal precision)

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

[m] (one decimal precision)

[m] (one decimal precision)

A+B

=

Convoy/ship length

rounded up,

C+D

=