Nauticast B2 Users Manual
Nauticast GmbH
Lützowgasse 12-14 / 3.OG
1140 Vienna, Austria
T: +43 (1) 5 237 237-0
F: +43 (1) 5 237 237-150
office@nauticast.com
PRODUCT MANUAL
Class-B AIS Transponder
Art. No. 300 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 B2 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 B2 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 B2 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 B2 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.
The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.55m or greater for 0.3° deviation.
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 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
NauticastTM is a protected trademark of Nauticast GmbH
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B2 Product Manual 2_0
Index
1 WHAT IS AIS? ................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 AIS CLASSES .................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 POSITION INFORMATION SOURCE ....................................................................................................................... 7
2 INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOX .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 SOFTWARE PREREQUISITES ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 INSTALLING THE LINK2AIS SOFTWARE ONTO YOUR PC ............................................................................................ 8
2.4 ENTER YOUR SHIP’S DATA ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.4.1 Connecting the Nauticast B2 to your PC ....................................................................................................... 8
2.4.2 Configuring Software and Nauticast B2 static data .................................................................................... 10
2.5 INSTALLING YOUR NAUTICAST B2 HARDWARE ......................................................................................................12
2.5.1 Installation hints ......................................................................................................................................... 12
2.5.2 Connecting the antennas ............................................................................................................................ 12
2.5.3 Connecting Power ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.5.4 Mounting the Nauticast B2 ......................................................................................................................... 13
2.5.5 Installation Check ........................................................................................................................................ 13
3 CONNECTING EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................14
3.1 CONNECTING TO A PC .....................................................................................................................................14
3.2 CONNECTING TO OTHER MARINE EQUIPMENT VIA NMEA0183 (OPTIONAL DATA CABLE REQUIRED) .................................14
3.3 CONNECTING AN ALARM RELAY (OPTIONAL DATA CABLE REQUIRED) ...........................................................................14
3.4 SILENT MODE (OPTIONAL DATA CABLE REQUIRED) .................................................................................................14
3.5 EXTERNAL LED STATUS INDICATORS (OPTIONAL DATA CABLE REQUIRED).....................................................................14
4 OPERATION OF YOUR NAUTICAST B2 ...................................................................................................15
4.1 INTERPRETING STATUS LEDS ............................................................................................................................15
4.1.1 PWR............................................................................................................................................................. 15
4.1.2 TX (Timeout) ................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.1.3 ERR - Error ................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1.4 CH1 and CH2 – channel information ........................................................................................................... 16
4.2 DATA PORT MESSAGES (NMEA 0183) .............................................................................................................16
4.3 USING DIFFERENT ANTENNAS ............................................................................................................................16
4.3.1 GPS Antenna ............................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.2 VHF Antenna ............................................................................................................................................... 16
4.4 STANDARDS .................................................................................................................................................17
5 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................17
6 CONTACT & SUPPORT INFORMATION ...................................................................................................17
7 TECHNICAL DETAILS ..................................................................................................................................18
7.1 PRODUCT SPECIFICATION .................................................................................................................................18
7.2 INFORMATION REPORTING INTERVALS ................................................................................................................18
8 APPENDIX ......................................................................................................................................................19
8.1 APPENDIX A – BLOCK DIAGRAM ....................................................................................................................19
8.2 APPENDIX B – PIN LAYOUT / CABLE CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................20
8.3 APPENDIX C – DIMENSIONS NAUTICAST B2 ......................................................................................................23
8.4 APPENDIX D – GPS ANTENNA ..........................................................................................................................24
8.5 APPENDIX E – VHF ANTENNA ..........................................................................................................................25
8.6 APPENDIX F – DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .....................................................................................................26
8.7 APPENDIX F – BSH CLASS B TYPE APPROVAL ......................................................................................................27
8.8 APPENDIX H – DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................28
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B2 Product Manual 2_0
Date
Version
Status
Comments
2013-07-31
1.14
Release
First Official Release
2013-08-19
1.15
Release
Editorial Changes
2014-07-14
1.2
Release
Editorial Changes
2014-09-30
2.0
Release
Structure updated, introduced new
troubleshooting guide
Date
B2 Firmware
Status
Comments
2014-11-16
FW01.3033-006
Release
Improvements to ship list data,
minor parameter changes
Date
Link2AIS
Status
Comments
2013-06-28
3.0
Released
2014-04-17
3.1
Released
Minor changes in interface
2014-11-25
3.2
Released
Bug fixes, interface changes, new debug
mode for data logging
History of Changes in this Product Manual
Software/firmware dependencies
This revision of the manual is valid for the latest software/firmware versions listed below and
any newer releases. Please check www.nauticast.com/downloads for available updates.
Safety warnings
This AIS transponder is solely an aid to navigation and can under no circumstances provide complete
and accurate navigation information. AIS is not a replacement for vigilant human lookouts and other
navigation aids such as RADAR. The performance of the transceiver may be seriously impaired if not
installed as instructed in the product manual or due to other factors such as weather and or nearby
transmitting devices. Compatibility with other systems may vary and relies on third party systems
recognising the standard outputs from the transceiver. The manufacturer reserves the right to
update and change these specifications at any time and without notice.
Safety of Life Systems
Nauticast devices may only be used in safety of life devices or systems with the express written
approval of Nauticast. The unsolicited and untested use of Nauticast devices in safety of life devices
or systems may jeopardize the safety or the life of the user or other persons.
Important information for US customers
There are specific laws in the USA regarding the configuration of AIS Class B transceivers.
If you are a US resident and intend to use your AIS Class B transceiver in US waters, you should
make sure that your retailer has configured your product prior to supplying it to you. If your AIS
transceiver has not been pre-configured please contact your dealer for details of how to have it
configured. In the United States the MMSI and static data may only be entered by an
authorized dealer; the end user of the equipment is not authorised to enter or change
their own vessel data.
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1 WHAT IS AIS?
AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. AIS increases the navigational safety and helps
avoid collisions by interchanging vessel identification and route data between nearby ships and land
based stations. This makes identifying ships and their planned course much easier when not in sight
(e.g. at night, in radar blind arcs or shadows or at larger distance).
According to IALA regulations, AIS is defined as follows:
AIS is a broadcast transponder system, operating in the VHF maritime mobile band (using two VHF
channels: 87B - 161.975MHz and 88B - 162.025MHz). It is capable of sending ship information such
as identification, position, course, speed and more, to other ships and to shore. It can handle multiple
reports at rapid update rates and uses Carrier Sense Time Division Multiple Access (CSTDMA)
technology to meet these high broadcast rates and ensure reliable and robust ship to ship operation.
The IMO defines the performance standards as follows:
Ship to ship working, ship to shore working, including long range application, automatic and
continuous operation, provision of information messaging via PC and utilization of maritime VHF
channels .
The Modules:
GPS system, AIS Transponder, VHF Antenna, and the Power Supply (appropriate application
software connects the individual modules).
AIS systems are required to operate in a variety of modes:
The system shall be capable of
An "autonomous and continuous" mode for operation in all areas. This is the default
mode but can be forced to/from the following alternatives by an entitled authority;
An "assigned" mode for operation in an area subject to an entitled authority responsible for
traffic monitoring; data transmission interval and/or time slots may be set remotely;
A "polling or controlled" mode, where data transfer occurs in response to polling from a
ship or entitled authority.
This illustration depicts a typical AIS System where two or more AIS equipped vessels (and shore
based systems) are automatically communicating with each other:
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The illustration below depicts a typical Nauticast B2 installation in a common environment. When
the Nauticast B2 is connected to the vessel’s power supply and both VHF and GPS antenna it fulfils
the requirement for standard operation. The scenario shows a full AIS coverage area (including all
applications and complete shore infrastructure).
1.1 AIS Classes
There are two classes of AIS units fitted to vessels, Class-A and Class-B. In addition to those, AIS
base stations may be employed by the Coastguard, port authorities and other authorized bodies.
AIS units acting as Aids to Navigation (A to N) can also be fitted to fixed and floating navigation
markers such as channel markers and buoys.
Class-A units are a mandatory fit under the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) convention to vessels above
300 gross tons or those that carry more than 11 passengers in international waters. Many other
commercial vessels and some leisure craft are fitted with Class-A units voluntarily. Class-B units are
designed for vessels which do not fall under the mandatory Class-A requirements.
The Nauticast B2 is a fully compliant Class-B AIS unit.
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• Name of Vessel
• Destination
• Vessel Dimensions
• Status
• Speed (SOG)
• Call Sign
• ETA
• Draft
• Position
• Course (COG)
• Type of Vessel
• MMSI Number
• Navigational Status
• Heading
• Rate of Turn
• IMO Number
• Cargo
Information transmitted from vessels that have a Class-B AIS transponder on-board include:
• Name of Vessel
• Vessel Dimensions
• Speed (SOG)
• Type of Vessel
• Position
• Heading
• MMSI Number
• Course (COG)
• Call Sign
Information transmitted from vessels that have a Class-A AIS transponder on board include:
1.2 Position Information Source
The marine AIS system uses position information derived from networks such as the Global
Positioning Satellite (GPS) or the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) in order to determine
the location of the AIS unit and thus the vessel to which it is fitted. The Nauticast B2 utilizes the GPS
satellite network.
2 Installation
2.1 The contents of this box
Before proceeding with the installation of the Nauticast B2 please check the contents of the box,
which should include:
The Nauticast B2 AIS transponder
Mounting plate
Power Cable
USB Cable
VHF Antenna with connection cable and mount
GPS Antenna with connection cable and mount
Documentation and Software CD containing:
o Nauticast B2 Product Manual
o Nauticast B2 Product Sheet
o Link2AIS Setup
o Link2AIS User Guide
o + other Documentation and Information Material
Installation should be completed in 3 separate steps. Complete each step before proceeding to the
next:
1. Install the Link2AIS software onto your PC
(please see our website http://www.nauticast.com/content/link2ais for the latest version).
2. Enter your ship’s data (MMSI, Vessel Name, Call sign, Length, Beam etc.) into the Link2AIS
software and save them onto the Nauticast B2 (only USB connection necessary).
3. Install your Nauticast B2 hardware to your vessel.
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B2 Product Manual 2_0
2.2 Software Prerequisites
The Link2AIS-software is designed to operate with Microsoft Windows® operating systems. The
recommended minimum system requirements are:
Microsoft Windows® XP SP2 or above till Microsoft Windows® 8.1.
Recommended screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 (although the Link2AIS-software can
operate on screens with smaller resolution, with the use of scroll bars).
One free USB port – minimum USB 2.0.
A pointing device (mouse or equivalent).
An Internet Browser used for the help system.
2.3 Installing the Link2AIS software onto your PC
The Link2AIS-software is part of the Nauticast B2-bundle or may be downloaded from the webpage
of Nauticast GmbH. Unzip the package when necessary, locate the file Setup.exe ind the “Software”
folder on the enclosed CD and double click on this file to start the installation process. Follow the
screen prompts to install the Link2AIS software.
* Refer to the Software User Guide (‘Help – Link2AIS-Help’, section Documentation)
for detailed installation instructions.
A Start Menu folder and a shortcut on your desktop will be created with the name 'Link2AIS'. This
short cut should be used to launch the application.
2.4 Enter your ship’s data
NOTE: To program your Nauticast B2 you will need to connect it to a personal computer or a
notebook with the Link2AIS software installed. There is no external power source needed when
using a USB connection. If you intend to use the optional data cable (product no.: 3001004) on the
vessel, we recommend you still perform the configuration of the Nauticast B2 via USB, in order to
make programming your device easier.
2.4.1 Connecting the Nauticast B2 to your PC
Connect the Nauticast B2 to your PC/notebook using USB. The LEDs on the device will
first cycle through. Then the PWR LED and the ERR LED will stay on, while the TX LED
flashes. This is the normal sytem behaviour if the device is only connected to the USB
port and no antennas are attached.
Make sure the device is recognized correctly by your PC (Windows shows a message on
the task panel what COM port has been assigned).
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B2 Product Manual 2_0
Start the Link2AIS software program on the PC.
Open the connection settings:
By pressing ‘Scan Ports’ the software checks the available ports for the device and gives
you a suggestion when ready. The serial port (port number can be found in the device
manager of Windows) can also be selected manually from the menu. Click 'Save' when
the right port is selected. For the Nauticast B2 115200 bps need to be used.
Once a connection is established the application is ready to use. Any error messages
shown during USB-only connection can be ignored (such as send and seceive erros,
postion errors etc.).
There is a context based Help available which explains what each data entry field means
and what sort of data is expected. The help system is started by pressing the F1 key on
your PC or via the menu “Help”.
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2.4.2 Configuring Software and Nauticast B2 static data
The functions of Link2AIS are arranged in a series of menus. Depending on the version
of Link2AIS installed not all menu entries shown below may be visible.
Open ‘AIS Settings’ - ‘Identification’. This will display the 'Static Data' for the connected
transponder. This includes the vessel's name, call sign, MMSI number and other fixed
information.
To configure the transponder all of the data fields must be filled and saved.
CAUTION:
For security reasons the MMSI of the vessel cannot be changed by the end user once
they are programmed. Do NOT program the MMSI unless you are certain you have the
correct information. Please check the number entered carefully. If the MMSI is
programmed incorrectly or has to be changed at a later date you have to contact your
supplier or Nauticast GmbH (www.nauticast.com) for a MMSI reset.
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