Operation Manual
M-2 AIS Transponder System
Applicability of this manual
This manual illustrates the operation of Display model V01.02.xx
In accordance with McMurdo's policy of continual development and product
improvement, equipment may be upgraded from time to time and future
versions may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. When
necessary, upgrades will be accompanied by updates or addenda to this
manual.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this manual is supplied in good faith, but is liable to
change without notice. McMurdo Limited disclaims any liability for
consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in the manuals and
documentation provided with this product.
IMPORTANT: Please take time to read this manual carefully and to understand
its contents fully, so that you can operate your Transceiver correctly.
© 2004 McMurdo Limited
Safety Summary
WARNING: ENSURE THAT THE M-2 AIS HAS BEEN CORRECTLY
INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IMO GUIDELINES AND THE
SUPPLIED INSTALLATION MANUAL BEFORE POWERING ON THE
SYSTEM.
WARNING: The M-2 has no ON/OFF or power switch. It will automatically start
operation within 2 minutes of applying power to the transponder unit.
WARNING: Transponder chassis can become hot during extended periods of
operation. Avoid touching this when the transponder is operating. The plastic
dust cover must be fixed in place before setting the equipment to work.
WARNING: Do not touch the VHF antenna or connecting cable when the
transponder is in operation.
WARNING: Unauthorised opening of the transponder access covers may
invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
WARNING: Avoid using chemical solvents to clean the Display or transponder
dust cover as they can damage the casing material.
WARNING: The use and operation of an AIS transponder is legislated and
forms a part of the ship’s mandatory navigation equipment under SOLAS
regulations. It is therefore necessary that the installation is certified
(commissioned) and that certain information has to be available before full
operation of the transponder can take place. The ship’s IMO and MMSI
numbers and other important information must be entered as part of the
installation and commissioning procedure, and before the equipment is used at
sea.
WARNING: This product is sold or provided as merely an aid to navigation. It is
the responsibility of the user to exercise discretion and proper navigational and
seamanship skills.
WARNING: NOT ALL SHIPS CARRY AIS. The Officer of the Watch (OOW)
should alway s be aware that other ships and, in particular, leisure craft, fishing
boats and warships, and in some cases coastal shore stations (including
Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS) centres), may not be fitted with AIS. The OOW
should always be aware that AIS fitted on other ships as a mandatory carriage
requirement may, under certain circumstances, be switched off based on the
Master’s professional judgement.
WARNING: The use of a Megger (High Voltage Insulation Tester) may damage
the equipment and therefore should not be used.
WARNING: Do not operate the equipment when persons are closer than 3
metres from the antenna. If any person (e.g. the operator) must be closer, then
a grounded RF shield should be interposed between that person and the
antenna.
AIS Operation Licensing
IMPORTANT: Operation of the AIS Transponder is covered by international
radio regulations and therefore the ship must possess a valid ship’s radio
licence. The AIS equipment must be correctly registered (Call Sign and MMSI
number). Operation of AIS equipment without a valid MMSI number
contravenes international radio regulations and must be avoided. Please
contact the relevant authority in your country for further information regarding
ship’s radio licensing requirements.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this manual is correct at time of going to print but is
liable to change without notice. McMurdo Limited disclaims any liability for
consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in the manuals and
documentation provided with this product.
Equipment may be upgraded and features added at any time; however, the
basic principles given in this document will remain unchanged.
Contents
Introduction...............................................................................1
Product Definition ..........................................................................2
AIS in use.....................................................................................3
M-2 Key AIS Functions ..................................................................4
M-2 Product description.................................................................5
Quick Start - setting to work.................................................7
Starting the M-2.............................................................................7
Display and controls ...............................................................8
Using Softkey menus ................................................................... 10
General operation....................................................................... 11
General operation........................................................................ 12
Password access control ............................................................. 14
Detailed operation..................................................................17
VOYAGE Mode: Current Status ....................................................18
VOYAGE Mode: Own Voyage ...................................................... 19
Target Mode: Target list ...............................................................21
Target Mode: Target Plot ............................................................. 22
Reading and sending safety messages ......................................... 24
Target Mode: All messages.......................................................... 25
Target Mode: Short messaging, Target message ...........................28
Target mode: Short messaging, BROADCAST message ................29
Alarm mode: All events log ...........................................................30
Alarm mode: Current alarms ........................................................ 31
Alarm mode: Alarms log............................................................... 32
Alarm mode: Security log ............................................................. 33
System configuration................................................................... 35
Ship’s Static Data ........................................................................37
Channel Regions......................................................................... 39
Configuration............................................................................... 42
Setup mode: long range responses .............................................. 43
Maintenance and Servicing.................................................45
Troubleshooting.....................................................................46
Alarm Messages ..........................................................................49
Declaration of Conformity ...................................................53
Index..........................................................................................55
Introduction
About this Manual
This operat ion manual has been designed to help the user understand how to
operate the M -2 AIS transponder system. Before attempting operation for the
first time, please read this manual thoroughly. The first sections are an overview
of the most commonly used feature s and a description of the various modes of
operation; the remainder of the sections have a full explanation of all the
features and user settings.
It is assumed that the M -2 installation is complete and all appropriate external
equipment is connected and working as intended. A separate M -2 installation
manual is supplied with the equipment; this details full installation procedures
and provides routine service information.
This manual provides a step by step guide to the procedures typically required
to operate the M -2 as a Class A shipborne equipment.
It explains how to:
- Review and update own vessel static and voyage related information
- Check the current status of the AIS system and connected sensors
- List other AIS targets and view as a geographic plot overview
- View and set VHF AIS regions
- View and create safety text Messages
- Check status of alarms and view the system security log
- Respond to Long Range requests
- Troubleshoot
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 1
Product Definition
AIS overview
The Automatic Identificat ion System (AIS) system provides for communication,
navigation and surveillance capabilities for vessels and for fixed coast radio
stations. The AIS transponder offers high-speed automated communication from
ship to ship and ship to shore of vessel-, voyage- and safety -related information.
Own vessel navigational data is automatically transmitted directly to surrounding
vessels and shore based VTS systems utilising marine VHF channels. The AIS
gives mariners the ability to vie w at a glance the status of AIS equipped vessels
and aids to navigation around them and provides access to a host of detailed
navigation information.
2 Issue 1 M-2 AIS Operation
The M -2 is primarily designed for use as a shipborne AIS mobile station, and
comprises of two main parts:
Transponder
The M-2 AIS transponder has an integral Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) engine used for timing, one radio transmitter, three radio receivers and
a computer unit. The AIS equipment should be interfaced to the vessel’s primary
GNSS navigation receiver, connected to a marine antenna and be interfaced to
the vessel’s gyro compass.
As appropriate to the class and use of vessel, there is provision for additional
interface connections: Rate of Turn (ROT) indicator, bottom track speed log,
differential beacon Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, Electronic Chart
Display Information System (ECDIS) or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)
system, Pilot Plug and Long Ra nge port.
Display
The Display is used to input vessel details, configure the system and to display
AIS target information.
An IMO pilot plug socket box may be attached to a socket on the rear of the
display or connected directly to the transponder.
AIS in use
The AIS Transponder transmits information which is separated into three
groups:
Static data - Vessel name, type, length and breadth, MMSI and IMO numbers
and GNSS antenna location.
Dynamic data – Position, accuracy and integrity of the position, time, course
and speed over ground and navigational status.
Voyage data – Cargo, draught, port of destination and estimated time of arrival.
In addition, the AIS can transmit and receive Safety Messages. These may
include navigation safety information, warnings of floating objects, collisions,
meteorological situation s, etc.
Differential correction information for GNSS can be processed by the AIS,
increasing the accuracy of positional information and hence the safety of the
vessel. Differential correction information can also be provided by connection of
a supplementary differential beacon differential receiver.
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 3
M-2 Key AIS Functions
- Automatic identification of other AIS equipped stations.
- Self -organising control of access to the radio channels.
- Reception of data from other vessels and coast radio stations.
- Transmission of own vessel data for use by other vessels and coast stations.
- Storage of static data intended for automatic transmission via the radio
channels.
- Output of data received via the radio channels from other AIS targets for
presentation on the Display or other visual display equipment.
- Determination of the position and motion of own vessel if the external GNSS
receiver fails, by utilising the internal GNSS receiver.
- Application of GNSS differential corrections using information supplied from a
supplementary differential beacon receiver.
- Application of GNSS differential corrections using information received from a
controlling station via Message 17 over the AIS VHF Data Link (VDL) channel.
- Display of bearings and distances to the vessels, calculated from their coordinates, obtained via the AIS VDL channels.
Operation
Please read all the warning notices at the front of this manual before applying
power to the AIS Transponder and setting the equipment to work.
Activation
It is recommended that AIS should not normally be powered down and should
always remain in operation continuously. However, based on the Master’s
professional judgement, either transmission s may be inhibited by selecting
‘Silent mode’ or the AIS may be powered down entirely if continuous operation
might compromise the ship’s safety or security. This might be necessary in
waters where pirates or armed robbers are known to operate or during some
cargo handling or maintenance operations.
Actions of this nature should always be recorded in the ship’s logbook.
Reactivation of the AIS should take place as soon as the reason for deactivation
has passed.
Compliance
The M -2 AIS complies with international standards and is type approved in
accordance with the European Marine Equipment Directive. The EU Declaration
of Conformity , shown on the rear pages, lists the relevant approval standards.
Details of other Worldwide type approvals are listed on the McMurdo website
www.mcmurdo.co.uk
4 Issue 1 M-2 AIS Operation
M-2 Product description
Key features
• Shipborne Class A AIS
• Versatile Keyboard and Display Unit
• Clear presentation of targets as graphics and text
• Integral 16 channel Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)
• Differential GNSS (DGNSS) correction
• Interfaces to ECS, ECDIS, ARPA
• Pilot plug connection
• Integral ship’s cable termination board
• Four sensor interfaces
• Long Range port
The M -2 gives a clear indication of identity, proximity and bearing of surrounding
AIS targets. By providing this information in both graphic and text formats the
need for ‘bridge to bridge’ radio voice contact between vessels is much reduced.
AIS targets are unaffected by radar shadow effects and remain visible even
when target s may be lost to the vessel’s radar.
Own vessel static and voyage related information is broadcast automatically
every six minutes. Depending on the speed the vessel is making, dynamic
factors (speed, course , heading and rate of turn) are transmitted at intervals of
between two and twelve seconds or every three minutes when moored.
M-2 Display controller and Transponder unit
-enabled GPS receiver
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 5
AIS
The M -2 Display unit features a large, high contrast, backlit Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) graphic display. AIS target information may be displayed as an
ordered list or plotted on a latitude/longitude grid overlay. The clear graphical
target presentation gives the officer of the watch a clear overview and best
visual understanding of a developing hazard to navigation situation. The AIS
target list has a split screen view; detailed AIS target information is clearly
displayed in the lower section. Menu ‘Soft Keys’ provide for an intuitive user
interface and give direct and easy access to all aspects of system operation.
Entry of alphanumeric text information is both easy and straightforward using
the on-screen ‘pop-up’ keyboard together with an intuitive four way navigation
pad key. Standard text phrases may be edited and re-used when composing
text based safety messages or when updating own vessel voyage, route, and
destination details.
Comprehensive interface s are provided for the connection of the vessel’s
primary navigation sensors, Integrated Bridge System (IBS) or Electronic Chart
System (ECS).
6 Issue 1 M-2 AIS Operation
Quick Start - setting to work
WARNING: The M-2 has no ON/OFF switch. It will automatically start operation
within 2 minutes of applying power to the transponder unit.
Caution: Read the warning notices at the front of this manual before powering
up the AIS Transponder.
When setting the M -2 to work, always review your vessel’s voyage related
information and update as required.
Starting the M -2
Apply the power source to the Transponder. This procedure will depend on the
vessel’s actual installation arrangements but would generally involve closing a
switch panel circuit breaker or switching on the AC / DC rectifier power unit (if
fitted).
After a short delay the Display Alert indication lamp (red LED) will start to flash
and shortly after that the Display start up welcome screen will be displayed.
Review and update your vessel’s voyage related information.
Check that the vessel ’s navigation sensors are providing valid navigation
information.
Take particular not ice that the heading information is in correct alignment with
the vessel’s master steering compass.
Consult the following sections for detailed system operation information.
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 7
Data entry
4-axis
Backlight on/off key
menus
Softkey
Display window
Alert LED
Display and controls
Status bar
Label area
Second function:
Hold down to enter
LCD setup mode
navigation
pad
(Navpad)
Setting the display backlight and co ntrast level
To adjust the brightness or contrast of the display, hold down the backlight key
until the screen change s to the LCD setup page. Adjust the LCD backlight and
contrast set tings using the four way navigation pad. Return to the previous page
by holding down the backlight key until the screen changes.
8 Issue 1 M-2 AIS Operation
4 Softkey buttons
confirmation key.
Second function:
Hold down this key to
access set -up mode
menus
One short push of the backlight key toggles the backlight ON and
OFF.
Enter key and Setup mode
New message
RAIM active
GNSS position
System Date
GNSS
The ENTER key confirms the entry of new data, and provides
additional functions:
Text entry mode, to activate the popup keyboard
Setup Mode; enter System Setup Mode by holding down the
ENTER key for more than five seconds.
Navpad
The four-way ‘Navigation Pad’ moves the cursor around the
screen.
It is also used to change data:
UP/DOWN selects the field
LEFT/RIGHT changes the value
Status bar
The information bar at the top of the display shows the current system status.
information as
broadcast over
AIS channels
Alarm window
Alarms relate to own vessel
conditions. A new alarm state is
announced by a popup text box.
Use the ENTER key to
acknowledge the alarm state and
clear the alarm window box from
view. Alarm boxes persist until acknowledged, thus several boxes may be
stacked on top of each other.
Alert LED
The red Alert LED can be set to indicate various functions.
It will start to flash while the system is in the process of initialising after power up
and before setting to work.
Refer to the setup options section for further informat ion.
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 9
Current alarm
to read
Service mode
and Time (UTC)
provided by
Using Softkey menus
The Select softkey switches the display between the three main Modes of
operation: Voyage → Target → Alarm
The View softkey switches the display between different pages within each
main mode. A View can have se veral Pages associated with it; these may be
scrolled using the Page softkey. Some pages have further options which can be
selected by other softkeys.
Operate the softkeys in this order to get to the selection that you want:
Select → Most significant
View → significant
Page → least significant
Enter or Clear → Action confirmation
Softkey labels display the next function of each softkey that is available in the
current Mode, View or Page.
This example shows the M -2 in SETUP mode.
VOYAGE mode will ap pear if the key is pressed.
The top line of each softkey label indicates the function of the
associated softkey.
In this example, operating the softkey will change to the next
View, which is CONFIG DATA
The lower text of a softkey label indicates the information or
use that is associated with the next softkey action; in this
example, CHANNEL REGION
Softkey menu options cycle repeatedly through all available
selections.
10 Issue 1 M-2 AIS Operation
Softkey cyclic actions
Select
key
View
key
Show
key
(contents depend on context)
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6HOHFW
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02'(
3UHVV6HOHFW
NH\
6HOHFW
$/$50
02'(
3UHVV6HOHFW
NH\
6HOHFW
92<$*(
02'(
3UHVV
YLHZ
NH\
3UHVV
YLHZ
NH\
3UHVV
YLHZ
NH\
3UHVV
YLHZ
NH\
9LHZ
7$5*(7
/,67
9LHZ
3/27
0(66$*(6
9LHZ
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$/$506
9LHZ
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9LHZ
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67$786
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9LHZ
$//
$//
9LHZ
2:1
3UHVV
YLHZ
NH\
3UHVV
YLHZ
NH\
3UHVV
YLHZ
6KRZ
6KRZ
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NH\
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 11
General operation
Entering text
A pop-up QWERTY keyboard appears when updating or inputting new
information into the M -2.
Updating text
Push the EDIT softkey. The data edit cursor will appear
highlighted on the top most field of the page.
Push the ENTER key to activate the popup keypad.
Move the curso r over the field to enter or edit using the
navigation pad.
Move the edit cursor around the keyboard using the navigation pad to highlight
the required character.
Select SHIFT to access lower case characters and symbols.
Select DEL to delete a single character.
The <- and -> keys move the cursor over existing characters, allowing errors in
the middle of text to be corrected without deleting the entire text from the end.
12 Issue 1 M-2 AIS Operation
Push the ENTER key to confirm the character.
Repeat these actions until the data field is correct.
Close the edit keyboard by selecting DONE and
pushing the ENTER key.
Finally, review all the information shown on screen. When
correct, save the new information and exit to the main menu
level using the SAVE softkey.
Entering numbers
Select edit mode using the EDIT softkey, The data edit
cursor will appear highlighted on the top most data field.
Position the edit cursor over the numeric field to be changed.
The current value will be highlighted.
This example shows the
vessel draught field in
edit mode.
Change the value by pressing LEFT or RIGHT on the navigation pad to increase
or decrease the value displayed.
Once the new value is set, use the UP or DOWN navigation
pad keys to move to the next item, or exit and save the
changes with the SAVE softkey.
To cancel an entry, close the keyboard by selecting DONE and then push the
View key. When the display is cycled back to the original page, the entry will be
unchanged. (In other words, the new entry is only saved by pressing the Save
key. It will still display as long as that view is displayed, but will revert to the
previous data when the view is re-selected.)
M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 13
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