SevenStar Electronics S287 User Manual

SeaTraceR

S.287 Class B AIS Transponder

(FCC ID: RIKS287)

USER MANUAL - USA

SevenStar Electronics Ltd

About this manual…

This manual contains details and recommendations for the installation and use of the SeaTraceR S.287 Class B AIS Transponder from SevenStar Electronics Ltd. Please read through the installation notes carefully BEFORE attempting to connect power to the unit. The unit will need programming with your MMSI and other details before it can be fitted. Please note that incorrect installation or operation may void your warranty.

Unpacking…

The carton contains your SeaTraceR Class B AIS transponder with mounting bracket and integral power lead, this User Manual, a combined serial/NMEA data cable and a CD-ROM containing additional information.

To install and operate the unit, you will also need a +12Vdc nominal power source, a VHF antenna and a GPS antenna (these should be separate from other antennae fitted to the vessel).

Note: BEFORE installation, your vessel’s MMSI and other static data need to be entered into the unit. This may be performed using SevenStar’s ‘proAIS’ software, but note that for US

territories the FCC have ruled that this must be done by an appropriately qualified person such as a suitably trained installer or dealer an unauthorised MMSI or false static data. (Please contact your

dealer if you need assistance or advice.)

. Furthermore, it is a Federal offence to knowingly enter

Once programmed and installed, the SeaTraceR Class B AIS transponder will be able to automatically exchange MMSI, vessel name, position, call sign, course and speed data with other vessels and shore stations. Other suitably equipped vessels will be able to see your position clearly.

Connect your SeaTraceR unit to your chart plotter or PC with the data cable provided to SEE the full benefits of AIS - you will then be able to see the ID, position, speed and course of all AIS equipped vessels in range!

Please now take the time to read the rest of this manual to get the best from your Class B AIS Transponder!

User Manual Contents…

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Warranty statement, Declaration of Conformity

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Radio Licensing, General Notices

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Installation…3 easy steps

1. Programming your transponder

2. Installing the unit

3. Connecting the SeaTraceR, Serial Port Connection

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Using your AIS transponder

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Getting the most out of AIS

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Your 'proAIS' software

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Maintenance

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About SevenStar

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APPENDICES - Further info

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Options

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Antenna choice and mounting

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What serial data is sent or received

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Description of LED indicators

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Trouble shooting guide

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More about AIS

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Standards

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Product Specification

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Glossary

Warranty…

This product carries a 2-year return-to-factory warranty against defects due to faulty manufacture or materials (i.e. 2 years from date of manufacture). In the event of a problem, please follow the simple trouble-shooting guide in this manual before contacting your dealer.

Declaration of Conformity…

SevenStar Electronics Ltd declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other provisions of the R&TTE directive 1995/5/EC. A full Declaration may be viewed or downloaded from our web site at www.sevenstarelectronics.com

The product carries the CE mark, notified body number and alert symbol as required by the R&TTE directive.

The SeaTraceR is approved by BABT and BSH in the EU, and by USCG and FCC, and carries the FCC ID: RIKS287

Intended EC

country of use:

GB FR ES SE AT NL PT DK

NO BE IT FI

IE LU GR CH

Radio Licensing…

IMPORTANT: In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessels marine VHF licence provisions. The vessel on to which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a current VHF radiotelephone licence that lists the AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number. Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information.

FCC Compliance…

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rul es. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

General Notices…

The marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) uses a satellite-based system such as the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) network to determine position. The accuracy of these networks is variable and is affected by factors such as the antenna positioning, how many satellites are used to determine a position and how long satellite information has been received for. It is desirable wherever possible therefore to verify both your vessels AIS-derived position data and other vessels AISderived position data with visual or radar based observations. The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.5m or greater (for 0.3° error as per specification).

In accordance with a policy of continual development and product improvement the SeaTraceR hardware and software may be upgraded from time to time and future versions may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. When necessary upgrades to the product will be accompanied by updates or addenda to this manual. (Check on web site)

Please take time to read this manual carefully and to understand its contents fully so that you can install and operate your AIS system correctly and get the full benefit.

Information contained in this manual is liable to change without notice. SevenStar Electronics Ltd. disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided with this product.

Installation…3 easy steps

Installing the SeaTraceR is straightforward using simple tools, but you will need to check you have everything ready first.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

(Red/brown =+ve)

NMEA/serial data

The unit must be programmed with your MMSI, vessel name, size, etc. This must be done by a suitably qualified installer or dealer. The MMSI is usually listed on the vessel’s radio license. If you do not have one, you will need to apply for one – ask your dealer or Coastguard if in doubt.

Mount the unit safely, out of the way, in a protected place.

You have to connect up the unit – the connections are shown below

SeaTraceR

AIS Class B

Transponder

+12Vdc nom

VHF antenna

cable

GPS antenna

a) The SeaTraceR comes with a 1metre supply lead for you to connect

up to your vessel’s +12Vdc supply – it is strongly recommended that you fit an in-line fuse, 2A rated

b) VHF antenna – mount as high on the vessel as practical for best

performance, clear from obstruction or other antennas, and must be fitted with a 50 ohm TNC plug. (See page 15)

c) GPS antenna – this must be an ACTIVE type (has a built-in amplifier).

Mount with a clear view of the sky, away from any possible sources of interference. Must be fitted with a 50 ohm TNC plug. (See page 16)

d) To view the received vessel positions, etc, connect the 9-way

serial/NMEA port on the unit to your laptop PC or chart plotter, which must be running software capable of reading and displaying AIS B data, using the data cable provided.

Alternatively, you can use the SX.588 combined GPS/AIS antenna available from SevenStar dealers, which makes installation even easier.

1. Programming the transponder…

Before an AIS Class B Transponder will operate fully, you need to program in a few very simple details about your vessel:

MMSI Vessel name Dimensions Position of the GPS antenna Vessel Type Vessel Call sign

WARNING: It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission to input an MMSI that has not been properly assigned to the end user, or to otherwise input any inaccurate data in this device.

The entry of static data into a Class B AIS device shall be performed by the vendor of the device or by an appropriately qualified person i n the business of installing marine communications equipment on board vessels. In no event shall the entry of static data into a Class B AIS device be performed by the user of the device or the licensee of a ship station using the device. Knowingly programming a Class B AIS device with inaccurate static data, or causing a Class B AIS device to be programmed with inaccurate static data, is prohibited.

Your dealer will tell you how this can be done for you – just make sure you have your vessel information with you! And please make sure all the data fields are completed to get the most out of your new AIS transponder!

2. Mounting the unit…

It is recommended that the unit is attached to a solid wooden, fibreglass or composite surface with >15mm long self-tapping screws or similar. Position the unit and the cables so that any water running down the wires drips off rather than collecting on the unit.

Note: the bracket provided can be used to mount the unit in several orientations - simply unscrew the black knurled thumbscrews, and fit the bracket in the orientation that suits you. Once installed, you can think of the unit as a computer modem –

you should have no need to check it regularly – so mount it out of the way where it will not be knocked or subject to excessive vibration, temperature, sunlight, fuel or water. It should be mounted at least

0.5m from any magnetic compass. It makes good sense to have the LEDs visible in case you do ever need to check the unit.

CAUTION: The SeaTraceR unit is designed for operation in the

temperature range -25 °C to +55 °C. Do not install (or use) the SeaTraceR unit in environments which exceed this range.

CAUTION: Do not install the SeaTraceR unit in an environment where it

can be subject to excessive exposure to water.

CAUTION: The casing of the SeaTraceR unit is NOT isolated from the

negative terminal of the supply and therefore it is recommended that the unit is not attached to metal parts of the vessel. (This avoids any potential ‘ground loop’ problems.)

CAUTION: BE SURE TO USE THE CORRECT TOOLS AND SAFETY

EQUIPMENT WHEN INSTALLING THE UNIT AND THE ANTENNAS. IF IN DOUBT, ASK A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL IT FOR YOU.

3. Connecting the SeaTraceR…

WARNING: DO NOT connect the SeaTraceR unit to a mains (line) AC

electrical supply, as an electric shock or fire hazard could result.

CAUTION: Do not connect the SeaTraceR unit to a DC supply

exceeding 15.6 V or reverse the supply polarity. Damage to the unit may result.

VHF antenna: For best performance, use a VHF antenna that covers up

to 162.025MHz – not all do! Mount as high on the vessel as practical for best performance, clear from obstruction or other antennas, and it must be fitted with a 50 ohm TNC plug. (These connectors were designed for use in marine environments, and provide a splash-proof connection when mated.) See warning in Appendices about antenna positioning.

GPS: The SeaTraceR unit requires a +5v-powered active GPS antenna,

suitable for a marine environment, and the down lead will need to be terminated in a TNC 50 ohm plug. The SeaTraceR feeds +5v to the antenna automatically via the GPS antenna lead – you do not need a separate supply.

Alternatively: SevenStar have developed a combined GPS/AIS antenna

for use with its AIS products. This makes installation quick and easy. Ask for details on our SX.588 combo antenna!

Data: In order to see the data from approaching vessels and aids to

navigation, you need to display the messages the SeaTraceR receives and decodes. To do this you need to connect a chart pl otter, laptop PC, PC serial terminal or other display device to the SeaTraceR Serial/NMEA data port (9 way male sub-D connector on the rear panel). To connect to a PC or similar device, use the cable provided to connect to the PC serial port. To connect to a NMEA instrument, use the NMEA/RS422 connections on the cable provided (connections are shown in the next section). Note that the software in the display device must be configured for AIS operation AND must be able to receive the standard Class B operation NMEA sentences. This external display unit software is not part of the SeaTraceR transponder package – consult the manufacturer of the unit if you are in doubt about it – most manufacturers are issuing free upgrades for their units.

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