Vesper M1 HUB Installation Manual
INSTALLATION GUIDE
M1 HUB - USA & CANADA
M1 HUB - REST OF WORLD
1
Index
Introduction 3
Items you need for installation 4
The Cortex network 5
LED indicator panel 6
M1 port locations 6
M1 positioning 7
M1 mounting 7
Connecting devices to an M1 8
Device connection FAQs 9
To connect power 10
Wiring color codes 10
AIS / VHF Antenna (required) 11
Internal AIS / VHF splitter 11
External GPS Antenna (required) 12
External WiFi Antenna (recommended) 13
To connect to NMEA 2000 14
To connect to NMEA 0183 15
External Cellular Antenna (optional) 16
External Speaker (optional) 17
Connecting devices to an M1 18
To connect a mobile device 18
To connect a handset 19
Device connection FAQs 19
MMSI programming introduction 20
To program an MMSI with the Onboard App 20
To program an MMSI with a handset 21
To confirm AIS operation 21
Monitoring and control 22
Cortex Monitor App introduction 22
To program GPIO sensors with the Cortex
Onboard App 23
To program GPIO sensors with a handset 23
Heading Sensor introduction 24
To update M1 firmware 24
M1 Wiring color codes 25
NMEA PGNs and Monitoring Instruments 26
GPIO sensor wiring - Lighting remote control 27
GPIO sensor wiring - Motion sensor 28
GPIO sensor wiring - High water sensor 29
GPIO sensor wiring - Bilge pump activation sensor 30
GPIO sensor wiring - Hatch / door open sensor 31
GPIO sensor wiring - Smoke / heat sensor 31
Specifications 33
Dimensions - M1, H1, H1P 34
Dimensions - External GPS Antenna 35
Dimensions - External Cellular Antenna 35
LED icon troubleshooting 36
Warnings 38
Warranty 39
2
Introduction
The Vesper Marine Cortex M1 hub is an AIS Class-B SO-TDMA
transponder with integrated on board and remote vessel
monitoring and control.
When paired with a Vesper Marine Cortex H1 or H1P handset, the
M1 hub becomes a fully-featured 25W VHF radio with complete
Class D DSC functionality.
The M1 hub features integrated WiFi providing configuration and
control via a Cortex app or handset.
The M1 hub uses two dedicated AIS channels to transmit and
receive vessel position and other data to and from all other AIS
equipped vessels within range.
The M1 hub uses received AIS data by sharing it with other
devices on board your vessel (e.g. chart plotters, laptops, phones)
over NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 and WiFi.
For flexibility, the M1 hub includes an integrated AIS/VHF splitter
which allows an existing or secondary VHF radio to share the VHF
Antenna with the M1 hub (the M1 uses a single antenna for VHF
and AIS).
The M1 hub also features an integrated GNSS receiver
(supporting GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galilleo), fully isolated
NMEA ports and a high-power external speaker driver. Internal
antennas for cellular and WiFi are included with the option to
attach external antennas as required.
Off-boat vessel monitoring and control is supported via a built-in
cellular modem and the Cortex Monitor App on your phone.
Integrated sensors provide vessel position, battery voltage,
heading and barometric pressure, while NMEA 2000 or NMEA
0183 provides information from sensors connected to the NMEA
network.
Optional external sensors can be installed and connected to the
M1 hub to monitor information such as bilge level, shore power
and vessel security. Optional output relays can be installed to
remotely control lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, bilge
pump, battery charging and more.
Questions and FAQs
Visit www.vespermarine.com/faqs for answers to frequently
asked questions, technical support, downloads, local dealer
contacts and more…
Register Your Cortex
Vesper Marine releases product updates from time to time.
These updates often add new features.
To be notified when an update is available please register your
Cortex at www.vespermarine.com/register.
3
Items you need for installation and configuring
Required components (included)
M1 hub
GPS Antenna
Power cable
WiFi antenna
Audio cable
Input / Output cable
Required components (not included)
AIS/VHF antenna
Fuse or circuit breaker
Fastenings of your choice
Mobile device running the Cortex Onboard App or a Cortex
H1 or H1P handset for configuring.
Optional accessories
Cortex H1 or H1P handset(s)
External speaker
External cellular antenna
NMEA 2000 cable
NMEA 2000 T connector
NMEA 2000 network extension cable
External sensors for Monitoring and Control
M1 hub GPS antenna (included)
External WiFi
antenna
(included)
Cortex H1 or H1P handset
(optional)
External cellular antenna
(optional)
External speaker (optional)
4
Onboard App Introduction
Cortex Onboard is a free Android and Apple
iOS app that connects your phone or tablet
to the WiFi of the M1.
Use the Cortex Onboard App to configure,
manage and display M1 data. The
Configuration Menu is used for initial
configuration, AIS programming, network
settings, firmware updates and input /
output sensor setup.
Once the M1 is configured, the Cortex
Onboard App provides access to all M1
status and smartAIS display screens in a
similar layout to a Cortex handset.
See To update M1 firmware (pg24).
Cortex Onboard App Main Menu options
Select the Main Menu icon (
Plotter Plotter view of AIS targets
Directory AIS targets and manual DSC contacts
Instruments GPS, integrated sensors and NMEA data
Anchor watch Monitor the vessel at anchor
Collision avoidance Manage a potential collision scenario
MOB Man Overboard monitoring
Settings Configure and manage the M1
Collision avoidanceAnchor watchInstruments MOBDirectoryPlotter
)
5
The Cortex network
AIS / VHF
Antenna
Cellular
Antenna
GPS (10 Hz)
Antenna
(included)
WiFi data
Secondary VHF
NMEA 2000
MFD
DepthHeading Others
Wind
Power
12/24V
WiFi Antenna
(included)
Cortex
Handsets
External
Speaker
NMEA 0183
Chart plotter
Remote monitoring Input and Output examples
High water Hatch sensor Lighting Motion sensor Bilge pump
6
LED indicator panel
M1 port locations
The M1 indicator panel provides system status via orange, green
and red illumination in various stages of solid or flashing.
eg. The GPS icon flashes green momentarily when a fix is
acquired and returns to solid green after a few seconds.
The VHF icon indicates VHF, AIS and DSC as these functions are
all connected to the same AIS/VHF antenna.
Power ON is indicated with white light.
See M1 LED icon troubleshooting (pg36).
1 WiFi Antenna port
2 GPS Antenna port
3 Cellular Antenna port
1 3
2
7 NMEA 2000 port
8 Input / Output port
(NMEA 0183 and GPIO
sensors)
4 5 6
4 DC Power Supply
(12V or 24V DC)
5 Auxiliary VHF port
6 VHF Antenna
9 Audio port
(External Speaker)
987
GPS VHF WiFi NMEA
2000
PowerCloud
7
M1 positioning
M1 mounting
Allow at least 2"/ 50mm at each connector
row to give sufficient room for cable
clearance and connection.
Allow at least 8" / 200mm for the external
WiFi antenna to be positioned in a vertical
position to increase WiFi range.
For optimal Heading Sensor performance,
do not mount on or near ferrous materials.
See Heading Sensor introduction (pg24)
CAUTION - Ensure that the minimum safe
compass distance is maintained.
Standard: 0.8 m, Steering: 0.4 m.
Cables Allow
2"/50mm
WiFi Antenna
Allow
8"/200mm
1. Use the M1 as a template for mounting holes.
2. Mark the holes on the mounting surface and drill them
3. Align the M1 to the mounting holes and secure with
fastenings of your choice. (not included)
Recommended scre ws: 316 Stainless Self Tapping
8G/1" (4.2/25.4mm) or 10G/1" (4.8/25.4mm) Pan/Round Head.
Cables Allow
2"/50mm
8
To connect power
M1 DC power requirements:
Nominal 0.5A @ 12V
VHF High Power Transmit (Max) 6.0A @ 12V
Note - Each handset requires 12W of power (1A@12V)
HINT - To provide sufficient power, consider the total system
requirements in terms of adequate cable gauge and fuse rating
with capacity for future expansion (ie, adding an H1 or H1P
handset to the same circuit).
The 2M (6.5ft) power cable (supplied) is terminated with a 2 pin
socket. This cable may be extended or shortened as necessary.
> Check that the VHF antenna is connected before
connecting to live DC power.
> Connect the positive (+ve red) and negative (-ve
black) leads of the power cable to the vessel.
> Connect a fuse or circuit breaker to the positive cable
of the appropriate rating for the system. (ie 10A for the M1,
2A for each handset)
> Connect the power cable to the M1. Tighten the power
cable lock ring clockwise to ensure a secure connection
and watertight seal.
> Turn the vessel's batteries (and/or switch or circuit breaker)
on to apply power to the M1.
> Confirm the M1 is powered on with a visual check on the
M1 indicator lights.
HINT - Connect the M1 to a power supply that will remain on even
when the vessel’s batteries may be turned off. (eg, connected to
the 24hr circuit)
This is important for monitoring to ensure the M1 remains on even
when the main DC power of the vessel is switched off.
M1 wiring diagram
Black
Red
FUSE
Negative -ve
Power +ve
Wiring color codes
Red DC positive (+ve) (12/24 volts).
Black DC negative (-ve)
Always use a fuse or circuit breaker installed near the battery
end or bus bar end.
Do not connect directly to a battery.
If you must extend the power connections use quality tinned
marine grade wire at least 16 AWG (1.5mm²).
9
AIS / VHF Antenna (required)
Internal AIS / VHF splitter
The M1 shares one antenna for both AIS and VHF functions.
A dedicated VHF antenna is required.
Choose a high quality omni-directional VHF antenna designed for
the marine band (156-162MHz) and ensure it is well tuned at the
AIS end of the band (VSWR 2:1 or less at 162MHz).
See Part Number VA159 (AIS/VHF Antenna).
Mount the antenna vertically, as high as possible (at least 2-3
meters (6-10 ft) above the waterline). It is not recommended to
place the VHF antenna near a mast or other metal structures
CAUTION - Install the antenna a minimum of 3m (10ft) from any
other VHF or HF antennas and not within the beam path of a
radar. Inadequate separation may damage the Cortex transponder
and void your warranty.
CAUTION - Never operate the M1 unless it is connected directly
to a suitable VHF antenna.
HINT - The VHF indicator light will display red when a problem
is detected with the antenna system (ie, the VSWR is above the
acceptable level).
What does VSWR mean ?
VSWR stands for Voltage Standing Wave Ratio and is a measure
of the how well matched a transmission line (e.g. the antenna
cable connected to the VHF output of your the M1) is to its
termination impedance (e.g. your antenna).
VSWR can be thought of as a comparative measure of how much
power, generated from your M1 AIS transponder, is delivered to
the antenna and how much of it is reflected back and lost in the
poorly matched transmission line.
A high VSWR will reduce your effective transmission range and
may also lead to other problems.
10
The M1 incorporates an AIS/VHF splitter to share one AIS/VHF
antenna and to allow connection to an external VHF radio via the
auxiliary port.
The auxiliary port protects the transponder while an external VHF
is transmitting (up to 25W) and also isolates the external VHF
radio when the M1 is transmitting.
The auxiliary port will still provide a path to the antenna for the
external VHF radio in the event of an M1 power failure.
AIS / VHF Antenna connection
Auxiliary VHF
VHF Antenna
> Connect the AIS/VHF Antenna plug (PL259) to the M1 port
labeled ANTENNA.
> Tighten clockwise.
> (If applicable) Connect the auxiliary VHF antenna cable
(BNC) to the auxiliary VHF port labeled SPLITTER.
External GPS Antenna (required)
External GPS Antenna mounting
Consider the following location and connection requirements:
- The GPS antenna should be positioned with an unobstructed
view of the sky.
- The GPS antenna is rated IP67 and UV stable for external
installation.
- Do not place the GPS antenna near or in the path of radar, HF
and/or high power satellite communication (such as Iridium Go)
antennas.
- You cannot use another GPS or any other NMEA device
to provide a GPS position to the M1. Class B AIS SO-TDMA
transponders are required by international regulations to use
their own GPS.
- You may use the M1 to share GPS position data to other
devices over NMEA 2000, 0183 or WiFi.
- The antenna cable is terminated with an SMA connector to
facilitate easy routing through holes and openings. Do not cut
the cable without the correct tools to crimp on a new connector.
HINT - Use the GPS Status screen in the Onboard App or handset
to view the satellite signal strengths and determine the best
location for mounting the external GPS antenna.
CAUTION - The Vesper Marine GPS antenna is specifically
designed for use with Vesper Marine devices. Use of a different
GPS antenna may damage the M1 hub and void the warranty.
Deck mount on base
Pole mount
1” 14 UNS threaded mast
> After installing the GPS Antenna,
connect the SMA connector of
the GPS Antenna cable to the
M1 port labeled GPS.
> Tighten clockwise.
Do not over torque.
Deck mount flush
Vertical surface mount
GPS Antenna
11
External WiFi Antenna (recommended)
Consider these WiFi requirements when choosing a position:
- Allow enough clearance space when installing the M1 for the
External WiFi Antenna to be positioned in a vertical position to
increase WiFi range.
- Do not place the External WiFi Antenna near or in the path
of radar, HF and/or high power satellite communication (such as
Iridium Go) antennas.
- Consider the distance between the handset and M1 onboard.
Some objects and materials such as steel, aluminum and carbon
composites may provide interference to degrade the WiFi signal
strength.
External Wifi Antenna Configuration
Cortex Onboard App:
> Menu (
> Device Settings > Networks > WiFi...
> Use external antenna (select on/off)
Cortex handset:
> Main Menu (
the Configuration Menu.
> Networks > WiFi...
> External Antenna (select on/off)
WiFi signal strength is checked via the WiFi icon on the handset
status bar or the WiFi signal on your device.
) > Settings
). Touch on the wrench icon ( ) to open
External WiFi Antenna installation
WiFi Antenna
> Connect the WiFi Antenna to the M1
port labeled WiFi.
> Tighten clockwise. Do not over torque.
> Adjust the angle of the WiFi antenna to
be as close to vertical as practical.
HINT - Install the WiFi Antenna last to allow
sufficient room for fingers to first access and
install the other SMA size connectors attached
to the External GPS and optional cellular
antenna for cloud connectivity.
HINT - Installations where an M1
is mounted in close proximity
to an H1 (with little or no
interference to the WiFi
signal) may not require
fitment of the External
WiFi Antenna.
Note - The M1 includes an internal WiFi antenna for installations
where the external antenna is not required.
12
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