Vesper Marine VESPVAB125 User Manual

Virtual AIS Beacon

Installation & Configuration Guide

Model: VAB1252

Important Information ........................................................................................................... 4

Warnings and Cautions .......................................................................................................... 4

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4

Regulatory Requirements .................................................................................................. 4

Installation and Wiring ........................................................................................................... 5

Virtual AIS Beacon Connectors and Wiring ........................................................................ 5

VHF Antenna Connection (SO239) ........................................................................................................... 5

GPS Antenna Connection (TNC) ............................................................................................................... 6

Coms Connection (10 Pin) ........................................................................................................................ 6

Power Connection (2 Pin) ......................................................................................................................... 7

Mounting the Virtual AIS Beacon ....................................................................................... 7

LED Status Lights ................................................................................................................ 8

Ethernet Connection .......................................................................................................... 9

Virtual AIS Beacon Configuration Software ......................................................................... 11

Connecting a PC to the beacon ........................................................................................ 11

The Configuration Screen ................................................................................................. 12

Configuration Software Field Descriptions: ..................................................................... 13

Virtual AIS Beacon Firmware Upgrades ............................................................................... 17

NMEA Command Interface .................................................................................................. 19

AtoN Configuration .......................................................................................................... 19

Table 1 – Supported Public NMEA 0183 Sentences ............................................................................... 19

Example Configuration for a Virtual AtoN ........................................................................ 19

Valid AtoN Types .............................................................................................................. 20

Table 2 – Valid AtoN Types ..................................................................................................................... 20

Example Binary Broadcast of an Area Special Message .................................................. 21

Decoded Area Special Message .............................................................................................................. 21

Additional NMEA Output Sentences ................................................................................ 22

Table 3 – Additional NMEA Output Sentences ....................................................................................... 22

Extended AtoN Configuration .......................................................................................... 22

Table 4 – Sentences Used For Extended Configuration ......................................................................... 22

SAT – Enable GSA/GSV Output ............................................................................................................... 22

ATON,CLR – Clear all AtoN Configurations ............................................................................................. 23

ATON,PERSIST – Enable Persistence of a Mark Change ......................................................................... 23

MEB,DEL – Delete an MEB Message ...................................................................................................... 23

NWK – Enable Ethernet on Coms Port ................................................................................................... 23

Extended NMEA Outputs ................................................................................................. 24

Table 5 – Extended NMEA Output Sentences ........................................................................................ 24

ATON,CNT – AtoN Count ........................................................................................................................ 24

ATON,ADDR – Binary Message Address ................................................................................................ 24

ATON,STATS – Transmission Statistics ................................................................................................... 25

SYNC – UTC Synchronisation Details ...................................................................................................... 25

AtoN Queries .................................................................................................................... 25

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Technical Information .......................................................................................................... 26

System Specifications ....................................................................................................... 26

Technical Accuracy ............................................................................................................... 27

General Warnings ................................................................................................................. 27

Obtaining Warranty Service ................................................................................................. 28

Declaration of Conformity ...................................................................................................................... 29

Electronic Waste Recycling..................................................................................................................... 29

Copyright Notice ..................................................................................................................................... 29

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Important Information

Before installing the Virtual AIS Beacon, it is important that you read and fully understand this guide.

Warnings and Cautions

CAUTION: Never operate this device unless it is connected to a suitable VHF antenna.

Transmitting without an antenna may damage this device.

WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Vesper Marine could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CAUTION: This device generates and radiates electromagnetic energy. This device must be

installed and operated according to the instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so may result in product malfunction and / or exposure to potentially harmful levels of radio frequency radiation.

CAUTION: The system has a Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) radius of 1m from the antenna. This has been determined assuming the maximum power of the transmitter and using a standard half-wave monopole VHF antenna with a maximum gain of 3dBi and termination impedance of 50 ohms.

When installing the antenna and operating the equipment consider the following:

 The antenna should be mounted as high as possible.  Higher gain VHF antennas will require a larger MPE radius.  Do not operate the unit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna.  The VHF antenna should not be collocated or operated in conjunction with any other

transmitting antenna.

Introduction

The Virtual AIS Beacon is a system which transmits information to assist in marking Aids to Navigation (AtoN) at sea. It works by transmitting data as part of the Universal Ship borne Automated Identification Systems (AIS).

Regulatory Requirements

MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity):

At least one MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is required for the Virtual AIS Beacon to begin transmission of an Aid to Navigation (AtoN). MMSI numbers are allocated by the maritime authority responsible for marine radio spectrum in your region.

Each AtoN you intend to transmit requires a unique MMSI.

VHF radio license:

Various countries have regulations requiring a VHF radio license to operate an AIS transceiver. Check with your local authorities to determine the requirements for your area.

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Installation and Wiring

Virtual AIS Beacon Connectors and Wiring

VHF Antenna Connection (SO239)

The Virtual AIS Beacon must be connected to a suitable VHF antenna either sourced from Vesper Marine or your local marine equipment supplier.

Ensure a VHF antenna is connected to the Virtual AIS Beacon before power is applied to the beacon.

The performance of the VHF antenna is also highly dependent on the environment in which the device is mounted. When installing the VHF antenna please take into consideration:

 Place your antenna as high as possible and at least 2-3 metres (6-10 ft) above the

water surface.

 Place your VHF antenna as far as possible from other antennas and metal structures,

especially other VHF, HF and radar antennas. It is not recommended to place the VHF antenna directly alongside another VHF antenna.

 The type of antenna should be an omnidirectional VHF antenna designed for the

marine band (156-162 MHz).

 Ideally an AIS-frequency adapted antenna should be used however you may also use

a standard marine VHF antenna.

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GPS Antenna Connection (TNC)

Yellow

Com Port

(RS232)

RS232 Common

Green

RS232 data in

Gray

RS232 data out

Brown

Com Port

(Ethernet)

Ethernet TX+

Blue

Ethernet TX-

Black

Ethernet RX+

Orange

Ethernet RX-

Red

Do Not Connect (recovery)

Pink

Do Not Connect (recovery)

Blue

GPIO Port

RS232 data in

Brown

RS232 data out

RS232 Common

The Virtual AIS Beacon is provided with an external GPS antenna. This antenna requires an unobstructed view of the sky. You cannot share this GPS antenna with other equipment.

The performance of the GPS antenna is highly dependent on the environment in which the antenna is mounted. The antenna performance may be reduced if the antenna is under or near large metal structures.

When installing the external GPS antenna please take into consideration:

 Ensure the antenna connector is isolated from metal at all times.  Do not place the GPS antenna near or in the path of radar or HF antennas.  The GPS antenna should be situated so it has an unobstructed view of the sky above.  Any damage caused by using an incompatible GPS antenna is not covered under your

warranty.

Coms Connection (10 Pin)

A 2m (6.5') data cable with a female DB9 plug is supplied with the Virtual AIS Beacon to connect to the Coms Port. An additional 2m (6.5’) Ethernet cable with RJ45 plugs is provided to support network connectivity for Ethernet-enabled devices. You may extend these cables as necessary. Firmware upgrades can be carried out using this port. The data cable color code is as follows,

GPIO Connection (16 Pin)

A 2m (6.5') cable with bare wire leads is supplied with the Virtual AIS Beacon to connect to the GPIO Port. You may extend this cable as necessary. The GPIO cable color code is as follows,

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Power Connection (2 Pin)

The Virtual AIS Beacon has a 2 pin plug for 12 VDC, peak 4.5A, nominal 0.25A.

Depending on shipping destination a short circuit protected and isolated ground 12VDC 5A AC/DC power pack with a regional IEC power cable may also be supplied.

Mounting the Virtual AIS Beacon

The Virtual AIS Beacon has footprint dimensions as detailed below and a height of 90mm. The device is mounted by using the fixing lugs. Drill holes in the mounting surface using the lugs as a guide. Fasten with appropriate length screws.

Caution: Do not disassemble the unit or remove the screws which hold the Virtual AIS Beacon together. The unit is sealed and disassembly will void the warranty. If you require service or assistance please contact Vesper Marine.

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LED Status Lights

POWER

Green: The Virtual AIS Beacon has power.

GPS STATUS

Blue Flashing: GPS acquiring a fix and/or sync to UTC time (can take up to

12mins to get a sync)

Blue: GPS fixed and synchronized to UTC time

TRANSMIT

Green Flash: On an AIS transmission.

Red: Built in integrity check error. Typically this would indicate a bad

antenna connection.

NETWORK

Orange: Link established.

Green Flashing: Network connection active.

(optional – only applies to Ethernet enabled devices)

Once the VHF antenna, GPS antenna and the power is connected the Virtual AIS Beacon can be turned on. The LED lights on the front panel have the following states:

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Ethernet Connection

An Ethernet enabled (optional) Virtual AIS Beacon is configured to both automatically connect to a Vesper Marine secure server and to accept an incoming TCP connection on port

39150. It will use DHCP by default, so once connected to your network it will be automatically assigned an IP address. Once the IP address is found (by a network query or by checking your router address table) its status can be queried on port 80 using an internet browser. On a successful connection you will see the following web page,

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Vesper Marine VESPVAB125 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual