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C.N.S. Systems Technical Manual

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Document title

Technical Manual VDL 6000 AIS Class A

Airborne System

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or with any changes, be copied or reproduced, disclosed to or delivered to anyone unauthorized nor used for other purposes
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DOCUMENT CHANGE RECORD

Issue Date Motive for and information on the change Responsible
A 2006-05-15 First Issue
B 2007-03-14 New chapter 3.6.5 Christian Axelsson

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Table of Contents
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Identification ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Reading Instructions ............................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Related Documents................................................................................................................................. 6
2 System Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Description .............................................................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1 Power Modes ...................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2 Front Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.3 System Modes .................................................................................................................................. 13
2.2 Features ................................................................................................................................................ 15
3 Installation Instructions .............................................................................................................................. 16
3.1 Unpacking the Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 16
3.1.1 Package Contents ............................................................................................................................ 16
3.1.2 Other Required Materials and Tools ................................................................................................. 16
3.2 Installation Considerations .................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Tray Mounting ....................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 Unit Installation ..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.5 Unit Removal ........................................................................................................................................ 18
3.6 Electrical Connections........................................................................................................................... 19
3.6.1 Electrical Connections Transponder ................................................................................................. 19
3.6.2 Power interface ................................................................................................................................. 20
3.6.3 VHF Antennas .................................................................................................................................. 22
3.6.4 GNSS Antenna ................................................................................................................................. 23
3.6.5 Transponder interface J2 .................................................................................................................. 24
3.6.6 External display and transmitter switch interface cable (Option)....................................................... 25
3.6.7 Transmitter switch............................................................................................................................. 27
4 Installation Acceptance Procedure ............................................................................................................ 29
4.1 Mounting / Wiring Check ....................................................................................................................... 29
4.2 Setup..................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.3 Self Test ................................................................................................................................................ 30
4.4 GNSS Receiver Operation .................................................................................................................... 30
4.5 External display interface ...................................................................................................................... 31
4.6 AIS transponder operation .................................................................................................................... 31
4.7 Transmitter switch (optional) ................................................................................................................. 33
5 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................... 34

6 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 35

7 Installation Acceptance Record ................................................................................................................. 36

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Table of Figures
Figure 1 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System installation overview .................................................................. 8
Figure 2 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne system overview. ................................................................................... 9
Figure 3 Power modes .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System ................................................................................................. 11
Figure 5 Maintenance interface J1 ........................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 6 System modes ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 7 Transponder and tray .............................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 8 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System rear panel ................................................................................ 19
Figure 9 Isolated power supply .............................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 10 Power connector P1 .............................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 11 External display and transmitter switch interface cable ......................................................................... 26
Figure 12 Transmitter switch ................................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 13 The Setup page in AIS Transponder Toolkit.......................................................................................... 30
Figure 14 The System page in the AIS Transponder Toolkit. ................................................................................ 31
Figure 15 Status and statistics -> Receivers page in AIS Transponder Toolkit. .................................................... 32

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1 Scope
This document is the Technical Manual for the VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System.

1.1 Identification
A label with product number and serial number identifying the equipment is located on top of the
equipment.

1.2 Reading Instructions

Chapter 2 presents a system and product overview.
Chapter 3 describes the installation procedure.
Chapter 4 describes the installation acceptance procedure.
Chapter 5 covers troubleshooting.
Chapter 6 summarizes the technical specifications.
Chapter 7 is the installation acceptance record form.

1.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations

The following acronyms and abbreviations are used in this document:

Acronym Description
AIS Automatic Identification System
ATP AIS Transponder Protocol
DCE Data Communication Equipment
DSC Digital Selective Calling
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
IMO International Maritime Organization
LED Light Emitting Diode
PPS Pulse Per Second
RF Radio Frequency
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
UTC Universal Coordinated Time
VDL VHF Data Link
VHF Very High Frequency
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

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1.4 Related Documents

[1] Recommendation on performance standards for AIS,
IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3
[2] Technical characteristics for a universal shipborne Automatic Identification
System (AIS) using TDMA in the VHF maritime mobile band,
ITU-R M.1371-1
[3] Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems –
Digital interfaces - Part 1: Single talker and multiple listeners,
IEC 61162-1
[4] Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems –
Digital interfaces - Part 2: Single talker and multiple listeners, high-speed
transmission,
IEC 61162-2
[5] Product Specification VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne Transponder,
CNSS-06-1172
[6] VDL 6000 Transponder Toolkit Manual” CNSS-04-1690

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2 System Overview
The AIS concept is based upon a transponder including a VHF Transceiver, a built-in
GNSS receiver and an embedded computer system to implement the unique AIS
functionality.

AIS transponders are exchanging information through an advanced VHF data link
network providing a reliable and secure communication channel requiring a minimum
of manual involvement.

The operation is based on several modes and includes autonomous and continuous,
assigned or polled operation.

AIS provides the following main functionality:

• Surveillance - improved situational awareness,

• Applications for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS),

• Aids to Navigation - improved accuracy and safety by expedient update and

high availability of navigational data,

• Information distribution services, e.g. broadcast of ARPA targets, weather

reports, safety related information and free text messaging.

VDL 6000 Airborne is an AIS Class A System intended for aircraft installation. It is
based on the VDL 6000 Class A transponder but fitted in an aircraft tray and is
delivered with a software tool for configuration.

In addition to message types transmitted by shipborne transponders the aircraft

transponder can transmit MSG9 (Standard SAR aircraft position report) and can
optionally be fitted with a hardware Tx controlling switch.

The latest digital radio technology has been utilised in the VDL 6000 Airborne
Transponder in order to provide outstanding performance and flexibility.

The system also supports connection to an Electronic Chart System

A typical aircraft installation is described in Figure 1.

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Transponder Toolkit
(Configuration Software)

Application, e.g. Electronic
Chart System
Standard PC

Option: Tx VHF Antenna

on/off
Transponder
Power Supply GPS Antenna

Ground Bolt

Figure 1 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System installation overview

2.1 Description
The VDL 6000 AIS Class A Transponder System (hereafter also referred to as the
transponder) is designed as a stand-alone unit. This implies that all operation,
configuration and maintenance is controlled from remote equipment i.e. a PC or a
dedicated processor.
The transponder implements the basic AIS communications tasks defined by
Recommendation on performance standards for AIS, [1] and the Product
specification [5].
The transponder communicates with other equipment via serial interfaces. The
protocol is defined by [3] and [4].

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Combined or
separate antennas

GPS VHF
Input Voltage
Antenna Antenna

Airborne
Transponder
with tray

AIS VDL6000/Airborne

Remote Tx switch
Computer with Electronic Chart System &
VDL6000/Airborne Configuration Tool

Figure 2 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne system overview.

2.1.1 Power Modes

Power modes define the operation of the transponder under various power
conditions. Short power spikes do not affect the power mode.
The transponder is powered from 28 Volts DC. When power is applied to the
transponder it will boot automatically. During the boot procedure an internal self-test
is performed and operation will be resumed. When the boot procedure is completed,
serial accesses is resumed and active mode is indicated by a ATP message. Active
mode is also indicated by a steady lit power LED.
It takes about 10 seconds to complete a boot.

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To obtain full communication performance, the internal GNSS timing must be

present. This includes the internal 1PPS pulse as well as the UTC time.
A 5-minutes warm-up phase is required at low operating temperatures in order to
attain full performance.
If the power fails, internal timing and status will be maintained for 10 seconds. During
this time no external interfaces are active and the power LED will flash. When power
fail last longer then 10 seconds, the transponder will shut down and a cold start
(reboot) will occur when power is restored.

Off

Normal Power Backup Power

Figure 3 Power modes

2.1.1.1 Normal Power Mode

Normal power mode is when input voltage is within specifications. Full functionality
and performance is maintained. Normal power mode is indicated with a steady lit
power LED.
When input power is lost, the transponder enters backup power mode.
When input voltage is above specification the behaviour is undefined.

2.1.1.2 Backup Power Mode

Backup power mode is when the input voltage is outside specifications and internal
backup power is maintained.
Backup power is maintained for approximately 10 seconds. Transmission, reception
and external interfaces are shut down in backup power mode. System status and slot
reservation tables are preserved. Backup power mode is indicated with a flashing
power LED.
When normal input power is applied, the transponder enters normal power mode.
Full functionality and performance will be restored within a few seconds.
When internal backup power is exhausted, the transponder enters power off mode
and will be cold-started when normal input power is applied.
Backup power mode is a failure condition (power failure).

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A power failure brings the transponder into degraded mode (see also 2.1.3.2).

2.1.2 Front Panel

The front panel has six LEDs for status indication and a 9-pin Dsub connector (J1) for
configuration and maintenance.

Figure 4 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System

 Power LED (green):

 Steady lit LED indicates normal power mode
 Flashing LED indicates backup power mode or boot
 LED off indicates that power is out of range (i.e. no power attached)
 Alarm LED (red):
 Failure conditions are indicated on an Alarm LED. Failure conditions are also
announced via indications on all serial interfaces.
 If self-test detects a problem, this is indicated by the alarm LED.
 Transmitter status LED (amber):
 Indicates transmission (RF power)
 Receiver status LEDs (amber):
 Indicates that the receiver is receiving AIS and DSC bursts (RF power).

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2.1.2.1 Maintenance interface

The maintenance interface uses RS-232 signalling (Rx, Tx and ground) for direct
connection to a PC. The transponder acts as DCE and a standard Dsub-9 serial
cable can be used.
Factory settings:
 Speed: 115 200 baud
 Data bits: 8
 Parity: None
 Stop bits: 1
 Flow control: None
 Password: 0000 (i.e. four zeroes)
 Protocol: ATP

5 1

9 6

Figure 5 Maintenance interface J1

Pin I/O Signal name Description

2 O TxD Maintenance interface: RS232 transmit data
3 I RxD Maintenance interface: RS232 receive data
5 -- GND Maintenance interface: RS232 signal ground
Shell -- Chassis Ground
Table 1, Maintenance interface J1 connector pinout.

The maintenance interface is available on the front panel. This is intended for field
service and monitoring. Access to the transponder is provided by connecting a PC,
running the AIS Transponder Toolkit [6], to this interface.

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The maintenance interface can be used for:

 Checking status, log files and alarms
 Checking and changing configurations
 Software updates
 Troubleshooting

2.1.3 System Modes

The transponder has several different modes of operation: Normal, Configuration,
degraded and Off.
Some mode changes are commanded. Mode changes are supported via ATP on all
serial interfaces. Some mode changes are password protected (Normal →
Configuration.
The current mode status is also available via ATP. System mode changes are
announced via ATP indications on all serial interfaces.

Off

Configuration

Normal

Degraded Commanded mode changes

Other mode changes

Figure 6 System modes

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2.1.3.1 Normal Mode

In Normal mode the transponder operates all built-in services:
 AIS transmission and reception
Other functionality available in normal mode includes:
 Monitoring of transponder status and failure conditions
 Logging of status data.

2.1.3.2 Degraded Mode

Degraded mode is when a failure condition has been detected and the transponder
does not operate at full performance and functionality. Failure conditions are, for
example:
 Primary timing failure.
 Receiver failure.
 Transmitter failure.
 Power failure.
 High temperature.

2.1.3.3 Configuration Mode

Configuration mode offers maintenance and configuration capabilities. Normal
services are shut down in configuration mode. The following functions are available:
 Configuration of the transponder.
 Software loading.
 Log data download.
It is only possible to enter Normal mode from configuration mode by a power removal
cycle or reboot command.

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2.2 Features
The mobile transponder is developed for use in an aircraft. Specifically, the mobile
transponder offers:
 Transmission of own position based on internal GNSS data or external position
data.
 Reception and processing of AIS messages.
 Reception and processing of DGNSS data (if available).
 PC-based maintenance and configuration application for easy setup and
monitoring

The mobile transponder has the following default configuration:

 28 V DC power.
 5.75" DZUS standard delivered with a mounting tray
 One VHF transmitter (2 W or 12,5 W).
 Two VHF receivers
 One DSC receiver
 Internal GNSS receiver
 Interfaces to one VHF receiver antenna, one VHF transmitter antenna and one
GNSS antenna.
 Antenna switch interface enabling use of a single VHF antenna for both Tx and
Rx
 External display interface
 Transmitter switch interface

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3 Installation Instructions

3.1 Unpacking the Equipment

3.1.1 Package Contents

The following items are enclosed:
 One mounting tray
 One mobile transponder
 One cable for external display interface and transmitter switch interface
 4 of 5.75" DZUS screws
 Feeding connectors
 One coax N-series plug connectors (VHF antenna)
 One coax TNC plug connector (GNSS)
 One 9-pole Dsub jack connector with shell and soldering terminals (Power)
 one nut and one ring with crimp terminal and two washers (for ground
connection)
 Documentation
 This manual
 Operation Manual
 CD with the AIS Transponder Toolkit

3.1.2 Other Required Materials and Tools

The following cables are required:
 one coaxial VHF antenna cable of type RG214 (two cables for dual antenna)
 one coaxial GNSS antenna cable of type RG223
 one power cable
 one cable for connection of ground connection.
 Standard serial (modem) 9-pole cable (Maintenance I/F)

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In order to assemble the cables, some tools are required:

 Soldering iron and wire stripper for coax and power connectors
 Crimp tool for coaxial cables.
 PC and the AIS Transponder Toolkit
A screwdriver is required for installing the mounting tray and for the Dzus screws.

3.2 Installation Considerations

The mobile transponder is intended for use in aircraft. To see the LED indicators and
easily reach the maintenance interface, the front panel should be visible and easily
accessible.
The surrounding temperature shall be maximum 50° C. Make sure there are
clearances for air circulation around the transponder. Forced air-cooling is not
required but is recommended.
For a functional system, the following is required (minimum system configuration):
 Power supply
 At least 60 W, typically 2A, 28V
 One active GNSS antenna
 TNC, impedance 50 Ω, power max 100 mA @ 5 V DC.
 VHF antennas
 One VHF antenna for both Tx and Rx.
Alternatively one Tx antenna and one Rx antenna. The antennas should be
separated in order to reduce the leakage from transmitter into receivers.
Separation ≥ 26 dB.
 The cable length for the transmitter antenna should be kept as short as
possible to reduce losses.

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3.3 Tray Mounting

The mounting tray is fastened into the aircraft by four M6 bolts of class A2-70 (ISO
3506) through the bottom of the tray. Observe, the four M6 bolts are not included in
the delivery.

3.4 Unit Installation

The transponder is placed in the mounting tray and attached to it by turning the four
DZUS fasteners clockwise.

Figure 7 Transponder and tray

3.5 Unit Removal

The transponder can be removed from the mounting tray after turning the four DZUS
fasteners counter clockwise.

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3.6 Electrical Connections

3.6.1 Electrical Connections Transponder

The connectors used for normal operation are on the rear panel:
 Power interface P1: D-sub, 9-pole, pin, V+ and V-, floating inputs
 Ground connection E1 Chassis ground
 Transponder interface J2 Connect the cable, see further 0
 GNSS antenna interface J6: TNC jack, TTL, 50Ω, 100 mA @ 5 VDC
 VHF Rx antenna interface J4: SMA-series jack, 50Ω
 VHF Tx antenna interface J3: N-series jack, 50Ω
 Antenna switch interface J5: SMA-series jack, 50Ω.

CAUTION: Unreferenced pins shall NOT be connected.

Figure 8 VDL 6000 AIS Class A Airborne System rear panel

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3.6.2 Power interface

The internal power supply unit (PSU) contains protection circuitry that will disconnect
the power at excessive power levels (high and low). Two internal 7A circuit breakers
are included as a safety feature. Blown circuit breakers can only be replaced at a
service site.
The power inputs are isolated (1MΩ // 2 nF). Isolation voltage is 350 V.
External circuit breakers are recommended and should be of type slow blow 5A.
Transponder
Fuse 5A Case
PSU

DC input Fuses

Fuse 5A

Ground connection

Figure 9 Isolated power supply

Operational 28 V DC
Mode
Maximum 31,2 V
Nominal 27,5 V
Minimum 21,6 V
Table 2, Normal operating Conditions.

CAUTION: Use of DC levels above specifications may damage the transponder.

Operation outside of the maximum and minimum DC levels may affect performance.

3.6.2.1 Power connector P1

The power connector uses four pins for each of the positive and negative terminals. .
All 8 pins should be used.
Use cables with conductor area of min 0.75 mm2. The cable is assembled by
soldering.

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V+ 1 5 V-

6 9
Figure 10 Power connector P1

CAUTION: The internal circuit breakers may blow in case of reversed DC polarity.

Pin I/O Signal name Description

1 I Power+ 28 VDC positive input
2 I Power+ 28 VDC positive input
6 I Power+ 28 VDC positive input
7 I Power+ 28 VDC positive input
4 I Power- 28 VDC negative input
5 I Power- 28 VDC negative input
8 I Power- 28 VDC negative input
9 I Power- 28 VDC negative input
3 -- Reserved Reserved, do not connect
Shell -- Chassis Ground
Table 3, Power connector P1 pinout.

3.6.2.2 Ground connection E1

The ground connection E1 shall be used to establish a good ground path to the
transponder chassis. Use the nut, ring and the washers to get a proper connection to
the airframe of the aircraft. Use a cable with conductor area of 1.25 - 2.5 mm2.

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3.6.3 VHF Antennas

The following guidelines encompass both Tx and Rx antenna unless otherwise
stated.

3.6.3.1 VHF Antenna connectors J3, J4, J5

Tx connector J3: N-series jack.
Rx connector J4: SMA-series jack.
Antenna switch connector J5: SMA-series jack.

3.6.3.2 Antenna attributes

Frequency range: 156.025 – 162.025 MHz
Gain Tx antenna: ≥ 0 dBi
Gain Rx antenna: ≥ 0 dBi
Horizontal radiation: 360°
Vertical radiation: ≥ 80°
Max Power Tx antenna: ≥ 100 W
Impedance: 50 Ω (typical)
VSWR Tx: ≤ 2:1 over the specified frequency range.

3.6.3.3 Single antenna installation

 Connect the antenna cable to the J3 (Tx) connector
 Connect the J4 (Rx) connector to the J5 connector by means of the antenna
jumper, if not already done. Be careful with the screw thread when putting on the
antenna jumper.

3.6.3.4 Dual antenna installation

 Connect the Tx antenna cable to the J3 (Tx) connector
 Connect the Rx antenna cable to the J4 (Rx) connector.
Tx-Rx antenna separation: ≥ 26 dB.

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3.6.3.5 Antenna cable

For both antennas, double shielded coaxial cable (RG214) shall be used.
VHF cable loss Tx: ≤ 2 dB
VHF cable loss Rx: ≤ 2 dB
The cable is assembled by crimping the N-series and the SMA-series plug. Verify
that signal and shields are properly connected.

3.6.4 GNSS Antenna

The GNSS antenna shall be of active type for max 100 mA @ 5 V DC. The total
installation gain shall be 13 – 19 dB, (antenna gain + amplifier gain - cable
attenuation).

3.6.4.1 GNSS Antenna connector J6

GNSS antenna connector J6: TNC, jack.

3.6.4.2 GNSS Antenna cable

Double shielded coaxial cable (RG223) shall be used.
The cable is assembled by crimping the TNC plug. Verify that signal and shield are
properly connected.
The total gain of the GPS antenna and the GPS antenna cable shall be 20-55 dB.

Calculation example:

The total gain shall not be lower than 20 dB. If using a GPS antenna with 32 dB there
is (32-20) 12 dB left for the attenuation in the cable. If for example using a cable with
 12dB 
50dB/100m attenuation the cable can be up to 24 metes long  = 24m  .
 50dB 100m 

GNSS cable impedance: 50 Ω.

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3.6.5 Transponder interface J2

The transponder interface can be used to connect external equipment. Table 4
specifies the transponder interface connection with name and interface specification.
The cabling between the transponder interface J2 and the external equipment should
be twisted, RxA should be twisted with RxB etc.

D-Sub 44 (J2) Pin nr Interface Function Comment

1. RS485 Ground External equipment Pilot
2. Not used
3. Not used
4. Not used
5. Not used
6. Not used
7. Not used
8. Not used
9. Not used
10. Not used
11. Not used
12. Not used
13. RS485 Ground External display
14. Not used
15. Not used
16. RS485 TxA External equipment Pilot
17. RS485 RxA External equipment Pilot
18. RS485 TxA Tx switch Long range
19. RS 485 RxA Tx switch Long range
20. Not used
21. Not used
22. Not used
23. Not used
24. Not used
25. Not used
26. Not used
27. Not used
28. RS485 TxA External display
29. RS485 RxA External display
30. Not used
31. RS485 TxB External equipment Pilot
32. RS485 RxB External equipment Pilot
33. RS485 TxB Tx Switch Long range
34. RS485 RxB Tx Switch Long range

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35. Not used

36. Not used
37. Not used
38. Not used
39. Not used
40. Not used
41. Not used
42. Not used
43. RS485 TxB External display
44. RS485 RxB External display

Table 4, Transponder interface J2 connections

3.6.6 External display and transmitter switch interface cable (Option)

This chapter is only applicable if the option “External Tx switch” is delivered.

The optional cable (CNSS 560054-10) is not approved for use in aircraft. It is the
responsibility of the person installing the system that approved cables are installed.

If not connecting a transmitter switch interface cable and Tx switch according to the
instructions below the Transmitter is disabled.

The cable CNSS 560054-10 is mounted to the J2 interface of the transponder.

Secure the cable to the transponder with the screws.

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3.6.6.1 External display interface cable

The external display interface makes use of RS232 interface in order to support high-
speed communications for connecting to e.g. an Electronic Chart System.
Factory settings :
 Asynchronous mode
 Electrical: RS 232
 Speed: 115 200 baud
 Data bits: 8
 Parity: None
 Stop bits: 1
 Flow control: None

Figure 11 External display and transmitter switch interface cable

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3.6.7 Transmitter switch

Note: Transmitter switch is not included in the delivery.
If the Transmitter switch is not going to be used the cables shall be permanently
connected according:
• Brown cable connected to white cable
• Yellow cable connected to green cable
The Transmitter switch is used to switch on or off the transmitter of the transponder.
In off mode the position reports from the transponder is not transmitted.
Observe that the receiving capabilities is not changed.
If the Transmitter switch is going to be used it shall be connect according to Figure
12 below.

Figure 12 Transmitter switch

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As stated in Figure 12, when Transmitting TxA shall be connected to RxA and TxB
connected to RxB. When not transmitting TxA and TxB shall be terminated over a
120 ohm resistor.

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4 Installation Acceptance Procedure

The acceptance of GNSS Receiver operation and Transponder operation should be
performed with the antennae staying clear of shielding structures.
Some procedures require the use of the AIS Transponder Toolkit or equivalent
software.
The ground connection should be connected to the aircraft frame.

4.1 Mounting / Wiring Check

Verify that cables are properly secured and shields are connected.

4.2 Setup
For basic operation the following shall be done:
 Setting the station address (MMSI number)

The procedure for setting up the transponder is as follows:

1. Connect a PC to the maintenance port (J1), see [6]
2. Start the AIS Transponder Toolkit
3. Change mode to Configuration Mode (password = 0000)
4. Select page Setup, see Figure 13.
5. Modify the MMSI number.
6. Click on Apply

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Figure 13 The Setup page in AIS Transponder Toolkit.

4.3 Self Test

A self-test is run at power-up. The Alarm LED is set whenever the power-up self-test
fails.

4.4 GNSS Receiver Operation

Verify that GNSS based navigation data (position and UTC time) is available after
typically 2.5 minutes (this time varies between approx. 2 and 30 minutes depending
on how long the GNSS receiver has been switched off).
The Alarm LED is set as long as no UTC time is available. Position can be verified by
inspecting the Navigation box in the System page in the AIS Transponder Toolkit,
see Figure 14.

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or with any changes, be copied or reproduced, disclosed to or delivered to anyone unauthorized nor used for other purposes
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Figure 14 The System page in the AIS Transponder Toolkit.

4.5 External display interface

This procedure is only performed if an external display equipment is available, e.g.
cockpit display.
Verify the interface by using the connected equipment, e.g. cockpit display. Refer to
the display manual for information about how to perform the verification.

4.6 AIS transponder operation

This verification requires a peer transponder transmitting AIS messages. Verify
Verify that the transponder is receiving data by visual inspection of the receiving
status LEDs. Verify also by use of the connected cockpit display (if present).
Reception can be verified also in the AIS Transponder Toolkit by inspecting the
Status & Statistics→Receivers page [6] and Figure 15.

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Figure 15 Status and statistics -> Receivers page in AIS Transponder Toolkit.

Verify that the transponder is transmitting data by visual inspection of the transmitting
status LED.
Verify that the transmitted position is displayed on receiving AIS equipment (if
present). Refer to the receiving equipment’s manual for information about how to
perform the verification.
Transmission can be verified also in the AIS Transponder Toolkit by inspecting the
Status & Statistics→Transmitter page [6].

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4.7 Transmitter switch (optional)

The verification of the transmitter switch is done via visual inspection of the
transmitter LED. Start the transponder and verify that the transmitter switch is in on
mode and wait until the transponder starts to transmit. Verify that the transponder is
transmitting data by visual inspection of the transmitting status LED.
Change the transmitter switch to off mode. Verify that the transponder is not
transmitting data by visual inspection of the transmitting status LED. The transmitting
LED shall not flash.
Change the transmitter switch to on mode. Verify that the transponder is transmitting
data by visual inspection of the transmitting status LED.

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5 Troubleshooting
In case of malfunction try one or more of the following:
1. Double-check that all antennas are correctly mounted and functional
2. Double-check that all cables are properly assembled and connected to the
transponder
3. Double-check that the power is within specifications
4. Double-check that the power LED is steady lit
5. Double-check that the Alarm LED is off
6. Connect a PC and run the AIS Transponder Toolkit or equivalent software and
read out eventually failure massages.
7. Contact your transponder supplier.

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6 Specifications
Technical data:
 Size: 146*85.5*295 mm (W*H*D)
 Weight: approx. 3.8 kg (without tray)
 Power: 28 VDC, 2 A (typical when transmitting)
 Operational temp.: -15 to +50 °C
 Storage Temp.: -20 to +65 °C
 Power interface: D-sub, 9-pole, pin, V+ and V-, isolated inputs
 External display: Cable specification
 Transmitter switch According to

Figure 12
 Maintenance interface: D-sub, 9-pole, jack, RS-232, Rx data and Tx data
 VHF antenna interface:N-series and SMA-series jack, 50Ω
 GNSS antenna interface; TNC jack, 50Ω
 Warm up time: Full performance after 5 minutes
 Frequency range: 156.025 – 162.025 MHz
 Channel bandwidth: 12.5/25 kHz
 Channel separation: 12.5 kHz
 Output power: 2/12.5 W nominal (selectable)
 Modulation: GMSK (AIS TDMA)/GFSK (DSC)
 Data rate: 9600 bps
 Forced air-cooling: Not required (recommended)
 Configuration: 1 VHF transmitter, 3 VHF receivers

Regulatory compliance:
 Recommendation on performance standards for AIS, IMO Resolution MSC.74(69)
Annex 3

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7 Installation Acceptance Record

Equipment type and serial number

Date
Responsible
N/A Pass Fail
Mounting / Wiring Check
Setup of MMSI number
GNSS operation
DGNSS operation (optional)
Functionality of External display interface
(optional)
AIS transponder operation
Functionality of the transmitter switch (optional)

Item Comments / Problem description

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