GME AIST120 AIS Transceiver Instruction Manual

GME AIST120 AIS Transceiver

Product Information

Specifications

• Product: AIST120 AIS Transceiver
• Location System: Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) network
• RF Emissions: Generates and radiates radio frequency electromagnetic energy

Product Usage Instructions

Installation

Preparing for Installation:

1. Ensure the equipment is not installed in a flammable atmosphere.
2. Connect the AIS transceiver to a power source.
3. Mount the transceiver in a suitable location with a clear GPS signal reception.

Installation Procedures:

1. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the manual.
2. Ensure proper connection of all cables and antennas.
3. Test the functionality of the transceiver post-installation.

Operation

• Using the AIS Transceiver:

1. Power on the AIS transceiver using the designated switch.
2. Monitor the indicator functions for signal reception status.
3. Interact with the AIS transceiver using proAIS2 software for advanced features.

• Switch Functions:
  Refer to the manual for detailed information on specific switch functions.

• Using proAIS2 with your AIS Transceiver:
  Install and configure the proAIS2 software by following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

• Indicator Functions
  Monitor the indicator lights on the AIS transceiver for status updates such as signal reception, transmission, and error indications.

Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with the AIS transceiver, refer to the troubleshooting section of the manual for guidance on resolving common problems.

FAQ

• Q: What should I do if I encounter a poor GPS signal reception?
  A: Ensure that the AIS transceiver is mounted in a location with unobstructed access to GPS satellites and check antenna positioning for optimal signal reception.

• Q: Can I install the AIS transceiver near fuel tanks?
  A: No, it is advised not to install the equipment in a flammable atmosphere such as near fuel tanks to prevent potential hazards.

• Q: How do I know if the AIS transceiver is functioning correctly?
  A: Monitor the indicator functions and refer to the manual for guidance on interpreting the status lights for proper operation.

NOTICES

When reading this manual please pay attention to warnings marked with the warning triangle shown on the left. These are important messages for the safety, installation and usage of the product.

SAFETY WARNINGS
This equipment must be installed in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual.

This AIS transceiver is an aid to navigation and must not be relied upon to provide accurate navigation information. AIS is not a replacement for vigilant human lookouts and other navigation aids such as RADAR. The performance of the transceiver may be seriously impaired if not installed as instructed in the user manual, or due to other factors such as weather and or nearby transmitting devices. Compatibility with other systems may vary and is reliant on the third party systems recognising the standard outputs from the transceiver. The manufacturer reserves the right to update and change these specifications at any time and without notice. Do not install this equipment in a flammable atmosphere such as in an engine room or near to fuel tanks.

GENERAL NOTICES

Position source

• All marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceivers utilise a satellite-based location system such as the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) network.
• The accuracy of a GPS position fix 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.

Compass safe distance
The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.2m or greater for 0.3° deviation.

RF emissions notice

Caution:
The AIS transceiver generates and radiates radio frequency electromagnetic energy. This equipment must be installed and operated according to the instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so can result in personal injury and/or AIS transceiver malfunction.

Caution:
Never operate the AIS transceiver unless it is connected to a VHF antenna.

To maximise performance and minimise human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic energy you must make sure that the antenna is mounted at least 1.5 metres away from the AIS transceiver and is connected to the AIS transceiver before power is applied. The system has a Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) radius of 1.5m. This has been determined assuming the maximum power of the AIS transceiver and using antennas with a maximum gain of 3dBi. The antenna should be mounted 3.5m above the deck to meet RF exposure requirements. Higher gain antennas will require a greater MPE radius. Do not operate the unit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna (unless they are shielded from the antenna field by a grounded metallic barrier). The antenna should not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other transmitting antenna. The required antenna impedance is 50 Ohms.

Warranty
This product is supplied with a standard warranty as defined in the accompanying warranty information.

WARNING:
Any attempt to tamper with or damage this product will invalidate the warranty.

Disposal of this product and packaging

• Please dispose of the AIS transceiver under the European WEEE Directive or with the applicable local regulations for the disposal of electrical equipment.
• Every effort has been made to ensure the packaging for this product is recyclable. Please dispose of the packaging in an environmentally friendly manner.

Accuracy of this manual
The AIS transceiver may be upgraded from time to time and future versions of the AIS transceiver may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. Information contained in this manual is liable to change without notice. The manufacturer of this product disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided with this product.

Declaration of conformity

• The manufacturer of this product declares that this product complies with the essential requirements and other provisions of the R&TTE directive 1995/5/EC.
• The product carries the CE mark, notified body number and alert symbol as required by the R&TTE directive.
• The product is intended for sale in the following member states: Great Britain, France, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic.

FCC notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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 under the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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.

Industry Canada notice
This AIS class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

ABOUT YOUR AIS TRANSCEIVER

ABOUT AIS
The marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a location and vessel information reporting system. It allows vessels equipped with AIS to automatically and dynamically share and regularly update their position, speed, course and other information such as vessel identity with similarly equipped vessels. Position is derived from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication between vessels is by Very High Frequency (VHF) digital transmissions.

There are a number of types of AIS devices as follows:

• Class A transceivers: These are similar to class B transceivers, but are designed to be fitted to large vessels such as cargo ships and large passenger vessels. Class A transceivers transmit at a higher VHF signal power than class B transceivers and therefore can be received by more distant vessels. They also transmit Class A transceivers are mandatory on all vessels over 300 gross tonnes on international voyages and certain types of passenger vessels under SOLAS regulations.
• Class B transceivers: Similar to class A transceivers in many ways, but are normally lower cost due to the less stringent performance requirements. Class B transceivers transmit at a lower power and at a lower reporting rate than class A transceivers.
• AIS base stations: AIS base stations are used by Vessel Traffic Systems to monitor and control the transmissions of AIS transceivers.
• Aids to Navigation (AtoN) transceivers: AtoNs are transceivers mounted on buoys or other hazards to shipping that transmit details of their location to the surrounding vessels.
• AIS receivers: AIS receivers will generally receive transmissions from class A transceivers, class B transceivers, and AIS base stations but do not transmit any information about the vessel on which they are installed.

This product is an AIS Class B transceiver.

STATIC AND DYNAMIC VESSEL DATA

• There are two categories of information transmitted by an AIS transceiver: static and dynamic data.
• The vessel’s dynamic data, which includes location, speed over ground (SOG) and course over ground (COG), is calculated automatically using the internal GPS receiver.

Static data is information about the vessel which must be programmed into the AIS transceiver. This includes:

• Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign (if available)
• Vessel type
• Vessel dimensions

In most countries, the operation of an AIS transceiver is included under the vessel’s marine VHF licence provisions. The vessel on which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a current VHF radiotelephone licence which lists the AIS system, vessel Call Sign and MMSI number.

WARNING:
An MMSI number is required for the AIS transceiver to operate. Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR US CUSTOMERS
There are specific laws in the USA regarding the configuration of AIS class B transceivers. If you are a US resident and intend to use your AIS class B transceiver in US waters, you should make sure that your retailer has configured your product before supplying it to you. If your AIS transceiver has not been pre-configured please contact your dealer for details of how to have it configured.

WARNING:
In the United States of America, the MMSI and static data must only be entered by a competent installer. The end user of the equipment is not authorised to enter their vessel data.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Figure 1 shows the items included with your AIS transceiver purchase. The following sections give a brief overview of each item. Please ensure all items are present and if any of the items are not present contact your dealer.

Quick start guide

The quick start guide gives a handy one-page reference for the installation process.

Fixing screws
Four fixing screws are provided with the product for mounting of the AIS transceiver. Please refer to section 3.2 for details on how to mount the AIS transceiver.

Power and data cable
The power and data cable connects to the AIS transceiver and enables connection to power, NMEA0183 and an external switch.

AIS transceiver unit

• Figure 2 shows an overview of the AIS transceiver unit.
• The AIS transceiver has several indicators that provide information to the user about the status of the AIS transceiver. Please refer to section 5.4 for more details of indicator functions.
• The AIS transceiver has an internal GPS antenna. You should ensure that the transceiver is mounted where it has a clear view of the sky, or connect an external GPS antenna which is available from your dealer as an accessory.

Power, data and USB cable LE123
The power and data cable connects to the AIS transceiver and enables connection to power, NMEA0183, external silent mode switch and USB.

Note:
The instruction manual, installation software and drivers are available from the product page on our GME website gme.net.au

WARNING:
Do not attempt to adjust or remove the fixings next to each of the four mounting holes. These fixings form part of the sealing of the AIS transceiver and any modification could affect the product’s performance and will invalidate the product’s warranty.

Electrical connections
The AIS transceiver has the following electrical connections:

• Power supply
• Two independent NMEA0183 data ports for connection to chart plotters and other NMEA0183 compatible equipment
• USB for connection to a PC or Mac
• External switch External switch input for silent mode control
• NMEA2000 port for connection to NMEA2000-compatible equipment

In addition, there are two other connections for the VHF antenna and an optional external GPS antenna. Figure 3 shows an overview of the electrical connections to the AIS transceiver.

INSTALLATION

PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION

Figure 4 shows a typical installation configuration for the AIS transceiver. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the system elements and their connections prior to attempting installation.

In addition to the items provided with your AIS transceiver, the following items will be required for installation:

VHF antenna
Connection to a suitable VHF antenna will be required for the AIS transceiver to operate. A standard marine band VHF antenna such as that used with VHF voice radios will be sufficient. Please take note of the warnings in section 1 regarding the use of antennas. Alternatively, if you wish to use an existing VHF antenna, antenna splitter products are available which allow the existing antenna to be used with two radio devices, such as a VHF voice radio and the AIS transceiver. When selecting an AIS antenna splitter make sure it is capable of operation with an AIS transceiver. Some AIS antenna splitters are designed to work only with AIS receivers. Please check with your dealer to ensure you purchase the correct type of antenna splitter.

Optional external GPS antenna
The transceiver has an internal GPS antenna. When the transceiver is mounted in a location with a clear sky view (for example, beneath a windshield or other non-metallic structure) an external GPS antenna is not required. Should it not be possible to mount the transceiver in a suitable location then an external GPS antenna can be connected. A compatible GPS antenna is available from your dealer as an accessory.

Optional switch
A switch can be connected to the transceiver to enable and disable ‘silent mode’ (see section 3.2). A latching toggle switch is required to use this feature.

VHF antenna cable
Please check that the VHF antenna you intend to use has sufficient cable to reach between the VHF antenna and the AIS transceiver unit. If it is not sufficient you will need an extension cable. Please contact your dealer for details of suitable products. For reference, the VHF antenna connector type on the AIS transceiver unit is SO 239 and is intended to mate with a PL 259 connector.

Power and data cables
The AIS transceiver unit is supplied with a two-metre-long power and data cable as an accessory. If you require longer cables to reach your power supply, please ensure the cables are capable of carrying currents of up to 2A peak and 200mA on average. Means of connecting the cables will also be required. The use of ScotchlokTM connectors is recommended for this purpose.

Chart plotter

• To display received AIS messages as other vessels on your chart plotter, you will need to connect your AIS transceiver to your chart plotter. Please refer to the user manual supplied with your chart plotter for details on how to connect and configure your chart plotter for use with AIS devices. For general guidance, your chart plotter should be configured to accept NMEA data at 38400 baud (sometimes referred to as ‘NMEA HS’ in the plotter configuration menu). You may also need to enable the display of AIS targets in the chart options.
• Alternatively, if you use an NMEA2000 network on your vessel it is possible to connect the AIS transceiver to the NMEA2000 network via a suitable cable. Please refer to your dealer for details of NMEA2000 cables.

Connection to a PC or Mac
If you choose to use a PC or Mac with suitable charting software to display received AIS messages as other vessels, this can be accomplished by connecting the USB connector to the supplied power and data cable. To enable the connection of the AIS receiver to a PC, you must first install the software available from the GME website.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

Before beginning installation of your AIS transceiver, please ensure you have the necessary additional items as detailed in section 3.1. It is strongly recommended that you read all of the instructions in this manual before installation. If after reading this manual you are unsure about any element of the installation process please contact your dealer for advice. The following sections explain the installation process step by step for each of the main elements of the system.

Step 1 – Installing the AIS transceiver
Please note the following guidelines when selecting a location for your AIS transceiver:

• The AIS transceiver must be fitted in a location where it is at least 0.5m from a compass or any magnetic device.
• There should be adequate space around the AIS transceiver for the routing of cables. See Figure 5 for details of the AIS transceiver dimensions.
• The ambient temperature around the AIS transceiver should be maintained between – 10°C and +55°C.
• The AIS transceiver should not be located in a flammable or hazardous atmosphere such as in an engine room or near fuel tanks.
• The AIS transceiver is fully waterproof to an ingress protection rating of IPx7, however, it is recommended that the AIS transceiver is not subjected to extended periods of exposure to spray or submersion.
• It is recommended that the AIS transceiver is installed in a ‘below decks’ environment.
• It is acceptable to mount the AIS transceiver either vertically or horizontally.
• The product is supplied with four self-tapping screws for attachment of the AIS transceiver to a suitable surface. Please refer to Figure 6 for guidance.
• The AIS transceiver should be mounted in a location where the indicators are readily visible as these provide important information on the status of the AIS transceiver.
• If the internal GPS antenna is used the AIS transceiver should be mounted in a location with a clear sky view. The internal GPS antenna is mounted below the top surface of the transceiver enclosure.

Step 2 – Installing an optional external GPS antenna

• For mounting the optional external GPS antenna, you will require a one-inch 14 TPI thread pole. You should ensure the GPS antenna has a good clear view of the entire sky.
• It is not recommended that the GPS antenna is mounted up a mast where the motion of the vessel will cause the antenna to swing and potentially reduce the accuracy of the GPS position.
• Do not mount your antenna in the direct path of a radar transmitter.
• Feed the ten-metre long cable attached to the GPS antenna cable through the pole and screw the antenna onto the pole mount as shown in Figure 7.
• Route the cable to your AIS transceiver unit, adding any necessary extension cables.
• Connect the cable from the GPS antenna to the GPS connector on the AIS transceiver as shown in Figure 8.

Step 3 – Connecting the VHF antenna

• Route the cable from the VHF antenna to the AIS transceiver and connect to the VHF connector on the AIS transceiver as shown in Figure 9.
• A standard marine band VHF antenna or AIS antenna should be used with the AIS transceiver. The connector type on the AIS transceiver is SO239. Your chosen VHF antenna requires a PL259 connector to mate with this. If your VHF antenna does not use this type of connector please contact your dealer for details of available adaptors.

Step 4 – Connecting the accessory cable
An accessory cable is supplied with the product to provide connections to power, the external switch, the NMEA0183 data ports and the USB. The cable has a pre-moulded connector at one end which should be connected to the connector on the unit marked ‘PWR/DATA’. The other end of the cable has eight colour- coded bare wires ready for connection and a USB connector for use with a PC or Mac. The table below in Figure 1 lists the function of each colour-coded wire for reference.

Power supply connections

Black| Power in –
Light green| Switch input-|

External switch connection for silent mode

Orange| Switch input+
Brown| NMEA0183 port 1 TX+| High-speed NMEA0183 output (38,400baud) intended for connection to chart plotters
Blue| NMEA0183 port 1 TX-
Purple| NMEA0183 port 2 RX+| Low-speed NMEA0183 input (4800baud) intended for connection to other NMEA0183 compatible sensors for multiplexing of data to the chart plotter
Yellow| NMEA0183 port 2 RX-

Table 1 Colour coding of wires in the accessory cable

WARNING:
Please check your wiring very carefully before applying power to the product. Failure to wire the product correctly could result in permanent damage.

Step 5 – Connecting an external switch

• A toggle switch can be connected to the AIS transceiver to provide remote control of silent mode.
• Connect the toggle switch between the light green and orange wires as shown in Figure 10. The connection of an external switch to toggle silent mode is optional and not essential for the normal operation of the product
• Do not connect a voltage source across the switch inputs as this may damage the transceiver.

Step 6 – Connecting to NMEA0183 compatible equipment

• The two independent NMEA0183 data ports provide a connection to your chart plotter and other NMEA0183-compatible equipment. Each port consists of two wires colour-coded as shown in the table in Figure 11 and in the diagram in
• Figure 11. Connect the wires to the appropriate connections on your NMEA0183-compatible equipment. Please refer to your equipment manual for more information.
• The AIS transceiver has a high-speed output port which operates at 38400baud and a low-speed input port which operates at 4800baud. The high-speed port is intended primarily to connect to a chart plotter, while the low-speed port is intended to connect to other NMEA0183 devices. A multiplexing feature is provided, which means any messages which are received via the low speed port are automatically transmitted via the high speed port.

This is particularly useful when using a chart plotter having only a single NMEA0183 port as any other sensor such as a gyro-compass can be connected to the AIS transceiver via the low-speed port and the AIS transceiver can be connected via the high-speed port to the chart plotter resulting in the chart plotter receiving both AIS information and heading information simultaneously. Please ensure your equipment is configured to use the correct baud rate for the port it is connected to.

Step 7- Connection to an NMEA2000 network (optional)
The AIS transceiver can be connected to an NMEA2000 network by a suitable NMEA2000 network cable available from your local dealer. If your vessel has an NMEA2000 network please refer to the relevant documentation for your NMEA2000 equipment. Once connected, and with your chart plotter also connected to your NMEA2000 network you will be able to receive AIS targets on your chart plotter.

Step 8 – USB Connection (optional)
The AIS transceiver is supplied with a USB port for connection to a PC or Mac. The USB connector can be connected directly to the USB port on the PC or Mac via the supplied USB cable. To enable the connection of the AIS receiver to a PC, you must first install the software available from the GME website. Driver installation is typically not required for use with a Mac.

To install the configuration Software tool-proAISA2 and USB drivers follow the steps below:

1. Download the software from the GME website AIST120
2. Double-click on the setup.exe file to launch the installer.
3. Follow the on-screen installation instructions to complete the installation.
4. Once installed the AIS unit can be connected to the PC. The USB drivers will be installed automatically and the AIS will appear as a new COM port device.
5. Select the AIS COM port and a baud rate of 38,400 in PC-based navigation software to make use of the AIS data.

If the USB connection is removed from the PC or Mac during use you must reset the connection before further use. To reset the connection, disconnect and then reapply power to the AIS before closing and relaunching any PC or Mac applications using the USB connection. Finally, reconnect the USB cable between the PC or Mac and the AIS transceiver.

Step 9 – Connecting to a power supply
The AIS transceiver requires a 12V or 24V power supply typically provided by the vessel’s battery. It is recommended that crimped and soldered lugs are used to connect the AIS transceiver to the power source. It is recommended that the power supply is connected via a suitable circuit breaker and/or 3A fuse block.

1. Connect the red wire to a 12V or 24V power supply positive terminal.
2. Connect the black wire to the supply negative terminal.

CONFIGURING YOUR AIS TRANSCEIVER

Until correctly configured your AIS class B transceiver will only receive AIS messages and will not transmit AIS messages.

SWITCHING ON YOUR AIS TRANSCEIVER FOR THE FIRST TIME
A few seconds after power is applied to the AIS transceiver, the indicators on the unit will illuminate in a pattern dependent on the configuration state of the unit. Figure 13 shows the functions of the four indicators.

Indicator

|

Function

---|---
Green| The unit is powered up and operating normally
Amber| Unit is in a ‘transmit timeout’ period
Red| Unit has experienced an error
Blue| Silent mode is activated

Figure 13 Indicator functions

If the AIS transceiver has been pre-configured the amber indicator will illuminate until a transmission has been sent by the unit. This may take several minutes as the transceiver must acquire a GPS position fix prior to transmitting its first message. If the transceiver has not been pre-configured the amber and red indicators will be illuminated until the configuration process has been completed.

CONFIGURING YOUR AIS TRANSCEIVER
There are two potential ways in which your AIS transceiver can be configured:

1. Configuration in advance by your dealer or installer.
   If your AIS transceiver has been configured for you by your dealer or installer you can proceed to section 5.

2. Configuration using proAIS2
   Providing it is acceptable to do so under your local legislation it is possible to configure your AIS transceiver yourself using the proAIS2 software provided with the product.

US Customers only:
It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission for the end user to programme the vessel data. The vessel data must only be programmed by a competent installer. If your AIS transceiver has not been pre- configured for you please refer to your dealer for advice on how to have the AIS transceiver configured by a competent installer.

INTRODUCTION TO PROAIS2
Included with the product software is a tool called ‘proAIS2’. proAIS2 provides the facility to configure, monitor and diagnose issues with your AIS transceiver. proAIS2 can assist with ensuring a satisfactory GPS signal is being received. It can also display alarm messages generated by the transceiver regarding poor VHF antenna quality or power supply beyond the acceptable range. proAIS2 can also be used to activate ‘silent mode’ which disables AIS transmissions.

Section 4.4 provides instructions on how to install proAIS2. Section 4.5 provides instructions on how to configure the AIS transceiver using proAIS2. Further help on how to use the features of proAIS2 can be found in the ‘Help menu within the proAIS2 tool. proAIS2 is designed to be installed and used with a PC or Mac connected to the AIS transceiver via USB using the supplied USB cable.

INSTALLING PROAIS2

1. Download the installation software from the GME website and run setup.exe. Follow the prompts on the screen and complete the software install.
2. If a security warning appears, click ‘Install’ to continue with the installation.
3. Once installation is complete, proAIS2 will launch automatically and a start menu folder and shortcut will be created for future use.

CONFIGURATION USING PROAIS2
For configuration purposes only, it is possible to power the AIS transceiver via its USB connection. This is useful if you wish to configure your AIS transceiver away from the vessel power supply. The AIS transceiver will not transmit any data or acquire a GPS position fix whilst powered by USB.

You will require the following information in order to configure your AIS transceiver:

• MMSI
• Vessel name
• Vessel type
• Call sign

Vessel dimensions and position of your GPS antenna installation. For further assistance in configuring your AIS transceiver please refer to the Help menu within proAIS2. Please ensure that you enter all vessel data accurately. Failure to do so could result in other vessels failing to identify your vessel correctly. The vessel MMSI can only be programmed once using proAIS2, please take care to programme your MMSI correctly. If you need to change the MMSI for any reason, please contact your dealer who will arrange to have the MMSI reset.

OPERATION

USING THE AIS TRANSCEIVER

• Once the unit has been configured it is ready for use. Providing other vessels with AIS transceivers installed are within radio range of your vessel you should see their details appear on your chart plotter or PC. These vessels will also be able to see your vessel on their chart plotter or PC. It may take up to six minutes for your full vessel details to be visible to others.
• Specific details of how to configure your chart plotter to make use of the AIS transceiver features will be given in your chart plotter manual. If you are using charting software running on a PC, please refer to the instructions provided with your chart plotting software for details of how to configure it to display AIS information.

SWITCH FUNCTIONS
When connected to the AIS transceiver following the instructions in section 3.2 an external switch provides the ability to set the AIS transceiver into ‘silent mode’. In silent mode the transmission of your own vessel position ceases, whilst the reception of other vessel’s AIS position continues. You should use silent mode if you do not wish your vessel data to be received by other AIS devices. When silent mode is active the blue indicator will be illuminated.

WARNING:
When silent mode is active other vessels will not be able to receive your vessel information on their AIS devices. Your navigational safety may be compromised as a result.

USING PROAIS2 WITH YOUR AIS TRANSCEIVER
The proAIS2 tool has a range of features to help monitor the performance of your AIS transceiver. To use the full range of features your AIS transceiver must be installed as described in section 3 and connected to a PC running the proAIS2 application. Follow the instructions provided in the help menu within proAIS2.

INDICATOR FUNCTIONS

The AIS transceiver includes four coloured indicators as shown in Figure 14. The state of the indicators provides information regarding the status of the AIS transceiver.

The meaning of typical indicator configurations is shown in the table below and Figure 14 shows the orientation of the AIS transceiver.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Issue

|

Possible Cause and Remedy

---|---
No data is being received by the chart plotter| • Check that the power supply is connected correctly.

• Check that the power supply is a 12V or 24V supply.

• Check that the connections to the chart plotter are correct.

No indicators are illuminated| •  Check that the power supply is connected correctly.

•  Check that the power supply is a 12V or 24V supply.

The Red ‘error’ indicator is illuminated| • The unit may not have a valid MMSI. Check that the AIS transceiver is correctly configured with a valid MMSI.

• The VHF antenna may be faulty. Please check the connection to the VHF antenna and that the VHF antenna is not damaged. The red indicator may illuminate briefly if the power supply is interrupted or the VHF antenna characteristics are briefly affected.

• No GPS position fix can be obtained. Please check the transceiver is located where the internal GPS antenna has a clear sky view or that an external GPS antenna is properly connected and installed. Review the GPS signal strength graph available in proAIS2.

• The power supply is outside the allowable range. Check that the power supply is within the range of 9.6V to 31.2V.

• If none of the above corrects the error condition please contact your dealer for advice.

• Check for error and alarm messages in proAIS2

My MMSI is being received by other vessels but my vessel name is not shown on their chart plotter or PC| •  Some older AIS devices and chart plotters do not process the specific class B AIS message which provides the vessel name (message 24). This is not a fault of your AIS

transceiver. Software upgrades are available for many older chart plotters which will correct this issue. The other vessel should update its AIS unit and/or chart plotting software to receive AIS message 24.

If the guidance given in the table above does not rectify the problem you are experiencing please contact your dealer for further assistance.

SPECIFICATIONS

•  Average power consumption 170mA at 12VDC

•  Peak current rating 2A

GPS Receiver (AIS Internal)| 50 channel IEC 61108-1 compliant
Electrical Interfaces| •  USB

•  NMEA0183 38.4kBaud output

•  NMEA0183 4.8kBaud input

•  NMEA2000 LEN=1

Connectors| • VHF antenna connector (SO-239)

• External GPS antenna connector (TNC)

• USB type A plug

• NMEA2000 standard connector

• 12-way power input / NMEA0183/External switch

VHF Transceiver| •  Transmitter x 1

•  Receiver x 2 (One receiver time shared between AIS and DSC)

•  Frequency: 156.025 to 162.025 MHz in 25 kHz steps

Output Power| 33dBm ± 1.5 dB
Channel Bandwidth| 25kHz
Channel Step| 25kHz
Modulation Modes| •  25kHz GMSK (AIS, TX and RX)

•  25kHz AFSK (DSC, RX only)

Bit rate| • 9600 b/s ± 50 ppm (GMSK)

• 1200 b/s ± 30 ppm (FSK)

RX Sensitivity| Less than -107dBm at 20% PER  Co-channel 10dB Adjacent channel 70dB                        IMD 65dB Blocking 84dB
Environmental| Water-resistant to IPx7

Operating temperature: -25ºC to +55ºC Tested to IEC 60945 ‘Protected’ category

Indicators| Power, TX timeout, error, silent mode status

GME WARRANTY AGAINST DEFECTS

This warranty against defects is given by GME Pty Ltd ACN 000 346 814 (We, us, our or GME). Our contact details are set out in clause 2.7.

1. Consumer guarantees
2. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
3. To the extent we are able, we exclude all other conditions, warranties and obligations which would otherwise be implied.
4. Warranty against defects
5. This warranty is in addition to and does not limit, exclude or restrict your rights under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Australia) or any other mandatory protection laws that may apply.
6. We warrant our goods to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the warranty period (see warranty table) from the date of original sale (or another period we agree to in writing). Subject to our obligations under clause 1.2, we will at our option, either repair or replace goods which we are satisfied are defective. We warrant any replacement parts for the remainder of the period of warranty for the goods into which they are incorporated.
7. To the extent permitted by law, our sole liability for breach of a condition, warranty or other obligation implied by law is limited

  * in the case of goods we supply, to any one of the following as we decide –
    1. the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods;
    2. the repair of the goods;
    3. the cost of repairing the goods or of acquiring equivalent goods;
  * in the case of services we supply, to any one of the following as we decide –
    1. the supplying of the services again;
    2. the cost of having the services supplied again.
4. For repairs outside the warranty period, we warrant our repairs to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three months from the date of the original repair. We agree to re-repair or replace (at our option) any materials or workmanship which we are satisfied are defective.
5. We warrant that we will perform services with reasonable care and skill and agree to investigate any complaint regarding our services made in good faith. If we are satisfied that the complaint is justified, and as our sole liability to you under this warranty (to the extent permitted at law), we agree to supply those services again at no extra charge to you.
6. To make a warranty claim you must before the end of the applicable warranty period (see warranty table), at your own cost, return the goods you allege are defective, provide written details of the defect, and give us an original or copy of the sales invoice or some other evidence showing details of the transaction.
7.  **Send your claim to:  

GME Pty Ltd. PO Box 96 Winston Hills, NSW 2153, Australia.
Tel: (02) 8867 6000
Fax: (02) 8867 6199
Email:** servadmin@gme.net.au.

8. If we determine that your goods are defective, we will pay for the cost of returning the repaired or replaced goods to you, and reimburse you for your reasonable expenses of sending your warranty claim to us.

3. What this warranty does not cover
4. This warranty will not apply concerning:

  * goods modified or altered in any way;
  * defects and damage caused by the use of non-GME products;
  * repairs performed other than by our authorised representative;
  * defects or damage resulting from misuse, accident, impact or neglect;(e)) goods improperly installed or used in a manner contrary to the relevant instruction manual; or
  * goods where the serial number has been removed or made illegal.

4. Warranty period
5. We provide the following warranty on GME and Kingray products. No repair or replacement during the warranty period will renew or extend the warranty period past the period from the original date of purchase.

GME Pty Ltd

• Add: 17 Gibbon Road, Winston Hills NSW 2153, Australia
• Tel: (02) 8867 6000
• Fax: (02) 8867 6199
• gme.net.au.
• Part Number: 310548
• Drawing Number: 45907-5

References

• GME Australia | EPIRBS - Handheld Radios - Antennas - Power Products

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