NAUT-CAST 1001001-2 A2 Automatic Identification Systems Installation Guide
- June 5, 2024
- NAUT-CAST
Table of Contents
NAUT-CAST 1001001-2 A2 Automatic Identification Systems
Installation Guide
This installation guide serves as a complement to the product manual (Art. No.
1001001-2), including on the Nauticast Data Card (USB-Stick). Installation of
the
Nautical A2 AIS System should always be planned and executed by authorized
personnel.
Please visit our website for the latest information regarding the Nauticast
A2. www.nauticast.com
RECOMMENDED PHYSICAL INSTALLATION
The transponder unit should be mounted in a protected area and compass safe
distances kept in mind (see table on the right). VHF antenna must be mounted
vertically, free of reflective objects, minimum distance to other VHF antennas
1.5m and out of the radar beam. GPS antenna must have an omnidirectional view
of the sky for ideal reception.
SYSTEM MODE
Important: The Nauticast A2 can operate in two different system modes,
Class A mode (default) and Inland mode.
Inland mode is applicable to European river-going vessels. Set mode in Main
Menu→ Config→ System Settings→ System Mode
Instructions only relevant for Inland AIS operation will be in brown print.
Physical
- Nautical A2
- Size W x H x D: 238x87x173 (mm) Incl. Gimbal Mount Size W xH x D: 292x124x173 (mm)
Power
- Input voltage: 24 VDC (12 VDC)
- Power Consumption Ø / max: 20W / 60W Current Ø / piek: 0.6A / 2.5A (1.2A / 5.0A)
- GPS Receiver (AIS internal)
- Receiver: 50 CH
- Frequency: L1 (1575.42 MHz)
- Update Rate: 2 Hz
- Position accuracy (SA off)
- Position <2.0 m DGPS (CEP, 50%) Position <2.5 m GPS (CEP, 50%) Antenna feeding: 5 VDC
- Electrical Interfaces
- RS 422 Port Default speed (bps)
- Pilot In/Out 38400
- ECDIS In/Out 38400
- LR In/Out 9600
- Sensor 1 In 4800
- Sensor 2 In 4800
- Sensor 3 In 4800
- RS 232 Port Default speed (bps)
- RS232 In/Out 38400
- Signal connector: 26 pin HD-SUB (M)
- RS-232 connector: 9 pin D-SUB (M)
- Power connector: 4 pin ConXall (M)
- GPS 50 ohm antenna connector TNC female VHF 50 ohm antenna connector BNC female
- Chassis GND screw size: M6
- Cables (recommended)
- VHF and GPS RG214/U
- Sensors e.g. Gyro RFE-HFI 2x2x0.75 mm2
Blue Sign Installation
Install Resistor connecting brown and orange wires:
- 12V: 2.2kΩ
- 24V: 10 kΩ
- VHF Transceiver
- Frequency 156-163 MHz
- Output power 1/12.5 W
- Channel bandwidth 25 kHz
- Bit Rate 9600 bps
- Intervals between position reports 1-180 s Modulation FM-GMSK/GFSK
- Transmitter 1
- Receivers 3
- Transceiver Sensitivity <-107 dBm
- Environmental data
- Protected environment (IEC 60945)
- Operating temperature -15 °C to 55 °C
- Compass safe distance
- 60 cm to standard magnetic compass
- 45 cm to steering magnetic compass
- The Nautical A2 AIS System is compliant with the following Standards
- IMO Performance Standard for AIS (MSC 74(69) Annex 3)
- ITU-R M. 1371-5
- ITU-R M. 825-3
- ITU-R M. 1084-5
- IEC 61993-2 Edition 2
- IEC 61162-1/2 Edition 4 (NMEA 0183, Version 4.0) IEC 61108-1 Edition 2
- IEC 60945 Edition 4
- IEC 62288 Edition 2
- IALA Guidelines on AIS
- Inland Test Standard Ed. 2.0
- Specifications subject to change without notice
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
NOTE: Set correct System mode (CLASS A / Inland before proceeding) Language: Main Menu → Config → Display → Language Set up the following parameters under Main Menu → Config → Ship Static
| Class A Mode | Inland Mode |
|---|---|
| MMSI | MMSI |
| IMO | IMO = 0 |
| Call Sign | Call Sign |
| Ship Name | Ship Name |
| Height over Keel | Height over Keel |
| Ship Type | ERI Code / Euro type |
| Ship Dimension* | SOG/COG/HDG quality |
| – | Euro number |
| Ship and Convoy total Dimensions* |
SET SHIP DIMENSIONS
There are two methods for setting Ship Dimensions: configuration parameter
“Ship Size Mode” in the view “Config-> Interfaces -> Miscellaneous” can be set
to Standard Mode or Simplified Mode(default). This choice is only available in
Class A system mode! If external ECDIS will be used for full AIS
configuration, Standard Mode is recommended unless the ECDIS integration has
been verified with A2.
Standard Mode (not available in Inland mode) In this mode data is entered
exactly as it will be reported on the VHF link.
Input
- A, B, C, D for internal antenna [m]
- A, B, C, D for external antenna [m]
Simplified Mode (default)
In Simplified mode the transponder will automatically calculate and correctly round the A, B,C, and D values reported on the VHF link from Length, Beam, C and B.
Input
- Ship length x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
- Ship beam x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
- C, B for internal antenna relative to ship x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
- C, B for external antenna relative to ship x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
Inland Mode Convoy Setting (Inland only): Set Length, Beam, C, and B parameters as above.Specify any extra convoy size in Main Menu→Voyage →Convoy Settings. Extra convoy size on each side (value = 0 if convoy not used):
- Bow x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
- Stern x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
- Port side x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
- Starboard x.x [m] (one decimal precision)
A B, C, and D values reported on the VHF link will be calculated from Length, Beam, C, B, and any extra convoy sizes. This mode will make it easier for Inland AIS users to quickly change all relevant dimensions when changing convoy configuration but may cause problems for external ECDIS integrations.
SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL TEST
Please consult the product manual, included on the Nauticast Data Card(USB-
Stick) or download it from www.nauticast.com/cms/downloads, if any questions
occur.
SYSTEM POWER UP
The Nautical A2 will start to operate when power is connected, the device does
not have a power switch. The system is fully operational within 2 minutes.
TRANSPONDER STATUS LEDs
Normal operation can be verified using the LEDs on the front. Tx and Rx LEDs
will flash during VHF Tx and Rx. Status LEDs on the transponder signal these
operational states:
| SYSTEM STATUS | STATUS LED |
|---|---|
| Normal Operation | Solid GREEN |
| Unacknowledged active alert | Flashing RED |
| Acknowledged active alert | Solid RED |
| Power failure | OFF |
Note: LEDs will behave differently during a system boot. Allow two
minutes from power-on before checking of LED status.
ALERT LIST
- Make sure no unexpected alerts are active. Main Menu → Alert
- Disable any active alerts not applicable for the installation in the Alert Config View. Main Menu → Config → Alert
- Quick access to the alert list is available by pressing the “ESC” button for 3 seconds.
TIME AND DATE
Verify system time and date in the upper right corner. If incorrect, the
transponder’s internal GPS does not have a position fix. This will also be
indicated by an alert “UTC Sync Invalid”.
GPS STATUS
Verify GPS antenna installation quality in the GPS Status View: Main Menu
Status → GPS Status VHF Communication Test
Verify two-way VHF communication with other vessels in the Comm. Test View.
Menu → Maintenance → Comm. Test.
Mounting
The Nautical A2 can be panel or gimbal mounted (optional accessories 1001005
or 1001006). For flush mounting, remove the gimbal mount jacket. Use the
cutout dimensions in the figure below. Do not exceed the cutout area, the
screw holes may be too close to the cutout. A 1:1 scale cutout drawing is
included on the Data Card. If printed, verify the scale has not changed by
measuring the given dimensions. 
Nautical A2 Signal Cable DSUB-OPEN, 1001003
26-pin High-Density D-Sub, female. Out/Tx = Data from transponder.
| Pin | In/Out | Signal Name | Signal Type | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Out | ECDIS – TxB (+) | RS422 | White |
| 2 | Out | ECDIS – TxA (-) | RS422 | Brown |
| 3 | In | Sensor1 – RxB (+) | RS422 | Green |
| 4 | In | Sensor1 – RxA (-) | RS422 | Yellow |
| 5 | In | Sensor2 – RxB (+) | RS422 | Grey |
| 6 | In | Sensor2 – RxA (-) | RS422 | Pink |
| 7 | In | Long Range – RxB (+) | RS422 | Blue |
| 8 | In | Long Range – RxA (-) | RS422 | Red |
| 9 | – | Long Range – GND | RS422 | Black |
| 10 | – | ECDIS – GND | RS422 | Violet |
| 11 | In | ECDIS – RxB (+) | RS422 | Grey / Pink |
| 12 | In | ECDIS – RxA (-) | RS422 | Red / Blue |
| 13 | – | Sensor1 – GND | RS422 | White / Green |
| 14 | – | Sensor2 – GND | RS422 | Brown / Green |
| 15 | In | Sensor3 – RxB (+) | RS422 | White / Yellow |
| 16 | In | Sensor3 – RxA (-) | RS422 | Yellow / |
| 17 | Out | Long Range – TxB (+) | RS422 | White / Grey |
| 18 | Out | Long Range – TxA (-) | RS422 | Grey / Brown |
| 19 | – | Alarm Relay – GND | – | White / Pink |
| 20 | Out | Alarm Relay – Out | – | Pink / Brown |
| 21 | – | GND | – | White / Blue |
| 22 | – | TX test pin (do not connect!) | – | |
| 23 | – | Sensor3 – GND | RS422 | White / Red |
| 24 | – | Alarm Relay – VCC | – | Brown / Red |
| 25 | In/Out | CAN (+) | Diff. CAN | White/Black |
| 26 | In/Out | CAN (-) | Diff. CAN | Brown/Black |
A2 Power Cable, 1001001-1
4-pin male circular ConXall, female. 5A Fuse.
| Pin | Signal Name | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12/24VDC positive | Red |
| 2 | GND | Black |
| 3* | External Switch | Brown |
| 4* | External Switch | Orange |
Transponder 232
pinout
Tx = from transponder. Default 38400 bps.
| Pin | Signal Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Not Connected |
| 2 | AIS Data Tx |
| 3 | AIS Data Rx |
| 4 | Not Connected |
| 5 | GND |
| 6 | Not Connected |
| 7 | Not Connected |
| 8 | Not Connected |
| 9 | Not Connected |
Use a standard DE9F to DE9M Serial Cable.
References
- art.no
- Nauticast Automatic Identification Systems AIS - Startseite
- Nauticast Automatic Identification Systems AIS - Startseite
- Nauticast Automatic Identification Systems AIS - downloads