User manual ACR ELECTRONICS AIS-B REV C

[. . . ] In the United States 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. WARNING: This product is a supplemental navigation tool only!The user assumes all responsibility associated with the use of this device and safe navigation. It is important to understand that all vessels may not be equipped with AIS transponders and therefore may not be visible to this transponder. Likewise, certain conditions, such as equipment failures, the environment, improper use and crowded port scenarios, may exist whereby the vessel equipped with this AIS transponder is not visible to other AIS transponders. CAUTION: Before proceeding to install, test or use your new ACR Electronics product, please read this Product Support Manual in its entirety. [. . . ] Installation of the GPS antenna is critical for the performance of the built in GPS receiver which is used for timing of the transmitted time slots and for the supply of navigational information should the ships main navigational GPS fail. It is strongly recommended that: The GPS antenna is mounted in an elevated position and free of shadow effect from the ships superstructure. 19 Y1-03-0222 Rev. C The GPS antenna has a free view through 360 degrees with a vertical angle of 5 to 90 degrees above the horizon. The GNSS antenna is placed as far away as possible from radar, Inmarsat and Iridium transmitters. Also ensure that the GPS antenna is free from direct view of the radar and the Inmarsat beam. The received GPS signal is very sensitive to noise and interference generated by other onboard transmitters. The MF/HF and other VHF transmitter antennas are kept as far away as possible from the GNSS antenna. It is good practice never to install a GNSS antenna within a radius of 2 meters from these antennas. VHF antenna for AIS use NOTE: If you are installing a Class B AIS transponder on a vessel because you are required to do so, you must use a separate VHF antenna and a separate GPS antenna dedicated to the Class B device in order to be compliant with the regulations. The VHF antenna supplied for use with the NauticastTM-B is omni-directional, vertically polarized with unity gain (0 dB) and a band width sufficient to maintain VSWR <1. 5 over the frequency range 156­163 MHz. As a minimum the 3dB bandwidth will cover the two AIS channels and the DCS channel. The antenna is also suitable for marine shipboard applications (index of protection, ruggedness, means of mounting, etc. ). If you elect to not use the antenna supplied, the alternate VHF antenna employed for AIS use: Must be a dedicated antenna, i. e. Should be mounted with at least a two meter vertical separation distance from any other VHF antenna used for speech or DCS communication. Also see Appendix for warnings such as "Radio Frequency Exposure Warning". SECTION 3 - USING THE TRANSPONDER 1. Switching ON When the 12V supply is switched on, all four LEDs visible on the front panel of the unit will illuminate twice for a period of one second on each illumination. When the internal GPS starts outputting valid position information, the red LED will go out. When the NauticastTM-B AIS unit transmits its first position report (message 18), the yellow LED will go out. Note that this process may take up to 30 minutes depending on the switch-on state of the GPS receiver. When the yellow LED goes out the green LED will illuminate indicating that the unit is now operating correctly. 2. Warning and fault states If the unit has not been able to transmit a position report during the last expected two reporting intervals (i. e. the nominal reporting interval cannot be maintained for operational reasons such as a Message 23 quiet period, high channel load conditions, etc. ) the yellow LED will illuminate. This is a warning condition only and indicates that your vessels position is not currently being reported to other vessels. [. . . ] Technical Service 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, U. S. A. Tel. : +1 (954) 981-3333 Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087 Email: service@acrelectronics. com Web: www. acrelectronics. com 2. Limited WarrantyLimied Warranty This product is warranted against factory defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 (one) year* from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. will repair or, at its option, replace the unit at no cost to you for labor, materials and return transportation from ACR. For further assistance, please contact our Technical Service Department at ACR Electronics, Inc. , 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-6645. [. . . ]