ACR Electronics NAUTICAST inland AIS User manual

User Manual
P/N 2662
AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - INLAND
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312
[phone]
Fax [phone]
www.acrelectronics.com
Email: [email protected]
Y1-03-0211

=
User Manual I
Y1-03-0211 Rev B.
Please read this first!
Warning:
Although ACR strives for accuracy in all its publications; this material may contain errors or
omissions, and is subject to change without prior notice. ACR shall not be made liable for any
specific, indirect, incidental or consequential damages as a result of its use. ACR components may
only be used in safety of life devices or systems, with the express written approval of ACR, as the
failure of such components could cause the failure of the ACR device or system. If these fail, it is
reasonable to assume that the safety of the user or other persons may be endangered.

User Manual II Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
1 STARTING THE NAUTICAST..................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Initial Set Up of the NAUTICAST for operation...........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Entering the MMSI / IMO / DAC / ESN Numbers........................................................................................................................5
1.3 Entering Ship Settings ................................................................................................................................................................8
1.4 Entering Voyage Related Data .................................................................................................................................................10
1.5 Service and User Passwords....................................................................................................................................................14
2 NAUTICAST USER INTERFACE ...........................................................................................................................................................17
2.1 NAUTICAST Keyboard .............................................................................................................................................................18
2.2 Explanation of the “Cursor Cross” ............................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Explanation of the Num-Locked and [NUM] Functions.............................................................................................................18
2.4 Explanation of the Soft Keys.....................................................................................................................................................19
2.5 Safety Keys...............................................................................................................................................................................19
3 NAUTICAST SCREENS .......................................................................................................................................................................20
3.1 Navigation Screen ....................................................................................................................................................................20
3.1.1 Own Vessel Data .............................................................................................................................................................21
3.1.2 Other Vessel Data ...........................................................................................................................................................22
3.1.3 Short Header ...................................................................................................................................................................23
3.1.4 Other Vessel Details........................................................................................................................................................23
3.2 Menu Structure .........................................................................................................................................................................26
3.3 Main Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................26
3.4 Sub-Menus Overview ...............................................................................................................................................................27
3.4.1 Messages ........................................................................................................................................................................27
3.4.2 AIS Status........................................................................................................................................................................27
3.4.3 Voyage Settings – (User Password Protected) ...............................................................................................................28
3.4.4 Ship Settings – (User Password Protected) ....................................................................................................................28
3.4.5 Transponder Configuration – (User Password Protected)...............................................................................................29
3.4.6 Service Configuration – (Service Password Protected)...................................................................................................29
3.4.7 Display Settings ...............................................................................................................................................................30
3.4.8 Graphical Display Settings...............................................................................................................................................30
3.5 Sub-Menus Detailed .................................................................................................................................................................31
3.5.1 Messages ........................................................................................................................................................................31
3.5.2 AIS Status........................................................................................................................................................................47
3.5.3 Voyage Settings (User Password Protected) ..................................................................................................................52
3.5.4 Ship Settings (User Password Protected) .......................................................................................................................57
3.5.5 Transponder Configuration (User Password Protected)..................................................................................................60
3.5.6 Service Configuration (Service Password Protected)......................................................................................................71
3.5.7 Display Settings ...............................................................................................................................................................80
3.6 Graphical User Interface (GUI) .................................................................................................................................................81
3.6.1 Switching between the Views ..........................................................................................................................................82
3.6.2 The Radar View ...............................................................................................................................................................83
3.6.3 The Fairway View ............................................................................................................................................................88
3.6.4 Message and Alarm Handling..........................................................................................................................................91
3.6.5 Configuration of the Graphical Display ............................................................................................................................93
4 SAFETY FUNCTIONS...........................................................................................................................................................................103
4.1 MOB Person over Board.........................................................................................................................................................103
4.2 Activating the SRM Safety Related Message Button..............................................................................................................105
5 TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................................................................................................110
5.1 Reading and understanding Alarms: ......................................................................................................................................110
5.2 Alarm Codes ...........................................................................................................................................................................110
5.3 Text Messages ......................................................................................................................................................................112
5.4 Restarting the NAUTICAST ....................................................................................................................................................112
6 CONTACT AND SUPPORT INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................................113
7 APPENDIX..........................................................................................................................................................................................114
7.1 Explanation of commonly used Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................114
7.2 ERI ship types.........................................................................................................................................................................116
7.2 Certificates
NAUTICAST Inland AIS Transponder
User Manual
Index Page Number

User Manual III Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
History of Changes
Date Version Rev. Status Comments Responsible
2005-11-01 1.0.0 A Released Initial Release A. Lesch
2006-07-25 1.0.1 B Released Editorial work M.D’Arcangelo

User Manual 4 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
1 Starting the NAUTICAST
1.1 Initial Set Up of the NAUTICAST for operation
ATTENTION: AUTHORITIES MANADATE THAT YOU ENTER THIS INFORMATION.
After installing the antennas and hardware the following User, Voyage related and Ship
Settings data needs to be entered. Upon Start-up (Applying power) enter the following
information.
a) Enter MMSI Number - See paragraph 1.2 on entering information.
During the initial boot or after “factory settings” the user is asked to enter a valid
MMSI number. As long as this is not done, the system does not transmit. This
appears as Alarm-ID 56 with the text “AIS: ENTER MMSI NUMBER”.
b) Enter IMO Number, Designated Area Code (DAC) and European Ship Number
(ESN) - See paragraph 1.2 on Entering information.
c) Select AIS Mode – According to the local requirements you have to select the AIS
Mode between Inland AIS or SOLAS AIS.
See paragraph on altering this information.
d) Ship Settings Data - After initial entry of the Ship Settings Data any changes in the
information below should be edited accordingly. See Paragraph 1.3 on entering
information.
•Enter Call Sign
•Enter Ships Name
•Enter Length of Ship
•Enter Beam of Ship
•Enter Internal GPS antenna Position
•Enter External GPS Antenna Position (If Applicable).
•Enter Ship Type
e) Voyage related Data – After initial entry of the Voyage related Data any changes in
the information below should be edited accordingly.
See Paragraph 1.4 on entering information.
•Enter Cargo Type
•Enter Draught
•Enter Destination
•Enter ETA
•Enter Navigation Status.
f) Password – Service and User passwords see section 1.5
LAT: N/A SOG: N/A 00/00/00
LON: N/A COG: N/A 24:60:60
IntN/A: STOP ! 7A 1T
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Time 24:60 00/00
[!] ALARM ID:56
AIS: ENTER MMSI NUMBER
Please press OK to enter MMSI number!
Tx temporary suppressed
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

User Manual 5 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
1.2 Entering the MMSI / IMO / DAC / ESN Numbers
Select from the Main Menu “Service Configuration” Number 6. Menu is SERVICE
password protected with default password “NAUT”. Enter Service Password and use the up
and down arrows on keypad to select “Change MMSI / IMO” than press M5 “Select” or “by
pressing number 3 on the keypad.
Input your MMSI and IMO number and press Save to store data. Unit will reboot itself after
pressing Save. Continue to 4.2 after reboot.
Service Configuration Menu Example:
Note: MMSI and IMO Data input are limited to 9 characters.
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| 6. Service Configuration
-----| |
| +- 1. Change Service Password
View | +- 2. User Password Settings
| +- 3. Change MMSI / IMO
-----| +- 4. Change DAC / ESN
| +- 5. Change AIS Mode
Msg. | +- 6. Restore Factory Settings
|
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back
N 1^19' E 0^13' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| Menu
-----| |
| +- 1. Messages
View | +- 2. AIS Status
| +- 3. Voyage Settings
-----| +- 4. Ship Settings
| +- 5. Transponder Configuration
Msg. | +- 6. Service Configuration
| +- 7. Display Settings
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back

User Manual 6 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Select Submenu 4 “Change DAC / ESN” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] by pressing Nr. 4
on the keyboard.
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1> N/A|2>0.00|3>0.10nm
********** Change MMSI / IMO ***********
MMSI :1193046
IMO No.:303174162
----------------------------------------
NUM| Save | | | Back
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| 6. Service Configuration
-----| |
| +- 1. Change Service Password
View | +- 2. User Password Settings
| +- 3. Change MMSI / IMO
-----| +- 4. Change DAC / ESN
| +- 5. Change AIS Mode
Msg. | +- 6. Restore Factory Settings
|
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back

User Manual 7 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Input new DAC / ESN Numbers and press [Save] to store input data. Press [Back] to return
to the Submenu without saving.
Note:
The DAC (Designated Area Code) is predefined with the value “200”. Please key in only a
different 3 digit value if your authority wants you to do this. Otherwise you may lose
important AIS information. The ESN (European Ship Number) is limited to 8 ASCII
characters.
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1> N/A|2>0.00|3>0.10nm
*********** Change DAC / ESN ***********
DAC : 200
ESN : A123456B
----------------------------------------
NUM| Save | | | Back

User Manual 8 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
1.3 Entering Ship Settings
Select from the Main Menu “Ship Settings” Menu is USER password protected with default
password “NAUT”. Enter Password and use the up and down arrows to edit Ship Settings
then press Enter or the numeric reference on the keypad to select and edit.
Save after editing.
Main Menu Example:
Select Ship Settings and press M5 [Enter]. Enter User Password and Continue.
Ship Settings Menu Example:
Select and enter ATIS Code / Call Sign.
Select and enter Ship Name.
Select and enter Length of Convoy (in m).
Select and enter Beam of Convoy (in m).
Select and enter Internal and External GPS antenna positions.
Select and enter Length of Ship (in dm).
Select and enter Beam of Ship (in dm).
N 1^23' E 0^16' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| Menu
-----| |
| +- 1. Messages
View | +- 2. AIS Status
| +- 3. Voyage Settings
-----| +- 4. Ship Settings
| +- 5. Transponder Configuration
Msg. | +- 6. Service Configuration
| +- 7. Display Settings
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back
N 1^19' E 0^12' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
************ Ship Settings *************
Atis Code :max. 7ASCII +------+
ShipName :Nauticast | |
Length(Conv):400m | A
Beam(Conv) :32m | |
RefPtExt :A380 B20 C8 D24m | x--|
RefPtInt :A380 B20 C8 D24m | | B
Length(ship):600dm | | |
Beam(ship) :220dm +-C-+D-
+
----------------------------------------
| Save | | | Back

User Manual 9 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Setting the Internal and External GPS Antenna Position.
Note: It is critical for the proper orientation of your ship to other AIS users to enter
this data accurately.
Example: Length of ship / convoy = 220m and Beam of ship / convoy = 43m.
GPS ANTENNA location on ship (is x in above Menu example) is located 200 meters from
bow (A) and 33 Meters from Starboard side (D).
Note: You can only enter Dimension A and D. B and C are automatically calculated.
You would enter A200D33 (without spaces, no decimals and no commas).
Then Press Save.
The line than should look like the example above for External Reference point.
Note: When only using internal GPS antenna it is ok to have default values for external
position since they are not used.
RefPointExt = A200 B20 C10 D33m (Position of the external GPS antenna)
A = the distance from bow (front) to the antenna.
B= the distance from the antenna to the stern (rear)
C = the distance from the port (left) side to the antenna
D = the distance from the antenna to the starboard (right) side
Enter RefPtInt (location of the internal GPS antenna) in the same way.
Save the new settings by pressing [Save].
Press [Back] return to the Main Menu Screen without saving any changes.

User Manual 10 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
1.4 Entering Voyage Related Data
Select from the Main Menu “Voyage Settings” Menu is USER password protected with
default password “NAUT”. Enter Password and use the up and down arrows to edit Voyage
Related data then press Enter or the numeric reference on the keypad to select and edit.
Save after editing.
Main Menu Example:
N 1^20' E 0^13' |1> N/A|2>0.00|3>0.10nm
|----------------------------------
| Menu
-----| |
| +- 1. Messages
View | +- 2. AIS Status
| +- 3. Voyage Settings
-----| +- 4. Ship Settings
| +- 5. Transponder Configuration
Msg. | +- 6. Service Configuration
| +- 7. Display Settings
-----| +- 8. Graphical Display Settings
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM|Select->| | |<-Back

User Manual 11 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
The password query field appears. Input new User Password and press [Enter].
Select Submenu 1 “General Settings” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] by pressing Nr. 1 on
the keyboard.
Scroll the Data Fields with [Enter] and input own vessel data. Enter a SOLAS draught in
meter (max. = 25.5m), a Inland draught in centimeter (max. = 2000cm) and air-draught value
in centimeter (max. = 4000cm) as well as the correct navigational status setting.
Save the new settings by pressing [Save], and return to the Main Menu Screen by pressing
[Exit]. Press [Exit] to return to the Main Menu without saving any changes.
N 1^31' E 0^24' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
----------------------------------------
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
User password protected!
Please enter user password:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
----------------------------------------
| Enter | | | Exit
N 1^18' E 0^12' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| 3. Voyage Settings
-----| |
| +- 1. General Settings
View | +- 2. Cargo / Voyage
| +- 3. Persons on Board
-----| +- 4. Destination
|
Msg. |
|
-----|
|
Displ|
|
----------------------------------------
NUM
|
Select-
>|
|
|
<
-
B
ack

User Manual 12 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Select Submenu 2 “Cargo/Voyage Settings” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] or by pressing
Nr. 2 on the keyboard.
Toggle the values for the ERI ship type, the hazardous cargo (number of blue cones) and
the loaded / unloaded status.
Save the new settings by pressing [Save], and return to the Main Menu Screen by pressing
[Exit]. Press [Exit] to return to the Main Menu without saving any changes.
N 1^18' E 0^
1
2' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
***********General Settings*************
SOLAS Draught:>=25.5m
INLAND Draught:=>2000cm
Airdrauht :=>4000cm
NavStat. :<under way using engine>
BlueSign : used
----------------------------------------
| Save | | | Exit
N 1^18' E 0^12' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
********* Cargo/Voyage Settings ********
ERI ship type :<Vessel type unknown>
Hazardous cargo:<default unknown>
Un/ Loaded :<loaded> / <unloaded>
----------------------------------------
| Save | | | Exit

User Manual 13 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Select Submenu 3 “Persons on Board” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] or by pressing Nr. 2
on the keyboard.
Note:
The total number of persons on board will b e calculated automatically. In “High Seas” mode
this sum will be used for the AIS messages.
How to use this menu to transfer PoB – information will be described in detail in the User Manual.
Select Submenu 4 “Destination” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] by pressing Nr. 4 on the
keyboard.
Scroll the Data Fields with [Enter] and input the UN destination codes as well as the ETA
(estimated time of arrival) data.
Save the new settings by pressing [Save], and return to the Main Menu Screen by pressing
[Exit]. Press [Exit] to return to the Main Menu without saving any changes.
N 1^18' E 0^12' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
************* Destination***************
UN Country :(2 Digits)
UN Location
:
(3 Digits)
Fairway section:(5 Digits)
Terminal code :(5 Digits)
Fairway hector :(5 Digits)
ETA(MMDDhhmm) :
----------------------------------------
| Save | | | Exit
N 1^18' E 0^12' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
************* PoB Settings *************
Crew Members:0-254 (255 = unknown = default)
Passenger :0-8190(8191= unknown = default)
S. Personal :0-254 (255 = unknown = default)
--------------------------
Total :nnnn Members
M6: Send addressed PoB Message
M7: Broadcast PoB Message
----------------------------------------
Num| Save |Addressed |Broadcast | Exit

User Manual 14 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
1.5 Service and User Passwords
The Transponder system is equipped with two levels of Password Protection, User and
Service Password.
1) The User Password, which is the lower security level, allows access to all menus except
Menu 6: Service Configuration which is protected by the Service Password.
2) The Service Password is required in order to enter the Service Configuration Menu. This
is a higher security level than can not be accessed with the User Password and therefore
ensures that the Service Configuration is protected, and limited to authorized service
personnel.
The master of the vessel has to ensure that only authorized persons are allowed to make
changes to the Service Configuration and ensures that the newly reset password is stored
very carefully, as it can not be reset from the default “NAUT” a second time.
WARNING: a master key is not available and the unit would have to be returned to a service
center to correct for a lost Service password.
The User Password can be reset in the service configuration menu by entering the Service
Configuration menu and creating a new password.
Changing the Service Password
Select “Service Configuration” from the Main Menu with the cursor button [Up] & [Down] or
press Number 6 on the keyboard.
The password query field appears. Input default Service Password “NAUT” and press M5
[Enter].
Select Submenu 1 “Change Service Password” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] by pressing
Number 1 on the keyboard.
N 1^24' E 0^17' |1>0.10|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
----------------------------------------
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Service password protected!
Please enter service password:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
----------------------------------------
| Enter | | | Exit

User Manual 15 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Service Menu Example:
Service Password Menu Example:
Enter the new Password: Then push Enter (M5).
Repeat the new Password: Then Push Enter (M5).
A minimum of 4, a maximum of 8 characters are allowed. Should the new password include
numbers, use the shift key to generate them.
Press Save to store the change.
Changing the User Password
Select Submenu 2 “User Password Settings” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] by pressing
number 2 on the keyboard.
N 1^25' E 0^18' |1>0.10|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
******* Change Service Password ********
Enter new password :
Repeat new password:
{Length: 4..8 characters}
----------------------------------------
| Save | | | Back
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| 6. Service Configuration
-----| |
| +- 1. Change Service Password
View | +- 2. User Password Settings
| +- 3. Change MMSI / IMO
-----| +- 4. Restore Factory Settings
|
Msg. |
|
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back

User Manual 16 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
Select Submenu 1 “Change User Password” with cursor button [Up] & [Down] by pressing
Number 1 on the keyboard.
Enter the new Password:
Repeat the new Password:
A minimum of 4, a maximum of 8 characters are allowed. Should the new password include
numbers, use the shift key to generate them.
Press Save to store the changes.
N 1^25' E 0^18' |1>0.10|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
******* Change User Password ***********
Enter new password :
Repeat new password:
{Length: 4..8 characters}
----------------------------------------
| Save | | | Back
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| 6-2. User Password Settings
-----| |
| +- 1. Change User Password
View | +- 2. Change Password Protection
|
-----|
|
Msg. |
|
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back
N 1^21' E 0^14' |1>0.01|2>1.30|3>1.80nm
|----------------------------------
| 6. Service Configuration
-----| |
| +- 1. Change Service Password
View | +- 2. User Password Settings
| +- 3. Change MMSI / IMO
-----| +- 4. Restore Factory Settings
|
Msg. |
|
-----|
|
Displ|
----------------------------------------
NUM| Select->| | |<-Back

User Manual 17 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
2 NAUTICAST User Interface
Navigation Screen
Header (1 or 4 lines)
________________
_
Soft Keys [M1] – [M8] Display Safety Keys
Cursor
Cross
Enter Key
Keyboard
Ship Details 12 lines
Or
Menu Structure 14 lines

User Manual 18 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
2.1 NAUTICAST Keyboard
The NAUTICAST is fitted with a full alphanumeric keyboard, with the following functions:
By pressing any key on the keyboard the letters are addressed.
Number symbols and special characters are addressed by holding down the
shift [×] key and simultaneously pressing the chosen key.
The characters ($; %; &; /; (;); <; ^ ; \ ; [; ]; ) can be reached by holding down the Function
[Fn] key and pressing the chosen key.
2.2 Explanation of the “Cursor Cross”
The Cursor Cross allows navigation within the current
screen [Up] [Down] [Left] [Right].
In addition to the actually displayed [Enter] button, the
center of the cursor cross always has the Enter functionality.
2.3 Explanation of the Num-Locked and [NUM] Functions
The NUM-Locked function is enabled after pressing the Function [Fn] Key and the Shift [×]
Key.
It is possible to disable the Num-Lock Function by pressing the Shift [×] Key.
Tip: The NAUTICAST automatically changes the keys “Q” through to “P” to numerical input
when the current application requires numbers, rather than letters to be input. This feature
is enabled when [NUM] appears on the bottom left hand side of the screen.

User Manual 19 Y1-03-0211 Rev. B
2.4 Explanation of the Soft Keys
The Soft Keys are divided into vertical static keys [M1-M4] and horizontal dynamic keys [M5-
M8], which differ in function according to the current application.
Soft Key Definition
[M1]
filter option on AIS targets in graphical view
•FA (hides received Class A targets)
•FB (hides received Class B targets)
[M2] Display Modes
This Soft Key allows toggling between the different Display Modes.
[M3]: Safety Message
This Soft Key allows direct Message Writing. Either broadcast or addressed messages
can be sent in this mode. Pending alarms could be accessed by this Soft Key
[M4]:
Display Settings - Brightness and Contrast Regulator
This Soft Key allows the Display Settings to be changed between Daytime,
and Nighttime Modes.
[Menu]: Go to Main Menu or return to the Navigation View Screen.
[M5] – [M8]: These Soft Keys are described in individual screens
2.5 Safety Keys
The NAUTICAST is fitted with Safety Keys, which allow the user to automatically send
urgent messages without the necessity of navigating the Menus.
[MOB]
The MOB Button sends out precise position of an MOB incident to Addressed
Vessels, therefore allowing the message to be sent to a vessel closest to
accident location.
[SRM] The SRM Button sends out emergency Broadcast Safety Related Messages to
all ships in the Vessel Listing.
Note:
For detailed description of the Safety Functions see Chapter 4.