ACR Electronics AISLink CB2 User manual

THE SCIENCE OF SURVIVAL
CB2
AIS Class B Transceiver with SOTDMA
USER MANUAL
WWW.ACRARTEX.COM
Y1-03-0346 Rev. B

CB2 Manual
Y1-03-0346 Rev. B 2
© 2019 ACR Electronics
The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this manual were believed
to be correct at the time of print. ACR Electronics reserve the right to change specifi ca-
tions and other information contained in this manual as part of our continual improve-
ment process.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form, electronic or otherwise, without the prior permission of ACR Electronics
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual.

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CB2 Manual
1. GENERAL 4
1.1 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy 4
1.2 Warnings 4
1.3 CB2 Overview 5
1.4 CB2 Contents 5
1.5 Example Systems 6
2. INSTALLATION 7
2.1 Mounting 7
2.2 Connections 9
3. CONFIGURATION 12
3.1 Using WiFi 13
3.2 Using a USB Device 13
3.3 Using the Set-up App (Android and iOS) 14
3.4 Using the On-line Web Based Software 16
4. OPERATION 18
4.1 Operating Modes 18
4.2 LED Indicator Sequences 19
4.3 Connecting with Wifi 20
5. Glossary of terms and abbreviations 21
6. Disposal 21
7. Interface Protocols 22
7.1 NMEA0183 Data Sentences Supported 22
7.2 NMEA2000 PGNs Supported 22
7.3 WiFi Output 23
8. Specifi cations 24
9. Spares and Accessories 24
10. Approvals 25
11. Warranty 26
11.1 Limited Warranty 26
11.2 Extended Warranty 26
12. Record your information here 27

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1. GENERAL
1.1 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product complies with EN62311:2008 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada).
This product has been evaluated for compliance with the FCC RF exposure limits given in
CFR 47 part 1.307(b) at a distance greater than 2” (25cm) from the antenna.
1.2 Warnings
This product is designed to assist navigation and should not be used in the place of ap-
propriate navigational judgement. AIS should be used as a complement to navigation and
should not be used to replace installed equipment such as RADAR or ECDIS.
! AIS devices can only monitor other AIS equipped vessels. It is the
responsibility of the vessels crew and skipper to always be aware
of surrounding vessels that may not be fi tted with AIS equipment.
! The CB2 must always be used in conjunction with the supplied GPS
antenna. Use of an alternative GPS antenna may impair the func-
tionality of the system.
! This product contains no user-serviceable parts. All maintenance
work should be carried out by trained persons authorized by ACR
Electronics.
! Do not install in a fl ammable atmosphere (engine room, near to
fuel tanks) or in a location subject to excessive solar heat (direct
sunlight, beneath a windshield).
! The CB2 is a maritime radio transmitter and is subject to radio
licensing laws. Contact the relevant authority in your country for
local license requirements.
! False information transmitted can result in risk to other vessels as
well as your own. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that ves-
sel sensors are confi gured and calibrated correctly and that all AIS
information transmitted is accurate and up to date. It is a criminal
off ence in some countries to transmit falsifi ed data.
! USA Users only: It is a violation of the rules of the FCC to input
an MMSI that has not been properly assigned to the end user, or
to otherwise input any inaccurate data in this device. The entry
of static data into this device shall be performed by the vendor of
the device or by an appropriately qualifi ed person in the business
of installing marine communications equipment on board vessels.
Instructions on how to accurately enter and confi rm static data in
the device can be found in Section 3 of this user manual.

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1.3 CB2 Overview
The Automatic Identifi cation System (AIS) was designed as an aid to collision-avoidance in
the marine industry and is a signifi cant development in navigational safety. It is now widely
used at sea to provide vessels with a live accurate picture of marine traffi c in the surround-
ing area.
The fully compliant CB2 is a Class B type AIS Transponder from ACR Electronics. Your ves-
sel information such as position, speed, and course is ascertained automatically and con-
tinuously using an internal multi-GNSS receiver and transmitted to all other AIS equipped
vessels at a maximum rate of every two seconds.
Other vessel information such as vessel name, call sign, type and dimensions as well as
the MMSI are also transmitted. This information can be uploaded to the CB2 easily by sev-
eral methods described in Section 3 of this guide. Once this information has been upload-
ed, it remains stored in the unit’s non-volatile memory even if powered down.
The CB2 also receives and interprets AIS messages from other AIS equipped vessels within
range, which can then be relayed eff ortlessly to other navigation devices such as chart
plotters, laptops or mobiles using the CB2’s NMEA0183, NMEA2000, USB or Wi-Fi outputs.
A multi-colour LED indicator light on the CB2 signals the on-going operational status of the
unit. This additional safety feature provides you the confi dence of knowing that the CB2
has continuous AIS transmission and optimal performance.
1.4 CB2 Contents
1 CB2
2 Screw Kit
3 Power/Data cable
4 USB to Micro USB Cable
5 USB On-The-Go cable
6 GPS Antenna (Inc. fi xing
kit)
7 User Manual

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1.5 Example Systems
1.5.1 Example System Using NMEA0183
1.5.2 Example System Using NMEA2000
The CB2 NMEA2000 LEN = 1
AISLink CB2
AISLink CB2

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2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Mounting
2.1.1 Transceiver mounting
Determine the mounting location for the CB2 ensuring that there are suitable access routes
for all the required cables and attach securely to a fl at surface using the four fi xing screws
provided. The unit should be easily accessible to allow for disconnection from the power
source. The power/data cable plug is the disconnect device, unplugging this will isolate
the CB2 from both poles of the power source. It is also recommended that the unit can be
accessed later to view the indicator LED and operate the Mode button.

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2.1.2 GPS (GNNS) Antenna Mounting
The GPS Antenna should be installed with a clear and unobstructed view of the sky, it
should NOT be positioned or mounted on a mast that can cause the antenna to swing and
potentially reduce the accuracy of the GPS position and it should NOT be positioned in the
direct path of a radar transmitter.
The GPS antenna can be mounted either on a fl at horizontal surface or on a suitable pole
mount (not supplied).
• If you intend to surface mount the antenna, ensure you have access to the
underside of the mounting surface.
• If you intend to pole-mount the antenna, the mount requires a 1 inch 14 TPI
thread.
After fi xing the GPS antenna to an appropriate location, route the 10m cable to your AIS
transceiver unit, adding extension cable as necessary.
! DO NOT cut the GPS Antenna cable. Neatly coil and tie any excess
cable
Connect the cable to the GPS connector on the CB2.
For deck mounting allow the cable to exit
the side of the antenna mount and pass
through the deck using a suitable deck
gland.
DO NOT pass the cable through the
centre of the deck mount and then screw
the antenna on to the mount. This will
result in damage to the cable

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CB2 Manual
2.2 Connections
! To avoid damage to the cables, ensure at least 50mm (2.0 inches)
is available below the Transceiver to allow the cables to turn.
Item Connector
1 VHF (SO239)
2 Power/Data
3 GPS Antenna (TNC)
4 NMEA2000
5 LED Indicator Button
6 USB (Micro-B)

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2.2.1 RF Connectors
The VHF antenna should be connected to the SO239 socket.
If the vessel is equipped with a single VHF antenna that is required to be shared between
the CB2 and a VHF Radio Transceiver it is necessary to use an active antenna splitter.
Attempting to connect two transmitting devies to a single antenna without a splitter will
cause severe damage to either or both devices. Install a third party splitter in accordance
with the instructions provided with that unit connecting the CB2 “ANT” connector to the
AIS Input connector on the splitter.
A typical active splitter installation connection is shown in the NMEA2000 example on page
6 of this manual.
! When a splitter is installed and the VHF Radio is transmitting, the
CB2 is unable to make use of the SOTDMA system and reporting
rates may be longer than those specifi ed for normal operation. For
optimum operation a dedicated VHF antenna is recommended.
The GPS antenna should be connected to the TNC connector.
2.2.2 Power and data connectors
The power and data connections are on the 10-core fl ying lead supplied.
Connect the power cables to the vessels supply via a suitable fast acting fuse.
If you need to extend the length of the power cable, ensure you observe the following:
• The power cable for each unit in your system should be run as a separate,
single length of 2-wire cable from the unit to the vessel’s battery or distribu-
tion panel.
• For power cable extensions, it is recommended that a minimum wire gauge
of 16 AWG (1.31 mm2). For cable runs longer than 15 meters, you may need
to consider a thicker wire gauge (e.g. 14 AWG (2.08 mm2),
or 12 AWG (3.31 mm2)).
3 Amp Fast
Acting Fuse

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Default NMEA Port Settings
The CB2 includes 2 bidirectional NMEA 0183 ports.
The baud rate for each port can be confi gured via the set-up application. Both ports can
be multiplexed to enable GPS data provided to one port to be combined with AIS data and
output on the other port.
Typically port 1 is connected to an MFD and confi gured for 38,400 baud rate, the baud rate
required for AIS data transfer. Port 2 is connected to a Heading sensor or other NMEA 0183
device and confi gured for 4,800 baud rate.
Details of the NMEA0183 sentences accepted and transmitted by each channel are to be
found in Section 7.1. NMEA0183 Data Sentences Supported.
Power RED DC Power +ve 12 - 24V dc
BLACK DC Power -ve 0V dc
Port 1
Fast NMEA
BROWN 38400 +ve In
BLUE 38400 -ve In
WHITE 38400 +ve Out
GREEN 38400 -ve Out
Port 2
Slow NMEA
YELLOW 4800 +ve In
GREY 4800 -ve In
ORANGE 4800 +ve Out
PINK 4800 -ve Out

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3. CONFIGURATION
The CB2 needs to be correctly programmed with the following vessel data before use:
• Vessel Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• Vessel dimensions and AIS GPS antenna location
• Vessel type
An MMSI number comprises 9 digits, and all 9 digits of a valid number must be entered to
be accepted during setup. All other fi elds (i.e. vessel type, name etc.) are optional.
If your vessel already has an MMSI number (used for a VHF DSC radio) then the same
MMSI number must be used to program the transceiver.
If a valid MMSI number is not entered, the CB2 will enter Silent Mode and will not transmit
although it will still operate as a receiver.
! Important: In the United States of America, the MMSI and Static
Data must be entered only by a qualifi ed dealer or other appropri-
ately qualifi ed installer of marine communications equipment on
board vessels. The user is NOT authorized to do this. In Europe and
other parts of the world outside of the United States of America,
the MMSI and Static Data can be set up by the user.
Confi guration can be completed via 3 platforms:
• Android App (downloadable from Play Store) using WiFi or USB stick
• iOS App (downloadable from App Store) using WiFi
• Web Confi guration App ( online at www.acrartex.com/ais_confi g ) using USB
stick
All user guides can be downloaded direct from the ACR website www.acrartex.com.

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3.1 Using WiFi
! An Internet connection is required
From the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store search for ACR AIS Confi g.
Install the ACR AIS Confi g App on your mobile device.
To set-up a WiFi connection with your mobile device (initial connection only):
Turn off the power to the CB2.
Press and hold the LED button and turn on the power. Keep the button held for 6 seconds
until the LED turns Red following Amber fl ashes. Release the button and the LED should
remain Amber, blinking off every 2 seconds to indicate the CB2 is in Wi-Fi connection
mode.
Open the App on your mobile device and press Search to look for available devices (this
may take a few moments). Once the search has completed, select the CB2 to pair with
your mobile device (for iOS only, this is automatic using Android).
Use the Android or iOS app to upload the vessel information to your paired CB2.
3.2 Using a USB Device
Your vessel information can be transferred from your Android phone or computer/laptop to
the CB2 using a USB stick and the provided on the go cable.
! Ensure the CB2 is powered off before inserting the USB stick.
Once inserted, power on the unit. The CB2 will upload the information from the USB stick
automatically. This may take a few moments. Once the LED stops fl ashing and a steady
Green or Green/Amber fl ashing* light can be seen, the information is stored.
Press and hold the LED button for 10 seconds, the LED will start to fl ash Red/Amber and
on release will alternate Green and Amber to allow the USB stick to be safely removed
without corruption. The LED will revert to normal operation once the USB stick is removed.
You can use the Android App (see above) or the web-based software to upload vessel
information onto the USB Stick. The web-based software is available at
www.acrartex.com/ais_confi g .
* Dependant on whether LRM is turned on

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3.3 Using the Set-up App (Android and iOS)
Open the ACR Electronics App on your mobile device.
NOTE: An Internet connection is required throughout a WiFi set-up procedure. Create a
USB stick fi le if there is no Internet signal available.
USB
WIFI
SIGN

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Carefully enter as many of the details requested by the App as possible. The MMSI
number is a mandatory fi eld but all other fi elds are optional. The App can be used at
any time to change information OTHER than the MMSI number.
To change a programmed MMSI number it is necessary to contact ACR
Elecronics to unlock the CB2.
Please note that the App may vary slightly from the images shown here depending on
the device it is operating on
The creation of an account will increase
the warranty period to 3 years. The
details entered into the account will also
allow ACR Electronics to contact you
with any software updates or other im-
portant information regarding your AIS.
ACR Electronics will not pass on
your details to any third parties for
marketing purposes.
WiFi
USB

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3.4 Using the On-line Web Based Software
Recommended Browsers: MS Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari.
www.acrartex.com/survival-products/aislink-cb2-web-app
Carefully enter as many of the details requested by the App as possible. The MMSI
number is a mandatory fi eld but all other fi elds are optional. The App can be used at
any time to change information OTHER than the MMSI number.
To change a programmed MMSI number it is necessary to contact ACR Elec-
tronics to unlock the CB2.
Please note that the images may vary slightly from the images shown here depending
on the device it is being viewed on.

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The generated fi le will be saved in the Downloads folder and should be copied onto an
empty USB stick that has been formatted to FAT32
The creation of an account will increase the warranty period to 3 years. The details
entered into the account will also allow ACR Electronics to contact you with any software
updates or other important information regarding your AIS.
ACR Electronics will not pass on your details to any third parties for market-
ing purposes.

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4. OPERATION
Once confi gured the CB2 will start to operate automatically once the power supply is
switched on. The LED will fl ash Red for a short period while a GPS fi x is acquired, after
which the LED will remain constant Green fl ickering slightly every time an AIS signal is
received. Alternative operating modes can be selected by pressing the LED button. The
operating mode is indicated by the LED as shown in the table in section 4.2.
4.1 Operating Modes
4.1.1 Silent Mode
The CB2 can be prevented from transmitting the vessels position information allowing it to
be used as an AIS receiver only.
To activate Silent Mode press and hold the LED button for 2 seconds until the LED starts
fl ashing Amber/Green At this point release the button and the LED will fl ash Red for 5 sec-
onds indicating the unit is entering Silent Mode. Once in Silent Mode the LED will remain
continuous Amber to indicate the CB2 is operating in Silent Mode.
To deactivate Silent Mode and start transmitting press and hold the LED button for 2
seconds until the LED starts fl ashing Amber/Green. At this point release the button and the
LED will fl ash Red for 5 seconds indicating the unit is exiting Silent Mode. Once in normal
mode the LED remains continuous Green indicting the CB2 is transmitting data.
4.1.2 Long Range Messaging (LRM) Mode
To ensure the best operation when in off shore waters and out of VHF range from land
based AIS stations, the CB2 can be used in Long Range Messaging Mode to make optimum
use of the satellite based AIS receivers.
To activate LRM Mode press and hold the LED button for 5 seconds until the LED shows
continuous Amber following 3 seconds of fl ashing Amber/Green. At this point release the
button and the LED will fl ash Red for 5 seconds indicating the CB2 is entering LRM mode.
Once in LRM mode the LED will fl ash Green/Amber to indicate the CB2 is operating in LRM
mode.
To deactivate LRM mode and return to normal operation press and hold the LED button for
5 seconds until the LED shows continuous Amber following 3 seconds of fl ashing Amber/
Green. At this point release the button and the LED will fl ash Red for 5 seconds indicating
the CB2 is exiting LRM mode. Once in normal mode the LED remains continuous Green
indicating the CB2 is transmitting in normal mode.

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4.2 LED Indicator Sequences
LED Sequence Reason Description
Flashing Green Start-up Unit is starting and obtaining a GPS fi x.
Steady Green Operating
Unit is operating and is ready to receive/trans-
mit. Brief interruptions occur as AIS targets are
received
Steady Amber Silent Mode Brief interruptions occur as AIS targets are
received
Green / Amber
alternating LRM Mode
Unit is operating in Long Range Message Mode.
Brief interruptions occur as AIS targets are
received
Steady Red Error – Trans-
mit stopped
Use the WiFi App to see details of the fault or
check error messages on a connected Mul-
ti-Function Display.
Flashing Red Error – Trans-
mit continued
These errors may be temporary due to external
infl uence. If the error indication continues for
more than 60 minutes check error messages on
a connected Multi-Function Display
Amber with off
pulse every 2s
Wi-Fi Set-up
mode
The unit is in Wi-Fi pairing mode and is visible
to other devices
Green / Red blink
every 1s
External data
lost
External data (ie. Heading) that has previously
been received by the CB2 has been lost

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4.3 Connecting with Wifi
To connect a mobile device or PC with AIS capable navigation software to the CB2 via WiFi
is dependent on the original set-up of the unit.
4.3.1 With the default WiFi settings
If no specifi c settings were entered for WiFi during the initial set-up using the Web based
App the CB2 will not be visible as a WiFi Access Point. To connect a WiFi device it will be
necessary to power up the CB2 while holding the LED button for 6 seconds as describes in
section 3.1 on page 13. Following successful connection with a mobile App the CB2 will be
visible with the SSID: ACR_AISxxxxxxxx where xxxxxxxx is the serial number.
4.3.2 With Access Mode set-up
If a SSID and password has been entered and Access Mode selected via the Web based
or Mobile App then the CB2 will be visible to other devices with that SSID. Connect your
device to the CB2 using the previously entered password.
Once the device is connected open the third party software application and use the set-
tings within that program to connect to IP address 192.168.4.1 port 24000.
When connected GPS information and AIS target information will be available within that
application.
4.3.3 With Infrastructure Mode set-up
If the unit has been set-up originally in Infrastructure Mode with the SSID and password of
an on-board network the CB2 will connect automatically to that network on power up. The
CB2 will be allocated an IP address by the network router. Before you can connect another
device running AIS capable navigation software it will be necessary to access the router
confi guration and determine this IP address. The CB2 will show in the router as “Espressif”.
Once the IP address has been determined open the third party software application and
use the settings within that program to connect to the appropriate IP address port 24000.
When connected GPS information and AIS target information will be available within that
application.
! When restarted it is possible that a router will allocate a diff erent
IP address. For consistent connections use the router confi guration
software to set a fi xed IP address for the CB2.