AIS COMAR SYSTEMS R400N User manual

USER MANUAL R400N
AIS Network Receiver with Ethernet & USB
SKU: 001-1042
R400N-MA-v06r04
2019-11-22
ENGLISH

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CONTENTS
1 NETWORK AIS RECEIVER WITH ETHERNET................................................. 4
2 DOCUMENT.......................................................................................................... 5
2.1 About This Manual........................................................................................................... 5
3 NOTICE................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Copyright.......................................................................................................................... 6
4 GENERAL NOTICES ........................................................................................... 7
5 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Background to AIS........................................................................................................... 8
5.2 About the R400N............................................................................................................. 8
6 PARTS LIST ......................................................................................................... 9
7 INSTALLATION.................................................................................................... 9
7.1 Mounting .......................................................................................................................... 9
7.2 Power Connection ........................................................................................................... 9
7.3 Antenna Installation......................................................................................................... 9
8 CONFIGURATION.............................................................................................. 10
8.1 Connection to a PC by USB.......................................................................................... 10
8.2 Connection to a Network............................................................................................... 10
8.3 Configuring the Network................................................................................................ 11
9 DISCOVERY TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS....................................................... 12
9.1 Firewalls:........................................................................................................................ 12
9.2 Trouble discovering a Digi device using Windows XP.................................................. 12
9.3 Routers or Switches:...................................................................................................... 12
9.4 Cabling:.......................................................................................................................... 12
9.5 Ethernet LED: ................................................................................................................ 12
9.6 Network Adapters:......................................................................................................... 12
10 CONFIGURING THE NETWORK SETTINGS ................................................ 13
11 OPERATION..................................................................................................... 14
12 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................... 14
12.1 No power LED is displayed ......................................................................................... 14
12.2 Channel 1 and Channel 2 LEDs do not flash.............................................................. 14
13 SPECIFICATION .............................................................................................. 15
13.1 Electrical....................................................................................................................... 15
13.2 Receiver....................................................................................................................... 15
13.3 Physical........................................................................................................................ 15
14 LIMITED WARRANTY...................................................................................... 16

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1 NETWORK AIS RECEIVER WITH ETHERNET

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2 DOCUMENT
2.1 About This Manual
This Manual provides installation, operating Instructions and fault-finding procedures for the
equipment to which it relates.
After installation, this manual should remain with the vessel to which it relates.
This manual may also be made available in electronic Portable Document Format (PDF). In PDF
format, the following categories are all enabled as active hyperlink references: (1) The titles of
each section; (2) document cross-references; (3) the table of contents.
This document may therefore be navigated quickly and effectively by using a mouse or other
pointing device to activate each of these hyperlinks. This is a printer friendly document, designed
to be printed 2-sided as a booklet with A5 pages on A4 stock paper.
Document name:
Date:
Details:
Author:
SLR350N-MA-v01r01
2015-08-20
Updated issue
MB, FC
SLR350N-MA-v05r01
2018-01-31
Updated Format
JS
R400N-MA-v06r01
2018-10-18
Product Name Change & Formatting
TSI
R400N-MA-v06r02
2018-04-24
Image & Specification Update
TSI
R400N-MA-v06r03
2019-11-06
FCC Statements / Formatting
TSI
R400N-MA-v06r04
2019-11-22
Specifications & Parts List Updates
TSI

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3 NOTICE
3.1 Copyright
The copyright and all rights of a like nature in respect of this publication in any part of the world
are the property of COMAR SYSTEMS LTD. (COMAR).
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, nor stored in any information
retrieval system of any kind, nor used for tendering or manufacturing, nor communicated to any
other person without the written permission of COMAR.
The recipient of this document, as its registered holder, must exercise due diligence in ensuring
that the above conditions are observed (Errors and Omissions Excepted).
Any enquiries relating to this document or its contents should be addressed, in writing, in the first
instance to COMAR SYSTEMS LTD.
COMAR SYSTEMS
Vittlefields Technology Centre
Forest Road
NEWPORT
Isle of Wight
PO30 4LY
UNITED KINGDOM
tel: [phone]
email:
[email protected]
web: www.
comarsystems.com
COMAR SYSTEMS reserves the right to make changes to its products and specifications without notice

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4 GENERAL NOTICES
SAFETY: Make sure the power supply is switched off before you make any electrical
connections to the unit.
INSTALLATION: This equipment must be installed in accordance with the instructions
provided in this manual. Failure to do so could result in poor performance, personal injury
and/or damage to your vessel and/or connected equipment.
CABLES: The supplied cables should only be cut, shortened or lengthened by an
appropriate supplier.
COMPASS: The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.5 m or greater for 0.3° deviation.
In accordance with a policy of continual development and product improvement, hardware and
software may be upgraded from time to time, and future versions of equipment may therefore not
correspond exactly with this manual.
When necessary, upgrades to the product will be accompanied by updates or addenda to this
manual. Information contained in this manual is liable to change without notice.
Comar Systems Ltd. disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or
inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided with this product.
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.





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5 INTRODUCTION
5.1 Background to AIS
AIS is an Automatic Identification System. For improved safety and specifically for collision
avoidance reasons, vessels need to know the position, details and navigational intentions ofother
vessels within VHF range.
IMO regulations covering most commercial vessels worldwide have been passed requiring that
AIS transponders are fitted to all commercial vessels over 300 GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage)
on international voyages.
The transponders use VHF frequencies to:
Transmit details of their own vessel
Receive details from other vessels or navigation aids within VHF range
5.2 About the R400N
The R400N isa dual channel AIS receiver unit with built in Ethernet and USB interfaces, designed
specifically for coastal monitoring of AIS equipped vessels.
Connected to an Ethernet Network and directly or via a Router to a PC running compatible
software, AIS data transmitted from ships within range can be displayed on the screen giving a
visual interpretation of the traffic within VHF range. The unit can also be mounted at a remote
location and AIS data sent over the Internet to a fixed IP address for use on a dedicated server.
A USB connection is also provided for local monitoring of AIS traffic on a local PC.
Information transmitted from vessels fitted with AIS transponders includes:
•Name of Vessel
•Call Sign
•Type of Vessel
•Speed (SOG)
•Course (COG)
•Heading
•Position
•Navigational Status
•Vessel Dimensions
•MMSI Number
•IMO Number
•Draft
•Rate of Turn
•Size of Vessel
•Status
•Destination
•ETA
•Cargo
Note: Not all the above information is necessarily transmitted by each vessel.

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6 PARTS LIST
Before proceeding with the installation of the R400N, check the contents of the box which should
include:
The R400N AIS Receiver Unit
Universal 100-250 V ac / 12 V dc Power Supply
Antenna Connector Adaptor
USB Cable
Network Cable
R400N Installation CD
This Manual
7 INSTALLATION
7.1 Mounting
The R400N Receiver can be mounted to a suitable bulkhead or shelf.
Hint: Select a location away from excessive heatsources, avoid high levels of vibration and shock.
7.2 Power Connection
Fit the universal power supply with the correct adaptor for your local power. Plug the 2.1 mm jack
into the rear of the R400N and switch on the power.
Hint: Alternatively the unit will accept 9-30 V dc from an alternative source capable of supplying
1 Amp. The centre pin is Positive.
7.3 Antenna Installation
A VHF antenna is not supplied as the type of antenna and cable requirements differ for each
installation. An antenna can be acquired from a local marine electronics outlet.
Shore based reception is governed by local terrain, however an open view to the sea with an
antenna mounted in the clear at a height of approximately 20 metres will achieve 25 miles plus,
higher gain antenna can be used on shore to further increase the range.
Hint: The antenna connector type is BNC, 50Ω
Hint: The higher the antenna is located, the greater the range
Hint: Mount the antenna with a relatively clear view of the horizon. Large obstructions that might
shade the antenna should be avoided.
Hint: A higher gain antenna will increase reception range.
Hint: Normally an omni-directional antenna is recommended; however a directional antenna such
as a 3 element Yagi can be used to increase range in one particular direction.

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8 CONFIGURATION
8.1 Connection to a PC by USB
The R400N can be monitored locally by connecting it via the USB port to a PC. The drivers
supplied on the CD create a virtual com Port so that data can be viewed by the supplied Comar
AIS Viewer program or by any other AIS viewing program which requires a com port connection.
8.2 Connection to a Network
The R400N can be connected to a standard PC, Network Router or Switch. Note if connecting
directly to a PC you will need a crossover cable.
When connected to a network the yellow LED on the network connection should be on. If no
yellow LED is shown then the unit has not detected a link. The green LED will blink when data is
transmitted or received.
The CD included with the product contains the program Digi Device Discovery utility program
for setting up and configuring the unit.

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8.3 Configuring the Network
To install the Digi Device Discovery program on your PC run the “Device Discovery” installation
executable file in the “Device Discovery” folder on the CD, and follow the set up wizard.
When the Device Discovery software is installed, select “Device Discovery” from the installed
applications.
If you have installed the R400N on your local network, the device will be displayed as a Connected
ME device.

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9 DISCOVERY TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
9.1 Firewalls:
Check to make sure that any software firewalls (common examples are Windows Firewall and
most popular Anti-Virus software) are disabled. These can block the discovery process, also any
physical firewall will almost certainly block the discovery process as well.
9.2 Trouble discovering a Digi device using Windows XP
Trouble discovering a Digi device using Windows XP with Service Pack 2. You will need to make
sure that the Windows Firewall is disabled. By default it is enabled and will block the port that the
discovery software uses to discover Digi. To disable the firewall go to Start> Settings> Control
Panel> Windows Firewall; then click the off button to disable it.
9.3 Routers or Switches:
Is there a router between the computer running the discovery utility and the Digi device itself?
Normally, routerswill block the discovery process. If possible remove them and use a hub instead.
If there is a switch in between this may or may not be a problem. Occasionally they are configured
to block the discovery traffic. If unsure use a hub or a direct Ethernet cable connection, also in
case the port on your Router/Switch/Hub is at fault, try an alternative port as well.
9.4 Cabling:
If nothing else works try using a direct crossover Ethernet cable directly between the computer
and the Digi device. Another option is to try another Ethernet cable.
9.5 Ethernet LED:
Check the Ethernet Link LED on the Digi device. Is it lit solid? If not, there is not a valid network
connection and it will not be possible to discover the device.
9.6 Network Adapters:
Make sure the proper network adapter is enabled, also ensure all other network adapters are
disabled. If more than one network adapter is enabled, this can cause the discovery process to
fail.

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10 CONFIGURING THE NETWORK SETTINGS
Device Discovery has the facility to quickly configure the unit to your own network, select
Configure Network Settings, this brings up a new window which will give you the choice of
letting Windows assign an IP address, or alternatively you can give the unit a fixed IP address.
Alternatively you can select Open Web Interface, which will open a login dialog box, the default
username is root and the default password is dbps. Once entered it will connect you directly to
the internal web browser, and open it on its home page as below:
However if you wish to use your favourite browser then simply navigate to the IPaddress that has
been assigned to the unit, for example http://192.168.1.200.
Configure the device to your requirements. Use the help function F1, for assistance.

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11 OPERATION
Operation of the R400N unit is fully automatic and only requires power, VHF and data cable
connection.
On powering up the unit:
The green LED marked ON should illuminate
The Channel LEDs should come on briefly then go off
The Channel A and B LEDs should flash momentarily when information from nearby transceivers
is received
Data is then output for visual or textual viewing on compatible electronic charting systems or other
systems or devices.
12 TROUBLESHOOTING
12.1 No power LED is displayed
Check the power supply and that the unit is connected correctly to a 12 or 24 V dc supply
Check the polarity of the supply is correct. The center pin of the 2.1mm jack is positive
12.2 Channel 1 and Channel 2 LEDs do not flash
Check that a VHF antenna is fitted and correctly connected
Check that the antenna is correctly positioned, i.e. at a suitable location to visibly ‘see’ vessels

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13 SPECIFICATION
R400N is a compact dual channel synthesized VHF Receiver designed to receive and decode all
transmissions from vessels fitted with Class A or B AIS transceivers, Aids to Navigation, and
SARTS.
13.1 Electrical
Power Supply Range:
9 - 30 V dc
Power Consumption:
300 mA @ 12 V dc
Baud Rate:
38,400 Baud (38.4Kb)
Format:
ITU/ NMEA 0183
Output Message:
VDM
13.2 Receiver
Frequency:
Channel A 161.975 MHz
Channel B 162.025 MHz
Channel Spacing:
25 kHz
Sensitivity:
> -112dBm @ 20% MER
Demodulation:
GMSK
Data Rate:
9600
Antenna Impedance:
50 Ω
13.3 Physical
Dimensions:
L132 x W106 x H46 mm
Weight:
600 g
Mounting:
4 mounting holes in end plates
Connectors:
Antenna BNC
Ethernet Port:
RJ-45
USB Port
Type B (Cable Supplied)
Power:
2.1 mm Phono plug
Construction:
Aluminium, ABS End Caps
Finish:
Black Fine Texture Paint, Grey ABS

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14 LIMITED WARRANTY
Comar Systems Ltd warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufacture
for one year from the date of purchase. Comar Systems Ltd will, at its sole option, repair or replace
any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge
to the customer for parts and labour. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation
costs incurred in returning the unit to Comar Systems Ltd.
This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorised alteration
or repairs.
The above does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer.
Changes or modifications not made by Comar Systems or an authorised repairer will: (1) Void the
warranty issued by Comar Systems (2) Void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note: Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained in this manual
is accurate at the time of going to press. We therefore cannot take any responsibility for
the content of this manual and advise that you take normal steps to ensure that the
information is at its most current when you are reading this manual.

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NOTES

COMAR SYSTEMS
Vittlefields Technology Centre
Forest Road
NEWPORT
Isle of Wight
PO30 4LY
UNITED KINGDOM
tel: [phone]
email:
[email protected]
web: www.
comarsystems.com