ALDEN AE-1800 User manual

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
UM–AE1800–1.0
First Edition January, 2008
ALDEN
NAVTEX RECEIVER
MODEL AE–1800
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
MORCOM International, Inc. (MORCOM) warrants the AE–1800 NAVTEX Receiver
and its active antenna ANT–2000 against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one year from the date of shipping from the factory, during which time
MORCOM will, at its option, either repair or replace the products that prove to be
defective.
Users shall ship defective products, freight prepaid, back to a specified MORCOM dealer
for warranty service.
The warranty shall not apply to defects caused by:
●Misuse or incorrect usage
●Static discharges/lightning strikes to the antenna or to the receiver or other types of
natural disaster
●RF power from radio transmitters in excess of 30V RMS at the antenna input
●Improper or inadequate maintenance by the user
●Unauthorized service including modification, realignment of the receiver/antenna
●User–supplied software or interfacing
●Operation outside the environmental specifications listed in the manual, or
●Improper installation
The above warranty applies to the original user with a proof of purchase.
Before returning the unit to your MORCOM dealer for warranty service, please obtain
MORCOM’s return authorization.
When shipping the unit to your dealers for service, please be sure to include the
following types of information:
･Serial number
･Software release date and revision (REV.) number
･Power supply voltage
･Installation details, including antenna height and surrounding environment
･Detailed description of trouble
･Valid proof of purchase from authorized MORCOM dealer
MORCOM International, Inc.
3656 Centerview Drive, Unit #1
Chantilly, VA 20151 – U. S. A.
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.morcom.com

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
IIMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when this equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his/her own expense.
2. PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL
The purpose of this manual is to help the user operate and maintain the
equipment. The information provided is not to be considered as a contractual
specification.
3. USER’S RESPONSIBILITY
The Alden Model AE–1800 NAVTEX Receiver obtains data transmitted
from Government facilities. MORCOM International Inc. (MORCOM)
makes no claim as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the data
since the AE–1800 only provides a means of receiving the data. Users are
completely responsible for verifying the correctness and currency of all
data received, and MORCOM shall not be liable to users for any loss,
damage or liability caused directly or indirectly by such use. Users are
solely responsible for action taken or not taken as a result of the reception
or non–reception of data.
MORCOM International, Inc.
3656 Centerview Drive, Unit #1
Chantilly, VA 20151 – U. S. A.
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.morcom.com

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
WARNINGS
< WARNINGS >
1. INSTALLATION & OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
THE DISPLAY CABINET IS IN THE “PROTECTED” EQUIPMENT
CATEGORY AS DEFINED UNDER IEC 60945(2002), AND IS NOT
WEATHERIZED FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION/OPERATION. ANY
DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH WATER
INTRUSION IS NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER’S OR
DEALER’S WARRANTY.
2. INSTALLATION & OPERATING PROCEDURES
ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY INSTALLING OR OPERATING THE
EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE THE SPECIFICATIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS
MANUAL IS NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER’S OR
DEALER’S WARRANTY.
CONTACT YOUR DEALER FOR WARRANTY CONDITIONS.
3. LIABILITY
●OPERATION
NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR ITS DEALER IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR ANY LOSS OF LIFE, PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE
PROPERTY RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT OR
FROM BEING, FOR ANY REASON, UNABLE TO EITHER OPERATE
THE EQUIPMENT OR RECEIVE INTENDED NAVTEX MESSAGES.
●MANUAL
REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO PREPARE THIS
MANUAL. HOWEVER, NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR ITS
DEALER ASSUMES ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR
OMISSIONS.

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
CAUTIONS
< CAUTIONS >
1: Operational – Memory Retention Period
Do not leave the equipment switched off for more than 10 days
continuously, or all stored messages will be erased, whether
they are protected or not. Important messages you wish to
preserve should be output to an optional printer or to a PC via
an appropriate rear panel interface connector if the unit is to be
kept turned off for extended periods of time.
2: Operational – “Memory–Full” Indication
As soon as the equipment has stored a total of 199
messages, the following caution will show up in the bottom
command/prompts line along with 3 beeps:
MEMORY FULL ! [CLR]TO ACKNLG.
The oldest message will then be erased from memory
automatically after reception of a next new message. As
soon as you notice the above warning, be sure to
acknowledge each unread message by pressing , and if
necessary, press to protect important messages you
wish to retain for permanent storage.
3: Environmental Safety – Equipment Disposal
The display cabinet and the active antenna unit are
considered environmentally safe in their original, assembled
forms. However, if either unit is to be discarded for any reason,
be sure to follow all relevant local ordinances/regulations, and
contact your dealer or the manufacturer (contact information
given below) for assistance or instructions before disposing
of it. Do not destroy the cabinet or the antenna casing.
MORCOM International, Inc.
3656 Centerview Drive, Unit #1
Chantilly, VA 20151 – U. S. A.
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.morcom.com

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
Index
1. Typical NAVTEX Message Screen.............................................................1-1
1.1. Introduction........................................................................................................1-1
1.2. Indication of Reception and Storage of New NAVTEX Message......................1-6
2. Control Panel Functions .........................................................................2-1
3. Basic Operating Procedure.......................................................................3-1
3.1. Introduction........................................................................................................3-1
3.2. Turning the Equipment On/Off.........................................................................3-1
3.3. Adjusting Screen Brightness ...........................................................................3-2
3.4. Adjusting Keypad Backlighting Level ..............................................................3-2
3.5. Switching First and Second Receivers ..............................................................3-2
3.6. Scrolling NAVTEX Messages.............................................................................3-3
3.7. Stopping Audible and Visual Alarm ..................................................................3-4
3.8. Protecting Messages for Permanent Storage....................................................3-5
3.8.1. Introduction ..............................................................................................3-5
3.8.2. Protecting Procedure ..............................................................................3-5
3.8.3. Removing Protection Tag ......................................................................3-6
4. Customizing Operation via Menu System...................................................4-1
4.1. Introduction........................................................................................................4-1
4.2. Accessing the Menu System ..............................................................................4-1
4.3. Selecting Screen Background Colors ................................................................4-2
4.4. Selecting Message Font Types...........................................................................4-2
4.5. Turning on/off Screen Sleep Mode.....................................................................4-3
4.5.1. Introduction ..............................................................................................4-3
4.5.2. Turning Sleep Mode on ............................................................................4-3
4.5.3. Setting Times to Reduced Brightness Levels ......................................4-4
4.6. Selecting Frequencies for Second Receiver.......................................................4-4
4.7. Turning on/off Keypress Beep ...........................................................................4-5
4.8. Selecting and Rejecting Transmitters...............................................................4-6
4.8.1. Introduction .............................................................................................4-6
4.8.2. Setting Procedure ...................................................................................4-6
4.9. Selecting and Rejecting Message Types............................................................4-8
4.9.1. Introduction.............................................................................................4-8
4.9.2. Setting Procedure..................................................................................4-8
4.10. Searching Memory for Stored Messages......................................................... 4-11
4.11. Selecting Output Messages .............................................................................4-12

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
Index
4.11.1. Introduction ............................................................................................4-12
4.11.2. Outpu t t ing Live NAVTEX Messages ................................................4-13
4.11.3. Outputting All Stored Messages .......................................................4-14
4.11.4. Outputting NAVTEX Messages of Specific Receiver ....................4-15
4.11.5. Outputting NAVTEX Messages of Specific Station ......................4-16
4.11.6. Outputting NAVTEX Messages of Specific Message Type...........4-17
4.11.7. Outputting All Displayed NAVTEX Messages ...............................4-18
4.11.8. Outputting Specific NAVTEX Message...........................................4-19
4.12. Setting Output Ports .......................................................................................4-20
4.12.1. Introduction ..........................................................................................4-20
4.12.2. Enabling / Disabling I / O Ports .............................................................4-20
4.12.3. Selecting Communications Protocols ...........................................4-22
4.12.4. Selecting Bit Formats and Data Transfer Rates ......................4-23
4.13. Performing Self–Diagnostic Tests ..................................................................4-26
4.13.1. Introduction ............................................................................................4-26
4.13.2. Activating Self–Diagnostic Test Function.........................................4-26
4.13.3. Checking Test Results .............................................................................4-27
4.14. Turning on/off Message Alarms.......................................................................4-28
4.15. Resetting the System......................................................................................4-29
5. User–Level Troubleshooting .....................................................................5-1
5.1. Power–Up Problems...........................................................................................5-1
5.2. No Message Reception .......................................................................................5-2
5.3. Message Storage Problems................................................................................5-4
5.4. Poor Reception ...................................................................................................5-5
5.5. Blank Message Screen.......................................................................................5-6
5.6. Uncontrollable Screen Brightness.....................................................................5-6
5.7. No Beep from Keypress .....................................................................................5-6
5.8. No Response from Keypress ..............................................................................5-7
5.9. No Message Alarm Indication ...........................................................................5-7
5.10. No Message Alarm Output ................................................................................5-8
5.11. No External Outputs .........................................................................................5-8
5.12. External Control Problem .................................................................................5-9
6. User–Level Maintenance Instructions ................................................6-1
6.1. Maintenance on the Equipment Cabinet ..........................................................6-1
6.2. Maintenance on Electrical Connections............................................................6-1
6.3. Maintenance on The Active Antenna Unit........................................................6-2

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
Index
6.4. Self–Diagnostic Tests.........................................................................................6-2
6.5. Recommended Spare Parts................................................................................6-3
7. Installation ............................................................................................7-1
7.1. Receiver Cabinet Installation............................................................................7-1
7.1.1. General Precautions ...............................................................................7-1
7.1.2. Mounting the Receiver Cabinet..................................................................7-1
7.2. Antenna Installation..........................................................................................7-3
7.2.1. Installation Site Requirements ..................................................................7-3
7.2.2. Precautions for Cabling ..............................................................................7-3
7.3. Electrical Connections .......................................................................................7-5
7.3.1. Introduction ..............................................................................................7-5
7.3.2. Connector Pin Assignments and Connections ....................................7-7
7.4. INS Port Data and Command Sentences........................................................7-15
7.4.1. Received NAVTEX Sentence Format .................................................7-15
7.4.2. Controlling Receiver Operation via INS (RS–422) Port ...............7-17
7.4.3. Checking Current Settings via INS (RS–422) Port.......................7-18
7.4.4. Alarm Output Sentence Formats.......................................................7-19
7.4.5. Alarm Acknowledgement .....................................................................7-20
7.4.6. Proprietary Sentence (Switching 2nd Receiver Frequency ) ........7-20
8. Summarized Theory of Operation ........................................................8-1
8.1. What is NAVTEX?..............................................................................................8-1
8.2. Operating Frequencies ......................................................................................8-1
8.3. Service Area........................................................................................................8-1
8.4. Error Correction.................................................................................................8-1
8.5. NAVTEX Receiver – General.............................................................................8-2
8.6. The AE–1800 NAVTEX Receiver ......................................................................8-2
8.7. Operating Principle of AE–1800........................................................................8-3
9. Specifications .........................................................................................9-1
10. List of Alarms ......................................................................................10-1
10.1. Message Alarms ...............................................................................................10-1
10.2. Operational Alarms..........................................................................................10-1
11. List of Abbreviations ........................................................................... 11-1
12. User Settings To Be Stored in Non–Volatile Memory ............................12-1
13. List of Components To Be Shipped .........................................................13-1

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
Typical NAVTEX Message Screen
1. Typical NAVTEX Message Screen
1.1. Introduction
The illustration below represents a typical NAVTEX message screen, showing a new
message received on the first (518 kHz) receiver. A similar screen will show up when
the equipment is switched to receive a second receiver (490 kHz or 4209.5 kHz) message.
A brief description of on–screen indications is given below and in the following pages.
Figure 1-1 Typical NAVTEX Message Screen (First Receiver Page)
①Indication of Receiver in Use to Display Current Messages
･1ST RCVR: First receiver, 518 kHz
･2ND RCVR1: Second receiver, 490 kHz or 2ND RCVR2:4209.5 kHz
The two receivers can be switched by pressing or by means of a software
command from an IBS/INS terminal via the rear panel RS–422 connector (INS
port). See paragraph 7.4 for details.
②Message No. and Total No. of Messages Stored
The message number of the currently displayed message along with the total
number of stored messages is indicated in the following format:
Examples:
・12/12: Message #12 (newest message) of 12 messages stored
・1/12: Message #1 (oldest message ) of 12 messages stored
( continued on next page )
1ST RCVR MSG (12/12)   STANDBY
JD13 INEW MESSAGEIIALARM!II
011400 UTC JAN
POLISH SAR INFO 003
SOUTHEASTERN BALTIC
FISHING VESSEL OF UNIDENTIFIED REGISTRY
IS ON FIRE AND IS IN DANGER OF SINKING IN
POSITION 55–22.23N 14–40.37E.
ALL SHIPS IN THE VICINITY ARE URGENTLY
REQUESTED TO RUSH TO THE SITE AND OFFER
ASSISTANCE.
NNNN
STORED (CER= 00%)
MORE NEW MSG LEFT !
①②③④
⑤
⑥
⑨
⑩
⑬
⑦
⑧
⑪
⑫

AE–1800 Instruction Manual
Typical NAVTEX Message Screen
1. Typical NAVTEX Message Screen ( continued – 2/6 )
1.1. Introduction (
continued – 2 /5 )
③Message Scrolling Keys
The keys that can be used to manually scroll messages across the current screen
are indicated.
・ : Line–by–line scrolling by pressing /
・: Message–by–message scrolling by pressing
/

NOTE: When a type–D message (SAR, piracy and armed robbery information) is
received on either the first or second receiver, automatic scrolling will be disabled until
the user acknowledges the
message with

or with a software command from an
IBS/INS terminal via the rear–panel
RS–422 connector. See paragraph 7.4 for details.
④Receiver Operating Status Indication
The current status of receiver operation is indicated here.
・ABORTED: The receiver has failed to lock onto the current transmission,
due, for example, to weak signal level or noise interference.
No message will be displayed or stored.
NOTE: Signal propagation conditions change greatly with time.
You might not be able to receive a signal in the daytime that can
be received at night; this is normal and should not be considered
as a sign of receiver malfunction.
・ACQUIRING: The receiver is currently in the process of locking onto the
start of the current message transmission.
・LOCKED: The receiver has locked onto current NAVTEX transmission,
allowing a message to be received. As soon as the equipmet
starts receiving the message, this indication will be replaced
by RCVNG MSG.
・RCVNG MSG: The receiver is properly receiving a message after locking
onto current transmission. This blinking indication will stay
until the end–of–message code NNNN (⑩) is received.
NOTE: Whether to display or output the message to external
devices depends on the character error rate
(CER, ⑫) and on
the selection/rejection settings to be made via the procedure in
paragraph 4.8.
・STANDBY: The receiver is idling, waiting for a NAVTEX message
transmission to begin. Most stations transmit messages every
4 hours.
⑤Operating Status Line
The current status of receiver operation, text scroll keys, etc. are indicated here.
Examples:
・1ST RCVR MSG: Message received on the first receiver is currently displayed.
・2ND RCVR MSG: Message received on the second receiver (490 or 4209.5 kHz)
is currently displayed.
・ : Message can be scrolled line by line by pressing /.
・STANDBY: Receiver is idling, waiting for a NAVTEX message
transmission. See ④above for details.
(
continued on next page )