AMEC Camino-101 Class B AIS User manual

User’s Manual

I
COPYRIGHT
The entire contents of this instruction manual, including any future updates, revisions, and
modifications, shall remain the property of AMEC at all times. Unauthorized copies or
reproduction of this manual, either in part or whole, in any form of print and electronic media, is
prohibited. The contents herein can only be used for the intended purpose of this manual.
DISCLAIMER
AMEC is devoted to publish and maintain this product manual. As we continue to improve our
AIS products to satisfy all customers’ needs, information in this document is subject to change
without notice. AMEC does not make any representations or warranties (implied or otherwise)
regarding the accuracy and completeness of this document and shall in no event be liable for
any loss of profit or any commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental,
consequential, or other damage.
Contact us at:
Technical Support:
Sales & Marketing:
ALLTEK MARINE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD Version 1.87
7F, No. 605, Ruei-Guang Rd., Neihu, Taipei, Taiwan 114
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.alltekmarine.com
(Your Local Dealer/Agent Warranty Stamp)

II
FOR USERS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ONLY
WARNING: It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications
Commission to input an MMSI that has not been properly assigned to the
end user, or to otherwise input any inaccurate data in this device.
★ The entry of static data into this device shall be performed by the vendor of
the device or by an appropriately qualified person in the business of
installing marine communications equipment on board vessels.
★ Instructions on how to accurately enter and confirm static data in the device
can be found in Section 3.3 of this user manual.
The equipment said in this manual must only be used to which it was designed. Improper
operation or installation may cause damage to the equipment or injury to personnel. AMEC will
not incur any liability of equipment damage or personal injury due to improper use or
installation of the equipment. It is strongly recommended to read this manual and the following
safety instructions before proceeding to installation or operation.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD.
Do not open the case of the
equipment. Only qualified
personnel could work on the interior
of the equipment.
WARNING
TURN OFF THE POWER IMMEDIATELY IF
WATER LEAKS INTO THE EQUIPMENT
OR OBJECT DROPS INTO THE
EQUIPMENT.
Continue operating the equipment could
cause electrical shock or fire. Contact your
nearest distributor for service.
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR MODIFY THE
EQUIPMENT.
Improper disassemble or modification could
cause electrical shocks, fire, or personal
injury.
AVOID OPERATING THE EQUIPMENT
WITH WET HANDS.
Electrical shocks could be resulted if
operating with wet hands.
WARNING!
WARNING
TURN OFF THE POWER
IMMEDIATELY IF THE EQUIPMENT IS
EMMITTING SMOKE OR FIRE.
Continue operating the equipment could
cause electrical shock or fire. Contact
your nearest distributor for service.
EVENTHOUGH THE EQUIPMENT IS
WATERPROOF, PLEASE AVOID
DIRECT CONTACT WITH RAIN OR
SPLASHING WATER.
Electrical shock or fire could be resulted
if water leaks into the equipment.

III

IV
FOREWORD
Congratulations on the purchase of your new CAMINO-101 Automatic Identification System
(hereinafter called “AIS”). Wherever you sail now, you can have a better control of your
surrounding sea, and have an enjoyable voyage.
Camino-101 AIS is strictly tested to meet the rigorous demands of the marine environment.
Unless improper use, installation,or maintenance, the equipment should function properly at its
optimum.
We thank you for choosing our product and we wish you bon voyage!

Table of Contents
I. COPYRIGHT & DISCLAIMER
II. WARNING & SAFETY INSTRUCTION
III. FORWARD
Page
1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 1 
1.1 CAMINO-101 Overview................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Type of AIS .................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 AIS Message Type ........................................................................................................ 2
1.4 AIS Report Rate ............................................................................................................ 3
1.5 About this Manual ........................................................................................................ 3
1.6 Important Notice........................................................................................................... 3
2 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................ 4 
2.1 General .......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Safety Instructions .................................................................................................. 4
2.1.3 Items in the Package............................................................................................... 5
2.2 Installation Procedure.................................................................................................. 6
2.2.1 Installation Precautions.......................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Step by Step Installation Instructions ................................................................... 7
2.2.3 Connector Pin Definition and Cable Wiring .......................................................... 9
2.2.4 VHF Antenna Installation ...................................................................................... 14
2.2.5 GPS Antenna Installation...................................................................................... 15
2.2.6 Antenna Cabling .................................................................................................... 15
2.2.7 CAMINO-101 External Connections..................................................................... 16
2.2.8 AMEC AIS Configuration Software Installation................................................... 17
2.3 Bluetooth Pairing (Optional Feature) (CAMINO-101W only) ................................... 21
3 GET STARTED ............................................................................................... 21 
3.1 Turning Power ON / OFF ............................................................................................ 21
3.2 Front Panel LED Indicators ....................................................................................... 22
3.2.1 Built-in Integrity Test (BIIT)................................................................................... 23
3.3 CAMINO-101 Configuration Settings ........................................................................ 24
3.3.1 Configuration Settings.......................................................................................... 24
3.3.2 Diagnosis Functions ............................................................................................. 28

4 AMEC AIS VIEWER DESCRIPTION .............................................................. 31 
5 APPENDIX...................................................................................................... 33 
5.1 Product Specifications............................................................................................... 33
5.2 Dimensions ................................................................................................................. 37
5.3 Ordering Information.................................................................................................. 38
5.4 Accessories ................................................................................................................ 38
5.5 Trouble Shooting ........................................................................................................ 39
5.5.1 Diagnosis by LED Indicators................................................................................ 39
5.5.2 Problem Analysis .................................................................................................. 40
6 AMEC WORLD WIDE WARRANTY ...............................................................42 
7 FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
..............................................................................................................................44

8 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................................... 45 
9 INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE TO USERS.................................................... 45 
10 ABBREVIATIONS......................................................................................... 45 

1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 CAMINO-101 Overview
The CAMINO-101 is a Class B AIS transponder using carrier-sense TDMA (CSTDMA) technology.
It is designed to be inter-operable and compatible with Class A or other Class B ship-borne AIS
stations or any other AIS stations operating on the AIS VHF data link.
CAMINO-101 AIS uses marine VHF channels with frequency set universally from 156.025 MHz to
162.025 MHz. Having CAMINO-101 AIS on board, not only can you monitor the status of the
vessels in the surrounding area, but also receive the dynamic information (position, speed, SOG,
and etc.), static information (ship name, MMSI, call sign, and etc.), and voyage related information
(cargo type, destination, and etc.) from any vessels equipped with AIS. An external computer
installed with AMEC AIS Viewer software or an AIS-ready plotter device is required in order to
view the AIS information above mentioned.
CAMINO-101
AIS is one of the cutting-edge navigational aid equipments allowing real-time
information exchanges within the AIS network. It is also capable of integrating with other maritime
systems such as Electronic Chart System (hereinafter called “ECS”) for various maritime
navigation applications.
CAMINO-101 is designed with 2 RF receivers and 1 RF transmitter. One of the RF receivers is
time-shared between AIS and DSC. On the front panel, CAMINO-101 is equipped with 3 LED
indicators. At rear panel, there are 1 VHF antenna connector, 1 GPS antenna connector, 1
optional Bluetooth connector and antenna (CAMINO-101W only), 1 NMEA interface connector, 1
RS232 interface connector (CAMINO-101A/W supports Tx-Off Switch Box via this connector), 1
power connector, and 1 power switch.
NOTE: The CAMINO-101 is an equipment to be used in protected environmental conditions.
It is not intended to expose to rain or spray longer than a minute.

2
1.2 Type of AIS
There are mainly two types of AIS transponder: Class A and Class B. The intended nature of
these AIS systems in navigations is different as illustrated in the following table. CAMINO-101 is a
Class B AIS transponder.
Table 1-2 Type of AIS
Class A AIS
‧ Transmits and receives AIS signal in SOTDMA protocols.
‧ Intended for vessels meeting the IMO AIS carriage requirements.
‧ It is mandatory for all commercial vessels that exceed 300 tons to be
equipped with Class A AIS.
Class B AIS
‧ Transmits and receives AIS signals in CSTDMA protocols.
‧ Not necessarily in accord with IMO AIS carriage requirements.
‧ It is not mandatory for vessels to be equipped with Class B AIS.
‧ Suitable for recreational vessels or fishing boats, in enhancing its safety at
sea.
1.3 AIS Message Type
The CAMINO-101 transmits following message types.
Table 1-3 CAMINO-101 AIS message type
Type of Message Data Details
Static Data
Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (“MMSI”)
Call sign and name
Type of ship
Length and beam
GPS Antenna location
Dynamic Data
Position of the vessel
Course Over Ground (hereinafter called “COG”)
Speed Over Ground (hereinafter called “SOG”)
Heading
Dynamic Reports
Speed of the ship
Status of the ship
SRM
Alarm
Safety

3
1.4 AIS Report Rate
The CAMINO-101 supports following report rates in accordance to ITU-R M.1371 and IEC
62287-1.
Table 1-4 CAMINO-101 AIS report rate
Platforms Condition
Nominal
Reporting Interval
Class B Ship-borne mobile equipment not moving faster than 2 knots 3 Minutes
Class B Ship-borne mobile equipment moving faster than 2 knots 30 Seconds
Report rate by command of VTS 5 Seconds highest
1.5 About this Manual
The manual contains installation instructions and operating information for CAMINO-101. While
most of the installation can be performed by the owner or the crew, a final commissioning can be
done by your local agent/dealer when needed or required. AMEC and the local agent/dealer will
not bear any responsibilities over any damages resulted in improper installation by unauthorized
agent/dealer.
1.6 Important Notice
The intended use of the AMEC CAMINO-101 AIS is to enhance the safety of vessels at sea.
However, a few points must be noted as below,
Any AIS cannot guarantee monitoring and receiving signals from all vessels in the
surroundings unless those vessels are equipped with AIS devices.
It is important to note that the AIS is designed for the purpose of anti-collision and serves as
a compliment to navigation. It is not the absolute navigational equipment and does not
replace any navigational system installed on board.
Although AIS operates automatically by itself, the owner or the crew on the vessel should still
maintain a proper lookout for the surroundings. While AIS is capable of setting alarms for
Distance to Closest Point of Approach (hereinafter called “CPA”) and Time to the Closest
Point of Approach (hereinafter called “TCPA”), vessel owner or the crew should be aware of
the fact that there are vessels not equipped with AIS, and this function will not apply with
these vessels.
Incorrect data and information entered into the AIS is considered as erroneous information.
Erroneous information or improper configuration will cause risk to both own vessel and

4
surrounding vessels when these information are transmitted. Users must be aware of this
risk and ensure that all information entered into the system is correct and up-to-date.
2 INSTALLATION
2.1 General
2.1.1 Safety Instructions
Before proceeding with installation, take note of the following safety instructions and read through
this installation manual carefully.
SAFETY INSTRUCTION
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Do not open the case of the
equipment. Only qualified
personnel could work on the
interior of the e
q
ui
p
ment.
WARNING
TURN OFF THE POWER BEFORE
PROCEEDING WITH INSTALLATION.
Proceeding with installation with the
power on could cause electrical shock or
fire.
AVOID INSTALLING THE EQUIPMENT
WHERE THERE IS DIRECT CONTACT
WITH RAIN OR SPLASHING WATER.
Electrical shock or fire could be resulted
if water leaks into the equipment.
FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION
MANUAL TO PROCEED WITH THE
INSTALLATION.
AMEC and your local agent/dealer will
not bear any responsibility of
equipment damage or personnel injury
due to improper installation.
Warning Label
A warning label (Figure 2-1-1) is
attached underneath the equipment.
Warranty of the equipment will be
invalid if this label is detached or
broken. AMEC and your local
agent/dealer will not bear any
responsibility of any damage to the
equipment, or damage in related to the
equipment, personnel injury, and etc.
Reject the equipment if this label is
detached or broken. Please contact
your local agent/dealer if this label is
missing.
MAKE SURE THE POWER SOURCE
AND THE POWER INPUT OF THE
EQUIPMENT ARE COMPATIBLE.
Damage to the equipment and fire could
be resulted if the power sources are not
correct. Please check the correct power
input on the adaptor.
Figure 2-1-1 Warning label
N
ame:
W
arn
i
n
g L
a
b
e
l
No Warranty if this label
is detached or broken.
保固撕毁无效
WARNING
Warning
注意

5
2.1.3 Items in the Package
Please verify items in the package. If any is missing, please contact your local AMEC
representative. The CAMINO-101 is typically delivered with standard package as shown in Table
2-1-3-1. It is also illustrated in Figure 2-1-3 (except Viewer CD and manual). Table 2-1-3-2 also
shows optional accessories available from AMEC.
Table 2-1-3 Standard equipment list
No. Description Qty
1 CAMINO-101 Class B AIS main unit 1
2 Manual 1
3 Installation Kit
Power Cable, 1.5m, AWG 18 1
NMEA 0183 interface cable, 1.5m 1
RS-232 interface cable, 1.2m 1
M6×20 Screws 4
4 Software CD: AMEC AIS Configuration & AMEC AIS Viewer 1
NOTE:
(1)AMEC would not be able to fully ensure overall product performance if longer cable
length other than the above specified length is used.
(2)If an extension power cable is required, use large gauge cable to minimize voltage
drops.
2.1.3.1 Optional Supply
Table 2-1-3-1 Optional equipment list
No. Description Remarks
1 VHF Antenna --
2 GPS Antenna 10m cable included
3 VHF Antenna Cable 10m
Figure 2-1-3 Package items
1. CAMINO-101 x1
2. Power Cable x1
3. Interface Cable
NMEA 0183 x1
4. Interface Cable
RS-232x1
5. M6 x 20 (x4)
6. Bluetooth antenna (Optional)
1.
3.
2.
5.
4.
6.

6
NOTE: AMEC would not be able to fully ensure overall product performance if longer cable
length other than the above specified length is used.
2.2 Installation Procedure
2.2.1 Installation Precautions
Do not place or
install the
equipment near
any generator or
engine.
5
Do not place or
install the
equipment
beneath or near
any container that
filled with water or
liquid.
3
Do not place or
install the
equipment
where it is easily
tripped, stepped
on, or kicked at.
Installation
should proceed in
a safe
environment and
does not have
direct contact
with rain or
splashing water.
1
When installation is
completed, please
remember to key in own
ship’s MMSI data and
related information
through AMEC AIS
Configuration software.
Please refer to Section
3.3.
6
If it is required to
use a ladder to
install the
equipment, take
extra caution and
be careful of
falling down.
2
4

7
2.2.2 Step by Step Installation Instructions
AMEC CAMINO-101 can be installed and mounted on flat surface, or it can be mounted on wall as
shown below.
Place CAMINO-101 on the
desired spot for installing.
(Refer to figure 2-2-2-2)
Step 1:
Step 2:
Use the supplied M6 × 20
screws from the
accessories to mount.
(Refer to figure 2-2-2-2)
Figure 2-2-2-2 Installation instruction
Table Stand Mounting
Wall Mounting
Figure 2-2-2-1 Installation overview
I. Installation Instructions

8
*NOTE: CAMINO-101 SUPPLIES ONLY 3.3V FOR GPS ANTENNA. WE RECOMMEND USING
AMEC GPS ANTENNA (3.3V) WITH CAMINO-101. IF A 5V GPS ANTENNA IS
CONNECTED TO CAMINO-101, IT MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION TO GPS
RECEIVING PERFORMANCE.
Step 3:
II. Cabling Instructions
Step 1:
Connect the GPS cable
to the GPS ANT *
5
Step 2:
Connect the VHF cable
to the VHF ANT .
6
Connect NMEA 0183
compatible system to the
NMEA interface .
4
Figure 2-2-2-3 Cabling instructions
GPS Antenna
Connector:
Female TNC
1
5
3
6
2
VHF Antenna
Connector: M Jack
(SO-239)Power
RS-232
NMEA 0183
Step 4:
Connect either RS-232
or Bluetooth antenna to
your computer if needed.
* DO NOT CONNECT
THE TWO
INTERFACES
SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Step 6:
Connect the Power cable
to the PWR .
1
Step 5:
Pairing Bluetooth to your
computer if needed.
(Please refer to 2-2-2-3).
4
Bluetooth (Optional)
Step 7:
Open the CAMINO-101 by
switching to “ON”
7
7

9
Note: The required power voltage for CAMINO-101 is 12V / 24V DC. Use an adaptor if the supply
voltage is not within the range.
2.2.3 Connector Pin Definition and Cable Wiring
2.2.3.1 Power Connector: Pin Definition and Cable Wiring
The power cable supplied has only a round connector at one end and there are two inner (red &
black) wires. The wiring details are defined as follows:
Pin Wire Color Name Function
1 - - -
2 Black GND Power Ground
3 Red PWR Positive (＋);
Step 1:
Connect the power cable to
the power input and turn on
CAMINO-101 by switching
to “ON”.
III. Start-Up Setting
Step 2:
Check if the POWER
indicator is working
properly.
Please refer to Section 3.1
2
Figure 2-2-3-4 Installation instruction
2
1
1
Table 2-2-3-1 Power connector pin definition

10
the input should be 12V / 24V DC
Figure 2-2-3-1 Wiring definition in Power Cable
2.2.3.2 NMEA 0183 Connector: Pin Definition and Cable Wiring
The NMEA 0183 cable supplied has only a round connector at one end and there are six inner
wires. The wiring details of the NMEA cable are listed below.
Pin Wire color Name Function
1 Brown RXP Positive(＋); NMEA0183 Data input
2 Blue RXN Negative (－); NMEA0183 Data input
3 White TXP Positive(＋); NMEA0183 Data output
4 Green TXN Negative (－); NMEA0183 Data output
5 / / /
6 Red / Reserved
7 Purple / Reserved
8 / / /
Table 2-2-3-2 NMEA 0183 pin definition
RXP: Data input (+), Brown
RXN: Data input (-), Blue
TXP: Data output (+), White
TXN: Data output (-), Green
Reserve, Red
Reserve, Purple
Figure 2-2-3-2 Wiring definition in NMEA 0183 cable
Power Ground, Black
Power (+), Red

11
NMEA 0183 Connection Illustration
Refer to the illustration below when connecting to an external NMEA device via the onboard
NMEA 0183 interface.
NOTE: 1. Please make sure the external device is fully NMEA 0183 compliant.
2. The CAMINO-101 NMEA interface supports the following input sentences: RMC,
GGA, GBS, GSA, and HDT.
3. If user wants to use additional external GPS source the following points shall be
assured: (i) the external position source is using WGS-84 datum; (ii) the
accuracy of the external GPS source should be shorter than 10 m in LAT or LON;
(iii) the external position is within 26 m of the internal position.
2.2.3.3 RS-232 Connector: Pin Definition and Cable Wiring (CAMINO-101)
The RS-232 connector pins on CAMINO-101’s rear panel are defined as follows:
NO. NAME FUNCTION
1 / /
2 RX Receive Data
3 TX Transmit Data
4 / /
5 GND Ground
6 / /
7 / /
8 / /
9 / /
Table 2-2-3-3 RS-232 connector pin definition
TXP
TXN
RXP
RXN
RXP
RXN
TXP
TXN
Figure 2-2-3-1 NMEA 0183 connection illustration
CAMINO-101 NMEA 0183 External NMEA device
TXD: Data output
from CAMINO-101
Ground
RXD: Data input
to CAMINO-101
Figure 2-2-3-3
RS-232 Pin definitions, CAMINO-101

12
RS-232 Connection Illustration (CAMINO-101)
The RS-232 cable supplied with CAMINO-101 contains 9 different wires. However, only 3 wires
are being used. This cable is a cross-over connection, not a straight thru connection. Refer to the
following illustration when connecting to an external RS-232 device.
2.2.3.4 RS-232 Connector: Pin Definition and Cable Wiring (CAMINO-101A &
CAMINO-101W)
CAMINO-101A and CAMINO-101W models’ RS-232 connector pin assignments on are different
than on CAMINO-101 model’s.
On CAMINO-101A and CAMINO-101W, there are additional pin assignments at the RS-232
connector specifically for connecting to an optional external Tx-off Switch Box. See also Tx-Off
Switch Box User Guide.
NO. NAME FUNCTION
1 / /
2 RX Receive Data
3 TX Transmit Data
4 GND I/O Ground
5 GND RS-232 Ground
6 / Tx-Off
7 / Tx-Off LED
8 GND RS-232 Ground
9 GND I/O Ground
TXD: Data output
from CAMINO-101
RS-232 Ground
RXD: Data input
to CAMINO-101 I/O Ground
RS-232 Ground
I/O Ground
Reserved
Tx-Off LED
Tx-Off
Figure 2-2-3-4
RS-232 Pin definitions, CAMINO-101A / W
Table 2-2-3-4 RS-232 connector pin definitions
RX
TX
GND
TX
RX
GND
CAMINO-101 RS-232
(DB-9 male)
PC RS-232
(DB-9 female)
Figure 2-2-3-3 Connection via RS-232