AMEC Camino-108 User manual


i
COPYRIG T
he 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. he 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.
Manual Revision: Version 1.04

ii
WARNING!
WARNING:
he transponder must be installed and configured in conformity
with the provided instructions in the manual in order to maximize the device
performance.
WARNING: Please bear in mind that not all vessels are equipped with AIS
transponders and therefore may not be visible to this transponder. Likewise,
certain conditions, such as device malfunction, the environment, improper use,
and overcrowded port traffic, may exist whereby the vessel equipped with this
AIS transponder is not visible to other AIS transponders.
WARNING: DO NO DISASSEMBLE OR MODIFY HE EQUIPMEN . Improper
disassembly or modification could cause personal injury and will invalidate the
guarantee.
WARNING: 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 from improper installation by
unauthorized agent/dealer.
FOR USERS IN HE UNI ED S A ES 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.
★he 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 this user manual.

iii
FOREWORD
AMEC thanks you for the purchase of your new CAMINO-108 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-108 is strictly tested at the factory to meet the rigorous demands of the
marine environment. With proper use, installation, and maintenance, the
equipment will serve loyally and reliably at its optimum.
For sales, services, and technical supports, please contact your local AMEC
representatives or Alltek Marine Electronics Corp at sales@alltekmarine.com or
service@alltekmarine.com. You are always welcome to visit our website at
www.alltekmarine.com for new product status and company update.
hank you again. Be safe.

I
TABLE OF CONTENT
1 W AT IS AIS? ........................................................................ 1
1.1 CLASS A VS. CLASS B AIS ............................................................. 3
1.2 AIS MESSAGE YPES ................................................................... 4
1.3 AIS REPOR RA E ...................................................................... 4
2 SYSTEM OVERVIEW .............................................................. 5
2.1 PRODUC DESCRIP ION ............................................................... 5
2.2 EQUIPMEN S IN HE BOX ............................................................. 6
2.3 EX ERNAL CONNEC IONS ............................................................. 7
3 PROGRAMMING YOUR VESSEL DATA .................................... 8
3.1 USB DRIVER INS ALLA ION .......................................................... 8
3.2 AIS CONFIGURA ION SOF WARE INS ALLA ION ................................ 9
4 INSTALLATION ..................................................................... 10
4.1 INS ALLA ION PROCEDURES ........................................................ 10
4.2 MOUN ING RANSPONDER MAIN UNI ....................................... 11
4.3 VHF/GPS AN ENNA INS ALLA ION ............................................. 13
4.4 GPS AN ENNA LOCA ION .......................................................... 14
4.5 CONNEC ING POWER AND DA A CABLE ........................................ 15
4.6 CONNEC ING WI H NMEA0183 DEVICES .................................... 16
4.7 AIS SILEN MODE CONNEC ION ................................................. 20

II
4.8 CONNEC ING O POWER SUPPLY ................................................. 20
4.9 CONNEC ION O NMEA2000 NE WORK ..................................... 21
5 GET STARTED ....................................................................... 22
5.1 SAR UP HE RANSPONDER ..................................................... 22
5.2 LED INDICA ORS ...................................................................... 23
5.3 SD CARD DA A LOGGING ........................................................... 24
5.4 WI-FI CONFIGURA ION ............................................................. 25
5.5 BUIL -IN IN EGRI Y ES (BII ) .................................................. 26
5.6 AIS VIEWER DESCRIP ION ......................................................... 27
6 SPECIFICATIONS................................................................... 28
6.1 PRODUC SPECIFICA IONS .......................................................... 28
6.2 DIMENSIONS ........................................................................... 31
6.3 NMEA 2000 PGN INFORMA ION .............................................. 32
7 TROUBLES OOTING ............................................................ 34
8 ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................. 37
FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT ................................................... 38
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................................................... 39
AMEC WORLDWIDE WARRANTY .................................................. 39

1
1What is AIS?
he Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio
broadcasting system that transfers packets of data over the VHF data link (VDL) and
enables AIS equipped vessels and shore-based stations to exchange identification
information and navigational data. Ships with AIS transponders continually transmit
their ID, position, course, speed and other data to all nearby ships and shore
stations. Such information can aid greatly in situational awareness and provide a
means to assist in collision avoidance.
AIS equipment is standardized by I U, IEC, IALA and IMO and is subject to approval
by a certification body. he following AIS devices have been developed for variant
applications.
AIS Class A:
mandated by the IMO for vessels of 300 gross tonnages and upwards
engaged on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnages and
upwards, as well as passenger ships. It transmits typically on 12.5 watt
output power.
AIS Class B:
provides limited functionality and is intended for non-SOLAS commercial
vessels and recreational vessels. It transmits typically on 2 watt output
power.

2
AIS Base Station:
is provided by aids-to-navigation authorities to enable the ship to shore /
shore to ship transmission of information. Networked AIS Base Stations can
assist in providing overall maritime domain awareness.
AIS AtoN (Aids to Navigation):
provides an opportunity to transmit position and status of buoys and lights
through the same VDL, which can then show up on AIS-ready devices within
the range.
AIS SART:
Search and Rescue ransmitter using AIS can be used to assist in
determining the location of a vessel in distress. It is typically used on life
rafts.
AIS on Search and Rescue (SAR) Aircraft:
used on airplanes and helicopters to assist search and rescue operation.

3
1.1 Class A vs. Class B AIS
A brief comparison of class A and class B AIS is illustrated in the following table.
CAMINO-108 is a class B AIS transponder.
Table 1-1 Comparison of Class A and Class B
Type of AIS Class A AIS Class B AIS
Communication
Protocol
SO DMA (Self
-
organizing)
CS DMA (Carrier
-
Sense)
ransmit Power and
range
12.5w (25 NM expected) 2w (5-7 NM expected)
IMO Mandate Mandatory for all SOLAS
compliant vessels
No mandate
Reporting rate
dynamic data
Higher (transmission up to
every 2 sec)
Lower (transmission up to
every 30 sec)
AIS data
presented
Static, Dynamic, Voyage
Static and Dynamic data
Applications
Commercial vessels, fishing
boats, working boats,
passenger boats with more
than 12 passengers
Recreational vessels and
small fishing boats

4
1.2 AIS Message Types
Class B AIS broadcasts following message types:
Static Data:
•MMSI
•Vessel name
•Vessel call sign
•ype of ship
•Ship dimensions / GPS antenna location
Dynamic Data:
•Position of the vessel
•Course over ground (COG)
•Speed over ground (SOG)
•rue heading
1.3 AIS Report Rate
Class B AIS broadcasts ship dynamic data per following reporting interval. Besides,
ship static data will be broadcasted every 6 minutes.
Ship Condition Nominal Reporting Interval
Ship not moving faster than 2 knots 3 Minutes
Ship moving faster than 2 knots 30 Seconds

5
2System Overview
2.1 Product Description
CAMINO-108 is a new generation class B AIS transponder. It is designed to deliver
high performance AIS transponder solution. hanks to the advanced in-house radio
technology, the optimized receive and transmit capability is now brought into a
compact and robust housing which is less than half the size of its previous
generation.
Key Features:
•Next generation high performance AIS Class B transponder
•NMEA2000, NMEA0183, and USB connectivity
•Optional Wi-Fi connectivity
•Support SD data logger card slot
•Built in high-sensitivity GPS receiver
•Optional silent mode ( x off) operation
•12 / 24V DC input, low power consumption
•Supplied with AIS Configuration and AIS Viewer software for PC

6
2.2 Equipments in the Box
Upon receiving the product please verify items in the box. If any is missing, please
contact your local AMEC representative immediately.

7
2.3 External Connections

8
3Programming Your Vessel Data
3.1 USB Driver Installation
he USB driver should be installed before configuring the vessel data with the AIS
Configuration Software. PC/laptop can also be a convenient platform to display AIS
targets with compatible software like AIS Viewer.
Required Items
•USB Driver (included in the software CD)
•USB cable (included in the box)
•PC/Notebook with Windows operating system (not included)
Currently CAMINO-108 USB Driver only supports Windows XP,
Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
•One available USB port on PC/Notebook
•Available CD-ROM drive on PC/Notebook
Driver Installation
With the transponder powered on and USB cable attached, plug in the USB cable to
PC/notebook. A new hardware found prompt will show up. Follow the on screen
instructions and assign the correct file path of the USB driver to complete the
installation.
You can also install the USB driver via the Device Manager in the Control Panel.
(Separately from this user manual, a detailed USB driver installation instruction
manual is supplied in the CD)

9
3.2 AIS Configuration Software Installation
he AMEC Class B Configuration software enables users to set up the transponder
by entering own ship’s information. It provides also the facilities to monitor and
diagnose your transponder.
he AMEC AIS Configuration program can be found in the CD supplied. Follow the
installation instructions below.
Open the AMEC AIS Configuration file and click on the setup icon to start the
installation process. Follow the on screen instructions to finish installation and
check the checkbox to start the AMEC AIS Configuration after the installation.
Once the Configuration Software is launched, you can establish the connection with
PC either automatically or manually by assigning the COM port and baud rate.
As soon as the transponder has a successful connection, click on “S A IC DA A” tab.
You will require the following information in order to configure your AIS
transponder:
• Vessel name: limited to 20 characters
• Call sign: limited to 7 characters
• MMSI: Enter your MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number
• Vessel type: choose your ship type from the drop down list
• Vessel dimensions and position of your GPS antenna installation
WARNING: MMSI can only be entered once, be sure to enter the correct MMSI.

10
4Installation
4.1 Installation Procedures
Please familiarize the manual content before begin installation. Depending on your
hardware configuration, use the following recommended steps for installation.
1) Program MMSI and vessel information into the device using configuration
software before installation
2) Mount the transponder unit to an appropriate location
3) Install VHF antenna
4) Install GPS antenna
5) Connect antenna cables to the transponder
6) Connect to a chartplotter via NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 interface if applicable
7) Make silent mode connection if applicable (optional external switch needed)
8) Connect to an appropriate power source (12V / 24V DC, 2A)
9) Power On the power source (which turns on the transponder unit)
10) Perform LED checking and system functional test

11
4.2 Mounting Transponder Main Unit
he following guidelines should be noticed when selecting the environment to
install your AMEC CAMINO-108:
•Do not install the AIS transponder in a flammable or hazardous atmosphere such
as in an engine or generator room or close to fuel tanks.
•Installation of the transponder should be undertaken in a safe environment
without being exposed to any splashing water or rain.
•here should be adequate space around the AIS transponder for routing of cables.
See figure below for details of the AIS transponder dimensions.
•he safe distance of the transponder to any magnetic compass is at least 0.55m.
•he operating temperature is between -15°C and +55°C.
•he AIS transponder can be installed and mounted on flat surface, or it can be
mounted on wall with the four self tapping screws supplied.
•he device should be mounted in a location where the indicators can readily be
observed as these indicators deliver relevant information on the status of the AIS
transponder.

12
Figure 1 Mounting the transponder

13
4.3 V F/GPS Antenna Installation
he quality and positioning of the antenna are the most important factors dictating
AIS performance. It is recommended that a VHF antenna with omnidirectional
vertical polarization be specifically tuned for AIS operation band. Since the range of
VHF signals is largely decided by line of sight distance, the VHF antenna should be
placed as high as possible and at least 5 meters away from any constructions made
of conductive materials. It is recommended to keep the VHF antenna at least 3
meters away from the CAMINO-108 unit.
Figure 2 V F/GPS antenna locations
WARNING: he safe distance from a transmitting VHF antenna is 60cm.
5˚
Ensure the GPS antenna is not
within the transmitting beam of
other high power transmitting
antenna.
Ensure a free 360˚ horizon with a
vertical observation of 5˚.
he recommended
horizontal distance
between GPS antennas
and other antennas is 3m.
V F
Antenna
Other V F Antenna
he recommended vertical distance
between antennas is 2m.
he recommended
horizontal distance between
antennas is 10m.
Other transmitting
antenna

14
4.4 GPS Antenna Location
he AN -21 GPS antenna must be installed where it has a clear view of the sky, so
that it may access the horizon freely with 360° degrees, with a vertical observation of
5 to 90 degrees above the horizon as illustrated in the figure above.
Enter the GPS antenna location data in “SHIP SE ING” in the configuration utility
after the installation Following is the GPS antenna location offsets.
Figure 3 GPS antenna location
When connecting the cables, take note of the following precautions.
•Bending cables may cause damages to the inner wires and impair overall
the performances.
•Each coaxial cable should be set up separately and can only be set up in
a single cable tube.
•Insulation on connector port of the coaxial cable should be considered.
B
C
D
A
Other manuals for Camino-108
2
Table of contents
Other AMEC Marine Radio manuals

AMEC
AMEC Camino-101 Class B AIS User manual

AMEC
AMEC WideLink B600 User manual

AMEC
AMEC CAMINO-201 User manual

AMEC
AMEC CAMINO-701 User manual

AMEC
AMEC CAMINO-701 User manual

AMEC
AMEC Camino-101 Class B AIS User manual

AMEC
AMEC MANDO-301 User manual

AMEC
AMEC CAMINO-701 User manual

AMEC
AMEC WideLink B600W User manual

AMEC
AMEC WideLink B600S User manual