AMEC WideLink B600W User manual

AIS Class B Transponder
WideLink B600
SOTDMA
( )
USER MANUAL

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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.
Manual Revision: Version 1.4
User’s Manual

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WARNING!
WARNING: The device must be installed and configured in conformity with the
provided instructions in the manual by qualified installer in order to ensure the
device performance.
WARNING: It is the responsibility of the operator to handle the AIS device with
care. The device cannot replace human vigilance. Therefore it is important to keep
a diligent outlook at all times.
WARNING: Please bear in mind that not all vessels are equipped with AIS
transponders and therefore may not be visible to this device. Likewise, certain
conditions, such as device malfunction, the environment, improper use, and
overcrowded port traffic, may exist whereby the vessel equipped with this AIS
device is not visible to other AIS transponders.
WARNING: DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR MODIFY THE EQUIPMENT. Improper
disassembly or modification could impair its performance and will invalidate the
guarantee.
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 this user manual.
FOREWORD
We thank you for the purchase of your new WideLink B600, AIS SOTDMA class B
transponder. Wherever you sail now, you can have a better overview of your
surroundings at sea and voyage with more safety.
WideLink B600 is strictly tested to meet the rigorous demands of the marine
environment. With proper installation and use, 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 [e-mail] or
[e-mail]. You are always welcome to visit our website at
www.alltekmarine.com for new product status and company update.
Thank you again. Be safe.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
1SYSTEM OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................................6
1.2 CLASS AVS.SOTDMA CLASS BVS.CSTDMA CLASS B...............................................................8
1.3 EQUIPMENT IN THE BOX .........................................................................................................9
2INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 INSTALLATION PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................10
2.2 MOUNTING DEVICE MAIN UNIT ............................................................................................11
2.3 VHF ANTENNA INSTALLATION ...............................................................................................12
2.4 GPS ANTENNA INSTALLATION................................................................................................13
2.5 CONNECTING WITH NMEA 0183 DEVICES ..............................................................................14
2.6 AIS SILENT MODE CONNECTION............................................................................................15
2.7 CONNECTION TO NMEA 2000 NETWORK...............................................................................16
2.8 CONNECTING POWER CABLE .................................................................................................17
3CONFIGURING YOUR WIDELINK B600 .................................................................................... 18
3.1 CONNECTING TO YOUR AIS TRANSPONDER ...............................................................................18
3.1.1 Required Items ...............................................................................................................18
3.1.2 Installing “AIS Configuration Tool” ..................................................................................18
3.1.3 Three steps to connect AIS transponder.........................................................................19
3.1.4 Home page of the application ........................................................................................20
3.2 PROGRAMMING YOUR VESSEL DATA.........................................................................................21
4GET STARTED.................................................................................................................................... 22
4.1 LED INDICATORS ................................................................................................................22
4.2 MICRO SD CARD DATA LOGGING ...........................................................................................23
4.3 WI-FI CONFIGURATION (WIDELINK B600W ONLY) ...................................................................24
4.3.1 Access Point Mode .........................................................................................................24
4.3.2 Client Mode ....................................................................................................................26
4.4 BUILT-IN INTEGRITY TEST (BIIT).............................................................................................27
4.5 AIS VIEWER DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................27
4.6 INTRODUCING AMEC AIS APP .............................................................................................28
5SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 29
5.1 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................29
5.2 DIMENSIONS .....................................................................................................................31
5.3 NMEA 2000 PGN INFORMATION ........................................................................................32
5.4 SUPPORTED NMEA 0183 SENTENCES....................................................................................33
6TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................... 34
7ABBREVIATIONS.............................................................................................................................. 36
8FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT .............................................................................................. 37
9RF EXPOSURE WARNING .............................................................................................................. 38
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY........................................................................................................ 38
AMEC WORLDWIDE WARRANTY........................................................................................................ 39
APPENDIX: HOW TO DETERMINE SERIAL PORT .......................................................................... 40

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1System Overview
1.1 Product Description
WideLink B600W is the Wi-Fi variation of the advanced B600 SOTDMA AIS class B
transponder. Its powerful Wi-Fi module enables a stable connection with mobile
devices. When working in AP mode, it can connect to 32 smartphones, table PCs or
laptops. B600W can also join an existing Wi-Fi network in client mode.
The globally approved device contains 1 VHF transmitter, 2 AIS receivers on 2 VHF
channels and 1 MCU with cutting edge software-defined radio technology. Its internal
GNSS receiver with 50 channels is able to process signals from GPS, Galileo, BeiDou and
GLONASS with differential capability. It receives DSC, time-sharing with AIS receivers.
Its enhanced housing with IPx7 waterproof and shock and temperature robustness is
ideal to survive harsh marine environments. Chart plotter and PC can be easily
integrated over its NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 and waterproof USB port. Its built-in data
logger can record AIS data on micro SD card in the most intuitive way.
The integrated high-performance Wi-Fi (WideLink B600W only) together with AMEC AIS
App makes your favorite smartphone or tablet a real-time AIS position plotter.
WideLink B600
Front Back
B600 exchanges the following navigational data with other AIS equipped vessels within
VHF range to increase the safety of your journey at sea:
Static data:
Ship´s name
Call sign
MMSI
Ship type

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Location of GPS antenna on the ship
Dynamic data:
Position of the vessel
Course over ground (COG)
Speed over ground (SOG)
True heading
The transponder receives also safety related messages (SRM) from other vessels or
persons who are in distress.
SOTDMA Class B AIS broadcasts ship´s static data every 6 minutes. Ship dynamic data
will be transmitted per following reporting interval:
Ship Speed
Nominal Reporting Interval
Increased reporting interval
>23 knots
Every 5 seconds
Every 15 seconds
between 14-23 knots
Every 15 seconds
Every 30 seconds
between 2-14 knots
Every 30 seconds
Every 30 seconds
≤ 2 knots or at anchored
or moored
Every 3 minutes
Every 3 minutes
The Class B “SO” AIS follows the rules set by ITU-R M.1371-5, and increases the
reporting interval to “Increased Reporting Interval” in accordance with Table above
when less than 50 % of the slots of each of the last four consecutive frames are free.
When more than 65 % of the slots of each of the last four consecutive frames are free,
the Class B “SO” AIS reports at the “Nominal Reporting Interval”.

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1.2 Class A vs. SOTDMA Class B vs. CSTDMA Class B
A brief comparison between class A and class B AIS is illustrated in the following table.
WideLink B600 is an SOTDMA class B AIS transponder.
Type of AIS
Class A AIS
Class B SOTDMA
Class B CSTDMA
Primary Access
Scheme
SOTDMA (Self-
organizing)
SOTDMA (Self-
organizing)
CSTDMA (Carrier-
Sense)
Standard
IEC 61993-2
IEC 62287-2
IEC 62287-1
Transmit Power
and range
12.5W
5W
2W
IMO Mandate
Mandatory for all
SOLAS vessels
No mandate
No mandate
Reporting rate
dynamic data
Highest (transmission
up to every 2 sec)
Higher
(transmission up to
every 5 sec)
Low (transmission up
to every 30 sec)
AIS data
presented
Static, Dynamic,
Voyage
Static and Dynamic
data
Static and Dynamic
data
Applications
Commercial vessels,
fishing boats,
working boats,
passenger boats with
more than 12
passengers
Smaller commercial,
fishing and work
boats, recreational
vessels
Recreational vessels
and small fishing
boats

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

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2Installation
2.1 Installation Procedures
Please familiarize the manual content before installation. Depending on your hardware
configuration, use the following recommended steps to install the device.
1) Mount the device unit to an appropriate location
2) Install VHF antenna
3) Install GPS antenna
4) Connect to a chart plotter via NMEA 0183 and/or other instruments
5) Connect to a chart plotter via NMEA 2000 and/or other instruments
6) Connect to a Tx switch box and/or external alarm system(optional)
7) Connect to an appropriate power source (12V / 24V DC, 2A)
Figure 1 External Connections

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2.2 Mounting Device Main Unit
The following guidelines should be noticed when selecting the environment to install
your AMEC WideLink B600:
Do not install the device in a flammable or hazardous atmosphere such as in an
engine or generator room or close to fuel tanks.
Installation of the device should be undertaken in a safe environment without being
exposed to any splashing water or rain.
There should be adequate space around the device for routing of cables. See figure
below for details of the device dimensions.
The safe distance of the device to any magnetic compass is at least 0.3m.
The operating temperature is between -15°C and +55°C.
The device can be installed and mounted on a flat surface, or it can be mounted on
the wall with the four self-tapping screws supplied.
The 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 device.
Figure 2 Mounting the Device

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2.3 VHF Antenna Installation
The 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 marine 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.
Figure 3 VHF Antenna Locations
The VHF antenna connector type on WideLink B600 is SO239 which is designed to work
with a PL259 connector.
The recommended
horizontal distance
between antennas is 10m.
Other transmitting
antenna
VHF Antenna
2m
10m
Other VHF Antenna
The recommended
vertical distance between
antennas is 2m.

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2.4 GPS Antenna Installation
Install the GPS antenna where it has a clear view to the sky, so that it may access the
horizon freely with 360°degrees.
Figure 4 GPS Antenna Locations
It is recommended to keep the GPS antenna out of the transmitting beam of high-
power transmitters such as Inmarsat devices and radar.
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.
WideLink B600 is tested and certified with the GPS antenna GA-22. It’s recommended
to use GA-22 with B600 series to ensure optimal reliability of your AIS system.
For pole mounting the GA-22, a 1 inch 14 TPI thread pole will be required.
Figure 5 Mounting GPS Antenna
Ensure a free 360˚
horizon with a vertical
observation of 5˚.
The recommended
horizontal distance between
GPS antennas and other
antennas is 3m.
5˚
3m

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2.5 Connecting with NMEA 0183 Devices
WideLink B600 supports two NMEA 0183 ports and external silent mode switch with its
12-pin data cable. The default NMEA 0183 baud rates are 38400-bps (high speed) and
4800-bps (low speed). The baud rates can be changed with the provided configuration
tool. Typically the high-speed setting is primarily for chart plotter connection, while the
low-speed setting can be used for NMEA 0183 compatible instruments.
WideLink B600 NMEA 0183 supports multiplexer function. Received NMEA 0183 data
from both ports will be multiplexed and forwarded to all output ports as well as USB
and Wi-Fi (B600W only).
Figure 6 NMEA 0183 Connection
Warning: During installation, you may have to peel off some wires to
make the appropriate connections. After completing the installation,
please cover all exposed wires with a rubber-vulcanized tape to prevent
the devices from malfunctioning or short-circuited.

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2.6 AIS Silent Mode Connection
When Silent Mode is required, it is possible to connect an external toggle switch to
WideLink B600. Connect the toggle switch between the purple and brown wires to
enable Silent Mode function, as depicted in Figure below. An optional Tx Switch Box
(part number SB-181) is available from AMEC for Silent Mode activation.
Figure 7 Silent Switch Connection

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2.7 Connection to NMEA 2000 Network
The WideLink B600 is equipped with NMEA 2000 interface with LEN=1. The device is
able to send AIS data and forward received GPS data (from NMEA 0183) via NMEA 2000
network to other NMEA 2000 devices. For further applications e.g. heading sensor
connection, please refer to supported PGN in 5.3. An updated PGN list is available at
AMEC website under Support/FAQ.
A compatible T-connector and drop cable/spur available by your local service partner
are needed to connect the device to your chart plotter with NMEA 2000 interface:
Figure 8 NMEA 2000 Network

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2.8 Connecting Power Cable
Connect the WideLink B600 to vessel´s power source as illustrated below.
The device requires a 12V or 24V DC power supply (9.6 to 31.2V) capable of supplying
2A peak current @12V DC. Always use a minimum 3A fuse panel before connecting
directly to battery or power supply. Power on the power source will turn on the device
unit automatically.
B600´s power cables are marked with bullet connectors.
Figure 9 Power and Alarm Connection

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3Configuring Your WideLink B600
Your WideLink B600 is delivered with a power “AIS Configuration Tool”allowing users to
set up the transponder and make a real-time diagnosis. A more detailed user guide of
configuration tool can be found in the “Help” of the software.
3.1 Connecting to your AIS Transponder
3.1.1 Required Items
Before preceding the configuration procedure, make sure the following items are
available:
USB Driver (included in the software CD)
USB cable (included in the box)
Mac OS X 10.6 and later or Microsoft® Windows® XP, Windows® Vista®, Windows
7, Windows 8, Windows 10 (including both 32 and 64-bit versions)
One available USB port on PC
Available CD-ROM drive on PC
Note: For configuration and firmware upgrade purpose, B600 series
can be powered only by USB. When USB power is in use, the device
will not transmit any data. To configure the Wi-Fi of B600W, a
regular 12/24V DC power supply is required.
3.1.2 Installing “AIS Configuration Tool”
The “AIS Configuration Tool” must be installed before connecting your transponder to
your PC or Mac.
The application can be found on the CD supplied with your AIS Class B transponder.
Insert the CD into your PC or Mac and navigate to the ‘Windows’ or ‘Finder’ folder.
Windows: Double-click the ‘setup.exe’ item to start the installer and follow the on-
screen instructions.
Mac: Double-click the ‘AISConfigurationTool.dmg’ file. A new Finder window will
open and drag the “AIS Configuration Tool” to the Applications folder to complete
the installation process.
You can now launch the application from the Windows® Start menu or the Mac
Applications folder.

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3.1.3 Three steps to connect AIS transponder
Step 1:
Connect your Class B AIS transponder to your PC or Mac using a USB cable. In most
cases the USB driver will be installed automatically by Windows system. When USB
driver installation is not done automatically, it can be found on the attached CD and
installed manually. 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.
Step 2:
Select the “Com Port” corresponding to your AIS transponder from the drop down menu
at the top left of the application window, the Com Port will normally be listed as “AIS
Virtual Com”.
Step 3:
Click the ‘Connect’ button. In a short moment, the button will be displayed as
“Disconnect” when the connection is established.

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3.1.4 Home page of the application
The application is now communicating with your AIS transponder and will display any
pre-configured vessel data on the ‘Home’ page depicted as follows.
Wi-Fi setting is only available when Wi-Fi module on the AIS device is
detected.