AMEC Cypho-150 User manual

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General Information Manual Edition 1.10
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.
ii. 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.
iii. Product Category
This product is categorized as “protected” in accordance with the requirements as
defined in IEC 60945.
iv. Disposal Instruction
Do not dispose of this device with unsorted waste.
Improper disposal may be harmful to the environment and human health. Please
refer to your local waste authority for information on return and collection systems in
your area.

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WARNING!
WARNING: The AIS receiver 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 receiver. Likewise, in the
event of overcrowded port traffic, vessels equipped with AIS transponder may not
be visible to this receiver.
WARNING: DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR MODIFY THE EQUIPMENT. 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.

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FOREWORD
AMEC thanks you for the purchase of your new CYPHO-150 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.
CYPHO-150 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 [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 ...........................................................................................1
1.1 Product Description ..................................................................................... 1
1.2 Comparison of CYPHO-150 Series ................................................................ 1
1.3 Equipment in the Box................................................................................... 3
1.4 External Connections ................................................................................... 4
1.5 What is AIS?................................................................................................. 5
1.6 AIS Message Type ........................................................................................ 6
2INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................8
2.1 CYPHO-150 Connection Interface ................................................................ 9
2.2 CYPHO-150S Connection Interface............................................................. 10
2.3 Mounting Instructions ............................................................................... 11
2.4 VHF Antenna Installation ........................................................................... 13
2.5 Connecting to NMEA0183 devices ............................................................. 15
2.6 Connecting to Power Supply ...................................................................... 19
3CONFIGURATION............................................................................................. 20
3.1 USB Driver Installation ............................................................................... 20
3.2 CYPHO Configuration Software .................................................................. 22
3.2.1 Connecting the Receiver to your PC .............................................. 22

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3.2.2 Baud Rate Setting: ......................................................................... 25
3.2.3 Diagnosis ....................................................................................... 26
3.3 AMEC AIS Viewer Software Installation ..................................................... 28
4GETTING STARTED...........................................................................................29
4.1 CYPHO-150 LED Indicators ......................................................................... 29
4.2 CYPHO-150S LED Indicators ....................................................................... 30
5SPECIFICICACIONS ...........................................................................................31
5.1 Product Specifications................................................................................ 31
5.2 Dimensions ................................................................................................ 33
6TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................35
7ABBREVIATIONS ..............................................................................................36
8FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT....................................................................... 37
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..............................................................................38
AMEC WORLDWIDE WARRANTY .............................................................................38

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1SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1 Product Description
The AMEC CYPHO-150/150S is an AIS receiver series. It receives AIS navigation data
from AIS-equipped vessels nearby and improves navigation safety. CYPHO-150 series is
designed to inter-operate with AIS Class A or Class B transponders, and any other AIS
station operating on the AIS VHF data link.
CYPHO-150 series is built with two parallel AIS receivers in one box with optimized
sensitivity. Having CYPHO-150 series AIS receiver on board, you can monitor the status
of the vessels equipped with AIS transponders in the surrounding area by receiving
their dynamic information (position, speed, SOG, etc.), static information (ship name,
MMSI, call sign, etc.), and voyage related information (cargo type, destination, etc.).
Equipped with USB2.0 and NMEA0183, CYPHO-150 series enables connectivity to most
available peripherals in the market. CYPHO-150S with integrated VHF splitter allows the
usage of a single VHF antenna to combine AIS and VHF operation.
1.2 Comparison of CYPHO-150 Series
Description
CYPHO-150
CYPHO-150S
Number of AIS Channels
2
2
USB port
1
1
NMEA 0183
1 input, 1 output
(baud rate independent)
1 input, 1 output
(baud rate independent)
Built-in VHF Splitter
-
Yes

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CYPHO-150
CYPHO-150S
Front
Back
Front
Back

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1.3 Equipment in the Box
Please contact your supplier immediately if there is any item missing.

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1.4 External Connections

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1.5 What is AIS?
The 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 ITU, IEC, IALA and IMO and is subject to approval by a
certification body. The 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.
AIS Receiver:
only receives AIS signal and it does not have transmitter to send out AIS signal.
Suitable for recreational vessel that does not want to send out its vessel
information.

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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 Transmitter 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.
1.6 AIS Message Type
The CYPHO-150 models can receive AIS messages from both Class A and Class B AIS
transponders as well as from AIS Base Station, AIS AtoN, and AIS SART/MOB. The
message types are listed as below table. The messages in gray color are transmitted
only from class A AIS device.

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Type of Message
Data Details
Static Data
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (hereinafter called
“MMSI”) number
IMO number
Call sign and name
Type of ship
Length and beam
GPS Antenna location
Voyage Related Data
Draught of the ship
Cargo information
Destination
Estimate Time of Arrival (hereinafter called “ETA”)
Dynamic Data
Position of the vessel
Coordinated Universal Time (hereinafter called “Time
in UTC”.)
Course Over Ground (hereinafter called “COG”)
Speed Over Ground (hereinafter called “SOG”)
Heading
Rate of turn
Navigational status
Dynamic Reports
Speed of the ship
Status of the ship
SRM
Alarm
Safety

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2INSTALLATION
Please note the following guidelines for selecting a suitable installation location for
CYPHO-150.
The surrounding temperature should be maintained between
-15°C~55°C.
The receiver must be installed at least 0.5m away from a compass.
The device is not designed to be fully waterproof. Therefore, is not
recommended to install the device in a location that will be subjected to spray
or water submersion.
The device should not be installed in flammable or hazardous locations
such as near a fuel tank.
The device should be installed in a location where the indicator is
easily visible in which the LED lights provides important information about the
status of the receiver.

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2.1 CYPHO-150 Connection Interface
Figure 1 CYPHO-150 Connection Interface
VHF Antenna
Power, USB,
NMEA0183

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2.2 CYPHO-150S Connection Interface
Figure 2 CYPHO-150S Connection Interface
VHF Antenna
Power, USB,
NMEA0183
VHF Radio

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2.3 Mounting Instructions
Figure 3 Mounting Instructions (1)
Wall Mounting
(flat surface)
Platform
Mounting

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Figure 4 Mounting Instructions (2)

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2.4 VHF Antenna Installation
The quality and positioning of the antenna is the most important factor dictating AIS
performance. It is recommended that a VHF antenna with omni-directional vertical
polarization and specifically tuned for AIS operation band is used. Since the range of
VHF signals is largely decided by line of sight distance, AIS antenna should be placed as
high as possible and at least 5 meters away from any constructions made of conductive
materials.
To avoid interference, the VHF antenna location should be placed in accordance to
Figure 5.
DISTANCE BETWEEN ANTENNAS
The safe distance from a transmitting VHF antenna is 60cm.
DO NOT BEND CABLES
Bending cables may cause damages to the inner wires and impair
overall the performances.
USES OF CABLE TUBE
Each coaxial cable should be set up separately and can only be set up
in a single cable tube.
INSULATION ON CONNECTING PORT
Connecting port of the coaxial cable should be insulated.