AMEC WideLink R150GE User manual

USER MANUAL
AIS Network Receiver
WideLink R150GE

3
General Information Manual Revision: Version 1.0
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.
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 an improper installation by unauthorized
agent/dealer.

4
FOREWORD
AMEC thanks you for the purchase of your new WideLink R150GE Automatic
Identification System (hereinafter called “AIS”) network receiver which is designed with
an emphasis on coastal monitoring uses.
WideLink R150GE is strictly tested to meet the rigorous demands of industrial 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

5
Table of Content
1AN OVERVIEW OF WideLink R150GE....................................................................... 7
1.1 Product Description........................................................................................... 7
1.2 Equipment in the Box ........................................................................................ 8
1.3 External Connections......................................................................................... 9
1.4 What is AIS?..................................................................................................... 10
1.5 AIS Message Type ............................................................................................ 11
2INSTALLATION...................................................................................................... 12
2.1 WideLink R150GE Connection Interface.......................................................... 12
2.2 Mounting Instructions ..................................................................................... 13
2.3 VHF Antenna Installation................................................................................. 14
2.4 GPS Antenna Installation ................................................................................. 15
2.5 Connecting to NMEA 0183 devices ................................................................. 16
2.6 Connecting to RS-232 devices ......................................................................... 17
2.7 Connecting to Power Supply ........................................................................... 18
2.8 USB Driver Installation..................................................................................... 18
2.9 Configuration Software Installation................................................................. 19
3CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ................................................................................. 20
3.1 Connecting the Receiver to your PC ................................................................ 20
3.2 Baud Rate Setting: ........................................................................................... 21
3.3 GPS Setting ...................................................................................................... 21
3.4 Network........................................................................................................... 22
3.5 Restore ............................................................................................................ 22
4NETWORK SETTINGS............................................................................................ 23
4.1 Network (System) Status ................................................................................. 24
4.2 Network (System) Configuration ..................................................................... 25
4.2.1 Network (Device) Settings .................................................................. 25
4.2.2 IP Settings........................................................................................... 26
4.2.3 Wireless Network ............................................................................... 27
4.2.4 Network Protocol ............................................................................... 29
4.3 Network Module Maintenance ....................................................................... 30
4.3.1 Backup/Restore Settings .................................................................... 30
4.3.2 Network Module Firmware Upgrade ................................................. 31
4.3.3 System Reset ...................................................................................... 31
4.4 Connecting your Receiver to Macintosh ......................................................... 32
5GETTING STARTED ............................................................................................... 33

6
5.1 WideLink R150GE LED Indicators .................................................................... 33
5.2 Using AMEC AIS Viewer Software to Monitor AIS Targets............................... 34
6SPECIFICICACIONS................................................................................................ 35
6.1 Product Specifications ..................................................................................... 35
6.2 Dimensions ...................................................................................................... 36
7TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................. 37
7.1 WideLink R150GE ............................................................................................ 37
7.2 Wi-Fi ................................................................................................................ 37
8ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................................... 39
9FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT ........................................................................... 40
FCC RF RADIATION EXPOSURE STATEMENT.................................................................. 40
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................................................................. 40
AMEC WORLDWIDE WARRANTY ................................................................................. 40

7
1AN OVERVIEW OF WideLink R150GE
1.1 Product Description
The AMEC WideLink R150GE Network AIS Receiver is developed with a strong emphasis
on coastal monitoring applications of AIS equipped vessels and buoys.
The user such as authorities or marine industry specialists can easily deploy the
WideLink R150GE as a cost effective AIS receiving station for coastal monitoring uses.
WideLink 150GE can be installed at a remote location to send received AIS messages
within VHF range to a fixed server IP via TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocol. It´s also possible to
display received AIS targets locally on a screen or PC. WideLink R150GE has NMEA 0183,
RS-232, Ethernet and USB interfaces which make it compatible with almost all display
terminals. The device is Wi-Fi enabled allowing surrounding AIS traffics to be viewed on
your mobile devices as well.
WideLink R150GE has 2 parallel AIS receivers to ensure optimized receiving sensitivity.
Its robust enclosure is compliant with marine grade environmental standard. The
full-featured AIS network receiver from AMEC fulfills all requirements of collision
avoidance and coastal monitoring for deployment both on shore and on a vessel.

8
1.2 Equipment in the Box
Please contact your supplier immediately if there is any item missing.
Power Adapter is an OPTIONAL item.

9
1.3 External Connections

10
1.4 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 a transmitter to send out AIS signal.
Suitable for a recreational vessel that does not want to send out its vessel
information.
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.

11
1.5 AIS Message Type
The WideLink R150GE 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.
Type of Message
Data Details
Static Data
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (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
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
Dynamic Data
Position of the vessel
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Course Over Ground (COG)
Speed Over Ground (SOG)
Heading
Rate of turn
Navigational status
SRM
Safety Related Message

12
2INSTALLATION
Please note the following guidelines for selecting a suitable installation location for
WideLink R150GE.
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 installing the device in a location that will be subject to spray or
water submersion.
The device should not be installed inflammable or hazardous locations such as
near a fuel tank.
The device should be installed in a location where the LED indicators are easily
visible as these provides important information about the status of the
receiver.
2.1 WideLink R150GE Connection Interface
Figure 1 WideLink R150GE Connection Interface
USB,
NMEA 0183
Power
RS-232
Ethernet
Wi-Fi
GPS Antenna
VHF Antenna

13
2.2 Mounting Instructions
Figure 2 Mounting Instructions (1)
Figure 3 Mounting Instructions (2)
Wall Mounting
(flat surface)
Platform
Mounting

14
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 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.
Figure 4 VHF Antenna Locations
The VHF antenna connector type on WideLink 150GE is SO239 which is designed to
work with a PL259 connector.
The recommended
horizontal distance
between antennas is 10m.
Another transmitting
antenna
VHF Antenna
2m
10m
Other VHF Antenna
The recommended
vertical distance between
antennas is 2m.

15
2.4 GPS Antenna Installation
Install the GPS antenna where it has a clear view of the sky, so that it may access the
horizon freely with 360°degrees.
Figure 5 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 R150GE is tested with the GPS antenna GA-22. It’s recommended to use
GA-22 with WideLink R150GE series to ensure the optimal reliability of your AIS system.
For pole mounting the GA-22, a 1 inch 14 TPI thread pole will be required.
Figure 6 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

16
2.5 Connecting to NMEA 0183 devices
WideLink R150GE is typically connected to an external chartplotter via NMEA 0183
output. The below two illustrations will give you an overview of how to connect
WideLink R150GE to an NMEA 0183 device.
WideLink R150GE supports three baud rates: 4800, 9600, and 38400. The default baud
rate is 38400. Use the provided configuration utility to change the baud rates.
The figure below describes how to wire your AIS receiver with NMEA 0183 device.
Figure 7 NMEA 0183 Wiring Instruction
Figure 8 NMEA 0183 Connection Diagram
WideLink R150GE
Wire Color
NMEA 0183 Signal
WideLink R150GE
Signal Direction
External NMEA
0183 Device
Black
Receive + (RXP)
Input
n/a
Green
Receive –(RXN)
Input
n/a
White
Transmit + (TXP)
Output
Data Input + (RXP)
Red
Transmit –(TXN)
Output
Data Input –(RXN)
RXP
RXN
TXP
TXN
TXP
TXN
RXP
RXN

17
2.6 Connecting to RS-232 devices
The RS-232 serial port connector allows you to connect WideLink R150GE to devices
such as industrial machines and scientific instruments.
WideLink R150GE RS-232 is a standard female connector and the pin definition is
defined in below table.
Figure 9 RS-232 Connector Pin Definition
NO.
Name
Function
1
--
--
2
TX
Transmit Data, Output
3
RX
Receive Data, Input
4
--
--
5
GND
Ground
6
--
--
7
--
--
8
--
--
9
--
--

18
2.7 Connecting to Power Supply
WideLink R150GE is designed with no physical On/Off switch and the Receiver will
automatically power up once connected to a power source.
The AIS Receiver requires a 12V or 24V DC power supply. The red wire, the black and
the white wire on the 3-pin cable are used to connect the power supply’s positive,
negative terminals and ground.
Figure 10 Power Supply Connection
2.8 USB Driver Installation
Your PC needs to install the USB driver in able to connect the AIS Receiver. Locate the
USB driver in the CD-ROM. Follow the instructions below to finish the installation.
Note: If PC could not recognize USB connection after a power restart, please reconnect
the USB connector.
Step 1: Open the USB Driver file and double click on USBDriverInstaller.exe to install the
driver. Please click on Install Drivers to continue.
Figure 11 USB Driver Installation (1)

19
Step 2: A security reminder appears and asks for your confirmation. Click Install to
proceed.
Figure 12 USB Driver Installation (2)
Step 3: Driver installation is completed. Close the window directly using the close
window icon.
Figure 13 USB Driver Installation (3)
2.9 Configuration Software Installation
Install the AMEC WideLink R150GE Configuration Software from the CD-ROM by
following the on-screen instructions.

20
3CONFIGURATION SETTINGS
3.1 Connecting the Receiver to your PC
To setup the Receiver connect the Receiver with the provided USB cable to the PC by
following below steps:
Select device from the drop-down list.
Click connect.
Once connected you may perform the following settings:
Configuration:
Baud Rate: RS-232 and NMEA Baud Rate settings.
Internal GPS: Enable/Disable internal GPS antenna.
Network: Network configuration (for additional details see Chapter xx).
Restore: Restore the device to factory default settings.
Diagnostics:
System Check: an overview on the Receiver version such as firmware and
others.
GPS Status: display all GPS Satellite details currently be seeing the Receiver.
(Note: a GPS antenna must be connected).
Data Log: display and store all Data created by the Receiver.
Figure 14 Select Device to Connect to WideLink R150GE
Connect
Select
Serial
Port