AMI Marine X2 User manual

X2
VDR / S-VDR
Voyage Data Recorder
System Operation Guide
www.amimarine.com

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
CONFORMITY STATEMENT
This equipment has been designed to comply with IMO regulations and IEC standards.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright AMI Marine Limited 2019
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored
in any form or by any means, without the written
permission of AMI Marine Limited
Technical details contained in this publication are subject to
change without prior notice

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
CONTENTS
Important Notices ................................................................................................................. 4
USB Warning........................................................................................................................ 4
Terms and definitions ........................................................................................................... 6
Abbreviations........................................................................................................................ 8
Product Introduction and Overview....................................................................................... 9
Main Application and User Interface....................................................................................11
Switching ON................................................................................................................................................. 11
HOME Screen ............................................................................................................................................... 13
VIDEO Screen............................................................................................................................................... 14
AUDIO Screen............................................................................................................................................... 16
NMEA Screen................................................................................................................................................ 18
CAPSULE Screen ......................................................................................................................................... 20
POWER Screen ............................................................................................................................................ 22
System Test .................................................................................................................24
EVENT LOG Screen ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Incident Marker.............................................................................................................26
Consumables Notifications..................................................................................................27
Consumables Due......................................................................................................................................... 27
Consumables Over Due................................................................................................................................ 28
System Maintenance Schedule..................................................................................................................... 29
Document Issue Details.......................................................................................................30
Warranty Form.....................................................................................................................32

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
Important Notices
Health and Safety
1. All personnel are required to study these notices and familiarise themselves with all
applicable safety precautions and bring them to the attention of others in the vicinity.
HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING
LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT IN THE VOYAGE DATA
RECORDER
2. A current of 100 mA passing through the human body for one second can kill. This can occur
at voltages as low as 35V AC or 50V DC. Some equipment in the system uses electrical power
that can be lethal. Whenever practical, before carrying out installation, maintenance or repair,
personnel involved must:
(1) Isolate the equipment from the electrical supply.
(2) Make tests to verify that the isolation is complete.
(3) Ensure that power cannot be accidentally reconnected.
DO NOT OPEN ANY OF THE UNITS WHEN THE VOYAGE DATA RECORDER
IS OPERATIONAL - UNLESS FULLY QUALIFIED TO DO SO.
3. If it isessential towork ontheequipment with power connected, workmust only be undertaken
by qualified personnel who are fully aware of the danger involved and who have taken
adequate safety precautions to avoid contact with dangerous voltages.
HEALTH HAZARD
4. This equipment may contain materials which produce toxic fumes when ignited.
5. The inhalation of dust and fumes or any contact with lubricants when cleaning the equipment
may be temporarily harmful to health, depending on individual allergic reactions. Components
which are broken or overheated may release toxic fumes or dust and must be treated with
caution. Do not inhale the fumes and ensure that the dust and debris do not enter open cuts
or abrasions. It is prudent to regard all damaged components as being potentially toxic,
requiring careful handling and appropriate disposal.
USB Warning–No storage device should be connected to any USB Port unless authorised to
do so in writing by AMI Marine.
AMI Marine shall not be held liable for any damage caused to the system due to the introduction of
any virus or malware, or any other damage caused by an unauthorised USB device.

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
Terms and definitions
Alert
Announcement of abnormal situations and conditions requiring attention. Alerts are divided in four
priorities: emergency alarms, alarms, warnings and cautions.
! Note: the VDR is only ever required to raise a ‘caution’for any condition that may arise. Therefore,
any mention of an ‘alert’ in this document should be considered a ‘caution’ state.
Bridge work station
The position at which a person is expected to be when performing normal bridge duties,
For example:
Centre line conning;
Bridge wing(s);
Main radar;
Chart table;
Helm;
Communication console
Caution
The lowest priority of an alert. A condition which does not warrant an alarm or warning condition, but
still requires attention and out of the ordinary consideration of the situation or of given information
A caution is indicated by a steady visual indication with a message of sufficient detail to enable the
bridge team to identify and address the caution condition. No acknowledgement is required and the
caution should be automatically removed after the condition is rectified.
Combined EPIRB/VDR capsule
Single unit which meets all the requirements of a satellite EPIRB (as required by the carriage
requirements of SOLAS IV) and all the requirements of a VDR (as required by the carriage
requirements of SOLAS V)
Configuration data
Describes the vessel's equipment, its installation on the vessel and its relation to the VDR. The
storage and playback software uses this data to store the data record and to convert the data record
into information that assists casualty investigation during playback.
Data
Any item of information received by the VDR for recording, including numerical values, text and audio
or radar signals and including all configuration data, except where specifically stated or where the
context dictates otherwise
Dedicated reserve power source
A battery, with suitable automatic charging arrangements, dedicated solely to the VDR, of sufficient
capacity to operate it for a minimum of 2 hours.

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Final recording medium
The items of hardware on which the data is recorded such that access to any one of them would
enable the data to be recovered and played back by use of suitable equipment. The combination of a
fixed recording medium, float-free recording medium and long-term recording medium, together, is
recognised as the final recording medium.
Fixed recording medium / Fixed Capsule
Part of the Final Recording Medium which is protected against fire, shock, penetration and a
prolonged period on the ocean floor. It remains fixed to the vessel in the event of an incident and has
an acoustic beacon indicating location for recovery by the authorities.
Float-free recording medium / Float Free Capsule
Part of the Final Recording Medium which is designed to float free from the vessel once submerged.
It has an EPRIB indicating location for recovery by the authorities.
Long-term recording medium (LTRM)
Permanently installed part of the Final Recording Medium. It provides the longest record duration and
has a readily accessible interface for downloading the stored data.
Playback equipment
Any data medium with the playback software, the operational instructions and any special parts
required for connecting a commercial-off-the-shelf laptop computer to the VDR.
Playback software
Copy of the software program to provide the capability to download the stored data and play back the
information. The software should be compatible with an operating system available with commercial-
off-the-shelf laptop computers and where non-standard or proprietary formats are used for storing the
data in the VDR, the software should convert the stored data into open industry standard formats
Playback system
System including the playback equipment that is capable of downloading and playing back the
recorded data
Recorder
Complete system, including any items required to interface with the sources of input signals, their
processing and encoding, the final recording medium, the playback equipment, the power supply and
dedicated reserve power source.
Resolution
Smallest detectable increment between two values
Signal source
Any sensor or device external to the VDR, to which the VDR is connected and from which it obtains
signals and data to be recorded

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Abbreviations
COG Course Over Ground
DVI Digital Visual Interface
ECDIS Electronic Chart Display Information System
EPFS Electronic Position Fixing System
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
FRM Final Recording Media
FRU Field Replacement Unit
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
HRU Hydrostatic Release Unit
HVR Hardened Voyage Recorder
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IMO International Maritime Organization
INS Integrated Navigation System
IP Internet Protocol
LAN Local area network
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
LTRM Long Term Recording Medium
MEU Main Electronics Unit
MIC Microphone Unit
MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity
NMEA National Marine Electronic Association
OS Operating System
PC Personal Computer
PDC Protective Data Capsule
PoE Power Over Ethernet
RADAR Radio Detection and Ranging
ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
RTD Real Time Display
SAR Search and Rescue
SOG Speed Over Ground
SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea
STW Speed Through Water
S-VDR Simplified Voyage Data Recorder
TSM Touch Screen Monitor
ULB Underwater Locator Beacon
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
USB Universal Serial Bus
UTC Coordinated Universal Time
VHF Very High Frequency
VESA Video Electronics Standards Association
VGA Video Graphics Array
VDR Voyage Data Recorder
X16-A 16 input Analogue to Serial NMEA Interface
X32-D 32 input Digital to Serial NMEA Interface

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Product Introduction and Overview
AMI’s new “X2” VDR / S-VDR and the associated interfaces have been developed using expertise
gained over two decades in marine electronics design, interfacing and retransmission. The result is a
system designed and built in the UK that not only meets the mandatory regulations, but offers more
flexibility, functionality and features to the end user than ever before. The system is in compliance
with MSC.333(90), and approved to IEC 61996-1 Ed 2.0 relevant to voyage data recorders installed
on or after 1 July 2014, and conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the
annex to resolution A.861(20), as amended by resolution MSC.214(81) for systems installed prior to
1st July 2014
Main Electronics Unit (MEU)
MEU-0017
The MEU has a key-locked front door for secure access and a tamper switch ensure that any access
to the internal circuitry of the MEU is logged.
The Key Switch Board has LEDs to indicate the VDR status and a key switch for switching the system
on and shutting the system down.
Features
•10 x Audio inputs
•20 x NMEA inputs (Variable baud rates)
•Up to 4 x RADAR DVI/VGA capture inputs
•Dedicated Network connections for ECDIS Image capture via IEC 61162-450.
•Ethernet port at TSM for convenient, high speed data download

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Uninterruptible Power Supply
PSU-0014
Provides a minimum of 2 hours continuous power to the VDR to ensure data is collected at the most
critical time in the event of the vessel losing power.
Long life batteries allowing 4 years between replacement.
Easy access for convenient battery replacement.
AC Fail and Battery Fail are present as visual indications on the TSM
Microphones
MIC-0005 - External MIC-0006 - Internal
The X2 microphones have been designed with high quality audio and easy installation in mind. Using
noise reducing 600Ω balanced audio for the clearest possible recording the audio clarity is second to
none. The built-in auto test ensures all microphones arefunctioning correctly, giving a visual indication
on the TSM in the event of a failure.
External microphones have been built and tested to function in the harshest of outdoor environments
without deterioration.
External microphones are IP67 rated for external use to protect against the harsh elements
experienced on a vessel’s bridge wing.

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
Main Application and User Interface
Switching ON
The MEU has a key switch in the top left of the enclosure. This is for security purposes and ensures
that only the designated key holder may switch OFF the system when required.
Other Indications:
Power LED –This will illuminate when the key is turned to the ON position.
Recording LED –This will illuminate when the X2 application is running.
Fault LED –Only illuminates when there is a hardware fault or the door is open.
Download –Indicates when a Download has been initiated.
Turning the key switch from the vertical ON position through 90 degrees clockwise, to the horizontal
position the system will boot up after a few seconds.
The display panel will show the boot screen and the start-up sequence will begin.

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Once the system has completed the boot sequence the HOME screen will be displayed as below
Pressing one of the tabs on the navigation menu at the left of the screen will open the corresponding
screens.

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HOME Screen
The HOME screen is a general information page which shows the system and vessel information.
On this and all other pages, the UTC date and time are displayed along with System Uptime and
incident marker button.
Unique to the HOME page are the following:
•Image of the vessel (if not available the AMI logo will be shown as below)
•System Type - VDR or S-VDR.
•Serial Number –The MEU Serial number
•Software Version - Currently installed software version
•Install Date - Date of system installation/commissioning
•Last Survey - Date of last successful Annual Performance Test
•Vessel name –Vessel’s current name
•IMO number –Vessel’s IMO number
•MMSI number –Vessel’s IMO number
•Service contact details –Contact details for the manufacturer
The UTC date and time will be automatically updated from the received GPS data. If the GPS data
is not received, or is lost, then the time and date at the top of the home screen will be displayed in
red characters.
User Control:
Tapping the Keyboard icon will bring up the on-screen keyboard
Tapping the ‘Incident Marker’ (twice) will add a line into the log file for quick reference
during data analysis
Both of these controls are available on under all tabs

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VIDEO Screen
By default, two image capture cards are installed for both S-Band and X-Band Radar capture. Two
more capture cards are available on request for additional image capture, such as ECDIS where the
ship’s ECDIS does not have an option for image over Ethernet.
Within the Video page thumbnails of the RADAR/ECDIS video can be seen showing the current
images being captured.
User Control: Tapping the individual thumbnail will allow the chosen image to fill the window.

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If a RADAR or ECDIS is switched OFF the video input is no longer present, a caution is raised, the
message ‘NO VIDEO DETECTED’ will be displayed and the VIDEO status side bar itself will flash
YELLOW. Once acknowledged the VIDEO status side bar will stop flashing but remain YELLOW, the
thumbnail frame will remain YELLOW until the issue is cleared.
If there is a fault with a capture card, a caution is raised, the message ‘NO CAPTURE CARD’ will be
displayed the VIDEO status side bar itself will flash YELLOW. Once acknowledged the VIDEO status
side bar will stop flashing but remain YELLOW, the alert panel will remain YELLOW until the issue is
cleared. The red FAULT LED on the MEU door will also illuminate until the fault is cleared.
If an ECDIS which is connected by IEC 61162-450 and is switched OFF a caution is raised, the
message ‘RECEIVE TIMEOUT’ will be displayed and the VIDEO status side bar itself will flash
YELLOW. Once acknowledged the VIDEO status side bar will stop flashing but remain YELLOW, the
thumbnail frame will remain YELLOW until the issue is cleared.

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
AUDIO Screen
The system has ten separate input channels, shown individually under the Audio tab.
Inputs 1 to 8 are microphone channels, with inputs 9 and 10 allocated to the ship’s VHF radios.
The microphones have a built-in self-test which will be periodically automatically tested, or on
demand as part of the System Test or individually.
The self-test is undertaken by way of a beep test, which will be heard via each individual
microphone during the automatic and manual self-tests
The screen above shows each channel’s received audio level and the current status of each
microphone.

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Above each audio channel there is an indicator that will show as green or yellow.
A GREEN indication means all is well, YELLOW indicates that there has been a prolonged low audio
level or that the audio test has failed.
There is no self-test for the VHF audio so the indication will always be GREEN.
Once the audio level has been tested and is an acceptable level the indication will revert to green.
User Control: Tapping the microphone status indicator will run a test on that individual channel.

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NMEA Screen
The system has 20 individual NMEA inputs. 14x 4,800 Baud, 2x 9,600Baud, 2x 19,200Baud and
2x 38,400 Baud.
The system can be configured to monitor up to 50 NMEA sentences simply adding the expected
NMEA sentence header into the respective channel of the configuration program.
By tapping an NMEA sentence header the monitor window will now only display the sentence with
that specific header. The selected NMEA header will turn bold and the description of the NMEA being
monitored is now displayed. The below example the $VDVBW sentence is selected.

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The NMEA sentence being monitored may be adjusted with the onscreen keypad by either
removing or adding characters in the filter box. Below the example has been changed to $VD and
will now display all $VD - - - sentences.
If one of the monitored NMEA sentence header is lost, invalid or the checksum is wrong, a caution
will be raised (as per IMO 333(90)), and the associated icon will turn YELLOW.
Once acknowledged the NMEA status side bar will stop flashing but remain YELLOW, the header
icon will remain YELLOW until the issue is cleared
Only when the data is received again will the header icon will revert back to GREEN.
User Control:
Tapping on an individual NMEA header (found in the top window) will filter the
incoming data to show only the chosen NMEA data in the streaming window.
The selected NMEA header will turn bold to indicate selection.
Tapping the header again will remove the filter.
NMEA data may also be filtered by typing the desired filter information into the “Filter”
text box on the right of the screen.
The streaming data will only show the data with the chosen characters.

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08011 - X2 VDR and S-VDR System Operation Guide Iss01 Rev03
CAPSULE Screen
The CAPSULE Screen is where the status of the Final Recording Medium may be found. In the event
of an error with any of these the status of the image background will turn YELLOW and, on the MEU,
the red FAULT LED will illuminate.
If either the Fixed Capsule or the Float Free Capsule give a caution the option of trying to re-map the
capsule by tapping the relevant icon. If after a few attempts then there may be a more serious issue
requiring authorised attendance.
The X2 system has three final storage devices –a Fixed Capsule, a Float Free Capsule and a 1TB
SSD Long Term Recording Medium (LTRM)
The fixed and float free capsules operate in the same manner as a network hard disc drive. They are
connected to the system’s internal network via the six-way connector on the Terminal Board.
Each capsule will store aminimum of 48hours data on their internalmemory which will overwrite itself
on a first in first out basis (FIFO).
The LTRM will store a minimum of 30 days of data and the regulations state that it should be located
such that access to the drive is not possible without the use of tools.
Also displayed within this page are the ULB (Underwater Locator Beacon) expiry date and the float
free capsule’s HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) expiry date.
If the ‘Only One Capsule’ option is selected then only the selected capsule will be displayed