Comar Systems CSB200 Owner's manual

Programming Manual
CSB200
Class B AIS Transponder
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 2
PROGRAMMING THE CSB200...................................4
PROAIS PROGRAM......................................................4
STATIC DATA...............................................................7
GPS STATUS............................................................10
DIAGNOSTICS............................................................11
SERIAL DATA.............................................................14
OTHER VESSELS .......................................................15
SAFETY MESSAGES ...................................................16
COMMANDS...............................................................17

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 3
DISCLAIMER
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL
THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE
USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGE.
This software uses components and source code developed by other
companies or groups.
Microsoft .Net Framework V2.0:
Copyright © 2005 Microsoft Corporation
ZedGraph Graphing component dll (http://zedgraph.org):
Provided under the GNU Lesser General Public License
All trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their
respective owners.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 4
PROGRAMMING THE CSB200
proAIS Program
Before the CSB200 can transmit it requires to be programmed with your
own vessels information. This is done via the CSB200 field programmer
proAIS
Requirements
The proAIS application is designed to operate with Microsoft Windows
200, XP and above. Recommended minimum system requirements are:
•Microsoft Windows XP SP2
•Display resolution of at least 1024 x 768
•At least one RS232 serial port (or USB to serial converter
already installed*)
*If you are using a USB to serial converter please ensure this is fully
installed before proceeding.
This software uses the Microsoft .Net Framework V2.0. The Framework
will be automatically installed during setup if not already present on the
system.
Setup
1. Insert the installation CD and locate the Setup.exe file.
2. Double click the Setup.exe file to begin the installation.
3. Follow on screen prompts to install the .Net Framework if
required
4. When the security warning below is displayed, select 'Install'

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 5
5. The application will install and launch automatically
6. A Start Menu folder and shortcut will be created with the name
'proAIS'. This short cut should be used to re-launch the
application as required
Removal
The proAIS application can be removed at any time via the Windows
Control Panel 'Add or Remove Programs' tool.
AIS Connection
1. Launch the proAIS application by navigating to the 'proAIS'
shortcut on the Start Menu.
2. The initial application screen will appear as shown below (exact
screen display depends on version installed)
3. The application requires a serial connection to the CSB200.
Connect the CSB200 transponder to an available serial port.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 6
4. Select the serial port from the drop down menu, then click
'Connect':
5. Once a connection is established the application is ready to
use. Connection status is indicated at the bottom left of the
application window:
6. The functions of proAIS are arranged in a series of tabs. Each
tab contains information relating to a particular aspect of the
connected AIS transponder. Depending on the version of proAIS
installed not all tabs shown below may be visible.
•Static data tab
oDisplays the 'Static data' for the connected AIS
transponder. This includes the vessel's name, call sign,
MMSI number and other fixed information
oAllows editing of the static data
•GPS Status tab
oShows the status of the internal GPS receiver, including
position fix data and satellite signal strength graph
•Diagnostics tab
oShows the status of key system diagnostics. Used to
troubleshoot installation of the transponder and verify
correct operation.
•Other Vessels tab
oShows information about other vessels in the area received
from the AIS transponder

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 7
•Safety messages tab
oDisplays safety related messages received from other AIS
equipped vessels.
•Commands tab
oProvides access to software controlled features of the
CSB200 AIS transponder.
•Serial Data tab
oShows the raw NMEA serial data being generated by the
transponder. Provides a facility to log this data to a file for
later analysis.
oAllows NMEA commands to be sent to the transponder
Subsequent sections describe the functions of each tab in more detail.
Menu Bar
The menu bar provides basic program options.
Under the 'Options' menu item checking 'Beep on AIS Transmission' will
cause the PC to emit a sound every time the connected AIS unit
transmits.
The Help -> About menu item displays the program splash screen and
version information.
Static Data
This tab shows the current configuration of the AIS transponder and
allows the configuration to be programmed during installation into a
vessel.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 8
When an un-configured AIS transponder is connected for the first time
the display will be similar to that shown below:
To configure the transponder all of the data fields must be completed and
saved to the AIS.
LCAUTION:
For security reasons the MMSI of the vessel cannot be
changed once programmed. Do not programme the MMSI
unless you are certain you have the correct information.
Please check the number entered carefully. If the MMSI
programmed is incorrect the AIS transponder will need to
be returned to the supplier for factory reset.
Enter the vessels information in the appropriate box:
•Ship's name - enter the name of the vessel (20 characters
maximum)
•Call Sign - enter the vessel's radio call sign (7 characters
maximum)

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 9
•MMSI number - enter the vessel's Maritime Mobile Service
Identity number
•Enter the vessels dimensions as follows
oDimension A - distance from the bow to GPS antenna
location to the nearest meter
oDimension B - distance from the stern to GPS antenna
location to the nearest meter
oDimension C - distance from the port side to the GPS
antenna location to the nearest meter
oDimension D - distance from the GPS antenna to the
starboard side to the nearest meter
•Select the most appropriate vessel type from the drop down
menu.
LCAUTION:
If no MMSI is entered (MMSI is set to 000000000) then the
AIS transponder will operate in receive only mode. The
vessels own position will not be transmitted. An MMSI must
be entered to allow the AIS transponder to transmit its own
position to other vessels.
•When you have entered all of the vessel's data click the 'Save
static data to AIS' button to programme this configuration into
the AIS transponder:
•A warning will be displayed asking you to verify the MMSI
number. Please check the number displayed is correct before
proceeding. If the number is incorrect click the 'No' button to
cancel programming of the MMSI:
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 10
•Click the 'Yes' button if the MMSI is correct
•The static data tab will be updated to show the newly
programmed vessel information. The MMSI number will be
displayed with a grey background to indicate that it has been
programmed and cannot be changed.
GPS Status
This tab shows the status of the internal GPS receiver. If the GPS
receiver has position fix then the current position, speed and course are
shown. A bar chart of satellite signal strength is also provided.
Satellite signal strength bars are shown in green for satellites that are
currently being used for navigation. Blue signal strength bars are used to
show satellites not currently being used for navigation. It is normal for the
graph to display a combination of green and blue bars.

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 11
The information on this tab is intended for use during installation of the
AIS transponder in order to verify connection of the GPS antenna.
Diagnostics
The diagnostics tab shows key status information from the AIS
transponder. This information can be used to quickly verify that the
transponder has been installed correctly and is operational.
AIS Transponder Status
•A tick next to the items in this area indicates correct operation.
•If a red cross is shown then some action may be required:
oTransponder MMSI valid has a red cross - check the
MMSI of the unit is configured by selecting the 'Static
Data' tab and verifying that a valid MMSI has been
entered. If the MMSI is 000000000 then it has not been
programmed.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 12
oGPS position fix has a red cross - the GPS has not
acquired a position fix. Please allow up to 5 minutes for
a fix to be acquired. If the red cross is still present
check the GPS antenna is correctly connected and has
a clear view of the sky.
oAIS has transmitted a position report has a red cross -
the unit has not yet transmitted its position. Please
allow up to 5 minutes after GPS fix has been acquired
for the green tick to appear. If the red cross is still
present after this time please refer to the active alarms
section below. The AIS will not transmit unless it has
acquired GPS fix and has a valid MMSI programmed
oAIS has received a position report has a red cross - a
position report from another vessel has been received.
If there is no other AIS equipped vessel in the area the
red cross will remain against this item. If other AIS
equipped vessels are present and the red cross
remains please check the VHF antenna connections.
AIS Transponder Active Alarms
Any active alarm messages generated by the AIS unit are shown here
•Note that alarms may take up to 1 minute to clear from this
display once their source has been corrected
•It is normal for GPS related alarms to be displayed when the AIS
is first switched on. These alarms will clear once GPS position
fix is acquired.
•Please refer to the troubleshooting section for a description of
each alarm message
AIS Transponder Information
This section shows technical information about the connected AIS
transponder including software and firmware version information.
Depending on the AIS software version the ability to display the GPS
firmware version may not be present. If shown, clicking the 'Get version'
button will retrieve the GPS firmware version. Please note that this
operation may result in a temporary loss of GPS fix.

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 13
LED Status
This display may not be enabled depending on the software version of
your AIS transponder.
This section mirrors the LED display on the front of the AIS transponder
and is useful when the unit is installed in a location
where the physical LEDs are not easily visible.
Internal Data
This display may not be enabled depending on the software version of
your AIS transponder.
This section provides internal diagnostics data from your AIS
transponder. Your dealer may request this information if diagnosing any
problems with your installation.
Statistics
This display may not be enabled depending on the software version of
your AIS transponder.
This section shows the number of AIS messages received and
transmitted on each of the AIS channels. You can use this information to
verify that the transponder is successfully receiving and transmitting data
when other AIS equipped vessels are in range
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 14
Serial Data
This tab shows the raw NMEA 0183 serial data being output by the AIS.
A typical display is shown below:
•Serial data can be logged to a file by clicking the 'Log to file'
button and entering a file name and location in the dialog box.
oLogging to file will continue if other tabs are selected
after logging has been started
oLogging to file will cease when the 'Stop logging' button
is clicked
•The serial data display can be paused by clicking the pause
button at the bottom right hand side of the data window. Clicking
the button a second time will resume output of the live serial
data.
•Transmitted AIVDO messages are indented for easy

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 15
identification
•NMEA command sentences can be sent to the unit by entering
them in the lower text box and clicking the 'Send' button. proAIS
will calculate and append the NMEA checksum to the sentence
if the "Add Checksum" check box is checked. In this case enter
a NMEA sentence without including the asterisk that precedes
the checksum.
Other Vessels
This tab shows information received from other AIS equipped vessels in
the area.
•The MMSI of each vessel is shown.
oVessels equipped with Class A AIS have the MMSI
displayed in black text.
oVessels equipped with Class B AIS have the MMSI
displayed in blue text
•The name and call sign of each vessel is shown
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 16
oDue to the way AIS operates this information may take
some time to appear
•The speed in knots, course in degrees, decimal latitude and
longitude are shown for each vessel
•The approximate distance to each vessel is shown when the
connected unit has a GPS fix. Please note that this is an
approximate distance for indication only.
•The class of the AIS equipment on each vessel is displayed as
A or B
•Columns can be sorted into ascending or descending order by
clicking on the column heading.
Safety Messages

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 17
This tab displays safety related messages received from other AIS
equipped vessels in the area. The tab displays two message types:
•Addressed Safety Related Message (VDL Message #12)
•Broadcast Safety Related Message (VDL Message #14)
The UTC time the message was received, along with the MMSI of the
sender will be displayed along with the text contents of each message.
Commands
The commands tab provides access to software controlled features of the
CSB200 transponder. Depending on the AIS software version the
following commands may be available:
•Configure baud rates
oBaud rates for the RS232 and RS422 (NMEA 0183)
communications ports can be set here. The default
value is 38400 & should be used where possible. The
CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 18
'Update' button should be clicked to send new settings to
the AIS transponder.
•Alarm output options
By default the AIS transponder will output the status of all alarms every
minute using AIALR sentences. The unit can be optionally configured to
only output active alarms using the radio buttons. The 'Update' button
should be clicked to send new settings to the AIS transponder.
COMAR SYSTEMS LTD
Medina Court
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7XD
United Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.comarsystems.com

CSB200 Class B AIS
R1.0 19