Em-Trak B900 Series User manual

B900 SERIES USER MANUAL
Class B AIS Transceiver
Applicable models: B921 / B922 / B923 / B924 / B951 / B952 / B953 / B954

Thank you for purchasing this Class B AIS transceiver.
This product has been engineered to offer you the highest level of
performance and durability and we hope that it will provide many
years of reliable service. We constantly strive to achieve the highest
possible quality standards, should you encounter any problems with
this product, please contact your dealer or [email protected]
who will be pleased to offer any assistance you require.

Table of contents
Page 1
Table of contents
1 Regulatory notices ......................................3
1.1 Safety warnings.............................................................................3
1.2 General notices..............................................................................3
2 About your AIS transceiver .......................8
2.1 Overview .........................................................................................8
2.2 B900 Product range.....................................................................10
2.3 What's in the box? ........................................................................12
2.4 Support and warranty..................................................................12
2.5 Configuration tools.......................................................................13
3 Installation....................................................14
3.1 Summary .........................................................................................14
3.2 Antennas .........................................................................................16
3.3 Power ...............................................................................................19
3.4 Location and fixing of the transceiver.....................................22
3.5 Configuration .................................................................................25
3.6 Introduction to proAIS2 ..............................................................26
3.7 Connectivity ...................................................................................31
4 Operation......................................................37
4.1 LED indicators................................................................................37
4.2 Silent mode.....................................................................................39
4.3 PGN table ........................................................................................41
5 Troubleshooting ..........................................43
6 Specifications...............................................46
7 About AIS .....................................................49
7.1 Static and dynamic vessel data.................................................50
8 List of abbreviations ...................................51

List of figures and tables
Page 2
List of figures and tables
Figure 1 AIS transceiver overview ................................................. 8
Figure 2 Transceiver dimensions ................................................... 9
Figure 3 FLEXI-FIT bracket.............................................................. 9
Table 1 Product variants ................................................................. 10
Figure 4 Items included with the product.................................... 12
Figure 5 Typical installation configuration .................................. 14
Figure 6 Position of the VHF antenna connector ....................... 16
Figure 7 Position of the GPS antenna connector ....................... 17
Figure 8 Power and data cable connections ............................... 19
Table 2 Colour coding of wires in the accessory cable........... 19
Figure 9 Connecting the power supply......................................... 21
Figure 10 AIS transceiver dimensions ............................................. 23
Figure 11 FLEXI-FIT bracket.............................................................. 23
Figure 12 AIS transceiver mounting ................................................ 24
Figure 13 Configuration using your PC...........................................25
Figure 14 Configuration using your smartphone.......................... 26
Figure 15 Typical mobile devices for WiFi & Bluetooth
connection ........................................................................... 29
Figure 16 NMEA 2000 network connection .................................. 31
Figure 17 Connecting to your chartplotter .................................... 33
Figure 18 Connecting to your NMEA 0183 sensor........................ 34
Figure 19 Connecting to your PC ..................................................... 35
Figure 20 LED indicator location on the AIS transceiver unit ... 37
Table 3 LED indicator functions.................................................... 39
Figure 21 Connecting an external switch ....................................... 40
Table 4 NMEA 2000 PGN List ....................................................... 42
Table 5 Troubleshooting................................................................. 45
Table 6 Specifications...................................................................... 48
Figure 22 The AIS network................................................................. 50

Regulatory notices
Page 3
1 Regulatory notices
1.1 Safety warnings
1.2 General notices
1.2.1 Position source
All marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceivers utilise
a satellite based location system, which is referred to as Global
Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This includes Global
Positioning System (GPS), Globalnaya Navigazionnaya
Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), Galileo, and BeiDou.
When reading this manual please pay attention to warnings
marked with the warning triangle shown on the left. These
are important messages for safety, installation and usage of
the product.
!
This equipment must be installed in accordance with the
instructions provided in this manual.
!
This AIS transceiver is an aid to navigation and must not
be relied upon to provide accurate navigation information.
AIS is not a replacement for vigilant human lookouts and
other navigation aids such as RADAR. The performance of
the transceiver may be seriously impaired if not installed
as instructed in the user manual, or due to other factors
such as weather and or nearby transmitting devices.
Compatibility with other systems may vary and is reliant on
the third party systems recognising the standard outputs
from the transceiver. The manufacturer reserves the right
to update and change these specifications at any time and
!
Do not install this equipment in a flammable atmosphere
such as in an engine room or near to fuel tanks.
!

Regulatory notices
Page 4
The accuracy of a GPS position fix is variable and is affected by
factors such as the antenna positioning, how many satellites are
used to determine a position and how long satellite information has
been received for.
The term GPS will be used in this manual to mean all and any GNSS
systems.
1.2.2 Compass safe distance
The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.2m or greater for 0.3°
deviation.
1.2.3 RF emissions notice
Caution: The AIS transceiver generates and radiates radio frequency
electromagnetic energy. This equipment must be installed and
operated according to the instructions contained in this manual.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury and / or AIS transceiver
malfunction.
Caution: Never operate the AIS transceiver unless it is connected to
a VHF antenna.
To maximise performance and minimise human exposure to radio
frequency electromagnetic energy you must make sure that the
antenna is mounted at least 1.5 metres away from the AIS
transceiver and is connected to the AIS transceiver before power is
applied. The system has a Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
radius of 1.5m. This has been determined assuming the maximum
power of the AIS transceiver and using antennas with a maximum
gain of 3dBi. The antenna should be mounted 3.5m above the deck
in order to meet RF exposure requirements. Higher gain antennas
will require a greater MPE radius. Do not operate the unit when
anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna (unless they are
shielded from the antenna field by a grounded metallic barrier). The
antenna should not be co-located or operated in conjunction with
any other transmitting antenna. The required antenna impedance is 50
Ohms.

Regulatory notices
Page 5
1.2.4 Disposal of this product and packaging
Please dispose of the AIS transceiver in accordance with the
European WEEE Directive or with the applicable local regulations
for disposal of electrical equipment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the packaging for this
product is recyclable. Please dispose of the packaging in an
environmentally friendly manner.
1.2.5 Accuracy of this manual
The AIS transceiver may be upgraded from time to time and future
versions of the AIS transceiver may therefore not correspond
exactly with this manual. Information contained in this manual is
liable to change without notice. The manufacturer of this product
disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or
inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided
with this product.
1.2.6 Radio Equipment Directive
The manufacturer of this product declares that this product is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other provisions of
the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU and as such displays the
CE mark. The RED declaration of conformity is provided as part of
this documentation pack.
The manufacturer declares that this product complies with the
United Kingdom Conformity Assessed requirements and as such,
displays the UKCA mark. The UKCA declaration of conformity is
provided as part of this documentation pack.

Regulatory notices
Page 6
1.2.7 FCC notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
1.2.8 Important information for US customers
US CUSTOMERS ONLY: In the USA it is illegal for an end user to
configure their own AIS with their vessel data. To do so is a violation
of the rules of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This must be
done by a competent installer, such as em-trak, an em-trak dealer or
competent marine electronics professional. If your transceiver has
not been pre-configured for you please refer to your dealer or
contact [e-mail] for advice on how to have the
transceiver configured legally. If purchasing direct from em-trak
online we can configure it for you and dispatch it pre-configured at
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.
!

Regulatory notices
Page 7
no extra cost, if you are purchasing from one of our dealers, then
they will do it for you.
1.2.9 Industry Canada notice
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada
applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation
est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. L'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. L'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en
compromettre le Fonctionnement.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.
In the United States of America, the MMSI and static data
must only be entered by a competent installer. The end
user of the equipment is not authorised to enter their own
vessel data.
!

About your AIS transceiver
Page 8
2 About your AIS transceiver
2.1 Overview
Figure 1 AIS transceiver overview
NMEA
2000
Power
and data
VHF antenna*GPS antenna
VHF radio
(Applicable to
B923, B924, B953 and B954)
Mounting
bracket
Mounting clip
LED indicators
Micro USB port
* GPS receiver & antenna supports: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou
Locking
screw
Internal GPS
antenna location

About your AIS transceiver
Page 9
Figure 2 Transceiver dimensions
Figure 3 FLEXI-FIT bracket
150 mm
150 mm 43 mm
115 mm
83 mm 60 mm
71 mm
54 mm
61 mm
17 mm

About your AIS transceiver
Page 10
2.2 B900 Product range
The B900 Series provides multiple feature options. The variants are
listed in Table 1 and the main features are detailed below.
Table 1 Product variants
B921 B922 B923 B924 B951 B952 B953 B954
2W
CSTDMA
  
5W
SOTDMA

Water &
weather
proof (IPx6
& IPx7)

FLEX-FIT
bracket

Integrated
GPS
receiver &
antenna

Integrated
VHF antenna
splitter
 
WiFi &
Bluetooth

NMEA 2000
NMEA 0183
& USB


About your AIS transceiver
Page 11
2.2.1 Main features
•Integrated WiFi & Bluetooth so you can connect wirelessly to
all your devices. Applicable to B922/B924/B952/B954.
•Integrated VHF antenna splitter so you can use your existing
VHF radio antenna. Applicable to B923/B924/B953/B954.
•Integrated high performance GPS receiver and antenna so that
an external GPS antenna is optional.
•FLEXI-FIT™ bracket to make installation on any boat simple,
safe and secure.
•IPx7 tested and certified for complete water submersion and
IPx6 tested and certified for high pressure spray. The B900
series is able to be installed and operated permanently
outdoors in a fully exposed location or in a location where it
will be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, damp,
salt air and water.
•NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 & USB so you can connect to any
chart plotter, sensor, PC or laptop application that supports
AIS.

About your AIS transceiver
Page 12
2.3 What's in the box?
Figure 4 shows the items included with your B900 Series purchase.
If any of the items are not present please contact your dealer or
[e-mail].
Figure 4 Items included with the product
2.4 Support and warranty
With em-trak you can buy with confidence. If you are unhappy with
your new product for any reason, within two days of receipt and
subject to the product and packaging being complete and
undamaged, you may return it to us for a full refund. We are sorry,
but we cannot accept the return of any product if you have not
advised us in writing within 48 hours of receiving your em-trak
product, or if it has been used and or damaged or if any of the
package is incomplete. All em-trak products benefit from our three
year global warranty.
Documentation
pack
Class B AIS transceiver
2 metre
Power and
data cable
FLEXI-FIT
™
bracket
Fixings
kit
1 metre
VHF radio
connection cable
(Applicable
to B923 / B924 /
B953 / B954)

About your AIS transceiver
Page 13
In the unlikely event of a problem, please contact our Customer
Support department (24/7) at [e-mail] and one of
our experts will work with you to instantly resolve your issue or
arrange the repair or replacement of your em-trak product. The
warranty is invalidated if the product has been incorrectly used,
damaged or tampered.
We recommend visiting www.em-trak.com/support to access the
product FAQs, and to download user manuals and documentation.
2.5 Configuration tools
Your AIS transceiver will need to be configured with your vessel
details before it will start transmitting and working correctly. To do
that you will need to either download proAIS2 to your PC or laptop
(from www.em-trak.com/installation), or download CONNECT-AIS
to your smartphone from Google Play or the App Store.
Any variant can be configured using proAIS2 and a micro USB cable
(not supplied). More detail on proAIS2 and the configuration
process can be found in Section 3.5.2.
The B922/B924/B952/B954 can be configured wirelessly using
either Bluetooth or WiFi. More detail on CONNECT-AIS can be
found in Section 3.5.2.

Installation
Page 14
3Installation
3.1 Summary
Before beginning installation of your transceiver, please ensure you
have any necessary additional items as detailed below. It is strongly
recommended that you read all of the instructions in this manual
prior to installation. If after reading this manual you are unsure
about any element of the installation process please contact your
dealer or [e-mail] for advice.
Figure 5 Typical installation configuration
Power in
Switch
NMEA 2000
Chartplotter
VHF antenna
VHF radio
USB
NMEA 0183 device
GPS antenna
(Optional)
AIS Class B
transceiver
(Applicable to B923, B924, B953 and B954)

Installation
Page 15
In addition to the items supplied, the following may also be
required for your installation:
•VHF antenna and cable - this is required for your transceiver to
receive and transmit. A variant with an integrated splitter
(B923/B924/B953/B954) can use an existing VHF antenna
providing it is tuned to operate across the frequency range
156MHz to 162MHz. VHF antenna installation is covered in
more detail in Section 3.2.1. If you need to extend the antenna
cable when connecting to your existing VHF antenna, RG-58
or RG-8X can be used for short distances. For longer runs we
would recommend a low loss cable like RG-213.
•External GPS antenna - this may be required if your installation
location is deep inside your boat where the Integrated GPS
receiver and antenna will not be able to receive satellite
signals. GPS antenna installation is covered in more detail in
Section 3.2.2.
•Power cable - this may be required to extend the length of the
2m power and data cable that is supplied with your
transceiver. If you require longer cables to reach your power
supply, please ensure they are capable of carrying currents of
up to 2.5A peak and 220mA on average. Connecting the
power supply is covered in more detail in Section 3.3.1.
•Micro USB cable - this is required for connection to a PC or
laptop. USB drivers and the configuration process are covered
in more detail in Section 3.7.4.
•Toggle switch - this can be used to turn on/off silent mode. We
would recommend a latching toggle switch for this
application. Installation of the toggle switch is covered in
more detail in Section 4.2. Silent mode can also be controlled
using the configuration tools.

Installation
Page 16
3.2 Antennas
3.2.1 VHF antenna
Connection to a suitable VHF antenna will be required for the
transceiver to receive and transmit.
Transceiver variants (B921/B922/B951/B952) do not have an
integrated splitter and will require a dedicated VHF antenna tuned
to the AIS channels at 162MHz.
Integrated splitter variants (B923/B924/B953/B954) will require a
VHF antenna tuned to operate across the frequency range 156MHz
to 162MHz. That allows it to be compatible with both VHF radio
(156MHz) and AIS (162MHz).
Figure 6 Position of the VHF antenna connector
The VHF antenna connector type is SO-239. It requires a PL-259
mating connector for the antenna.
For optimum performance the VHF antenna should be mounted as
high as possible, and as far away as possible from metal structures,
obstructions or sources of interference. If another transmitting
antenna is installed on the same vessel we would recommend a
separation distance of at least 3m where possible.
VHF antenna
VHF radio
(Only applicable to B923, B924, B953 and B954)

Installation
Page 17
3.2.2 GPS Antenna
All B900 variants have an integrated high-performance GPS
receiver & antenna, and are compatible with the GPS, GLONASS,
Galileo, and BeiDou satellite navigation systems. A multi GPS mode
can be enabled using proAIS2, allowing you to select combinations
of the above systems. This will provide a more stable position fix,
and also offers redundancy if one of the satellite systems goes
offline. If you install it near a window, under a fiberglass deck or
inside a centre console, you will not require an external GPS
antenna. If your installation location is deep inside your boat where
the GPS antenna will not be able to receive satellite signals you will
need an external GPS antenna. We recommend the em-trak GPS100,
which is available for purchase from www.em-trak.com.
Figure 7 Position of the GPS antenna connector
GPS antenna

Installation
Page 18
Please note the following guidelines when installing an external GPS
antenna.
•You will require a 1" (inch) 14 TPI threaded mount if you
choose to pole mount the GPS antenna.
•The GPS antenna is also supplied with a gasket/thumb nuts/
studs so it can be deck mounted. The gasket can be used as a
mounting template if required.
•Mounting the external GPS antenna at a low point on the boat
will minimise the effect of pitch and roll on your transmitted
position.
•Do not mount your antenna in the direct path of a radar or any
other transmitting equipment.