Furuno AIS Transponder FA-50 User manual

www.furuno.co.jp

i
IMPORTANT NOTICES
• The descriptions in this manual are intended for readers with a solid knowledge of English.
• No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced without written permission.
• If this manual is lost or worn, contact your dealer about replacement.
• The contents of this manual and equipment specifications are subject to change without notice.
• The example screens (or illustrations) shown in this manual may not match the screens you
see on your display. The screen you see depends on your system configuration and equipment
settings.
• Store this manual in a convenient place for future reference.
• FURUNO will assume no responsibility for the damage caused by improper use or modification
of the equipment (including software) by an unauthorized agent or a third party.
• When it is time to discard this product it must be done according to local regulations for dis-
posal of industrial waste. For disposal in the USA, refer to the Electronics Industries Alliance
(http://www.eiae.org/).

ii
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
can result in minor or moderate injury.
Warning, Caution Mandatory Action
Prohibitive Action
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The operator and installer must read the applicable safety instructions before attempting to
install or operate the equipment.
WARNING
WARNING
Do not open the equipment.
Only qualified personnel should work
inside the equipment.
Do not disassemble or modify the
equipment.
Fire, electrical shock or serious injury can
result.
Immediately turn off the power at the
power source if

water leaks into the equipment

something is dropped into the
equipment

the equipment is emitting smoke or
is on fire

the equipment is emitting strange
noises
Continued use of the equipment can
cause fire or electrical shock. Contact a
FURUNO dealer or agent for service.
Do not operate the equipment with wet
hands.
Electrical shock can result.
Use the proper fuse.
Use of the wrong fuse can cause fire
or electrical shock.
WARNING
Do not place liquid-filled containers on
the top of the equipment.
Fire or electrical shock can result if a
liquid spills into the equipment.
Make sure no rain or water splash
leaks into the equipment.
Fire or electrical shock can result if water
leaks into the equipment.
.
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock, do
not remove cover. No user-
serviceable parts inside.
Name: Warning Label (1)
Type: 86-003-1011-1
Code No.: 100-236-231
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock,
do not remove cover.
No user-serviceable parts
inside.
Name: Warning Label (2)
Type: 86-129-1001-1
Code No.: 100-236-741
Warning labels are attached to the equipment.
Do not remove these labels. If a label is missing
or illegible, contact a FURUNO agent or dealer
about replacement.
Safety instructions for the operator

iii
CAUTION
Observe the following compass safe
distances to prevent interference to a
magnetic compass:
Turn off the power at the switchboard
before beginning the installation.
Fire or electrical shock can result if the
power is left on.
Do not install the equipment where it
may get wet from rain or water splash.
Water in the equipment can result in fire,
electrical shock or damage to the equipment.
Be sure that the power supply is
compatible with the voltage rating of the
equipment.
Connecting an incompatible power supply
can cause fire or damage the equipment.
The voltage rating appears on the inlet
of power.
Standard
compass Steering compass
0.30 m 0.30 m FA-50
WARNING
Safety instructions for the installer

iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .........................................................................................................v
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION...............................................................................vii
SYSTEM OVERVIEW.........................................................................................viii
1. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................1
1.1 Equipment Lists .................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 AIS transponder FA-50.......................................................................................................2
1.3 Whip Antenna .....................................................................................................................3
1.4 GPS Antenna......................................................................................................................4
1.5 GPS/VHF Combined Antenna ............................................................................................6
1.6 Power Supply (option) ........................................................................................................8
1.7 Wiring ................................................................................................................................. 9
1.8 Setting Adjustments.......................................................................................................... 11
2. OPERATION ...................................................................................................16
2.1 AIS Transponder FA-50....................................................................................................16
2.2 Messages ......................................................................................................................... 17
2.3 Own Vessel Data Display .................................................................................................18
2.4 Alarm Status .....................................................................................................................20
2.5 Sensor Status ...................................................................................................................21
3. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................22
3.1 Maintenance .....................................................................................................................22
3.2 Replacing the Fuse...........................................................................................................23
3.3 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................23
3.4 Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX ......................................................................................................AP-1
Menu Tree ..........................................................................................................................AP-1
VHF CHANNEL LIST..........................................................................................................AP-2
Parts List.............................................................................................................................AP-4
Parts Location.....................................................................................................................AP-5
Digital Interface...................................................................................................................AP-6
SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................................................SP-1
OUTLINE DRAWINGS ...................................................................................... D-1
INTERCONNECTION DIAGRAM...................................................................... S-1

v
FOREWORD
A Word to the Owner of the FA-50
Congratulations on your choice of the FURUNO FA-50 AIS Transponder. We are con-
fident you will see why the FURUNO name has become synonymous with quality and
reliability.
For over 50 years FURUNO Electric Company has enjoyed an enviable reputation for
quality marine electronics equipment. This dedication to excellence is furthered by our
extensive global network of agents and dealers.
This equipment is designed and constructed to meet the rigorous demands of the ma-
rine environment. However, no machine can perform its intended function unless op-
erated and maintained properly. Please carefully read and follow the recommended
procedures for operation and maintenance.
Thank you for considering and purchasing FURUNO equipment.
Features
The FA-50 is a Class B AIS (Automatic Identification System) capable of exchanging
navigation and ship data between own ship and other ships or coastal stations. It com-
plies with IMO MSC. 74(69) Annex 3, A.694, ITU-R M.1371-2 and DSC ITU-R M.825.3
It also complies with IEC 62287-1 (Type testing standard), IEC 60945 (EMC and en-
vironmental conditions).
FA-50 consists of VHF and GPS antennas, a transponder unit and several associated
units. The transponder contains a VHF transmitter, two TDMA receivers on two paral-
lel VHF channels, interface, communication processor, and internal GPS receiver.
The internal GPS is a 12-channel all-in-view receiver with a differential capability. It
also gives position, COG and SOG when the external GPS wails. FA-50 receives
DSC, time-sharing with TDMA receiver.
The main features are
• Safety of navigation by automatically exchanging navigational data
• Static data
-MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
-Call sign & name
-Length and beam
-Type of ship
-Location of position-fixing antenna on the ship

vi
• Dynamic data:
-Ship’s position with accuracy indication and integrity status
-Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)
-Course over ground (COG)
-Speed over ground (SOG)
-Heading
• Voyage-related data
-Hazardous cargo (type)
• Short safety-related messages, pre-set messages
• Interfaces for radar, PC for future networking expansion
• GPS/VHF combined antenna for easy installation available
• Built-in GPS receiver for position-fixing device
Program Version
**: Minor change
Item Program No. Version No. Date
FA-50 AIS Transponder Main Program xxx xxx July 2007

vii
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
AIS TRANSPONDER
FA-50
HUB
SENSOR
OR
12-24 VDC IF-1500AIS
OR
FR-8xx2 SERIES
GPS* (ex. GP-150)
SPEED LOG
GYROCOMPASS
SATELLITE COMPASS
NAVNET
RADAR
CHART PLOTTER
ECDIS
PILOT PLUG
PC
w/FAISPC MX
EXTERNAL
DISPLAY
: Standard supply
: Optional supply
: Local supply
NAVNET
EXTERNAL
DISPLAY
GPS/VHF
combined antenna
GVA-100
GPS antenna
GPA-017S or 017
Distributor unit
DB-1
VHF
antenna
Either
*Usaually FA-50 uses the internal GPS.When connecting the
external GPS, use one which satisfies the followings.
1) Outputs DTM sentence (WGS-84 can be chosen.)
2) Outputs GBS sentence.
3) Outputs sentences with the mode indicator;
4) The measured result of internal and external GPSs should be
within 26 m.(These antenna should be located within 6 m.)
We, FURUNO, prepare GPS navigator GP-150 as the equipment
meetin
g
with requirements shown above.
GNS:Ver.3.0 and later
GLL:Ver.2.0 and later
GGA:Ver.2.0 and later
RMC:Ver.1.5 and later

viii
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
System overview
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) was originally developed to aid the Vessel
Traffic Services (VTS) by use of a VHF transponder working on DIgital Selective Call
(DSC) at VHF CH70, and is still in use along the UL coastal areas and others. Some
time later the IMO developed a Universal AIS using the new sophisticated technology
called Carrier-Sence Time Division Multiple Access (CSTDMA) based on a VHF Data
Link (VDL).
The system operates in three methods - autonomous (continuous operation in all ar-
eas), assigned (data transmission interval remotely controlled by authority in traffic
monitoring service) and polled (in response to interrorgation from a ship or authority).
It is synchronized with GPS time to avoid conflict among multiple users (IMO minimum
2000 reports per minute and IEC requires 4500 reports on two channels). The VHF
channels 87B and 88B are commonly used and in addition there are local AIS frequen-
cies. Shipborne AIS transponders exchange various data as specified by the IMO and
ITU on either frequency automatically set up by the frequency management telecom-
mand received by the DSC on ship. AIS has Class A and Class B; Class A is the stan-
dard for SOLAS ships, Class B is for non-SOLAS. There are two type of transmission
method, SOTD MA (Self Organising Time Division Multiple Access) and CSTD MA
(Carrier Sence Time Division Multiple Access). Class B is the inexpencive and simple
AIS for easy mounting on boats.
Not all ships carry AIS
VTS center
Aids to
Navigation
(AtoN)
Transponder
VTS Center transmits TDMA CH
management message including
code, type, position, etc. of buoys
every 3 min, and the AtoN broadcasts
these messages for ships.
All ships broadcast Static and Dynamic information (autonomous and
continuous mode).If OS wants to know information about ship 1, OS shall
send an interrogation in polling mode; then ship 1 will transmit her
response on the same VHF channel without operator intervention.
Interrogation and Response
Static and Dynamic information incl.
MMSI, Name, POSN, HDG, COG, SOG
Ship 1
Own ship
The VTS center transmits a command on
frequency assignment, slots, report rate,
VHF output power, channel spacing, etc.
(Assigned mode)
AIS-fitted AtoN broadcasts its
identification, type of operation,
location, displacement, etc. at
3 min intervals or at a reporting
rate designated by the
Administration authorities.
Transponder
Trans-
ponder

ix
The Officer of the Watch (OOW) should always be aware that other ships, and in par-
ticular leisure craft, fishing boats and warships, and some coastal shore stations (in-
cluding Vessel Traffic Service centers) might not be fitted with AIS.
The OOW should also be aware that AIS fitted on other ships as a mandatory carriage
requirement might be switched off by the master if its use might compromise the se-
curity of the vessel. Thus, users are therefore cautioned to always bear in mind that
information provided by AIS may not be giving a complete or correct “picture” of ship-
ping traffic in their vicinity.
Use of AIS in collision avoidance
As an anti-collision aid the AIS has the following advantages over radar:
• Information provided in near real-time
• Capable of instant presentation of target course alterations
• Not subject to target swap
• Not subject to target loss in clutter
• Not subject to target loss due to fast maneuvers
• Able to detect ships within VHF/FM coverage, including in some circumstances,
around bends and behind islands.
When using the AIS for anti-collision purposes it is important to remember that the AIS
is an additional source of navigation information. It does not replace other navigational
systems. The AIS may not be giving a complete or correct “picture” of shipping traffic
in its vicinity.
The use of the AIS does not negate the responsibility of the OOW to comply with all
collision regulation requirements, especially the maintaining of a proper look-out. The
prudent navigator uses all aids available to navigate the ship.
Erroneous information
Erroneous information implies a risk to other ships as well as your own. Poorly config-
ured or improperly calibrated sensors might lead to incorrect information being trans-
mitted. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all information entered into the
system is correct and up to date.

1
1. INSTALLATION
1.1 Equipment Lists
Standard supply
Optional supply
Name Type Code No. Qty Remarks
AIS Transponder FA-50-E - 1
GPS/VHF combined
antenna GVA-100 - 1 Select one.
GPS Antenna
(Select one) GPA-017S - 1 set
GPA017 - 1 set
Spare parts 1 set Fuse, FGB0-A 4A AC125V
Accessories 1 set FAISPC-MX (CD)
Installation Materials CP24-00141 005-952-330 1 set For transponder
CP24-00502 005-955-560 1 set For GPA-017S
- - 1 set For GPA-017
CP24-00141 005-952-330 1 set For GVA-100
CP24-00101 005-950-730 1 set For DB-1
Name Type Code No. Qty Remarks
AC-DC power supply PR-240-CE - 1
Whip antenna 150M-W2VN 000-113-498 1 For outside Japan
FAB-151D 000-572-029 1 For Japan only
Antenna fixing bracket 4-310071 000-572-184 1 For FAB-151D
Antenna cable set CP20-02700 004-381-160 1 For GPA-017S
CP20-02710 004-381-170 1 For GPA-017S
CP24-00300 000-041-938 1 For GVA-100
CP24-00310 000-041-939 1 For GVA-100
Coaxial cable TNC-PS-3D-15 000-133-670 1 TNC-TNC, 15 m
Right-angle antenna base No.13-QA330 000-803-239 1 For GPA-017/S
L-angle antenna base No.13-QA310 000-803-240 1 For GPA-017/S
Antenna base for rail mount No.13-RC5160 000-806-114 1 For GPA-017/S
Mast mount fixture CP20-01111 004-365-780 1 For GPA-017/S
AIS viewer FAISPC-MX 1
LAN cable P5E-4PTX-BL 1 2 m/10 m

2
1.2 AIS Transponder FA-50
Mounting considerations, mounting
The FA-50 can be mounted on a desktop, deck or on a bulkhead. When selecting a
mounting location, keep the following points in mind:
• The temperature and humidity should be moderate and stable.
• Locate the unit away from exhaust pipes and vents.
• The mounting location should be well ventilated.
• Mount the unit where shock and vibration are minimal.
• Keep the unit away from electromagnetic field-generating equipment such as
motors and generators.
• A magnetic compass will be affected if the FA-50 is placed too close to it. Observe
the compass safe distances noted in the safety instructions to prevent disturbance
to the magnetic compass.
• Fix the unit to the mounting location with 4x20 self-tapping screws (supplied).
MORE THAN
70
"A" DETAIL
MORE THAN
70
All dimensions
in millimeters.
MORE THAN 150

3
1.3 Whip Antenna
Location
The location of the AIS VHF-antenna should be carefully considered. Digital commu-
nication is more sensitive than analog/voice communication to interference created by
reflections in obstructions like masts and booms. It may be necessary to relocate the
VHF radiotelephone antenna to minimize interference effects. To minimize interfer-
ence effects, the following guidelines apply:
• The AIS VHF antenna should be placed in an elevated position that is as free as
possible with a minimum of 0.5 meters in the horizontal direction from constructions
made of conductive materials. The antenna should not be installed close to any
large vertical obstruction. The objective for the AIS VHF antenna is to see the hori-
zon freely through 360 degrees.
• There should not be more than one antenna on the same plane. The AIS VHF
antenna should be mounted directly above or below the ship’s primary VHF radio-
telephone antenna, with no horizontal separation and with a minimum of 2.8 meters
vertical separation. If it is located on the same plane as other antennas, the dis-
tance apart should be at least 10 meters.
• Install the VHF whip antenna (option) referring to the outline drawing at the back of
this manual. Separate this antenna from other VHF radiotelephone antennas as
shown below to prevent interference to the FA-50.
Cabling
• Use coaxial cable type 5D-2V or the equivalent.
• The cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal attenuation, and
the maximum length is 50 meters.
• All outdoor-installed connectors on coaxial cables should be fitted with preventive
isolation such as vulcanizing tape to protect against water penetration into the
antenna cable.
• Coaxial cables should be installed in separate signal cable channels/tubes and at
least 10 cm away from power supply cables. Crossing of cables should be done at
right angles (90 degrees). The minimum bend radius of the coaxial cable should be
5 times the cable's outer diameter.
Horizontal separation distance
More than 10 m
Vertical separation distance
Other VHF
whip antenna
More than 0.5 m
More than
2.8 m
Whip antenna
for AIS

4
1.4 GPS Antenna
Install the GPS antenna unit referring to the drawing on page D-5 or D-6 at the back
of this manual. When selecting a mounting location for the antenna, keep in mind the
following points.
• Select a location out of the radar beam. The radar beam will obstruct or prevent
reception of the GPS satellite signal.
• There should be no interfering object within the line-of-sight to the satellites.
Objects within line-of-sight to a satellite, for example, a mast, may block recep-
tion or prolong acquisition time.
• Mount the antenna unit as high as possible to keep it free of interfering objects
and water spray, which can interrupt reception of GPS satellite signal if the water
freezes.
Extending antenna cable
Three types of antenna cable extensions are optionally available.
a) Antenna cable set CP20-02700
• Waterproofing connector
Wrap connector with vulcanizing tape and then vinyl tape. Bind the tape end with a
cable-tie.
Waterproofing connector
b) Antenna cable set CP20-02710 (8D-FB-CV, 50m)
Connect the cable the same as a) above.
c) Cable type RG-10/UY (shipyard supply)
Note: The length of this cable should be less than 20 m to prevent signal loss. The
coax. coupling cable assy.(type: NJ-TP+3DXV-1, code no. 000-123-809), coaxial con-
nector(N-P-8DFB; supplied), vulcanizing tape and vinyl tape are required. Fabricate
both ends of the cable as shown in the figure on the next page.
Antenna Unit
Antenna Cable
30m 1 m
Fabricate locally. (See next page.)
N-P-8DFB
FA-50
: Connector
Conversion
Cable Assy.
NJ-JP-3DXV-1
TNCP-NJ
0.6m

5
How to attach the connector N-P-8DFB for cable 8D-FB-CV
How to attach connector N-P-8DFB
Outer Sheath
Armor
Dimensions in millimeters.
Inner Sheath Shield Remove outer sheath and armor by the dimensions
shown left.
Expose inner sheath and shield by the dimensions
shown left.
Cut off insulator and core by 10mm.
Twist shield end.
Slip on clamp nut, gasket and clamp as shown left.
Fold back shield over clamp and trim.
Cut aluminum foil at four places, 90°from one
another.
Fold back aluminum foil onto shield and trim.
Expose the insulator by 1mm.
Expose the core by 5mm.
Slip the pin onto the conductor. Solder them togethe
r
through the hole on the pin.
Insert the pin into the shell. Screw the clamp nut into
the shell.
(Tighten by turning the clamp nut. Do not tighten by
turning the shell.)
Cover with heat-shrink tubing and heat.
30 10
Clamp
Nut Gasket
(reddish
brown)
Clamp
Aluminum Foil
Trim shield here.
Trim aluminum
tape foil here.
Insulator
1
5
Clamp Nut Pin
Shell
Solder through
the hole.
50 30

6
1.5 GPS/VHF Combined Antenna
Install the combined antenna unit referring to the outline drawing. When selecting a
mounting location for the antenna, keep in mind the following points.
• Select a location out of the radar beam. The radar beam will obstruct or prevent
reception of the GPS satellite signal.
• There should be no interfering object within the line-of-sight to the satellites.
Objects within line-of-sight to a satellite, for example, a mast, may block recep-
tion or prolong acquisition time.
• Mount the antenna unit as high as possible. Mounting it this way keeps it free of
interfering objects and water spray, which can interrupt reception of GPS satel-
lite signal if the water freezes.
Installation overview of GPS/VHF combined antenna
Mounting procedure
1. Dismount the bottom cover, cut the cable-tie inside the unit and take out the coax-
ial connector attached to the combined box.
2. Loosen four screws to loosen whip antenna fixture and pull out the coaxial con-
nector coming from the combined box through the hole in the whip antenna fixture.
3. Connect the coaxial connector to the whip antenna base and wrap the junction
part of the whip antenna with vulcanizing tape and then vinyl tape for waterproof-
ing.
4. Insert the whip antenna from the top of the combined antenna.
5. Secure the whip antenna with whip antenna fixture.
6. Using a new plastic band (supplied), secure the cables and coaxial connector
inside the antenna case.
7. Mount the bottom cover.
8. Fix the GPS/VHF combined antenna to the ship’s stanchion (40 to 50 mm diame-
ter) with antenna fixing brackets, flat washers and hex. nuts.
Note: Coat the exposed parts of bolts and nuts with silicon sealant.
Outdoor Indoor
N-P-8DFB
N-P-8DFB
Distributor DB-1
GPS
AIS Transponder
FA-50
VHF
RG-10U/Y

7
GPS/VHF Combined antenna
A
ntenna fixing bracket
Loosen four screws.
(M5x16)
Bottom cover
Combined box
Whip antenna fixture
Stanchion
The top of the stanchion comes
into contact with the flange.

8
Installing distributor unit DB-1
The length of the cable between the distributor unit and transponder unit is 1 m so lo-
cate the distributor unit within 1 m from the transponder unit. Fix the distributor unit on
the bulkhead, facing the cable entrance downward. Remove the lid of the distributor
unit and secure the unit with two self-tapping screws.
Note: Be sure no foreign material or water enters the distributor unit.
1.6 Power Supply (option)
When selecting a mounting location for the unit, keep the following in mind:
• Keep the unit out away from areas subject to water splash.
• Locate the unit away from exhaust pipes and vents.
• The mounting location should be well ventilated.
• Mount the unit where shock and vibration are minimal.
• A magnetic compass will be affected if the unit is placed too close to it. Observe
the following compass safe distances to prevent disturbance to the magnetic
compass:
-Steering compass: 0.6 m
-Standard compass: 0.9 m
Fix the unit with four self-tapping screws (4x16) to a desktop or the deck as shown in
the figure below. It is not necessary to open the cover.
Self-tapping screw
(4x30)

9
1.7 Wiring
Connect power source, LAN cable, VHF antenna and ground wire as shown
below.
RED BLACK
PC, HUB,
NAVNET
GROUND
GROUND WIRE
IV-1.25sq
LAN CABLE
P5E-4PTX-BL
(2 m or 10 m)
AIS TRANSPONDER
POWER CABLE
(supplied)
12-24 VDC
RS-422 RATING
Switchboard breaker
+-: Standard
: Option
: Local Supply
GPS Antenna
GPA-017/S
150M-W2VN
or FAB-151D
Either one
RG-10U/Y
RG-10U/Y (8D-FB-CV
for more than 20 m)
Attached to Distributor
(approx. 1m)
Distributor unit
DB-1
GPS/VHF Conbined
Antenna GVA-100
8D-FB-CV, 30 m/50 m: Option
RG-10U/Y: Local supply
0.6 m
*
*
*
0.8 m
: Ground is not required.
Note 1: Supply from breaker on switchboard.
Note 2: If COM lines (connection for NavNet, sensor) are not used, tape tham to prevent short circuit.

10
Attaching coaxial connector (M-P-5) to coaxial cable
The antenna cable (coaxial cable, type 5D-2V) is terminated at the FA-50 with an
M-P-5 coaxial connector. Attach the connector to the cable as shown below.
Connection of AIS viewer (FAISPC-MX)
The AIS viewer may be connected to the FA-50 directly, or to both FA-50 and NavNet
vx2. See the figure below for connection examples.
Sheath 30 mm
7 mm 2
mm
Conductor
Insulator
Braided
shield
Fasten tightly. Contact sleeve
Cut conductor here.
Coupling
ring
Solder here.
Solder here.
DIRECT CONNECTION
PC FAISPC-MX
FA-50 NavNet
VX2*
LAN
Data sentences
VDM, VDO, L/L,
SOG, COG, HDT
NavNet VX2 CONNECTION
PC FAISPC-MX
FA-50 NavNet
VX2
LAN Data sentences
VDM, VDO,
L/L, SOG, COG, HDT
NavNet vx2 CONNECTION
PC FAISPC-MX
FA-50
LAN
Data sentences
VDM, VDO
*Required updating software.