GME AISSI20 User manual

INstructIoN maNual
www.gme.net.au
ANTENNA SPLITTER
Zero loss active VHF antenna splitter

Thank you for buying this AIS antenna splitter.
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 who will be pleased to offer whatever
assistance you require.

1 Notices .............................................................................. 1
1.1 Safety warnings.................................................................. 1
1.2 General notices .................................................................. 1
2 About your AIS antenna splitter ..................................... 3
2.1 About AIS ........................................................................... 3
2.2 What's in the box? .............................................................. 4
3 Installation ........................................................................ 6
3.1 Preparing for installation..................................................... 6
3.2 Installation procedures ....................................................... 7
4 Operation ........................................................................ 14
4.1 Indicator functions ............................................................ 14
5 Troubleshooting ............................................................. 15
6 Specifications ................................................................. 16
Figure 1 Items included with the product ............................ 4
Figure 2 AIS antenna splitter overview ............................... 5
Figure 3 Typical installation configuration........................... 6
Figure 4 AIS antenna splitter dimensions ........................... 8
Figure 5 AIS antenna splitter mounting .............................. 9
Figure 6 Position of the VHF antenna connector.............. 10
Figure 7 Position of the VHF radio connector................... 11
Figure 8 Position of the AIS transceiver connector........... 12
Figure 9 Connecting the power supply and
optional FM output.............................................. 13
Figure 10 Indicator location on the AIS antenna
splitter unit .......................................................... 14
Table of contents Table of figures

Notices
Page 1
1Notices
1.1 Safety warnings
1.2 General notices
Compass safe distance
The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.5m or greater for 0.3° deviation.
RF emissions notice
The information provided in this section assumes the AIS antenna splitter is connected to an AIS Class B transceiver.
The warnings regarding RF emissions provided in the manual forthe VHF radio being used with the AIS antenna splitter should also be
noted prior to installation of the AIS antenna splitter.
Caution: The AIS antenna splitter 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 the malfunction
of the AIS antenna splitter and/or the AIS transceiver it is connected to.
Caution: Never operate the AIS antenna splitter 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 meters away from the AIS antenna splitter and is connected to the AIS antenna splitter 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.
When reading this manual please pay particular 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.
!
Only use this AIS antenna splitter in conjunction with an approved AIS transceiver or receiver purchased from a
reputable supplier.
!
Do not install this equipment in a flammable atmosphere such as in an engine room or near to fuel tanks.
!

Page 2
Notices
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.
Warranty
This product is supplied with standard warranty as defined in the accompanying warranty information.
Disposal of this product and packaging
Please dispose of this AIS antenna splitter 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.
Accuracy of this manual
The AIS antenna splitter may be upgraded from time to time and future versions of the AIS antenna splitter may therefore not
correspond exactly with this manual. 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.
Any attempt to tamper with or damage the product will invalidate the warranty.
!

About your AIS antenna splitter
Page 3
2 About your AIS antenna splitter
2.1 About AIS
The marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a location and vessel information reporting system. It allows vessels equipped with AIS to
automatically and dynamically share and regularly update their position, speed, course and other information such as vessel identity with
similarly equipped vessels. Position is derived from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication between vessels is by Very High
Frequency (VHF) digital transmissions.
There are a number of types of AIS device as follows:
•Class A transceivers. These are similar to class B transceivers but are designed to be fitted to large vessels such as cargo ships and
large passenger vessels. Class A transceivers transmit at a higher VHF signal power than class B transceivers and therefore can be
received by more distant vessels, and also transmit more frequently. Class A transceivers are mandatory on all vessels over 300 gross
tonnes on international voyages and certain types of passenger vessels under the SOLAS mandate.
•Class B transceivers. Similar to class A transceivers in many ways, but are normally lower cost due to the less stringent performance
requirements. Class B transceivers transmit at a lower power and at a lower reporting rate than class A transceivers.
•AIS base stations. AIS base stations are used by Vessel Traffic Systems to monitor and control the transmissions of AIS
transceivers.
•Aids to Navigation (AtoN) transceivers. AtoNs are transceivers mounted on buoys or other hazards to shipping which transmit
details of their location to the surrounding vessels.
•AIS receivers. AIS receivers will generally receive transmissions from class A transceivers, class B transceivers, AtoNs and AIS base
stations but do not transmit any information about the vessel on which they are installed.
Because VHF radios and AIS devices operate within the same frequency range and therefore require the same type of VHF antenna it
is possible to utilise a single VHF antenna for both devices by using an AIS antenna splitter.
This AIS antenna splitter is designed to work primarily with AIS class B transceivers, although it will operate equally well with AIS
receivers.
It is not recommended to use this AIS antenna splitter with Class A transceivers, Aids to Navigation transceivers or
AIS base stations.
!

Page 4
About your AIS antenna splitter
2.2 What's in the box?
Figure 1 shows the items included with your AIS antenna splitter purchase. The following sections give a brief overview of each item.
Please ensure all items are present and if any of the items are not present contact your dealer.
Figure 1 Items included with the product
• Quick start guide
The quick start guide gives a handy one page reference for the installation process.
• Product manual
The product manual is this document and should be read thoroughly prior to any attempt to install or use the AIS antenna splitter.
• VHF radio connection cable
This cable is used to connect a VHF radio to the AIS antenna splitter. The cable has PL259 connectors at either end and requires a
SO239 connector on the VHF radio. If your VHF radio does not have a SO239 connector please contact your dealer for details of
suitable adaptors.
• AIS transceiver connection cable
This cable is used to connect an AIS transceiver to the AIS antenna splitter. The cable has a BNC connector at one end (for connection
to the AIS antenna splitter) and a PL259 connection at the opposite end (for connection to an AIS transceiver with an SO239 VHF
connector). If your AIS transceiver does not use an SO239 connector please contact your dealer for details of suitable adaptors.
Screws
(packet of 4)
Product manual
AIS antenna splitter
Power and data cable Accessory cables ( x2)
Warranty
information
Quick
start guide

About your AIS antenna splitter
Page 5
• AIS antenna splitter unit
Figure 2 shows an overview of the AIS antenna splitter unit.
The AIS antenna splitter has a number of indicators which provide information to the user about the status of the AIS antenna splitter.
Please refer to section 4for more details of the indicator functions.
The AIS antenna splitter mounting holes are located as shown in Figure 2. Please refer to section 3.2 for details of how to mount the AIS
antenna splitter.
• Power and FM cable
The power and FM cable connects to the the AIS antenna splitter and enables connection to power and an FM radio antenna input.
Electrical connections
The AIS antenna splitter has the following electrical connections as shown in Figure 2.
• Power supply
• VHF antenna connector
• VHF radio connector
• AIS transceiver connector
• FM radio connector
Figure 2 AIS antenna splitter overview
Green Yellow Yellow
Power and FM
VHF antennaVHF radio
AIS transceiver
Indicator lights
Mounting
holes
Mounting
holes

Page 6
Installation
3 Installation
3.1 Preparing for installation
Figure 3 shows a typical installation configuration for the AIS antenna splitter. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the
system elements and their connections prior to attempting installation.
Figure 3 Typical installation configuration
VHF antenna
Power in
VHF radio
FM radio
AIS antenna
splitter
GPS antenna
(optional)
Chartplotter
Power in
NMEA2000
Switch
NMEA0183 device
USB
AIS Class B
transceiver

Installation
Page 7
In addition to the items provided with your AIS antenna splitter the following items will be required for installation:
VHF antenna
Connection to a suitable VHF antenna will be required for the AIS antenna splitter to operate. A standard marine band VHF antenna
such as that used with VHF voice radios will be sufficient. Please take note of the warnings in section 1regarding the use of antennas.
VHF radio
If you have an existing VHF voice radio connected directly to a VHF antenna, you can disconnect the VHF radio from the VHF antenna
and connect them both to the relevant connectors on the AIS antenna splitter.
AIS transceiver
If you have an existing AIS transceiver connected directly to a VHF antenna, you can disconnect the AIS transceiver from the VHF
antenna and connect them both to the relevant connectors on the AIS antenna splitter.
It is necessary to connect the VHF antenna, VHF radio and AIS transceiver for the antenna splitter to function correctly.
FM radio
The AIS antenna splitter also provides connections for the antenna of an FM broadcast radio receiver. Connection of an FM radio is
optional.
Power cable
The AIS antenna splitter is supplied with a two meter long power cable. If you require longer cables to reach your power supply please
ensure the cables are capable of carrying currents of up to 200mA on average. Means of connecting the cables together will also be
required. The use of ScotchlokTM connectors is recommended for this purpose.
3.2 Installation procedures
Before beginning installation of your AIS antenna splitter, please ensure you have the necessary additional items as detailed in section
3.1. 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 for advice.
The following sections explain the installation process step by step for each of the main elements of the system.
Step 1 - Installing the AIS antenna splitter
Please note the following guidelines when selecting a location for your AIS antenna splitter:
• The AIS antenna splitter must be fitted in a location where it is at least 0.5m from a compass or any magnetic device.
• There should be adequate space around the AIS antenna splitter for routing of cables. See Figure 4 for details of the AIS antenna
splitter dimensions.
• The ambient temperature around the AIS antenna splitter should be maintained between -10°C and +55°C.
• The AIS antenna splitter should not be located in a flammable or hazardous atmosphere such as in an engine room or near to fuel
tanks.

Page 8
Installation
• The AIS antenna splitter is fully waterproof to ingress protection rating IPx7, however it is recommended that the AIS antenna splitter
is not subjected to extended periods of exposure to spray or submersion.
• It is acceptable to mount the AIS antenna splitter either vertically or horizontally.
• It is recommended that the AIS antenna splitter is installed in a 'below decks' environment.
• The AIS antenna splitter should be mounted in a location where the indicators are readily visible as these provide important
information on the status of the AIS antenna splitter.
Figure 4 AIS antenna splitter dimensions
140mm
50mm
100 mm
42 mm
128mm

Installation
Page 9
Figure 5 AIS antenna splitter mounting

Page 10
Installation
Step 2 - Connecting the VHF antenna
Route the cable from the VHF antenna to the AIS antenna splitter and connect to the VHF antenna connector on the AIS antenna
splitter as shown in Figure 6.
A standard marine band VHF antenna or AIS antenna should be used with the AIS antenna splitter. The connector type on the AIS
antenna splitter is SO239. Your chosen VHF antenna requires a PL259 connector to mate with this. If your VHF antenna does not use
this type of connector please contact your dealer for details of available adaptors.
Figure 6 Position of the VHF antenna connector
Power and FM
VHF antennaVHF radio
AIS transceiver

Installation
Page 11
Step 3 - Connecting the VHF radio
Using the VHF radio accessory cable provided with this product, route the cable from the VHF radio to the AIS antenna splitter and
connect to the VHF radio connector on the AIS antenna splitter as shown in Figure 7. If the cable supplied is not long enough please
contact your dealer for details of suitable extension cables.
A standard marine band VHF voice radio should be used with this AIS antenna splitter. The antenna splitter is DSC compatible.
Figure 7 Position of the VHF radio connector
Power and FM
VHF antennaVHF radio
AIS transceiver

Page 12
Installation
Step 4 - Connecting the AIS transceiver
Using the AIS transceiver accessory cable provided with this product, route the cable from the AIS transceiver to the AIS antenna
splitter and connect to the AIS transceiver connector on the AIS antenna splitter as shown in Figure 8. If the cable supplied is not long
enough please contact your dealer for details of suitable extension cables.
A fully approved marine AIS class B transceiveror AIS receiver should be used with this AIS antenna splitter and requires a SO239 VHF
antenna connector to connect to the AIS antenna splitter using the supplied accessory cable.
Figure 8 Position of the AIS transceiver connector
Power and FM
VHF antennaVHF radio
AIS transceiver

Installation
Page 13
Step 5 - Connecting the power supply and optional FM output
The AIS antenna splitter requires a 12V or 24V power supply typically provided by the vessel's battery. It is recommended that crimped
and soldered lugs are used to connect the AIS antenna splitter to the power source. It is recommended that the power supply is
connected via a suitable circuit breaker and/or 1A fuse block.
1. Connect the red wire to the power supply positive terminal.
2. Connect the black wire to the supply negative terminal.
3. Connect the White wire to the FM radio antenna input.
4. Join the Blue and Green wires and connect to the FM radio antenna ground.
Figure 9 Connecting the power supply and optional FM output
Power in +
Power in –
FM output
FM ground
Green
White
Red
Black
FM ground
Blue

Page 14
Operation
4Operation
Operation of the AIS antenna splitter is automatic and requires no user intervention.
During operation the antenna splitter will share signals received at your VHF antenna with both the AIS transceiver and the VHF radio.
When either the AIS transceiver or VHF radio transmits, the AISantenna splitter will automatically sense the transmission and route the
signal to the antenna.
In the event that both the VHF radio and AIS transceiver are transmitting at the same time, the AIS antenna splitter will give priority to
the VHF radio.
4.1 Indicator functions
The AIS antenna splitter includes three coloured indicators as shown in Figure 10. The state of the indicators provides information
regarding the status of the AIS antenna splitter.
Figure 10 Indicator location on the AIS antenna splitter unit
The indicators provide the following functions:
• Power - this indicator is illuminated whilst the unit is powered
• TX AIS - this indicator flashes to indicate AIS transmissions
• TX VHF - this indicator flashes to indicate VHF radio transmissions
Note that both the TX AIS and TX VHF LEDs may illuminate when the AIS antenna splitter is used with some brands of VHF radio at the
high output power (25W) setting. This is normal behavior and does not indicate a fault.
It is not possible for both connected devices to transmit simultaneously using a single VHF antenna. Whilst you are
talking on your VHF radio no AIS position reports will be transmitted.
!
Green
(Power)
Yellow
(AIS TX)
Yellow
(VHF TX)
Indicator lights

Troubleshooting
Page 15
5 Troubleshooting
If the guidance given in the table above does not rectify the problem you are experiencing please contact your dealer for further
assistance.
Issue Possible cause and remedy
Power indicator not illuminated Check power supply connections and fuse or circuit breaker
Check polarity of power supply connections
Check power supply voltage
'VHF' indicator does not illuminate when
VHF Radiotelephone is transmitting
Check the antenna output of the VHF radiotelephone is connected to the antenna
splitter input labelled 'VHF'
'AIS' indicator does not illuminate when
AIS transceiver is transmitting
Check the antenna output of the AIS transceiver is connected to the antenna
splitter input labelled 'AIS'
Clicks or pops are heard from a connected
FM broadcast receiver
This is normal and may occur during VHF or AIS transmission
VHF or AIS transmission range is reduced A small reduction in transmission range is normal and due to the insertion loss of
the antenna splitter
Both the ‘AIS’ and ‘VHF’ indicators illuminate
when the VHF radio is transmitting
This is normal operation with some brands of VHF radio and not a fault. Function of
the antenna splitter is unaffected

Page 16
Specifications
6 Specifications
Parameter Value
Dimensions 140 x 100 x 42 mm (L x W x H)
Weight 250g
Voltage supply DC 9.6 to 31.2V
Current consumption <1150mA at 12VDC
VHF and AIS frequency range 156MHz to 163MHz
Insertion loss AIS & VHF receive paths 0dB 0dB
Insertion loss AIS & VHF transmit paths <1dB
Max input power, AIS port 12.5W
Max input power, VHF port 25W
Min input power, VHF port 100mW
AIS, VHF and Antenna port impedance 50 Ohms
FM port impedance 75 Ohms
Switching time, receive to AIS transmit <10 us
Switching time, receive to VHF transmit <10us
Operating temperature: -10ºC to +55ºC
Ingress protection IPx7

Standard communicationS contract warranty againSt defectS
This warranty against defects is given by Standard Communications Pty
Ltd ACN 000 346 814 (We, us, our or GME). Our contact details are set
out in clause 2.7.
1. Consumer guarantees
1.1
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under
the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement
or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other
reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to
have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of
acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a
major failure.
1.2 To the extent we are able, we exclude all other conditions,
warranties and obligations which would otherwise be implied.
2. Warranty against defects
2.1 This Warranty is in addition to and does not limit, exclude or
restrict your rights under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
(Australia) or any other mandatory protection laws that may apply.
2.2 We warrant our goods to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for the warranty period (see warranty table) from
the date of original sale (or another period we agree to in writing).
Subject to our obligations under clause 1.2, we will at our option,
either repair or replace goods which we are satisfied are defective.
We warrant any replacement parts for the remainder of the period
of warranty for the goods into which they are incorporated.
2.3 To the extent permitted by law, our sole liability for breach of a
condition, warranty or other obligation implied by law is limited
(a) in the case of goods we supply, to any one of the following
as we decide -
(i) the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent
goods;
(ii) the repair of the goods;
(iii)the cost of repairing the goods or of acquiring equivalent
goods;
(b) in the case of services we supply, to any one of the following
as we decide –
(i) the supplying of the services again;
(ii) the cost of having the services supplied again.
2.4 For repairs outside the warranty period, we warrant our repairs
to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three
months from the date of the original repair. We agree to re-repair
or replace (at our option) any materials or workmanship which we
are satisfied are defective.
2.5 We warrant that we will perform services with reasonable care
and skill and agree to investigate any complaint regarding our
services made in good faith. If we are satisfied that the complaint
is justified, and as our sole liability to you under this warranty (to
the extent permitted at law), we agree to supply those services
again at no extra charge to you.
2.6 To make a warranty claim you must before the end of the
applicable warranty period (see warranty table), at your own cost,
return the goods you allege are defective, provide written details
of the defect, and give us an original or copy of the sales invoice
or some other evidence showing details of the transaction.
2.7 Send your claim to: Standard Communications Pty Ltd. Unit B,
22-24 College Street, Gladesville, NSW 2111, Australia.
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone].
Email: [e-mail]
2.8 If we determine that your goods are defective, we will pay for
the cost of returning the repaired or replaced goods to you, and
reimburse you for your reasonable expenses of sending your
warranty claim to us.