Nautic Alert VTracker User manual

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VTracker Instruction Manual NAVT-01
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Nautic Alert® VTracker. Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA. We are
confident your new purchase will provide an outstanding experience of edge-based precision engineered
technology. Please take a few minutes to read through the instruction manual and familiarize yourself
with the installation and setup process.

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Contents
Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................................ 3
Product Labeling Requirements.................................................................................................................... 3
Quick Start Guide .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Reporting Services ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Basic Reporting Service............................................................................................................................. 4
Enhanced Reporting Service ..................................................................................................................... 4
Global Geofencing................................................................................................................................. 4
Cloud Watch Reporting Service ................................................................................................................ 5
Anti-Theft .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Vessel-Track Reconstruction................................................................................................................. 5
VTracker Overview........................................................................................................................................ 6
VTracker Sample Schematic Reference ........................................................................................................ 7
VTracker Installer Details .......................................................................................................................... 8
Cable Glands ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Antenna Placement....................................................................................................................................... 9
Hardware Options/Modes of Operation..................................................................................................... 10
Alarm Event Latching .............................................................................................................................. 11
Status LEDs and Mode/Set Buttons ........................................................................................................11
Mode/Set Buttons and Zone Configuration Settings..............................................................................12
Configuring and Testing Zones................................................................................................................ 12
Beam Sensor Wiring.................................................................................................................................... 13
Power Inputs and Battery Monitoring/Trending ........................................................................................14
Remote Engine Kill ...................................................................................................................................... 14
High-Water Monitoring...............................................................................................................................15
Alarm/Security Monitoring .........................................................................................................................15
SOS .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Geofence Control........................................................................................................................................ 15
GEOS Reference ..........................................................................................................................................16
Activating VTracker and Remote Access..................................................................................................... 17
Remote Text Message Access................................................................................................................. 18
Admin and Additional Users ...................................................................................................................18

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Nautic Alert Web Portal..............................................................................................................................19
Nautic Alert Mobile App ............................................................................................................................. 20
Vessel Tracking........................................................................................................................................21
Geofence/Anchor Alarm/Global Geofencing.......................................................................................... 22
DC Monitoring/Trending.........................................................................................................................23
Security Management.............................................................................................................................24
Remote Engine Kill/ Switch / Emergency Interface ................................................................................ 25
Overages .....................................................................................................................................................26
Terms and Conditions ................................................................................................................................. 26
Technical Specifications
Electrical Specifications:
DC Input Voltage: 6-37V
Backup DC Input Voltages: 6-37V
Nominal Current: 60mA (12V), does not include switch output or 12V output
Alarm Terminals: 12V
12V Regulated Output: 500mA max including switch output
Operating Current: 60mA
Operating Temperature: -20 to 60C
Enclosure: IP67 when cable glands properly sealed
Follow ABYC installation standards
Incorrect wiring may damage VTracker or external devices and voids warranty
Product Labeling Requirements
Device Contains FCC ID: Q639603
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 interferences, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The cellular and/or satellite antenna must be located at a distance greater than 20cm from the device
and any persons under normal operating conditions to be compliant with FCC SAR limits.

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Quick Start Guide
In order to start using your VTracker, the following minimal steps are necessary:
1) Connect the included GPS and Iridium antennas to VTracker’s antenna jacks
2) Connect VTracker’s primary DC power input to a DC battery source
3) Verify status LEDs meet signal strength requirements in preliminary mounting location
4) Mount VTracker and antennas
5) Activate VTracker by going to https://www.nauticalert.com and click on Activate Nautic Alert in
the menu. You will be required to enter the modem IMEI present on the modem label.
6) Activation process can take 12-48 hours
7) Go to www.nauticalert.com and create an account to access VTracker and get the cellular
number assigned to VTracker for sending remote text commands and automatically enable
email notifications.
8) Download the Nautic Alert Mobile App from the Apple or Android stores, and use your login
from step 7 to enable global push notifications automatically.
Reporting Services
A Nautic Alert reporting service is required for device communications and alerts to be received.
Currently, three reporting service options are available from:
https://www.nearshorenetworks.com/menu/activate-services/nautic-alerts-activation
Basic Reporting Service
A basic reporting service includes vessel tracking with an automatic location update interval of one hour
when moving, and up to 150 on-demand requests, which can include real-time location,
arming/disarming, dc trends, and more discussed in the Remote Access section of this document.
Enhanced Reporting Service
An enhanced reporting service includes vessel tracking with an automatic location update interval of
thirty minutes when moving, global geofencing, and up to 250 on-demand requests, which can include
real-time location, arming/disarming, dc trends, and more discussed in the Remote Access section of
this document.
Global Geofencing
With global geofencing, multiple geofence boundaries can be drawn on a Google Map interface on the
Nautic Alert Mobile App, and the geofence data will upload and sync with the device making it fully
aware of the boundaries. This makes it possible for VTracker to notify in real time when entering or
exiting a geofence boundary, including the name of the boundary. See the Global Geofencing section
below for additional info.

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Cloud Watch Reporting Service
A Cloud Watch reporting service is available for the ultimate anti-theft detection, which provides the
same as the Enhanced Reporting service, with a 15 minute check-in/location update interval, plus the
following:
Anti-Theft
With Cloud Watch, the update interval is 15 minutes, and communication inactivity will be detected and
notified. In addition, GPS disconnect events will also send notifications.
Vessel-Track Reconstruction
If the communications antenna is intentionally removed, and the device cannot communicate, it will
continue to store time-stamped location data, and then reconstruct the previous tracks once
communications is restored.
Cloud Watch requires the optional high-performance antennas to be installed at the highest location
of the vessel, and not subject to external obstructions or beneath fiberglass surfaces, which could
otherwise create intermittent satellite communication delays and alerts.

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VTracker Overview
Nautic Alert VTracker™ tracks the location of your boat or yacht in real-time with unmatched precision.
Using the award-winning Nautic Alert SMART geofence technology, it will learn and detect the location
and a change to the location in as little as 250 ft with the included low profile antennas, or 50 ft. with
the optional performance antennas using an onboard self-aware geofence, rather than a web-based
geofence. VTracker also provides anchor alarm capability, while meeting or exceeding insurance
requirements.
With the secured Nautic Alert Cloud™, you can connect directly to your onboard VTracker using the
Iridium® NEXT global satellite network and request on-demand location information, receive automatic
location updates and other information, at any time from your mobile or web enabled devices.
VTracker optional capabilities provide a set of dedicated input and output ports for a backup battery to
enable full fault-redundancy and notifications of primary battery loss, for intrusion detection sensors
and/ or SOS button for security or safety notifications and / or a localized switch for arming/disarming
the build-in geofence, for a float switch and high water notifications, and for a remotely controlled
engine kill switch or a switch to turn on an air conditioner, and more.
A dedicated momentary switch can be used for either SOS functionality or to arm and disarm the
geofence locally, allowing for the 12V output to indicate the armed state or SOS state of the device. In
this mode, the 12V switch output is not remotely controlled and used for other purposes.
VTracker can be installed easily and communicates through most fiberglass and composite hulls with the
included low profile antennas. Integrated push buttons and LEDs offer a quick setup and ability to test
features during installation without requiring live connectivity. Optional high performance antennas and
LMR cables are also available as alternative options to the included low profile antennas, and are highly
recommended for the best experience.

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VTracker Sample Schematic Reference

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VTracker Installer Details
Block Terminal Pinout
12V Output
Zone 2
Zone 1
12V Switch
Primary Batt
Backup Batt
+
-
+
Com (-)
+
Com (-)
-
+
-
+
-
+

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Cable Glands
All cable glands must be properly sealed to prevent water ingress and preserve the IP67 enclosure
rating. If a cable gland is not used, a short cylindrical stopper is recommended. Otherwise, a small
amount of non-conductive silicone adhesive can be used around the cable at the point where the glands
tighten down from the outside of the enclosure.
Antenna Placement
The included low-profile antennas can be placed under most decks or externally, however, the included
Iridium antenna cable length is only about 3 feet, whereas the included GPS cable length is
approximately 10 feet. The included antenna cabling is more easily susceptible to nearby electrical
interference, and thus, should be kept away from any power or signal cables. In addition, nearby large
extremities should be avoided, including solar panels.
A good mounting location can include under the bow deck, in T-Top ceiling compartments, and in cabins
where the antennas can be mounted beneath the deck walkways, but connectivity should always be
evaluated with the Status LEDs.
If additional length, external mounting, or better shielding is wanted, the optional high-performance
low-profile antennas and shielded LMR cables should be used. While the included low-profile antennas
are ideal for covert installs, the optional compact high-performance antennas can also be installed
under the deck/lockers, flush mounted, mast mounted, and more, as shown below.

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Hardware Options/Modes of Operation
A dedicated 12V output terminal can be used to power sensors that interconnect to alarm Inputs 1 and
2, if required. Max current from this onboard regulator is shared with the 12V switch output.
Sensors used for alarm Inputs 1 and 2 can be any 12V tolerant normally open or normally closed
sensors, including, but not limited to the following:
Product Name
12V
Required
NO/NC
Outdoor Wired Microwave Motion Sensor
Yes
NO or NC
Indoor Wired Microwave Motion Sensor
Yes
NC
Outdoor FLIR Perimeter Human Detection
Yes, External
NO
Indoor Wired Contacts
No
NO or NC
High Water Float
No
NO
Push Button With Integrated LED, SOS, Geo Arm
Switch
NO
Beam Sensor
Yes
NO or NC
Sensor manuals are available from: https://nauticalert.com/support/instruction-manuals/
Alarm inputs can be driven by standard Form C relay outputs, so any external device capable of driving a
relay can be interfaced with VTracker’s alarm inputs, either directly if electrically compatible, or through
a Form C relay.
If normally open sensors are used, multiple sensors can be wired in parallel and connected to an alarm
input. If normally closed sensors are used, multiple can be wired in series and connected to an alarm
input. In either case, any one sensor can trigger the alarm interface at a time.
If alarm input 1 is configured as an SOS input or Geofence arm/disarm control, the 12V switch must be
used with a visual/audible indicator to indicate when the SOS or geofence is active. In this case, the 12V
switch cannot be remotely controlled or used as an engine kill. If alarm input 1 is configured as a zone
input, then the 12V switch can be remotely controlled and used as an engine kill or to control any 12V
tolerant device or relay.
Alarm Configurations:
Alarm 1
Zone
SOS
Geofence
Alarm 2
Zone/Water
Zone/Water
N/A
12V Switch Output
Remotely Controlled
SOS Active Indicator
Geofence Active Ind