NAUTICAST A2 User manual

Operating Instructions
1001001-6
SYSTEM MODES
Important: The Nauticast A2 can operate in two different system
modes, Class A mode (default) and Inland mode. Instructions only
applicable to Inland AIS installations will be in brown print.
Inland AIS is currently only applicable to European river going vessels.
GENERAL OPERATION
SYSTEM NAVIGATION
Use the Arrow keys to navigate the system views. Press ENTER to
open a view. Press Esc to go back. The Numerical keypad can also be
used for quick navigation.
CHANGING PARAMETERS
Many views contain parameters that can be edited. To edit a parameter,
select it by using the ARROW KEYPAD and press ENTER  . Press
BACKSPACE to delete characters. Press ENTER  to accept after
editing or press ESC key undo changes. Select SAVE after editing to
save and exit the view.
Enter data in the following ways:
1. Numbers: Press the ALPHANUMERIC KEY that corresponds
to each digit. Some of the parameters are decimal numbers. The
OPT button can then be used to insert a decimal point.
2. Text: Press the ALPHANUMERIC KEY that corresponds to
each character. Press the key repeatedly to change character.
Press the key 1twice for special characters. Press function key
OPT for Caps Lock setting.
3. Selection List: Use the ∧∨keys to select between the
predefined values.
4. Selection List and numeric input:
In views like the AIS Message Send view it is possible to select
a target MMSI in a list of predefined values based on received
targets MMSI. It is also possible to enter any MMSI number. To
do this, simply input a numerical value with the
ALPHANUMERIC KEYS. Press ENTER  when done.
These Operating Instructions summarize the most
important topics from the product manual (Art.No.
1001001-2) found on the Nauticast Data Card (USB-Stick).
They are designed to give immediate access to essential
information when operating the system on a daily basis.
Please visit our web-site for the latest information
regarding the Nauticast A2 and other products. Our web-
site also contains contact information of our world-wide
service network.
Nauticast GmbH
www.nauticast.com
DO NOT DISCONNECT TRANSPONDER POWER
WITHIN 2 SECONDS OF A PARAMETER CHANGE!

Operating Instructions
1001001-6
BEFORE VOYAGE
SET VOYAGE RELATED PARAMETERS
Voyage related parameters, are set from the AIS Voyage view accessed
from Main Menu Voyage AIS Voyage .
CONVOYS - INLAND AIS ONLY
When changing convoy arrangement it is necessary to update the Inland
AIS vessel dimension settings.
Set Convoy size
Enter how much attached barges add to the total dimensions of the
convoy in view Main MenuVoyageConvoy Settings
Settings for the total dimensions of the convoy
Set the ERI ship or convoy type
In the window Main Menu Configuration Ship Static you need to
enter the current ERI ship or convoy type.
DURING VOYAGE
SET NAVIGATIONAL STATUS
Open the view Main MenuVoyageAIS Voyage. Select correct
NavStatus, press SAVE to set new status and exit.
Alternatively: Enter Main menu and short press OPT key to quickly set
NavStatus.
BRIGHTNESS AND DIMMING
Adjust LCD and LED dimming and Day/Night Mode under:
Main Menu Config Display Visual
Press the OPT key during 5s to restore default brightness values.
ACKNOWLEDGE ACTIVE ALARMS
Use the ENTER  key to acknowledge alarm indications on the display.
SET OPERATIONAL MODE
Under certain very special conditions, it may be necessary to disable VHF
transmissions. Do not leave the system in this state longer than
absolutely necessary.
Disable Tx in software
Open view Main Menu Operational Mode and set Tx Mode to
“Silent”
Disable Tx in hardware
Some NAUTICAST A2 installations may have a physical external
transmission switch for this purpose. Tx Mode in view Main Menu 
Operational Mode will be “Silent Switch Used” and the Tx mode can
only be changed by turning the physical switch.
Consult the full user manual on details regarding installation and
operation of the External Switch.

Operating Instructions
1001001-6
HANDLING SRM & TEXT MESSAGES
Safety related messages (SRMs) and text messages can be sent to
specific targets (addressed messages) or broadcast to all targets.
Handling of messages is supported by the AIS Messages view accessible
via Main Menu Messages AIS Messages:
A letter symbol will be displayed in the status bar when a message has
been received.
VIEW LIST OF AIS TARGETS
Open Main MenuTarget List
Select targets using the ARROW KEYPAD.
Press OPT to write a Safety Related Message (SRM) addressed the
selected target.
Press ENTER for extended info about a target.
NOTE: Extended information is only transmitted every 6 minutes. Fresh
targets may therefore not have complete information.
VIEW PLOT OF AIS TARGETS
Open Main MenuPlot
The plot can be zoomed in and out with the UPand DOWN keys
on the ARROW KEYPAD. Use RIGHT > and LEFT <keys on the
ARROW KEYPAD to step between the targets. Press OPT to write a
Safety Related Message (SRM) addressed to a selected target.
TARGET SYMBOLS (TARGET LIST & PLOT)
Own ship (plot view)
Ship (Class A)
Ship (Inland, Blue Sign N/A)
Ship (Inland, Blue Sign Off)
Ship (Inland, Blue Sign On)
Ship (Class B)
Base Station
SAR
Aids-to-Navigation (Aton)
Virtual Aids-to-Navigation
SART

Operating Instructions
1001001-6
STATUS BAR ICONS
MESSAGE SYMBOLS
Unread AIS message (Safety Related Message or Text Message)
Unread Long Range message (auto reply)
Unread Long Range message (manual reply)
NAVIGATIONAL STATUS (OWN VESSEL ICONS)
Navigational status is undefined
Under way using engine
Navigational status is one of: Not under command, Restricted
maneuverability, Constrained by her draught, Aground, Engaged in
fishing, Under way sailing, Reserved for future use.
At anchor or moored
MISCELLANEOUS SYMBOLS
Active alarms (Unacknowledged)
Active alarms (Acknowledged)
1W mode (Available only if Ship Type = Tanker, Navigational Status
= Moored and the speed of the ship is less than 3 knots)
Blue Sign On
Blue Sign Off
Silent Mode activated, either with Tx Mode parameter or Silent
Switch.
Menu tree of NAUTICAST A2 AIS
Note: ETA/RTA,Water Levels and Convoy is only visible in Inland Mode