Ocean Signal ATB1 User manual

User Manual
www.oceansignal.com
AIS Transceiver
Class B SOTDMA
English
ATB1

ATB1 USER MANUAL
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© 2022 Ocean Signal Ltd
The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this manual were believed
to be correct at the time of print. Ocean Signal Ltd reserve the right to change specifica-
tions and other information contained in this manual as part of our continual improvement
process.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form, electronic or otherwise, without the prior permission of Ocean Signal Ltd.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual.
Ocean Signal® is a registered trademark of Ocean Signal Ltd.
RECORD YOUR INFORMATION HERE
To ensure easy access to your AIS unit in the future it is recommended that you note the
login information.
Boat Name:
Call Sign:
MMSI:
WiFi Network SSID:
WiFi Network Password hint:
Email address:
Password hint:
NOTE: For dealers installing this product on behalf of a customer it is advisable to use the
customer’s details to create the account. This will allow the customer to access the unit
from their own Mobile device later.

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1. GENERAL 4
1.1 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy 4
1.2 Warnings 4
1.3 ATB1 Overview 5
1.4 ATB1 Contents 5
1.5 Example Systems 6
2. INSTALLATION 7
2.1 Mounting 7
2.2 Connections 9
3. CONFIGURATION 12
3.1 IMPORTANT NOTE TO DEALERS 13
3.2 Using WiFi (An Internet connection is required) 14
3.3 Using a USB Device 15
3.4 External Data Multiplexing 16
3.5 Using the Set-up App (Android and iOS) 18
3.6 Using the On-line Web Based Software 18
3.7 Creating an Account 18
4. OPERATION 19
4.1 Operating Modes 19
4.2 LED Indicator Sequences 20
4.3 Connecting with WiFi 21
5. Glossary of terms and abbreviations 22
6. Disposal 22
7. Interface Protocols 23
7.1 NMEA0183 Data Sentences Supported 23
7.2 NMEA2000 PGNs Supported 23
7.3 WiFi Output 24
8. Specifications 25
9. Spares and Accessories 25
10. Approvals 26
10.1 USA 26
10.2 Canada 26
10.3 European Declaration of Conformity 26
10.4 UK 26
10.5 Australia / New Zealand 26
11. Warranty Information 27
11.1 Limited Warranty 27
11.2 Extended Warranty 27

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1. GENERAL
1.1 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product complies with EN62311:2008 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada).
This product has been evaluated for compliance with the FCC RF exposure limits given in
CFR 47 part 1.307(b) at a distance greater than 25cms from the antenna.
1.2 Warnings
This product is designed to assist navigation and should not be used in the place of ap-
propriate navigational judgment. AIS should be used as a complement to navigation and
should not be used to replace installed equipment such as RADAR or ECDIS.
!AIS devices can only monitor other AIS equipped vessels. It is the respon-
sibility of the vessels crew and skipper to always be aware of surrounding
vessels that may not be fitted with AIS equipment.
!The ATB1 must always be used in conjunction with the supplied GPS anten-
na. Use of an alternative GPS antenna may impair the functionality of the
system.
!This product contains no user-serviceable parts. All maintenance work
should be carried out by trained persons authorized by Ocean Signal.
!Do not install in a flammable atmosphere (engine room, near to fuel tanks)
or in a location subject to excessive solar heat (direct sunlight, beneath a
windshield).
!The ATB1 is a maritime radio transmitter and is subject to radio licensing
laws. Contact the relevant authority in your country for local license re-
quirements.
!False information transmitted can result in risk to other vessels as well as
your own. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that vessel sensors are
configured and calibrated correctly and that all AIS information transmit-
ted is accurate and up to date. It is a criminal offence in some countries to
transmit falsified data.
!USA Users only: It is a violation of the rules of the FCC to input an MMSI that
has not been properly assigned to the end user, or to otherwise input any
inaccurate data in this device. The entry of static data into this device shall
be performed by the vendor of the device or by an appropriately qualified
person in the business of installing marine communications equipment on
board vessels. Instructions on how to accurately enter and confirm static
data in the device can be found in Section 3 of this user manual.

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1.3 ATB1 Overview
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) was designed as an aid to collision-avoidance in
the marine industry and is a significant development in navigational safety. It is now widely
used at sea to provide vessels with a live accurate picture of marine traffic in the surround-
ing area.
The fully compliant ATB1 is a Class B type AIS Transponder from Ocean Signal. Your vessel
information such as position, speed, and course is ascertained automatically and contin-
uously using an internal multi-GNSS receiver and transmitted to all other AIS equipped
vessels to maximum of every two seconds.
Other vessel information such as vessel name, call sign, type and dimensions as well as
the MMSI are also transmitted. This information can be uploaded to the ATB1 easily by sev-
eral methods described in Section 3 of this guide. Once this information has been upload-
ed, it remains stored in the unit’s non-volatile memory even if powered down.
The ATB1 also receives and interprets AIS messages from other AIS equipped vessels
within range, which can then be relayed effortlessly to other navigation devices such as
chart plotters, laptops or mobiles using the ATB1’s NMEA0183, NMEA2000, USB or Wi-Fi
outputs.
A multi-colour LED indicator light on the ATB1 signals the on-going operational status of
the unit. This additional safety feature provides you the confidence of knowing that the
ATB1 has continuous AIS transmission and optimal performance.
1.4 ATB1 Contents
1 ATB1
2 Screw Kit
3 Power/Data cable
4 USB to Micro USB Cable
5 USB On-The-Go cable
6 GPS Antenna (Inc. fixing kit)
7 User Manual

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1.5 Example Systems
1.5.1 Example System Using NMEA0183
1.5.2 Example System Using NMEA2000
The ATB1 NMEA2000 LEN = 1

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2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Mounting
2.1.1 Transceiver mounting
Determine the mounting location for the ATB1 ensuring that there are suitable access
routes for all the required cables and attach securely to a flat surface using the four fixing
screws provided. The unit should be easily accessible to allow for disconnection from the
power source. The power/data cable plug is the disconnect device, unplugging this will
isolate the ATB1 from both poles of the power source. It is also recommended that the unit
can be accessed later to view the indicator LED and operate the Mode button.

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2.1.2 GPS (GNNS) Antenna Mounting
The GPS Antenna should be installed with a clear and unobstructed view of the sky, it
should NOT be positioned or mounted on a mast that can cause the antenna to swing and
potentially reduce the accuracy of the GPS position and it should NOT be positioned in the
direct path of a radar transmitter.
The GPS antenna can be mounted either on a flat horizontal surface or on a suitable pole
mount (not supplied).
• If you intend to surface mount the antenna, ensure you have access to the
underside of the mounting surface.
• If you intend to pole-mount the antenna, the mount requires a 1 inch 14 TPI
thread.
!If the cable is passed through the center of a third party mount ensure the
thread length does not exceed 2cm (0.78”) to prevent damage to the cable
!DO NOT cut the GPS Antenna cable. Neatly coil and tie any excess cable
After fixing the GPS antenna to an appropriate location, route the 10m cable to your AIS
transceiver unit, adding extension cable as necessary. Connect the cable to the GPS con-
nector on the ATB1.

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2.2 Connections
!To avoid damage to the cables, ensure at least 50mm (2.0 inches) is avail-
able below the Transceiver to allow the cables to turn.
Item Connector
1 VHF (SO239)
2 Power/Data
3 GPS Antenna (TNC)
4 NMEA2000
5 LED Indicator Button
6 USB (Micro-B)

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2.2.1 RF Connectors
The VHF antenna should be connected to the SO239 socket.
If the vessel is equipped with a single VHF antenna that is required to be shared between
the ATB1 and a VHF Radio Transceiver it is necessary to use an active antenna splitter.
Attempting to connect two transmitting devices to a single antenna without a splitter will
cause severe damage to either or both devices. Install a third party splitter in accordance
with the instructions provided with that unit, connecting the ATB1 “ANT” connector to the
AIS Input connector on the splitter.
A typical active splitter installation connection is shown in the NMEA2000 example on page
6 of this manual.
!When a splitter is installed and the VHF Radio is transmitting, the ATB1
is unable to make use of the SOTDMA system and reporting rates may be
longer than those specified for normal operation. For optimum operation a
dedicated VHF antenna is recommended.
The GPS antenna should be connected to the TNC connector.
2.2.2 Power and data connectors
The power and data connections are on the 10-core flying lead supplied.
Connect the power cables to the vessels supply via a suitable fast acting fuse.
If you need to extend the length of the power cable, ensure you observe the following:
• The power cable for each unit in your system should be run as a separate,
single length of 2-wire cable from the unit to the vessel’s battery or distribu-
tion panel.
• For power cable extensions, it is recommended that a minimum wire gauge
of 16 AWG (1.31 mm2). For cable runs longer than 15 meters, you may need
to consider a thicker wire gauge (e.g. 14 AWG (2.08 mm2), or 12 AWG (3.31
mm2)).
3 Amp Fast
Acting Fuse

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Default NMEA Port Settings
The ATB1 includes 2 bidirectional NMEA 0183 ports.
The baud rate for each port can be configured via the set-up application. Both ports can
be multiplexed to enable GPS data provided to one port to be combined with AIS data and
output on the other port.
Typically port 1 is connected to an MFD and configured for 38,400 baud rate, the baud rate
required for AIS data transfer. Port 2 is connected to a Heading sensor or other NMEA 0183
device and configured for 4,800 baud rate.
Details of the NMEA0183 sentences accepted and transmitted by each channel are to be
found in Section 7.1. NMEA0183 Data Sentences Supported.
2.2.3 External Silent Mode Switch
NMEA Port 2 can be used to allow the user to stop the unit from transmitting from a switch
mounted near the helm. This switch will take priority over ALL other user selectable silent
mode settings (though a mobile App or using the LED push button). Any latching double
pole switch will be suitable.
Silent Mode is selected when the switch is closed
The option for External Silent Mode Switch must be selected during initial configuration.
Power RED DC Power +ve 12 - 24V dc
BLACK DC Power -ve 0V dc
Port 1
Fast NMEA
BROWN 38400 +ve In
BLUE 38400 -ve In
WHITE 38400 +ve Out
GREEN 38400 -ve Out
Port 2
Slow NMEA
YELLOW 4800 +ve In
GREY 4800 -ve In
ORANGE 4800 +ve Out
PINK 4800 -ve Out

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3. CONFIGURATION
The ATB1 needs to be correctly programmed with the following vessel data before use:
• Vessel Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number
• Vessel name
• Vessel call sign
• Vessel dimensions and AIS GPS antenna location
• Vessel type
An MMSI number comprises 9 digits, and all 9 digits of a valid number must be entered to
be accepted during setup. All other fields (i.e. vessel type, name etc.) are optional.
If your vessel already has an MMSI number (used for a VHF DSC radio) then the same MMSI
number must be used to program the transceiver.
If a valid MMSI number is not entered, the ATB1 will not transmit although it will still oper-
ate as a receiver.
!Important: In the United States of America, the MMSI and Static Data must
be entered only by a qualified dealer or other appropriately qualified in-
staller of marine communications equipment on board vessels. The user is
NOT authorized to do this. In Europe and other parts of the world outside of
the United States of America, the MMSI and Static Data can be set up by the
user.
Configuration can be completed via 3 platforms:
• Android App (download from Play Store) using WiFi or USB stick
• iOS App (download from App Store) using WiFi
• Web Configuration App ( on-line at www.oceansignal.com/installers ) using
USB stick
All user guides can be downloaded direct from the Ocean Signal website
www.oceansignal.com.

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3.1 IMPORTANT NOTE TO DEALERS
If you are a dealer configuring a unit for a customer you should always create an account
on behalf of the end user using their email details and a password that you will pass on to
them.
Creating an account allows the end user to access the unit by WiFi easily from their own
mobile devices. If no account is created the end user will have to set the unit into configura-
tion mode and use the “New WiFi Configuration” link to be able to access stored details.
For the record:
MMSI Number:
Vessel Name:
Call Sign:
Vessel Type:
Antenna Dimension A:
Antenna Dimension B:
Antenna Dimension C:
Antenna Dimension D:
WiFi SSID:
WiFi Password:
Account email address:
Account Password:
!Account details are stored on a GDPR secure server and account holders will
only be contacted by Ocean Signal in the event of important update informa-
tion. Unless expressly accepted no marketing information will be sent via
this database and the information entered will not be passed to any third
party companies.

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3.2 Using WiFi (An Internet connection is required)
Search for Ocean Signal AIS Config.
From the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
Install the Ocean Signal App on your mobile device.
Set-up a WiFi connection with your mobile device (initial connection only)
• Turn off the power to the ATB1.
• Press and hold the LED button and turn on the power. Keep the button held
for 6 seconds until the LED turns Amber. Release the button and the LED will
remain, Amber blinking off every 2 seconds to indicate the ATB1 is in Wi-Fi
connection mode.
Open the App on your mobile device and available devices will be discovered (this may take
a few moments). Once the search has completed, select the ATB1 to pair with your mobile
device (for iOS only, this is automatic using Android).
Follow the instructions in the App to upload the vessel information to your paired ATB1.

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3.3 Using a USB Device
Your vessel information can be transferred from your Android phone or computer/laptop to
the ATB1 using a USB stick and the provided USB On-the-Go cable.
!Ensure the ATB1 is powered off before inserting the USB stick.
Once inserted, power on the unit. The ATB1 will upload the information from the USB stick
automatically. This may take a few moments. Once the LED stops flashing and a steady
Green or Green/Amber flashing* light can be seen, the information is stored.
Press and hold the LED button for 10 seconds, the LED will start to flash Red/Amber and
on release will alternate Green and Amber to allow the USB stick to be safely removed
without corruption. The LED will revert to normal operation once the USB stick is removed.
You can use the Android App (see above) or the web-based software to upload vessel infor-
mation onto the USB Stick. The web-based software is available at
www.oceansignal.com/installers .
* Dependant on whether LRM is turned on.

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3.4 External Data Multiplexing
The ATB1 is capable of multiplexing external data sourced from any device connected by
NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 to be transmitted by WiFi to a connected navigation App.
To prevent multiple sources and to allow specific sentences to be transmitted it is neces-
sary to turn on the appropriate setting during the configuration process.
In the Advanced Setting section of the mobile and Web based applications you can select
the following:
Received NMEA2000 PGNs to be used for data source:
PGN Data
127250 Vessel Heading
128259 Speed (Water ref.)
128267 Water Depth
130306 Wind Data
128275 LOG
130577 Direction Data
130578 Speed Components
130310 Environmental
130311 Environmental
130312 Temperature
130316 Temperature

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NMEA0183 Sentences to be created from the NMEA2000 PGNs above:
Sentence Data
HDT True Heading
HDG Heading
THS True Heading
VHW Speed and Heading
VBW Speed
DBT Depth
DPT Depth
MWD Wind
MWV Wind
VLW LOG
MTW Water Temperature
Received NMEA0183 sentences required to be transmitted by WiFi:
Sentence Data
HDT True Heading
HDG Heading
THS True Heading
VHW Speed and Heading
VBW Speed
DBT Depth
DPT Depth
MWD Wind
MWV Wind
VLW LOG
MTW Water Temperature

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3.5 Using the Set-up App (Android and iOS)
Open the Ocean Signal App on your mobile device.
NOTE: An Internet connection is required throughout an initial WiFi set-up procedure.
Create a USB stick file (Android only) if there is no Internet signal available.
Carefully enter as many of the details requested by the App as possible. The App can be
used at any time to change information OTHER than the MMSI number.
!To change a programmed MMSI number it is necessary to use the App to
contact Ocean Signal and unlock the ATB1.
3.6 Using the On-line Web Based Software
Recommended Browsers: MS Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari.
www.oceansignal.com/ais_webapp
Carefully enter as many of the details requested by the App as possible. The App can be
used at any time to change information OTHER than the MMSI number.
!To change a programmed MMSI number it is necessary to contact Ocean
Signal to unlock the ATB1.
The generated file will be saved in the Downloads folder and should be copied onto an
empty USB stick *.
3.7 Creating an Account
The creation of an account will increase the warranty period to 3 years. The details entered
into the account will also allow Ocean Signal to contact you with any software updates or
other important information regarding your AIS.
The database used to store the information entered is fully GDPR compliant and Ocean
Signal will not pass on your details to any third parties for marketing purposes.
* USB sticks formatted as xFAT are not supported

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4. OPERATION
Once configured the ATB1 will start to operate automatically once the power supply is
switched on. The LED will flash Red for a short period while a GPS fix is acquired, after
which the LED will remain constant Green flickering slightly every time an AIS signal is
received. Alternative operating modes can be selected by pressing the LED button. The
operating mode is indicated by the LED as shown in the table in section 4.2.
4.1 Operating Modes
4.1.1 Silent Mode
The ATB1 can be prevented from transmitting the vessels position information allowing it to
be used as an AIS receiver only.
To activate Silent Mode press and hold the LED button for 2 seconds until the LED starts
flashing Amber/Green At this point release the button and the LED will flash Red for 5 sec-
onds indicating the unit is entering Silent Mode. Once in Silent Mode the LED will remain
continuous Amber to indicate the ATB1 is operating in Silent Mode. To deactivate Silent
Mode and start transmitting press and hold the LED button for 2 seconds until the LED
starts flashing Amber/Green. At this point release the button and the LED will flash Red for
5 seconds indicating the unit is exiting Silent Mode. Once in normal mode the LED remains
continuous Green indicting the ATB1 is transmitting data.
Silent Mode can also be selected using the mobile App or from an externally fitted Switch
(See page 11)
4.1.2 Long Range Messaging (LRM) Mode
To ensure the best operation when in offshore waters and out of VHF range from land
based AIS stations, the ATB1 can be used in Long Range Messaging Mode to make opti-
mum use of the satellite based AIS receivers.
To activate LRM Mode press and hold the LED button for 5 seconds until the LED shows
continuous Amber following 3 seconds of flashing Amber/Green. At this point release the
button and the LED will flash Red for 5 seconds indicating the ATB1 is entering LRM mode.
Once in LRM mode the LED will flash Green/Amber to indicate the ATB1 is operating in
LRM mode.
To deactivate LRM mode and return to normal operation press and hold the LED button for
5 seconds until the LED shows continuous Amber following 3 seconds of flashing Amber/
Green. At this point release the button and the LED will flash Red for 5 seconds indicating
the ATB1 is exiting LRM mode. Once in normal mode the LED remains continuous Green
indicating the ATB1 is transmitting in normal mode.

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4.2 LED Indicator Sequences
LED Sequence Reason Description
Flashing Green Start-up Unit is starting and obtaining a GPS fix.
Steady Green Operating
Unit is operating and is ready to receive/trans-
mit. Brief interruptions occur as AIS targets are
received
Steady Amber Silent Mode Brief interruptions occur as AIS targets are
received
Green / Amber
alternating LRM Mode
Unit is operating in Long Range Message Mode.
Brief interruptions occur as AIS targets are
received
Steady Red Error – Trans-
mit stopped
Use the WiFi App to see details of the fault
or check error messages on a connected
Multi-Function Display.
Flashing Red Error – Trans-
mit continued
These errors may be temporary due to external
influence. If the error indication continues for
more than 60 minutes check error messages on
a connected Multi-Function Display
Amber with off
pulse every 2s
Wi-Fi Set-up
mode
The unit is in Wi-Fi pairing mode and is visible to
other devices
Green / Red blink
every 1s
External data
lost
External data (ie. Heading) that has previously
been received by the ATB1 has been lost
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