Rutter VDR-100G2 User manual

VDR-100G2/G2S Operation
User Manual
RUT-UM-02-002 Rev.2.0
Rutter Technologies Inc
70 Brookfield Road
St. John’s, NL Canada
A1E 3T9
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.ruttertech.com

Rutter Technologies Inc.
VDR-100G2/G2S Operation
User Manual
RUT-UM-02-002 Rev. 2.0
Revision Issue Date: December 23, 2008
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VDR—100G2/SVDR Operation User Manual
The details of any amendment made to this documentation should be recorded in the table below.
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VDR-100G2/G2S Operation User Manual TOC - I
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Table of Contents
1SYSTEM ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 VDR-100G2 System Components ............................................................................................1
1.1.1 Data Processing Unit (DPU) ........................................................................................................................................3
1.1.2 Data Acquisition Unit (DAU).........................................................................................................................................4
1.1.3 Audio Module ...............................................................................................................................................................5
1.1.4 Video Module ...............................................................................................................................................................7
1.1.5 NMEA Input Modules ...................................................................................................................................................8
1.1.6 Operation & Alarm Unit (OAU).....................................................................................................................................9
1.1.7 Final Recording Medium (FRM/SFRM)......................................................................................................................10
1.1.8 Remote Storage Module (RSM).................................................................................................................................15
1.1.9 External Data Interfaces ............................................................................................................................................15
1.2 Client / Playback PC................................................................................................................16
1.2.1 Minimum Requirements .............................................................................................................................................16
1.3 System Overview Drawings....................................................................................................17
2TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................. 19
3USER GUIDE............................................................................................ 23
3.1 Securing Data...........................................................................................................................23
3.2 Viewing Secured Data.............................................................................................................23
3.3 Securing Data to the RSM.......................................................................................................24
3.4 Muting Audible Alarm..............................................................................................................24
3.5 Dimming the Display...............................................................................................................24
3.6 Test Screen ..............................................................................................................................24
3.7 Alarm Code Description..........................................................................................................25
4DATA RETRIEVAL .................................................................................... 27
4.1 Optional Client Download PC.................................................................................................27
4.2 Installation of Download Software.........................................................................................28
4.2.1 Starting the Download Process..................................................................................................................................29
4.2.2 Begin the Download...................................................................................................................................................29
4.2.3 Download Secured Data Set......................................................................................................................................31
4.2.4 Extended NMEA Download .......................................................................................................................................32
4.2.5 Complete vs. Partial Download..................................................................................................................................32
4.2.6 Error Log and Battery Log..........................................................................................................................................33
4.2.7 Disconnecting from the VDR......................................................................................................................................33
4.3 USB Memory Stick...................................................................................................................33
4.4 Remote Storage Module..........................................................................................................33
5RSM & USB Memory Stick ....................................................................... 35
5.1 Copying Data to RSM/USB Memory Stick.............................................................................36
5.1.1 Copy Current Data .....................................................................................................................................................37
5.1.2 Copying Secured Data...............................................................................................................................................37
5.1.3 Copying Extended NMEA Data..................................................................................................................................38
5.1.4 Disconnecting the RSM .............................................................................................................................................38
5.2 Connecting Client PC to RSM.................................................................................................39
6PLAYBACK SOFTWARE ............................................................................ 41
6.1 Playback Installation - Client PC............................................................................................41
6.2 Starting the Playback Application .........................................................................................42
6.2.1 Configuration File.......................................................................................................................................................42
6.3 Choosing Data for Playback...................................................................................................43
6.3.1 Unarchive Extracted Data ..........................................................................................................................................44

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6.4 Enabling Ethernet Broadcasts ...............................................................................................45
6.5 Starting the Playback..............................................................................................................45
6.6 Passwords................................................................................................................................46
6.7 Playback Controls ...................................................................................................................46
6.8 Audio Volume & Channel Selection.......................................................................................47
6.9 Conning Tab Screen................................................................................................................48
6.9.1 Depth Graph ..............................................................................................................................................................48
6.9.2 Wind Information........................................................................................................................................................49
6.10 AIS Playback Tab Screen........................................................................................................51
6.10.1 Targets.......................................................................................................................................................................51
6.10.2 View Settings .............................................................................................................................................................52
6.10.3 GuardZone.................................................................................................................................................................53
6.11 Fire Doors Tab Screen ............................................................................................................54
6.12 Water Doors Tab Screen.........................................................................................................54
6.13 Hull Openings Tab Screen......................................................................................................55
6.14 Log Tab Screen........................................................................................................................55
6.15 Alarms Tab Screen..................................................................................................................56
6.16 Data Extraction ........................................................................................................................56
6.16.1 Open Extraction Window ...........................................................................................................................................56
6.16.2 Selecting Data for Extraction .....................................................................................................................................57
6.17 Closing the Application...........................................................................................................57
7Maintenance............................................................................................ 58
7.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................58
7.2 Preventative Maintenance.......................................................................................................59
7.2.1 General Inspection Procedures .................................................................................................................................59
7.2.2 Air Flow Check...........................................................................................................................................................59
7.2.3 FRM Maintenance......................................................................................................................................................60
7.2.4 Verifying the Data ......................................................................................................................................................60
7.3 Corrective Maintenance..........................................................................................................62
7.3.1 Alarm Code Descriptions ...........................................................................................................................................62
7.3.2 Log Window Error Code Descriptions........................................................................................................................63
7.3.3 NMEA Error Code Descriptions .................................................................................................................................65
7.4 Update Service History Log....................................................................................................66

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List of Figures
Figure 1-1 - VDR-100G2 Block Diagram ...................................................................................................... 2
Figure 1-2 - Data Processing Unit.................................................................................................................3
Figure 1-3 - Data Management Module (Rear View).................................................................................... 4
Figure 1-4 - Data Acquisition Unit .................................................................................................................5
Figure 1-5 – 12-Input (6-Channel) Audio Module ......................................................................................... 6
Figure 1-6 - Indoor Microphone ....................................................................................................................6
Figure 1-7 - Outdoor Microphone..................................................................................................................7
Figure 1-8 - Video Module............................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 1-9 – NMEA Input Module ................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 1-10 - Operation & Alarm Unit .........................................................................................................10
Figure 1-11 – Rutter FRM (RUT-02447) Fixed Capsule.............................................................................11
Figure 1-12 –L3 HVR-01 Fixed FRM Capsule ............................................................................................12
Figure 1-13 - L3 HVR-02 Fixed FRM Capsule............................................................................................12
Figure 1-14 - L3 SVR-01 Fixed SFRM Capsule..........................................................................................13
Figure 1-15 - L3 SVR-02 Fixed SFRM Capsule..........................................................................................13
Figure 1-16 - Jotron Float-Free SFRM Capsule .........................................................................................13
Figure 1-17 - Rutter-ACR Float-Free SFRM Capsule................................................................................. 14
Figure 1-18 - Remote Storage Module ....................................................................................................... 15
Figure 1-19 - System Overview (with DAU) ................................................................................................ 17
Figure 1-20 - System Overview (without DAU)...........................................................................................18
Figure 3-1 – OAU Menu Pad.......................................................................................................................23
Figure 4-1 - Establishing TCP/IP Address .................................................................................................. 28
Figure 4-2 - Download Software Main Screen............................................................................................29
Figure 4-3 - Download Controls Menu ........................................................................................................29
Figure 4-4 - Download Settings Window.....................................................................................................30
Figure 4-5 - Sample Download Directory....................................................................................................30
Figure 4-6 - Download Secured Datasets...................................................................................................31
Figure 4-7 - Partial Download Window .......................................................................................................31
Figure 4-8 - Confirm Download Settings.....................................................................................................32
Figure 4-9 - Completed Download .............................................................................................................. 32
Figure 5-1 - Rear View of RSM Unit ...........................................................................................................38
Figure 6-1 - Installation Executable File......................................................................................................41
Figure 6-2 - Choose Installation Directory ..................................................................................................41
Figure 6-3 - Installing Message Window.....................................................................................................42
Figure 6-4 - Playback Software...................................................................................................................42
Figure 6-5 - Configuration File Selection - Menu Item ................................................................................43
Figure 6-6 - Restart Warning.......................................................................................................................43
Figure 6-7 - Choose a .vdr File ...................................................................................................................44
Figure 6-8 - Unarchive Extracted Data .......................................................................................................44
Figure 6-9 - Enabling Ethernet Broadcasting..............................................................................................45
Figure 6-10 - Controls Toolbar....................................................................................................................45
Figure 6-11 - Choose Start Time For Playback ..........................................................................................45
Figure 6-12 - Change Password .................................................................................................................46
Figure 6-13 - Set Fast Forward Rate ..........................................................................................................47
Figure 6-14 - Audio Interface ......................................................................................................................47
Figure 6-15 – Audio Menu...........................................................................................................................48
Figure 6-16 - Depth Graph..........................................................................................................................48
Figure 6-17 - Wind Information ...................................................................................................................49
Figure 6-18 – Sample Propulsion Tab ........................................................................................................49
Figure 6-19 – MultiPilot Tab........................................................................................................................ 50
Figure 6-20 - AIS Playback Tab..................................................................................................................51
Figure 6-21 - Targets Information Section ..................................................................................................52
Figure 6-22 - View Settings Section............................................................................................................52

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Figure 6-23 - AIS Display Settings Window ................................................................................................53
Figure 6-24 - Fire Doors Tab.......................................................................................................................54
Figure 6-25 - Water Doors Tab ...................................................................................................................54
Figure 6-26 - Hull Openings Tab.................................................................................................................55
Figure 6-27 - Log Window...........................................................................................................................55
Figure 6-28 - Data Extraction Option ..........................................................................................................56
Figure 6-29 - Data Extraction Window ........................................................................................................56
Figure 6-30 - Data Stream Options w/ Video Selected...............................................................................57
Figure 7–1: OAU keypad.............................................................................................................................60
Figure 7–2: Detail of user interface for VDR playback application. ............................................................61
List of Tables
Table 3.1 – Alarm Code Description ...........................................................................................................25
Table 5.1 - Data Download: USB Memory Stick vs. RSM .......................................................................... 35
Table 7-1: Alarm Code Description.............................................................................................................62
Table 7-2 - Error Codes - Playback Log Window .......................................................................................63
Table 7-3 - NMEA Error Codes...................................................................................................................65
Table 7-4: Update Service History Log .......................................................................................................67

VDR-100G2/G2S Operation User Manual 1
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1SYSTEM
1.1 VDR-100G2 System Components
The VDR-100G2 is a modular, Ethernet-based data acquisition and storage system. It is designed to
collect and maintain a secure, retrievable record of information related to the position, movement,
physical status, and command & control of a marine vessel.
While this manual references the VDR-100G2, it is also applicable to the Simplified Voyage Data
Recorder (VDR-100G2S) unless otherwise stated.
There are three (3) types of information recorded by a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR):
1. Audio data acquired from microphones mounted in the immediate vicinity of a vessel’s main
bridge workstations and a primary VHF radio is required to be recorded. The VDR-100G2 has
the capability to record public address systems, internal communications, additional radios, or
other areas of the ship if necessary.
2. Video data can be captured at 15 second intervals from one (1) complete radar video frame
screen via a dedicated buffered output port of the radar. The VDR-100G2 can record images
captured from multiple Radars, electronic chart, or CCTV displays at various capture intervals.
An SVDR is not required to capture video data.
3. ASCII serial data related to the position, heading, speed, wind, water depth, hull openings,
bulkhead doors, alarm status, manoeuvring commands, and responses can be recorded with
the VDR-100G2. The standard format for this data is defined in the NMEA 0183/IEC 61162
standards; through the implementation of an interface module, non-standard data can be
converted to this format.
For a complete list of data items to be recorded, refer to IEC 61996.
The VDR-100G2 is a fully IMO compliant VDR. The base system consists of the following components:
1. Data Processing Unit (DPU), consisting of:
Data Management Module (DMM)
Power Supply Module
Power Control Module
2 x 28Ah 12V batteries
Cooling Fan with thermostat
4-Port Ethernet switch
4GB USB Memory Stick
2. Data Acquisition Unit (DAU)*, consisting of:
4-Channel Audio Module
1-Channel Video Module
8-Channel NMEA Module
* The DAU is optional with the VDR-100G2S.
3. Operation & Alarm Unit (OAU)
4. Final Recording Medium (FRM)
5. Internal and External Microphones

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Optionally, the VDR-100G2 can also be supplied with the following components:
1. 2 or 4 additional audio channels (to a maximum of 16 inputs)
2. 1, 2, or 3 additional video channels (to a maximum of 4)
3. 8 or 16 NMEA channels
4. Remote Storage Module (RSM) (implemented for long term archiving and/or additional data
backup storage retrieval)
5. Data Interfaces (implemented for the conversion of non-standard signals to NMEA format).
Interfaces include:
DataAnalog
DataDiscrete
DataSynchro
DataGyro
DataProtocol
UNIT
ACQUISITION
DATA
UNIT
PROCESSING
DATA
Figure 1-1 - VDR-100G2 Block Diagram
The VDR-100G2S has many similar components to the VDR-100G2, with the following differences:
The Video Module is only required if the vessel’s radar has an available COTS (commercial off-
the-shelf) interface. Therefore, the recording of video data may not be applicable in some VDR-
100G2S installations.
The VDR-100G2S has an accompanying Simplified FRM (SFRM) capsule.

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1.1.1 Data Processing Unit (DPU)
The Data Processing Unit (DPU) receives and processes information provided from the various Audio,
Video, and NMEA Input Modules. This information is processed in the Data Management Module (DMM)
for archiving on the DMM’s internal hard drive, the Final Recording Medium (FRM), USB Memory Stick,
and the optional Remote Storage Module (RSM).
The VDR-100G2 power system is housed in the DPU, and accepts universal AC or 24VDC from the
ship’s emergency power while providing 24VDC to the VDR-100G2 modules. The power system includes
batteries to provide uninterrupted power to the audio recording system in the event of a blackout.
The DPU also contains an Ethernet switch (hub) which provides the ability to combine video and NMEA
data into a single Ethernet link.
Figure 1-2 - Data Processing Unit
1.1.1.1 Data Management Module
The Data Management Module (DMM) is a rugged, small form factor Pentium computer. It is equipped
with four (4) Ethernet input ports, two (2) serial ports, two (2) USB ports, a high capacity hard disk drive,
and a compact flash card containing an embedded Windows XP operating system.
The module compresses and stores data received from the acquisition modules and, simultaneously,
outputs processed data to the FRM, USB Memory Stick, optional Remote Storage Module (RSM), and
optional Download/Playback PC (as described below).
Communication with the Operation and Alarm Unit (OAU) and Power Control Module (PCM) occurs via
the serial ports. Additionally, the DMM can be configured to provide data for real-time display via an
Ethernet connection.
In addition to the most current data set, the base model DMM can store numerous previously recorded
full data sets in a secure location. This secure location prevents previously recorded data sets from being
overwritten.

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Figure 1-3 - Data Management Module (Rear View)
1.1.1.2 Power Supply Module
The VDR-100G2 has the option of being powered by either AC or DC supply (must be chosen at time of
order as it is not field configurable):
The AC input range is 85-264V, 47-63Hz.
The DC input range is 19-28V.
The output of both supplies is 27.6VDC, which is the normal operating voltage of the VDR.
The power supply also acts as a battery charger for re-charging low batteries or maintaining a full charge.
The battery input is reverse polarity protected by a crossbar diode and a replaceable fuse.
1.1.1.3 Power Control Module
The Power Control Module monitors the power system and communicates the power system status
information to the DMM. It also controls the switching circuitry to transfer the load from the power supply
to the batteries.
1.1.2 Data Acquisition Unit (DAU)
The Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) is an optional component that can house up to four (4) main data
acquisition modules:
Audio Module
Video Module
(2) NMEA Modules
These modules are used to capture ship information and output this acquired data through an Ethernet
port, transmitting it to the DPU for processing and storage.

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Figure 1-4 - Data Acquisition Unit
1.1.3 Audio Module
The Audio Module receives audio information from bridge microphones and vessel radios in accordance
with the IEC 61996 standard. All audio data is routed to the DMM for processing, storage, and eventual
retrieval. This module also controls the test buzzers used to verify the functionality of all microphones
connected to the VDR-100G2.
The standard Audio Module is an autonomous audio capture and broadcast device with eight (8) input
ports for capturing audio data from a combination of microphones or line level inputs. An example
combination may be:
Six (6) microphones
Transmitted and received signals from the primary VHF radio.
The module combines pairs of input signals, digitizes the combined audio channels, and outputs the
audio data through an Ethernet port. Twelve or sixteen input Audio Module units are also available for
capturing audio data from additional microphones or other sources.
Additional specifications:
The audio inputs are transformer coupled and can be configured on site as either microphone or
line level connections.
The 8, 12, or 16 audio inputs are mixed 2:1 (either LEFT/RIGHT for microphones, or TX/RX for
VHF) to produce 4, 6, or 8 single-ended digital signal streams respectively.
Separate level control potentiometers are located on the PCB, and can be adjusted using a
screwdriver. These levels are preset during manufacturing.
The audio signals are sampled to 12-bit resolution. The resulting digitized data stream is
broadcast across an Ethernet cable for storage.
The Audio Module Ethernet output is connected to a dedicated Ethernet port on the DMM.

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Figure 1-5 – 12-Input (6-Channel) Audio Module
There are two (2) types of microphones available with the VDR-100G2:
The indoor microphones are condenser style boundary microphones, ordinarily mounted to the ceiling
in the bridge area, with a junction box mounted above the ceiling for cable connection.
The outdoor (external) microphone has an externally mounted wiring junction box.
Both microphone assemblies include a microphone test buzzer.
Figure 1-6 - Indoor Microphone

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Figure 1-7 - Outdoor Microphone
1.1.4 Video Module
The Video Module is an autonomous video capture and broadcast device. It has one (1) input port for
capturing images from a dedicated buffered output port of the primary radar. The module digitizes the
video signals and outputs the video data through an Ethernet port. Video modules with up to four (4)
inputs are also available for capturing images from additional video displays.
The module provides periodic updates of RGB images. For maximum flexibility, the board holds sufficient
memory to accommodate 1600 x 1200 x 24-bit colour images and refresh rates up to 85Hz. For
maximum capability, the A/D samples at up to 170MHz, with a clock inversion option that allows larger
images to be sampled by interleaving two (2) consecutive frames.
The Data Management Module (DMM) initiates the capture of video information and specifies its
configuration. This includes:
The video channel to be digitized.
The sources of the vertical and horizontal syncs.
The coefficients for the PLL-generated pixel clock (or selection of an external clock).
The dimensions (number of samples and lines) of the captured frame.

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Figure 1-8 - Video Module
1.1.5 NMEA Input Modules
The NMEA Input Modules provide connection to all IMO-required data items in both NMEA 0183/IEC
61162 and limited ASCII data formats. NMEA modules multiplex up to eight (8) NMEA-0183 data
streams from shipboard systems onto a single RS-232/422 serial data channel, and simultaneously on an
Ethernet connection (UDP). Captured data is sent to the DMM via an Ethernet connection for storage
and eventual retrieval.
These modules use embedded microprocessor technology with real-time buffer storage to handle
simultaneous arrival of data on multiple channels without conflict. Additionally:
An efficient anti-collision algorithm preserves the integrity of the data even at high incoming data
rates.
Data is handled on a first-in-first-out basis, assembled, and then transmitted via the serial output
port to the receiving computer or data logger.

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Figure 1-9 – NMEA Input Module
1.1.6 Operation & Alarm Unit (OAU)
The Operation & Alarm Unit (OAU) provides a visible and audible alarm in the event of a VDR-100G2
error condition. Using an output connection to a vessel’s central bridge alarm system, the OAU alerts an
Integrated Bridge System (IBS) of any VDR-100G2 system failures or error conditions. The alarm unit is
also used to initiate an IMO required download operation on the VDR-100G2.
The OAU has three (3) primary functions:
Alert the ship’s officer on watch of any detected failure within the VDR-100G2.
Allow a user to secure recorded data. This action must be taken within 24 hours of any incident
to prevent the recording of the incident from being overwritten.
Allow a user to connect or disconnect, as well as copy secured data, to the optional RSM.
The unit has a simple menu interface which allows a user to secure the recorded data and enable or
disable the optional RSM. It is equipped with:
Audible and visual alarm indicators
A 12-button keypad
A 4 x 20 character LED
An output for monitoring in a central alarm system

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Figure 1-10 - Operation & Alarm Unit
1.1.7 Final Recording Medium (FRM/SFRM)
The Final Recording Medium (FRM/SFRM) is a solid-state storage unit capable of storing a minimum of
12 hours of VDR-100G2 data in compliance with IMO resolution A.861(20.). The difference between a
VDR and a Simplified-VDR mainly relates to the number of recording channels and their characteristics.
Both systems require radar video, bridge microphones and VHF audio, in conjunction with position data,
heading and course information, to be recorded for a minimum of 12 consecutive hours.
•The primary function of the FRM/SFRM is to provide a protective capsule for the IMO required
data acquired by the VDR. This data will be used, in the event of an incident, by an accident
investigation team.
The FRM/SFRM is mounted on the exterior deck of the ship and connected to the DMM.
The FRM/SFRM receives data from the VDR via an Ethernet link.
The SFRM is available in two types: float-free and fixed.