SEAANGEL SA14-SART User manual

U
SER MANUAL
Model: SA14-SART
FT-TEC Electronics GmbH
Werner von Siemens Str. 5
A-7343 Neutal
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.ft-tec.com

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Document version:
Date
Revision
Responsibility
Reason for Change
2014-10-13
1.0 POT Document created
2015-01-27
1.1 POT Formatting optimized
2015-02-12
1.2 POT Added declaration of conformity
Scope:
This revision of the user manual is intended for the following firmware, software, and
hardware versions (model: SA14-SART), as well as for newer versions, unless stated
otherwise on the SEAANGEL website www.seaangel.at:
Date
Firmware
13.10.2014
1.2.16
Date
Hardware
13.10.2014
V03
SEAANGEL:
SEAANGEL is the name of a product family produced by FT-TEC GmbH, which covers a
wide variety of emergency systems for maritime applications. The individual products will be
distinguished according to their product model version. If the term SEAANGEL appears in
this user manual, it refers to the model SEAANGEL SA14-SART, unless stated otherwise.
Subject to technical changes and printing errors.
All figures are sample images.

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Table of contents
1 ABOUT THIS GUIDE ........................................................................ 5
2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................. 6
3 OVERVIEW: FT-TEC SEAANGEL .................................................... 7
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7
3.2 The essential features at a glance ........................................................................... 8
4 SHORT DESCRIPTION OF AIS ........................................................ 9
4.1 What is AIS? .............................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Transmission modes ...............................................................................................10
4.2.1 Ship-to-Ship ........................................................................................................10
4.2.2 Ship-to-Shore .....................................................................................................10
4.2.3 SART-to-Ship .....................................................................................................10
4.3 What is an AIS transponder? ..................................................................................10
4.4 Transponder classes ...............................................................................................11
4.5 Functions of the FT-TEC AIS SEAANGEL SA14-SART .........................................12
5 SEAANGEL COMPONENTS .......................................................... 13
6 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................ 15
6.1 Technical information ..............................................................................................15
6.2 Standards and norms ..............................................................................................16
6.3 Device specification ................................................................................................17
6.4 Battery life ................................................................................................................17
6.5 Log and configuration memory ..............................................................................18
7 DELIVERY CONTENTS .................................................................. 19
8 OPERATION ................................................................................... 20
8.1 Emergency operation ..............................................................................................20
8.1.1 Manual activation using the button ......................................................................21
8.1.2 Automatic or manual activation using the ripcord ................................................23
8.1.3 Automatic activation through water contact .........................................................24
8.1.4 Deactivation ........................................................................................................24
8.2 Test operation ..........................................................................................................26
8.2.1 Activating the test operation ................................................................................28
8.2.2 Deactivation ........................................................................................................29

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9 MOUNTING ..................................................................................... 30
9.1 Mounting the telescopic pole ..................................................................................30
9.2 Mounting the SEAANGEL on a belt ........................................................................31
9.2.1 Permanent attachment using belt strap ...............................................................32
9.2.2 Removable attachment using a belt clip ..............................................................32
9.3 Mounting on a lifejacket ..........................................................................................33
10 TAKING CARE OF THE DEVICE ................................................. 34
11 CONTACT AND SUPPORT INFORMATION ............................... 35
12 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................. 36
13 FAQ .............................................................................................. 37

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1 About this guide
Read the safety instructions carefully before use. Observe the warnings in the manual.
Always keep the manual within reach. If you sell or give away this device, please be sure to
include this manual.
Symbols used in the text:
This symbol indicates potential personal injury hazards or risks to your health.
This symbol indicates important information.
This symbol indicates actions which may damage the product and other
property.

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2 Safety instructions
THE SEAANGEL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY WITHOUT AN
ANTENNA. NEVER USE THIS DEVICE WITHOUT AN ANTENNA.
THE WARRANTY IS VOID IF THE ANTENNA IS REMOVED FROM THE
DEVICE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT WORKS AFTER BEING
REPLACED OR NOT.
ONLY ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY OPERATION IF YOU ARE
ACTUALLY IN DANGER. MISUSE MAY LEAD TO CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION.
BE CAREFUL OF THE FLASH LED, IT MIGHT BLIND YOU.
The battery pack consists of lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) batteries.
The capacity of the batteries is influenced by the ambient temperature.
Protect the device from direct sunlight and excessive temperature fluctuations
in order to avoid shortening the device's lifespan. Only operate the device
within the specified temperature range of -20 °C to +55 °C to prevent
malfunctions.
When in operation, the SEAANGEL emits electromagnetic waves. As a result,
sensitive electronic equipment and even your ship's compass could be
interfered with. Make sure that the device is used with keeping a proper
distance from sensitive equipment.
Avoid any unnecessary mechanical stress (shocks, impacts) to avoid
damaging the casing or antenna. Full functionality cannot be guaranteed
otherwise.
The device is designed for the maritime industry. It is not intended to be used
on land and could cause damage to other electronic devices.

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3 Overview: FT-TEC SEAANGEL
3.1 Introduction
Your new FT-TEC SEAANGEL SA14-SART is an advanced AIS search and rescue
transmitter that can save your life. The device transmits your exact GPS position via AIS
technology to a PC/notebook or chartplotter. This makes it easier to find a person in distress,
and thus significantly increases the chances of survival. Since emergency messages are
sent as standardised messages, all ships and aircraft/helicopters located in reception range
with AIS on-board can participate in the rescue operation.
Figure 1: SEAANGEL SA14-SART
In this guide, there are images which may show only part of the
SEAANGEL in order to focus your attention on a specific part of the
product. It may happen that the device is depicted without the antenna
fitted. Please do not let this confuse you. Do not attempt to remove the
components of your SEAANGEL, unless expressly ordered to do so.

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3.2 The essential features at a glance
Supports AIS channel 1 and channel 2 (161.975 MHz / 162.025 MHz)
Transmission power ≈ 1 W
Transmission range 5 NM1 (depending on swell and receiving antenna height)
Integrated GNSS receiver with support for GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou, 72
channels, built-in antenna
Compact size (138 mm x 65 mm x 25 mm excl. antenna and optional mount)
Status LEDs
Minute-by-minute position update
Battery life of more than 96 hours of broadcast time after activation, even under extreme
environmental conditions.
5 year battery life (without emergency activation)
Automatic and manual activation by:
- Ripcord mechanism
- Contact with water
- Button
Operating temperature : -20 °C to +55 °C
Waterproof to 10 m (IPx7)
LED flash to improve detection in the dark
Easy to use
1 NM = Nautical mile = 1852.216 m

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4 Short description of AIS
4.1 What is AIS?
AIS stands for Automatic Identification System and is a communication system that uses
self-organising time slot process on registered channels in the maritime mobile VHF band
(161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz). It is based on an open, unencrypted protocol which allows
data to be sent or received autonomously, without the interaction of marine and operator
personnel. In addition to the autonomous mode, there are also options which allow short,
safety-related messages to be sent using human interaction.
Data that is autonomously generated and transferred to other vessels or to the mainland via
broadcast, are dynamic data such as position, speed, and direction, as well as static and
voyage related data such as depth or type of ship. Transmissions are made at regular
intervals, the frequency interval of the speed and course of any change depends on the
respective vessel. This data is processed by the receiver and can be generally displayed on
an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Current position data is
referenced geographically with the respective ship identification of the received AIS stations,
and displayed on a digital map.
Figure 2: The AIS network

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Using AIS makes navigation at sea safer and protects the environment by preventing
accidents with the aid of special support navigation tasks. AIS was adopted by the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a binding standard in 2000. Since 2002, there
has been a carriage requirement for all ships that meets the following criteria:
 All ships above 300 GRT2 gross tonnage engaged in international journeys
 All ships above 500 GRT gross tonnage engaged in national journeys
 Ships longer than 20 m
 Ships with more than 50 passengers on board
4.2 Transmission modes
4.2.1 Ship-to-Ship
In this mode, information is exchanged between ships. This is done fully autonomous.
4.2.2 Ship-to-Shore
In Ship-to-Shore mode, the ship communicates with a base station on land. This mode is
primarily for coordinating and regulating marine traffic.
4.2.3 SART-to-Ship
AIS-SART devices are pure transmission units which only transmit information in one
direction.
4.3 What is an AIS transponder?
Data is transmitted using an AIS transponder. This features the following components:
 GNSS receiver (used to determine the position of your ship)
 Processor and memory (intelligence of the transponder)
 Power supply
 Antenna (VHF and GNSS)
 2-channel VHF transmitter/receiver (for transmitting and receiving AIS messages
over the radio),
2Abbreviation for Gross Register Tonnage. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet = 2.8316846592 m³.

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Figure 3: Schematic representation of an AIS transponder
4.4 Transponder classes
Essentially there are two classes that can be distinguished:
 Class A: Use in commercial shipping
 Class B: Use in recreational boating
Put simply, these two classes access the AIS network using different methods; Class B can
only transmit if there are enough free time slots available. Thus, Class A devices have higher
priority over Class B. Depending on the class, up to 27 message types are supported.
Further information can be found in Rec. ITU-R M.1371-4 (04/2010)3.
Did you know that the FT-
TEC produces the smallest USB AIS receiver
with integrated GNSS in the world,
which allows you to receive
information from your SEAANGEL SA14-SART and view it
on a
PC/notebook?
Find out more by visiting www.seanexx.at
3 http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.1371

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4.5 Functions of the FT-TEC AIS SEAANGEL SA14-SART
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART does not contain a VHF receiver and therefore cannot be
assigned to either of the two transponder classes. Its function is limited to sending
emergency signals, transmitting message type 1 and 14 as defined in Rec. ITU-R M.1371-4
(04/2010) at periodic intervals alternately on the two VHF channels. Once the device is
activated, it works completely autonomous.
When activated, the emergency rescue transmitter initiates a rescue chain which all ships,
aircraft, and helicopters can participate in as long as they have AIS on board and are within
the transmission range.
The device generally supports two operation modes:
1. Test operation
2. Emergency operation
Your device will undergo self-tests at regular intervals (once a year) as part of the test
operation. This serves to ensure the correct functioning of the device during its entire period
of use. Emergency operation is used, as described above, for sending emergency signals.
More detailed information on the functionality of the SEAANGEL and its respective modes of
operation can be found below.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT MISUSING THIS EQUIPMENT MAY RESULT
IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
The emergency signal is transmitted via VHF. The range of these systems is
limited by technological restrictions. The successful transmission of the
emergency signal depends primarily on whether a ship ready to receive is in
your area. The higher the antenna is mounted above the water level, the
greater the range it has.

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5 SEAANGEL components
Antenna
LED flash
Safety slide
Water contacts
Carabiner
Ripcord
Keypad
Battery expiry date
Snap point
Belt clip
Ripcord (without cord)
Device specification
Belt mounting plate
Figure 4: Description of individual components

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ON button
TEST button
LED TEST status
LED DISTRESS (ON) status
Figure 5: Description of keypad
Figure 6: Description of telescopic pole
Base plate
Float
Aluminium pole (extendible)
Handle

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6 Product specifications
6.1 Technical information
Product name: FT-TEC AIS SEAANGEL
Model: SA14-SART
Size (LxBxH): 138 mm x 65 mm x 25 mm
Weight (without telescopic pole): 190 g
Power supply: 9 V LiMnO2 Industry cells4, CR123
Transmission frequency: - AIS channel 1 (161.975 MHz)
- AIS channel 2 (162,025 MHz)
- Channel frequency alternating
Transmission power: approx. 1 W
Transmission antenna: Vertically polarized
Transmission range: 5 NM
Integrated GNSS receiver: - GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou
(simultaneous reception possible)
- Navigation sensitivity: -167 dBm
- integrated antenna
- 72 channel
- Position information updated once a minute
Supported AIS messages: - Message 1 (position report)
- Message 14 (safety related broadcast message)
Message interval: Burst (8 message a minute)
Transmission time: Min. 96 hours after emergency activation, even in
extreme conditions
Battery life: 5 years (self-drain and annual self-tests, without
emergency activation)
Self-test: Required once a year
Maintenance interval: After emergency activation or after 5 years (at the
latest)
Protection class: IPx7
Storage temperature: -30 °C to +70 °C
4 Lithium manganese dioxide

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Operation temperature: -20 °C to +55 °C
Status LEDs: Colour: Red and orange
LED flash: Colour: White
Casing: Material: PC-ABS
Colour: Yellow (casing shell)
Red (safety slide, belt strap)
Translucent white (LED flash covering)
6.2 Standards and norms
The product meets the following requirements:
 IEC 61108-1:2003:
Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems – Global
navigation satellite systems (GNSS) – Part 1: Global positioning system (GPS) -
Receiver equipment - Performance standards, methods of testing and required
test results
 IEC 60945:2002:
Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems - General
requirements – Methods of testing and required test results
 IEC 61097-14:2010:
Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) – Part 14: AIS Search And
Rescue Transmitter (AIS-SART) – Operational and performance requirements,
methods of testing and required test results
 EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011:
Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements
 IEC 62479:2010:
Assessment of the compliance of low power electronic and electrical equipment
with the basic restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (10
MHz to 300 GHz)
The prescribed maintenance and annual self-test will be referred to several
times in the following sections.
Maintenance refers to the fee-based service of your device, which may
exclusively be carried out by the FT-TEC GmbH. Parts of the device subject
to wear (e.g. battery, antenna, ripcord) will be exchanged as part of the
maintenance. Your device will also be recalibrated if necessary.
You can carry out the annual self-test yourself. This test is to check the
functionality of the components of your system.

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6.3 Device specification
On the back of the SEAANGEL SA14-SART (see Figure 4 and Figure 7) unit, you will find
device specifications and information, including the unique serial number and user ID
number. The user ID is a 9-digit identification number which is transmitted in case of a test or
emergency situation. You can use a PC/notebook or chartplotter to display AIS messages.
The identification number is useful for telling devices apart when receiving messages from
multiple devices simultaneously.
Figure 7: Device specification sticker
6.4 Battery life
This unit uses industrial lithium cells (Lithium manganese dioxide) which have a very low
self-discharge. This guarantees a long life and 96 hours of active emergency operation,
providing the device's batteries are replaced after activation or after 5 years – whichever
comes sooner.
As shown in Figure 4, there is a sticker located on the back of your device, which shows the
battery expiry date. In the example shown in Figure 8, the batteries will have to have been
changed by July 2019, in order to not reduce the device's performance.
Figure 8: Battery expiration date
Please always state the serial number and model number (SA14-SART)
found on the back of the device when dealing with service enquiries.
The user ID is not a unique number. The first 3 digits identify the type of
transmitter (AIS SART for example is 970), the next 2 digits represent the
manufacturer (FT-TEC is represented by 97) and the remaining 4 digits
correspond to a consecutive number. Be aware that there may be more than
one device with the same user ID.
THE BATTERY MAY ONLY BE REPLACED BY FT-TECGMBH. DO NOT
RISK LOSING THE WARRANTY OR OR DAMAGING THE DEVICE BY
REPLACING IT YOURSELF.

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6.5 Log and configuration memory
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART is equipped with a non-volatile memory. It contains the
following data:
 Device configuration data (user ID, serial number, etc.)
 Error protocols
 Results of the self-test as part of maintenance works
 Activation cycles
The user has no access to this data. It is read and evaluated as part of the maintenance
service, and is required for warranty claims.
The battery life can only be guaranteed if you follow the instructions in this
manual. Do not expose the device to extreme weather conditions and only run
the self-test (test mode) at specified intervals. If this is not done, you may
shorten the unit's lifespan and affect the amount of time the unit can be used
for active emergency operation.

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7 Delivery contents
Please check the contents of the delivery before using the SEAANGEL SA14-SART.
 SEAANGEL AIS-SART Transmitter
 Telescopic pole
 Base plate for telescopic pole
 Cord 10 m
 Belt strap
 Belt clip
 Water contact
 Fastening screws
 Screwdriver
 User manual
 Carabiner

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8 Operation
8.1 Emergency operation
In this mode, your device sends an emergency signal once a minute. This signal contains
your current GPS position and a text-based message which reads "SART ACTIVE". The
emergency signals sent from your device are broadcast messages, i.e. all ships in reception
range equipped with an AIS transponder and receiver will receive your emergency signal,
and can display your position and message on a digital chart.
Emergency operation can be activated on your device using different mechanisms.
1. Manual activation using the ON button
2. Automatic or manual activation using the ripcord
3. Automatic activation through water contact
When being used in emergency operation, the LED status DISTRESS will light up red, and
the LED flasher will flash at 5 second intervals. If the LED DISTRESS stays constantly
illuminated, this means that no GPS position could be determined. This will always be the
case immediately after activation since the integrated GNSS receiver requires some time to
process the data from available satellite systems and to determine an accurate position. If a
position can be calculated, this LED will flash.
IN ORDER TO PREVENT SETTING AN UNNECESSARY RESCUE
OPERATION ONLY ACTIVATE EMERGENCY OPERATION IF YOU ARE IN
DANGER.
YOU SHOULD ONLY USE THE TEST MODE TO CHECK THE
FUNCTIONALITY OF YOUR DEVICE.
Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or high waves, it may not be
possible to determine a GPS position for a long time. In this case, the status
LED DISTRESS remains illuminated and transfers your last valid position
when sending the emergency signal.