Thales VesseLINK VF350BM User manual

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
DECEMBER 2017
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
JUNE 2017
COPYRIGHT © 2017
THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This document contains technology controlled for export by the U.S. Department of
Commerce in accordance with Export Administration Regulations. Diversion contrary to
U.S. law prohibited.
VesseLINK
Installation Guide

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
Date
Revision
Description
Author
Nov 2017
1
Initial release
DCrossen
Dec 2017
2
Update –incorporation
of comments; added
Quick Start Guide
SJacques
WARNING –INFORMATION SUBJECT TO EXPORT CONTROL RESTRICTIONS
This document contains technology controlled for export by the U.S. Department of
Commerce in accordance with Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Diversion contrary
to U.S. law prohibited. Include this notice with any reproduced portion of this document.
Revision History
WARNING –INFORMATION SUBJECT TO EXPORT CONTROL RESTRICTIONS
This document contains technology controlled for export by the U.S. Department of
Commerce in accordance with Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Diversion contrary
to U.S. law prohibited. Include this notice with any reproduced portion of this document.
Revision History

iii
Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
Export Compliance:
This product is controlled by the export laws and regulations of the United States
of America. The U.S. Government may restrict the export or re-export of this
product to certain individuals and/or destinations. For further information, contact
the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.
This product User shall comply with all applicable laws related to export and
import of this product in any jurisdiction and/or government authority. User
shall be responsible for complying with any and all export and import restrictions,
laws and regulations in any country User is conducting business.
Disclaimer:
This manual contains information that is current as of the date shown on the front
cover. Every effort has been made to ensure the correctness and completeness of
the material in this document. The information in this document is subject to
change without notice.
Thales® and any other Thales trademark or Thales service mark referred to or
displayed in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of Thales.
Legal Notices
This product is subject to a Limited Warranty, Limitations, Exclusions, and Terms
and Conditions, which can be found on line at www.thalesdsi.com.
Prior to Installing this product, read and understand this Installation Guide and the
User Manual, including the safety warnings and information. Failure to do so could
result in serious injury or death.
Intellectual Property
User acknowledges that the Products involve valuable patent, copyright,
trademark, trade secret and other proprietary rights of Thales and others. No
title to or ownership of any proprietary rights related to any Product is
transferred to User or any Customer pursuant to the use of this product. The
purchase of any Thales products shall not be deemed to grant either

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
directly or by implication or otherwise, any license under copyrights,
patents, or patent applications of Thales or any third party software
providers, except for the normal, nonexclusive, royalty free license
to use that arises by operation of law in the sale of a product.
Content Copyright
User is exclusively responsible for the use of this product, including
proper use of third party copyrighted materials. If the User violates
these terms, the User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Thales
harmless with respect to any claims or actions by third parties
related to the improper use of copyrighted material and to pay all
costs, damages, fines and other amounts incurred by Thales, or on
its behalf, in the defense of any such claims or actions.
Indemnity
User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Thal es harmless with
respect to any claims or actions by any governmental entities or
other third parties related to any violation of law with use of the
Product or Accessories, misuse of the Product or Accessories under
these Terms and Conditions, or any othe r violation of these Terms
and Conditions and further agrees to pay all costs, damages, fines
and other amounts incurred by Thales, or on Thales’s behalf, in the
defense of any such claims or actions.
SOFTWARE LICENSE
The following terms govern User’s a ccess and use of the Thales -
supplied software (“Software”) contained on the Product or
Accessories.
License. Conditioned upon compliance with these Terms and
Conditions, Thales grants to USER a nonexclusive and
nontransferable license to use for USER’s in ternal purposes the
Software and the Documentation. “Documentation” means any

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
written information pertaining to the Software and made available
by Thales with the Software in any manner. USER shall use the
Software solely as embedded for operation of this product.
No other licenses are granted by implication, estoppel or otherwise.
Thales Product Warranty Claim Process
Please see the Thales website at www.thalesdsi.com.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
Table of Contents
................................................................................................1-1
INTRODUCTION &SAFETY..................................................................................................................................... 1-1
SAFETY .................................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
KIT CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-4
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................................... 1-4
TOOLS NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................... 1-4
BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) .................................................................................................................................... 1-6
ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)......................................................................................................................................... 1-7
................................................................................................ 2-1
MOUNTING THE ABOVE DECK UNIT (ANTENNA) ............................................................................................... 2-1
POLE MOUNTING (OPTIONAL) ............................................................................................................................ 2-4
INSTALLING THE BELOW DECK UNIT .................................................................................................................. 2-5
CONNECTING POWER TO THE BDU .................................................................................................................... 2-7
SYSTEM STATUS INDICATORS ........................................................................................................................... 2-10
................................................................................................ 3-1
GENERAL GUIDELINES &TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................... 3-1
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................................................... 3-1
CONNECTOR DETAILS: ...................................................................................................................................... 3-2
................................................................................................ 4-1
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ...................................................................................................................... 4-1
................................................................................................ 5-1
VESSELINK QUICK START GUIDE (PN 3402131-1) .................................................................................................. 5-1

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
List of Figures
FIGURE 1-1: MINIMUM SAFE DISTANCE FROM ANTENNA ....................................................................................... 1-3
FIGURE 1-2: VESSELINK SYSTEM WITH ACCESSORIES.............................................................................................. 1-5
FIGURE 1-3: BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) .................................................................................................................... 1-6
FIGURE 1-4: BDU FRONT PANEL DETAIL................................................................................................................... 1-6
FIGURE 1-5: BDU BACK PANEL DETAIL .................................................................................................................... 1-7
FIGURE 1-6: ADU ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-7
FIGURE 2-1: PLACING ANTENNA FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE ................................................................................. 2-2
FIGURE 2-2: PLACING ANTENNA WITH EXISTING RADAR.......................................................................................... 2-2
FIGURE 2-3: MARITIME 25M RF CABLE CONNECTOR DETAIL .................................................................................... 2-3
FIGURE 2-4: MOUNTING HOLES IN BOTTOM OF ANTENNA AND MOUNTING TEMPLATE (INCLUDED IN KIT).............. 2-3
FIGURE 2-5: THALES ANTENNA MOUNTING BRACKET (SHOWN WITH POLES,NOT INCLUDED) ................................ 2-4
FIGURE 2-6: TOP VIEW:BDU MOUNTING SLOTS AND TEMPLATE (INCLUDED IN KIT) .............................................. 2-5
FIGURE 2-7: INSTALLING SIM CARD AND ENGAGING THE LOCK............................................................................... 2-6
FIGURE 2-8: WI-FI ANTENNA,SIM CARD,AC/DC POWER ADAPTER AND ANTENNA CABLE INSTALLED................. 2-6
FIGURE 2-9: AC/DC POWER SUPPLY.......................................................................................................................... 2-7
FIGURE 2-10: 24V DC POWER CONNECTION.............................................................................................................. 2-8
FIGURE 2-11: 24V DC POWER CONNECTION.............................................................................................................. 2-9
FIGURE 2-12: SYSTEM STATUS INDICATORS (TOP VIEW OF BDU)........................................................................... 2-10
FIGURE 3-1 GPIO CONNECTOR PIN DETAIL............................................................................................................... 3-2
FIGURE 3-2 12V INPUT AND MATING CONNECTOR DETAIL........................................................................................ 3-3
FIGURE 3-3 10-32 VDC AND MATING CONNECTOR DETAIL ...................................................................................... 3-3
List of Tables
TABLE 2-1 BDU LED STATUS ................................................................................................................................. 2-10
TABLE 3-1: TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................................. 3-1
TABLE 3-2: GPIO CONNECTOR PIN DEFINITION........................................................................................................ 3-2

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
INTRODUCTION & SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
This installation guide provides instructions for proper installation and initial start-up of the
VesseLINK system and also gives a basic system overview. It contains critical information and
safety guidelines for those who install the system and perform initial system activation and test.
After initial start-up, for more detailed operational procedures, reference the VesseLINK User
Manual (Document # 84469) located on the Thales website.
This VesseLINK system contains the Below Deck Unit (BDU), the Above Deck Unit (ADU) or
antenna, an AC/DC power supply, a Wi-Fi antenna, mounting hardware and connection cables.
The Thales VesseLINK product has been designed with simplicity in mind but more details may
be found in the in-depth User Manual.
The following terminology is used throughout the manual.
ADU: Above Deck Unit (antenna)
BDU: Below Deck Unit
POE: Power Over Ethernet
POTS: Plain Old Telephone Service
SIM: Subscriber Identity Module
VOIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol
WAN: Wide Area Network
Wi-Fi: Wireless Network

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
SAFETY
The VesseLINK system should only be installed by a qualified professional installer of Maritime
electronic systems. Improper installation could lead to system failure or could result in injury to
personnel on board the vessel. The following are general safety precautions and warnings that all
personnel must read and understand prior to installation, operation and maintenance of the
VesseLINK system. Each chapter may have other specific warnings and cautions.
WARNING
USHOCK HAZARD
The VesseLINK system is a sealed system and is not meant to be opened
for repair in the field by operators or technicians. Covers must remain in
place at all times on the BDU and ADU to maintain the warranty terms.
Make sure the system is correctly grounded and power is off when
installing, configuring and connecting components.
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
This equipment is not designed to be operated in explosive environments
or in the presence of combustible fumes. Operating this or any electrical
equipment in such an environment represents an extreme safety hazard.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
WARNING
ANTENNA RADIATION HAZARDS
During operation, the antenna radiates high power at microwave
frequencies that can be harmful to individuals. While the unit is
operating, personnel should maintain a minimum safe distance of 1.0
meters (3.3 ft.) from the antenna. The antenna should be mounted in an
area that prevent the possibility of close exposure to the antenna’s
radiation.
Figure 1-1: MINIMUM Safe Distance From Antenna

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
KIT CONTENTS
While unpacking the system, please verify that the following contents are included. If anything
is missing, please contact Thales Customer Service at 1.800.324.6089.
VesseLINK Kit VF350BM includes:
Below Deck Unit (BDU) (PN 4102947-501)
BAA (PN 1600901-1)
AC/DC Power Supply (PN 84670-001)
AC Cables US (PN 854024-001) and EU (PN 854025-001)
Wi-Fi Antenna (PN 85728-001)
25m (82 ft.) BDU to ADU RF Coaxial Cable (PN 855023-082)
10ft Ethernet Cable (PN 855026-010)
BDU Standard Mounting Hardware Kit (PN 1100789-501)
ADU Maritime Mounting Hardware Kit (PN 1100791-501)
ADU and BDU Mounting Templates (PN 3900014 and 3900011)
Quick Start Guide (PN 3402131-1)
VesseLINK Kit VF700BV includes everything in the VL350BM kit plus:
Thales IP Handset with 6’ coil cord
Note: The SIM card is provided by the airtime service provider and may be packaged
separately from this kit.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Thales Stainless Steel Antenna Mounting Plate (PN 85736-001)
50m (164 ft.) BDU to ADU RF Coaxial Cable (PN 855033-164)
AC power cable UK (PN 854027-001)
AC power cable AUS (PN 854026-001)
10-32V DC Power cable (20ft) with ignition on/off (PN 855024-020)
19” Rack Mount Shelf Kit (PN 1100796-501)
Thales IP Handset with 6’ coil cord
TOOLS NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION
List of tools you may needed to install this system:
4mm Hex Drive Wrench
6mm Hex Drive Wrench
M10 (16mm) Wrench or Socket
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
Adjustable Wrench
Torque Wrench

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
Figure 1-2: VesseLINK System with Accessories

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)
Figure 1-3: Below Deck Unit (BDU)
The BDU front has a main power switch, one RJ-14 jack for POTS (Plain Old Telephone
Service) Phone, three POE (Power over Ethernet) RJ-45 connections for VoIP phones or
Ethernet, and one WAN (Wide Area Network) connection.
Figure 1-4: BDU Front Panel Detail
Length < 12 inches (30cm)
Width < 9 inches (23cm)
Height < 3 Inches ( 7.6cm)
Weight < 7.5 lbs (3.4kg)
BDU

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
The BDU back panel (left to right) has a Wi-Fi antenna connector, SIM Card slot, GPIO
connector, 10-32Volt DC input connector, 12Volt DC power input, antenna connector, and
chassis grounding lug.
Figure 1-5: BDU Back Panel Detail
ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)
The ADU (also referred to as antenna) is a standalone unit that connects to the BDU through a
single coaxial cable. DC power, RF transmit and receive signals, control data and GPS data are
communicated between the ADU and BDU using this single coaxial cable. Connect provided
cable to the antenna after installing the antenna and before connecting it to the BDU. The
connector is shown in Chapter 2.
Figure 1-6: ADU
Diameter 14.5" (36.8cm)
Height 7.8" (19.8cm)
Weight 6.5lbs (2.95kg)
ADU (Antenna)

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
MOUNTING THE ABOVE DECK UNIT (ANTENNA)
The VesseLINK antenna is designed to fit the Thales stainless steel antenna mounting plate and
many existing mounts on similar sized antennas. If replacing an existing L-band system, it may
be possible to use the same mounting plate and hardware that is already in place. The
VesseLINK has two sets of industry standard mounting configurations, each with four mounting
points. Included in each kit are mounting templates if custom mounting hardware becomes
needed for your application.
It is important to note that a new coaxial cable, provided in the VesseLINK kit, must be installed
for proper operation of the VesseLINK system. Otherwise, the system may not calibrate
correctly and will result in a failure at start-up. Install the cable using best practices for cable
bend radius and to avoid pinching the cable. It is also important to ensure the cable does not get
cut by or rub on nearby sharp objects.
For new installations refer to Page 2-4 for pole mounting instructions.
Keys to successful installation of the VesseLINK Antenna:
Mount where antenna is at least the minimum safety distance away from vessel
personnel (1.0 m).
Mount antenna with unobstructed (Full View) of the sky (Figure 2-1). Any blockage to
part of the sky by metal objects could result in loss of connection and/or poor data
speeds.
Mount antenna level (parallel) to Main Deck.
Keep antenna away from large metallic surfaces when possible to increase
performance.
Mount as far away from other antennas (especially radar and magnetic compasses) as
possible. See Figure 2-2 for recommendations on distance and horizontal displacement
from radar arrays.
Ground the antenna using a heavy ground cable (not included) from the ground
terminal on the bottom of the antenna to the vessel’s ground to protect the system from
unwanted surges and voltage differentials.
Use the supplied RF cable designed for Maritime use. Do not alter the provided cable
prior to installation. Always completely weather seal the connection at the antenna
with sealing tape (supplied with Maritime kit # 1100791-501). Not applying the
weather seal tape will void the warranty.
Mounting should be in an area that minimizes vessel vibration

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
Figure 2-1: Placing Antenna for optimum performance
Distance
d = 2.0m for S-Band up to 50kW
d = 4.0m for X & C-Bands up to 50kW
Figure 2-2: Placing Antenna With Existing Radar

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
IMPORTANT: Antenna cable connection should be secured tightly and covered with protective
rubber boot or supplied self-vulcanizing tape to prevent corrosion. It is also important to connect
the antenna GND lug to Vessel Chassis GND for safety.
.
Figure 2-3: Maritime 25m RF Cable Connector detail
The antenna is mounted with either four M6 torque to 6 N*m (4.4 ft-lbs.) or four M10 torque to
28 N*m (20.6 ft-lbs.) stainless steel bolts (included with KIT #1100791-501) as appropriate for
the chosen mounting pattern on the base of the antenna. Anti-seize compound (included) should
be applied to the stainless hardware immediately prior to installation. Never exceed the
recommended torque values on mounting bolts as this will damage the unit.
Figure 2-4: Mounting Holes in Bottom of Antenna and Mounting Template (Included In Kit)

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
POLE MOUNTING (OPTIONAL)
An optional 316 stainless steel antenna mounting bracket is available from Thales (PN 85736-
001). The bracket is designed to work on standard 1.9-inch (with included bushing), 52mm and
3-inch poles (poles not included). This bracket has mounting holes that match the M6 mounting
points on the bottom of the antenna. The mounting bracket can be ordered by calling Thales at 1-
800-914-0303, Option 3.”
Figure 2-5: Thales Antenna Mounting Bracket (Shown With Poles, Not Included)

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
INSTALLING THE BELOW DECK UNIT
The VesseLINK BDU is designed for ease of installation with four corner mounting locations for
direct mounting or mounting to the optional 19” rack shelf. It is strongly advised to replace all
existing hardware, cabling, power supplies and wiring with those supplied in the VesseLINK kit.
Not doing so may not only affect the system performance but may also void the warranty.
To start, secure BDU to vessel using the four corner mounting slots (Figure 2-6) and provided
hardware. Included in each kit are mounting templates if custom mounting hardware becomes
needed for your application. VesseLINK can be mounted in any orientation but for best
performance, it is recommended to be mounted horizontally with the Thales logo facing up. This
will give the best protection against any spills or dripping water and allows for the best heat
transfer.
Figure 2-6: Top View: BDU Mounting Slots and Template (Included In Kit)
Note: It is recommended that the BDU be mounted in a cool dry place below deck leaving
sufficient room (3 in. or 8 cm) between the BDU and other equipment to allow for proper
airflow.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. 2
Connect the provided Wi-Fi antenna, install the SIM Card (from service provider) into slot as
shown in Figure 2-7, connect the provided AC/DC 12V power supply cable and connect the
provided 25m RF cable that goes to the antenna. All connections are shown in Figure 2-8.
Figure 2-7: Installing SIM Card and Engaging The Lock
Figure 2-8: Wi-Fi Antenna, SIM Card, AC/DC Power Adapter and Antenna Cable Installed
NOTE
The BDU should be grounded. Use a 14 AWG (or larger)
ground wire to connect the BDU to earth ground during normal
use.