Thales VesseLINK Certus 350 User manual

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
COPYRIGHT © 2021
THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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 for Certus 350 and Certus 200
FEBRUARY 2021

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
RECORD OF CHANGES
Rev
Date
Description of Change
Author
Rev A
July 2018
Initial Release
SJacques
Rev B
Sept 2018
ECN 42140
Update based on Beta user feedback
and testing
SJacques
Rev C
Jan 2020
ECN 43090
Update includes mounting hardware kit
corrections
Added 700 kbps
SJacques
Rev D
Oct 2020
ECN 53618
Update based on new software release
2.2
Updated part numbers
SJacques
Rev E
Feb 2021
ECN: 53836
Update to include Certus 200
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.
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.
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.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1-1
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1-1
EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................1-1
Below Deck Unit (BDU) .....................................................................................................1-2
Above Deck Unit (ADU) / Antenna ....................................................................................1-5
VESSELINK KIT CONTENTS AND ACCESSORIES ....................................................................1-6
INSTALLATION...........................................................................................2-1
GENERAL GUIDELINES..............................................................................................................2-1
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION...................................................................2-1
Preparation...........................................................................................................................2-1
Precautions During Installation............................................................................................2-2
INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................................2-2
INSTALLING THE CERTUS 350 ABOVE DECK UNIT (ANTENNA) ................................................2-5
ANTENNA DIMENSIONS AND HOLE PATTERN............................................................................2-6
Mounting the Certus 350 ADU / Antenna...........................................................................2-7
INSTALLING THE CERTUS 200 ABOVE DECK UNIT (ANTENNA) ..............................................2-12
INSTALLING THE BELOW DECK UNIT......................................................................................2-14
CONNECTING POWER TO THE BDU........................................................................................2-18
DC Power Connection .......................................................................................................2-19
SYSTEM STATUS INDICATORS .................................................................................................2-20
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................3-1
TROUBLESHOOTING...........................................................................................................3-1
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................4-1
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................4-1
.....................................................................................................4-3
General Purpose Inputs / Outputs (GPIO) ...........................................................................4-3
BDU 12V Connection Detail...............................................................................................4-4
BDU 10-32VDC Connection Detail....................................................................................4-4
ACRONYMS / GLOSSARY.........................................................................5-1
ACRONYMS /GLOSSARY...........................................................................................................5-1
INDEX ......................................................................................................................INDEX-1
APPENDIX A ANTENNA MOUNTING PLATE TEMPLATE (PN 3900014-1) .................................A-1
APPENDIX B BDU MOUNTING PLATE TEMPLATE (PN 3900011-1)......................................... B-1
APPENDIX C CERTUS 350 ANTENNA POLE MOUNTING (OPTIONAL)........................................ C-1

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
FIGURE 1-1 THALES VESSELINK SYSTEM WITH ACCESSORIES..............................................................1-1
FIGURE 1-2 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU).....................................................................................................1-2
FIGURE 1-3 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) LEDS...........................................................................................1-3
FIGURE 1-4 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) FRONT PANEL DETAIL ................................................................1-4
FIGURE 1-5 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) BACK PANEL DETAIL..................................................................1-4
FIGURE 1-6 ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU) /ANTENNA FOR CERTUS 350 AND CERTUS 200 SYSTEMS..........1-5
FIGURE 2-1 PLACING ANTENNA FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE ................................................................2-3
................................................2-4
FIGURE 2-3 ANTENNA DIMENSIONS AND HOLE PATTERNS (1 OF 2)..........................................................2-6
FIGURE 2-4 ANTENNA DIMENSIONS AND HOLE PATTERNS (2 OF 2)..........................................................2-7
FIGURE 2-5: MOUNTING HOLES IN BOTTOM OF ANTENNA AND MOUNTING TEMPLATE ..........................2-8
FIGURE 2-6 ABOVE DECK UNIT /ANTENNA INSTALLATION (M6 HARDWARE)........................................2-9
FIGURE 2-7 ABOVE DECK UNIT /ANTENNA INSTALLATION (M10 HARDWARE)....................................2-11
FIGURE 2-8 CERTUS 200 ANTENNA DIMENSIONS AND MOUNTING POST................................................2-13
FIGURE 2-9 CERTUS 200 ANTENNA DIMENSIONS AND MOUNTING POST................................................2-13
FIGURE 2-10 CERTUS 200 ANTENNA MOUNTING DETAILS .....................................................................2-14
FIGURE 2-11 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) MOUNTING DETAIL.................................................................2-15
FIGURE 2-12 SIM CARD WITH COVER OPENED.......................................................................................2-16
FIGURE 2-13 INSTALLING SIM CARD AND ENGAGING THE LOCK...........................................................2-17
FIGURE 2-14 SECURE THE SIM CARD COVER..........................................................................................2-17
FIGURE 2-15 AC/DC POWER SUPPLY ......................................................................................................2-18
FIGURE 2-16 10-32V DC POWER CONNECTION.......................................................................................2-19
FIGURE 2-17 24V DC POWER CONNECTION............................................................................................2-20
FIGURE 2-18 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) LEDS.......................................................................................2-20
FIGURE 4-1 GPIO CONNECTOR PIN DETAIL ..............................................................................................4-3
FIGURE 4-2 12V INPUT AND MATING CONNECTOR DETAIL ......................................................................4-4
FIGURE 4-3 10-32 VDC AND MATING CONNECTOR DETAIL .....................................................................4-4
FIGURE C-1 THALES ANTENNA MOUNTING BRACKET (SHOWN WITH POLES,NOT INCLUDED).............C-1
FIGURE C-2 THALES ANTENNA POLE MOUNT KIT M6 (PN 85736-001)...............................................C-2
FIGURE C-3 THALES ANTENNA POLE MOUNT KIT M10 (PN 85739-001).............................................C-3

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
TABLE 1-1 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) LED STATUS ...................................................................1-3
TABLE 1-2 STANDARD KIT,VESSELINK CERTUS 350, LIST OF EQUIPMENT..............................1-6
TABLE 1-3 BASE KIT,VESSELINK CERTUS 350, LIST OF EQUIPMENT.......................................1-7
TABLE 1-4 BASE KIT,VESSE CERTUS 200, LIST OF EQUIPMENT .....................................1-7
TABLE 1-5 AVAILABLE VESSELINK ACCESSORIES...................................................................1-8
TABLE 2-1 INSTALLATION KIT,MOUNTING HARDWARE (M6 HARDWARE)..................................2-9
TABLE 2-2 INSTALLATION KIT,MOUNTING HARDWARE (M10 HARDWARE)..............................2-11
TABLE 2-3 INSTALLATION KIT,BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) (PN 1100789-501).........................2-15
TABLE 2-4 BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU) LED STATUS .................................................................2-21
TABLE 3-1 TROUBLESHOOTING.....................................................................................................3-1
TABLE 4-1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................4-1
TABLE 4-2 GPIO CONNECTOR PIN DEFINITION ............................................................................4-3
TABLE 5-1 LIST OF ACRONYMS.....................................................................................................5-1
TABLE 5-2 LIST OF DEFINITIONS...................................................................................................5-2

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
The Thales 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 Below Deck Unit (BDU) and Above Deck Unit
(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.
CAUTION
LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
The BDU contains a small Li-ion hold-up battery. Li-ion batteries have a
very high energy density. Exercise precaution when handling and
testing. Do not short circuit, overcharge, crush, mutilate, nail penetrate,
apply reverse polarity, expose to high temperature or disassemble. High
case temperature resulting from abuse of the cell could cause physical
injury.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
WARNING
ANTENNA RADIATION HAZARDS
To comply with FCC Radio Frequency radiation exposure limits, the
antenna must be installed at a minimum safe distance as shown below.
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 from the
antenna. The antenna should be mounted in an area that prevents the
possibility of close exposure to the
For the Certus 350 antenna, please remain at least 1.5m (4.9 feet) from
the antenna while in operation.
For the Certus 200 antenna, please remain at least 0.5m (20 inches)
from the antenna while in operation.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
NOTE
Certus 350
FCC Identifier: OKCVF350BM
Contains FCC ID: OKCWROOM32U
NOTE
Certus 200
FCC Identifier: OKCVF200BM
Contains FCC ID: OKCWROOM32U
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
authority to operate the equipment.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
Industry Canada Information
NOTE
Certus 350
Industry Canada: 473C-VF350BM
Contains IC: 473C-WROOM32U
NOTE
Certus 200
Industry Canada: 473C-VF200BM
Contains IC: 473C-WROOM32U
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a
type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce
potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that
the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful
communication.
This radio transmitter (473C-VF350BM) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with
the antenna listed in Table 4-1 with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna
impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this
device.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
Declaration of Conformity with Radio Equipment Directive
The undersigned of this letter declares that the following equipment complies with the
specifications of Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) concerning Radio &
Telecommunications Equipment.
Equipment included in thisdeclaration
VF350BM Certus 350 VesseLINK Broadband Maritime Satellite Terminal and Antenna
VF200BM Certus 200 VesseLINK Broadband Maritime Satellite Terminal and Antenna
MF350BV Certus 350 MissionLINK Broadband Maritime Satellite Terminal and Antenna
MF200BV Certus 200 MissionLINK Broadband Maritime Satellite Terminal and Antenna
Equipment Applicability
The VesseLINK and MissionLINK provide voice and high speed data communication over
100% of the globe through the Iridium Certus broadband Satellite system.
Declaration
The health requirement is met by conforming to EU standard EN62311. . The safety
requirement is met by conforming to EN 60950-1:2006 w/A2:2013 (for Certus 350) and to
EN62368-1:2014 (for Certus 200). The electromagnetic compatibility asset out in Directive
2014/30/EU is met byconforming to the EU standards ETSI EN 301-489-1and ETSI EN
301-489-17. Effective andefficient use of radio spectrum in order to avoid harmful
interference is met by conforming to the ETSI EN301-441standard.
Manufacturer
ThalesDefense & Security, Inc. 22605 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, Maryland 20871 U.S.A.
Place and Date
Clarksburg, MD, 14 January 2021
Scott Peters
Director, Program Management

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
This installation guide provides instructions for proper installation and initial start-up of the
VesseLINK system and 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, refer to the VesseLINK User
Manual (Document # 84469) located on the Thales website and also accessible through the
BDU Management Portal.
A typical VesseLINK user setup that includes standard kit items, accessories and user provided
items such as a POTS phone, VoIP phones and a computer is shown in Figure 1-1. A cellular
modem or other network modem can be connected to the WAN port for data least-cost routing
operations. Voice calls are always routed through the Iridium satellite system and not the WAN
port. Refer to Table 1-2, Table 1-3, Table 1-4 and Table 1-5 for a list of kit contents, available
accessories and spare parts.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
The Below Deck Unit (BDU) supports voice and data communications in a marine
environment. The BDU is capable of supporting wireless voice and data that links the user with
the Iridium satellite network. As a wireless access point, the BDU provides Wi-Fi (802.11)
access for data and Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. Three RJ-45 Ethernet connectors and one RJ14
jack enables the user to tether directly to the BDU, if desired. The Management Portal is a
graphical user interface that can be used to modify system settings and indicate system status.
The BDU is powered by either an AC/DC power supply or a DC power cable with a 10-32V
input range and remote start wire accommodating all types of marine vessels, applications and
power sources.
NOTE
Wi-Fi Access Point:
The internal Wi-Fi access point is not a high capacity Wi-Fi system.
If heavy simultaneous data usage is expected through Wi-Fi, it may
be best to use an external commercial Wi-Fi router connected to the

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
The BDU has three status LEDs on the top of the unit that indicate status of system power-up,
satellite connection and the Wi-Fi.
Indicator
Description
System
Solid GREEN
System functioning properly
Flashing GREEN
System busy (Booting up)
Solid RED
Fault (minor issue)
Flashing RED
Critical fault (major issue)
Satellite
Solid BLUE
Connected and passing data (over satellite)
Solid GREEN
System functioning properly
Flashing GREEN
Acquiring satellite
Solid RED
Fault (minor issue)
Flashing RED
Critical fault (major issue)
Wi-Fi
OFF
Wi-Fi OFF
Flashing GREEN
Wi-Fi busy
Solid Green
System functioning properly
Solid RED
Fault (minor issue)
Flashing RED
Critical fault (major issue)
NOTE
The Indicator Colors are:
Solid Green: Operational
Flashing Green: start-up or in progress of configuring or acquiring
service.
Solid Red: fault requires user attention (Open Management Portal for
Alerts)
Flashing Red: critical fault requiring immediate attention. For
additional information, refer to Chapter 3 Troubleshooting

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
The BDU front panel (left to right) has a main power button, one RJ-14 jack for POTS (Plain
Old Telephone Service) Phone(s), three PoE (Power over Ethernet) RJ-45 connections for VoIP
phones or Ethernet-based devices, and one WAN (Wide Area Network) connection primarily
used to connect an external cellular modem or VSAT.
The BDU back panel (left to right) has a Wi-Fi antenna connector, reset button, SIM Card slot,
GPIO (I/O) connector, 10-32 Volt DC input connector, 12Volt DC power input, antenna
connector, and chassis grounding lug.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
The Above Deck Unit (ADU) or 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.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
The following tables list the kits available for purchase and their contents as well as accessories
and spare parts that can be purchased separately.
Part Number
Description
VF350BM
Standard Kit, VesseLINK Certus 350**
Qty
Part Number
Description
1
1100789-501
Kit, Below Deck Unit (BDU), Mounting
Hardware
1
1100791-501
Kit, Antenna Maritime Mounting Hardware
1
1600901-1
Above Deck Unit / Antenna, Certus 350
1
3402131-1
Quick Start Guide (QSG) VesseLINK
1
3900011-1
Mounting Template, BDU
1
3900014-1
Mounting Template, Antenna
1
4102947-511
BDU, VesseLINK
1
84670-001
Power Supply, AC/DC 12V 160W
1
854024-001
Cable AC Power with USA Plug 6 ft.
1
854025-001
Cable AC Power EURO Plug 6 ft.
1
855023-082
Cable, Coaxial 25m LMR300 FR
1
855026-010
Cable, RJ-45 Ethernet, 10 ft.
1
85728-001
Wi-Fi Antenna, 2.4 GHz Dipole 2 dBi
** The VF350BM is capable of up to 352 kbps uplink and 704 kbps downlink speeds.
Note: The SIM card is provided by the airtime service provider and may be packaged
separately from this kit.

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Installation Guide 84464 Rev. E
Part Number
Description
VF350BM-1
Base Kit, VesseLINK Certus 350
Qty
Part Number
Description
1
1600901-1
Above Deck Unit / Antenna, Certus 350
1
3402131-1
Quick Start Guide (QSG) VesseLINK
1
3900011-1
Mounting Template, BDU
1
3900014-1
Mounting Template, Antenna
1
4102947-511
BDU VesseLINK
1
85728-001
Wi-Fi Antenna, 2.4 GHz Dipole 2 dBi
Part Number
Description
VF200BM-1
Base Kit, VesseLINK Certus 200*
Qty
Part Number
Description
1
1600952-1
Above Deck Unit / Antenna, Certus 200
1
3402131-1
Quick Start Guide (QSG) VesseLINK
1
3900011-1
Mounting Template, BDU
1
4102947-511
Terminal Unit VesseLINK
1
85728-001
Wi-Fi Antenna, 2.4 GHz Dipole 2 dBi
* The VF200BM-1 is capable of up to 176 kbps uplink and 176 kbps downlink speeds.