True Heading AIS CTRX GRAPHENE User manual

OPERATION & INSTALLATION MANUAL
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE
Class B AIS Transponder
Version 1.9E
© True Heading 2013
The manual may not in any aspect be copied without the prior authorization from True Heading AB.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................ 2
ABOUT THIS MANUAL......................................................................................................... 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 4
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY................................................................................ 6
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................... 7
SAFETY INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 8
WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................... 9
SUPPORT............................................................................................................................10
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION ...............................................................................................11
Getting started....................................................................................................... 12
BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE INSTALLATION........................................................................13
INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................14
CONNECTION TO THE DC POWER SUPPLY....................................................................20
CONNECTION OF AN EXTERNAL SILENT SWITCH WITH LED INDICATOR ...................21
PROAIS2 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE..........................................................................22
NOTES.................................................................................................................................29
Mounting Template................................................................................................ 30
APPENDIX A CONFIGURING THE AIS CTRX GRAPHENE............................................31
APPENDIX B ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA MOUNTING..................................................33
GPS Antenna......................................................................................................... 33
VHF antenna for AIS use....................................................................................... 33
WARNINGS........................................................................................................... 34
APPENDIX C WIFI OPTION.............................................................................................35
APPENDIX D CTRX GRAPHENE NMEA 2000 PGN LIST................................................36

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ABOUT THIS MANUAL
In accordance with our policy of continuous development and product improvement the AIS CTRX
GRAPHENE hardware and/or software may be upgraded from time to time and future versions of the
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual.
When necessary, upgrades to the product are made. These will be accompanied by updates or
addendum to this manual.
Please take time to read this manual carefully in order to fully understand the functions and
preparations necessary for the installation and operation of your AIS transponder.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
True Heading AB disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in
this manual and any other documentation provided with this product.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL TRUE HEADING AB BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ANY
OF OUR PRODUCTS.
Revision history
Version
Date
Responsible
Approved
Changes
1.0PE
2012-12-14
Anders Bergström
Nils Willart
Preliminary release
1.1PE
2013-03-08
Nils Willart
Update
1.2PE
2013-04-09
Nils Willart
Editorial
1.3PE
-
-
-
Intermediate, not issued
1.4E
2013-05-21
Nils Willart
PGN list added
1.5E
2014-03-03
Nils Willart
USB caution
1.51E
2014-09-11
Nils Willart
Editorial
1.6E
2014-09-11
C. Ander Smith (legal)
Legal comments
1.7E
2014-09-15
Nils Willart
Editorial, WiFi added
1.8E
2014-05-05
Nils Willart
Editorial
1.9E
2015-07-08
Nils Willart
RF exposure added

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Licensing
In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessels marine VHF radio licence
provisions. The user/owner of the vessel on to which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore
possess a valid VHF radiotelephone licence which lists the AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and
MMSI number.
Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information.
US Customers:
There are specific laws in the USA regarding the configuration of AIS class B transceivers. The entry
of static data into a Class B AIS device shall be performed by the vendor of the device or by an
appropriately qualified person in the business of installing marine communications equipment on
board vessels. In no event shall the entry of static data into a Class B AIS device be performed by the
user of the device or the licensee of a ship station.
WARNING:
It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission to input an MMSI that
has not been properly assigned to the end user, or to otherwise input any inaccurate data in
this device.
FCC notice
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.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada notice
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-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.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
1. L'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. L'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le Fonctionnement.

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RF Exposure
The required compliance boundary for the AIS Graphene is:
Occupational: 0.13 m
General population: 0.27 m
To comply with the requirements set by ICNIRP, FCC, RSS and ARPANSA the VHF antenna shall be
installed in such a way that the minimum distance from the antenna to a boundary 0.5 m from where
humans can reside is maintained.
The Graphene models equipped with WiFi shall be installed in such a way that the minimum distance
to a boundary from the rear towards humans is not less than 20 cm.

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EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This product complies with the necessary standards under the European R&TTE directive for Article
3.1(a), 3.1(b), 3.2 and 3.3(e). The following standards have been followed in pursuance of this:
Standard
Description
IEC 62287-1, Ed2: 2006-03
Maritime navigation and radio communication
equipment and systems –Class B ship borne
equipment of the automatic identification system
(AIS) –Part 1: Carrier-sense time division
multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques
IEC 60945, Ed4: 2002-08
Maritime navigation and radio communication
equipment and systems –General requirements
–Methods of testing and required test results
IEC 61162-1, Ed2:
Maritime navigation and radio communication
equipment and systems –Digital interfaces –
Part 1: Single talker and multiple listeners
IEC 61108-1:
GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS
(GNSS) –Part 1: Global positioning system
(GPS) -Receiver equipment - Performance
standards, methods of testing and required test
results
EN 301 843-1 v2.1:
Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio
spectrum Matters (ERM); Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) standard for marine radio
equipment and services; Part 1: Common
technical requirements
EN 50383: 2002
Basic standard for calculation and measurement
of electromagnetic field strength and SAR related
to human exposure from radio base stations and
fixed terminal stations for wireless
telecommunications system (110MHz –40GHz)
EN 60950-1:2002
Information technology equipment –Safety –
Part 1: General requirements
NMEA 2000 Edition 2.20
NMEA 2000 Standard for serial-data networking
of marine electronic devices
True Heading AB declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
provisions of the R&TTE directive 1995/5/EC.
The product carries the CE mark, notified body number and alert symbol as required by the R&TTE
directive
This True Heading product can be used in the following European Community Countries:
AT
BG
BE
CY
CZ
DK
EE
FI
FR
DE
GR
HU
IE
IT
LV
LT
LU
MT
NL
PL
PT
RO
SK
SL
ES
SE
GB
IS
LI
NO
CH

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INTRODUCTION
We would like to thank you for choosing True Heading AB as supplier of your AIS Class B
Transponder. The AIS CTRX GRAPHENE is a high quality AIS Class B Transponder using the latest
technology. AIS CTRX GRAPHENE makes it possible to receive information from ships, buoys,
lighthouses, SAR helicopters, Coastguard units, Pilot boats, Weather station etc. and to send
information about your own ship to others that are equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS)
transponders or receivers. SEE AND BE SEEN
It is today, according to the IMO SOLAS regulation a requirement for all ships above 300 GT to carry
AIS. This means that a large number of ships and other types of navigational information providers will
be seen by your AIS CTRX GRAPHENE and contribute to enhanced safety in your navigation.
Picture 1 Real traffic scenario between Sweden and Bornholm (Denmark)
It is of utmost importance that you read this manual before you start to install and use your AIS CTRX
GRAPHENE.

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SAFETY INFORMATION
Before you start using the AIS CTRX GRAPHENE transponder it is important that you read and fully
understand the instructions in the installation manual. You should only proceed with the installation if
you are confident that you will be able to do so.
True Heading AB cannot be held liable for any injury or damage caused by, during or because of the
installation of AIS CTRX GRAPHENE. The AIS CTRX GRAPHENE is used at your own risk and it
shall be kept in mind that the validity of the AIS and GPS data depends on the full co-operation of
other users and systems.
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE is a navigation aid and is used together with other similar systems like radar,
optical lookout etc. to maintain safety at sea. The AIS CTRX GRAPHENE installation should be
inspected regularly and frequently checked by the user to maintain proper operation quality.
Remember that navigation and safety of lives at sea always requires proper seamanship and that the
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE is an aid and not a replacement for such qualities.
NOT ALL VESSELS CARRY AIS. IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT TO KEEP A PROPER
LOOKOUT AT ALL TIMES AND TO USE ALL AVAILABLE MEANS TO AVOID COLLISIONS AND
ACCIDENTS.
GPS MAY FROM TIME TO TIME INCLUDE ERRORS; THEREFORE, USERS MUST ALWAYS
VERIFY INDICATED POSITIONS RECEIVED FROM THE GPS BUILT IN TO THE TRANPONDER
WITH OTHER AVAILABLE MEANS.
General notice on GNSS reception
The AIS (Automatic Identification System) unit mostly utilise GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite
System) as GPS or GLONASS to determine position.
The accuracy of these systems is variable and can be affected by factors such as the positioning of
the receiving antenna, the number of satellites available at the time, angle of reception and if satellites
are healthy or not.
It is desirable to check and verify both your and other vessels AIS position data as often as possible
using visual or if available radar based observations.
Compass safe distance: 0.5m or greater for 0.3° deviation

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WARRANTY
General
True Heading AB warrants its AIS CTRX GRAPHENE transponder (the “Product”) against defects in
design, material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase (the
“Warranty”). The Warranty covers costs for spares, labour, and return shipment; return of the defective
Product to True Heading AB shall be at purchaser’s risk and expense. Should any failure of the
Product to conform with the above Warranty develop during the specified period under normal and
proper use and provided the Product has been properly installed and maintained, True Heading AB
shall, if given prompt notice of the alleged failure to conform, correct such non-conformity at the option
of True Heading AB by repair, replacement, or by refund of the purchase price of the non-conforming
Product.
The above Warranty shall terminate and be voided under the following circumstances: (a) the Product
serial number is missing, (b) modification, repair or alteration by anyone other than an True Heading
authorized service provider; (c) improper operation, maintenance or installation, including but not
limited to broken seals; (d) damage during shipment; (e) operation, handling or other dealings with
Product in a negligent manner; or (f) abnormal conditions or temperature, moisture, dirt or corrosive
matter.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE WARRANTIES, RIGHTS AND
REMEDIES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, CONDITIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES WITH RESPECT
TO ANY PRODUCT, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER
WRITTEN OR ORAL; ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, CONDITIONS, RIGHTS
AND REMEDIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY,
DURABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMED, EXCLUDED AND WAIVED BY PURCHASER TO THE FULLEST EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW.
Correction of non-conformities in the manner and for the period of time provided above shall be the
exclusive remedy and shall constitute fulfilment of all liabilities of True Heading AB whether in
warranty, contract, negligence, tort or otherwise with respect to the quality of the Product.
Warranty procedures
Warranty claims shall be made to the place where you purchased the Product or direct to True
Heading AB through mail, fax or e-mail to our support department. Replaced Product shall become the
property of True Heading AB.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE as it is required for a Warranty claim.
Replacements pursuant to the Warranty shall not renew or extend the applicable original Warranty
period; provided, however, that any such replacement Product shall be warranted for the time
remaining under the original Warranty period or for 30 days, whichever is longer.
Other issues
Proper seamanship and common sense must be exercised when using the AIS CTRX GRAPHENE;
the Products shall only be seen as a navigational aid.
True Heading AB reserves the right to change the specification of the Product without prior notice.
IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT THE TERMS ABOVE, PLEASE RETURN THE AIS CTRX
GRAPHENE TO YOUR RETAILER FOR FULL CREDIT BEFORE OPENED AND USED.

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SUPPORT
If you need support, please contact the closest reseller or the location where you acquired the product.
The manufacturer will only provide support direct if these procedures are followed. The support case
has to be registered properly through our webpage at www.trueheading.se.
In order to ensure that you receive important information register the purchase of your product by
sending an e-mail to [email protected] where you state the serial number, purchase date, your
name, address and where you bought the product.
In accordance with our policy to always offer products with the latest in development and
enhancements, future versions of AIS CTRX GRAPHENE may differ somewhat from what is described
in this manual. Updated versions of the manual are always available for download at our homepage
www.trueheading.se.

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
Dimensions: 210 x 144 x 50 mm (L x W x H)
Weight: 0.45 kg GRAPHENE
0.5 kg GRAPHENE+
Power: DC 12-24V (min. 10V, max. 32V)
Average power consumption 4W (GRAPHENE)
Average power consumption 4.5 W (GRAPHENE+)
Nominal current rating: 350 mA @ 12 VDC (receive)
Peak current rating: 1.2A @ 12VDC (transmitting)
GPS Receiver (AIS Internal): IEC 61108-1 compliant
50 channels
Data Interfaces: USB (mini B), Programming and test interface
NMEA 2000 LEN (Load Equivalence Number) = 1
NMEA 0183, RS422, 38400 baud
Connectors: VHF Antenna connector = BNC (Female)
GPS Antenna connector = TNC (Female)
USB B serial data (USB mini connector)
NMEA 0183/DC power connector
NMEA 2000 connector
VHF Radio = FME (Male) (GRAPHENE+ only)
VHF Transceiver: 1 Transmitter, 2 Receivers
Frequency: 156.025 to 162.025 MHz
Receiver sensitivity: <- 110dBm @ 20% PER
RF Output Power: 2 W (50Ω)
Channel Bandwidth: 25 kHz
Data Bit rate: 9600 b/s ± 50 ppm (GMSK) AIS
1200 b/s ± 30 ppm (FSK) DSC
Environmental: IEC 60945, Operating Temperature: -15ºC to +55ºC
IEC 62287-1, Section 5, Cat b: protected from the weather
Compass safe distance: 0.5m or more for 0.3° deviation.
LED indicators: POWER Green
STATUS Green
TX STAT Yellow
ERROR Red
VHF Yellow
SILENT Blue

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Getting started
Before AIS CTRX GRAPHENE is installed, you should check that you have all the equipment you
need for the installation and that nothing is missing from your delivery. The AIS CTRX GRAPHENE
comes in two versions the GRAPHENE and the GRAPHENE+ version. The plus version also contains
a built in antenna splitter making it possible to use the same VHF antenna for both the AIS and the
VHF radio.
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE comes with the following parts:
1
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE Class B Transponder
P/N 0012-001-000
1
Data / DC cable (1 m)
P/N 0012-770-000
1
USB mini cable 1 m
P/N 0012-980-000
1
BNC to UHF adapter
P/N 0012-989-000
1
CD incl. manual, set-up software and AIS information
P/N 0012-972-000
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE + comes with the following parts:
1
AIS CTRX GRAPHENE Class B Transponder
P/N 0012-002-000
1
Data / DC cable (1 m)
P/N 0012-770-000
1
USB mini cable 1 m
P/N 0012-980-000
1
BNC to UHF adapter
P/N 0012-989-000
1
Coaxial cable AIS to VHF with connectors (2 m)
P/N 0010-980-000
1
CD incl. manual, set-up software and AIS information
P/N 0012-972-000
The following may be needed to finish your installation but is not included:
1
VHF marine band antenna (0dBd) with cable and UHF or
BNC type coaxial connector.
1
GPS antenna (active antenna, built-in LNA, 20dB gain min.,
5VDC) with cable and TNC coaxial connector
2
3A Fuse with fuse holder
1
DC cable min. AWG 16, red and black
4
Mounting screws
1
Installation materials such as mounts for the antennas,
cable ties, screws, connection blocks etc.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE INSTALLATION
Before you begin the installation, you should decide on where you want to place your AIS
CTRX GRAPHENE unit.
Place the transponder in in a position where you will be able to see the LED’s on the front.
This will make it easy to monitor the functions and make sure that the unit is working
properly.
The transponder is designed to be installed were it is protected from the weather. The
transponder is NOT intended for installation outdoors or anywhere it will be exposed to direct
sunlight, moist or risk of water splashing.
The transponder should be installed in a place where the length of the antenna cables can
be kept as short as possible, but also where DC power and access to other equipment you
would want to connect the AIS to is conveniently available.
The AIS CTRX GRAPHENE has 3 external data ports. 2 of them are preferably used for the
connection to a plotter (the NMEA0183/RS422 or the NMEA 2000 port). A USB port (mini
type) is available for connection to a PC. This is used for the configuration and maintenance
of the unit.
Important when using the USB interface:
The USB port built into this product is not isolated from the vessel power supply, VHF
antenna ground or GPS antenna ground. Please observe the following procedures when
connecting the USB port to avoid grounding problems;
If the computer is permanently installed on the vessel and/ or electrically connected to any
other vessel equipment, including power supplies, it is recommended that connection is
made using NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 connections. These benefit from being specifically
designed for use in the marine environment and provide isolated and robust data transfer
between your devices.
If a battery powered laptop is being used then it is recommended to switch off the computer,
connect the USB cable and then switch on the laptop. This will help to ensure that all
equipment grounds are correctly referenced before use, minimising any risk of equipment
damage.
DC supply connection
If you are installing the AIS CTRX GRAPHENE+ version or using a Class B VHF splitter with
the standard CTRX Graphene it is recommended that you connect the DC power leads to the
same DC power connection point as your VHF.
Antennas
There are antennas available specifically made for use with AIS equipment but any standard
type marine band VHF antenna will work. The antenna gain should not exceed 0 dBd.
Place your VHF antenna as high as possible but at least 2.5-3 m above the water surface. If
you are installing a separate AIS antenna you should make sure that it is separated as much
as possible from other VHF antennas to avoid interference.
GPS antennas should be installed in such a way that the antenna top surface has a free and
unobstructed view of the horizon. Make sure that the antenna is not placed nearby metal
objects in order to minimize reflections of the received signal. GPS antennas should not be
placed in the vicinity of high power HF or satellite communications equipment.

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INSTALLATION
Once you have unpacked the box and checked that your delivery is complete, proceed with
the installation as follows:
Figure 5 AIS CTRX GRAPHENE + with its antennas and data/DC connectors
The 12 pole multi-pin connector mounted on the transponder has the following configuration
of the pins:
Pin
Signal
Color marking
1
Signal ground
BROWN
2
Power supply Voltage GND (-)
BLUE
3
SILENT LED (Blue)
WHITE
4
Signal ground
GREEN
5
NMEA 0183/RS-422 TX B (-)
YELLOW
6
NMEA 0183/RS-422 TX A (+)
GREY
7
NMEA 0183/RS-422 RX A (+)
PINK
8
Power supply Voltage (+)
RED
9
Power supply Voltage GND (-)
BLACK
10
Power supply Voltage (+)
ORANGE
11
External SILENT switch
PURPLE
12
NMEA 0183/RS-422 RX B (-)
LIGHT GREEN
Table 1. Data/DC connector pin configuration
The transponder is secured to the bulkhead or deck by means of four screws. A template for
the fixing of the screws is supplied in the box in the shape of a cardboard divider sheet. The
transponder should be installed so that the six LEDs on the front panel are readily visible for
monitoring of the AIS CTRX GRAPHENE functionality. Furthermore, the transponder may
also be placed for easy access to the "S" –button, which is used to switch the “silent mode”
on and off. Silent mode turns off the transmitter and places the transponder in in receive-

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only mode. A remote switch and LED indicator can be connected to the transponder through
the DC/DATA cable as shown on page 20. A USB connection (mini B-type) is also provided.
For best performance and an easy installation a suitable place should be found were the
installations can provide:
1. Short cable-runs for the VHF and GPS antenna.
2. Easy access to DC power.
3. Access to other equipment to which you may wish to connect the transponder to.
To avoid interference from other equipment on board such as generators, compressors or
electrical panels the unit should not be installed together or close to such equipment.
The accompanying installation software provides a diagnostic program which can be useful
to diagnose a situation where the transponder is experiencing interference. Read more about
this in the”Diagnostics” section in the chapter on the proAIS software.
To ensure that best performance is obtained it is important to choose good antenna cables.
For shorter lengths RG58C/U is sufficient. For cable lengths exceeding 10 m, a low loss
cables should be used, such as type RG213, RG214, or LM400, depending on length. It is
also important to use proper connectors, where crimp type connectors are preferred over
soldered connections. Ready-made 10 m lengths of RG58C/U type cable can conveniently
be used. Ready-made lengths with FME type connectors are available where adaptors for
the different kind of coaxial connectors used can be fitted. In this way an easy-to-assemble
cable/connector kit can be put together for a specific installation without any special tools.
True Heading can provide ready-made kits, cables and connectors.

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Figure 6. CTRX Graphene+: From L to R: NMEA2000 connector, USB-mini connector, Data/DC
circular connector, GPS antenna (TNC), VHF antenna (BNC) and VHF radio (FME).
Figure 7. CTRX Graphene: From L to R: NMEA2000 connector, USB-mini connector, Data/DC
circular connector, GPS antenna (TNC), VHF antenna (BNC).
After installation of the antennas the AIS CTRX GRAPHENE should be connected to the
equipment where the AIS data from the transponder will be used. AIS CTRX GRAPHENE
has three data ports to choose from, 1 NMEA2000, 1 USB and 1 NMEA 0183.

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CONNECTION, GENERAL OVERVIEW
+9-32 VDC Power supply
YELLOW (NMEA OUT Tx-B)
GREY (NMEA OUT Tx-A)
RED
0V DC (Ground)
ORANGE
VHF antenna (BNC)
GPS antenna (TNC)
USB to computer
NMEA2000*
BLACK
BLUE
GREEN
PURPLE
GREEN
WHITE
To external Silent switch
To external LED for Silent switch
DC/Data cable
To VHF radio (Graphene+ only)
To NMEA0183 nav display, e.g. plotter
3A Fuse
3A Fuse
Do NOT apply any
DC voltage to these
wires

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ANTENNA CONNECTIONS
VHF-antenna
E.g. AC Marine CX4
CTRX Graphene
GPS-antenna
CTRX Graphene+
Existing VHF radio
Cable, 5m, RG-58, attached to the GPS antenna
Existing VHF antenna cable in your boat
2m RG-58 cable w/connectors FME & UHF.
GPS-antenna
VHF-antenna

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CONNECTION TO AN NMEA2000 NETWORK
The picture shows the CTRX Graphene+
NMEA2000*
Connection
NMEA2000 T-connection
NMEA2000 Backbone
NMEA2000 Drop cable
Must not be longer than 6m
NMEA2000
End resistor
120 Ohm
9-16 VDC (+)
0 VDC (-)
NMEA2000
Power Tap
9-32 VDC (+)
RED
0 VDC (-)
ORANGE
BLACK
BLUE
NMEA2000
End resistor
120 Ohm
NOTE: The transponder must be connected to an
external power source when connected to an
NMEA2000 network. Even though some
NMEA2000 devices can operate on the bus
power, the transponders current consumption is
higher than the maximum allowed and
subsequently must use external power.
LEN=1 (LEN= Load Equivalence Number)

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CONNECTION TO THE DC POWER SUPPLY
Now the connection to the DC power supply is all that is left. The AIS CTRX GRAPHENE
can be connected to any DC power supply providing between 12V to 24V DC. The lower limit
is 10V. Should the supply voltage go below 10V the RED ERROR LED on the front panel will
light up and the unit will cease to transmit. The upper limit is 32VDC. This is the maximum
allowable voltage. If the upper voltage limit is exceeded severe damage will be made to the
transponder.
The DC supply point should be chosen with care. The recommended source should be the
same as the VHF radio and/or other navigational equipment.
Even though the source may be protected with a circuit breaker the transponder must have
its own fuse protection. The recommendation is to use two 3A fuses (one on the positive lead
and one on the negative lead) to provide protection for the transponder.
Note that the negative lead (-) on the transponder is connected to the same point as the
ground on the VHF and GPS antenna connector. This means that if any of the antennas
(VHF or GPS) is bolted to a metal structure on board, can result in a connection to the
negative pole of the power supply (battery). If the unit is installed in a vessel with a metal hull
it is highly recommended that a galvanic isolated DC/DC converter is used between the
battery supply and the transponder to prevent galvanic corrosion or damage to the data
interface.
Note: Be careful not to reverse the polarity of the power supply leads, this may cause
severe damage to the transponder.
The transponder is supplied with a combined Data/DC power cable. The power supply is
connected as follows:
RED and ORANGE cable (twisted together) connects to positive (+)
BLUE and BLACK cable (twisted together) connects to negative (-)
Do not forget the fuses !
DC/DATA Cable
RED
ORANGE
BLACK
BLUE
+9-32 VDC Power supply
0V DC (Ground)
3A Fuse
3A Fuse