vesper marine WatchMate 850 User manual

WatchMate 850 Install Guide

Your AIS WatchMate®850 is a Class B Transponder with
an integrated display and GPS receiver.
The WatchMate provides information to improve your situational awareness
and assist in avoiding collisions at sea. Because it consumes very low
power, it may be left turned on whenever your vessel is underway. It works
by interpreting Universal Shipborne Automated Identification Systems (AIS)
messages which are sent over VHF by transponders installed on other vessels.
The AIS system uses two dedicated VHF channels designated for this purpose
and with the installation of the WatchMate to receive these signals you can
view AIS information. You can also distribute AIS information to other devices
on board your vessel (e.g. chart plotters and computers) using NMEA 0183 and
USB. In addition, your vessel data is transmitted to other AIS-equipped vessels
within range.
For more information go to www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
= Item Included
= Item Included
WatchMate 850
Mounting Bracket
10 pin power/data cable
AIS/VHF antenna
MMSI number
2A fuse or circuit breaker
1m USB cable (for configuration)
Panel mount template, gasket and 4 screws
Waterproof 5m USB cable with locking security ring
SP160 Antenna Splitter
External GPS antenna with 10m cable
Consider other equipment you may need to install on your vessel (e.g.
additional cable, cable ties, mounting screws, wire strippers, screwdriver etc.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET GOING

CONNECTIONS
VHF ANTENNA
Optional
external
GPS
antenna
USB (Mini-B)AIS/VHF antenna
10 pin power
and data port
Mount the WatchMate at least 0.6m (2 ft) from any compass. Test your
compass to verify that it operates properly when the WatchMate is operating.
• A dedicated VHF antenna or Vesper Marine AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter
is required.
• Choose an omnidirectional VHF antenna designed for the marine band
(156-162MHz) and ensure it is well tuned at the AIS end of the band (VSWR 2:1
or less at 162MHz).
• Mount the antenna as high as possible (at least 2-3 metres (6-10 ft) above the
water surface). It is not recommended to place the VHF antenna near a mast
or other metal structures.
CAUTION: Install the antenna a minimum of 0.5m (2 ft) from any other VHF or
HF antennas and not within the beam path of a radar. Inadequate separation
may damage the device and void your warranty.
CAUTION: Never operate this device unless it is connected to a suitable VHF
antenna or Vesper Marine AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter. The use of any other
splitter may damage the device and void your warranty.
HINT: Use the WatchMate’s VSWR meter on the AIS Status screen to check your
antenna system installation.
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!

GPS ANTENNA
!
The WatchMate requires a GPS fix before it can transmit its position.
External (optional)
If you are mounting the WatchMate in a location which will not
provide adequate GPS signal coverage, then you must install
a dedicated GPS antenna.
• The GPS antenna should be situated so that it has an unobstructed
view of the sky above.
• Do not place the GPS antenna near or in the path of radar
or HF antennas.
• The antenna cable is terminated with a TNC connector. Do not
cut the cable unless you have the proper tools to crimp a new
connector. Make the connection to your AIS transponder last after
antenna installation is complete.
CAUTION: The Vesper Marine GPS antenna is designed specifically
for use with the WatchMate Transponder. Performance cannot be
assured unless you use a Vesper Marine GPS antenna. Use of
a different antenna may damage the device and void your warranty.
Internal GPS
antenna location
Internal
The WatchMate has a built-in GPS patch antenna.
• This antenna requires an unobstructed
view of the sky.
• The antenna performance may be
significantly reduced if the WatchMate
is installed on, under, or near large
metal structures.
• The antenna faces upwards and is
located as shown.
• For faster fix times, switch the unit off but
keep power connected to the unit.
HINT: Use the GPS Status screen to view
satellite signal strengths which will assist
in determining the best location for the
WatchMate or the external GPS antenna.

Securely mount with
appropriate length screws
in the holes provided.
Rotate bracket to hang the
WatchMate from a shelf or
other surface above.
MOUNTING AND WIRING
Mounting bracket
Minimum connections
Optional chart plotter/MFD and heading sensor
Battery
12 - 24 VDC
Black
Red
VHF
antenna
Optional GPS
antenna may be
required
WMX850
AIS Transceiver 2A Fuse
Battery
12 - 24 VDC
Black
Blue
Red
WMX850
AIS Transceiver
12-24 VDC
Buzzer or
Indicator
150mA max
Yellow
Grey
Green
White
WMX850
AIS Transceiver
2A Fuse
NMEA 0183
AIS Compliant
Chart Plotter
NMEA 0183
Heading
Sensor
NMEA
IN
NMEA
OUT
Battery
12 - 24 VDC
Black
Red
VHF
antenna
Optional GPS
antenna may be
required
WMX850
AIS Transceiver 2A Fuse
Battery
12 - 24 VDC
Black
Blue
Red
WMX850
AIS Transceiver
12-24 VDC
Buzzer or
Indicator
150mA max
Yellow
Grey
Green
White
WMX850
AIS Transceiver
2A Fuse
NMEA 0183
AIS Compliant
Chart Plotter
NMEA 0183
Heading
Sensor
NMEA
IN
NMEA
OUT
Battery
12 - 24 VDC
Black
Red
VHF
antenna
Optional GPS
antenna may be
required
WMX850
AIS Transceiver 2A Fuse
Battery
12 - 24 VDC
Black
Blue
Red
WMX850
AIS Transceiver
12-24 VDC
Buzzer or
Indicator
150mA max
Yellow
Grey
Green
White
WMX850
AIS Transceiver
2A Fuse
NMEA 0183
AIS Compliant
Chart Plotter
NMEA 0183
Heading
Sensor
NMEA
IN
NMEA
OUT
Place the rubber vibration
damper between the bracket
and your WatchMate.
Optional external alarm

POWER / DATA CABLE
COLOR DESCRIPTION
Red DC positive (+) (12-24 volts). Always use a 2A
fuse or circuit breaker. Do not connect directly
to battery. If you must extend the power
connections use high quality pre-tinned marine
grade wire which is at least 16 AWG (1.5mm2).
Black DC negative (-)
Gray NMEA 0183 out (+) A
Yellow NMEA 0183 out (-) B
Green NMEA 0183 in (+) A
White NMEA 0183 in (-) B
Blue External alarm. When an alarm is triggered and
the external alarm is enabled this wire will have
the input voltage (from the red wire) applied,
current limited to 150mA. You can use this to
provide power to an external buzzer, light or
other signaling device.
(Do not connect brown, orange or pink wire)
NMEA OUT (+) A
CHART PLOTTER
NMEA OUT (-) B
NMEA IN (+) A
NMEA IN (-) B
HEADING SENSOR
NMEA OUT (+) A
NMEA OUT (-) B
NMEA IN (+) A
NMEA IN (-) B
(Gray)
(Yellow)
(Green)
(White)
38400 Baud
4800 Baud
DC NEGATIVE / GROUND
(Blue)
EXTERNAL ALARM
+ -
A 2m (6 ½ft) cable with attached 10 pin connector is supplied for connecting
the WatchMate to power, other devices over NMEA 0183 and an external alarm.
You may extend this cable as necessary.
• Check you have the VHF antenna connected before connecting to power.
• Fully engage the locking ring to ensure a watertight seal.
• Received NMEA 0183 data is output on USB.

!
AIS PLOTTER
Triangle points in the direction of the target’s heading.
This target meets one or more of your alarm criteria.
An aid to navigation.
Search and rescue transponder (AIS SART) or man overboard device (AIS MOB).
Target is marked as a member of your “fleet”.
Selected target. Press the Select button to view the complete target details.
Target is “lost”. No AIS data has been received from the target within the
expected intervals.
Display is oriented North-Up for this profile. Use setup to change.
AIS data is not being transmitted. Check the AIS Status screen.
You must configure your vessel MMSI in order to transmit.
!
• Color of targets change depending on their alarm state.
• The target icon points in the direction of the targets heading. If heading data
is not available it will use course over ground (COG).
• You must have a valid GPS fix for any targets to be shown on the AIS plotter.
• Go to www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850 for additional information.
Menu
Select
Prev
Next
Plotting range
Current
Profile
Nav Aid
Your
position
Guard
range
Transmit
warning Ordinary target Dangerous target Safety messages
Your heading
Total targets and
filtered targets
[6nm]
Coastal
1 Msg
6 Targets
1 Filtered
045T

GETTING STARTED
USB
• When you connect the WatchMate to your PC or Mac using USB, it will
automatically create a COM port. This COM port may then be used with the
vmAIS utility or 3rd party navigation software. Download vmAIS from
www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850.
• The first time you plug in the WatchMate, most operating systems will
automatically install the necessary drivers.
• If a COM port is not created the first time your plug in the WatchMate, you
may need to install the drivers manually. Download the USB drivers from
www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850.
Alarm Types:
Guard alarm - based on each target’s current distance from your vessel.
CPA alarm - there are several settings associated with CPA alarms: CPA alarm
distance, time until CPA (TCPA), target speed and your vessel speed. The
CPA alarm distance indicates which targets will trigger the alarm. The other
settings suppress alarms if the TCPA is too great, or either vessel’s speed is too
slow. Help for these, and all other settings, is displayed on each setup screen.
Muting Alarms
Alarms are muted for each individual target. All other targets remain active.
Profiles
Alarm and filter settings are grouped into four profiles (anchored, harbor,
coastal, offshore). You can change the settings for each profile and switch
between profiles at any time. Select the current profile from the main menu
Filters
You may filter targets based on their speed, range or CPA. Filters can be used
to reduce clutter. Use setup to establish filters for the current profile.
Setup
To change alarm and filter settings associated with a profile, you must select
the profile prior to entering setup mode. Setup mode is accessed from the
main menu.
Target List
Shows targets in priority order. Particularly useful when there are many targets
and the screen is cluttered.

• Before the WatchMate can transmit your position you must configure your
vessel details and enter a valid MMSI number. Your MMSI may have already
been entered by your dealer. You must have an assigned MMSI for your
vessel. If you do not have an assigned MMSI, contact the relevant authority
in your country.
• You can configure your WatchMate on-screen in setup mode or using the
vmAIS PC/Mac utility software. vmAIS is available for download from
www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850.
• Once you save the MMSI number you cannot change it. If you need to
change the MMSI, please contact an authorized dealer or Vesper Marine.
• To configure your vessel details use the on-screen setup mode as shown
below:
CONFIGURATION ON-SCREEN
Modify
Modify
Your vessel AIS details
MMSI: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Type: Pleasure craft
Name:
Call sign:
OK
OK
GPS
Antenna
A
0m 0m
0m
0mD
C
B
Move the selection box to the previous field
Move the selection box to the next field
Enter a new value for the selected field
Save your changes and exit configuration

• Install vmAIS on your PC or
Mac.
• Plug the WatchMate in to
an available USB port
(see USB section).
• Select the appropriate
COM port and click the
Connect button.
• Enter your vessel details
carefully and click on the
Save Data button.
Once you save the MMSI
number you cannot change it.
YOU’RE FINISHED!
If you have a GPS position and there is no warning symbol in the status bar,
your WatchMate is transmitting your position and is successfully installed!
Your position will be transmitted every 3 minutes when your speed is under
2 knots or every 30 seconds otherwise. Your vessel information (e.g. name,
callsign, etc) is transmitted every 6 minutes. If the warning symbol is still visible,
choose the AIS Status display from the menu to display the reason. See the
troubleshooting section for the probable cause.
CONFIGURATION USING A PC OR MAC
You can also configure your WatchMate using the vmAIS PC/Mac utility software.
vmAIS is available for download from www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850.
Before the WatchMate can transmit your position you must configure your vessel
details and enter a valid MMSI number. Your MMSI may have already been entered
by your dealer. You must have an assigned MMSI for your vessel. If you do not have
an assigned MMSI, contact the relevant authority in your country.
Vesper Marine releases downloadable updates from time to time. These updates
often add new features. To be notified when a new update is available please
register your WatchMate at www.vespermarine.com/register.
REGISTER YOUR WATCHMATE

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TROUBLESHOOTING
STATUS DESCRIPTION
MMSI CONFIGURED You must have a valid MMSI programmed before you
can transmit your position (see configuration section).
SILENT MODE IS OFF Silent mode is on. If this is not intentional check silent
mode is switched off in AIS settings.
STARTUP COMPLETE Before the WatchMate can transmit it needs 1 minute
to initialize.
GPS POSITION FIX The WatchMate requires a GPS fix before it can transmit
its position. This may take a few minutes. If it is taking
a long time check your GPS antenna installation (see
GPS antenna section) and GPS signal strength using the
menu to select GPS Status.
POSITION REPORT SENT This may happen from time to time in very busy areas
with lots of AIS traffic. This is normal behaviour for
a Class B AIS device.
VSWR Check your antenna installation. Use the VSWR meter
on the AIS Status screen. A poorly tuned antenna, bad
cabling or connections are typical reasons for a high
VSWR. Your WatchMate will continue to operate
normally but transmit performance will degrade.
The VSWR meter is a black bar that extends from the
left. Lower VSWR is indicated by a shorter black bar.
The symbol indicates your AIS data is not being transmitted. It is located
at the bottom left of the WatchMate screen. Use the menu to view the AIS
Status.
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1:1 >5:1
Visit www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850 for comprehensive answers
to frequently asked questions, the complete user manual, technical support,
downloads, local dealer contacts and more...
GOT A QUESTION?

TECH SPECS
Size (not incl bracket) 208mm wide x 135mm high x 76mm depth (8 3/16” x 5 5/16” x 3”)
Flush mount thickness 17mm (11/16”)
LCD panel 125mm (5”), FSTN 320x240 LED backlit
Power supply 10-32 VDC 2A max, 3W nominal
Environmental Watertight (USCG CFR-46, IPx7)
Operating temperature -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to 131°F)
Storage temperature -25°C to +80°C (-13°F to 176°F)
Serial data 1 USB port (isolated), 1 NMEA input (isolated RS422), 1 NMEA output
(non-isolated RS422)
Baud rate 4800 or 38400. AIS output requires 38400 baud
Data port impedance NMEA input: 96k ohm, NMEA output: 28 ohm
NMEA output RMC, GSV, GSA, GGA, GLL, VTG, VDO, VDM, TXT, DSC
NMEA input (optional) HDG, HDM, HDT
Number of receivers 2 AIS, 1 DSC (timeshared)
Number of transmitters 1 AIS
Receive frequency range 156.025 – 162.025 MHz
Transmit frequency range 161.500 – 162.025 MHz
AIS sensitivity -113 dBm < 20% PER
Power output 33 dBm (2W)
GPS sensitivity -159dBm tracking & navigation
-142dBm acquisition
GPS SBAS support WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN
External alarm maximum 150 mA @ VDC
Power/data connector 10 pin circular
USB connector Mini USB (USB 2.0)
GPS antenna connector TNC
VHF antenna connector SO-239
VHF antenna required 50 ohm, max 2:1 VSWR @ 162MHz. PL-259 connector.
Firmware version 5.06

WARNINGS
This AIS Transponder works in conjunction with other vessels and systems, such as other AIS transponders and
GPS devices. The accuracy of this device and the AIS system can be affected by many factors, including
equipment failure or defects, environmental conditions and incorrect installation, handling or use. Vesper
Marine does not warrant that this product is error-free. It is the user’s responsibility to exercise common
prudence and navigational judgment. This device should not be relied upon as a substitute for such prudence
and judgment. Always maintain a permanent watch so that you can respond to situations as they develop.
The prudent mariner will not rely on a single aid to navigation. The user should verify the information obtained
from this AIS Transponder is in accordance with expected situations and conditions. The information is not
guaranteed to be accurate or reliable and this AIS Transponder is not a substitute for proper seamanship.
Vesper Marine Limited cannot be held liable for any injury, damage or loss, caused by, during, or because of
the installation, use or inability to use this device. This AIS Transponder is to be installed and used entirely at
your own risk. By installing and/or using this AIS Transponder you fully accept all risk and agree to hold Vesper
Marine Limited harmless. If you do not agree to accept all risk, return this product unused in its original factory
condition to your dealer for a full refund.
Intended Use
This product is intended to be used on leisure or commercial vessels (excluding IMO/SOLAS class).
Vesper Marine has designed and manufactured this product to be used only aboard vessels.
Warranty Void
Do not disassemble the unit or remove the screws which hold it together. The unit is sealed and disassembly
will void the warranty.
FCC Warning:
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.
Industry Canada Warning:
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.
This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the condition that this device
does not cause harmful interference.
To satisfy RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance of 1 metre or more
should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during device operation. To ensure
compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not recommended.
The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction with any other antenna
or transmitter.
This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 3dBi. Antennas having
a gain greater than 3dBi are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is
50 ohms.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be chosen that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that required for successful communication.

!
!
Industry Canada Warning:
Pour satisfaire aux exigences d’exposition aux frequencies radio pour les appareils mobiles de transmission,
une distance de 1 mètre ou plus doit être maintenue entre l’antenne de ce dispositif et les personnes
pendant son fonctionnement. Pour assurer la sécurité, les opérations plus près de cette distance ne sont
pas recommandées.
L’antenne utilisée pour ce transmetteur ne doit pas être co-localisés avec toute autre antenne
ou transmetteur.
Ce dispositif a été conçu pour fonctionner avec une antenne ayant un gain maximalde 3dBi. Les antennes
ayant un gain supérieur à 3dBi sont strictement interdits pour une utilisation avec cet appareil. L’impédance
d’antenne requise est de 50 ohms.
Pour réduire le risque d’interférence aux autres utilisateurs, le type d’antenne et son gain doivent être choisis
pour que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne soit pas supérieure à celle requise pour une
communication réussie.
MMSI Programming Warning
IMPORTANT: In most countries, the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessel’s marine VHF license
provisions and the vessel on which this device is to be installed may be required to possess a current VHF
radiotelephone license which lists the AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number.
An MMSI number is required in order for this device to operate as a transmitter.
Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information.
For Customers in the USA
This device must be programmed with data corresponding to the vessel on which it will be installed.
Programming must be carried out by a Vesper Marine dealer. The included instructions contain information on
how to verify the correct programming.
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.
RF Emissions Warnings
CAUTION: This device generates and radiates electromagnetic energy. This device must be installed and
operated according to the instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so may result in product
malfunction and/or exposure to potentially harmful levels of radio frequency radiation. Changes or
modifications to the unit not expressly approved by Vesper Marine Ltd will void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
CAUTION: The system has a Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) radius of 1m from the antenna. This has been
determined assuming the maximum power of the transmitter and using a standard half-wave monopole VHF
antenna with a maximum gain of 3dBi and termination impedance of 50 ohms.
When installing the antenna and operating the equipment consider the following:
• The antenna should be mounted as high above deck as possible.
• Higher gain VHF antennas will require a larger MPE radius.
• Do not operate the unit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna.
• The antenna should not be collocated or operated in conjunction with any other transmitting antenna.
WARNINGS

Vesper Marine declares that this product is in compliance with the essential
requirements and other provisions of the R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC.
For details and a copy of the Declaration of Conformity see
www.vespermarine.com/compliance.
This product is for use worldwide, including the following countries:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES
FI FR GR HU IE IS IT LT LU LV
MT NO NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK
Electronic Waste
Recycling
Various regional and national
regulations exist regarding the
recycling of certain electronics.
Please consult your local
authorities or contact Vesper
Marine for recycling information.
This device is also approved for use in the United States, Canada,
Australia and New Zealand.
WARRANTY
Your Vesper Marine product is warranted, when properly installed and used, to be free from defects in materials
or workmanship for two years, from the date the product was purchased by the first retail customer. This
warranty applies to the original retail purchaser only and is not transferable. This warranty only applies to
products purchased from Vesper Marine or from an authorized Vesper Marine reseller. Within this period,
Vesper Marine will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Repairs or
replacement will be made at no charge for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible
for any transportation costs. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, improper
installation, unauthorized alterations or repairs, shipping damage, wear and tear, or corrosion.
This warranty will not apply if the product’s external housing has been opened, the serial number or other labels
have been removed or altered, or the specified input voltage has been exceeded. This warranty will not apply
if the product has been operated with an incompatible GPS antenna or without a suitable VHF antenna, where
applicable to the product.
Vesper Marine retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit at its sole discretion. In the event Vesper
Marine chooses to replace the unit it may be replaced with a factory reconditioned unit or a new unit at its sole
discretion. Where a replacement is provided the original product becomes the property of Vesper Marine and
the warranty will remain from the original purchase date.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES
YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL VESPER MARINE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN
THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Vesper Marine retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the product or offer a full refund of the purchase
price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
*These warranty terms and conditions are provided as a summary and the specific terms and conditions of your
warranty may vary by region. Please see www.vespermarine.com/watchmate850 for details of the warranty
terms and conditions specific to your region.

Copyright © 2014, Vesper Marine Ltd.
AIS WatchMate and WatchMate Vision are registered trademarks of Vesper Marine Ltd.
All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Unless otherwise indicated, all documentation and operating software contained within this
product or distributed with this product is copyrighted by Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved.
Portions of this product may use software licensed under open source license agreements.
Source code for the applicable software is available upon request from Vesper Marine Ltd.
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