vesper marine WatchMate Vision User manual

WatchMate Vision®Install Guide

Your WatchMate Vision®is a Class B AIS Transponder with
a Color Touch Display and integrated NMEA 2000 and WiFi.
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,
laptops, smart phones) using NMEA 2000, USB and WiFi. In addition, your vessel data
is transmitted to all other AIS-equipped vessels within range.
For more information on go to www.vespermarine.com/vision.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET GOING
= Item Included
= Item Included
WatchMate Vision
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 (cut these to the required length)
Waterproof 5m USB cable with locking security ring
NMEA 2000 cable, T connector and network extension cable
SP160 Antenna Splitter
External GPS Antenna with 10m cable
External alarm buzzer
Consider other equipment you may need to install this on your vessel e.g.
additional cable, cable ties, mounting screws, wire strippers, screwdriver etc.

CONNECTIONS
VHF ANTENNA
• AIS/VHF
antenna
• NMEA 2000 • GPS antenna• 10 pin power/data port
• USB
Mount your
WatchMate
at least 0.65m
(2 ½ ft) from
any compass.
Test your
compass to
verify that
it operates
properly when
the WatchMate
is operating.
When flush mounting, use the supplied template to carefully cut the holes. Always
use the rubber gasket and install the screws from behind the panel.
CAUTION: Do not overtigten the flush mounting screws. Cut screws to the
length requiored for your panel thickness.
• 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). Avoid small helical “rubber duck” style antennas.
• 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 to check your antenna system
installation.
!
!
!

GPS ANTENNA
!
The WatchMate requires a GPS fix before it can transmit its position.
Internal
The WatchMate has a built-in GPS 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, turn the unit off using
the menu option and keep power
connected to the unit.
HINT: Use the My Position screen to view
satellite signal strengths which will assist
in determining the best location for the
WatchMate or the external GPS antenna.
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 small SMA connector to
facilitate easy routing through holes and openings. 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

NMEA 2000
DROP CABLE
T CONNECTION
NETWORK
POWER
NETWORK
EXTENSION CABLE
TERMINATING
RESISTOR
CHART PLOTTER
The WatchMate can be connected to a NMEA 2000 network to enable AIS
and GPS data to be sent to other NMEA 2000 devices. The WatchMate can
also receive and make use of data sent from NMEA 2000 sensors.
• Supported NMEA sensors can be viewed on the My Instruments screen.
• Data Packets (PGN’s) supported are defined below.
• A drop cable, T connection and network extension cable are required to
connect the WatchMate to your NMEA 2000 network.
12
6
S/Y MIMOSA
OFFSHORE
1nm
S 036 037.325 E 175 005.143
Vision
PGN DESCRIPTION NMEA 0183
TRANSLATION
127250 Vessel Heading HDG
128259 Speed VHW
128267 Water Depth DPT
128275 Distance Log VLW
130306 Wind MWD, MWV
130310,130311
130312, 130316 Water Temperature MTW
PGNs Received
129025 Position (Rapid)
129026 COG & SOG (Rapid)
129029 GNSS Position
129540 GNSS Satellites
129038 AIS Class A Position
129039 AIS Class B Position
129040 AIS Class B Extended Position
129041 AIS Aids to Navigation
129794 AIS Class A Static Voyage
129798 AIS SAR Aircraft Position
129801 AIS Addressed Safety
129802 AIS Safety Related Broadcast
129809 AIS Class B “CS” Static, Part A
129810 AIS Class B “CS” Static, Part B
Received PGN’s are translated and output on the NMEA 0183, USB and WiFi
ports. See www.vespermarine.com/vision for an up-to-date list.
PGNs Sent

POWER AND DATA
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
Received data is output on WiFi, USB & 0183
White NMEA 0183 in (-) B
Brown External switch may be used to activate anchor
watch. Do not connect if not used.
Blue External alarm (limited to 150mA)*
Do not connect if not used.
(Do not connect orange or pink wire)
NMEA OUT (+) A
WATCHMATE VISION
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
(Brown)
EXTERNAL
SWITCH
EXTERNAL
ALARM*
(Blue)
12-24VDC
Alarm
+–
HINT: To turn ON
the WatchMate
simply touch the
screen. Use the
Menu to turn OFF.
A 2m (6 ½ft) cable with attached 10 pin connector is supplied for connecting
the WatchMate to power, other devices over NMEA 0183, an external switch
and 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.
HINT: Anchor
Alarm may be armed
and all alarms may
be silenced using the
WatchMate mobile
apps.

AIS PLOTTER
Icon Meanings
Class B target.
Class A target.
An aid to navigation. A virtual aid to navigation.
An AIS Man Overboard (AIS MOB) or search and rescue transponder (AIS SART).
This symbol appears around a target to indicate it is the currently selected target.
This symbol is overlayed over a target to indicate the target is “lost”. No AIS data
has been received from the target within the expected interval.
Indicates your AIS data is not being transmitted. You can use the AIS Status screen
to determine the reason.
When used with a Vesper Marine AIS/VHF antenna splitter this symbol indicates
the VHF radio is in-use and AIS transmissions are temporarily disabled.
North Up
Touch target
counts to
view list
Selected Vessel’s CPA/TCPA
Touch for full details
Your Position
and Vector
Range Zoom
Range Rings
Alarm Profile
Transmit
Warning
• Color and size of targets change depending on their alarm state.
• The target icon points in the direction of the target’s heading. If heading data
is not available it will use course over ground (COG). Target vectors always
use COG.
• You must have a valid GPS fix for any targets to be shown on the AIS plotter.
• Go to www.vespermarine.com/vision for additional information.
Anchor
Watch
Closest point
of approach
for selected
target is shown
by colored
dots with
the vector
length equal
to time until
closest point
of approach

WIFI
Configure your WatchMate WiFi from the WiFi settings menu.
Access Point Mode (default)
The WatchMate will control your onboard WiFi network for up to 5 devices.
You can connect to the WatchMate using:
• Network (SSID): VesperXB-xxxxxx (serial number)
• Password: WatchMate
We recommend that you change your password straight away. You can
always access the password in the WiFi settings.
The default IP address that mobile apps may need is 192.168.15.1
(Port 39150).
Client Mode
The WatchMate can also join an existing network. It can do this in either DHCP
mode (default) or you can set a static IP address. To prevent the address from
automatically changing we recommend that you use a static IP address.
iPad
Wireless Access Point DAP - 1353
iPad
12
6
S/Y MIMOSA
OFFSHORE
1nm
S 036 037.325 E 175 005.143
Vision
12
6
S/Y MIMOSA
OFFSHORE
1nm
S 036 037.325 E 175 005.143
Vision

• Before the WatchMate can transmit your position you must configure your
vessel details and enter a valid MMSI number. Your MMSI may have been
entered already by your dealer. You must have an assigned MMSI and
Call Sign for your vessel. If you do not have an assigned MMSI, contact the
relevant authority in your country.
• You can configure your WatchMate from the menu, using the WatchMate
App or the vmAIS PC software. The WatchMate App and vmAIS are available
for download from www.vespermarine.com/vision.
• 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 menu to select the AIS Settings as
shown below:
CONFIGURATION

• With vmAIS you can connect
to the WatchMate using either
the USB COM port or over WiFi
by entering the IP address
(192.168.15.1 default).
• Click the Connect button and
enter your vessel details.
• When all the information
is correct, click on the Save Data
button.
• You can also change your WiFi
settings, view your GPS signal
strength, transponder status and
VSWR level using vmAIS.
REGISTER YOUR WATCHMATE
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.
GOT A QUESTION?
Visit www.vespermarine.com/vision for comprehensive answers to frequently
asked questions, the user manual, technical support, downloads, local dealer
contacts and more...
YOU’RE FINISHED!
If you have a GPS position and there is no warning symbol the 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, touch it to
display the reason. See the troubleshooting section for the probable cause.

USB
• When you connect the WatchMate to your PC or Mac using USB, it will
automatically create a COM port (see configuration section). This COM port
may then be used with the vmAIS utility or 3rd party navigation software.
Download vmAIS from www.vespermarine.com/vision.
• The first time you plug it in, most operating systems will automatically install
the necessary drivers.
• If a COM port is not created the first time you plug it in, you may need to
install the drivers manually. Download the USB drivers from
www.vespermarine.com/vision.
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 on the
My Position screen.
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 OK Check your antenna installation. Use the VSWR meter
in advanced AIS settings. 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 symbol indicates your AIS data is not being transmitted. It is located
at the top left of the screen, touch it to reveal the AIS Transponder Status.

TECH SPECS
Size 172mm wide x 130mm high x 60mm depth (6 7/8” x 5 1/8” x 2 3/8”)
LCD Touch panel 145mm (5 11/16”), VGA Color TFT, Resistive Touch
Power supply 10-32 VDC 2A max, 6W nominal
Environmental Waterproof (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)
Data port impedance NMEA input: 96k ohm, NMEA output: 28 ohm
NMEA output RMC, GSV, GSA, GGA, GLL, VTG, VDO, VDM, TXT, DSC, HDG, VHW,
DPT, VLW, MWD, MWV, MTW
NMEA input (optional)
HDG, HDM, HDT (These are processed, but are not required. Other
sentences are not processed but all valid NMEA sentences are output
on NMEA 0183, WiFi and USB)
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 SMA
VHF antenna connector SO-239
VHF antenna required 50 ohm, max 2:1 VSWR @ 162MHz. PL-259 connector.
NMEA 2000 connector NMEA 2000 Micro-C male
Firmware version 5.16
Wireless 802.11 b/g in Access Point or Client Mode
Wireless security WPA2 Personal (Also none and WPA in Client Mode)

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 this 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.

!
!
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.

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 AIS transponder 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/vision for details of the warranty terms
and conditions specific to your region.

Copyright © 2016, Vesper Marine Ltd.
AIS WatchMate, WatchMate Vision and WatchMate Wheel are 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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Fax [phone] | Web www.vespermarine.com
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WatchMate Vision 1604