vesper marine XB-6000 User manual

XB-6000 |XB-8000 Install Guide

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET GOING
= Item Included
Your XB-6000 / XB-8000 is a Class B AIS Transponder with
NMEA gateway and integrated NMEA 2000 and WiFi*.
The XB 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 System (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 XB to
receive these signals, you can distribute this 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 position and other data is transmitted to all other AIS-
equipped vessels within range.
For more information on go to www.vespermarine.com/xb.
XB-6000 or XB-8000
External GPS Antenna with 10m cable
10 pin power/data cable
AIS/VHF antenna
MMSI number
PC, Mac or Mobile Device (Apple or Android)* for configuring settings
2A fuse or circuit breaker
1m USB cable (for configuration)
Waterproof 5m USB cable with locking security ring
NMEA 2000 cable, T connector and network extension cable
SP160 Antenna Splitter
External alarm buzzer for MOB or anchor watch alarms*
Switch for silent mode or to silence MOB or anchor watch alarms*
Consider other equipment you may need to install this on your vessel e.g.
additional cable, cable ties, mounting screws, wire strippers, screw driver etc.
(*XB-8000 only)

CONNECTIONS
STATUS LED
COLOR STATE DESCRIPTION
Green (OK) Solid Normal Operation
Flashing Antenna VSWR is high
Background noise level on AIS receiver is high
Orange
(No Transmit)
Solid Device initializing, silent mode, waiting to transmit
Flashing Acquiring a GPS fix
Red (Error) Solid Built in integrity test error or firmware update in
progress
(See troubleshooting section for more info)
• AIS/VHF antenna
• NMEA 2000 • GPS antenna
• 10 pin power/data port
• LED Status
185mm (7 1/4”)
98mm (3 7/8”)
• USB
Mount your XB at least 0.6m (2 feet) from any compass. Test your compass
to verify that it operates properly when the XB is operating.

VHF ANTENNA
GPS ANTENNA
• A dedicated VHF antenna or Vesper Marine AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter
is required.
• Choose a high quality 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.
• For best performance avoid using small helical “rubber duck” style antennas.
CAUTION: Install the antenna a minimum of 1m (4 ft) from any other VHF or HF
antennas and not within the beam path of a radar. Inadequate separation
may damage the XB transponder and void your warranty.
CAUTION: Never operate this device unless it is connected directly to a
suitable VHF antenna or Vesper Marine AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter.
CAUTION: The Vesper Marine AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter is designed specifically
for use with Vesper Marine AIS transponders. Do not use any other VHF
antenna splitter. The use of any other splitter may damage the device and
void your warranty.
HINT: Use the VSWR meter in vmAIS or the WatchMate app (see configuration
section) to check your antenna system installation.
!
!
!
• The XB requires a GPS fix before it can transmit its position.
• You cannot share an external GPS antenna.
• You cannot use another GPS or any other NMEA device to provide a GPS
position to the XB. Class B AIS transponders are required by international
regulations to use their own GPS.
• However, you can use the XB to provide GPS position data to other devices
using NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, USB or WiFi (XB-8000)
!
CAUTION: The Vesper Marine GPS antenna is designed specifically for use
with Vesper Marine AIS transponders. Performance cannot be assured unless
you use a Vesper Marine GPS antenna. Use of a different GPS antenna may
damage the XB transponder and void your warranty.

GPS ANTENNA
Internal (XB-6000 only)
The XB-6000 has a built-in GPS antenna.
• This antenna requires an unobstructed
view of the sky.
• The antenna performance may be
significantly reduced if the XB-6000 is
installed on, under, or near large metal
structures.
• The antenna faces upwards and is
located as shown in the drawing.
• If you are mounting the XB-6000 in a
location which will not provide adequate
GPS signal coverage, then you must install
the dedicated GPS antenna provided.
External GPS Antenna
The XB-8000 requires installation of the dedicated GPS antenna
provided. This may also be required for the XB-6000 if the internal
antenna does not provide adequate GPS signal coverage.
• 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.
• You cannot share the GPS antenna with any other device.
• 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.
Internal GPS
antenna location
HINT: Use the GPS Status screen in the vmAIS PC/Mac Configuration and
Status software or the WatchMate Apple* or Android app* to view the
satellite signal strengths which will assist in determining the best location for
mounting the XB-6000 or the external GPS antenna for both the XB-6000 and
XB-8000 (see configuration section).
(*XB-8000 only)

NMEA 2000
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
(*WiFi on XB-8000 only)
DROP CABLE
T CONNECTION
NETWORK
POWER
NETWORK
EXTENSION CABLE
TERMINATING
RESISTOR
CHART PLOTTER
The XB can be connected to a NMEA 2000 network to enable AIS and GPS data
to be sent to other NMEA 2000 devices. The XB can also receive and make use
of data sent from NMEA 2000 sensors.
• Data Packets (PGN’s) supported are defined below.
• A drop cable, T connection and network extension cable are required to
connect the XB to your NMEA 2000 network.
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/xb 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 configured for silent mode or to
silence alarm*. 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
XB-8000 / XB-6000
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
+–
A 2m (6.5ft) cable with attached 10 pin plug is supplied for connecting the XB 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: Silent Mode
can also be controlled
over USB and WiFi*.
External switch is
an optional manual
override.
(*XB-8000 only)
HINT: External alarm
may also be silenced
using the WatchMate
mobile apps.

WIFI (FOR XB-8000 ONLY)
Access Point Mode (default)
The XB-8000 will control your onboard WiFi network of up to 5 devices.
You can connect to the XB-8000 using:
• Network (SSID): VesperXB-xxxxxx (serial number)
• Password: WatchMate
We recommend that you change your password straight away and write it
down here for future reference:____________________. You can recover your
password over USB if you forget it.
• The default IP address that mobile apps may need is 192.168.15.1
(Port 39150).
Client Mode
The XB-8000 can also join an existing network. It can do this in either DHCP
mode (default) or you can set a static IP address using vmAIS (see
configuration section). To prevent the address from automatically changing
we recommend that you use a static IP address.
WirelessAccess Point DAP- 1353
iPad
iPad

CONFIGURATION
• Before the XB 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 for your vessel.
If you do not have an assigned MMSI, contact the relevant authority in
your country.
• You can configure your XB using the WatchMate App* or the vmAIS PC/Mac
software. These are available for download from www.vespermarine.com/xb.
• With vmAIS you can connect to the XB using either the USB COM port or over
WiFi* by entering the IP address (192.168.15.1 default). Click the Connect
button. Allow 30 seconds for the XB to initialize after power on before
attempting to connect.
• 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.
• When all the information is correct, click on the Save Vessel Data button.
• You can also change your WiFi* settings, view your GPS signal strength,
Transponder status and VSWR level using vmAIS.
*(XB-8000 only)

USB
• When you connect the XB 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/xb.
• 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/xb.
GOT A QUESTION?
Visit www.vespermarine.com/xb for comprehensive answers to frequently asked
questions, technical support, downloads, local dealer contacts and more…
YOU’RE FINISHED!
If the Status LED is solid green, the XB 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 Status LED is not
solid green yet, see the troubleshooting section for the probable cause.
REGISTER YOUR XB
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 XB at www.vespermarine.com/register.

STATUS LED TROUBLESHOOTING
COLOR STATE DESCRIPTION
Orange Solid Device initializing
Before the XB can transmit it needs 1 minute to initialize.
MMSI not programmed
You must have a valid MMSI programmed before you can
transmit your position (see configuration section).
Silent mode
Silent mode is on. If this is not intentional check the brown
wire has not been accidentally connected to DC negative
or vessel ground.
Last position report not sent
This may happen from time to time in very busy areas
with lots of AIS traffic. This is normal behavior for
a Class B AIS device.
Flashing Acquiring a GPS fix
The XB 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 vmAIS or WatchMate app.
Green Flashing Antenna VSWR is high
Check your antenna installation. Use the VSWR meter in
the vmAIS status page or WatchMate app. A poorly tuned
antenna, bad cabling or connections are typical reasons
for a high VSWR. Your XB will continue to operate normally
but transmit performance will degrade.
Background noise level on AIS receiver channel is high
An AIS receiver channel has an abnormally high
background noise level. Determine the channel and
frequency by using the vmAIS status page or WatchMate
app. Look for an RSSI level greater than -77dBm. Remove
any sources of noise onboard at this frequency. Your XB will
continue to operate normally but receive performance will
degrade.
Red Solid Built in integrity test error (or firmware update in progress)
An internal error has been detected. The XB may
automatically recover, but if the error state persists
contact our technical support team for assistance by
visiting our support site at support.vespermarine.com.

TECH SPECS
Size 200mm wide x 130mm high x 60mm depth (7 7/8” x 5 1/8” x 2 3/8”)
Power supply 10-32 VDC 2A max, 3W 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 0183 output RMC, GSV, GSA, GGA, GLL, VTG, VDO, VDM, TXT, DSC, HDG, VHW,
DPT, VLW, MWD, MWV, MTW, APB, BOD, BWC, BWR, BWW, XTE, WPL
NMEA 0183 input
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, 10mW.
Access point security * WPA2 Personal
Client mode security * None, WPA & WPA2 Personal
(*XB-8000 only)

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 judgement. This device should not be relied upon as a substitute for
such prudence and judgement. 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.
AT BE BG CY CZ DE DK EE ES EL
FI FR HR HU IE IT LT LU LV MT
NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK

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 discretion, 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, or with an incompatible antenna splitter, 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/xb for details of the warranty terms
and conditions specific to your region.
Vesper Marine declares that this AIS Class B transponder is in
compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the
following internet address: 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.

Copyright © 2016, 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.
XB-8000 1708
Member of:
45 Sale Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland, New Zealand
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Fax [phone] | Web www.vespermarine.com
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