vesper marine VAB1252 User manual

Virtual AIS Beacon
Model: VAB1252
Installation & Configuration Guide

Page 2
Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
Important Information ...................................................................................................... 3
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 3
Regulatory Requirements .............................................................................................. 3
Installation and Wiring ...................................................................................................... 4
Virtual AIS Beacon Connectors and Wiring..................................................................... 4
VHF Antenna Connection (SO239).......................................................................................................4
GPS Antenna Connection (TNC)...........................................................................................................5
Coms Connection (10 Pin)...................................................................................................................5
Power Connection (2 Pin)....................................................................................................................6
Mounting the Virtual AIS Beacon................................................................................... 6
LED Status Lights ........................................................................................................... 7
Virtual AIS Beacon Configuration Software ........................................................................ 8
Connecting a PC to the beacon ...................................................................................... 8
The Configuration Screen .............................................................................................. 9
Configuration Software Field Descriptions: .................................................................. 10
Virtual AIS Beacon Firmware Upgrades............................................................................ 14
NMEA Command Interface .............................................................................................. 16
AtoN Configuration...................................................................................................... 16
Table 1 –Supported Public NMEA 0183 Sentences............................................................................16
Example Configuration for a Virtual AtoN .................................................................... 16
Valid AtoN Types.......................................................................................................... 17
Table 2 –Valid AtoN Types................................................................................................................17
Example Binary Broadcast of an Area Special Message ................................................ 18
Decoded Area Special Message.........................................................................................................18
Additional NMEA Output Sentences ............................................................................ 19
Table 3 –Additional NMEA Output Sentences...................................................................................19
Extended AtoN Configuration ...................................................................................... 19
Table 4 –Sentences Used For Extended Configuration ......................................................................19
SAT –Enable GSA/GSV Output..........................................................................................................19
ATON,CLR –Clear all AtoN Configurations.........................................................................................20
Extended NMEA Outputs............................................................................................. 20
Table 5 –Extended NMEA Output Sentences ....................................................................................20
ATON,CNT –AtoN Count...................................................................................................................20
ATON,ADDR –Binary Message Address............................................................................................20
ATON,STATS –Transmission Statistics...............................................................................................21
SYNC –UTC Synchronisation Details..................................................................................................21
AtoN Queries............................................................................................................... 21
Technical Information...................................................................................................... 22
System Specifications (VAB1252) ................................................................................. 22
Technical Accuracy .......................................................................................................... 23
General Warnings............................................................................................................ 23
Obtaining Warranty Service............................................................................................. 24
Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................................24
Electronic Waste Recycling ...............................................................................................................24
Copyright Notice...............................................................................................................................25

Page 3
Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
Important Information
Before installing the Virtual AIS Beacon, it is important that you read and fully understand
this guide.
Warnings and Cautions
CAUTION: Never operate this device unless it is connected to a suitable VHF antenna.
Transmitting without an antenna may damage this device.
WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Vesper Marine could void
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
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.
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:
lThe antenna should be mounted as high as possible.
lHigher gain VHF antennas will require a larger MPE radius.
lDo not operate the unit when anyone is within the MPE radius of the antenna.
lThe VHF antenna should not be collocated or operated in conjunction with any other
transmitting antenna.
Introduction
The Virtual AIS Beacon is a system which transmits information to assist in marking Aids to
Navigation (AtoN) at sea. It works by transmitting data as part of the Universal Ship borne
Automated Identification Systems (AIS).
Regulatory Requirements
MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity):
At least one MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is required for the Virtual AIS Beacon
to begin transmission of an Aid to Navigation (AtoN). MMSI numbers are allocated by the
maritime authority responsible for marine radio spectrum in your region.
Each AtoN you intend to transmit requires a unique MMSI.
VHF radio license:
Various countries have regulations requiring a VHF radio license to operate an AIS
transceiver. Check with your local authorities to determine the requirements for your area.

Page 4
Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
Installation and Wiring
Virtual AIS Beacon Connectors and Wiring
VHF Antenna Connection (SO239)
The Virtual AIS Beacon must be connected to a suitable VHF antenna either sourced from
Vesper Marine or your local marine equipment supplier.
Ensure a VHF antenna is connected to the Virtual AIS Beacon before power is applied to the
beacon.
The performance of the VHF antenna is also highly dependent on the environment in which
the device is mounted. When installing the VHF antenna please take into consideration:
lPlace your antenna as high as possible and at least 2-3 metres (6-10 ft) above the
water surface.
lPlace your VHF antenna as far as possible from other antennas and metal structures,
especially other VHF, HF and radar antennas. It is not recommended to place the VHF
antenna directly alongside another VHF antenna.
lThe type of antenna should be an omnidirectional VHF antenna designed for the
marine band (156-162 MHz).
lIdeally an AIS-frequency adapted antenna should be used however you may also use
a standard marine VHF antenna.

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Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
GPS Antenna Connection (TNC)
The Virtual AIS Beacon is provided with an external GPS antenna. This
antenna requires an unobstructed view of the sky. You cannot share
this GPS antenna with other equipment.
The performance of the GPS antenna is highly dependent on the
environment in which the antenna is mounted. The antenna
performance may be reduced if the antenna is under or near large
metal structures.
When installing the external GPS antenna please take into
consideration:
lEnsure the antenna connector is isolated from metal at all times.
lDo not place the GPS antenna near or in the path of radar or HF antennas.
lThe GPS antenna should be situated so it has an unobstructed view of the sky above.
lAny damage caused by using an incompatible GPS antenna is not covered under your
warranty.
Coms Connection (10 Pin)
A 2m (6.5') data cable with a female DB9 plug is supplied with the Virtual AIS Beacon to
connect to the Coms Port. An additional 2m (6.5’) Ethernet cable with RJ45 plugs is provided
to support network connectivity for Ethernet-enabled devices. You may extend these cables
as necessary. Firmware upgrades can be carried out using this port. The data cable color
code is as follows,
Yellow
Com Port
(RS232)
RS232 Common
Green RS232 data in
Gray RS232 data out
Brown
Com Port
(Ethernet)
Ethernet TX+
Blue Ethernet TX-
Black Ethernet RX+
Orange Ethernet RX-
Red Do Not Connect (recovery)
Pink Do Not Connect (recovery)
GPIO Connection (16 Pin)
A 2m (6.5') cable with bare wire leads is supplied with the Virtual AIS Beacon to connect to
the GPIO Port. You may extend this cable as necessary. The GPIO cable color code is as
follows,
Blue GPIO Port RS232 data in
Brown RS232 data out
RS232 Common

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Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
Power Connection (2 Pin)
The Virtual AIS Beacon has a 2 pin plug for 12 VDC,
peak 4.5A, nominal 0.25A.
Depending on shipping destination a short circuit
protected and isolated ground 12VDC 5A AC/DC
power pack with a regional IEC power cable may also
be supplied.
Mounting the Virtual AIS Beacon
The Virtual AIS Beacon has footprint dimensions as detailed below and a height of 90mm.
The device is mounted by using the fixing lugs. Drill holes in the mounting surface using the
lugs as a guide. Fasten with appropriate length screws.
Caution: Do not disassemble the unit or remove the screws which hold the Virtual AIS
Beacon together. The unit is sealed and disassembly will void the warranty. If you require
service or assistance please contact Vesper Marine.

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Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
LED Status Lights
Once the VHF antenna, GPS antenna and the power is connected the
Virtual AIS Beacon can be turned on. The LED lights on the front panel
have the following states:
POWER Green: The Virtual AIS Beacon has power.
GPS STATUS Blue Flashing: GPS acquiring a fix and/or sync to UTC time (can take up to
12mins to get a sync)
Blue: GPS fixed and synchronized to UTC time
TRANSMIT Green Flash: On an AIS transmission.
Red: Built in integrity check error. Typically this would indicate a bad
antenna connection.
NETWORK Orange: Link established.
Green Flashing: Network connection active.
(optional –only applies to Ethernet enabled devices)

Page 8
Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
Virtual AIS Beacon Configuration Software
To use the Virtual AIS Beacon configuration software you will need a connection between
the PC and the Virtual AIS Beacon device. Once you are connected the configuration
software will allow you to view existing AtoN’s that are configured (if any). Configuring and
uploading AtoN’s is carried out by entering information into each of the fields for each
individual Virtual or Synthetic AtoN. AtoN’s are added, edited or deleted and then uploaded
to the Virtual AIS Beacon by using the Upload button.
Connecting a PC to the beacon
Before connecting the Virtual AIS Beacon to a PC install the vmBeacon software. Once this
process is completed open the vmBeacon program and follow the steps below to connect
the PC to the Virtual AIS Beacon.
1. Connect the beacon to your PC using the DB9 plug, connected to a Serial to USB adaptor
(not included). If you are using an Ethernet-enabled device to connect to your network,
connect the RJ45 plug to your PC.
2. With the vmBeacon program running select the appropriate com and then click the
Connect Button. Once connected all currently defined AtoN’s (if any) are displayed.
Or, if connecting via Ethernet enter the IP address and Port in these two fields.

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Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
The Configuration Screen
Adding a new AtoN is done by clicking the Add Button.
Deleting a single AtoN is done by selecting an individual AtoN then
clicking the Delete Button.
Deleting All AtoN’s is done by clicking the Delete All button and
confirming this action.
Uploading AtoN’s to the beacon is done by clicking the Upload Button.
The Help Button can be used to access this documentation.
Backing Up the beacon can be carried out by using the Backup Button
and saving the configuration to file.
Restoring a beacon’s configuration is carried out by clicking the Restore
Button and selecting the backup file that you wish to restore the beacon
with. The Upload button must be used to load AtoN’s into the beacon
once the restore procedure has been completed.

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Copyright © 2015, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved
Configuration Software Field Descriptions:
Beacon Information Fields (Read only)
Beacon information is shown for reference in the following fields; Model, H/W Rev, Serial
Number, Version, etc.
Max Mark Field (Read only)
This field shows the maximum number of AtoN’s the beacon can have. The Virtual AIS
Beacon requires AtoN Mark Licenses to be purchased, the Max Marks field will show the
number of licenses each beacon currently has. Additional AtoN Mark Licenses can be
purchased in blocks. It is possible to have up to 36 AtoN marks however this is dependent on
the reporting interval and the mode selected for each AtoN.
Marks In Use Field (Read only)
The number in this field indicates the number of AtoN marks currently configured on the
beacon. This field will be updated once the Upload Button is clicked.
VDL Load Field (Read only)
This is an indication of the VHF Data Link load. This number cannot exceed 0.5%. If you
configure AtoN marks and the VDL Load exceeds 0.5% you must change the Mode, increase
the Transmission Interval or remove AtoN’s before you are able to Upload to the beacon.
MMSI Field
An MMSI is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity, used to identify each AtoN. All Virtual AIS
Beacon AtoN marks require a unique MMSI. An AtoN will not be updated to the beacon until
a valid MMSI is set.
Note: MMSI numbers may be allocated by the maritime authority responsible for marine
radio spectrum in your region.