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
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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.
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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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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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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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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)
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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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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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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.
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Type Field
This is a list of AtoN types as defined in IALA Recommendation A-126 –the use of the
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) in Marine Aids to Navigation Services. Options are:
Type of AtoN is not specified
Reference point
RACON
Fixed structure off shore,
Reserved for future use
Light, without sectors
Light, with sectors
Leading Light Front
Leading Light Rear
Beacon, Cardinal N
Beacon, Cardinal E
Beacon, Cardinal S
Beacon, Cardinal W
Beacon, Port hand
Beacon, Starboard hand
Beacon, Preferred Channel port hand
Beacon, Preferred Channel starboard hand
Beacon, Isolated danger
Beacon, Safe water
Beacon, Special mark
Cardinal Mark N
Cardinal Mark E
Cardinal Mark S
Cardinal Mark W
Port hand Mark
Starboard hand Mark
Preferred Channel Port hand
Preferred Channel Starboard hand
Isolated danger
Safe Water
Special Mark
Light Vessel / LANBY/Rigs
Name Field
You must name each AtoN to facilitate easier identification. This name will be visible to any
vessel with AIS receiving equipment in range of the Virtual AIS Beacon.
Latitude and Longitude Fields
The exact location of the AtoN should be entered in these fields.
Mode Field
This field allows each AtoN to be configured to use transmission Mode A, B or C.
Mode A allows an AtoN message to be sent on both channels with each AtoN message
alternating channels. Mode B sends the message on both channels during each interval. It
is important to note that although using Mode A allows more AtoN marks to be transmitted
from a Virtual AIS Beacon each AtoN message is only transmitted over one channel in each
reporting interval not two channels as they are in Mode B. Because Mode B uses both
channels for the same message it provides the best probability of reception (see diagram
below).
Mode C provides an option to send the messages on one channel only. When configuring
this mode options are; C1 (channel 1) or C2 (channel 2). This mode is the least likely of the
three modes to be used.
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Reporting Interval 1 Reporting Interval 2 Reporting Interval 3
Mode A
Ch 1
▌
▌
Ch 2
▌
Mode B
Ch 1
▌
▌
▌
Ch 2
▌
▌
▌
Mode C
Ch 1
▌
▌
▌
Ch 2
TDMA Field
This field specifies how the slots will be allocated for transmission of AtoN messages. The
two allowed Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) schemes are Fixed Access TDMA
(FATDMA) and Random Access TDMA (RATDMA).
In RATDMA the slots are not pre-announced. The beacon will choose a random slot based on
perceived free slots.
In FATDMA slots are fixed and pre-announced by a base station. These slots must be
retrieved from a Competent Authority for VDL slot management.
Note: FATDMA is disabled by default. Contact Vesper Marine if FATDMA is required for your
application.
TX Interval Field
This field is entered as seconds (30sec to 720sec) and sets the time intervals for each AtoN
signal (Message 21) to be transmitted. The recommended and default interval is 180
seconds.
The reporting interval should be chosen so that vessels receive an appropriate number of
signals (Messages 21) before coming into close proximity of the AtoN.
Factors to take into account are:
·Vessels likely speed of approach to the AtoN
·Topology, for examples vessels approaching from around a headland
·Importance or critical nature of AtoN
·Nominal transmission range
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UTC Field
This field allows configuration of the time schedule the AtoN messages keep.
RATDMA does not require UTC time or the start slots to be defined, since they are
automatically allocated. For FATDMA, the UTC hour, minute and start slot index must be
provided. The valid start slot range is 0 to 2249.
The Channel TX Interval can be provided in slot units (2250 slots per minute). It corresponds
to the reporting interval for modes B and C. For mode A, the Channel Transmission Interval is
double of the Reporting Interval, as depicted in the figure below.
Channel Transmission Interval 1
Channel Transmission Interval 2
Reporting Interval 1 Reporting Interval 2 Reporting Interval 3 Reporting Interval 4
Mode A
Ch 1
▌
▌
Ch 2
▌
▌
Information provided in these fields must be consistent to the configured transmission
mode. For this reason, some fields for each channel on modes A and B must match. This is
enforced automatically.
The following figure shows a typical FATDMA configuration for operation on mode A with a 5
minute reporting interval. Each channel is configured with a Channel TX Interval of 10
minutes. A UTC minute offset of 5 minutes is automatically added to allow the alternated
transmissions to be spaced 5 minutes apart.
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Synthetic Field
This field provides an option to set the AtoN as a Synthetic or a Virtual Aid to Navigation. A
Synthetic Aid to Navigation indicates the position of a physical marker, i.e. channel markers,
lateral marker etc. A Virtual Aid to Navigation indicates the position of a location where no
physical marker exists such as a submerged rock or virtual shipping lanes.
TX Count and Seconds Field
These fields are for information purposes and
are not editable. The transmission count for
each AtoN is displayed for each channel. In
addition, the number of seconds that has
elapsed since the last transmission is
displayed.
Virtual AIS Beacon Firmware Upgrades
To upgrade the VAB1252 firmware use Vesper Marine’s ‘Status & Firmware Update’tool. The
connection process is the same as described above for the Beacon Configuration software.
Connect the device to a PC using the DB9 plug or Ethernet, and select the appropriate com
port (or IP address and com port for Ethernet enabled devices) and press connect. The
model, serial no., AIS version etc. fields will populate once the device has successfully
connected.
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Once connected, click on the ‘Firmware Upgrade’tab. From this tab you can browse for the
new version of Firmware you wish to upload to the device and load it.
Once the new firmware has been loaded your device will automatically reboot.
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NMEA Command Interface
The Virtual AIS Beacon supports the NMEA-0183 (v4.10) command interface. All commands
start with a formatter such as $XXAID or !XXABM. The first two XX characters indicate the
talker ID and are ignored by the Virtual AIS Beacon, so can be set to the caller’s preference.
AtoN Configuration
The Virtual AIS Beacon supports the programming of its virtual AtoN marks using the
standard NMEA-0183 (v4.10) sentences. The corresponding legacy sentences as defined in
IEC 62320 Appendix A are also supported as indicated in Table 1.
Full sentence details can be obtained from the NMEA-0183 v4.10 standard. Note not all the
sentences will respond to a query as indicated by the queryable column.
Table 1 –Supported Public NMEA 0183 Sentences
Formatter Description Queryable IEC
62320
AID AtoN Identification Configuration Yes
ACF General AtoN Station Configuration Yes
ACG Extended General AtoN Station Configuration Yes ACE
CBR Configure Broadcast Rates for AtoN Station
Messages
Yes AAR
MEB
1
Message Input for Broadcast No
VER Version details Yes
BBM Binary Broadcast Message No
ABM Addressed Binary Broadcast Message No
Note 1: MEB is used to set the message contents and only one MEB may be active at any time.
Subsequent MEB sentences overwrite any prior ones. The corresponding CBR is used to determine
the broadcast rates for the message.
After a command has been issued the Virtual AIS Beacon will respond with an OK or ERR
sentence to indicate a success or failure.
Examples: $PVSP,OK*2D
$PVSP,ERR,NOT FOUND*63
Example Configuration for a Virtual AtoN
A Beacon Cardinal N mark named VIRT ATON with an MMSI of 995121006 at position 36°
50.9866 S, 174° 45.1895 E on a mode A reporting interval of 3 minutes would be set on a
Virtual AIS Beacon with a serial number of GZ12345 using:
$ABAID,GZ12345,1,995121007,V,C*5B
$ABACG,995121006,00,,,,0,VIRT ATON,0000000000,C*05
$ABACF,995121006,7,3650.9866,S,17445.1895,E,1,,,,,,09,1,C*06
$ABCBR,995121006,21,0,0,0,1682,13500,1,0,3,1682,13500,C*0F
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To configure the same AtoN with mode B timing at an interval of 3 minutes:
$ABCBR,995121006,21,0,0,0,1832,6750,1,0,0,1982,6750,C*07
To configure the same AtoN with mode C timing at an interval of 3 minutes:
$ABCBR,995121006,21,0,0,0,2132,6750,1,0,0,-1,0,C*27
Valid AtoN Types
The AtoN Type is defined in the ACF sentence and can be set to any one of the types shown
in Table 2. See ITU-R M.1371.4 Table 71 for additional details.
Table 2 –Valid AtoN Types
00
Type of AtoN not specified (default)
01
Reference point
02
RACON
03
Fixed structure (eg. oil platforms, wind farms)
04
Reserved for future use
05
Light, without sectors
06
Light, with sectors
07
Leading light front
08
Leading light rear
09
Beacon, Cardinal N
10
Beacon, Cardinal E
11
Beacon, Cardinal S
12
Beacon, Cardinal W
13
Beacon, Port hand
14
Beacon, Starboard hand
15
Beacon, Preferred channel port hand
16
Beacon, Preferred channel starboard hand
17
Beacon, Isolated danger
18
Beacon, Safe water
19
Beacon, Special mark
20
Cardinal mark N
21
Cardinal mark E
22
Cardinal mark S
23
Cardinal mark N
24
Port hand mark
25
Starboard hand mark
26
Preferred channel port hand
27
Preferred channel starboard hand
28
Isolated danger
29
Safe Water
30
Special mark
31
Light vessel / LANBY/ Rigs
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Note the AtoN must be added to the Virtual AIS Beacon using AID before any of the other
configuration sentences can be used. The AtoN must have a valid and unique MMSI and
must be set as a virtual AtoN.
To delete the AtoN use the AID sentence with the delete flag set:
$ABAID,GZ12345,0,995121007,V,C*5A
Example Binary Broadcast of an Area Special Message
To initiate an addressed or broadcast binary message a base MMSI must be loaded into the
Virtual AIS Beacon. This MMSI will support the transmission of BBM, ABM, and MEB
sentence encapsulated data. There can only be one base MMSI and it cannot be used to
transmit a position report.
A transmission will return an ABK to acknowledge the message has been sent and a VDO
with contents of the transmitted message.
For example to add a base MMSI 995121000 to send an ASM BBM (Message 8):
$ABAID,GZ12345,1,995121000,R,C*58
!ABBBM,2,1,0,0,8,05H0180iqwwv77t6JAC`e000000pwPHR:O7p0000077ugDAD<g000000pw,0*0C
!ABBBM,2,2,0,0,8,irR:OQH0000077v5pACt;000000,4*05
Decoded Area Special Message
DAC 1
FI 22
Msg Link ID 0
Notice Desc 9
Month, Day 0
Hour 24
Minute 60
Duration 262143
Scale factor 1
Precision 4
-122.4670 37.8073
-122.4688 37.8160
-122.4110 37.8265
-122.3940 37.8177
-122.3990 37.8045
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Additional NMEA Output Sentences
In addition to the sentences in Table 1 the following standard NMEA 0183 outputs are
supported by the Virtual AIS Beacon. These may be output automatically or in response to a
query or command.
Table 3 –Additional NMEA Output Sentences
Formatter Description
GGA Global Positioning System Fix Data
RMC Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data
GLL Geographic Position –Latitude/Longitude
GSA GNSS DOP and Active Satellites
GSV GNSS Satellites In View
VTG Course Over Ground & Ground Speed
TXT Text Transmission
VDO AIS VHF Data-Link Own Report
VDM AIS VHF Data-link Message
ABK AIS Addressed and Binary Broadcast Acknowledgement
Full sentence details can be obtained from the NMEA-0183 v4.10 standard.
Extended AtoN Configuration
In addition to the standard configuration sentences the Virtual AIS Beacon also supports an
extended set of commands that start with $PVSP formatter. The supported sentences are
summarized in Table 4.
Table 4 –Sentences Used For Extended Configuration
Formatter Description Queryable
SAT Enable/Disable GPS Satellite Output No
ATON,CLR Clear all AtoN Configurations No
SAT –Enable GSA/GSV Output
Enable or disable (default) the output of GSA & GSV sentences to reduce the serial data
stream.
Returns: $PVSP,OK*2D
Example: $PVSP,SAT,1*72
Format: $PVSP,SAT,x
x0=disable GSA/GSV output, 1=enable
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ATON,CLR –Clear all AtoN Configurations
Delete all AtoN’s. No further transmissions will occur until new AtoN’s are created.
Returns: $PVSP,OK*2D
Example: $PVSP,ATON,CLR*4C
Extended NMEA Outputs
In addition to the sentences in Table 4 the following extended NMEA 0183 outputs are
supported by the Virtual AIS Beacon. These all begin with the $PVSP formatter and may be
output automatically or in response to a query or command.
Table 5 –Extended NMEA Output Sentences
Formatter Description Queryable
ATON,CNT AtoN Count No
ATON,ADDR Binary Message Address No
ATON,STATS Transmission Statistics Yes
SYNC UTC Synchronization Details Yes
ATON,CNT –AtoN Count
Reports the active and maximum number of AtoN’s currently configured.
Example: $PVSP,ATON,CNT,6,10*7F
Format: $PVSP,ATON,CNT,x,x
xCount of currently configured AtoN’s
xMaximum number of licensed AtoN’s
ATON,ADDR –Binary Message Address
Reports the the address that will be used by the Virtual AIS Beacon when a base MMSI is
configured for broadcasting an addressed binary message.
Example: $PVSP,ATON,ADDR,0*1E
Format: $PVSP,ATON,ADDR,xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx MMSI to use as the address
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