Vesper CORTEX H1 User manual

1
H1 INSTALLATION GUIDE
H1 TETHERED HANDSET
H1P PORTABLE HANDSET

2
Introduction 3
DSC Emergency Calls 4
VHF Emergency Calls 5
Items you need for installation 6
Cradle & Bulkhead Connector wiring 7
Cradle position 8
To install a Cradle 9
H1 Bulkhead Connector 10
To install a Bulkhead Connector 11
To connect power to a handset 12
To place and remove a handset 12
Turning a handset ON 13
To connect a handset to an M1 14
Handset connection FAQs 15
To connect mobile devices to an M1 15
To program your MMSI number 16
To program your ATIS id 17
Handset care 18
Handset use 18
Dimensions and Specifications 19
Warnings 20
Compliance 21
Warranty 22
Index

3
Your Vesper Marine Cortex H1 (tethered) and H1P
(portable) VHF Handset and AIS display.
Cortex handsets connect with the Cortex M1 hub
and together they work as an AIS Class B SO-TDMA
Transponder and Class D VHF Radio with DSC.
The handset is the voice and calling interface used
for VHF and DSC calls. The handset’s touchscreen
display is the primary interface together with dedicated
buttons and the Click-Wheel for swift navigation, ease
of operation and single-handed use.
The touchscreen is purpose-built for the harsh marine
environment and is designed and manufactured for use
in wet conditions and with gloves.
The handset provides a screen to set up and manage
the Cortex M1 hub, view AIS target data and vessel
instrumentation, manage and monitor alarms and
configure the remote vessel monitoring.
The H1 version has a spiral tether connected to the
vessel's 12V or 24V power (DC) via a bulkhead plug
and socket. The H1P includes a robust surface mount
cradle to secure the handset in a fixed location and
identify it as a VHF radio.
The H1P is designed for freedom of movement on
board. The H1P has a battery inside and is held and
recharged via the H1P charging cradle that is wired to
12V or 24V power (DC).
Vesper Marine releases product updates from time to
time. These updates often add new features. To be
notified when an update is available please register
your Cortex at www.vespermarine.com/register.
Register Your Cortex
Visit www.vespermarine.com/faqs for answers
to frequently asked questions, technical support,
downloads, local dealer contacts and more.
Questions and FAQ's
Introduction

4
1. Lift the red cover on the back of the handset
named DISTRESS
2. Press and hold the DISTRESS button for 3
seconds.
Cortex will beep and countdown on screen.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Never make a distress call if your
vessel or a person is not in an emergency situation.
A distress call should only be made when immediate
help is needed.
A distress call should be initiated if, in the opinion of
the captain, the vessel and/or a person is in distress
requiring immediate assistance.
To make an Undesignated Distress DSC Call:
Distress
DSC Emergency Calls

5
To make an
Emergency Call
on Channel 16:
1. Select Channel 16
Select key 16 on the handset.
2. The distress signal “MAYDAY” is spoken
three times
“MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY”
3. The words “THIS IS”, spoken once followed by
the name of the vessel in distress (spoken three
times) and call sign or boat registration number,
spoken once
“THIS IS BOAT NAME, BOAT NAME,
BOAT NAME, CALL SIGN”
4. Repeat “MAYDAY” and the vessel name,
spoken once
“MAYDAY THIS IS BOAT NAME”
5. Give position of the vessel by latitude and
longitude
Or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which)
and distance to a well-known landmark such as a
navigational aid or a small island, or in any terms
which will assist a responding station in locating the
vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel
movement such as course, speed and destination.
6. State the nature of distress (ie, sinking, fire etc)
followed by the type of assistance required
7. Give additional information such as the number
of persons on board and any other information
which might facilitate rescue
Such as length of vessel, number of persons needing
medical attention, hull color, number of masts, etc.
Channel 16
VHF Emergency Calls

6
Items you need for installation
H1 or H1P (included)
H1 or H1P cradle (included)
H1 Bulkhead Connector (included with H1 only)
2A fuse or circuit breaker (not included)
Fastenings of your choice (not included)
Recommended screws: 316 Stainless Self Tapping
8G/1" (4.2/25.4mm) Pan/Round Head.
Note - H1P is supplied with a H1 non-powered cradle
for secure mounting in a secondary position.
H1 Tethered Handset H1P Portable Handset
H1 Non-powered Cradle H1P Charging Cradle
H1 Bulkhead Connector
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
Recommended screws
316 S/S Self Tapping
8G/1" (4.2/25.4mm)
Pan/Round Head.

7
Cradle & Bulkhead Connector wiring
A handset draws 12W (1A@12V) maximum.
The power cables of both the H1 Bulkhead Connector
and the H1P cradle may be extended or shortened as
necessary.
> Connect the positive (+ve red) and negative
(-ve black) leads of the power cable to the vessel.
> Connect a fuse or circuit breaker to the positive
lead of the appropriate rating for the circuit.
(ie 2A for each handset)
Cradle and Bulkhead Connector
wiring color codes
H1P Charging Cradle and H1 Bulkhead Connector
Wiring Diagram
Power +ve
FUSERed
Black Negative -ve
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
Red DC positive (+ve) (12/24 volts).
Black DC negative (-ve)
Always use a fuse or circuit breaker installed
near the battery end or bus bar end.
Do not connect directly to a battery.
If you must extend the power connections use quality
tinned marine grade wire at least 16 AWG (1.5mm²).

8
Cradle position
A handset cradle can be mounted almost anywhere
where a WiFi connection to the M1 can be achieved.
HINT - The WiFi connection status
can be monitored by selecting the
WiFi icon in the blue Status Bar.
The Status Bar is displayed at the
top of all handset screens.
Consider the following power connection requirements
when choosing a cradle position:
H1 The spiral tether connects via a removable plug
to the Bulkhead Connector wired to power
(12V or 24V DC).
The spiral tether stretches to a maximum length
of approximately 2M (6ft).
H1P The H1P is held and recharged via a charging
cradle that is wired to power (12V or 24V DC).
CAUTION - Ensure that the minimum safe compass
distance is maintained. Standard: 0.8m, Steering: 0.4m.
H1 Cradle and Cover H1P Cradle and Cover
WiFi status

9
To install a Cradle
1. Remove the cover plate by
inserting a small screwdriver
into the tabs. Alternatively push
the cover from the rear.
2. Use the cradle as a template for
marking the mounting holes.
Note - A hole is required for the
H1P cradle power cable.
3. Mark the holes required and
drill them.
4. H1P cradle. Feed the power
cable into the power cable hole.
Use marine sealant to
waterproof holes if mounting
externally. Note - Side holes
allow optional surface mounting.
6. Snap the cover plate into place.
Power cableMounting
Power cable
5. Secure with fastenings of your
choice. Use marine sealant
to waterproof holes if mounting
externally.
Side hole

10
H1 Bulkhead Connector
The Bulkhead Connector can be mounted almost
anywhere where a WiFi connection to the M1 hub can be
achieved.
Consider the following position and power connection
requirements when choosing a Bulkhead Connector
location:
- Position the Bulkhead Connector near the H1 cradle.
- The Bulkhead Connector is wired to power
(12V or 24V DC).
- The spiral tether cable of the H1 stretches to a
maximum length of approximately 2M (6ft).
HINT - The Bulkhead Connector base is supplied pre-
assembled and can be rotated in 90 degree increments
prior to fastening to achieve a convenient installation
angle once the H1 plug is inserted.
Arrows on the Mounting Base
indicate the correct vertical
orientation for most
installations.
CAUTION - Ensure that the minimum safe compass
distance is maintained. Standard: 0.8m, Steering: 0.4m.
Mounting
Base
Waterproof
Cap (IP67)
Cover
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE

11
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
To install a Bulkhead Connector
2. Mark the holes required and
drill them.
3a. Pass the mounting ring of the
Waterproof Cap through the
keyhole slot of the Cover.
3b. Slide the mounting ring (with
Cap attached) over the thread of
the Mounting Base.
6. Snap the Cover onto the
Mounting Base.
4. Pass the power cable of the
Mounting Base through the
power cable hole. (Optional
Waterproof Cap not shown)
3. If required (eg, exterior
installations) add the Waterproof
Cap in steps 3a and 3b.
1. Use the Mounting Base as a
template for marking the
position of mounting holes and
the power cable hole.
5. Add marine sealant to
waterproof the holes if mounting
externally. Secure with
fastenings of your choice.
(Optional Waterproof Cap not
shown)
Power cableMounting
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
Power cable
Mounting ring

12
To place and remove a handset
Place
#1 Place the handset on the
base of the cradle
#2 Snap in horizontally.
Remove
Slide the handset
upwards.
To connect power to a handset
H1
1. Connect the H1 plug to the
H1 Bulkhead Connector.
2. Tighten the plug lock ring
(clockwise one quarter turn)
for a secure and watertight
connection.
H1P
1. Place the H1P into the charging cradle.
1. BASE, SOCKET & NUT ASSEMBLY
FRONT ON ANGLE AS CRADLE ABOVE
Note - Before first time use ensure the H1P is charged.
#1 Place
#2 Snap

13
Turning a handset ON
Turning a handset OFF
> Press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds.
> Select from the options displayed on screen:
> Sleep Powered down for fast boot up.
Use while on board the vessel.
> Shutdown Complete shut down.
Use while off the vessel.
> Reboot Complete reboot and restart.
Note - If a handset displays ‘Trying to connect...’ for a
long period, it has not made a WiFi connection to
the M1. See ‘To connect a handset to an M1’
(pg14) and 'Handset Connection FAQs' (pg15).
> Confirm a handset is receiving DC power via
these visual checks:
H1
The power light (above the touchscreen) indicates
a handset is On when the screen is Off.
H1P
Select the Battery Charge icon in the Status Bar.
(When an H1P is placed into a non-powered
cradle, the power light will flash to indicate the H1P
is not charging.)
Note - When turned On after Sleep, Shutdown and
Reboot, a handset will display the most recently
viewed screen.
Switch the vessel batteries and/or
circuits ON to power the M1 and the
H1 Bulkhead Connector and/or the
H1P cradle.
> Press and hold the Power
button for 2 seconds until the
Vesper logo appears.
Power

14
1 Turn Cortex M1 ON
Switch the vessel's batteries ON to power the M1.
2 Turn the handset ON
Press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds.
3 Select WiFi from the Status Bar
4 From the list of available WiFi, identify and select
the M1 WiFi SSID.
Note - The WiFi SSID is identified by the
M1 serial number eg: CORTEX-95211616
Note - The Cortex V1 package (M1+H1) ships with
the handset pre-configured to the M1.
5 Key the WiFi Password found on the label
supplied with the M1.
6 Select CONNECT to save.
Text ‘connected’ will confirm the connection.
7 Select the Back key to close the WiFi status.
To connect a handset to an M1
Place supplied
WiFi label here
Caution - The WiFi
SSID or password
cannot be changed,
please ensure the
labels do not get lost.
WiFi status

15
To connect mobile
devices to an M1
To connect Android and Apple
iOS devices to the WiFi of the
M1, scan the QR code of the M1
(found on the WiFi label) to be
automatically connected.
You can also manually select
the WiFi network and key the
password from the label.
Handset connection FAQs
If the handset displays 'Trying to connect...’ for a long
period, it has not made a WiFi connection to the M1.
> Check the M1 is ON.
> Check the WiFi signal strength in the Status Bar.
> Check the M1 WiFi External Antenna is attached.
> Consider the distance between the handset and
M1 on board. Some objects and materials may
provide interference to degrade the WiFi signal
strength.
> See 'To connect a handset to an M1' (pg14).
Follow Step 3 to identify and connect to the WiFi.
Note - The WiFi status icon on the M1 will illuminate
green when a handset or app makes a connection.
If the screen displays 'No GPS position!' while beeping
alarm, touch the screen (or any key) to silence the alarm
and close this notification.
The handset will then display 'Waiting for GPS...’ , the
M1 has not acquired GPS position.
> Check GPS Status in the Status Bar of the
handset (or Cortex Onboard App) to view the
satellite signal strengths.
> Check the M1 external GPS installation.
> Check the GPS icon on the M1 indicator panel.

16
To program your MMSI number
Before an M1 can transmit your position over AIS you
must configure your vessel details and enter a valid
MMSI number.
Your MMSI may have been entered by your dealer.
You must have an assigned MMSI for your vessel.
If you do not have an assigned MMSI, contact the
relevant authority in your country.
You can configure your MMSI using the Cortex
Onboard App or a Cortex handset. Please refer to the
MMSI Programming Warning below.
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 program your MMSI with a handset
> Main Menu ( ). Touch on the wrench icon ( ) to
open the Configuration Menu.
> Vessel
> Vessel Identification
> MMSI (Enter MMSI number)
> Name (Enter the vessel’s name)
> Callsign (Enter the vessel’s callsign)
> Vessel Type (Select from the list)
MMSI Programming Warning
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.

17
To program your ATIS ID
ATIS is a vessel identification system used on inland
waterways in some European countries.
To program your ATIS ID with a handset
> Main Menu ( ). Touch on the wrench icon ( ) to
open the Configuration Menu.
> Vessel > ATIS identification > key your ATIS ID
Note - If you do not have an ATIS number select
’Suggest ID’ to generate a number based on your
vessel's MMSI number.
> Select ‘’tick icon” to save the number.
The handset will display the following;
“Once set, you cannot change your ID.
Please verify that your id is xxxxxxxxxx’
If the number is correct, select “THAT IS MY ID”.
Note - The operation can be canceled by selecting the
'back' key. You can program your ATIS
identification number only once.
Contact your Vesper Marine dealer if you must
change your ATIS ID after entering it.
To Enable ATIS
> Main Menu ( ). Touch on the wrench icon ( ) to
open the Configuration Menu.
> Systems > VHF > Select Region
> Enable ATIS via the check box.
Note - Cortex disables DSC when you enable ATIS.

18
Recommended handset use
Recommended handset care
For a long service life:
- Avoid leaving a handset outside and exposed to the
elements over winter.
- Use Shutdown when you are away from the vessel for
an extended period of time.
- Regularly clean the H1P charging contacts.
- Take care of the glass touchscreen around solid
objects such as winch handles and anchors.
To avoid damaging the handset and reduce the risk
of fire or electric shock, explosion, or other hazards,
observe the following safety precautions:
- Always use the correct cradle when charging.
Third-party chargers can cause fire, electric shock,
injury, or damage to the handset or other property.
- Protect the H1 spiral cable by avoiding bending,
twisting, pulling, heating, or placing heavy items on it.
- Do not attempt to repair or modify or re-manufacture
the handset. It is equipped with an internal
rechargeable battery to be replaced only by Vesper
Marine or an authorized Vesper Marine dealer.
- Do not open, disassemble, crush, bend, deform or
puncture the handset.
- Do not insert foreign objects into the handset.
- Do not place the handset in a microwave oven.
- Do not expose the handset to fire or explosion.
The handset has a powerful internal speaker for loud and
clear VHF voice and alarm notification;
- Avoid listening with the handset close to your ear.
- Hold the handset away from your ear and view the
display screen as you use the VHF.

19
SPECIFICATIONS
HANDSET SIZE 164.8 x 71.8 x 21.4mm
(6 1/2” x 2 13/16” x 7/8”)
POWER SUPPLY 12V, 1A max, 200mA nom
12/24V DC compatible
BATTERY Lithium Polymer
2 hour full charge, >10 hours operation
WEIGHT H1 285g (0.63lb), H1P 235g (0.52lb)
ENVIRONMENTAL Waterproof (IPX8)
OPERATING TEMP -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to +131°F)
AUDIO 3W Class D amplier, THD < 5% @ 85dBA
DISPLAY
SCREEN LCD TFT Si, 640 x 800, 24bit color
TOUCH Capacitive, optically bonded, LCD, glove and salt
water operable
BACKLIGHT 600 cd/m2, Ambient Light sensor for auto dimming
All stated specications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
Dimensional measurements based on metric.
Dimensions and Specifications
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
164.8mm (6 1/2”)
71.8mm (2 13/16”) 21.4mm (7/8”)
75.6mm (3”)
73.3mm (2 7/8”)
18mm (11/16”)
25.1mm (1”)
Back Front
20.8mm (13/16”)
168mm (6 5/8”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
58.7mm
168mm (6 5/8”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
164.8mm (6 1/2”)
71.8mm (2 13/16”) 21.4mm (7/8”)
75.6mm (3”)
73.3mm (2 7/8”)
18mm (11/16”)
25.1mm (1”)
Back Front
20.8mm (13/16”)
168mm (6 5/8”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
58.7mm
168mm (6 5/8”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
164.8mm (6 1/2”)
71.8mm (2 13/16”)
21.4mm (7/8”)
75.6mm (3”)
73.3mm (2 7/8”)
18mm (11/16”)
25.1mm (1”)
Back Front
20.8mm (13/16”)
168mm (6 5/8”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
58.7mm
168mm (6 5/8”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
164.8mm (6 1/2”)
71.8mm (2 13/16”) 21.4mm (7/8”)
75.6mm (3”)
73.3mm (2 7/8”)
18mm (11/16”)
25.1mm (1”)
Back Front
20.8mm (13/16”)
168mm (6 5/8”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
58.7mm
168mm (6 5/8”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
58.7mm
(2 5/16”)
164.8mm (6 1/2”)
71.8mm (2 13/16”) 21.4mm (7/8”)
75.6mm (3”)
73.3mm (2 7/8”)
18mm (11/16”)
25.1mm (1”)
Back Front
20.8mm (13/16”)
168mm (6 5/8”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
147.5mm (5 13/16”)
58.7mm
168mm (6 5/8”)
Handset
Cradle

20
Warnings
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.
MMSI Programming Warning
IMPORTANT: In most countries the operation of a VHF unit may require
the possession of 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 DSC or as an
AIS 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
DSC Distress Button
WARNING: Under no circumstances shall a DSC distress alert be sent to
test your VHF radio. It is a violation of the rules of the US Coast Guard
and other international Coastal Authorities and can result in heavy fines.
The DSC Distress button must be used only in case of life threatening
emergencies. Refer to DSC on page 4.
Battery Warnings
- Do not disassemble, open, crush, bend, puncture or shred this device.
- Make sure no sharp-edged items, such as animals' teeth or claws, come
into contact with the battery. This could cause a re.
- Only use the battery for the device for which it is specied.
- Use of an unqualied battery or charger may present a risk of re,
explosion, leakage, or other hazard.
CAUTION: The battery is not user serviceable. If the battery is no longer
holding charge, please contact Vesper marine technical support.
Notice for Battery Replacement - The handset has an internal battery.
For your safety, do not remove the battery inside the handset. Contact an
authorized Vesper Marine dealer or contact Vesper marine technical support.
Battery replacement by non-qualied professionals can cause damage to the
handset.