Vesper AIS WatchMate 850 User manual

WMX850-505F-1703
AISWatchMate®
Class B AIS Transponder
WatchMate 850 Model WMX850

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Trademarks
AISWatchMate is a registered trademark of Vesper Marine Ltd. All other product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2012, Vesper Marine Ltd. All rights are reserved.
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.
Except for short quotations in a review, no portions of this document or the software
contained within this product may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without prior written permission of Vesper Marine Ltd.
Portions of this product may use software licensed under the GNU GPL or a modified GPL.
Source code for the applicable software is available upon request from Vesper Marine Ltd.
Technical Accuracy
The information contained in this document is to the best of our knowledge correct at the
time of publication. However, we reserve the right to change specifications, installation and
operating instructions without notice as part of our ongoing product development and
improvement programs.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, or any other
document provided by Vesper Marine Ltd, although every effort has been made to ensure it
is as complete and accurate as possible.
General Warnings
The AISWatchMate works in cooperation with other vessels and systems such as
transponders and GPS. The accuracy of this device and the AIS system can be affected by
many factors, including equipment failure or defects, environmental conditions and incorrect
installation, handling or use. Vesper Marine does not warrant that this product is error-free. It
is the user’s responsibility to exercise common prudence and navigational judgment. This
device should not be relied upon as a substitute for such prudence and judgment. Always
maintain a permanent watch so that you can respond to situations as they develop.
The prudent mariner will not rely on a single aid to navigation. The user should verify the
information obtained from the AISWatchMate is in accordance with expected situations and
conditions. The information is not guaranteed to be accurate or reliable and the
AISWatchMate 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. The
AISWatchMate is to be installed and used entirely at your own risk. By installing and/or
using the AISWatchMate you fully accept this risk and agree to hold Vesper Marine
Limited harmless.

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VHF Antenna Warning
CAUTION:Never operate this device unless it is connected to a suitable VHF
antenna or Vesper Marine AIS/VHF antenna splitter. Transmitting without an antenna
may damage this device.
RF Emissions Warnings
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:
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.
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.
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.

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INDUSTRY CANADA WARNING: 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.

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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
GPS Antenna
The AISWatchMate Transponder has a built-in GPS patch antenna. This antenna requires an
unobstructed view of the sky. The performance of the internal GPS antenna is also highly
dependent on the environment in which the device is mounted. The antenna performance
may be significantly reduced if the AISWatchMate is installed on, under, or near large metal
structures.
If you are mounting the display in a location which will not provide adequate GPS signal
coverage then you must install a dedicated external GPS antenna. You cannot share a GPS
or GPS antenna. See the GPS Installation section for more information on installing an
external GPS antenna.
WARNING: If an external antenna is required, only use a Vesper Marine GPS antenna.
Performance cannot be assured with any other antenna. Any damage caused by using an
incompatible GPS antenna is not covered under your warranty.
CAUTION: Do not allow an external GPS antenna or its connectors to come in
contact with any metal objects, such as stanchions, railings, metal hull or deck,
etc. Always ensure the external GPS antenna is kept isolated from all conductive
material. You may use the plastic base or pole mounts for this purpose. Any
damage caused by a non-isolated GPS antenna installation is not covered under
warranty.

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Compass Safe Distance
Mount your AISWatchMate transponder at least 0.6m (2 feet) from any compass. Test your
compass to verify that it operates properly when this device is operating.
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.
Care Notice
To provide protection against the damaging effects of UV light, it is recommended to replace
the cover when not in use.
Take care when cleaning to avoid damage:
Be careful when wiping the display screen to avoid scratching. Use a clean soft damp
cloth.
Do not use acid, ammonia, solvents, or any abrasive products.
Declaration of Conformity
Vesper Marine declares that this AIS Aid to Navigation 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
This device is also approved for use in the United States, Canada, Australia and New
Zealand.
0168

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Table of Contents
Trademarks .........................................................................................................................2
Copyright Notice.................................................................................................................2
Technical Accuracy ............................................................................................................2
General Warnings...............................................................................................................2
VHF Antenna Warning ......................................................................................................3
RF Emissions Warnings....................................................................................................3
MMSI Programming Warning............................................................................................5
GPS Antenna....................................................................................................................5
Compass Safe Distance....................................................................................................6
Electronic Waste Recycling...............................................................................................6
Care Notice.......................................................................................................................6
Standards.................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Declaration of Conformity.......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table of Contents................................................................................................................7
Glossary ..............................................................................................................................9
Introduction.......................................................................................................................10
Important Information.......................................................................................................11
Specifications....................................................................................................................12
Installation.........................................................................................................................15
Requirements..................................................................................................................15
Mounting the Display.......................................................................................................15
VHF Antenna Installation.................................................................................................15
GPS Antenna Installation................................................................................................16
Connectors......................................................................................................................17
Power/Data Cable Wiring................................................................................................17
Minimum Connections.....................................................................................................18
Connecting an Optional Heading Sensor or Chart Plotter................................................18
Connecting an Optional External Alarm...........................................................................19
Using a Relay to Control a High Current External Device................................................19
GPS Backup Power ........................................................................................................20
Using the USB Connection..............................................................................................20
Configuration: Entering Your MMSI and Vessel Details...................................................21
Using the vmAIS Configuration Program.........................................................................23
Power Button.....................................................................................................................25
One Minute Startup Time................................................................................................25
Initial Profile Setting ........................................................................................................25
Buttons..............................................................................................................................25
Display Screens................................................................................................................26
Home Page –Situation Display.......................................................................................26
Main Menu......................................................................................................................28
Target List.......................................................................................................................30
Target Display.................................................................................................................31
CPA Graphical Display....................................................................................................33
Safety Message List........................................................................................................34
Safety Message Display..................................................................................................35
Fleet List.........................................................................................................................36

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Weather Reports.............................................................................................................36
GPS Position Display......................................................................................................36
GPS Status Display.........................................................................................................36
AIS Status Display ..........................................................................................................37
Using the Anchor Watch..................................................................................................39
Displaying Information About your AIS WatchMate.........................................................42
Placing Individual DSC Calls...........................................................................................43
Target Filters.....................................................................................................................44
Target Alarms....................................................................................................................44
Guard Alarm....................................................................................................................45
CPA Alarm......................................................................................................................45
Profiles...............................................................................................................................46
Harbor.............................................................................................................................47
Coastal............................................................................................................................47
Offshore..........................................................................................................................47
Anchor ............................................................................................................................47
Setup Mode ....................................................................................................................... 48
Target List Settings.........................................................................................................48
Alarm Settings.................................................................................................................49
Navigation Settings.........................................................................................................49
Display Settings ..............................................................................................................50
Preference Settings.........................................................................................................50
AIS Transponder.............................................................................................................51
I/O Port Settings..............................................................................................................51
Additional Settings ..........................................................................................................51
Settings Associated with Each Profile .............................................................................51
Built-in Integrity Test (BIIT) ..............................................................................................55
Device Alerts.....................................................................................................................56
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................57
Examining Received NMEA Data....................................................................................58
Warranty - North America.................................................................................................59
Warranty - Australia and New Zealand............................................................................60
Warranty - European Union.............................................................................................. 61
Obtaining Warranty Service .............................................................................................62

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Glossary
AIS
Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification System. A system of transponders
installed on vessels which send continuously updated navigation information.
An AIS receiver or transponder is used to monitor these transmissions and the
AISWatchMate is used to display this information and trigger alarms when there
is a risk of collision.
BRG /
Bearing
The location of another vessel typically expressed as true or magnetic degrees.
May also be expressed as relative degrees from your vessel's heading.
Class A/B
There are two classes of AIS transponders. Class A are used on vessels which
have mandatory requirements to carry AIS transponders. Class B are used on
vessels for which AIS transponders are optional.
COG
Course over ground. The course a vessel is making which is not necessarily
the same as the vessel's heading.
CPA
Closest point of approach. The nearest distance in nautical miles two vessels
will come to one another if they both maintain their current course and speed.
Filter
A set of criteria used to determine if a target should be included in the target
list, such as its range or speed.
GPS
Global Positioning System. Used to provide your vessel's current position,
course, and speed.
IMO
International Maritime Organization. A unique IMO number is permanently
assigned to each ship and may be used to find additional registration
information for a particular vessel.
HDG /
Heading
The course a vessel is steering.
MMSI
Maritime Mobile Service Identity. Used as a radio identifier for each vessel with
digital radios such as an AIS transponder. Vessels may also transmit their
name to facilitate easier identification. These transmissions occur at a different
interval than position information and as a result the name may not be
immediately available. All AIS transponders require a unique MMSI. The
AISWatchMate will not transmit until you configure your MMSI.
Profile
A group of settings. Profiles allow you to organize filter and alarm settings and
activate them together when your navigation situation changes.
RNG /
Range
The distance in nautical miles between two vessels.
ROT
Rate of turn. The number of degrees a vessel is turning over a specified
amount of time. Usually per minute but may also be per 30 seconds.
SOG
Speed over ground. The actual speed in knots a vessel is making over the
ground.
Target
Another vessel for which AIS information has been received.
Target List
The set of all targets which meet the filter requirements.
TCPA
The time until the closest point of approach.

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Introduction
The AISWatchMate is a device which provides information to assist in avoiding collisions at
sea. It works by receiving and transmitting data as part of the Universal Shipborne
Automated Identification Systems (AIS). The AIS system uses two dedicated VHF channels
designated for this purpose and with the installation of the AISWatchMate to receive signals
from other AIS-equipped vessels you can view this information. In addition, your vessel data
is transmitted to other AIS-equipped vessels within range.
The AIS system provides several types of messages from other vessels and base stations.
Each type of message is sent at a different interval based on the navigation status of the
vessel. Vessels moving or turning faster send out navigation information more frequently
than vessels at anchor. Data received from other vessels is split between two types:
navigation information and voyage information. Vessel navigation and position information is
generated by an on-board GPS or similar navigation device and is sent frequently. Voyage
information contains the ship's name, its destination, size, type, cargo, etc. This data is
typically only sent once every few minutes.
The AISWatchMate provides a means to view how recently information has been received
from each vessel and this data is designed to help you determine how accurate and
dependable the information may be at any given time.
The AISWatchMate refers to each vessel other than your own as a target. Associated with
each target are the most recently received position, navigation, and voyage information. Also
associated with each target are computed data to help determine the risk of a collision.
The targets are contained within a target list. The AISWatchMate allows you to view the
target list and also examine each target in detail. By default, the target list is ordered by
priority. You can disable priority ordering if you wish. However, by viewing targets in a
prioritized fashion you can focus your interest on the targets most likely to pose a collision
risk first. Similarly, whenever a target triggers an alarm you don't have to scroll to find it. The
target is displayed immediately with an indication of the cause of the alarm.
The AISWatchMate utilizes data from its built-in GPS receiver to assist you in determining the
risk of a collision with each target. Multiple targets are automatically and continuously
tracked simultaneously. Alarms are associated with each individual target and when an
alarm is muted for one target it does not affect any other targets which might also trigger
alarms.
The computed data for each target includes the following items. Note that in order to
compute this data your vessel's current position, course, and speed are required. The
AISWatchMate receives this information continuously from its built-in GPS.
If the built-in GPS does not have a valid “fix” then this information will not be
computed and displayed. In addition, your own information will not be transmitted to
other vessels.
Range
The AISWatchMate computes the range (distance in nautical miles)
to each target and displays it along with the target information.
Bearing
The bearing to each target is also displayed. The bearing may be
shown as magnetic to facilitate quick visual identification using a
compass or binoculars. However, if you wish you can change a
setting to display bearings in degrees true or relative to your vessel's
current heading.