Weatherdock easyRX User manual

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Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
„easyRX”
Manual
easyRX
Two channel AIS Receiver
Product No.: A067
Revision 1.0
Weatherdock AG.
Sigmundstraße 180
D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.weatherdock.com
Email: [e-mail]

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Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 90431 Nürnberg
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PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!
WEATHERDOCK GENERAL WARNINGS
All marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) units utilize a satellite
based system such as the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) network or
the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) network to determine
position. The accuracy of these networks is variable and is affected by
factors such as the antenna positioning, how many satellites are used to
determine a position and how long satellite information has been re-
ceived for. It is desirable wherever possible therefore to verify both your
vessels AIS derived position data and other vessels AIS derived position
data with visual or radar based observations.
The easyRX software is intended for use as an installation and configu-
ration tool. The application is not a navigation tool and should not be
used as such.
LICENSING
IMPORTANT: In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included
under the vessels marine VHF license provisions. The vessel on to which
the AIS unit is to installed must therefore possess a current VHF radio-
telephone license which lists the AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and
MMSI number. Please contact the relevant authority in your country for
more information. In accordance with a policy of continual development
and product improvement the easyRX hardware and software may be
upgraded from time to time and future versions of the easyRX may
therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. When necessary up-
grades to the product will be accompanied by updates or addenda to
this manual. Please take time to read this manual carefully and to un-
derstand its contents fully so that you can install and operate your AIS
system correctly.
Information contained in this manual is liable to change without notice.
Weatherdock AG disclaims any liability for consequences arising from
omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation
provided with this product.

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DISCLAIMER
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CON-
TRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, IN-
CLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DIS-
CLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBU-
TORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EX-
EMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIM-
ITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER
CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE THE EASYRX OR THE EASYSPLIT OR BOTH IN A
BOAT; IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF THE
EASYRX (AND OR THE EASYSPLIT) TO SECURE THE BOAT SO THAT IT WILL
NOT CAUSE ANY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN
ACCIDENT.
SOME VESSELS DO NOT CARRY AIS.
IT IS IMPORTANT AT ALL TIME TO KEEP A PROPER LOOKOUT.
THE “easyRX” IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR GOOD SEAMANSHHIP.
This software uses components and source code developed by other
companies or groups.
Microsoft .Net Framework V2.0: Copyright © 2005 Microsoft Corporation

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All trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their
respective owners.
Copyright © 2006, Weatherdock AG.
Copying of this document, and giving it to others and the use or com-
munication of the contents thereof, is forbidden without express au-
thority. Offenders are liable to the payment of damages.
Sin nuestra expresa autorización, queda terminantemente prohibida la
reproducción total o parcial de este documento, así como su uso
indebido y/o su exhibición o comunicación a terceros. De los infractores
se exigirá el correspondiente resarcimiento de daños y perjuicios.
Pos
Date
New
version
Author
Description of
change
1
06. Sep ´12
1.0
Schuster
Creating

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Licence Number BSH:
BSH/46162/4320939/10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREREQUISITES 7
1. GENERAL INFORMATION TO AIS 8
1.1 What is AIS 8
1.2 What AIS classes do exist? 9
1.2.1 Class A 9
1.2.2 Class B 11
2. SCOPE OF DELIVERY 12
3. MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION 13
3.1 Programming Procedure 13
3.2 Diagnostics 15
3.3 AIS receiving data 17
3.4 SD Card Recorder 17
3.5 Software-Update 19
3.6 Mechanic and electric installation 20
3.6.1 Mounting 24
3.6.2 VHF Antenna 25
3.6.3 GPS Antenna 25
3.6.4 Connection to a plotter 26
3.6.5 USB connection with PC/Notebook: 26
3.6.6 External Devices (additional) 26
4. FOR USE OF THE EASYRX 26
4.1 Turn ON 27

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4.2 LED Indication and functions 27
5. ADMINISTRATOR SETTINGS 27
6. DATA RECORDING –SD CARD 33
7. TROUBLESHOOTING 35
8. MAINTENANCE 35
10. SPEC / TECHNICAL DATA 37
11. CONTACT AND SUPPORT INFORMATION 39
12. LICENSEE AGREEMENT 40
13. WARRANTY 40
14. INDEX 42
Congratulations!
Thanks to purchase a unit from the Weatherdock AG. This testifies your
high technical competence, because you purchased the best available
product on the market. Thank you.
PREREQUISITES
The easyRX programming application is designed to operate with Mi-
crosoft Windows® 2000 (SP 3), XP (SP 2) and above. Recommended min-
imum system requirements are:
Microsoft Windows® 2000 SP3 or Microsoft Windows® XP SP2
Display resolution of at least 1024 x 768
One USB port
A pointing device (mouse or equivalent)

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1. General Information to AIS
1.1 What is AIS
AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. AIS increases naviga-
tional safety and collision avoidance by transmitting vessel identifica-
tion, helping to reduce the difficulty of identifying ships when not in
sight (e.g. at night, in radar blind arcs or shadows or at distance) by
broadcasting navigational intentions to other vessels by providing ID,
position, course, speed and other ship data with all other nearby ships
and land based stations.
According to IALA regulations, AIS is defined as follows:
AIS is a broadcast Transponder system, operating in the VHF maritime
mobile band. It is capable of sending ship information such as identifica-
tion, position, course, speed and more, to other ships and to shore. It
can handle multiple reports at rapid update rates and uses Carrier Sense
Time Division Multiple Access (CSTDMA) technology to meet these high
broadcast rates and ensure reliable and robust ship to ship operation.
The IMO defines the performance standards as follows:
Ship to ship working, ship to shore working, including long range appli-
cation, automatic and continuous operation, provision of information
messaging via PC and utilization of maritime VHF channels
The Modules:
GPS system, VHF Antenna, and the Data Power Cable and the appropri-
ate application software.
AIS are required to function flawlessly in a variety of modes.

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1.2 What AIS classes do exist?
The scenario below shows a full AIS coverage area (including all applica-
tions and complete shore infrastructure).
There are two classes of AIS units fitted to vessels, Class A and Class B. In
addition AIS base stations may be employed by the Coastguard, port
authorities and other authorized bodies. AIS units acting as Aids to
Navigation (A to N) can also be fitted to fixed and floating navigation
markers such as channel markers and buoys.
1.2.1 Class A
Class A units are a mandatory fit under the safety of life at sea (SOLAS)
convention to vessels above 300 gross tons or which carry more than 11
passengers in International waters. Many other commercial vessels and
some leisure craft also may be fitted Class A units.
The Class A operation consists of three different types of messages:

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Dynamic information:
MMSI number
position of the ship (derived from GPS)
time, when the position was measured in UTC
course over ground (COG)
speed over ground (SOG)
heading (HOG)
ship status
rotational speed/turn rate
Static information:
call sign and name of the vessel
length and width of the vessel
IMO-number of the vessel, if existent
type of vehicle
position of the GPS sensor onboard
Journey-related information:
draught of the vessel
type of cargo
port of destination and estimated time of arrival (ETA)
route plan, optional
The block of dynamic information is the most important block looking
for threatening collisions. Therefore this block of information is trans-

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mitted in a compulsory way, depending on the vessels movement. The
following table shows the mandatory repetition rate of Class A transmis-
sions linked to the ship’s movement:
anchored vessels 3 minutes
vessels at 0 –14 kn 10 seconds
vessels at 0 –14 kn, fast maneuver 3.3 seconds
vessels at 14 –23 kn 6 seconds
vessels at 14 –23 kn, fast maneuver 2 seconds
vessels at > 23kn 2 seconds
vessels at > 23 kn, fast maneuver 2 seconds
Static information as well as information belonging to the journey is
dispersed every 6 minutes.
The reporting intervals correspond to both radio channels (161.975 MHz,
162.025 MHz) together.
1.2.2Class B
Class B: EN62287, 2005: class B operation is described in the standard
EN62287, published in 2005.This document is obligatory for class B. Pag-
es 15 and 38 describe the operation:
Class B units are designed for fitting in vessels which do not fall into the
mandatory Class A fit category.
The easyRX is a Class B AIS unit without transmitter function (RX only).

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This unit receives all AIS messages on either AIS frequencies or proprie-
tary frequencies, which can be configured.
Think about
The comparison is done only for dynamic data transmission, because
these datasets contain the relevant information to calculate a future
collision point in time and distance, as well as allow the threatened ships
to communicate (MMSI number is stringent part of dynamic data infor-
mation) by VHF. Additionally, 2 more facts concerning class B operation
need to be mentioned:
Unlike the class A service, which is using the SOTDMA method (self or-
ganized time division multiple access) with predefined timeslots (the
ship listens to the traffic and the information containing in all other
telegrams and defines its own raster of transmission timing, which is
then distributed to all other participants within the radio range) the
class B service is using a “listen-before-talk-method”. This means, that
before transmitting, a ship has to observe the radio channel, whether to
be allowed to transmit, if the channel is not occupied, or whether to
wait for a free time slot.
To avoid disturbance of the professional class A service in crowded are-
as, higher-ranking authorities can switch off all class B transponder ac-
tivities, which will probably never happen, but it should be mentioned.
Above given information is not complete and should give only an over-
view about the AIS topic. For more details please have a look to the
following links:
US Coast Guard –http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/ais/default.htm
IMO –www.imo.com
http://www.aislive.com
2. SCOPE OF DELIVERY
In the carton there is contained:

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The easyRX
The cable for the easyRX incl. separate USB cable
This manual for the operation of the easyRX
The installation CD for the configuration software
3. MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION
3.1 Programming Procedure
Installation of the PC software for programming boat specific data
oConnection of the easyRX by means of the supplied cable to
the USB port of the PC
oTHEN, connect the easyRX to the power, not before!
To use this program for configuring your easyRX, the “easyRX Pro-
gramming tool” must be installed to your PC.
Insert the installation CD.
When the installation does not start automatically, locate the file
“setup.exe” on the CD-ROM drive and double click on this file to
start the installation process.
Follow the screen prompts
Start the easyRX programming software to configure ship data
(enter the MMSI carefully). It’s the only time you’ll need the pro-
gramming software.
Please fill out all necessary data.

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Enter the vessel’s information in the appropriate fields:
MMSI number: enter the vessel's Maritime Mobile Service Identity
number (9 digits)
This is an official number like a license plate at a car. Misuse will be
punished very hard in different countries. Please be aware of that.
CAUTION:
For security reasons the MMSI of the vessel cannot be changed once
it has been programmed. Do not program the MMSI unless you are
certain you have the correct information. Please check the entered
number carefully. If the programmed MMSI is incorrect the AIS tran-
sponder will need to be returned to the supplier for factory reset.
Ship's name: enter the name of the vessel (20 characters maxi-

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mum)
Select the appropriate baud rate for your PC or chart plotter de-
vice (by default it is set to 38400 baud).
CAUTION:
If the easyRX is set to 4800 Baud transfer rate, in high traffic areas it
might be the possibility of missing some AIS position reports of other
vessels.
The reason for that is the slower data throughput because of the data
rate.
Weatherdock does not take any responsibility for a full and reliable re-
ception of all AIS data around, if the RS422 baud rate is set to 4800
baud.
3.2 Diagnostics
If you select the tab “Diagnostics” you’ll get lot of information concern-
ing the status quo of the easyRX.

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“TRX status” gives you information about:
Valid MMSI:
Ok is only given when a correct MMSI was entered. Status OK is
condition for transmitting data.
Receiver:
When the easyRX has received AIS data for the first time, the status
changes from standby to OK. If there is any fault, ERROR is signaled
and the device has to be repaired (Error-LED is on).
Hardware status displays the power situation of the device. If cables are
too thin and very long, the voltage may drop down below the “Idle-
level”. If the drop down is more than 1V, you may use cables with larger
copper diameter.

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Value RSSI1 and RSSI2 give information, if there are any interferers on
the AIS frequencies, which may be caused by a faulty electrical device. If
there is none, the status will be OK.
If the self diagnostic of the easyRX noticed any fault, a sort notice will
be given in the tables. The easyRX executes a self test every 30 sec. So
each fault or warning report has got a countdown of 1 min. This means
the report disappears from the table, when the fault is no longer valid
after 1 min.
3.3 AIS receiving data
On the tab “Received Data” you can see a list of current received AIS
data. By using the drop down menu “data columns” you can blank out
columns.
Because the static data report is send every 6 min you have to wait for
at least 15 min to see ship names referring to the listed AIS data. If AIS
targets are too far away, it might take even more time of receiving the
complete data or of receiving nothing, because the vessel has disap-
peared.
3.4 SD Card Recorder
The tab “SD Card” shows the status quo of the SD recording. “Ready for
logging” is given if a well formatted SD Card is inserted.
The easyRX is using the FAT format. If the SD Card has got another for-
mat, you have to format it again with the easyRX. It’s because the device
is storing a special set of files, which enable real time storing of AIS and
GPS data.

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If the status is “broken” or invalid format” you have to format the SD
Card once again with the easyRX. All stored data on it will be erased.
Being formatted with the easyRX you can remove the SD Card at any
time without losing any data. In case of power loss the latest received
data will be kept on the SD Card.
With your easyRX you get the possibility of recording data to the SD-
Card. All Data from the NMEA0183 and the USB will be recorded.
That means that all AIS-Messages together with the GPS-Information
will be saved.
You can analyze this data with special software. So you can see your
ship and all other vessels around.
Please use SD-Card with a capacity from 1 to 2 GB. Higher capacity is not
supported. We recommend SD-Cards from "SanDisk " for best

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compatibility. (SD-Cards without SPI-Mode cannot be used with easyRX).
With a 2GB SD-Card you will be able to save 100 days of AIS-Data. (e. g.
Rotterdam, in areas with less traffic you can save more information.)
The only thing you have to do is insert the SD-Card into your TRX2. The
device will start logging data automatically.
3.5 Software-Update
With the menu button “File => Update” you can do an update of the
easyRX software. The latest version is ready to download on our web
page. Before updating, you have to check the version number which is
installed in the device.
Therefore you have to “Connect” and to click on the menu button
“Help”. The following information comes up:
2.2.6
Here you can see that it
is version 2.2.6

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After having downloaded the file, please click on “File => Update” and
chose the update-file with key (1). The window looks like this:
The current as well as the latest version number is shown.
To start the update procedure press key (2). Please make sure that dur-
ing the update the operating voltage is still on and the PC does not run
into stand by or will be shut down!
3.6 Mechanic and electric installation
The schematics of the mounting please take out of the following
sketches: