Simrad AI50 Technical Training

Specifications 4” QVGA Bonded Colour LCD Class B AIS transponder –Dual AIS receiver Multiplexed DSC receive for channel management –2Watt AIS transmitter Two SimNet Ports - AI50 SimNet Net Load is 1 NMEA0183 Input & Output –(38.4kb Out, 4800baud in) SD Card Socket –For Data Logging and upgrades Waterproof to IP67

AIS Operation Class A AIS Transmissions are synchronised using UTC, (Coordinated Universal Time). Class B AIS Carrier sensing is used to detect a free slot before transmitting. i.e. The unit listens to the AIS network to determine that it is free of activity before initiating a transmission. Original Class B specification was to transmit 2 messages message 18 and message 19. Message 19 was a sequential 2 slot message which carrier sensing could not accommodate and was replaced by 2 messages 24a and 24b.

AIS Operation Transmission Periodicity Message 18 is transmitted every 3mins below 2knots and every 30secs above. Message 24a is transmitted every 6mins. Message 24b within 1minute of message 24.

AIS Operation Message Content Message 18 contains dynamic data: MMSI Latitude Longitude SOG COG True Heading (when source is available) UTC that report was generated And some other miscellaneous flags and housekeeping

AIS Operation Message Content Message 24A contains static data MMSI Message part, A or B, Name of Vessel Message 24B contains static data MMSI Type of Vessel Call sign Dimensions of vessel

AIS Operation Older Class A AIS units may not see Class B because they are not programmed to receive messages 24a and 24b. Many Class A AIS units will see Class B transmissions but will only display the MMSI from message 18 transmissions. Older Class A units will require a software update to enable full compatibility.

Box Contents VHF AIS antenna VA14 is not supplied but is available as an accessory with 20m cable terminated in a PL259 plug.

Installation Bracket Mount Or Panel Mount NB. Panel mounting will deny access to the SD Card socket unless special arrangements are made. Installation Drawings Drawings are available from the Customer Support section of the web site.

Installation 12V DC NMEA Out NMEA In SD Card Slot for Logging and software updates Two SimNet Ports GPS Antenna PL259 VHF antenna socket Connections

Installation Antennas GPS Antenna Use supplied antenna, AIS must use the internal antenna. Mount as low as possible with a clear view of the sky. Do not use extension cables which may degrade the signal. Mount away from steel constructions, wires, metal masts and sources of electrical interference.

Installation Antennas VHF Antenna Mount as high as possible. Site cable away from other cables and particularly those carrying high currents. Always employ a drip loop.

Installation Use of Antenna Splitters The use of a VHF antenna splitter is not recommended –The AIS transmits your position every few seconds –If you are also transmitting voice, this will swamp the AIS signal –You should always mount the AIS antenna away from the VHF antenna –Vertical separation is probably the best

System Diagram SimNet Power Optional Heading Sensor +12V 0V NMEA Out+ NMEA Out- NMEA In NMEA In Com

Setting up your AI50 Entering the MMSI

Setting up your AI50 Entering Vessel Details

Setting up your AI50 Entering Vessel Details

Setting up your AI50 SimNet Setup

User Configuration Setup Options Select from miles, nautical miles or kilometres Select from mph, knots or kph Adjust to display local time - 12hours

User Options Display Setup

User Options Alarm Setup

User Options Collision Avoidance

User Options Lost Vessel Alarm

User Options Favourites Alarm

Important Information Setup the AI50 correctly –No GPS Position – No transmit –No MMSI – No transmit –Make sure vessel details are correct Once entered the MMSI Number cannot be changed except by a dealer with appropriate facilities

Resetting the MMSI Fit an SD Card in which the following file is present: MMSIReset.txt The file contains a password which deletes all static data including MMSI once the “Logging” function is enabled The file is available from the Distributor section of the web site.

Future Software Upgrades Download the new software from the web site. Copy the new software to a blank SD Card. Fit the SD Card to the unit and power up. The new software will be installed automatically.

Interfaces NMEA0183-HS Output (38.4kbaud) –Outputs !VDM, VDO, RMC and ALR NMEA0183-HS Input (38.4kbaud) –Used for setup only

Interfaces SimNet –Outputs all received AIS information own transmitted AIS information own position (every 4 seconds) –Inputs heading

Product Demonstrations Demonstration Mode No demonstration mode is available but a previously recorded “Log” file can be run to demonstrate the product capabilities. Product Emulator A product emulator for PCs is available from Customer Support, Margate.

Competition Comparison Raymarine AIS250 Furuno FA30 NASA AIS RADAR Comar CSB200 Trueheading AIS CTRX Sevenstar SeaTrace R Simrad AI50 Transponder?  Collision Avoidance  Direct DSC  Simnet / NMEA2000?  Colour LCD with Coast Outline  Price c€840c€750c€380c€775c€980???€1150

skejf Questions?

Quiz What Class of AIS transponder is the AI50? a. Class A. b.Class B. c.Class C. d. All AIS transponders are the same.

Quiz What is the SimNet net load of an AI50? a. 5 Kg. b.2 c.4 d. 1

Quiz What is the best position to mount the GPS antenna? a.As low as possible with a clear view of the sky. b.As high as possible with a clear view of the sky. c.Co-located with the AIS VHF antenna. d. Co-located with the radio VHF antenna.

Quiz What is the best form of VHF antenna separation? a. There is no requirement for separation. b.Vertical. c.They should be mounted as close together as possible. d. Horizontal.

Quiz Once installed, how can the MMSI Number be changed? a. Enter the configuration screen and re-enter the number. b.It cannot be changed. c.Enter the configuration screen, enter the password “shazam” and re-enter the MMSI. d. Fit an SD Card with the file MMSIReset.txt installed and engage the Logging Function.

Quiz Which AIS messages are transmitted by the AI50? a. All DSC messages. b.Messages 18, 24a and 24b. c.Messages 19, 24a and 24b. d. Emergency alert messages.

Answers to Quiz 1.B 2.D 3.A 4.B 5.D 6.B