Saab TransponderTech

OPERATORS MANUAL
R4-AIS Class A Transponder System

7000 108-131 B3

Copyright
The entire contents of this manual and its appendices, including any future updates and modifications, shall remain the property of Saab TransponderTech AB at all times. The contents
must not, whether in its original form or modified, be wholly or partly copied or reproduced,
nor used for any other purpose than the subject of this manual.
Disclaimer
While reasonable care has been exercised in the preparation of this manual, Saab
TransponderTech AB shall incur no liability whatsoever based on the contents or lack of
contents in the manual.

How To Contact Us
For Installation, Service and Technical Support:
Please visit our home page www.transpondertech.se, fill out a Problem Report Form and
fax/mail it to us.
E-mail:
Telephone, support:
Fax, support:

[email protected]
+46 8 627 49 20
+46 8 627 49 49

For Sales of Accessories:

Address:
Saab TransponderTech AB
P O Box 4113
SE-171 04 Solna
Sweden
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Home page:

+46 13 18 80 00
+46 8 627 49 49
[email protected]
www.transpondertech.se

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Product Description ................................................. 5
System Overview
Main Features
Optional

5
6
6

Getting Started ........................................................ 7

Front Panel Keys
How to Operate the R4 Display
Views and Function Keys
Change Settings
Alarm and Alert pop-ups
Reading Remote Ship Information
Target List View
Plot View
Set and Read Voyage Related Information
Handling Safety Related Messages (SRM)
Read Received SRMs
Send SRMs
Alarms and Status Lists
Setting the Navigational Status
Display Settings

7
8
8
8
9
10
10
11
12
13
13
13
14
15
15

Reference .............................................................. 19
Icon Description
Miscellaneous Symbols
Navigational Status (Own Vessel Icons)
Target Symbols (Target List, Plot View)
System Modes
AIS Mode
Target List
Plot
Voyage
Safety Related Messages (SRM)
Auxiliary Info
Long Range Messages
Regional Areas
Alarm and Alert Pop-ups

7000 108-131 B3

19
19
19
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
30
32
33
35

Table of Contents

Alarms
Failed to send SRM
New Long Range Message
Loss of connection to the R4 Transponder
Configuration Mode
Display Settings
Buzzer
Ship / AIS Static Data
Long Range Settings

35
35
36
36
37
38
39
40
42

Appendix ................................................................ 43
Alarm Messages
Alarm Description
Indication Messages
Long Range Definitions
GUI Hierarchy

43
43
45
45
46

Glossary ................................................................. 49
Index ...................................................................... 51

7000 108-131 B3

Product Description

Product Description
System Overview
The R4-AIS Class A Transponder System consists of a radio transceiver unit, a GPS
receiver, a controller unit and a separate display (MKD) unit. The transceiver consist of
one transmitter and three independent VHF receivers, two tunable TDMA receivers and
one DSC receiver. The transmitter alternates its transmissions between the two operating
TDMA channels and can also be used to reply a DSC interrogation (ITU-R M.825-3,
Annex 1). The controller unit creates and schedules data packets (containing dynamic,
static and voyage realted data) for transmission based on the IMO performance standard
for AIS.
The R4-AIS shall be connected to the ships sensors as required by the installation guidelines published by IALA. The R4-AIS can interface external navigation and presentation
systems that support required IEC 61162-1 sentences as set out in R4-AIS Installation
Manual. The R4 Transponder is prepared for connection to Long Range systems like
Inmarsat C.
The R4 Display has a user-friendly interface for plotting of other ships on a radar-like
display, as well as a display of listed information about other vessels sorted by range or
by bearing. The display is also used for configuration and sending/receiving messages.

7000 108-131 B3

Product Description

Main Features
Broadcast of Dynamic, Static and Voyage related information.
Standardized interface for connection to ship sensors e.g.GNSS, Gyro, Rate of Turn
Indicator, ECDIS/ECS and ARPA.
High resolution 6'' graphic day and night display providing for example a radar-like
display presenting up to 500 targets in vicinity of own ship, situation display with
capability to view vessels in the most interesting bearing and range, messaging display for generation and presentation of safety related text messages.
The mandatory pilot plug is integrated in the display.
Upgradeable without hardware modifications due to fully integrated DSP solution.
VHF transceiver with one transmitter, three receivers.
Channel management capability for areas without access to the worldwide allocated
AIS frequencies.
Possibility to generate Long Range AIS reply over satcom equipment for example
Inmarsat C.

Optional
DGNSS capability (New DGNSS standard).

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

Getting Started
Front Panel Keys

(Power) Used for turning the R4 Display on and off. To turn the power off press and hold
the key for 3 seconds.
(Mob) No function.
(Display) Displays controls for fast configuration of backlight, contrast, LED illumination and button illumination. Two separate configurations are available, for day and night
operation.
(Status) Used for fast change of navigational status for the own ship.
(Mode) Used for toggling between AIS mode and Configuration mode.
(Alphanumeric keys) These keys are used for entering messages, passwords etc. To
write a number press the key once. To write a character press the key multiple times. Press
once for the first character, twice for the second character and so on.
(Page) Retrieves function keys to show main view alternatives.
(Enter) Used to start editing and for confirming data entry.
(Esc) Returns display to previous page, or restores a data field's previous value.
( ) Moves the field highlight up and down from field to field (arrow keypad).
(< >) Moves the field highlight left and right from field to field (arrow keypad).
[Function keys] These keys have different functions depending on the current view. The
function is displayed above each key on the screen.
Note: The arrow keypad also have four diagonal directions, which can be used in the plot
view.

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

How to Operate the R4 Display

Views and Function Keys
The user interface is built upon a number of views. Navigation between different views is
done with the function keys below the screen and the (Esc) and (Page) keys on the right
side of the front panel.
Use the function keys to step into a specific view, and (Esc) to get back up one level.
Pressing (Page) will retrieve function keys to show main view alternatives. An example
view is shown below. In the following sections of the manual the most frequently used
views are described.
Status indicators
for the system
(refer to the
Reference chapter,
Icon Descriptions.

Function key label

for the Zoom out
function

Function key label

leading to a sub
view

The function keys are view-specific and the function of each key is specified with a label
on the screen. Note that unlabelled keys are not active in that specific view. Also, in some
views the function keys might serve as switches, e.g. toggling a parameter.
Change Settings
Some views have a specific Change Settings function key used for entering text and numerical data.
To change one or more parameters press function key [Change Settings] and select the
desired parameter by using the ( < >) key. Press (Enter) to enter data in one of three
ways:
Numbers and characters: Use the (Alphanumeric keys) keys according to Front Panel
Keys on page 7. To delete a character, press function key [Backspace].
List of predefined values: Use the ( ) key to select between the predefined
values.
Bar graph data: Use the (< >) key to increment or decrement the parameter.

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

Press (Enter) when ready. If desired, use the ( < >) key to select a new parameter to
be edited, else press function key [Apply and Exit].
Alarm and Alert pop-ups
The R4 Display has two different types of pop-ups that can appear at any time, alarms and
alerts. To acknowledge an alarm or an alert and to close the pop-up window, press
(Enter). Examples of an alarm message and an alert message are found below.

For more information on alarms and alerts see Reference, section Alarm and Alert Popups on page 35. For alarm definitions see Appendix, section Alarm Messages on
page 43.

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

Reading Remote Ship Information

Target List View
The R4 Display will power up in Target List view. This view, also referred to as the
minimal display, displays a list of all targets sorted by range from own ship (closest first).
The list includes MMSI, ships name, range (RNG) and bearing (BRG). By toggling the
[Sort By Bearing] / [Sort By Range] function key the list will be sorted either by range
or by bearing. If the list is sorted by bearing, the start bearing will be in own COG
direction. Each bearing sector covers 30 and moving through the sectors is done in 15
steps by using the function keys [-15 ] and [+15 ].

For extended information about a target in the list, select the ship with the ( ) key and
press function key [Extended Info] or (Enter).
The Extended Information view includes static, dynamic and voyage related data for the
selected target.

Press (Esc) to return to Target List view.

10

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

Function key [Send SRM] in Target List is used to send a safety related message (SRM)
to the currently selected target. For more information about sending SRMs, see Reference
chapter, section Safety Related Messages (SRM) on page 26.

Plot View
The Plot view displays the targets closest to your ship. The Plot view is accessed by
pressing (Page) followed by the function key [Plot]. Use the ( < >) key to select any
of the targets on the display. The arrow keys can also be used to select targets in diagonal
direction. Brief information about the selected target is shown to the left. Use the [Zoom
in] and [Zoom out] function keys to zoom in or out.

For extended information about a target, select the ship with the ( < >) key and press
function key [Extended Info].
Pressing the function key [Send SRM] sends a safety related message (SRM) to the
currently selected target. For more information about sending SRMs, see Reference chapter, section Safety Related Messages (SRM) on page 26.

7000 108-131 B3

11

Getting Started

Set and Read Voyage Related Information

Voyage related information is displayed in Voyage view, and is accessed by pressing
(Page) and then function key [Voyage]. Voyage related data includes information such as
destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA) and number of people aboard.

For more information about changing voyage related data, see Reference chapter, section
Voyage on page 25.

12

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

Handling Safety Related Messages (SRM)

Safety related messages (SRM) can be sent to a specific target (addressed message) or
broadcast to all targets. Maximum length for an addressed message is 156 characters and
for a broadcast message it is 161.
Read Received SRMs
The received SRMs can be accessed in the view Received SRMs. To get to this view, press
(Page) - [SRMs] - [Rx list].

Select an SRM with ( ) to see the entire message. For more information about sending
SRMs, see Reference chapter, section Safety Related Messages (SRM) on page 26.
Send SRMs
SRMs are composed and sent in the Send SRM view. To get to this view, press
(Page) - [SRMs] - [Send SRM].

7000 108-131 B3

13

Getting Started

The message can either be composed manually, or taken from a predefined list. For more
information about how to create and send a safety related message see Reference chapter,
section Safety Related Messages (SRM) on page 26.

Alarms and Status Lists

Current alarm status can be viewed under the Alarm List view. To enter this view, press
(Page) - [Auxiliary Info] - [Alarm List]. Active alarms are marked with an exclamation
mark (!). For more information on alarm messages see Appendix, section
Alarm Messages on page 43.

Current status of indications and the latest events are listed in the Status List. To enter this
view, press (Page) - [Auxiliary Info] - [Status List]. For a list of status messages see
Appendix, section Indication Messages on page 45.

14

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

Setting the Navigational Status

The ships navigational status can be set in the Navigational Status view. This view is
reached by pressing the (Status) key. The status information is selected by
pressing the appropriate function key. Use the [More] function key to toggle between the
different status messages alternatives.

Display Settings
The display backlight, contrast, LED illumination, button illumination and day or night
settings can be changed in the Display Settings view. To enter this view, press (Display).

To change between day and night mode, press [Switch to Day/Night].

7000 108-131 B3

15

Getting Started

To change the contrast setting, press [Contrast] and increase/decrease with (< >)

To change backlight setting, press [Backlight] and increase/decrease with (< >).

16

7000 108-131 B3

Getting Started

To change the LED illumination, press [LED illum.] and increase/decrease with (< >).

To change the button illumination, press [Button illum.] and increase/decrease with
(< >).
To exit the Display Settings view, press (Display) or (Esc).

7000 108-131 B3

17

Getting Started

18

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - Icon Description

Reference
Icon Description
Miscellaneous Symbols
Alarm
Unread SRM
Unread Long Range messages (AUTO)
Unacknowledged Long Range interrogations (MAN)
Engineering mode
Connection to R4 lost
1W
1W

1W mode (Only displayed if Ship Type = Tanker and 1W mode is active)

Navigational Status (Own Vessel Icons)

Navigational status is undefined
At anchor or moored
Under way using engine
Navigational status is one of; Not under command, Restricted manoeuvrability,
Constrained by her draught, Aground, Engaged in fishing, Under way sailing, Reserved for future use.
Target Symbols (Target List, Plot View)
Ship (class A or B)
Base Station
SAR
Aids-to-Navigation

7000 108-131 B3

19

Reference - System Modes

System Modes
The R4 Display has two system modes, AIS and Configuration. The system modes allows
the user to either configure the R4-AIS, in Configuration mode, or to perform normal
operations, in AIS mode.
Accessing AIS mode views when in a Configuration mode view
1. Press (Mode).
2. Press function key [AIS]. Target List view will now be displayed.
3. To continue to other views press (Page).
4. Press the function key associated with the desired view.
Accessing Configuration mode views when in an AIS mode view
1. Press (Mode).
2. Press function key [CONFIG].
3. Press the function key associated with the desired view.

20

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

AIS Mode
AIS mode is a set of views for displaying remote targets and their related information on
a plot or list format, alarms and status/indications, regional area information, read and
send safety related messages (SRMs) and long range (LR) messages.
AIS views
Target List lists brief information about the closest targets.
Plot shows the closest targets on a plot and displays external information for the
marked target.
Voyage displays the current voyage related settings.
SRMs allows the user to read and send safety related messages (SRM).
Auxiliary Info displays alarms and status/indications.
Long Range allows the user to view and acknowledge long range (LR)
interrogations.
Regional Areas allows the user to view and configure regional areas.
The AIS views are accessed using the function keys. If the desired view is not listed, press
(Page) one or several times until the function key for the view is shown.

7000 108-131 B3

21

Reference - AIS Mode

Accessing an AIS view when in another AIS view

1. Press (Page).
2. Press the function key associated with the desired view.
Target List
The Target List view displays a list of all targets sorted by range from own ship (closest
first). The list includes MMSI, ships name, range (RNG) and bearing (BRG). By toggling
the [Sort By Bearing]/[Sort By Range] function key the list will be sorted either by range
or by bearing. (If the list is sorted by bearing, the start bearing will be in own COG
direction. Each bearing sector covers 30.)
To get detailed information about a target or to send an SRM to a specific target, enter the
subviews Extended Info or Send SRM.

22

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

Selecting a target
1. Choose a target using the ( ) key.
To get extended information about a selected target
1. Press function key [Extended Info] or (Enter).

Sending an SRM to a selected target

1. Press function key [Send SRM].
2. To send SRMs, refer to Send SRM on page 28.
Sorting by bearing (BRG) or by range (RNG)
1. Toggle the function key [Sort By Bearing]/[Sort By Range].
Changing displayed sectors when targets are sorted by bearing
1. Use the function keys [-15 ] and [+15 ] to step through the sectors
anti-clockwise or clockwise. (Starting sector is in own COG direction.)

7000 108-131 B3

23

Reference - AIS Mode

Plot
The Plot view displays the targets closest to your ship and brief information (MMSI,
range, bearing, heading and SOG) about the currently selected target. To get detailed
information about a target or to send an SRM to a specific target, enter the subviews
Extended Info or Send SRM.
The inner radius of the plot is at half the distance of the outer radius.

Selecting a target
1. Choose a target using the ( < >) key. The arrow keys can also be used to
select target in diagonal direction.
To get extended information about a selected target
1. Press function key [Extended Info] or (Enter).
Sending an SRM to a selected target
1. Press function key [Send SRM].
2. To send SRMs, refer to Send SRM on page 28.
Zooming
1. Use the function keys [Zoom In] and [Zoom Out] to zoom in and out.

24

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

Voyage
Voyage view displays voyage related data such as navigational status, estimated time of
arrival (ETA), draught, number of people aboard, destination and cargo.

Change settings
1. Press function key [Change Settings].
2. Select parameter using ( ) and press (Enter).
3. Enter desired value using the keypad or if it is a drop down list, select a value
using ( ), and press (Enter).
4. Repeat step 2 and 3 if necessary. When ready press function key [Apply and
Exit].
Reg. app. flag is intended for use in regional applications only and should be set to zero
(0) in other applications. Definitions of values 1 to 15 shall be provided by a competent
regional authority if used.
A special function called 1 W mode is made available when the own ship is a tanker
(i.e., Ship Type is set to Tanker in the Ship Static data configuration view). For further
information about the 1 W mode see International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers &
Terminals (ISGOTT). For instructions on how to change ship static data, see
7000 108-011Installation Manual R4-AIS Shipborne Class A Transponder System.
Turning the 1 W mode on or off
1. Toggle the function key [1 W mode ON]/ [1 W mode OFF].

7000 108-131 B3

25

Reference - AIS Mode

Safety Related Messages (SRM)

Safety related messages (SRM) can be received from remote targets or created and sent
to a specific target (addressed message) or broadcast to all targets. Maximum length for
an addressed message is 156 characters and for a broadcast message it is 161.

Rx List
The Rx List view allows the user to read, delete and reply or forward a received SRM.

Read a received SRM

1. Press function key [Rx List].
2. Select SRM from the list using ( ).
3. If necessary press function key [Read] to see the entire message.
Reply to a received SRM
1. Press function key [Rx List].
2. Select SRM from the list using ( ).
3. Press function key [Reply].
4. Continue from point 2 under Send an SRM with manually entered text on
page 28.

26

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

Forward a received SRM

1. Press function key [Rx List].
2. Select SRM from the list with ( ).
3. Press function key [Forward].
4. Continue from point 2 under Send an SRM with manually entered text on
page 28.
Delete a received SRM
1. Press function key [Rx List].
2. Select SRM from the list using ( ).
3. Press function key [Delete SRM].
Tx List
Sent SRMs are stored and can be retrieved in the Tx List view. Use this view to read and
delete previously sent messages. Also, an SRM can be used as baseline for a new message
by selecting the desired message followed by the function key [Forward]. The selected
sent SRMs text field is then copied into the new SRMs text field.

Send an SRM based on a previously transmitted SRM

1. Press function key [Tx List].
2. Select SRM from the list using ( ).
3. Press function key [Forward].
4. Continue from point 2 under Send an SRM with manually entered text on
page 28.
Delete a transmitted SRM
1. Press function key [Tx List].
2. Select SRM from the list using ( ).
3. Press function key [Delete SRM].

7000 108-131 B3

27

Reference - AIS Mode

Send SRM
The Send SRM view allows the user to create and send an SRM, addressed or broadcast.
The message text can be taken from a predefined list or entered manually. A manually
entered text can be stored in the list of predefined SRM texts as a user predefined SRM.
A user predefined SRM can also be removed from the list (factory predefined messages
cannot be removed).

Send an SRM with manually entered text

1. Press function key [Send SRM].
2. Enter message text using the alphanumeric keypad and press (Enter).
(To erase characters use the [Backspace] function key.)
3. Select the Addressed/Broadcast field and press (Enter).
4. Use ( ) to choose Addressed if you want to send the SRM to a specific target
or Broadcast if you want to send the SRM to all targets, then press (Enter).
5. If Addressed is selected: Press (>) and (Enter). Type in the target address and
press (Enter). If you have selected a target in Target List or Plot view, the
target address is already filled in.
6. Select the Channel field and press (Enter).
7. Select between AUTO, A, B or A+B with ( ) and press (Enter).
8. Send the SRM by pressing function key [Send].
Save as predefined SRM
1. Press function key [Send SRM].
2. Enter message text, select addressed/broadcast and channel, as described under
Send an SRM with manually entered text above.
3. Press the function key [Save as Predefined].

28

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

Send a predefined SRM

1. Press function key [Send SRM].
2. Press function key [Choose Predefined].
3. Choose SRM text with ( ).
4. Press the function key [Select].
5. Continue with the point 2 under Send an SRM with manually entered text
above.
Delete a user predefined SRM
1. Press function key [Send SRM].
2. Press function key [Choose Predefined].
3. Choose the user predefined SRM using ( ).
4. Press the function key [Delete].

7000 108-131 B3

29

Reference - AIS Mode

Auxiliary Info
The Auxiliary Info view has two subviews, Alarm List view displaying a list of current
alarm status, and Status List view displaying a list of current indication status and latest
events.

Alarm List
The Alarm List view lists current status of all alarms. Active alarms are presented in the
top of the list and are marked with an exclamation mark (!).

30

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

Status List
The Status List view lists current status of indications and the latest events.

Own Ship Data

The Own Ship Data view shows the ships own data, which is transmitted to other vessels.
The first view displays the ships dynamic information.

7000 108-131 B3

31

Reference - AIS Mode

Pressing the function key [Next] displays ship static and voyage related data.

To return to the view displaying dynamic data, press the function key [Previous].
Long Range Messages
Received long range (LR) interrogations and transmitted replies are displayed in the Long
Range view. The user can delete LRs and manually send replies to LRs that have not been
acknowledged. For a list of long range definitions see Appendix, section Long Range
Definitions on page 45.
Note that the reply mode for the R4 can be set up to automatically acknowledge, or to let
the user manually acknowledge any LR interrogation. To change the LR reply mode, see
7000 108-011 Installation Manual R4-AIS Shipborne Class A Transponder System.

Reply to an LR interrogation (only when current LR reply mode is set to manual)

1. Select LR message using ( ).
2. Press function key [Send Reply].

32

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - AIS Mode

Refuse to reply to an LR interrogation (only when current LR reply mode is set to

manual)
1. Select LR message using ( ).
2. Press function key [Refuse Reply].
Delete an LR interrogation/message
1. Select LR message using ( ).
2. Press function key [Delete].
Regional Areas
The Regional Areas views allows the user to list, edit and delete existing regional areas
and to add new regional area definitions.

Create a New Regional Area

1. Press function key [New Area].

2. Use ( < >) to select the parameter to be entered and press (Enter).
3. Enter the value using the keypad, or if it is a drop down list, select a value using
( ) and press (Enter). To check the Tx and Rx check boxes, use the [On/Off]
function key.
4. Press function key [Apply] and confirm with (Enter).

7000 108-131 B3

33

Reference - AIS Mode

Delete a Regional Area

1. Select Regional Area using ( ).
2. Press function key [Delete Area] and confirm with (Enter).
Edit a Regional Area

Select Regional Area using ( ).

Press function key [Display Area].
Press function key [Edit Area].
Use ( < >) to select the parameter to be edited and press (Enter).
Enter the new value using the keypad, or if it is a drop down list, select a value
using ( ) and press (Enter). To check or uncheck the Tx and Rx check boxes,
use the [On/Off] function key.
6. Press function key [Apply] and confirm with (Enter).

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

34

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - Alarm and Alert Pop-ups

Alarm and Alert Pop-ups

There are two types of pop-up windows, alarms and alerts. Alerts pop-ups that can occur
are Failed to send SRM, New Long Range Message and Loss of connection to the R4
Transponder. To acknowledge an alarm or an alert and close the pop-up window, press
(Enter).
Alarms
Whenever a new alarm occurs, a pop-up window will appear on the R4 Display. Active
alarms are listed in the Alarm List view. For explanation of different alarms, see Appendix, section Alarm Messages on page 43.

Failed to send SRM

If an SRM has not reached the addressed target or if it has failed to be sent, the user will
be notified and offered to re-send the SRM.

7000 108-131 B3

35

Reference - Alarm and Alert Pop-ups

New Long Range Message

In the case a long range (LR) interrogation is to be manually acknowledged at reception
of an interrogation, an alert pop-up window will appear on the R4 Display. The LR
interrogation is listed in the Long Range view, where the user can choose to send a
positive acknowledge, a negative acknowledge or simply ignore the interrogation.

Loss of connection to the R4 Transponder

If a loss of connection to the R4 Transponder is detected, the following pop-up window
will appear.

Note: The icon Connection to R4 lost (see Icon Description on page 19) will also be
activated when the connection is lost. The icon will disappear when connection to the R4
is re-established.

36

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - Configuration Mode

Configuration Mode
Configuration mode is a set of views that allows the user to modify the configuration
settings for the R4-AIS. To get to the Configuration views, press (Mode) followed by
function key [CONFIG]. To reach the configuration top view from one of the configuration views press the (Page).
Config views
Display Settings allows the user to configure settings for the R4 Display.
Buzzer allows the user to configure event related sounds.
Ship / AIS Static and its subviews allows the user to see current ship static data,
GNSS antenna positions and VHF radio settings. (To configure these
parameters, see 7000 108-011 Installation Manual R4-AIS Shipborne Class A
Transponder System.
Long Range allows the user to see current long range reply mode and filter
settings. (To configure these parameters, see 7000 108-011 Installation Manual
R4-AIS Shipborne Class A Transponder System.

7000 108-131 B3

37

Reference - Configuration Mode

Display Settings
The Display Settings view allows the user to adjust display back light, contrast, LED
intensity and button illumination. Two serparate settings are provided, for day or night
operation.

Changing display settings

1. Press function key [Display Settings].
2. Press function key [Change Settings].
3. Select Day Settings or Night Settings with (< >).
4. Select the setting you want to change using ( ) and press (Enter).
5. Modify the setting with (< >) and press (Enter). Repeat step 3 to 5 if necessary.
6. Press function key [Apply and Exit].
(Note: As previously described in the Getting Started chapter, it is also possible to
change display settings by pressing the (Display) key.)

38

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - Configuration Mode

Buzzer
The Buzzer view allows the user to associate an event with a specific sound. The settings
can be restored to their default values.

Changing Buzzer settings

1. Press function key [Buzzer].
2. Press function key [Change Settings].
3. Select the setting you want to change using ( ) and press (Enter).
4. Modify the setting with ( ) and press (Enter)
5. Press function key [Apply and Exit].

7000 108-131 B3

39

Reference - Configuration Mode

Ship / AIS Static Data

The Ship / AIS Static views allows the user to see current ship static data (MMSI, IMO
No, Ship Name, Call Sign, Height Over Keel and Ship Type), GNSS antenna positions
and VHF radio settings. To configure these parameters, see 7000 108-011 Installation
Manual R4-AIS Shipborne Class A Transponder System.
Ship Static Data
Press function key [Ship Static].

GNSS Antennas
Press function key [GNSS Antennas].

40

7000 108-131 B3

Reference - Configuration Mode

Note:
Dimension
A
B
C
D

Distance (m)
0 - 511;
511 = 511 m or greater
0 - 511;
511 = 511 m or greater
0 - 63;
63 = 63 m or greater
0 - 63;
63 = 63 m or greater

The dimension A should be in the direction of the transmitted heading information (bow).
Reference point of reported position not available, but dimensions of ship are available:
A = C = 0 and B 0 and D 0.
Neither reference point of reported position nor dimensions of ship available:
A = B = C = D = 0 (= default)

VHF Radio Settings

Press function key [VHF Radio Settings]

7000 108-131 B3

41

Reference - Configuration Mode

Long Range Settings

The Long Range view allows the user to see the current settings for Long Range (LR)
interrogations. To change the settings, see 7000 108-011 Installation Manual R4-AIS
Shipborne Class A Transponder System.

42

7000 108-131 B3

Appendix - Alarm Messages

Appendix
Alarm Messages
The alarm messages and the corresponding identities are listed below:
ID
001
002
003
004
005
006
008
025
026
029
030
032
035

Message text
Tx malfunction
Antenna VSWR exceeds limit
Rx channel 1 malfunction
Rx channel 2 malfunction
Rx channel 70 malfunction
General failure
MKD connection lost
External EPFS lost
No sensor position in use
No valid SOG information
No valid COG information
Heading lost/invalid
No valid ROT information

Alarm Description
Tx Malfunction
A Tx Malfunction alarm is generated if there is a malfunction in the radio transmitter
hardware or if the antenna VSWR exceeds an allowed ratio. If the radio transmitter returns
to normal operation or if VSWR returns to a value below the allowed treshold, the alarm
is cleared.
Antenna VSWR Exceeds limit
The VSWR of the antenna is checked for every transmission and if it exceeds a given ratio
then a VSWR alarm is generated. If the VSWR goes below the allowed threshold, the
alarm is cleared.
Rx Malfunctions
The radio receivers are continously monitored and if any part of the receivers hardware
should malfunction, a Rx Malfunction alarm is generated for that receiver. If the radio
receiver returns to normal operation, the alarm is cleared.
General Failure
This alarm is generated if the R4-AIS Transponder fails to initiate the radio. If this alarm
occurs, contact your retailer.

7000 108-131 B3

43

Appendix - Alarm Messages

MKD Connection Lost

This alarm is active if the communication between the R4-AIS Transponder and the
display unit does not work. The alarm popup will appear if the display to transponder
communication is lost and the transponder to display communication still works.
External EPFS Lost
This alarm is generated if the position from the external Electronic Position Fixing System
is invalid (i.e. no external GNSS). Due to the fallback arrangement for the positioning sensor this alarm can be inactive up to 30 seconds (during which the internal GNSS is used)
before the alarm is activated.
No Sensor Position In Use
This alarm is active if the AIS system does not have a valid position (latitude/longitude)
from any sensor.
No Valid SOG Information/No Valid COG Information
These alarms are active if the AIS system does not have a valid SOG (Speed Over
Ground) or a valid COG (Course Over Ground) from any sensor. The SOG and COG is
based on the speed log (if external GNSS is used and a valid heading is available) or the
GNSS currently in use.
Heading Lost/Invalid
This alarm is generated if either the heading information is lost/invalid (from external
sensors) or if the heading is undefined.
No Valid ROT Information
This alarm is active if ROT (Rate Of Turn) is undefined or if no valid ROT information
is available from external sensor or internal calculations.

44

7000 108-131 B3

Appendix - Indication Messages

Indication Messages
The indication messages, with identity and type information, are listed below:
ID
007
021
022
023
024
025
027
028
031
033
034
036
053
054
055
056
061
061
063
064
066

Type
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Event
Status
Status
Status
Event
Status
Event
Event
Event
Status

Message text
UTC clock lost
External DGNSS in use
External GNSS in use
Internal DGNSS in use (beacon)
Internal DGNSS in use (msg 17)
Internal GNSS in use
External SOG/COG in use
Internal SOG/COG in use
Heading valid
Rate of Turn Indicator in use
Other ROT source in use
Channel management parameters changed
SOG from external position source
SOG from log sensor
UTC clock OK
Channel management zone memory changed
Enter semaphore mode
Leave semaphore mode
NVM Checksum error
RATDMA overflow
Tanker Low VHF Power Mode

Long Range Definitions

A =
B =
C =
E =
F =
I =
O =
P =
U =
W=

Ships name, call sign, and IMO number

Date and time of message composition
Position
Course over ground (COG)
Speed over ground (SOG)
Destination and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
Draught
Ship/Cargo
Ships length, breadth, type
Persons on board

7000 108-131 B3

45

Appendix - GUI Hierarchy

GUI Hierarchy
STATUS =>
. . . . . . . . . Navigational Status
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Under Way Eng
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Anchor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moored
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1W mode ON/OFF (Only displayed if Ship Type = Tanker)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Under Command
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restricted Manoeuvrability
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constrained By Draught
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aground
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engaged in fishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Under Way Sail
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Status Not Defined
MODE => AIS
. . . . . . . . . Target List
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extended Info
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Send SRM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sort By Bearing / Sort By Range
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 15 (When Sort By Bearing is chosen)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + 15 (When Sort By Bearing is chosen)
. . . . . . . . . Plot
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extended Info
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Send SRM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoom In
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoom Out
. . . . . . . . . Voyage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Settings / Apply and Exit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 W mode ON/OFF (Only displayed if VSD Ship Type = Tanker)
. . . . . . . . . SRMs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rx List
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Forward
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delete SRM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forward
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete SRM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tx List
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Forward
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delete SRM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forward
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete SRM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Send SRM

46

7000 108-131 B3

Appendix - GUI Hierarchy

. . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Info
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alarm List
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Status List
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Own Ship Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Next / Previous
. . . . . . . . . Long Range
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Send Reply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Refuse Reply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete
. . . . . . . . . Regional Areas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display Area
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit Area
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete Area
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Area
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete
MODE => CONFIG
. . . . . . . . . Display Settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Settings / Apply and Exit
. . . . . . . . . Buzzer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Settings / Apply and Exit
. . . . . . . . . Ship / AIS Static
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ship Static
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GNSS Antennas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VHF Radio Settings
. . . . . . . . . Long Range
. . . . . . . . . Engineer Mode On / Engineer Mode Off

7000 108-131 B3

47

Appendix - GUI Hierarchy

48

7000 108-131 B3

Glossary

Glossary
AIS . . . . . . Automatic Identification System
ARPA. . . . Advanced Research Projects Agency
COG . . . . . Course Over Ground
DGNSS . . Differential Global Navigational Satellite System
DSC . . . . . Digital Selective Calling
ECDIS . . . Electronic Chart Display and Information System
EPFS . . . . Electronic Position Fixing System
GNSS . . . . Global Navigational Satellite System
IALA . . . . International Association of Lighthouse Authorities
IEC . . . . . . International Electrotechnical Commission
IMO . . . . . International Maritime Organization
ITU. . . . . . International Telecommunications Union
LR . . . . . . Long Range
MKD . . . . Minimum Keyboard and Display
MMSI. . . . Maritime Mobile Service Identity
NVM . . . . Non-Volatile Memory
RATDMA Random Access Time Division Multiple Access
ROT . . . . . Rate Of Turn
Rx. . . . . . . Receive
SAR . . . . . Search And Rescue
SOG . . . . . Speed Over Ground
SOLAS. . . International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
SRM . . . . . Safety Related Message

7000 108-131 B3

49

Glossary

TDMA . . . Time Division Multiple Access

Tx . . . . . . Transmit
UTC. . . . . Universal Time Coordinated
VHF. . . . . Very High Frequency
VSWR . . . Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. (A low value indicates a problem with the antenna or connections/cables to the antenna.)

50

7000 108-131 B3

Index

Index
A
AIS Mode 21
AIS Static Data 40
Alarm 14
Alarm List 30
Alarm Messages 43
Alerts 9, 35
Alphanumeric Keys 7
Auxiliary Info 30
B
Backlight 16
Button Illumination 17
Buzzer 39
C
Call Sign 40
Cargo 25
Configuration Mode 37
Contrast 16
D
Destination 25
Display Settings 15, 38
Draught 25
E
ETA 25
F
Failed to send SRM 35
Front Panel 7
Function Keys 8
G
GNSS Antennas 40
GUI Hierarchy 46
I
Icon Description 19
Indication Messages 45
L
LED Illumination 17
Long Range Definitions 45

7000 108-131 B3

51

Index

Long Range Interrogations 32

Long Range Messages 32
M
Main Features 6
MMSI 40
N
Navigational Status 15, 19
P
Plot 22
Plot View 11
R
R4 Display 8
Read SRMs 13, 26
Regional Areas 33
Remote Ship Information 10
Rx List 26
S
Safety Related Messages 13, 26
Send SRM 28
Send SRMs 13, 28
Ship Data 31
Ship Name 40
Ship Type 40
SRM 13, 26
Static Data 40
Status List 14, 31
Symbols 19
System Modes 20
System Overview 5
T
Target List 22
Target symbols 19
Tx List 27
V
VHF Radio Settings 41
Views 8
Voyage 25
Voyage Related Information 12

52

7000 108-131 B3