AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
Product and Operational Overview
Company: Maritec
Author: Andre van den Berg
Date: 20 May 2008
Revision: 04
Product and Operational Overview
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
OVERVIEW
This document provides a basic overview of the operational use and applications of the AITS-R. It does not
replace the AITS-R Operational and Technical manual in any way. The Operational and Technical Manual
must be consulted for information and operation of the AITS-R.
AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R) Product Description and Features
AITS-R (AIS Installation Test Set) is an operational test set operating on AIS1, AIS2 and DSC (channel
70). An operational performance test is done on these channels, not actual frequency measurements. It has
been designed in accordance with the relevant standards and recommendations as an aid to evaluate the
operation of an AIS unit and AIS installation. The AITS-R is capable of generating and receiving AIS VDL
& DSC messages. Radiated and conducted tests can be performed.
AITS-R is a hand held portable instrument with an internal battery pack and charging circuit. It can also
operate using an external 12VDC supply.
AITS-R is menu driven, using a 2 X 16 character LCD display and keypad. All menu driven test options
are fully automated. Test results can be viewed on the LCD display and can be stored in the AITS-Rs nonvolatile memory. The AITS-R can store two separate test sessions, which can be downloaded to a PC at a
later stage using the AITS-R utility software. Customized test reports in HTML can be printed.
Training is limited to the AITS-R software simulator and Operational and Technical manual, which is
provided with the AITS-R. The AITS-R is field programmable and firmware upgradeable.
The LCD and Keypad are used as the man machine interface. The serial communication port provides
electrical connectivity to a PC. The RS422 port allows testing NMEA strings of external sensor devices as
well as selected items from the input/output stream of the Pilot or Presentation Port.
Two AIS radio receivers (AIS1 and AIS2)
Digital Selective Calling radio receiver (DSC channel 70).
A fixed frequency 2 mW nominal signal generator operating on AIS1, AIS2 and DSC (chnl. 70).
An integrated termaline RF power meter and conducted interface (1 12.5W).
A microprocessor with integrated DSP functions.
In-line forward power and return loss measurement within a 26.6 millisecond transmission period
In-line or antenna RF interrogation of AIS equipment under test using keypad, including DSC
In-line or antenna RF decoding and display of AIS received packets, including DSC
Fully portable with internal battery pack (rechargeable) & internal charging circuit
LCD (2 x 16 character) display and keypad, menu driven command set
Pilot / Presentation Port evaluation function (NMEA/RS422)
Selectable non-volatile memory retains two (2) test session for processing
Download test results to PC and print customized reports in HTML format
Robust aluminium casing.
Product and Operational Overview
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
Dimensions And Weight (excluding antenna and cables)
Length (including connectors)
Width
Height
Weight (including battery)
209 mm
101 mm
41 mm
700 gram
Electrical:
o Power supply: internal batteries, 6V 700mAh rechargeable
o Charging supply: external 12 VDC nominal (PSU 110/220VAC to 12VDC)
o Power consumption: <0.6W nominal
AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R) Applications
Radio Survey
Installations
Maintenance / Service
AIS Product Development
AIS Application Development (Software, ECS, ECDIS, etc)
AIS Equipment Under Test (EUT)
AIS Class A
AIS Class B (B/CS)
AIS Base Station
AIS Repeater Station
AIS Aids To Navigation
AIS Search and Rescue
Testing includes:
RF (on air radio frequency) radiated or conducted
Pilot / Presentation Port (RS422)
NMEA sensors (RS422) (displayed on LCD, first 32 characters only)
AIS Generated and/or Received Message
AIS VDL message types 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
AIS DSC VDL message (standard DSC Test Signal)
Standard DSC test signal as defined in 10.4.1 (using ADS)
Standard TDMA test signal as defined in 10.4.2 (using ADS)
Standard TDMA test signal as defined in 10.4.3 (using ADS)
Standard TDMA test signal as defined in 10.4.4 (Class B/CS IEC 62287-1 draft using ADS)
Includes CCITT 511 bit pseudo-random test pattern (using ADS)
Pseudo EPFD Generation
Fully remote control using AIS Developer Studio (ADS) interface
Enhanced AIS Developer Studio (AIS) menu using serial communication port
AIS VDL virtual generator (1 5 ships), messages 1,2,3 using ADS
AIS VDL load generator (up to 450 ships), messages 1,2,3 using ADS
Product and Operational Overview
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
Unpacking the Unit
The AITS-R package includes:
AITS-R Installation Test Set
Antenna (rubber duck)
Vehicular charging cable (12VDC)
Vehicular charging socket with red and black banana plug
RS232 Interface cable
RS422 Interface cable with crocodile clips (Pilot / Presentation / Sensor Ports)
Programming Dongle (required for firmware upgrade)
TNC - BNC terminated RF cable
CE Certificate of Compliance
Performance Verification Certificate (factory calibration)
Warranty document
CD/DVD including:
o AITS-R Operational & Technical document
o AIS Developer Studio (ADS) utility software
o Flash (firmware upgrade) software
o Flash (firmware upgrade) procedure document
External power supply required for charging is not supplied, can be obtained from local electrical /
department store.
Quality Control
The AITS-R has been tested and certified by ETECSA Services, an accredited test laboratory in accordance
with the manufacturers AITS-R Operational Performance Verification Procedure, Document Number
AITS-R/O/PVP/R1.1. Refer to Annexure C for a copy of the Certificate of Conformance. A copy of the
verification procedure document is available on request.
Each AITS-R is manufactured and tested in accordance with the manufacturers AITS-R Hardware
Alignment and Performance Verification Procedure, Document Number AITS-R/H/APVP/R1.1. A product
serial number and Performance Verification Certificate is issued. The values of the certificate are correct at
the time of verification. Subsequently the accuracy will depend on such factors as the care exercised in the
handling and use of the AITS-R and the frequency of use. Re-verification should be performed after a
period that has been chosen to ensure that, under normal circumstance, the AITS-R accuracy remains
within the desired limits. This period can be subject to the users quality policy, Classification Societys
policy, etc. Refer to Annexure C for an example copy of a Performance Verification Certificate. A copy of
the verification procedure document is available on request.
A CE Certificate of Compliance is issued by the manufacturer with the supply of each AITS-R.
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
Design Reference Documents: List of standards, specifications and research material.
International Documents
Document Number
American Bureau Of Shipping
China Classification Society
EN50081-1
EN50082-1
EN55022
EN61000-4-2
EN61000-4-3
IALA Recommendation A-126
IEC 61162-1
IEC 61162-2
IEC 61993-2
IEC 62287-1
IEC 62320-1 (CDV)
IEC 62320-2 (CDV)
IMO MSC.1/Circ.1252 22
October 2007
IMO resolution MSC.74(69)
annex 3
IMO SN/Circ.227 6 January
2003
IMO/IALA Seminar on AIS
Session No: 3 Paper No: 2
ITU-R M.1084-3
ITU-R M.1371
ITU-R M.493
ITU-R M.825-3
MCA Crown Copyright
MCA Crown Copyright
Product and Operational Overview
Title
Process Instruction Check sheet On SOLAS Surveys-SLR/GMDSS
Guidelines for Survey of AIS Document Chapter 5
EMC
EMC
class B Radiated interference field strength
Electrostatic discharge
Radiated frequency electromagnetic field 80Mhz to 1000Mhz
The Use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) in Marine Aids to
Navigation Edition 1 December 2003
Maritime Navigation and Radio Communication Equipment and Systems Digital Interfaces: Part 1 - Single Talker and Multiple Listeners.
Maritime Navigation and Radio Communication Equipment and Systems Digital Interfaces: Part 2 - Single Talker and Multiple Listeners High Speed
Transmission.
Universal Ship borne Automatic Identification System (AIS).
Draft IEC 62287 Class B AIS
Maritime Navigation And Radiocommunication Equipment And SystemsAutomatic Identification System - AIS Base Stations - Minimum
Operational And Performance Requirements - Methods Of Test And
Required Test Results
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems
Automatic identification system (AIS) Part 2: AIS AtoN stations
Minimum operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and
required test results Introductory
Guidelines On Annual Testing Of The Automatic Identification System
(AIS)
Recommendation On Performance For An Universal Shipborne Automatic
Identification System (AIS)
Guidelines For The Installation Of A Shipborne Automatic Identification
System (AIS)
The onboard installation of Automatic Identification System (AIS)
Interim solutions for improved efficiency in the use of Band 156-174 MHZ
by stations in the Maritime Mobile Service (draft for revision 4).
Technical characteristics for a universal ship-borne automatic identification
system using time division multiple access in the maritime mobile band.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) system for use in the Maritime Mobile
Service.
Characteristics of a Transponder system using DSC techniques for use with
vessel traffic services and ship-to-ship identification.
Annex 17 - Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
ANNEX 20 Inspection and Survey Of Navigational Equipment
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
Project Documents
Document Number
AITS-R/H/APVP/R1.1. (Sine
Qua Non Document)
AITS-R/O/PVP/R1.1. (Sine
Qua Non Document)
Harmonizing Current Guide
Lines For AIS Installation and
Surveys
Product and Operational Overview
Title
AITS-R Hardware Alignment and Performance Verification Procedure
(download from http://maritec.co.za/media/aitsrhapvp.zip )
AITS-R Operational Performance Verification Procedure
(download from http://maritec.co.za/media /aitsropvp.zip )
Sine Qua Non Technology Holdings. (PTY) LTD.
(download from http://maritec.co.za/media/aitsrunhcgl.zip )
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
ANNEXURE A
Examples of received AIS data displayed on the AITS-R LCD using the keypad scroll function.
1. AIS VDL messages 1,2,3 (dynamic) & 5 (static & voyage) data:
2 DSC message data using standard DSC test message:
3. Equipment Under Test transmitter power and external VHF antenna installation test data:
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
ANNEXURE B
Example of generated test reports down loaded to PC using utility software (ADS).
The POSITIONAL, STATIC and VOYAGE data extracted from the VHF DATA LINK ( VDL )
evaluation.
Parameter
MMSI User ID
603105678
IMO Number
Call Sign
Name
Destination
Navigation Status
Latitude
632000123
ZS136A2
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN@
DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA@
Under Way Using Engines
25*48.5247'S,
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Longitude
Speed Over Ground
Course Over Ground
028*13.3624'E
000.1k
038.8*
Y
Y
Y
Rate Of Turn Sensor
Rate Of Turn AIS
Position Accuracy
-731*/min
-128
LO
True Heading
RAIM Flag
Type Of Ship And Electronic
Position Fixing Device
Type Of Ship And Cargo
ETA Date [dd-mm]
ETA Time [hh(24):mm]
Maximum Present Static Draught
Ships dimensions and reference for
GPS Antenna position (m)
Data Terminal Equipment
AIS Version Indicator
511*
Flag Off
Y
Y
GPS
Cargo ships
04-05
12:22
08.1m
A=030,B=080,C=14,D=15
not available
ITU-R M1371-1
Y
Y
Time Stamp (UTC Second)
24
Product and Operational Overview
Value
Display on LCD
Y
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Y
Y
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
The VDL RF in slot power and external antenna evaluation produced the following result
Parameter
Slot Average RF Slot Power (W)
Slot Peak RF Slot Pow er (W)
Slot Antenna Return Loss (-dB)
Slot Antenna SWR
Value
12.45
12.48
26.51
1.46:1
Display on LCD
Y
Y
Y
The VDL DSC evaluation produced the following result
Parameter
Format Specifier
Address
120
374967295
Category
Self Identification
Message One
Quadrant
Longitude
Latitude
103
603105678
100
SE
028*13.3620'
25*48.5243'
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Time Of Position (UTC)
Message Two
Ships Name
6:24:37
122
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Y
Y
Y
Product and Operational Overview
Value
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Display on LCD
Y
Y
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
The POSITIONAL, STATIC and VOYAGE data extracted from the PILOT PLUG AND OR
PRESENTATION PORT ( VDO ) evaluation.
Parameter
MMSI User ID
IMO Number
603105678
632000123
Call Sign
Name
Destination
ZS136A2
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN@
DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA@
Navigation Status
Latitude
Longitude
Under Way Using Engines
25*48.5250'S,
028*13.3628'E
Speed Over Ground
Course Over Ground
Rate Of Turn Sensor
Rate Of Turn AIS
Position Accuracy
True Heading
000.1k
041.1*
-731*/min
-128
LO
511*
RAIM Flag
Type Of Ship And Electronic
Position Fixing Device
Flag Off
Type Of Ship And Cargo
ETA Date [dd-mm]
ETA Time [hh(24):mm]
Cargo ships
04-05
12:22
Maximum Present Static Draught
Ships dimensions and reference for
GPS Antenna position (m)
08.1m
Data Terminal Equipment
AIS Version Indicator
Time Stamp (UTC Second)
not available
ITU-R M1371-1
41
Product and Operational Overview
Value
GPS
A=030,B=080,C=14,D=15
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AIS Installation Test Set (AITS-R)
The following sections of an example report is specific to AIS Class B, AIS Search and Rescue (S&R)
and AIS Aids To Navigation (AtoN)
The CLASS B CS data extracted from the VHF DATA LINK ( VDO ) evaluation.
Class B Type Unit
Minimum Keyboard and Display
Support DSC
Bandspread
Support MSG22
0
0
0
0
0
Mode
Vendor Identification
0
12 - FA C4 - 12 09
The VDL SEARCH AND RESCUE evaluation produced the following result
Search And Rescue Speed Over Ground 000.1k_SAR
Search And Rescue Altitude
0000m,
The VDL AIDS TO NAVIGATION evaluation produced the following result
Type Of Aid To Navigation
17
Off Position Indicator
on position
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ANNEXURE C - QUALITY CONTROL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES
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DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY:
This document is for informational use only, and may be changed without notice. This document should
not be construed as a commitment of Maritec. Under no circumstances does Maritec assume any
responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document or for the incorrect
use of this information.
Unless expressly stated in this document, no condition, warranty or representation by Maritec is given and
shall not be implied in relation to this document, including any data, hardware or software descriptions,
program listings or application information or other information included in this document.
In no event will Maritec or any person or entity involved in creating, producing, distributing or contributing
to this document be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, any direct, indirect, incidental,
special, consequential or exemplary or punitive damages or any claim for economic loss or loss of profit
arising out of the information or the use or the inability to use this information.
The AITS-R or AIS Developer Studio and or Interface should not be used to alter the operational
status of any AIS unit unless authorised by a competent authority.
Under no circumstances should the AITS-R be operated ON AIR using the multiple sequence
messages offered by the Developer Studio Interface.
Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited
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