ACR Electronics Nauticast AIS-300 Product Support Manual page 19

If using PC serial terminal with third party AIS capable Electronic Charting Software, connect the user end of the
data interface cable to the display device. The software in the display device must be configured for AIS
operation AND to accept standard Class B AIS operation NMEA sentences. This external display unit software
is not part of the Nauticast™-B AIS transponder package. By rule, Class B AIS devices must output serial data.
If your computer only has a USB port, you must use a serial-to-USB adapter, available at most consumer
electronic retailers.
The Nauticast™-B requires a 12V DC power supply (9.6 – 15.6V) capable of supplying 2A peak surge. The
power supply is a two wire system where the red wire is the positive lead and the black wire is the negative lead.
The Nauticast™-B should be connected to the vessel‟s fuse panel that is supplied by the ship‟s 12V batteries.
CAUTION: If the vessel uses an AC generator that converts to DC power, the Nauticast™-B should be fully
isolated from this system with the use of a fully isolated DC/DC converter.
Physical mounting
The unit shall be mounted on a vertical bulkhead with the cables in the down position. The mounting location
should be protected from the weather and direct water spray. Typically this would be under the helm station or in
the cabin.
It is recommended that the unit is attached to a solid surface with #10-32 x 1.2 self tapping head Phillips screws
(provided in kit). A template for drilling pilot holes is included in this kit.
WARNING: The compass safe distance of this unit is 0.5m or greater for 0.3° deviation.
12. Antenna installation
Antenna connections on the transponder
GPS antenna
This is a TNC female bulkhead connector that mounts to the side of the transponder case. This port provides
the 5V DC feed for the active GPS antenna required by the Nauticast™-B AIS unit.
VHF antenna
This is a UHF female PL-259 bulkhead connector that mounts to the side of the transponder case.
CAUTION: The GPS, VHF and power/data cables need to be secured to the bulkhead within 6" to 12" from
the connectors. Avoid excess stress on connectors during installation. Strain relief should be used.
Antenna mounting
GPS antenna for AIS use
NOTE: If you are installing a Class B AIS transponder on a vessel because you are required to do so, you must
use a separate VHF antenna and a separate GPS antenna dedicated to the Class B device in order to be
compliant with the regulations. Use the antennas supplied with this kit.
The GPS antenna supplied for use with the Nauticast™-B is an active type (i.e. it includes LNA) and is suitable
for marine shipboard applications (index of protection, ruggedness, means of mounting, ect). The supplied
antenna supplies a minimum gain of 20dB to the Nauticast™-B after subtraction of the normal loss from antenna
cable and connectors. The GPS antenna used for any AIS must be a dedicated antenna , i.e. not shared with
any other GPS receiver. Installation of the GPS antenna is critical for the performance of the built in GPS
receiver which is used for timing of the transmitted time slots and for the supply of navigational information
should the ships main navigational GPS fail.
It is strongly recommended that:
The GPS antenna is mounted in an elevated position and free of shadow effect from the ship‟s
superstructure.
Y1-03-0222 Rev. C
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