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All rights reserved Issue: 2020/03/27 [Rev 1.07] Document-ID: 12-9-1-0002-3-1-64 Valid for RT-500-M systems with revision [Rev 4.08] or higher Note The manufacturer reserves the right to make modifications to the product described here at any time and without previous information.
RT-500-M Content Legend of Signal Words ....................... 5 Safety .............................. 5 General Safety Information ........................5 Basic Safety Instructions ........................6 Legal Information .......................... 7 Declaration of Conformity (EU) ....................... 7 FCC Information (USA) .......................... 7 ISED Information (Canada) ........................8 General Description ........................
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RT-500-M 7.5.5 MOB (Man Over Board) Operation ..................145 Interfaces and Installation ......................147 Power & I/O ............................147 Necessity of a DC/DC-converter ......................148 Antenna Unit (Connecting Cable DCU AU) ................... 149 8.3.1 Pinning Antenna Unit Connector ................... 149 8.3.2...
The manufacturer takes no responsibility for the misuse of the product. The manufacturer is not liable beyond the scope of legal rules! This guide is part of the product RT-500-M and must be kept with the product throughout its lifetime. RHOTHETA Page 5 of 168...
RT-500-M Basic Safety Instructions Caution / Warning Read and observe the following instructions, warnings and safety guidelines from the manufacturer! At all times, the local or national safety and accident prevention regulations must be observed. When installing or operating with the product, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
(RHOTHETA) could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Note RT-500-M AU has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
RT-500-M 3.3 ISED Information (Canada) This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
The MOB (Man Over Board) surveillance for the crew safety is a standard function of the RT-500-M. The fine frequency steps (5 kHz) allow discovering hidden transmitters in the marine band and in the additional UHF band.
RT-500-M Quick Start Connect the power supply to the DCU. Establish the connection of the AU and the DCU. (“Guideline for Optimal DF Antenna Position” can be found under 8.8) Figure 1. General connection schematic Any additional devices like external speaker, compass etc. can be also connected to the DCU.
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After approximately 15 s the loading is completed and the indication changes to the “RT-500- M” start screen for approx. 5 seconds (s. Figure 3). Figure 3. RT-500-M start screen As a final result, the bearing page is loaded (s. Figure 4). This is the first page that is displayed when the system is started for the first time.
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RT-500-M Figure 5. Frequency input dialog o Type the desired frequency into the lower input field “Standby … [MHz]” by using the number-keys of the keypad (s. field “B”, Figure 5) and confirm by pressing “OK” (s. field “C”, Figure 5).
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RT-500-M Adjust the squelch level: o Use the arrow keys to increase or decrease the squelch level manually (the squelch indicator will move up or down in one-percent steps and show the current value). Figure 7. Squelch level adjustment o By pressing the “Autoset SQL” hotkey (s. field “G”, Figure 7) the level of the squelch can be automatically adjusted to a suitable value for the current signal level.
RT-500-M Overview 6.1 Front View Figure 8. DCU front view Front Control Elements Pos. Element Function Description Switches the system on/off. When the system is turned on, the key is highlighted in green. In the case of an error the key will blink red.
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RT-500-M The volume can be turned on by pressing the same button again. While the mute function is activated, it is still possible to increase or decrease the volume without producing any sound (using the button for volume adjustment, s.
RT-500-M 6.2 Rear View Figure 9. DCU rear view Interfaces Pos. Element Function Description NMEA 0183 Bus (RS422 / RS232): Communication Connection for input of external data, such as compass, GPS, Ports: remote control, etc. COM1 Connection for output of bearing data, e.g. for map plotter, PC COM2 etc.
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RT-500-M Contacts for alarm relay Contacts for squelch out For more information s. 8.1. Ground connector: Connection of the DCU to the ground of the ship Thread/screw M5 For more information s. 8.7. LAN connector for network communication For more information s. 8.5.
RT-500-M Operation The RT-500-M is operated using the keys placed around the display. In normal bearing mode, the keys call up common functions directly, opening the corresponding dialog window. The basic structure of a DCU Page is as follows: Figure 10. Basic structure of pages The different pages are listed on the top line of the screen and the active page is highlighted in light blue.
RT-500-M 7.1 Bearing Page The bearing page is the main page of the RT-500-M display unit as it provides the bearing information, settings and status reports at a glance. This page can be opened by pressing the button “HOME“ from any other page or dialog.
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RT-500-M Pressing the “Feq.Ch.” hotkey will activate the frequency/channel input dialog (s. 7.1.2.2). Frequency / If no input is detected for about 10 seconds, the dialog will be closed Channel hotkey automatically. This waiting time can be changed in the “System” menu of the “Setup”...
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RT-500-M This symbol indicates the time left until the next Cospas-Sarsat pulse. The small bar graph gets filled every second until the next Cospas Sarsat pulse arrives. If after one minute no Cospas-Sarsat pulse arrives, the bar graph will be filled out and show “--:--“ for the time.
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RT-500-M numerical value is shown inside the indicator. No signal is received (squelch level > signal level). By pressing “Autoset SQL” (s. ) the squelch level is set above the noise level by a defined value (only once every time this button is pressed).
RT-500-M Heading direction indicator, which shows a value in [°] (here: “30”). Heading pointer is fixed in the 12 o´clock position and displays the present heading of the ship, if compass information is available. o If the “Bearing Reference Direction” is set as “True bearing” (s.
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RT-500-M The DF-system detects about 280 bearing values per second. These bearing values might vary significantly, depending on signal quality (signal strength and modulation). This range of spread is indicated as a green arc on the 360° display in front of the bearing arrow (s. position 22 in Figure 11).
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RT-500-M If the signal stops being received, the last bearing value will be displayed as a transparent arrow for two seconds (default value). This value is called “Bearing Hold Time”, and can be changed in “Setup” (s. 7.4.2.1). After 2 seconds, the arrow will disappear, and the time elapsed after the last signal reception will be shown inside the digital bearing display as “LB”...
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RT-500-M Alarms/ Errors/ Warnings Indication Example Meaning Alarm: An emergency signal has been detected. The source, the counter of the elapsed time since the last alarm, and the related frequency are shown beside the actual alarm indication. The hotkey “Clr” deactivates the warning signal and the alarm relay output.
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RT-500-M List of Elements Element Function Numeric keys for direct input of the frequency or channel number Note The input of invalid or not licensed frequency values will not be accepted. This button deletes all digits in the input field.
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RT-500-M In the drop-down menu for Selecting Cospas-Sarsat Frequency Groups, pressing this button selects the currently marked frequency group. Pressing this button closes the dialog without adopting values. Pressing this button closes the dialog without adopting the values and opens the “Bearing”...
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RT-500-M Figure 14. Input of a new frequency The currently selected digit is indicated by a green-colored frame. The input of digits can be done with the numerical buttons on the front of the device (s. Figure 14, field The arrow buttons “up” and “down” (s. Figure 14, field 6) allow the input of the frequency/channel, using a sophisticated input scheme.
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RT-500-M Following actions are possible: o Pressing skips to and marks the next digit, left to the previous one. returns to the previous digit position / marks the next digit to the right. o The “DEL” button (s. Figure 14, position 7) deletes the whole input.
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RT-500-M 406.041666 MHz = Channels: G ( ) and H ( 406.040 MHz 406.043 MHz 406.050000 MHz = Channels: I ( ), J ( ) and K ( 406.046 MHz 406.049 MHz 406.052 MHz 406.058333 MHz = Channels: L (...
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RT-500-M Switching from “Channel” input dialog variant to “Frequency” input dialog variant while entering a channel number will have the following outcomes: o If channel input is not completed, the frequency input dialog will show only the current frequency in the “Active” field.
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RT-500-M Figure 19. Channel input with non-marine active frequency Selecting Cospas-Sarsat Frequency Groups The hotkey “CP-SS” (s. Figure 14, position 2) opens a drop-down menu with selectable Cospas Sarsat frequency groups. The currently active frequency group is highlighted in green, whereas the other groups are gray.
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RT-500-M “406.050 MHz” for Channel IJK “406.058 MHz” for Channel LMN “406.067 MHz” for Channel OPQ “406.075 MHz” for Channel RS The corresponding Cospas-Sarsat channels for the entered Cospas-Sarsat frequency are shown in the right lower corner of the “Standby” frequency field. It is also shown for the active frequency.
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RT-500-M List of Elements Pos. Element Function Creates a new entry at the end of the list. By pressing this “New Freq.” hotkey, the “Frequency input dialog” opens immediately and the new frequency can be entered into the list. Pressing this hotkey opens the “Frequency input dialog” for “Edit Freq.”...
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RT-500-M The number keys can be used for inputting the frequency name (s. also , “Edit Name”) since the names of frequencies may contain numbers and characters. Pressing the “down” arrow until the green frame reaches the “Save” button and confirming with “OK” will save all previously made modifications within the “memory”...
RT-500-M The arrow-keys on the virtual keypad have the same function as “shift” and “caps lock” on a standard PC keyboard. The thick “up” arrow acts as “shift” (the next input will be interpreted as capital letter, but the following inputs are interpreted as lowercase letters unless this button is pressed again).
RT-500-M Depending on the availability of compass or GPS data, also other information can be displayed in the numeric bearing indication window (s. Figure 23, field A). The last valid bearing data will be shown for 2 seconds (by default) after pressing the “Repeat” hotkey.
RT-500-M If any scan algorithm is activated, this hotkey is designated with “Squelch”, or is empty (s. “Scan” page). Pressing this hotkey will open the squelch dialog to adjust the squelch levels for the different frequencies. 7.2 Scan Page The “Scan” page enables starting scanning modes as simply and quickly as possible.
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RT-500-M not be regarded during the scan. This hotkey appears only when the “Marine Scan” or “Scan List” is marked. “Edit Exclude” By pressing this hotkey, the dialog for editing the “Exclude List” is opened (s. 7.2.4.3). Terminates the currently activated scan algorithm, acquires the frequency which was found during the last scan and switches to the “Bearing”...
RT-500-M Numeric keys are used to enter the numerical characters inside the dialogs. On the top level of the “Scan” page, they have no function. Navigation line of the screen, which allows switching between setup Top line menus (“Bearing”, “Scan”, “Decode” and “Setup”).
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RT-500-M Figure 27. Cospas-Sarsat Scan indication on the "Bearing" page After a Cospas-Sarsat frequency has been detected, the scan mode stops automatically and the direction finder changes to the normal bearing mode on this frequency (s. Figure 27, field B).
This hotkey appears only if there is a result for this scan. 7.2.2 Monitoring The DF-system RT-500-M can receive only one frequency at a given time. For simultaneous surveillance of the emergency frequencies (especially MOB = man over board alert) and any other frequencies/channels, this monitoring function can be used.
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RT-500-M Designation of the currently active scan mode Main bearing frequency (currently active) Monitoring frequencies Figure 30. “Monitoring” mode. Indication of frequencies. If the Monitoring (normal) function is activated, the DF system switches alternating from the main bearing frequency to the selected monitoring scanning frequencies (s. 7.2.2.1).
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RT-500-M “Monitoring” On “Monitoring” On Active frequency: Active frequency: Main frequency = COSPAS- Monitoring frequency = 243.000 MHz SARSAT frequency, which is not Signal is not present. known yet. The system recognized a sender on The system performs the the 406.041 MHz frequency, which is...
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RT-500-M Note Receiving on the monitoring frequencies can be triggered by the wrong adjustment of the squelch level! Please always prove the correctness of the squelch adjustment on the scan frequencies. 7.2.2.2 Timing Monitoring with Selected Cospas-Sarsat Main Frequency If the main frequency is adjusted...
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RT-500-M 7.2.2.4 Monitoring Settings o To start the “Monitoring” mode select the corresponding line on the “Scan” page and press “OK” or the hotkey “Start Scan” (s. Figure 35, position 1). Figure 35. "Monitoring" has been activated o Pressing the hotkey “Stop Scan” (s. Figure 35, position 2) will terminate the current scan mode and change to the bearing of the frequency that was set before the scan mode has been activated.
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RT-500-M Figure 37. Monitoring mode settings o The hotkey “Edit Freq.” (s. Figure 37, position 1) opens the dialog which allows the modification of the currently marked frequency. Type the new value in the input field “New Frequency” using the keyboard of the DCU.
RT-500-M Figure 39. Hold time setting o The hotkey “Signal > Sql” defines the behavior of the monitoring algorithm to “signal level > squelch level” (s. Figure 37, position 4). If this hotkey has been pressed, the scan algorithm will stay on the active frequency until the signal level value becomes higher than the squelch value.
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RT-500-M Note If the fast channel scan is running, the hotkey “memory” does not react on pressing. Memory dialog is available after the fast channel scan mode is terminated. Note The “List of stored frequencies” of the “Memory” dialog (s. 7.1.2.3) internally linked to the list of frequencies of “Fast Channel Scan”...
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RT-500-M If a signal is found and the direction finder should bear this signal permanently, the scanning process can be ceased either by pressing the button “OK” (the current frequency will become the new bearing frequency on the “Bearing” page), or by pressing “HOME” (in the scan dialog “Stop Scan”) and then using the “Go to result”...
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RT-500-M Figure 42. Confirming of leaving the scan mode o Pressing the button “OK” during the time of the active reception of the signal, the scanning mode will be deactivated and the current frequency will become the new main frequency.
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RT-500-M Figure 44. Input of a new frequency to be scanned o The hotkey “Edit Freq.” (s. Figure 43, position 2) opens the input dialog that allows the modification of the currently marked frequency (s. Figure 38 and its description in 7.2.2.4, the appearance of the dialog is different from the input of a new frequency that is presented in the Figure 44).
RT-500-M 7.2.4 Marine Scan The “Marine Scan” mode provides a quick scanning of the lower marine band. The frequency range of the “Marine Scan” is defined from 156.050 MHz (Channel 01) to 157.425 MHz (Channel 88) and is scanned with 5 kHz frequency steps without gaps. The frequency range cannot be changed.
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RT-500-M In case that an unwanted signal is found, the scanning process can be proceeded immediately by pressing the “ESC” button. Note If there are interferences on the frequency band which are above the squelch level, scanning stops as well at these interferences (they are interpreted as signals). This may be avoided by adjusting the squelch level manually using the “Up”...
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RT-500-M Figure 48. Marine scan settings o “Time (def.)” hotkey (s. Figure 48, position 1) defines the behavior of the marine scan algorithm if the active frequency (signal level > squelch level) has been found. If this hotkey is pressed, the default time of 30 seconds will be adopted after confirming this setting with “OK”.
RT-500-M Figure 49. „Exclude List“ configuration o To insert a new frequency/channel or a range of frequencies/channels, press the hotkey „New Freq.“ (s. Figure 49, position 1). The dialog for entering a new frequency will be opened (s. Figure 44 and its description in 7.2.3.3), where you can input any desired frequency.
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RT-500-M The “SAR scan” procedure is organized in a way that facilitates the bearing of a COSPAS-SARSAT frequency and using breaks between the COSPAS-SARSAT pulses to observe other emergency frequencies. After a valid COSPAS-SARSAT signal was detected, it is possible either to change to the normal bearing mode on this frequency or stay in the scan mode in order to receive the continuous emergency signal on another emergency frequency after coming closer to the target.
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RT-500-M “SAR scan” On “SAR scan” On Active frequency: Active frequency: “ ” Scan frequency = 243.000 MHz Main bearing frequency = All CP-SS Signal is present. The system performs the COSPAS- The system recognized a sender on SARSAT scan in order to determine the 406.058 MHz frequency, which is...
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RT-500-M The scanning time for each scan frequency depends on the number of the selected frequencies (30 sec / N, N = number of frequencies). This total time changes to 45 seconds after the first reception of the COSPAS-SARSAT pulse, which enables the efficient scanning of the selected frequencies without missing the next COSPAS-SARSAT pulses.
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RT-500-M 7.2.5.2 SAR Scan Settings o To start the “SAR scan” mode select the corresponding line on the “Scan” page and press “OK” or the hotkey “Start Scan” (s. Figure 55, position 1). Figure 55. Selecting SAR scan o Pressing the hotkey “Stop Scan” (s. Figure 55, position 2) will terminate the current scan mode and change to the bearing of the frequency, that was set before the scan mode has been activated.
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RT-500-M Figure 57. SAR scan. Edit scan settings. o The hotkey “Edit Freq.” (s. Figure 58, position A) is only visible if the COSPAS-SARSAT frequency (top frequency) or one of the free selectable frequencies is marked. Figure 58. Alternating hotkeys The hotkey “Edit Freq.”...
RT-500-M o Pressing the hotkey “ID only” (s. Figure 57, position 4) activates or deactivates the feature “ID Only” (s. 7.2.2.3): 3. “ELT/PLB”: The alarm is only triggered if an ELT/PLB signature is set and the corresponding modulation has been detected. Otherwise the alarm will not be activated.
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RT-500-M o To start the “Scan List” mode select the corresponding line on the “Scan” page and press “OK” or the hotkey “Start Scan” (s. Figure 60, position 1). Figure 60. "Scan List" is activated. o Pressing the hotkey “Stop Scan” (s. Figure 60, position 2) will terminate the scan mode and change to the bearing of the frequency, that was set before the scan mode has been activated.
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RT-500-M Pressing the hotkey “Go to Freq.” (s. Figure 61, position 1) adopts the currently marked frequency as main bearing frequency and switches to the normal bearing mode on the “Bearing” page. Pressing the hotkey “Delete Freq.” (s. Figure 61, position 2) deletes the currently marked frequency from “Result List”.
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RT-500-M Note Start- and stop-frequencies must be in the same frequency band (s. Table 1 in chapter 4), as the AU cannot switch from one band to another while running the scan algorithms. Note When choosing a COSPAS-SARSAT frequency as “Start” frequency, the AU will perform a COSPAS- SARSAT scan and scan all CP-SS frequencies.
RT-500-M 7.3 Decode Page The “Decode” page manages the decoded COSPAS-SARSAT data. It does not only display the decoded COSPAS-SARSAT information but also stores the messages over time and calculates the true bearing and distance to the emergency beacon if the GPS data is available in the message.
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RT-500-M Indication on Decode Page Pos. Element Meaning / Description Pressing this hotkey will open the “Frequency Input Dialog” with the „406.025“ / COSPAS-SARSAT frequency groups (7.1.2.2). „Confirm“ The hotkey label corresponds to the current operating frequency. Pressing this hotkey will activate the view for “COSPAS-SARSAT “C/S Bearing“...
RT-500-M 7.3.1 Selecting a COSPAS-SARSAT frequency In order to receive a COSPAS-SARSAT data pulse and to decode its content, the main frequency has to be adjusted to a COSPAS-SARSAT frequency. This can be done on the “Bearing” page or directly on the “Decode”...
RT-500-M Area C indicates the time when the next COSPAS-SARSAT pulse is expected. If after one minute no COSPAS-SARSAT pulse is received, the bar-graph-indicator is fully filled and shows the text “--:--“. The indicator in the Area D (s. Figure 66, “D”) shows the following values: o Direction from the current GPS position to the position of the marked COSPAS-SARSAT message (“GPS TB”...
RT-500-M o Change the active COSPAS-SARSAT frequency by using the hotkey “406.025” (s. Figure 67, position 1). o Pressing the hotkey “C/S List” (s. Figure 67, position 2) will open to the “COSPAS-SARSAT List” view (s. 7.3.2). o Pressing the hotkey “Bearing&List” (s. Figure 67, position 3) will change to the “COSPAS- SARSAT Bearing and List”...
The calculated bearing of an emergency beacon, which is based on the decoded GPS position, can be exported to the “Bearing” page by pressing the hotkey “Export” (s. Figure 67 or Figure 69, position 4). In this case, the RT-500-M is operating on the selected COSPAS-SARSAT frequency in the normal bearing mode.
Note Incorrect settings may lead to considerable malfunctions of the DF system RT-500-M. Therefore, sensitive parameters concerning the bearing operation are password-protected against not authorized alterations. Any changes of settings, which require password approval, are to be made only by instructed personnel.
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RT-500-M Indication on Setup Page, General Settings Pos. Element Meaning / Description Switches between two states: „Set Operator“ / Access level: operator „Set Admin“ Access level: administrator Pressing this hotkey will lead to the dialog for changing the password “Change PW”...
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Has the maximum access to the possible settings (except a set of settings, which are predefined for RHOTHETA specialists for maintenance and support purposes). After powering on of the system for the first time, the device will be started with the default access level “Administrator”.
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7.4.1.4 Audio Speaker The RT-500-M DCU has an internal speaker that can be used to monitor the audible signals or acoustic alarms. Alternatively, the external speaker can be used e.g. for release an alarm on the ship. 7.4.1.5 Set Operator / Set Admin Dialog If the “Administrator”...
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RT-500-M Input field for the password Input delete key End of input Virtual keypad Figure 75. Changing the administrator password First, the old password will be requested (“Input old Password”). If the input is correct, the new password will be requested in the next step (“Input new Password”).
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RT-500-M Pressing the hotkey “Set Admin” will lead to the “Set Admin” dialog, where the password input is required (s. 7.4.1.5). Pressing the hotkey “Set Operator” will change the “New Access Level /Login” field to access level “Operator” (s. Figure 77): Figure 77.
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RT-500-M Edit value for setting “Audio Line Output” Figure 79. Edit value of the audio line output level In the edit value dialog, the level of the audio line output in percent can be changed using the numeric keys of the DCU keypad.
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Figure 81. Frequency information dialog o The frequency bands that are marked with „Std.“ are basic frequency ranges. These frequencies are always licensed in the standard version of RT-500-M and thus always appear as “Available”. o The frequency ranges designated with “F1 .. F4” are optional extended ranges. In the standard version of RT-500-M, they are not licensed and thus marked as “Not available”.
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RT-500-M Lock / Unlock Frequencies Procedure Locking or unlocking of frequencies is only available over the administrator access level. To mark any frequency as locked/unlocked following steps are required: 1) Press the “See locks” hotkey in the “Freq. Info” dialog. The window, which is shown in Figure 83 appears.
RT-500-M 7.4.2 Display On the “Setup” page, the “Display” menu can be selected via the administrator access level only. The “Display” page enables modifying of settings that affect the graphical representation of the application. After pressing the “Display” navigation key, following menu page opens (s. Figure 85).
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RT-500-M Sets the bearing reference direction to “RELATIVE” without opening “Rel. Bearing” the corresponding dialog (s. Table 5. Bearing reference directions”). Depending on currently marked line, using this hotkey will open the “Edit Value” dialog for changing the corresponding value (s. descriptions below).
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RT-500-M Setting to “Endless” (last bearing is shown Setting to until the next valid default value bearing) (2 seconds) Figure 86. Editing the bearing indication hold time o The new value for the bearing hold time can be entered in the input field “New Setting”, using the numeric keys of the keypad.
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RT-500-M not adopt the “Magnetic” setting. The relative bearing and “No Compass” warning will be shown. o Press the hotkey “Rel. Bearing“ to set the bearing reference direction relative to the heading of the vessel. Note If the “Rel. Bearing” reference direction is chosen and the compass data is available, then the heading (value in the triangle on the top of the bearing rose) will change its value according to the compass data.
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RT-500-M 7.4.2.4 Channel Indication It is possible to configure the indication of frequency/channel, which is then shown on the “Bearing” page, in the left upper corner of the display (s. Figure 89). Figure 89. Types of the frequency/channel indication To change the type of frequency/channel indication, press “Edit Value” or “OK” while the line “Channel Indication”...
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RT-500-M o Confirm the changed value with “OK” or press “ESC” to leave the dialog without changing the previous value. 7.4.2.5 Distance Unit The indicating of distances can be either in kilometers [km] or in nautical miles [NM]. The default value is “[km]”.
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RT-500-M o Press the hotkey “Set [%]” to set the level unit to “[%]” (percent). Each level indication in the DCU application will be indicated in percent. o Pressing the hotkey “Set [dBm]” will set the level unit to “[dBm]”. Each level indication in the application will be indicated in dBm.
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RT-500-M o Type the new value for the minimum range of the light sensor in the “New Setting” input field, using the numeric buttons of the DCU keypad. o Use the “Set Default” hotkey to reset the value to the default setting.
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RT-500-M 7.4.2.8 Standby Mode Settings This menu point defines the display brightness and key illumination during the standby mode. To change the standby settings, press the “Edit Value” hotkey, while “Standby Brightness” is marked. Following dialog appears (s. Figure 97).
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STNBY Deactivation This setting defines, which event can return the RT-500-M device from the standby mode to the normal operation. If “Automatic” is set, the device will get back to the normal operation by the occurrence of an event, e.g.
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To switch off the alarm in this case, the device must first be returned to the normal operation, or a corresponding NMEA sentence (“ALARMCFM”, for more information s. “NMEA-Protocol Description (RT-500-M & RT-800)”) can be sent out over the NMEA interface to confirm the alarm.
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RT-500-M Figure 101. Dark mode activation warning If this variant of “Dark Mode” is activated, the “STNBY Mode Settings” line on the “Display” page will show the current settings of the “Display Brightness” and “Key Illumination” (s. Figure 102). The result on the “Display” page after pressing “OK” will be as shown in the Figure 102.
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RT-500-M Figure 104. Dark mode indication on the "Display" page 7.4.2.9 Night Mode Settings The night mode settings allow the adjustment of the night mode behavior. To change these settings, press the hotkey “Edit Value”, while the line “Night Mode Settings” is marked (s.
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RT-500-M Figure 106. "Night Mode Settings" dialog Note If you press "OK" in this view, the current settings will be interpreted as the ones to be saved, which will cause the dialog to close again, saving these values. In order to change the single settings always use the “Edit Value” hotkey.
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RT-500-M o Use the “Off” hotkey to disable the automatic activation of the night mode. In this case, switching between night and day modes is only possible manually in the “Adjust Brightness” dialog (s. 7.5.4). o Use the “Set Default” hotkey to reset the value to the default value (“Off”).
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RT-500-M o Use the “Set Default” hotkey (s. Figure 109, position 2) to reset the value to the default value (15%). o Confirm the changed value with “OK” or press “ESC” to leave the dialog without changing the current setting.
RT-500-M 7.4.3 System The “System” settings page contains a number of the internal system settings, which are only available over the administrator access level. All settings are organized alphabetically in order to improve the handling of the page. Caution Incorrect system settings may lead to malfunctions of the system.
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RT-500-M Resets all values to the default settings(s. 13.4). “Reset Values” The default values themselves cannot be changed by the user (RHOTHETA specification). When there is a dialog opened, pressing this button will close the dialog without adopting new values.
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RT-500-M Figure 111. Alarm pulse settings Active direction setting defines which direction (low or high) will lead to an alarm indication. This setting is changeable using the hotkeys “High active” / “Low active” or “Edit Value” (s. Figure 111, numbers 1, 2 and 5), whereat using the first two hotkeys will change the value without opening the separate dialog.
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RT-500-M Setting the alarm mode to “Pulse” Selecting the Setting the alarm mode to default value “Continuous” Figure 113. Alarm mode dialog o Pressing the ” CONT.” hotkey sets the alarm mode of the alarm pulse to “Continuous”. That means the output is high or low as long as the alarm condition exists.
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Confirm the setting with “OK” or leave the dialog without adopting the new value by pressing “ESC”. 7.4.3.2 Antenna Unit The RT-500-M dipole antenna unit can only be mounted in the vertical position. For standard mounting (which is the default setting), the mounting flange points to the bottom of the vessel.
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RT-500-M If for some reason the antenna cannot be mounted pointing exactly to the bow, the deviation correction should be put in, using this setting, in order to calculate bearing values correctly. The offset is adjustable from 0° to 359° (e.g. -15° = 345°).
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RT-500-M o Confirm the setting with “OK” or leave the dialog without adopting the new value by pressing “ESC”. 7.4.3.5 Beep Tone Decoding Parameters of the menu “Beep Tone Decoding” control the behavior of the function “Fast Channel Scan”, for the case that an alarm should be triggered only if an audio signal (“BeepTone”) has been decoded.
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RT-500-M Frequency Low defines the upper frequency for the beep tone decoding. The default value for this setting is 700 Hz. There are two ways to change this setting: either using the “Freq. Low” or the “Edit Value” hotkey (s. Figure 119, positions 2 and 4), both of these hotkeys will open the same dialog.
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RT-500-M 7.4.3.6 Frequency Input Dialog Time This setting defines the duration until the dialog for frequency input (s. 7.1.2.2) closes automatically if no interaction of the user happens. o By pressing the “OK button or hotkey “Edit Value”, while the setting “Frequency Input Dialog Time”...
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RT-500-M 7.4.3.8 Magnetic Variation This setting allows the entering of the magnetic variation angle, if it is known for the current location. Depending on what type of compass is connected to the direction finder, the magnetic variation is used (or not) for the calculation of the true or magnetic bearing.
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The emergency signals are recognized by RT-500-M and can activate the MOB function if the corresponding setting is activated. To adjust the trigger event for starting the MOB mode, press the “OK” button or hotkey “Edit Value”, while the setting “MOB Trigger”...
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RT-500-M 7.4.3.10 Monitoring This setting determines how the “Monitoring” function will be handled. There are two possible settings in this menu (s. Figure 128). o To open the dialog for the “Monitoring” handling, press button “OK” or hotkey “Edit Value”, while the line “Monitoring”...
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RT-500-M Setting the PS compensation to “Comp. Off” Selecting the Setting the PS default value compensation to “Comp. On” Figure 129. PS Ram compensation dialog o Choose the new setting using one of the hotkeys (s. Figure 129), which will then appear in the “New Setting”...
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RT-500-M o By pressing the “OK button or hotkey “Edit Value”, while the setting “Scan Page Settings” is marked, the following dialog is opened (s. Figure 131). Setting the “Go to Bearing Page” behavior Setting the “Stay Selecting the on Scan Page”...
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RT-500-M Figure 133. Time settings dialog Note If you press "OK" in this view, the current settings will be interpreted as the ones to be saved, which will cause the dialog to close again, saving these values. In order to change the single settings always use the “Edit Value” hotkey.
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RT-500-M o By default the current seconds value is inherited to the new setting. To reset the seconds value to “00”, press the “Reset seconds” hotkey (s. Figure 134, position 2). o Use the “Set Default” hotkey (s. Figure 134, position 3) to reset the value to the default value (internal time of the DCU real time clock).
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RT-500-M o Confirm the changed value with “OK” or press “ESC” to leave the dialog without changing the current setting. Display Time With this setting it is possible to select whether the “UTC” or “Local” time should be used to display all time related indications in the DCU.
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RT-500-M Summer Time With this setting it is possible to select whether the summer time should be used to display all time related indications in the DCU. Summer time means a time shift of +01:00 and is relevant for countries or parts of countries that are participating in daylight saving time.
RT-500-M 7.4.4 Interface The setup menu “Interface” contains critical settings that influence important system parameters, therefore it is password protected and can be used by the administrator only. This page enables the user to configure the interfaces to external devices.
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RT-500-M Pressing this button always leads to the Bearing Page. Even an opened dialog will be closed, without adopting the changed values. “Up” and “Down” arrows are used to move between the display settings. “Right and “left” arrows have no function inside the interface settings”...
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RT-500-M 7.4.4.2 NMEA DF Remote It is possible to operate the RT-500-M direction finder remotely using the NMEA communication protocol. For this purpose, the control unit (e.g. ECDIS) can be connected to the NMEA interface of the DCU. o Additionally, by choosing the combination “COMx / LAN”, the NMEA sentences will be also...
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RT-500-M Port This setting defines, which communication port is connected to the remote control PC. o For changing the communication port, press either the hotkey “COMx” (s. Figure 143, positions 1, 2 and 3) or the hotkey “Edit Value” while the menu item “Port” is marked (s. Figure 143, position 5).
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The default value for the baud rate of the NMEA remote control is 4800. The baud rate can be changed using this menu item. For further information please see the document “NMEA-Protocol Description (RT-500-M & RT-800)”. o To change the baud rate, press the hotkey “Edit Value” while the menu item “Baudrate” is marked (s.
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“ESC”. 7.4.4.3 LAN Configuration The RT-500-M DCU can be connected to the Local Area Network of the vessel as well as the netmask and gateway for remote control can be configured. To perform the network configuration of the DCU use the menu item “LAN Configuration”.
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RT-500-M The presently assigned IP address can be viewed via the "IP Address" setting. If the mode is set to “static”, the IP address of the DCU must be set to a valid fixed value that is not occupied by any other user of the vessel’s LAN. Once assigned, the static IP address does not change anymore.
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RT-500-M Netmask The default value for the netmask can be changed if necessary. o For changing the netmask press the hotkey “Edit Value” while this menu point is marked (s. Figure 147, position 3). Following dialog opens (s. Figure 150).
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RT-500-M o After confirming the changed settings on the top level of the dialog, a dialog for restart the system is opened (s. Figure 152). Figure 152. Restart dialog Caution Always reboot the DCU after changing the mode or IP address settings! 7.4.4.4 NMEA Compass...
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The default value for baud rate of the NMEA interface is 4800, in compliance with the standard for NMEA 0183, version 3.01. The baud rate can be changed using this menu item. For further information please see the document “NMEA-Protocol Description (RT-500-M & RT-800)”. RHOTHETA...
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RT-500-M o To change the baud rate, press the hotkey “Edit Value” while the menu item “Baudrate” is marked (s. Figure 153). The corresponding sub-dialog will be opened (s. Figure 155). Figure 155. Compass baud rate setting o Choose the new baud rate value in the drop-down menu.
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“ESC”. 7.4.4.5 NMEA GPS The RT-500-M DCU is able to read external GPS data via a defined NMEA protocol. Connect the external GPS device to one of the NMEA interfaces of the DCU. The GPS data format can be configured in this menu.
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The default value for the baud rate of the NMEA GPS communication is 4800. The baud rate can be changed using this menu item. For further information please see the document “NMEA-Protocol Description (RT-500-M & RT-800)”. o To change the baud rate, press the hotkey “Edit Value” while the menu item “Baudrate” is marked (s.
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RT-500-M o Confirm the setting with “OK” or leave the dialog without adopting the new value by pressing “ESC”. 7.4.4.6 GPIOs (Power S. Connector) With this setting, the behavior of the two programmable GPIOs can be defined. The power supply connector (POWER + IO, s. chapter 8.1) provides the “programmable IN” and the “programmable OUT”...
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RT-500-M o Press the hotkey “Set Default” to use the default value (“PTT”). o Confirm the setting with “OK” or leave the dialog without adopting the new value by pressing “ESC”. Output (Pin 10) A signal can be allocated to the “programmable pin OUT” (s. chapter 8.1, POWER + IO).
RT-500-M 7.4.5 Service The “Service” menu allows the performing of the service-related functions, like e. g. updating of the DCU software, inputting the new license code if new options have been purchased, etc. Note The setup menu “Service” contains critical settings that influence important system parameters, therefore it is password protected and can be used only with the administrator access level.
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RT-500-M Note Depending on the connection set-up (cable length, etc.), the supply voltage/current values can slightly differ from the values that e.g. are adjusted on the power supply devices. 7.4.5.1 Update DCU The “Update DCU” dialog is opened by pressing the corresponding hotkey when the service menu is opened (s.
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If after the restart of the DCU the “Input License” dialog appears (s. 7.4.5.2), have the license you received from RHOTHETA ready and enter it here. The indication of the new software version can be checked under the menu “General” (s. Figure 168).
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RT-500-M 7.4.5.2 Input License If a new license code has been provided to you by RHOTHETA, you can input it using this dialog. The “Input License” dialog is opened by pressing the corresponding hotkey when the service menu is opened (s. Figure 163, position 3).
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RT-500-M Figure 171. New license adopted 7.4.5.3 Export Log Files This dialog allows the export of the log files via USB (refer to chapter 6.2). Each log file has a header with the following information: Serial number of DCU Serial number of AU...
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RT-500-M Figure 173. Confirming the deleting of the log file o Pressing the hotkey “Delete All” will open the prompt dialog for deleting of all log files (s. Figure 174). Pressing “OK” will delete all log files. Pressing “ESC” will close the dialog without deleting the log files.
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7.4.5.4 Load Configuration Files This dialog allows the import of the configuration files into the RT-500-M DCU. The hotkey “Load Config” (s. Figure 163, position 5) is activated only if the USB flash drive was detected.
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RT-500-M o The hotkey “Import All” is only visible, if there is at least one valid configuration file on the connected USB flash drive. Pressing this hotkey will start importing all valid configuration files from the flash drive. After the successful import of the files, the hotkey name becomes gray.
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RT-500-M Figure 181. Export of a single file After a successful export of the file, the name of the hotkey becomes gray. The same export cannot be repeated without re-opening the dialog. o Pressing the hotkey “Export All” will start importing all valid (“public”) configuration files to the flash drive.
7.5 Other Operational Functions 7.5.1 Standby Mode The RT-500-M DCU provides a “Standby” mode. By pressing the button (s. Figure 8, position 2), the standby mode is activated, and the button is highlighted in orange. The colored illumination intensity of this button (as well as the “Power”...
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RT-500-M Figure 183 "Adjust External Speaker Volume Dialog" o Use hotkey “Min.” (s. Figure 183, position 1), “Medium” (Figure 183, position 2) and “Max.” (Figure 183, position 3) in order to set an appropriate volume. o Use hotkey “Test On/Off” (Figure 183, position 4) in order to test volume.
RT-500-M 7.5.3 Adjusting of the Squelch The correct adjustment of the squelch is crucial for attaining the optimal sensitivity of the signal reception. The more sensitively the system works, the greater signal range (operating distance) can be achieved. Especially weak signals are often located on the edge to the noise level or even inside the noise level.
RT-500-M 7.5.4 Dimming and Day/Night Mode The brightness of the display and key illumination can be adapted to surrounding lighting conditions. The button (twin function key, s. Figure 8, position 5) has two keys (“-“, “+”) to adjust the brightness of: “Display”: backlight of the display...
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RT-500-M Figure 186. "Adjust Brightness Dialog" in night color scheme o Use the “Up” and “Down” arrow buttons on the DCU keypad to select between the items to adjust: Display Keys Legends o The hotkey “Off” (s. Figure 185, number 2) is only available if “Legends” is selected.
The magenta arrow (slim), which overlays the bearing arrow (the bigger red arrow) shows the direction to the GPS position which has been saved by the MOB function. Simultaneously the RT-500-M displays the Doppler based bearing of the radio signal which comes from the PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).
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RT-500-M Figure 188. "Man Over Board” dialog o Press “Quit MOB” (s. Figure 188, position 1) to quit the dialog. This hotkey is used to quit the MOB mode. By pressing this hotkey an extra dialog will appear for additional confirmation.
RT-500-M Interfaces and Installation 8.1 Power & I/O Contact / Pin Signal Input power supply +12 V to +30 VDC Note Ground of power supply is connected to housing with an anti- GND (Ground) interference device. Optional input: external power on When applying a voltage >...
RT-500-M 8.2 Necessity of a DC/DC-converter Warning The voltage supply is not galvanically isolated from the frame. If desired, e.g. in order to prevent current flow to the ground of the vessel, a DC/DC-converter must be adapted. Figure 189. Recommended connection of the DF...
RT-500-M 8.3 Antenna Unit (Connecting Cable DCU 8.3.1 Pinning Antenna Unit Connector Contact / Pin Signal +12 to +30 V Output: power supply Antenna Unit RS485 A Serial data connection DCU (9600 Baud / semi-duplex / receive and transmit) RS485 B Input audio signal resp.
Per default the “Autotalk” mode is activated, which means that NMEA sentences of the direction finder are sent out cyclically with a fixed time period of 250 ms. The “Autotalk” mode can also be deactivated per corresponding NMEA command (s. NMEA-Protocol Description (RT-500-M & RT-800)). RHOTHETA...
8.5 LAN Interface The LAN interface can be used for connection of ECDIS or other Remote and Control Devices. The RT-500-M can be controlled via the same NMEA sentences which are available on COM Port in DF remote control configuration.
RT-500-M 8.6 USB Service Interface The USB 2.0 connector is used only for service purposes. Contact / Pin Signal VBUS USB D- USB 2.0 differential pair USB D+ USB 2.0 differential pair Not connected Ground Table 20. Pinning USB 8.7 Ground Connector The ground connector (s.
RT-500-M 8.8 Guideline for Optimal DF Antenna Position The quality of the bearing results depends largely on the antenna´s location. So, an antenna location has to be found where the transmitter´s wavefield can reach the bearing antenna as undisturbed as possible.
RT-500-M Technical Data 9.1 Electrical Characteristics System Characteristics Parameter Condition Data Method of Bearing Doppler (3 kHz rotation frequency) Bearing Accuracy 5° RMS Display Resolution 1° Minimum Signal Duration 100 ms 118.000 – 124.000 MHz VHF Air Band 118.000 – 136.992 MHz (Option F1) 154.000 –...
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RT-500-M System Characteristics Parameter Condition Data Bearable Types of A3E, F3E, A3X (distress signal modulation) Modulation Polarization Vertical Multiple scanning and monitoring functions Scanning available o Scanning of all 19 COSPAS-SARSAT channels COSPAS-SARSAT o Decoding of COSPAS-SARSAT Message: Functionality shows beacon ID, GPS position and whole...
RT-500-M 9.2 Mechanical Characteristics 9.2.1 Mechanical Data Figure 191. DCU and AU mechanical dimensions Measuring units: millimetres [mm] Mechanical Characteristics Parameter Weight 1500 g (3.3 lbs) 5200 g (11.5 lbs) Operating Temperature -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) -40 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Therefore, carry out the inoperative device, an electronics recycling. The RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH takes back all its products, subject to redemption, in accordance with the requirements of the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) of the European Union to deliver it to a professional disposal.
12 Maintenance and Cleaning 12.1 Maintenance UV irradiation can age the front foil of the RT-500-M DCU with time, which can lead to brittleness of the front foil. Depending on the operating conditions of the RT-500-M DCU, there is the possibility that moisture can penetrate through small hairline cracks in the front foil.
RT-500-M 13 Appendix 13.1 Error Messages Error message Error location Cause Antenna Unit: Error 01 Defective receiver circuit board in AU AU No Receiver Receiver Error 04 Antenna Unit Error in receiver synthesizer oscillator in AU AU Rec. No PLL...
RT-500-M 13.4 Default / User System Configuration Table This table supports the documentation of the settings (in case that settings have to be changed and possibly have to be restored later). For the same purpose you can also use the "Export Configuration Files" function under "SETUP / SERVICE"...
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RT-500-M System Configuration Setting / Parameter Default Value User Value Frequency High: 900 Hz Beep Tone Decoding Frequency Low: 700 Hz Decoding Time: 200 ms Frequency Input Dialog Time 10 sec Lock / Unlock Frequencies No Frequencies Locked Magnetic Variation...
RT-500-M 13.7 Channel Spacing UHF / VHF Air Band The frequency input has to be performed according to ICAO Annex 10 Volume V clause 4.1.2.4 table 4.1. Please note that it is possible to work on channel spacing: 8.33 as well as 25 kHz. This is necessary because channel spacing 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz exist at the same time.
RT-500-M Frequency Setting / Channel Spacing Bandwidth Receiving Frequency -Display [MHz] [MHz] xxx,x85 8,33 kHz narrow xxx,x833 xxx,x90 8,33 kHz narrow xxx,x917 xxx,x95 Not valid 13.8 Abbreviations Abbreviation Meaning Remarks Antenna Unit CP-SS Cospas-Sarsat Display & Control Unit Direction finder Degree (°...
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