Foreword - Furuno AIS Transponder FA-50 Operator's Manual

FOREWORD

A Word to the Owner of the FA-50
Congratulations on your choice of the FURUNO FA-50 AIS Transponder. We are confident you
will see why the FURUNO name has become synonymous with quality and reliability.
For 60 years FURUNO Electric Company has enjoyed an enviable reputation for quality marine
electronics equipment. This dedication to excellence is furthered by our extensive global network
of agents and dealers.
This equipment is designed and constructed to meet the rigorous demands of the marine environ-
ment. However, no machine can perform its intended function unless operated and maintained
properly. Please carefully read and follow the recommended procedures for operation and main-
tenance.
Thank you for considering and purchasing FURUNO equipment.
Features
The FA-50 is a Class B AIS (Automatic Identification System) capable of exchanging navigation
and ship data between own ship and other ships or coastal stations. It complies with IMO MSC.
140(76) Annex 3, A.694, ITU-R M.1371-2 and DSC ITU-R M.825-3 It also complies with IEC
60945 (EMC and environmental conditions).
FA-50 consists of VHF and GPS antennas, a transponder unit and several associated units. The
transponder contains a VHF transmitter, two TDMA receivers on two parallel VHF channels, inter-
face, communication processor, and internal GPS receiver. The internal GPS is a 12-channel all-
in-view receiver with a differential capability. It also gives position, COG and SOG when the ex-
ternal GPS. FA-50 receives DSC, time-sharing with TDMA receiver.
The main features are:
Safety of navigation by automatically exchanging navigational data
Static data
• MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
• Call sign & Ship's name
• Type of ship
• Location of position-fixing antenna on the ship
Dynamic data
• Ship's position with accuracy indication and integrity status
• Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)
• Course over ground (COG)
• Speed over ground (SOG)
• Heading
Voyage-related data
• Hazardous cargo (type)
Short safety-related messages, pre-set messages
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