Disclaimer Any responsibility or liability for loss or damage in connection with the use of this product and the accompanying documentation is disclaimed by Thrane & Thrane. The information in this manual is provided for information purposes only, is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or inaccuracies.
Safety warning The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service and repair of this equipment. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture and intended use of the equipment.
Page 4
Emergency calls L L L L L if if if if ift C t C t C t Cov ov ov ov over er er er er P P P P P r r r r r e e e e e s s s s s s RED Button s RED Button s RED Button s RED Button...
SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver is designed for occupational use only and must be operated by licensed personnel only. SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver is not intended for use in an uncontrolled environment by general public.
Replay function ..............48 AIS on a connected chart plotter ........49 Chapter 3 Installation Unpacking the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver ..51 Installing the VHF radio ............52 Power, VHF antenna and external equipment ....59 System setup ..............67 SAILOR 6201 Handset cradle (optional) ......68...
Page 8
Table of contents Chapter 4 Service & maintenance Contact for support ............69 Maintenance ..............69 Warranty ................75 App. A Technical specifications App. B Maritime channels App. C Declaration of conformity Glossary ..................87 Index ..................89 viii...
You can use the loudhailer as a 2-way on-board communicator. The loudhailer also functions as a fog horn. You can select from several programmed fog-horn patterns. For a list of other accessories available for the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver check with your nearest distributor.
Page 10
Chapter 1: Introduction Controls on the front plate 1. Loudspeaker. 2. Four soft keys with function title in the display. 3. Quick selection key for channel 16 and the programmed call channel. 4. Large display. 5. Connector for Handmicrophone or handset. If not used, put the cap from the ACC connector on the front connector to prevent water ingress.
Page 11
Chapter 1: Introduction SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver display The picture shows the display after start-up.The display holds various fields of information, HI/LO GPS Position depending on the currently WATCH selected function. CALL MORE... DISTRESS/CALL 1. Action line containing information relevant for the currently selected function.
Page 12
Chapter 1: Introduction System configuration - example RX/TX Aerial SAILOR 6201 SAILOR 6205 Handset Control Speaker Microphone SAILOR 6202 Service Hand Microphone Cable SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver SAILOR 6201 Handset Option SAILOR 6207 N163S Connection Box SAILOR 6090 for parallel handsets Power Converter GPS,...
Chapter 2 Operation Note Before using the VHF radio make sure that the VHF antenna, power and other external equipment are connected properly. For instructions see chapter Installation on page 51. In this chapter you find detailed instructions and guidelines for: •...
Chapter 2: Operation General use and navigation Power on and speaker volume The VHF radio has a dual-function on/off wheel knob for power on/off and volume control. • To power on the VHF radio press the on/off wheel knob. • To power off the VHF radio, press and hold the on/off wheel knob and follow the instructions in the display.
Page 15
Chapter 2: Operation DSC and MMSI number When the VHF radio is powered on for the first time, you must enter the vessel’s MMSI number. Hereafter the MMSI number is briefly displayed after power up. The MMSI is a unique, 9-digit identifier assigned to your ship. Important The MMSI number must be programmed into the VHF radio to use any DSC functionality.
Page 16
MMSI is not programmed. Position and MMSI Information To display position and MMSI information for the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver radio, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key POS. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until POS appears.
Chapter 2: Operation Speaker devices The VHF radio can be equipped with the following speaking devices: • SAILOR 6202 Handmicrophone with a PTT (Push To Talk) button. • Handset with a microphone, ear piece and a PTT button. The volume in the ear piece can be adjusted, for details see Controller setup on page 10.
Setup pages for RADIO, HAILER/FOG, SYSTEM, CONTROLLERand DSC The functions of the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver are accessed and set using the four soft keys to the left of the display. The current function of a soft key is shown in the display next to the soft key.
Page 19
Chapter 2: Operation 3. Turn the selector wheel knob to go to a setting, then press the selector wheel knob to change the setting. 4. Press EXIT to return to normal radio operation. Parameter Description Handset 1 vol: Adjust earpiece volume for handset 1: OFF, 1 to 14 Note: Default setting is OFF.
Chapter 2: Operation VHF radio communication In this section of the manual you find information on • Basic VHF operation • VHF channels • Programming a call channel • Naming a channel Basic VHF operation You can make VHF calls using the Handmicrophone or another speaking device.
Page 21
Chapter 2: Operation Receiving a radio telephone call on channel 16 When you hear your call name in the loudspeaker, proceed as follows: 1. An RX symbol shows that the radio is receiving on the channel displayed. 2. Lift the Handmicrophone or take the handset. 3.
Page 22
Chapter 2: Operation 6. Say: “Over.” and release the PTT key to listen. An RX symbol shows that the radio is receiving on the working channel displayed 7. When answered, agree upon a working channel other than 16. 8. Switch to the new channel by turning the selector wheel knob to the agreed channel and begin your conversation.
Page 23
Chapter 2: Operation VHF channel table Description Private (PRIV) Up to 40 user-defined private channels. Contact your dealer for programming private channels. Programming a call channel To program a call channel (or quick selection), do as follows: 1. Make an extra-long press (2.5 s duration) on the 16/C key. 2.
Page 24
Chapter 2: Operation Display for non-VHF applications When the radio is used for functions other than VHF, the display is arranged differently. The large channel display moves to the bottom line along with selected icons. The channel displayed in this line will always reflect the communication channel on which the radio is tuned into for communication.
Chapter 2: Operation HI/LO transmission power Press the soft key HI/LO to toggle the transmit power between low (1 W) and high (25 W). If LO is not displayed, the transmit power is HI. US channels: Local mode, 10 dB attenuation To attenuate to the incoming signal, do as follows: 1.
Chapter 2: Operation Watch The SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver radio can be set to dual watch or triple watch. In dual watch, the working channel and channel 16 are watched. In triple watch the working channel, channel 16 and the programmed call channel are watched.
Chapter 2: Operation Scan The radio has a scanning function for tagged channels. Any available channel, including weather and private channels, can be tagged and added to the scanning sequence. As default the radio scans with priority scanning of channel 16. If a signal is received while in any scanning mode, only channel 16 continues to be watched.
Page 28
Chapter 2: Operation US channels: Watch alarms for NOAA Weather alerts Note NOAA weather channels are available in the waters of USA and Canada only. You can turn on or off an independent watch alarm for a specific weather channel. To turn on or off an independent NOAA weather alarm do as follows: 1.
Chapter 2: Operation Radio setup In the RADIO SETUP you set scan and watch mode, select the channel table and can set and view the ATIS code. To change a setting in the RADIO SETUP, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key SETUP. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until SETUP appears.
Page 30
Chapter 2: Operation Para- Description meter Priority ON: All channels tagged for scanning are scanned while monitoring Scan channel 16. (default). OFF: Only the channels tagged for scanning are scanned in sequence, not channel 16, unless it is tagged for scanning. To select the channel table for the primary channel.
Page 31
Chapter 2: Operation Para- Description meter ATIS The ATIS code (Automatic Transmitter Identification System) is used code for identification to marine coast and inland stations and its use is mandatory in a number of European inland waterways such as e.g. the river Rhine.
Chapter 2: Operation DSC calls In this section of the manual you find information on: • Sending, acknowledging and cancelling own distress • Receiving distress calls • DSC calls for communication • DSC setup Sending, acknowledging and cancelling own distress To send a distress message To send a distress message do as follows: 1.
Page 33
Chapter 2: Operation Having pressed the red distress button and sent the distress message, press the soft key INFO to display further information: • STATION: shows the radio’s MMSI number. • NAT: shows the nature of distress, see also . (Example) •...
Page 34
4. Then lift the cover of the red distress button and push the Distress button for 3 seconds. To acknowledge own distress When the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver receives an acknowledgement of distress from another vessel or station, a 2-tone alarm sounds.
Page 35
NO to return to distress sending procedure. 3. The SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver will send the Self- cancellation call on channel 70 and the display automatically shows the message that you should say when cancelling the distress with a radio message.
Power failure while in distress In case of a power failure or switch-off during the transmission of a Distress the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver gives an audible warning after power- up and automatically resumes sending Distress 10 seconds after power up.
Page 37
Chapter 2: Operation Distress call with errors If a distress call contains errors, it is still received and errors in the data are shown as underscores (_). Distress call log As long as you are part of a distress session, i.e. you have not pressed QUIT, you receive distress messages and can track all distress messages for the current distress event.
Page 38
Chapter 2: Operation DSC calls for communication With a DSC call you can establish a radio communication with one or several specific radios on a suggested VHF channel. To make a DSC call for communication, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key CALL. The default call is an individual routine call.
Page 39
Chapter 2: Operation • Press and turn the selector wheel knob to change the suggested VHF channel for following communication. 3. Press the soft key SEND to make the call. Sessions A DSC session (or automated procedure) is defined as a collection of DSC calls (transmitted and/or received) that are related to the same event (e.g.
Page 40
Chapter 2: Operation 4. Elapsed time since the reception of a call request or an acknowledgement. 5. Session state: • (ACTIVE) — transmitter tuned into the communication channel. • (HOLD) — parked session. 6. Channel used for following communication (if any) when the session is active.
Page 41
Chapter 2: Operation Soft keys to control DSC sessions Call/session types vary in control options, and options may also change if a session changes its state. The following table gives an overview of the DSC soft key commands available: Soft key Radio function QUIT Terminates the DSC session...
Page 42
Chapter 2: Operation Soft key Radio function ANNUL Cancels an inadvertently transmitted distress (Cancel Own Distress) Confirms action and proceed sequence, used in cancel CONFIRM distress procedure (Cancel Own Distress) Turns page of text message. INFO (in Cancel Own Distress) A filtered version of the log displaying received calls LOG (Received relevant to the current distress event.
Page 43
Chapter 2: Operation Detail information for DSC sessions (soft key: INFO) A DSC session is updated based on DSC calls received or transmitted. Press the soft key INFO to show the details for the current session. For distress events a sequence of calls may contribute to the complete view and status of the session.
Page 44
Chapter 2: Operation Details —other calls Explanation Longitude position of station in distress POS UTC Time of position Receiving DSC calls If the radio is IDLE (not engaged in another session) and a DSC call is received the call details are shown on the display. The following options (soft keys) are available: Soft key Radio function...
Page 45
Chapter 2: Operation soon the current DSC session is terminated. The call with the highest priority (importance for safety or life) is shown first. Handling a background session The equipment is designed with the possibility to control a DSC session simultaneously with a VHF communication session.
Page 46
Chapter 2: Operation DSC call logs To display a DSC call log in the DSC CALL LOGS, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key SETUP. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until SETUP appears. 2.
Page 47
Chapter 2: Operation 4. Press EXIT to return to normal radio operation. DSC setting Description Position Info Available position information. Here you can enter position data, see also Position and MMSI Information on page 8. Auto-Ack Test Auto-acknowledgement of test DSC messages OFF - Disabled ON –...
Page 48
Chapter 2: Operation DSC setting Description Auto-switch Enable automatic channel switching on reception Channel of DSC calls with subsequent communication channel information, while the radio is not engaged (for calls other than individual station calls of category distress or urgency). ON (default) OFF - LCK icon indicates that the channel is locked and must be selected manually...
Chapter 2: Operation Phone book Use the phone book when making a DSC call. You can enter up to 50 contacts. A contact has the following details: • Name (up to 20 characters) • Type (SHIP, GROUP or COAST STATION) •...
Page 50
Chapter 2: Operation Adding a contact to the phone book To add a contact to the phone book do as follows: 1. Press the soft key PHBOOK. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until PHBOOK appears in the display. 2.
Page 51
Chapter 2: Operation Editing a contact 1. Press the soft key PHBOOK. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until PHBOOK appears. 2. Press the soft key EDIT. 3. Press and turn the selector wheel knob to browse through the details of the contact.
Chapter 2: Operation Loudhailer with talk-back The SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver supports a loudhailer with a talk- back function. Important When the hailer is in talk-back mode and a radio signal is received, the radio signal has a higher priority and is heard in the loudspeaker.
Chapter 2: Operation Automatic foghorn The SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver has an automatic fog horn application with several foghorn patterns. Once started, it runs in the background while running any other application. The fog horn may be combined with the loudhailer talk-back mode.
Page 54
Chapter 2: Operation 2. Use the selector wheel knob to browse through the patterns available. 3. Press the selector wheel knob at the wanted pattern to accept the pattern. 4. To deactivate the foghorn, turn the selector wheel knob to browse to OFF and press the selector wheel knob.
Chapter 2: Operation Hailer and Fog horn setup To change a setting in the HAILER/FOGHORN SETUP, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key SETUP. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until SETUP appears. 2.
Chapter 2: Operation Replay function Replay allows the operator to playback received voice messages in the loudspeaker. Recording is activated automatically when a signal is received. Recording is not possible during playback. Up to 60 tracks or 90 seconds can be handled. The recorded channel is displayed.
Chapter 2: Operation AIS on a connected chart plotter The AIS receiver receives data as soon as the VHF radio is switched on. If equipment supporting AIS data over NMEA is attached to the VHF radio, it starts plotting the targets received. AIS information transmitted from vessels with class A and B transponders includes static and dynamic information.
Page 58
Chapter 2: Operation AIS on a connected chart plotter...
• Power, VHF antenna and external equipment Unpacking the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver The following items are included in the delivery of a SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver: • SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver •...
Provide space enough to access the front panel connectors and for installing a cradle for the speaking device. Provide at least 120 mm space at the back of the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver radio to allow free air circulation.
Page 61
Chapter 3: Installation SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver with U mounting bracket The mounting bracket and two knobs are included in the delivery. Desktop mounting Installing the VHF radio...
Page 63
Chapter 3: Installation Mounting with U mounting bracket To mount the VHF radio as tabletop, do as follows: 1. Find a suitable location for the VHF radio. Check that the space is wide/deep enough to accommodate the VHF radio. 2. Fasten the bracket with 4 screws (included in the delivery.)
Page 64
Chapter 3: Installation SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver for flush mount You can mount the VHF radio to a flat surface, e.g. an instrument panel.The flush mount installation kit is included in the delivery. R2.5mm x 4 177mm...
Page 65
Chapter 3: Installation 1. Find a suitable location for the VHF radio. Check that the space is deep enough to accommodate the VHF radio and an additional min. 120 mm space for cable entry. 2. Keep free distance to allow free air circulation around the VHF radio and to allow sufficient space for access to cables, see the drawing on this page.
Page 66
Chapter 3: Installation SAILOR 6202 Handmicrophone Handmicrophone with spiral cable and PTT button. Installing the VHF radio...
Chapter 3: Installation Power, VHF antenna and external equipment 1. ACC connector for accessories 2. CTRL connector for control speaker microphone 3. Power, Loudhailer, foghorn and external speaker 4. VHF antenna 5. Ground stud Power, VHF antenna and external equipment...
Page 68
Chapter 3: Installation ACC connector Use the connector marked ACC to connect GPS input and/or a chart plotter that supports AIS. The interface for GPS is NMEA 0183 (EN61 162-1 NMEA0183/ EN61 162-2 NMEA0183 Highspeed). To connect a chart plotter that supports AIS, connect the NMEA output wires from the VHF radio to the NMEA input on the chart plotter.
Page 69
Chapter 3: Installation Connector type: Circular connector, 10pin. Connection cable with plug, part number 406209-941. Pin assignment: Connector front view on the VHF radio. Description Wire color NMEA in+ Brown NMEA in- Blue NMEA out- White NMEA out+ Green Mike 2 Yellow EAR 2 Grey...
Page 70
Chapter 3: Installation NMEA interface description NMEA interface Specifications Impedance: 600 Ohm NMEA input: Max. 2mA at min. level of 2V Load Impedance: > 60 Ohm NMEA output Drive load: < 35 mA The NMEA interface supports NMEA 0183 v2.0, v2.1 and v2.3. Power, VHF antenna and external equipment...
Page 71
Chapter 3: Installation The following sentences are supported: • FSI: All fields are decoded. • GGA: UTC, "Position", "quality indicator" (indicators 1-5). All other fields are unused. • GLL: UTC, "Position", "Status" and "mode" (indicators A and D). All other fields are unused.
Page 72
Chapter 3: Installation CTRL connector for control speaker microphone Connector type: Circular connector, 12pin. Pin assignment: Connector front view on the VHF radio: Description Description GND for cable screen Internal GND = - Battery Internal GND=- Battery not used Battery supply when radio is on RX out + Battery supply when radio is on RX out -...
Page 73
Chapter 3: Installation Power, Loudhailer, foghorn and external speaker Use the connector marked PWR/EXT to connect power, loudhailer and an external speaker. The cable for this connector is part of the delivery. 1. Blue wire: Power - 2. Red isolation on inner connector: loudhailer 3.
Page 74
Chapter 3: Installation Protection against water ingress Important You must protect the cable connection with rubber vulcanizing tape as shown in the pictures below. This protection prevents water seeping into the VHF radio, cable and connectors. VHF antenna Use the connector marked ANT to connect the VHF antenna to the radio with a 50 Ohm coaxial cable with low loss, e.g.
Chapter 3: Installation System setup To change a setting in the SYSTEM SETUP, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key SETUP. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until SETUP appears. 2. Press the arrow soft key to advance to SYSTEM SETUP.
Chapter 3: Installation SAILOR 6201 Handset cradle (optional) Drilling plan * 120 Space for handset access This Handset has a hook-on/off function, which is activated by a small magnet embedded in the cradle. The cradle must be installed as illustrated in order to ensure the hook-on/off functionality of the Handset.
Maintenance Preventive maintenance Maintenance of the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver can be reduced to a maintenance check at each visit of the service staff. Inspect the radio for mechanical damages, salt deposits, corrosion and any foreign material. Due to its robust construction and ruggedness the radio has a long lifetime.
Page 78
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance DSC self test To run a control routine DSC self test, do as follows: 1. Press the soft key SETUP. If it is not in the display, press the soft key MORE until SETUP appears. 2.
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance Troubleshooting guide Action Symptom Remedy The radio will The display is Check if power is present. not turn on empty. Check fuse which is placed in the + supply wire. Check performance of power supply if connected to one.
Page 80
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance Action Symptom Remedy DSC routine Check the DSC function regularly. Verify the testing complete DSC installation, with antennas, by transmitting a Safety Test call to another station (coast or ship). The test call is generated using the DSC call flow via menu CALL.
Page 81
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance Action Symptom Remedy Radio time DSC logs are A wrong radio time indication should occur sorted with only if GPS position source is not connected or wrong time providing correct time data. A valid GPS time stamp or signal will update the UTC time used for time radio time is...
Page 82
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance Action Symptom Remedy Device failure If any of the checks and tests described in this section do not assist in resolving the difficulties experienced in the operation and/or performance of the VHF installation, a fault may have developed in the VHF radio itself.
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance Replacing the fuse in the red wire (Power +) One fuse is installed in the supplied DC cable. If the fuse is blown, track down why the fuse was blown and solve the problem. To replace the fuse, do as follows: 1.
Page 84
Chapter 4: Service & maintenance Warranty...
Appendix A Technical specifications Item Specification Weight SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - approx. 1.2 kg AIS Receiver Weight SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - approx. 1,5 kg including SAILOR 6202 AIS Receiver and Handmicrophone and mounting bracket Handmicrophone Dimensions Height: Outer dimension 106 mm, hole height...
Page 86
Appendix A: Technical specifications Item Specification Number of P channels The radio may be programmed with up to 40 private channels that can be managed in all channel modes. Transmit power Hi/Lo: 25 W and <1 W RF output power 25 W +0 dB / - 1.5 dB 1 W +0 dB / - 1.5 dB Modulation...
Page 87
Appendix A: Technical specifications NMEA data rates and formats Item Value 62162-1 4800,8,n,1 (in/out) 62162-2 38400,8,n,1 (out only) Sentence format !AIVDM...
Appendix C Declaration of conformity The SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC - AIS Receiver is certified as stated in the “Declaration of Conformity with R&TTE Directive, enclosed in copy on the next page.
Page 94
Appendix C: Declaration of conformity Thrane & Thrane A/S Declaration of Conformity with R&TTE Directive tions of EC directive 1999/5/EC concerning Radio & Telecommunications Terminal Equipment. Equipment included in this declaration TT-6217A SAILOR 6217 VHF transceiver with DSC class D and AIS class B (RX) PN = 406217A TT-6201A SAILOR 6201 Handset...
Glossary Glossary Accessories Automatic Identification System, a short range coastal tracking system used on ships and by Vessel Traffic Services for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby ships. AIVDM NMEA sentences for AIS data, !AIVDM stands for Received Data from other vessels.
Page 96
Glossary International Maritime Organization NMEA National Marine Electronics Association, specification for communication between marine electronic devices Push To Talk Power NMEA sentence, version of essential gps position, velocity, time data. Coordinated Universal Time. The International Atomic Time (TAI) with leap seconds added at irregular intervals to compensate for the Earth’s slowing rotation.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SAILOR 6217 VHF DSC and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers