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Fastnet Radio FMD15 Operator's Manual

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OPERATOR
MANUAL
GMDSS Marine Radio
Decoder
FMD15
FMD
September 1999 V 1.xx

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  • Page 1 OPERATOR MANUAL GMDSS Marine Radio Decoder FMD15 September 1999 V 1.xx...
  • Page 2 ATTENTION IMPORTANT INFORMATION The FMD15 has two M5 threaded holes on either side for the supplied thumb screws, so that it can be fitted to the universal mounting bracket. The length of the thumb screws has been so determined, that, together with the bracket and the lock washers, they can only penetrate approx.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Page Introduction 1.1. Short description 1.2. Operation 1.3. Keypad functions Receiver 2.1. Operation Decoding of messages 3.1. Selecting mode and decoding Message Transmission Types 3.2. Programming of channels 3.3. Recalling of stored channels 3.4. Message memory Automatic reception and decoding 4.1.
  • Page 4 DC/DC converter installation 10.3. DC936-DC/DC converter for 9-36V to 12V 10.4. MD-AA - active antenna 10.5. MLB – marine long-wire balun for back-stay 10.6. F3A and F6A suppression filters 10.7. M20-ALS – active loudspeaker for FMD15 September 1999 V 1.xx...
  • Page 5 Technical data 11.1. General 11.2. Receiver 11.3. Micro controller 11.4. Signal processor decoder 11.5. LCD display 11.6. Thermal printer 11.7. NMEA interface 11.8. Power supply for active antenna 11.9. Approvals General Information and transmitting stations 12.1. Stations, frequencies and transmission times 12.3.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    1.2. Operation The back-lit, high contrast LCD display and an easy to use keypad, allow a user friendly operation of the FMD15. System information and stored decoded messages can be printed out by the integrated thermal printer on 80mm paper...

  • Page 7: Keypad Functions

    1.3. Keypad Functions cursor to the left answer <NO> cursor to the right answer <YES> cursor upwards scroll upwards increase values cursor downwards decrease values confirm entry activate cursor position read memory contents start decoding display memory contents switch on back-lighting start printing select (P) print and/or (W) write print space...

  • Page 8: Receiver

    1. Receiver 1.1. Operation The receiver requires practically no operation. The NAVTEX frequency (518.0 kHz) is pre-programmed Further this model has one further pre-programmed frequency, according to a defined sailing region. The frequencies of a transmitting station are normally set down internationally and are rarely changed.

  • Page 9: Decoding Of Messages

    3. Decoding of Messages The FMD15 can store and decipher NAVTEX, MORSE, RTTY and SITOR codes, which then can be read and/or printed out in plain language. In radio signal traffic there are many other kinds of keyed codes. As they are not for use by the general public, they cannot be decoded by the FMD15.

  • Page 10: Message Transmission Types

    Message Transmission Types Transmission receiver decoder Mode set up – Morse-telegraphy with non-damped carrier e.g. Morse Roma A2A - Morse – Telegraphy in double side band method Morse A3A – audio radio in Double side band e.g. BBC, DLT etc. F1B –...
  • Page 11 3.2.Programming the Channels. Press to enter set-up menu Point cursor with key<DOWN> to 5: channels and press <ENTER>. Display shows: CODE RTTY STORE PRINT The following parameters can be assigned to each channel: Mode CODE Morse, RTTY, SITOR store decoded messages STORE YES/NO print out decoded messages...
  • Page 12 Recalling Stored Channels to recall a channel press twice the following picture appears on the display: 147kHz CH01 RTTY 50 Bd This means that the receiver is receiving the pre-programmed frequency. The bottom line shows that the code being used is RTTY (Radio Tele Type) at a transmission rate of 50 Baud/m.

  • Page 13: Message Memory

    (TTMMhhmm). Should the FMD15 be switched off during storage, whether deliberately or not (e.g. power interruption), the actual data record will not be stored because of lack of signal ending.

  • Page 14: Automatic Reception And Decoding

    4. Automatic Reception and Decoding The FMD15 has a timer function for the storage of 9 programmes. Each storage contains a starting time, stop time and the channel number of a stored frequency (similar to that in a video recorder). The transmission times of weather messages can be...

  • Page 15: Programming The Timer Function

    4.1. Programming the Timer Function Starting from standby mode: press key to call up menu 1 key to select TIMER press 4.1.1. Input of New Timer ON/OFF Times press once more On the display will appear: INSERT ROW from 12:00 12:00 Use the cursor keys to enter the required start and stop times and the channel...
  • Page 16 Keys <UP> and <DOWN> have an auto-repeat function, which means the selected value will increase or decrease in steps as long as the key is depressed. As long as you have not pressed <ENTER> you can change the value as often as required. Having checked that all values are correct press <ENTER>.

  • Page 17: Interrupting And Restarting The Timer

    4.2. Interrupting and Restarting the Timer An actual timer programme can be interrupted by pressing the <STDBY> key. The unit will switch back automatically to the standby mode at the respective stop time. It is possible to restart the unit during operation by switching it off for approx.

  • Page 18: Printing Out Stored Messages

    The display will now show, when in NAVTEX, the list of messages with NAVTEX identification (e.g. JA34), and when in CHANNEL the display will show the stored messages by date and stop time in number sequence DD.MM.HH.MM (Day, month, hour minutes). Place cursor on selected message.
  • Page 19 "turn the pages" with the cursors <UP> and <DOWN> by pressing <PRINT> the printer will commence from the displayed page press <EXIT> when required or allow printing to continue until the message has ended press <EXIT> twice to return to standby mode...

  • Page 20: Navtex, Reception And Decoding

    5. NAVTEX, Reception and Decoding When the unit is in standby mode, it is automatically operating as a NAVTEX receiver and therefore a manual activation is not necessary ATTENTION: During the reception of other stations, also when receiving a message programmed to be stored by the timer, NAVTEX cannot be received.

  • Page 21: Section Of Transmitting Station

    5.1. Selection of Transmitting Stations With cursor <DOWN> to position 2 – STATION press <ENTER>and the display will show: STATIONS ABCDEFGHIJKLM NOPQRSTUVWXYZ NAVTEX stations are identified by the letters -A- to -Z-. Stations from which messages should be received are represented by capital letters, and stations from which messages should be suppressed with small letters.

  • Page 22: Printer Function

    The international definition of the letters is = navigational warnings = meteorological warnings = ice reports = SAR information = meteorological prognosis = pilot service messages = DECCA messages = LORAN messages = OMEGA messages = SATNAV messages = messages about other electronic navigational assistance = additional navigational warnings V - Y = special services, tests...

  • Page 23: Suppressing Repeated Messages

    Answer the question with <YES> or <NO> and store with key Alarm for A, B and D messages Should the FMD15 receive messages of the type A, B or D they can be alerted with an acoustic alarm. Cursor position 6 - ALARM and enter.

  • Page 24: Returning To Standby Mode

    5.7.Returning to standby mode This can be done either by pressing the key twice or: Cursor on position 8 <EXIT> and press <ENTER>. The display will now show the standby mode. 5.8. Displaying and dealing with errors The SITOR code used by NAVTEX can recognise errors. Every data field, to which a character has been assigned, will be repeated and have a relationship of 4:3 bit.

  • Page 25: List Of Navtex Transmission Stations

    5.10. Current list of NAVTEX transmission stations (02/98) North Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Finnish Gulf: Bodoe R, NOR 0018, 0418, 0900, 1218, 1618, 2100 Cullercoats R, G, G 0048, 0448, 0848, 1248, 1648, 2048 Oostende R, BEL 0248, 0648, 1048, 1448, 1848, 2248 Oostende R, BEL M 0200, 0600, 1000, 1400, 1800, 2200 Rogaland R, NOR...
  • Page 26 Prince Rupert, CAN D 0030, 0430, 0930, 1230, 1630, 2030 Provideniya R, FE, CIS 0050, 0450, 0850, 1250, 1650, 2050 Puerto Montt, CHL D 0430, 1230, 2030 Punta Arenas, CHL 0440, 1240, 2040 San Francisco, USA C 0400, 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400 Singapore, Jurong C 0020, 0420, 0820, 1220, 1420, 2020 Shanghai, CHI...
  • Page 27 Limnos R, GRC 0150, 0550, 0950, 1350, 1750, 2150 Malta, O 0220, 0620, 1020, 1420, 1820, 2220 Mariupol R, UK, CIS 0100, 0500, 0900, 1300, 1700, 2300 Odessa R, UK, CIS C 0230, 0630, 1030, 1430, 1830, 2230 Port Elizabeth 0120, 0620, 1020, 1420, 1820, 2220 Roma, I, 0250, 0650, 1050, 1450, 1850, 2250...

  • Page 28: Nmea, Printer And Navigation Log

    7. NMEA Printer and Navigation Log 7.1. Printing of NMEA Data The FMD15 can be used as an NMEA printer. In this mode NMEA signals are fed via the NMEA 0183 interface unaltered to the integrated or external printer. Please note, that only data, which are defined as NMEA data, can be processed.

  • Page 29: Activating Log

    Activating Log When connected via NMEA 0183 interface to an external GPS, it is possible with the FMD15 to receive, store and print out the NMEA data record "GPS transit specific $ GPRMC", which is practically a complete record of the route.
  • Page 30 To control the continual amount of data, two parameters can be selected to define the information according to your personal wish. Parameter 1: time from 1 to 99 minutes You can select, in which time intervals the position should be stored, even when there has been no movement (e.g.
  • Page 31 This does not take place during message decoding or when the FMD15 is being operated manually, but as soon as the FMD15 returns to the stand-by mode. However, you can print out the actual stored data at any time.

  • Page 32: System (Set Up)

    8. System (SET UP) 8.1 Setting of Time and Date • Press key <SET UP> to enter the SETUP menu 1 • The display will show: 1 TIME 5 CHANNELS 2 TIMER 6 VESSEL 3 NMEA 7 STATUS 4 NAVTEX 8 EXIT The cursor is already on position 1 - TIME •...

  • Page 33: Setting Of Owner's And Vessel's Name

    8.2. Setting of Owner's and Vessel's Names The name of the owner and of the ship can be entered into the FMD15. They will then appear on the bottom line at the end of each print out. • use the cursor <DOWN> to spring to position 6 – VESSEL •...
  • Page 34 8.3. Print Out of System Data The following system data can be printed out: • Navigation log ON/OFF and (by ON) trigger parameters • programmed reception channels and their • mode • message storage • message direct print out • programmed timer status 1 to max. 9 •...

  • Page 35: Memory Store Deletion And Reset

    8.4. Memory Store, Deletion and Reset All programmed system parameter data can be deleted i.e. can be reset to the standard parameters. Equally, all stored messages can be deleted. In this case the programmed timer status, navigation log status and NAVTEX parameters will also be deleted.

  • Page 36: Installation

    On each side of the FMD15, there are two M5 threaded holes for fitting at the required angle with the thumb screws. Beforehand, press the self-holding spacers into the selected holes. These keep the brackets at a defined distance from the casing and has been accounted for in the template.
  • Page 37 ATTENTION IMPORTANT INFORMATION The FMD15 has two M5 threaded holes on either side for the supplied thumb screws, so that it can be fitted to the universal mounting bracket. The length of the thumb screws has been so determined, that, together with the bracket and the lock washers, they can only penetrate approx.

  • Page 38: Dimensions

    Dimensions: mounting holes...
  • Page 39 Desk Top Mounting Wall Mounting:...

  • Page 40: Power Supply Connection

    The unit was manufactured to operate on a supply voltage of 11V to 15V DC (12V battery). The FMD15 has reverse battery and over voltage protection. Should an incorrect connection take place, check the fuse and if necessary, replace.

  • Page 41: Nmea Interface Connection

    9.4. NMEA Interface Connection Using the FMD15 as navigation log or NMEA printer, the NMEA interface must be connected with an external NMEA device (e.g. GPS) The TX+ / TX- of the external unit must be connected to the RX+ / RX- of the FMD15.
  • Page 42 Back-stay 10-15 m Attach no other units to the back-stay! Marine balun transformer with integrated over- voltage protection (MLB) insulator 50 Ω input FMD15 coax. cable RG58 Connection cable M20-KDC green/yellow Use 2-channel shielded cable for white power and NMEA...
  • Page 43 Antenna must be earthed. Mounting tubular holder must be connected with vessel’s ground. Best installation position is the highest point of vessel. 50 Ω input FMD15 Coax. Cable RG58 up to 30 m Connecting RG213 over 30 m Cable M20-KDC...
  • Page 44 R+R Active Antenna 50Ω in-put FMD15 M20-KDC ATTENTION! connect. Please do not cable earth filter to unit Coax. Cable (yellow/green) RG58 grn/yell Use only 2-pole shielded cable With integrated SSB amplifier active antenna R+R Please ensure that the vessel’s power supply is free...

  • Page 45: Printer Paper Change

    9.6, Printer Paper Change The FMD15 has a thermal printer, paper width: 80mm. The diameter of the paper roll must not exceed 45mm and the diameter of the core, no more than 12mm. The standard supplied roll has an approximate length of 25 metres and prior to reaching the end, a colour indication will appear, reminding you to change the roll.

  • Page 47: Active Antenna Power Supply

    9.7. Active Antenna Power Supply The FMD15 has an integrated feeder for a power supply of 12V and maximum current consumption of 250mA, for an active antenna, which means that any interconnected supply units in the antenna cable are superfluous.

  • Page 48: Fmd15 Accessories

    • input voltage range 9V to 36V • constant output voltage 12.5V This means that the FMD15 can be operated by 12V and 24V batteries. The DC/DC converter has an integrated filter, which suppresses interference from the ship's voltage supply and offers additionally, a galvanic separation between the power supply and the unit.
  • Page 49 10.3. DC936-12 DC/DC Converter from 9V-36V DC to 12V DC With the DC/DC converter, DC936-12, it is possible to operate electronic 12V nominal voltage devices with a 24V on board network. Vice versa, with the 936-24,a 24V a unit can be operated with a 12V network.

  • Page 50: Md-Aa - Active Antenna

    10.4. MD-AA Active Antenna for FMD15, 20, 50 and 55 Description: The MD-AA active antenna has been specially developed and tuned for the Fastnet Radio GMDSS Marine Decoder series FMDxxx, but can also be used for any other receiver in the above range.
  • Page 51 10.5. MLB Marine Long-Wire Balun Transformer for Back-Stay The function of the MLB is to match impedance of the high Ohm long- wire stay antenna with the 50Ω antenna input. The balun is connected to the antenna input with a shielded 50Ω coaxial cable. This leads the antenna signal to the receiver input but not the noise voltage interference.
  • Page 52 10.6. F3A/F6A suppression filter Practically every piece of electrical or electronic equipment on board, which is connected to the vessel's power supply, such as the generator, the battery charger, pumps, refrigerator etc., cause disturbances within the power supply. This could interfere with the function of sensitive electronic equipment, such as a receiver.

  • Page 53: M20-Als – Active Loudspeaker For Fmd15

    10.7. M20-ALS - active loudspeaker for FMD15 The FMD15 has an integrated LF amplifier with a loudspeaker for the acoustic reproduction of the reception signal. For the everyday use of the FMD15 this is not necessary. For testing the initial installation of the...

  • Page 54: Technical Data

    11. Technical Data 11.1. General: Dimensions : Receiver 222 (W) x 146 (H) x 55 (D) mm incl. brackets 288 (W) x 170 (H) x 65 (D) mm Weight : approx. 1.5 kg Power Supply : 12 V nominal (11 to 15 V DC), : optional 10 to 36 V Consumption : 150 mA in Stand-by,...

  • Page 55: Lcd Display

    11.4 Signal-Converter - Decoder Converter : NF PLL lock system Decoding : Morse 40 tp 100 Bpm RTTY 50 Baud SITOR 100 Baud NAVTEX Timer : 9 - user programmable 11.5. LCD Display Display module : L2014 Seiko or equivalent Display area : 71 X 21 mm Resolution...

  • Page 56: Stations, Frequencies And Transmission Times

    +44 1823 337900 Fax: +44 1823 334752 This book can be purchased by Fastnet Radio or in every qualified nautical bookshop. Fastnet Radio prepare the latest information for the most important sailing regions in Europe and will gladly send this on...

  • Page 57: Wind Forces

    12.3. Beaufort Scale of Wind Force Beaufort Description Average Average Description in Scale Wind Force in Wind force the Weather in kn Chart calm <0.2 <1 light air 0.3 – 1.5 1 – 3 slight breeze 1.6 – 3.3 4 –6 gentle breeze 3.4 –...

  • Page 58: Sea Swell

    12.4. Sea Swell See table on page 417 of the Admiralty List of Signals NP 283(1).

  • Page 59: Antenna Reception On Board

    12.5. Antenna Reception On Board Today radio receivers belong to standard equipment on board all sea-going vessels. Too little attention is paid to the fact, that a receiver functions only as good as the quality of the antenna being used. What should one take into account when choosing the antenna? •...
  • Page 60 A passive long-wire antenna installed in the best possible position with a matching impedance and a shielded lead cable, is usually sufficient to allow a satisfactory reception quality. Alternatively you can install an active antenna. The input resistance of the amplifier of an active antenna is very high, so that only a very short whip is necessary.

  • Page 61: Morse Code Tables

    12.6. MORSE Code Table The FMD15 will recognise the following code and translate accordingly: MORSE Code Character Remarks • – • – • – Ä displayed as „a“ • – – • – Å,Á – • • • – • – •...

  • Page 62: End Of Message

    MORSE Code Character Remarks • – – – – • • – – – • • • – – • • • • – • • • • • – • • • • – – • • • – – – • • –...

  • Page 63: Examples

    For up-to-date transmission times, please see the latest Admiral List of Signals Volumes NP283(1) and (2), otherwise do not hesitate to contact us, Fastnet Radio in Hamburg and we will gladly send you the latest information of the most important stations.
  • Page 64 13.2. Examples of NAVTEX Print Out NAVTEX message - Station Wales, South Coast WZ 899 WALES SOUTH COAST - BARRY WELSH WATER BARRY WEST BUOY 51-22N 03-17W UNLIT NAVTEX 518kHz SA33 12-03-94 0:53UTC NAVTEX message - Station Split Radio SPLIT RADIO NAV WNG 243/92 SINCE DEC 16TH 1992 N OF CLIFF MULD (43 31 06 N-15 55 30 E) ANCHORED WAVEGRAPHIC STATION MARKED...
  • Page 65 SA 00Z: S 1.5 M RAIN SA 06Z-: SW 1.5 M SH SA 12Z: SW-W 5 RAIN SA 18Z: W SU 00Z: SW-W 6 CH04 10100kHz RTTY 12-11-99 9:52UTC GMDSS MARINE RADIO DECODER FMD15 1.02 FASTNET RADIO AG FASTNET LADY...
  • Page 66 GB59 GA78 GL01 GA72 GA70 GL21 GL19 GA53 GA50 TA61 TA53 TA31 TA03 TA23 SA28 SA27 SL07 SA19 SA17 SA05 SA72 SA68 SA60 SA08 SA95 GA53 SB24 OB86 SB24 SA28 SL07 SA19 SA05 SA72 SA68 GMDSS MARINE RADIO DECODER FMD15 2.72E SHIP OWNER...

  • Page 67: Appendix

    14. Appendix 14.1. Service and Maintenance Your FMD15 has been designed to require only a minimum of maintenance. When changing paper rolls it is advisable to ascertain that dust that may have collected in the paper compartment is removed. There are no parts inside the case and service should be left to qualified personnel.
  • Page 68 Guarantee servicing will be carried out by authorized service dealers or the national agency for Fastnet Radio AG products. Products returned, which were purchased by Fastnet Radio, will be repaired free of charge or replaced. Freight or custom's charges or other extra charges are the responsibility of the customer.

  • Page 69: Software Maintenance

    Further updates are chargeable and should be ordered through your dealer or directly from Fastnet Radio at the address mentioned above. Up-date Enquiry : should you have an enquiry, please fill out the attached form...
  • Page 70 ENQUIRY Fastnet Radio AG Deelböge 5-7 22297 Hamburg Subject: Software Up-date FMD15 Please send me information concerning a software up-date for the FMD15 to the following address: Name : __________________________________ Street : __________________________________ Zip code/City : ______ / ___________________________ Country...
  • Page 71 14.5. Error Alarm The FMD15 has an integrated control function . In case of an error, an acoustic alarm will sound. This is a combination of short and long beep tones. 14.5.1. „PRINTER-ERROR“ Alarm Should there be a fault in the printer (e.g. paper jam or end of the paper roll), the display will show “PRINTER ERROR”, at the...

  • Page 72: Error Alarm

    14.5.2 Further Acoustic Error Alarms Nr. Sequence Explanation Function • LCD driver err_wait_01 −−•• LCD driver err_wait_2 −• LCD driver err_wait_3 −−•. LCD driver err_wait_016 •• printer Function err_prn ••−−• time, date err_RTC −−•−• time, date err_RTC_set •−•−• err_sence These error alarms can happen sporadically, caused by external or internal influence such as power fluctuation, interference in the power supply, static discharge etc.

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