MANUAL FOR GMDSS-AIS TESTBOX GMDSS-AIS TESTBOX S.J. HVARREGAARDSVEJ 19 HUNE FUTRONIC I/S DK 9492 BLOKHUS DENMARK PHONE/FAX: + 45 98 24 82 97 www. futronic.dkTABLE OF CONTENTS. ABOUT THIS MANUAL P.2 PREPARING FOR MEASUREMENTS GENERAL DESCRIPTION TESTBOX OPERATION USERS GUIDE ‘SPECIFICATIONS. PERFORMANCE CHECK CALIBRATION i ABOUT THIS MANUAL This manual begins with preparing for measurements and then a general description (overview) of the capabilities built into the GMDSS-AIS testbox, next comes. testbox operation with detailed explanation of the various measurements possible. The users quide is a short description of the various measurements possible, itis intended to be used as a ’reminder” in case the user does not need a detailed description. The sections on specifications, performance check and calibration describe the ‘specifications, how to check these and how to calibrate the testbox. PREPARING FOR MEASUREMENTS Before use of the testbox in the field make sure the internal battery is fully charged, this is done by having the testbox connected to an external DC overnight, you can use the supplied wall plug DC supply or any other DC source able to deliver 15 V- BVA, Before making frequency measurements allow the testbox 3 — 10 min. warm-up so as to make the OCXO stable, the warm-up time depends on the testbox's temperature before warm-up, at a temperature of 20 deg.C. 3 min. should be OK. After warm up check the testbox by using the selftest modes.TBOX FRONT GMDSS-AIS Bae FUTRONIC US DENMARK 2 Lines LCD display. -5. Push buttons. BNC socket for signal output. BNC socket for signal input. NONo 6/17/2005Nogaens TBOX REAR bh © ‘VHF POWER MEASUREMENT ° ‘VHF DUMMY LOAD 8232 o Als OUT l i : G A 1 2 3 Socket for connection to VHF antenna. Socket for connection to VHF transmitter. . D-sub plug for connection to NMEA input, PC or serial printer. |. Socket for AIS OUT. . DC plug for connection to external power supply. . Slide switch for switching the testbox ON/OFF. . Socket for VHF dummy load /17/2005GENERAL DESCRIPTION GMDss The testbox can send either a GMDSS distress signal (all ships call) or a selective test call addressed to a particular MMSI no. These distress/selective calls can be sent on any of the 6 distress frequencies on ME/HF as well as on VHF Ch 70. The testbox can receive/check DSC signals transmitted on any of the 6 distress frequencies on MF/HF and on VHF Ch 70, The testbox can transmit/receive DSC signals on the international calling frequencies 2177.0 and 2189.5 KHz. The testbox measures and displays the mark/space frequencies of the received DSC- signals. When used as an ordinary frequency counter the testbox measures frequencies in the range 0.4 MHz to 475 MHz. ‘At VHF (Ch6) the testbox can measure the deviation on a received signal. On any of the VHF channels the testbox, via an internal antenna coupler, is able to measure transmitted/reflected power, and to display the measured power. The testbox can also be used for control of signals from an EPIRB (GPIRB), as it can receive and check a test call on 406.025 (408.028) MHz as well as receive the 121.5 MHz signal When receiving EPIRB/GPIRB signals the received signals RF level are measured/shown on the display. Alll received DSC signals can be seen on the LCD display and all measured results are stored for later printout either directly to a serial printer or to a PC's COM-port. The testbox has an internal DC/DC switch mode power supply which can be connected directly to an external DC source (15 V - 28 V) A wall plug power supply allows the testbox to be connected to 100 V - 240 V AC, 50-60 Hz. The testbox is also delivered with an internal 12 V battery. Whenever DC is connected to the testbox the battery is charged. If the DC supply is removed the internal battery delivers DC to the testbox and gives an uninterrupted switch between external and internal DC supply. When the internal 12 V battery is close to being discharged this is indicated by a blinking on the LCD display and then, shortly after this, the power is cut off so as not to destroy the battery. Such a power-down does not influence data stored in the testbox as these have a separate back-up battery. 6/17/26 Als In AIS mode the testbox is able to test an AIS transponder by making frequency measurements or power measurements on Ch. 70, AIS channel 1 or AIS channel 2. By requesting reporting of Position, Length, Course, namefidentity, Speed, Power or Ships beam it is possible to check the GMDSS communication on Ch.70. AIS communication is checked by sending data to the AIS transponder resp. receiving data from an AIS transponder. The testbox is also able to simulate a ship appearing at four different positions, relative to the AIS transponder's position. An NMEA output is also available if one wishes to check the AIS transponder's NMEA input. Custom GMDSS or AIS message The testbox is able to store a user defined testsignal, to be send out on MF/HF or VHF, this testsignal is composed on a PC, by means of the supplied software, and then stored in the testbox for later use. TESTBOX OPERATION |. GENERAL . SELFTEST TEST CARRIER AMPL. . EDIT MMSI NR. . SEND DSC . CUSTOM MESSAGE . SEND NAVTEX 9. RECEIVE DSC 10. VHF PWR MEASURE 11. FM DEVIATION 12. RECEIVE ATIS 13. AM / 123.4 MHz 14, MEMORY FUNCTION 15. EPIRB/GPIRB TEST 16. -FRQ COUNT 17. MEASUREMENT OF MARK/SPACE FREQUENCIES AT MF/HF DSC 18. COMPOSITION OF THE DSC CALL ENPAreonaThe testbox is controlled by means of 4 push buttons marked MODE, UP, DOWN and OK. MODE is used to roll” between the various tests (testmodes). UP can also be used to roll the testmodes, but in the opposite direction. OK is used to accept/choose the mode being shown in the display. UP and DOWN are used to accept/choose if the display shows multiple options, to shift up or down at selection of frequencies, and for editing of the MMSI no. In some modes the position of the text indicates which button should be used, In that case the button below the text should be used, After power on the software revision date is shown in the LCD-display. After a few seconds the display switches automatically to the first mode, which is SELFTEST. By means of the MODE-button and the UP-button a choice can be made between the following modes: SELFTEST, AIS TEST, CARRIER AMPL., EDIT MMSI NR., SEND DSC, CUSTOM MESSAGE, SEND NAVTEX, RECEIVE DSC, VHF PWR MEASURE, FM DEVIATION, RECEIVE ATIS, AM / 123.1 MHz, MEMORY FUNCTION, EPIRB/GPIRB TEST and FRQ COUNT. These modes are explained in the following: 2. SELFTEST In SELFTEST the following functions can be performed. (these are selected by means of the UP and OK buttons) FRQ; This function can be used for test of the MARK/SPACE frequencies in the MF/HF range by means of the internal frequency counter. Start by selecting the frequency with the UP or DOWN button. The desired choice is then indicated by means of a push of the 6/17/20058 OK button. After the choice of an MF/HF frequency comes a new choice, namely a choice between MARK and SPACE. FRQCHK gives the possibilty for control of ME/HF MARK/SPACE frequencies as well as the frequency counter as the chosen MARKISPACE frequency is available at the RF OUT socket and can be measured via RF IN. The result is shown on the LCD display. The SPACE frequency should be 85 Hz higher than the centre frequency. The MARK frequency should be 85 Hz lower than the centre frequency. NEXT/PLL.TST: This mode performs a test to assure that the frequency synthesizer controlled oscillator goes into "lock" at all the applied synthese frequencies. The frequency synthesizer controlled oscillator is programmed to each frequency in turn and then the “lock detect” output is watched for about 1 sec. to check for a correct lock. In case of a lock failure the test is stopped and the LCD display indicates the frequency out of lock. The test continues when one of the push buttons are activated. 3. AIS TEST Select AIS test by pressing the OK-button in the mode AIS TEST. When in AIS TEST mode you can select the various sub modes by pressing the MODE button or the UP button. In the sub mode FRQ. MEASUREMENT you can go back to the mode select function by pressing the DOWN button, corresponding to selection of MAIN. Remember to set the testbox’s MMSI no. to the AIS transponders MMSI nr. before using one of the following sub mode’s: CH70 FRQ., PWR or the GMDSS COMM. CH7O. The testbox’s MMSI nr. can be set up by receiving a AlS1(2) call or by using the EDIT sub mode in the MMSI menu. The MMSI nr. can also be set by receiving a call from the GMDSS station. This also automatically changes the MMSI nr. so that it corresponds with the MMSI nr. of the calling GMDSS station. Pressing OK in the frequency measurement mode gives you a choice between frequency measurements on Ch. 70, AlS1 or AIS2. Frequency measurement on Ch. 70 requires the use of the signal combiner with RF IN connected to RF IN, RF OUT connected to RF OUT and output from the AIS transponder connected to AIS. Frequency measurement on AIS‘ (2) requires the use of the signal combiner with RF IN connected to RF IN, RF OUT connected to RF OUT and output from the AIS transponder connected to AIS OR a set-up similar to the set-up used for VHF frequency measurements i.e. a telescope antenna connected to RF IN. 6/17/209 When in receiving mode you will have to wait until the AIS transponder is transmitting on the chosen channel. Power measurement requires a set-up similar to the set-up used for power measurement on VHF, and a wait until the AIS transponder is transmitting on the chosen channel When checking the DSC communication on Ch. 70 connect the AIS antenna to the AIS plug on the signal combiner box, and connect two coax cables from RF IN to RF IN and RF OUT to RF OUT (Testbox to signal combiner). GMDSS COMM. CH70 mode. This sub mode enables the user to order the AIS transponder to switch its transmitter frequency from the current channel to ch.70, ch.06 of ch.15, remember to use SWITCH VHF CH.70 before you leave this mode. In this mode you also can poll the AIS transponder for information on POSITION, LENGTH, COURSE, NAME/IDENTITY, ACKNOWLEDGE MESSAGE, SPEED, VTS EXPANSION. The VTS EXPANSION submode has two sub-submodes: TRANSMITTER POWER LEVEL and SHIPS BEAM When using the GMDSS COMM. CH70 mode connect the AIS antenna to the AIS plug on the signal combiner box, and connect two coax cables from RF IN to RF IN and RF OUT to RF OUT (Testbox to signal combiner). Note: The AIS transponder specification specifies that the AIS transponder answers a call within a randomly selected time of 0 to 20 seconds. In very few cases the answer from the AIS will be transmitted before the testbox is ready to receive, in which case you will have to repeat the polling, The next AIS mode is AIS RECEIVE in which you have a choice between DATA, AIS1 and AIS2. Selecting DATA sends the received AIS data out on the RS232 connection (2400 Baud, 8 data bit, no parity). CLR olears the memory of old AIS data. Selection of AIS1 or AlS2 prepares the testbox for receiving one set of AIS data on AlS1 or AIS2, The next AIS mode is AIS REC. LOOP in which you also have a choice between DATA, AIS( and AIS2 Selecting DATA sends the received AIS data out on the RS232 connection (2400 Baud, 8 data bit, no parity). CLR clears the memory of old AIS data. 6/17/200510 Selection of AIS1 or AIS2 prepares the testbox for a continuous reception of AIS data on AIS1 or AIS2 Selection of AIS TEST SEND gives you a choice between PC, AIS1 and AIS2. When sending signals to the AlS transponder the BNC plug on the rear of the testbox, marked AlS OUT, should be connected to the signal combiner or to a telescope antenna. Selecting PC enables the testbox to receive data from a PC, via the RS232 connection. The data are prepared on the PC by means of a program that can be downloaded from www futronic. dk Selecting AIS1 or AIS2 enables the transmission of a default message 1 signal, The default message 1 signal is “prepared for transmission” by pressing PC and then END before AIS1 (2) is selected. Before a signal is sent out on AIS1 (2) the testbox syncronises to the AIS transponder. ‘The mode REQUEST MSGS uses the MMSI nr. from the last received AIS message After OK for MSGS the testbox waits for sync. transmit MSG15 and switches to receive. Next mode is SIMULATE SHIP in which a virtual ship is placed at four different positions relative to the position of the AIS transponder being tested. This requires that the testbox has received a position, via MSG1 or 3, from the transponder. After transmission of the 1. position the testbox waits for response, from the AIS transponder before the next position is transmitted, so it might be an advantage to use the signal combiner rather than switching antenna The next mode is NMEA TEST with a choice between CUST. and HDG, in CUST. (Custom sub mode) data, to be send out, is received from a PC and then sent out via sub mode SEND. If HDG. (Heading) is chosen an NMEA heading signal is transmitted via the RS232 port (B-signal on pin nr.1, Ground. on pin nr.5 and A-signal on pin nr.9). 4. CARRIER AMPL. The CARRIER AMPL. mode can be used to measure the received signal's strength on the following frequencies: 2187.5 KHz, 16804.5 KHz, and 156.525 MHz. You can measure on the exact frequency or at another frequency +/- 10 KHz relative to the frequencies given, a level of 130 or more should be sufficient. Do not connect RF signal until the CARRIER AMPL mode is set up. 5. EDIT MMSI Nr. In this mode the LCD display shows the actual MMSI nr. This nr. is used when a selective call is being sent. By pushing OK the MMSI nr. can be edited. Pushing on UP or DOWN changes the digit, which is marked by the cursor. Pushing on OK shifts to 6/17/2005ai editing of the next digit. Notice that the MMSI number is a 10-digit number. Normally the last digit should be set to 0. When editing is completed push MODE (The MMSI Nr. can also be set by receiving a call from the GMDSS station. This automatically changes the MMSI nr. so that it corresponds with the MMSI nr. of the calling GMDSS station). After editing the MMSI nr. it is possible to record/store the time/date/month/year for the measurements. When editing is completed push MODE, the display now shows how much memory is left. There are initially 719 records available. 6. SEND DSC The first choice is to decide if an emergency call DISTR, a trafic call TFC or a selective call TEST is to be transmitted When TFC is selected the frequency 2177.0 or 2189.5 KHz is indicated on the LCD. Itis only possible to send a TFC signal on these frequencies. When DISTR or TEST is selected there is a choice between a VHF or a MF/HF call. At VHF the frequency for Ch 70 is shown. A push of OK initiates a transmission of the chosen signal On MF/HF one chooses the desired frequency with the UP/DOWN buttons, Push OK at the desired frequency, and the call sequence is transmitted. At MF/HF TEST call and at TFC, there is a choice between reduced power (-70 dBm) or normal power (-15 dBm) The test call used is a selective call format 120. The emergency call is a distress call format 112 For more information see page 18. 7. CUSTOM MESSAGE ‘The submode SEND CUSTOM MSG. is used for the transmission of a previously prepared message, see CUSTOM MODE below. Custom mode. The” CUSTOM MESSAGE" mode allows the testbox user to prepare a custom signal on a laptop and then to transfer that message to the testbox for transmission on VHF, using the DSC Composer program. When in the main CUSTOM MESSAGE mode the user has to select get and then the testbox will accept data from a laptop, via the RS232 connection, using the DSC Composer program, (2400 Baud, 8 data bit, no parity). Once the data has been loaded you can select between get and send, selection of get deletes old data stored in the memory and selection of send gives access to a choice between MF/HF or VHF frequencies. After selection of the wanted frequency the last choice (on MF/HF) is between normal or reduced output power, on VHF the output power is fixed, 6/17/212 8. SEND NAVTEX In this mode you can send a Naviex signal, on 490 KHz or 518 KHz, to a Navtex receiver in order to check the Navtex receiver/printer. ‘Two different Navtex signals are being sent. 9, RECEIVE DSC Here the first choice is whether the receiving Is to be on VHF, MF/HF or an MF frequency. At VHF there is another choice between frequency measurements (FRQ) and receiving of DSC data. At FRQ the testbox waits until the VHF is activated. The fre- quency is measured and shown on the LCD display. The frequency measurement can be used both for measurement of the DSC signals frequency and for measurement on unmodulated signals, channels which are close to Ch 70 can also be measured in this mode, provided the signals have enough amplitude (approx. -10 dBm) The measured frequencies are stored in memory. In submode DSC the testbox waits for a DSC call. This wait state can be interrupted by a push of any of the buttons. Received DSC data is collected and a check is made to assure that the checksum is OK. Status and MMSI no. is shown on the LCD display and is also stored in memory, provided the checksum is OK. At MF/HF the receive frequency is selected by UP or DOWN. A push of OK starts receiving of DSC date. The testbox is in receive mode until a DSC call is received. This mode can be interrupted by a push of any of the buttons, provided the testbox hasn't started to receive a call, in which case one has to wait for approx. 10 seconds. When a DSC call is received status for the receiving and the MARK and SPACE frequencies are shown on the LCD display. When one of the buttons are activated the MMSI number associated with the received call and the received data is shown on the LCD display. If some data is shown as 255 it's because they are received in error. It is possible to read forward or backwards by using the UP and DOWN buttons MMSI number, received data, and the MARK/SPACE frequencies are stored in memory, provided the checksum is OK. If the MARK/SPACE frequencies do not appear on the LCD display the reason could be that the signal was outside the limits 1770-1800 Hz/1600-1630 Hz or that the signal was unstable during the header or that the header was too short (less than 11 bit), When MF is chosen the frequency 2189.5 KHz is indicated on the LCD display. A push of UP or DOWN toggles the frequency between 2189.5 KHz and 2177.0 KHz, a push of OK switches the testbox to a receive mode similar to that of MF/HF receiving. 40. VHF PWR MEASURE ‘After accept of VHF PWR MEASURE the display shows "SETUP FOR PWR READING", which means: Connect antenna to the rear panel socket mrk. "ANT" and connect the VHF sender to the rear panel socket mrk. "TX" Activate the sender and press OK after approx. one second. 6/17/2013 The measured values for FWD. and REF. are now converted to power and shown on the LCD display. If REF power => 10% of FWD power the display is blinking. The measured values of PFWD. and PREF. are stored in the memory. If you want to measure PWR using dummy load connect the short coax cable from ANT to VHF DUMMY LOAD. 44. FM DEVIATION A prerequisite for measurement of FM frequency deviation is that the testbox is calibrated. If this is not the case the message "NOT CALIBRATED" is shown on the LCD display in case a measurement is attempted. The calibration is initiated by choosing submode CAL. To prevent accidental loss of calibration by mistake the LCD display "asks’ "ARE YOU SURE ! ! !”. If you want to proceed press CAL once more. Then activate a signal generator on Ch6-156.3 MHz with 1 KHz modulation and 5 KHz deviation. Then press OK. The calibration number is shown on the LCD. Press OK for storage of the calibration number. When the MEAS submode is chosen one can measure the deviation on Ché. Maximum deviation (FM DEVI) and actual deviation (ACT DEVI) are shown on the LCD display. ‘The mode is terminated by activation of one of the buttons. The maximum value of the deviation is then stored in the memory. 42, RECEIVE ATIS in RECEIVE ATIS mode keying of an ATIS equipped VHF on ch.6 (or ch.15) will enable the testbox to receive and show the station's ID. 13. AM / 123.1 MHz The first submode choice is between IMG. and ORD. (same measured frequency in both submodes indicates, that it's not a mirror frequency), next submode choice is between FRQ (frequency measurements) and AF (audio mode). At FRQ the frequency is measured when the transmitter is activated. FRQ and LEVEL are shown on the LCD display and are also stored in MEMORY. In submode AF the internal loudspeaker is activated and the AM modulated signal can be heard. Pressing any of the buttons terminates the mode. 14. MEMORY FUNCTION In the MEMORY FUNCTION mode there is a choice between CLR, SELE and RS232 Selecting CLR erases all stored data (measurements), selecting SELE allows one to select a particular MMSI nr. for print out and selecting RS232 will send the measurements, stored on a particular MMSI nr., out via the RS232 port to a serial printer or a PC set up for receiving serial data via its com-port. 6/17/200514 In the PRINTER mode there is a delay after CR/LF, in PC mode there is no delay so if you have problems with missing characters on the printout use the PRINTER mode. Data transfer from the testbox to a PC. Any serial software set for 2400 Baud N81 (No parity 8 data bit and 1 stop bit) should be able to receive the data, The explanation below shows how to use Windows 95 for the serial transfer of data Using Hyperterminal in Windows 95. To use select: Programs, Accessories, Hyperterminal, Hyperterminal Name: GMDSSTBOX Conneet using Com2 or Com1 direct. Set Baud to 2400, 8 bit, None, 1 stop, Hardware control OK The terminal is now ready to receive data from Testbox. If you want to save received data choose: Edit, select All, Edit, Copy. Start another Windows program fx. Wordpad, Works or Word and paste the data into this program and save it. ‘The memory can contain a total of 719 measurements. If more measurements are taken the oldest measurements are deleted. 18. EPIRB/GPIRB TEST in this mode there is first a choice between GPIRB and EPIRB and then a choice between submodes 121.5 MHZ or 406 MHz. In submode 121 MHz there is also a choice between IMG. and ORD. Same result in both submodes assures that the frequency measured is the correct frequency and not an image frequency. On 121.5 MHz there is another choice between frequency measurements (FRQ) and AF (audiomode). On FRQ there is a measurement of the frequency and the signal level. ‘The measured values are stored in memory. At AF the internal loudspeaker is switched on and the AM modulated signal can be heard. The mode is terminated by a push on any of the buttons. In the 406 MHz submode there are the following submodes: DATA, FRQ. and MEAS. In submode MEAS the testbox measures frequency and signal level during the initial cw sending from the EPIRB and then data contained in the test transmission ate received and stored The LCD display shows ID, MSI, Call type, frequency, and signal level. The received data can be seen by activating any of the buttons. The received data is stored in memory. In submode FRQ. only EPIRB frequency and level are measured. These are shown on the display and stored in memory. In submode DATA one can choose whether the last received epirb data is to be shown on the LCD as HEX data or as ordinary text, At TEXT/LCD the UP button is used to “search through" the data. 16. FRQ COUNT This mode is a frequency counter function. The UP/DOWN buttons shift between the frequency ranges. 6/17/200515 Press OK for selection of frequency range. Having selected a frequency range there is a choice between two trigger modes MEAS. and CONT. In the MEAS mode the measurement begins when the "MEAS button" is pressed When a frequency measurement has been performed the measured frequency is shown on the LCD display and stored in memory. When measurement is attempted at a frequency outside the frequency range selected or if the signal strength is very low/high then "MEASURE FAILED !” is written on the LCD display. The frequency is measured twice with a 1 sec. pause in between. If the difference between the measured frequencies is more than 5 Hz two frequencies are shown on the LCD display. The latest result is shown on the top-line of the display. It is also this result that's stored. On the print out via the RS232 port such results are marked by a * after the frequency to indicate @ dubious result In CONT. mode the measurement begins when the transmitter is activated, and the measurements are continously updated just like an ordinary frequency counter. In CONT, mode no result is stored but the mode may be useful for checking if enough signal strength is available to make a correct frequency measurement in MEAS. mode. 17. MEASUREMENT OF MARK/SPACE FREQUENCIES AT MF/HF DSC The SPACE and the MARK frequencies are measured during the initial part of the DSC call. The measurements are done by means of a time measurement on an AF signal (1700 Hz +/- 85 Hz) derived from the MF/RF MARKI/SPACE signal The time measurement for MARK and SPACE respective are converted to frequency and the calculated value for MARK and SPACE respectively are added to an offset frequency for the actual MF/HF frequency. By adding the offset frequency to the measured/calculated frequencies the actual MF/HF MARK/SPACE frequencies are obtained. The AF signal used for calculation of the MARK/SPACE frequencies has to be within 1615 +/-15 Hz and 1785 +/-15 Hz. respectively to be accepted. 18. COMPOSITION OF THE DSC CALL An MF/HF test call is composed as shown below. At VHF all calls start with a 20 bits header i.e. 5 times 1010 At MF/HF all calls start with a 200 bits header i.e. 25 times 10101010. ‘The test VHF call transmits the following information: 120,120 Format specifier - individual call. 21,95,57,62,40 Address - 2195576240 100 Category - Routine 99,99,99,99,90 Self identification = testbox “MMSI no” 100 First telecommand 126 Second telecommand 90069006 Frequency or channel 17 Ack.RQ End of sequence 76 Modulus-2 checksum 6/17/2016 The call is only send once. The test MF/HF call transmits the following information: 120,120 Format specifier - individual call 21,95,57,62,40 Address - 2195576240 108 Category - safety 99,99,99,99,90 Self identification = testbox “MMSI no” 18 First telecommand 126 Second telecommand 126 126 126 126 126 126 Frequency or channel 126 transmitted six times 17 Ack.RQ End of sequence 86 Modulus-2 checksum The call is only send once. A distress VHF call transmits the following information: 112, 112 Format specifier - Distress call 99,99,99,99,90 testbox “MMSI no 107 Category — Undesignated distress 99,99,99,99,99 Co-ordinates - 99 99 99 99 99 at test. 88,88 Time - 88 88 at test 100 First telecommand 127 EOS - End of sequence ov Modulus-2 checksum The call is only send once A distress MF/HF call transmits the following information: 112, 112 Format specifier - Distress call 99,99,99,99,90 Address - testbox “MMSI no”. 107 Category - Undesignated distress 99,99,99,99,99 Co-ordinates - 99 99 99 99 99 at test. 88,88 Time - 88 88 at test. 109 First telecommand 127 EOS - End of sequence 48 Modulus-2 checksum The call is only send once. A TFC selective call transmits the following information: 120, 120 Format specifier - individual call. 21,95,57,62,40 Address - 2195576240 100 Category - routine 99,99,99,99,90 Self identification = testbox “MMS! No”. 109, 126 First telecommand and Second telecommand 126 126 126 126 126 126 Frequency or channel 126 transmitted six times 127 EOS - End of sequence 79 Modulus-2 checksum The call is only send once. 6/17/20057 USERS GUIDE 4. SELFTEST 2. SENDING OF DSC DISTRESS CALL ON MF, HF OR VHF 3. SENDING OF DSC SELECTIVE CALL ON MF, HF OR VHF 4. RECEIVING DSC SIGNALS ON MF, HF OR VHF 5. VHF-.DEVIATION MEASUREMENT, -FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT AND DSC SENDING/RECEIVING 6. ATIS MEASUREMENTS 7. NAVTEX SENDING VHF POWER MEASUREMENT 9._AM (123.1 MHz) MEASUREMENT 40. EPIRB TEST. 41, FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS 42. EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY. 43. AIS FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS. 14. AIS POWER MEASUREMENTS 15. GMDSS COMMUNICATION VIA CH.70 TO AIS TRANSPONDER 16. CHECKING AIS TRANSPONDER 6/17/200518 ‘SELFTEST TEST OF MFHF MARKISPACE FRO. 41. SELFTEST TEST OF PLL CIRCUIT In SELFTEST mode it's possible to check the function of some of the circuits in the testbox. This should be used to check the testbox before it is used for inspection of a GMDSS installation. To check the generation and measurement of MF/HF mark/space frequencies connect a coax cable from RF IN to RF OUT, choose the MF/HF frequency to be checked and then select FRQCHK and MARK or SPACE. In order to check the internal synthesizer circuit (PLL) choose NEXT/PLL.TST, which starts an automatic test of all synthesized frequencies. SEND DSC DISTRESS ON MFIMFVHF ems Rx. coax ANT, 2. SENDING OF DSC DISTRESS CALL ON MF, HF OR VHF In the mode SEND DSC/DISTRESS it is important to use a coax cable for the connection between the testbox and the input of the DSC receiver that is to be tested This prevents the distress call from reaching GMDSS receivers on other ships. 6/17/200519 3. SENDING OF DSC SELECTIVE CALL ON MF, HF OR VHF As it is a selective call the testbox's MMSI no. is to be equal to the MMSI number of the GMDSS set that is to be checked This is done in the EDIT MMSI NO. mode or by transmitting a call to the testbox, as this, makes the testbox change its MMSI no. to that of the calling station. After that, choose SEND DSC, TEST or TFC, the wanted frequency, and normal output. Before a transmission is started make sure that the testbox’s “pick up antenna” can “see” the receiver's antenna. On MFIHF it is important to have a “ground” connection if you use the wire antenna as otherwise only a very week signal is transmitted. Alternatively you can use a "spare antenna’ on the ship or you can use the wire antenna as a loop antenna i.e. connect the far end of the wire to ground on the BNC connector. 4, RECEIVING DSC SIGNALS ON MF, HF OR VHF RECEIVE DSC MDs Tx ANT.20 To avoid disturbing other ships’ GMDSS equipment make a call (if possible) to the ship's own MMSI no. If this is not possible then perhaps a 999999999 no. can be used. The Testbox should be in a submode corresponding to the frequency/data to be checked. If it's an MF or HF frequency the testbox’'s antenna should be able to "see" the transmitter's antenna. 5. VHF FM DEVIATION MEASUREMENT, -FREQUEN: CY MEASUREMENT AND DSC SENDING/RECEIVING cmos 1x Lg ANT, The figure above shows how to make the various measurements. The VHF set's output goes to the antenna (or to the dummy load on the testbox). The telescope antenna is used to extract a signal which, in the testbox, can be used for frequency deviation measurements and frequency measurements. If the output from the VHF set is connected to the dummy load on the testbox the telescopic antenna should be placed close to the coax cable connected to the dummy load. Deviation. By choosing FM DEVIATION / MEAS tts possible, on Ch 6, to measure the deviation the signal from the 1000 Hz box gives rise to. By connecting the VHF set's output directly to the testbox’s dummy load you avoid unnecessary interference on Ch 6. Frequency measurements. By choosing RECEIVE DSC / VHF / FRG it is possible to measure the frequency of the DSC signal on Ch 70. By choosing FRQ COUNT / 150 - 175 MHz it is possible to measure the frequency of a VHF signal in the range 150 - 175 MHz. DSC sending/receiving. This set-up can also be used when one wishes to check a DSC signal transmitted from 6/17/2021 the VHF transmitter. By moving the coax cable from RF IN to RF OUT one can send a VHF DSC signal from the testbox to the VHF receiver. These measurements should be supplemented by measurements as those shown in 3 and 4 in case you wish to be absolutely sure that the antenna installation is OK. 6. ATIS MEASUREMENTS Use a set-up as shown in 5. In RECEIVE ATIS mode keying of an ATIS equipped VHF, on ch.6 or ch.18, will enable the testbox to receive and show the station's ID 7. NAVTEX SENDING. Use a set-up as shown in 3 using wire antenna. Check that the Navtex receiver print the following messages: NAVTEX MESSAGE XA00 0123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU NAVTEX TEST SEQ BY FUTRONIC GMDSS TESTBOX NAVTEX MESSAGE XD00 0123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU NAVTEX TEST SEQ BY FUTRONIC GMDSS TESTBOX SECOND TIME 8. VHF POWER MEASUREMENTS. Va conse 1x TEOK REAR Choose VHF PWR MEASURE/SETUP FOR PWR READING “SETUP FOR PWR READING" means: Connect antenna to the socket mrk. "ANT" and connect the VHF transmitter to the socket mrk. "TX", activate the sender, wait 1 sec and then push on the OK button. 6/17/222 Keep the transmitter activated until the measured values for FWD. and REF. power are shown on the LCD display, If REF power => 10% of FWD power the display is blinking. 9. AM (123.1 MHz) MEASUREMENT [AM MEASUREMENT. ATX © ANT With the set-up shown it's possible to measure the frequency and modulation of a AM signal on 123.1 MHz. At frequency measurements take care not to modulate the transmitter, and when checking the modulation (AF) be aware that a strong input signal will be limited in the testbox and thus reduce the amplitude of the AF signal coming from the internal loudspeaker. 10. EPIRB TEST EPIRB TEST By choosing mode EPIRB TEST / 121.5 MHz one can choose between FRQ and AF when checking the EPIRB's 121.5 MHz signal. It's not possible to make frequency measurements on all EPIRB as the AM modulation in ‘some cases prevents this. In that case one has to choose AF and, by listening, verify that an Audio signal is being sent out. By choosing mode EPIRB TEST / 406 MHz and then choosing MEAS it is possible to measure the EPIRB signal's frequency and at the same time receive the EPIRB data signal The submode FRQ can be used in case one wishes to measure the frequency only The submode DATA is used for checking the last received data. 6/17/2023 In most cases you do not need to connect an external antenna when testing EPIRB. 41. FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS FRQ.COUNT | [) 1% Lte ant. By choosing the mode FRQ COUNT and then selecting the frequency range that contains the frequency one wishes to check it's possible to measure the frequency of a transmitted signal In the submode MEAS the frequency counting starts when the MEAS button is pushed If the wrong frequency range is chosen or if a very weak or a very strong signal is received an error message Is shown on the display. At an error message one then has to check the frequency range and/or change the distance from the pick up antenna to the transmitting antenna. If one chooses the submode CONT. the testbox will act as an ordinary frequency counter and dispiay/update measurements continously. 42. EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY When an external DC supply (15 - 28 V) is connected to the testbox the internal battery is being charged If the internal battery is not fully charged the display may "blink” indicating this, in that case connect external voltage.24 43. AIS FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS, I AIS TRANSPONDER | ey ANT. The figure above shows how to make frequency measurements on AlS1 and AIS2. The AIS Transponder's output is connected to the ordinary antenna. The telescope antenna is used to extract a signal which, in the testbox, can be used for frequency measurements. For frequency measurements on ch. 70 use the signal combiner set up shown on page 26 (GMDSS COMMUNICATION VIA CH.70 TO AIS TRANSPONDER).25 44. AIS POWER MEASUREMENTS 2 SESE Eee Oot ant TROK REAR For power measurement on AlS1/2 or Ch.70 connect the AIS transponder antenna to the testbox ANT plug and connect the AIS transponder output to the testbox TX plug, as shown in the figure. Then select AIS mode PWR. MEASUREMENT and select AIS1/2 or CH70 for power measurement. If AlS1/2 is selected the testbox will measure power on the next aist or ais2 transmission made by the AIS transponder. If CH70 is selected the testbox will initiate a ch.70 transmission and measure power on the next ch.70 transmission made by the AIS transponder. 15. GMDSS COMMUNICATION VIA CH.70 TO AIS TRANSPONDER AIS TRANSPONDER a Pe ANT. The set up shown above shows how to connect for frequency measurement on AIS1, AlS2 and ch.70. The set up is also used for checking ch.70 communication.26 16. CHECKING AIS TRANSPONDER AIS TRANSPONDER, ot @ ANT. TROK REAR The set up shown above shows how to connect for transmitting to/receiving from an AIS transponder on AIS1 or AIS2 . The set up is used for AIS RECEIVE, AIS REC. LOOP, AIS TEST SEND and SIMULATE SHIP. SPECIFICATIONS Frequency measurements general: +/- 0.2 ppm +/- 1 digit, Frequency measurements Ch 70 , EPIRB, AIS1 AND AIS2: +/- 0.2 KHz. Output signals: Nominal frequency +/- 0.2 ppm. Frequency deviation measurements: +/- 0.5 KHz (+/- 0.1 KHz at 5 KHz) Power measurements: +/- 2 W (5 W to 30 W). - = :#-05W@-3W) Ambient temperature: 0 to 50 Deg. C. Storage temperature: -30 to +60 Deg. C. Size: 220x103x258 (LxHxW). Weight: 3.8 Ka. Other specifications: See performance check. 6/17/200527 PERFORMANCE CHECK. (Check the OCXO's calibration) Check mark/space frequencies in SELFTEST mode. Specification: fnom. +/- 0.1 ppm +/1 digit Check output level for MF/HF frequencies. Specification: -15 dBm +/- 3 dB. Check sensitivity at MF/HF DSC receiving Specification: <= -30 dBm for correct frequency measurements. Check sensitivity on Ch 70 via frequency measurements. Specification: <= -30 dBm for correct frequency measurements. Check sensitivity on EPIRB (406.025 MHz) via frequency measurements. Specification: <= -30 dBm for correct frequency measurements. Check sensitivity on 121.5/123.1 MHz via frequency measurements. Specification: <= -30 dBm for correct frequency measurements. Check accuracy for frequency measurements, All band (0.4 - 475 MHz). Specification: <= +/- 0.1 ppm with -30 dBm >= Pin <= 0 dBm VHF channel 70. Specification: <= +/- 0.2 KHz with -30 dBm >= Pin <= 0 dBm AM 123.1 MHz. Specification: <= +/-0.1 ppm with -30 dBm >= Pin <= 0 dBm AM 121.5 MHz. Specification: <= +/- 0.2 KHz with -30 dBm >= Pin <= 0 dBm28 CALIBRATION. General The calibrations should be performed at an ambient temperature of 20-25 degrees and after a 24 hour stabilisation period (power on). Follow the instructions given in the REPAIR MANUAL. OCXO frequency. Measure the OCXC’s frequenoy after the doubler circuit and adjust the OCXO’s multi turn potentiometer until the measured frequency is 2.000.000 Hz +/- 1 Hz. As reference for the frequency measurement a frequency standard with an accuracy of at least +/- 10 exp-8 should be used FM deviation. Connect a signal generator to the testbox's RF input, adjust the signal generator for 156.300 MHz modulated with 1 KHz and a frequency deviation of 5 KHz. Calibrate the testbox by means of the CAL-routine and then check that indicated frequency deviation equals the deviation in the signal from the signal generator. Specification: +/-.1 KHz at SKHz and +/- 0.5 KHz within the range 1 KHz to 6 KHz, Power measurement, Connect RF power/dummyload to the testbox's TX/ANT sockets and check that the testbox indicate forward/reflected power at an accuracy of +/- 2 W within the range 5 W to30W. And with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 W within the range 0.5 W to 3 W. If necessary adjust the potentiometers marked F resp. R in the antennacoupler until the specifications are met.