Here is the A100 alarm ID list:
If you have any questions regarding the alarms displayed on your A100 please contact support@em-trak.com
Product support: A100
em-trak dedicated customer support is available 24/7 globally to help you get the most from your em-trak product.
Installation
Installing your A100
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What antenna should I use for the A100?
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For the best AIS signal range, use a VHF antenna tuned to 162 MHz.
Antenna placement is just as important as the antenna itself. Make sure it’s mounted upright, away from anything that might touch it (like rigging or other antennas), and keep it well clear of high-power devices (like radar or radios) and metal objects that could block the signal.
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How to display and transmit Heading on the A100?
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GPS can provide COG and SOG, but not true heading—the direction the vessel is actually pointing. For that, you need a True Heading Sensor or Gyro Compass that outputs HDT or THS NMEA sentences.
When connected to the A100, true heading will appear on the Dynamic Data screen and be included in transmitted AIS messages. GPS data alone (like RMC sentences) isn’t enough for true heading.
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How do I configure my A100?
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The A100 can be configured using the buttons and scroll wheel to navigate the menus on the display.
You can also use the configuration tool, configAIS, to configure the unit. Communication will be via the RS232 port, so if your PC/laptop does not have a corresponding RS232 port we would recommend using an RS232 – USB adaptor.
configAIS is available for download from the following article –
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What else do I need before I start installing the A100?
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Additional Items Needed for A100 Installation
VHF Antenna: Must be tuned to 162 MHz for AIS transmit/receive.
Antenna Cable: Ensure it reaches the AIS unit. Use RG-58 or RG-8X for short runs; RG-213 for longer ones. The AIS uses an SO-239 connector (mates with PL-259).
Power Cable: Supplied 2 m cable supports up to 4A. Use appropriately rated extensions and connectors if more length is needed.
Data Cables: Use shielded multi-core cable to connect sensors (DGPS, Gyro, etc.) to the AIS transceiver.
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Where should I install the A100?
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A100 Installation Location Guidelines
Mount at least 30 cm (1 ft) from compasses or magnetic devices.
Allow space for cable routing and ensure ventilation (especially for panel mounting).
Keep temperature between -15°C and +55°C (5°F to 131°F).
Avoid flammable or hazardous areas like engine rooms or near fuel tanks.
Install below deck in a weather-protected area.
Use supplied screws for bracket mounting or panel clamps for flush mounting (access behind panel required).
Position where the display is clearly visible from the vessel’s main control point.
Ensure an AC power port is near the pilot plug, which can be front-mounted or relocated via junction box.
Please refer to the A100 user manual for full details.
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How do I output GPS data from the A100 to an external device?
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GPS data can be output to external devices via the A100 Junction Box. Junction Box connections are covered in detail in the A100 user manual.
The A100 configuration tool, configAIS, will be required to configure the output of GPS data over the serial ports. When connected to the tool select the required sentence from the highlighted field below by ticking the relevant box, then press the ‘Set Sensor Repeat’ button to apply the configuration:
configAIS can be downloaded from the following article –
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How do I edit my MMSI number on my A100?
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The MMSI number can be edited in the following screen:
Go to MENU >>> INSTALLATION >>> SET IDENTIFICATION.
Enter password (default password 00000000)
Select MMSI >>> Edit
Finally enter the new MMSI and click SaveIf you have lost or forgotten your password please go to this article –
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting your A100
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What are the typical ADC and VSWR values (for fault finding) for the A100?
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A100 Diagnostics – Typical Values (High Power Mode)
Ensure the unit is connected to a proper VHF antenna, GPS antenna, and PC. These are normal diagnostics values:
GPS Status:
GPS Locked
ADC & VSWR:
Ch0: >100 (typically 140–150)
Ch1: <50 (typically ~20)
Ch2–4 (RSSI Rx1–3): ~50 (40s–60s range)
Ch5: <70
Ch6: ~6.8V
Ch7: ~13.8V
Transmission Info:
VSWR: < 3:1 (good)
TX Power Level: High
Forward Power: ~220
Reverse Power: ~15
📩 Contact support@em-trak.com if values are outside these ranges.
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What does the Alarms on the A100 mean?
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Why can’t I see my A100 on AIS websites?
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AIS tracking sites get their data from AIS receivers that are installed along coastlines as well as satellites. Satellites receive a very low percentage (<2%) of transmissions from standard AIS transceivers and have many blind spots. Therefore tracking sites do not provide full coverage, at times their reception range is variable, may drop out entirely and their data refresh rate cycles and latencies can be very slow.
The best way to check your AIS is working correctly is to ask a nearby vessel with AIS if they can see you.
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Why am I getting a ‘high VSWR’ alarm on the A100?
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The high VSWR alarm will get triggered when the VHF antenna is not performing optimally. A good VSWR is typically 3:1 or less. High VSWR can be caused by a fault or loose connection at the connectors, cable, or the VHF antenna itself.
It can also be caused when a VHF antenna is mounted parallel to a metal surface, or when in close proximity to an obstruction or another transmitting antenna.
It may also be possible that your VHF antenna is unsuitable for AIS. AIS operates around at frequencies around 162MHz, so if your VHF antenna isn’t tuned accordingly it will not receive or transmit as far as it could do.
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Why can’t I get a GPS fix on the A100?
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If a working GPS antenna is connected to the A100, signal loss may be due to poor installation or environmental conditions.
Mount the GPS antenna as high as possible (but not on a tall mast) with a clear view of the sky, away from RADAR or satellite antennas.
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Why isn’t my chartplotter displaying AIS data from the A100?
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If your chartplotter supports AIS but shows no targets, check NMEA 0183 wiring:
Match positive (A/+) and negative (B/-) signal lines.
Connect transmit to receive, and vice versa.
Ensure baud rates match—use 38,400 for AIS to avoid message loss in busy areas.
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How can I tell if my A100 is transmitting?
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A100 Transmission Check – Quick Reference
1. Nearby Vessel Check
✔ Ask a nearby AIS-equipped vessel if they can see your AIS data.
✘ Don’t rely on AIS websites—they may not show real-time info.2. TX Indicator
✔ Look for the “TX” symbol on the A100 display.
ℹ It appears periodically, not continuously.3. Communication Test
📍 Menu Path:
Home > Maintenance > Communication Test🔹 Select a vessel from the list (A100 auto-selects one within 15–25 nm if possible).
🔹 The unit sends a message and checks for a reply.
Product change notifications
Product change notifications for the A100
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PCN 37 – A100 – Software update – Unit correction/AtoN name display
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PCN 37 can be downloaded here – https://em-trak.sharefile.com/public/share/web-sbbf05e899bcd4c0c8608a2f1b14028e4
This software update:
- corrects the issue where ‘?’ is displayed instead of ° (on the Own Dynamic Data screen, in the Asian MKD release)
- displays the AtoN name on the Target List screen
Northern European, Southern European, and Asian language packages are included in the same release.
Bootloader: 030100.02.05.00
AIS application: 030200.06.12.01
MKD application: 030400.03.10.01 / 030405.03.10.01 / 030404.03.10.01
Certification
Certification for the A100
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CCNR Inland AIS certificate
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The A100 CCNR Inland Waterways approval certificate is available for download below.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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How do I reset the password back to default on the A100?
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If the password is lost then it can be reset via the ‘Change password screen’.
Simply entering ‘MIDSOMER’ as the old password will enable you to set up a new password.When entering either the default 00000000 or the reset MIDSOMER passwords you will need to press the scroll wheel button eight times, at which point the ninth character will flash but not be selected. If ‘Confirm’ is pressed the password should then be accepted.
Owing to the sensitive nature of this information, please remember not to share this with anyone outside of your organisation. We would also request that you do not post this information online or in forums where end users can view it.
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How do I enable/disable silent mode on the A100?
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The silent mode menu option can be enabled in the following way:
- go to Menu ->Maintenance -> Enter Feature Code
- enter 4050017A
After cycling the power a ‘Set TX Silent Mode’ menu will appear under User Settings, where silent mode can be enabled/disabled using either a menu setting or an external switch.
If you wish to remove the silent mode option please follow the same process as above, entering the following feature code instead:
4050017BAfter cycling the power you will find the silent mode menu option has been removed.
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Does the A100 receive message 17?
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The em-trak A100 Class A will receive Message 17 data, provided it is in range of a base station outputting this information.
Message 17 is only transmitted by base stations and as such it is not transmitted by Class A devices.
The data contained in the message is used solely for correcting the location of the receiving unit (in this case the A100). This being the case, the received data is only used for the units own GPS receiver corrections. This (potentially) corrected information is then used in the receiving vessels A100 location.
It’s also worth mentioning that whilst Class A equipment standards dictate that a Class A cannot receive corrections from SBAS satellites directly, the unit can still receive and accept a differentially corrected signal by:
– Connecting a DGPS beacon receiver to the DGPS port of the junction box
– Connecting an external GPS receiver that either has a built in DGPS receiver or has the ability to receive SBAS corrections
This information can then be used by the A100 and also output (as required) via the units Pilot and Serial connections.
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What are the position reporting intervals on the A100?
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Please see below for a chart detailing the reporting intervals of the A100 Class A, AIS Transceiver.
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What are the supported languages on the A100?
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The A100 supports the following languages, all of which are available from the software update packages:
Northern European Languages
English (default)
Dutch
French
GermanSouthern European Languages
English (default)
French
Spanish
Portuguese
Greek
ItalianAsian Languages
English (default)
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
KoreanThe required language can be selected by going to the following screen:
Menu ->User Settings ->Set Language
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Can I use an Antenna Splitter with my em-trak A100?
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No, IMO regulations on the use of Class A AIS transceivers state that Class A units must be connected to their own VHF antenna and must not share a VHF antenna with other devices. This being the case, you must not use an antenna splitter to connect your A100 to an existing antenna system.
For help deciding which antenna is most suitable for you and advice what to do/what to avoid regarding installation, please search this support section for “What VHF antenna should I use?”
User manual / guides
A100 user manual / guides
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A100 mounting template
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The A100 mounting template can be downloaded below.
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A100 user manual (EN)
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The A100 user manual (EN) can be downloaded below.
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A100 user manual (DE)
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The A100 user manual (DE) can be downloaded below.
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A100 user manual (NL)
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The A100 user manual (NL) can be downloaded below.
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A100 user manual (FR)
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The A100 user manual (FR) can be downloaded below.
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A100 user manual (ES)
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The A100 user manual (ES) can be downloaded below.
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A100 Quick Installation Guide
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The A100 Quick Installation Guide can be downloaded below.
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A100 Quick Operation Guide (DE)
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The A100 Quick Operation Guide (QOG) can be downloaded below.
This document is in German and is a requirement of the CCNR Inland Waterways.
Configuration software
A100 configuration software
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configAIS 2.2
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The A100 configuration tool, configAIS 2.2, can be downloaded below.