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Product support: B921/B922/B923/B924

em-trak dedicated customer support is available 24/7 globally to help you get the most from your em-trak product.

Installation

Installing your B900 series

If you need to reset the MMSI on the B92x the reset tool is required.
Dealers have access to the reset tool, which can be downloaded from the link below.

/hc/articles/28856340399005

Due to strict regulations about who is allowed to edit MMSI numbers on vessels, this reset tool must not be distributed to members of the public, nor should it ever be posted online or in a location where it could possibly be made available to anyone outside of your organisation.

 

VHF Antenna: Connection to a suitable VHF antenna will be required for the AIS transceiver to receive and transmit. The AIS unit will require an VHF antenna (tuned to 162MHz) for optimum performance. For your splitter installation, we recommend a VHF antenna suitable for 156MHz and 162MHz.

 

VHF Antenna Cable: Please check that the VHF antenna you intend to use has sufficient cable to reach between the VHF antenna and the AIS transceiver unit. If it is not enough you will need an extension cable. RG-58 or RG-8X can be used for short distances, however for longer runs we would recommend a low loss cable like RG-213. For reference the VHF antenna connector type on the AIS transceiver unit is SO 239 and is intended to mate with a PL 259 connector.

 

Power Cable: The AIS transceiver unit is supplied with a two metre long power and data cable. If you require longer cables to reach your power supply, please ensure the cables are capable of carrying currents of up to 2A peak and 200mA on average. Means of connecting the cables together will also be required.

 

Chart plotter:
To display received AIS messages from other vessels on your chart plotter, you will need to connect your AIS transceiver to your chart plotter. Please refer to the user manual supplied with your chart plotter for details of how to connect and configure your chart plotter for use with AIS devices. For general guidance your chart plotter should be configured to accept NMEA data at 38400 baud (sometimes referred to as ‘NMEA HS’ in the plotter configuration menu). You may also need to enable the display of AIS targets in the chart options.
Alternatively if you use an NMEA2000 network on your vessel it is possible to connect the AIS transceiver to the NMEA2000 network via a suitable cable. Please refer to your dealer for details of NMEA2000 cables.

Configuration of the AIS is carried out using our configuration software proAIS2. A guide on how to use proAIS2 in the FAQ section under How do I use proAIS2?

A copy of proAIS2 is available in the Configuration Software section

 

WiFi variants like the B922 and B924 can be configured using the Connect-AIS app available on IOS and Android devices. A guide on how to use Connect-AIS in the FAQ section under How do I use Connect-AIS?

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting your B900 series

If you’re having difficulty displaying AIS on your chartplotter, please follow the instructions below.

  1. Some old Chart plotters do not support AIS so you’ll need to confirm compatibility by checking the manual for reference to AIS and/or VDM.
  2. Check the receiving port can be configured to 38400 baud on the chart plotter. 
  3. Make sure it’s connected correctly by simply connecting the NMEA 0183 transmit wires on the B900 Series (Brown is TX+, Blue is TX-) to the corresponding NMEA 0183 receive wires on your compatible chartplotter. You’ll need to connect the positive wires together and the negative wires together. For example:
    • TX+ to RX+
    • TX-  to RX –

The user manual details the function of each wire, but for your reference please see below a table explaining the connections on the B900 Series:

 mceclip0.png

 If you need any further assistance, please contact us at support@em-trak.com and we’ll be glad to help.

The RX 1 / RX 2 DSC start / Stop message is a completely normal message and is not an indication of a fault or problem.

Essentially, it’s just a text message indicating when one of the AIS receivers has started/stopped a DSC channel management listening period. Class B AIS transceivers are required to listen to channel 70 (the DSC channel) periodically at specific times defined in the standards, for DSC channel management commands. 

The following LED status modes will be available to assist in the quick diagnosis of issues:

1 – Solid red and amber LEDs: No MMSI / external power outside of required range (12-24V)

2 – Flashing amber LED: the unit is waiting for a GPS fix.

3 – Flashing red LED: VSWR exceeding limit. (Good VSWR is around 1.2:1)

4 – Solid red LED: System error (check Diagnostics tab of proAIS2 for detail on the failure)

If you see any different LED status lights displayed, or if you have any questions about the examples shown above, then please contact the Customer Support Team for advice at: support@em-trak.com

Alternatively, connect your B921, B922, B923 or B924 to the latest version of proAIS2 to check the diagnostic status of your unit.

The data captured in a log file will help us diagnose any fault. Can you please follow the instructions below:

  • Connect the unit via USB to a PC or laptop and apply 12-24V
  • Open up proAIS2 configuration software
  • Connect to the AIS unit
  • Go to the Serial Data tab
  • Select Log To File
  • Save the log to a location
  • Select the Diagnostics tab
  • Leave the unit transmitting for a duration of 30 minutes.
  • Stop logging and then send us the log file via email to support@em-trak.com

 

The pin-out for the B900 power/data cable is below:

B900_Series_PinOuts.jpg

 

You will need to ensure you use a suitable USB cable when connecting to your PC or laptop. There are two different types: power and data, and power only. The B900 Series requires a power and data USB cable, so using a power only cable will not allow detection or communication.

Unfortunately there is no way to determine the type from the appearance of the USB cable itself, so if you are unsure we would recommend specifically purchasing a power and data USB cable.

By default any data received on port 1 will be output on port 2 and over Wi-Fi / Bluetooth.
Also by default any data received on port 2 will be output on port 1. To multiplex that data received on port 2 over Wi-Fi / Bluetooth as well,  please send the following command:

$PSMT,0,3,0x2C75B2FA,0,nvseti “nmea2mux”^2C0x5^2C2^2C0^2C0,0*7C

The command can be sent via the Serial Data tab in proAIS2.

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.

Product change notifications

Product change notifications for the B900 series

The B92x software has been updated to 140200.01.15.00. This is to support NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 conversion. Table showing conversions from NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183, and NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 can be found in section 5.3.1 NMEA conversions, in the user manual

PCN 61 can be downloaded here – https://em-trak.sharefile.com/d-sba04fcd78bb5480ead9e7936af59e4a0

Once downloaded you will need to extract the zip file to your local machine, run the ‘Updater’ application and follow the on-screen instructions. Please note the updater is compatible with Windows operating systems only.

 

 

Please Note; The updater tool can only be carried out using USB cable on a computer/laptop. Please ensure that proAIS2 is installed first as it also installs the required USB drivers. proAIS2 can be downloaded from here.

Certification

Certification for the B900 series

Please download the B921 Declaration of Conformity below.

 

Please download the B922 Declaration of Conformity below.

 

Please download the B923 RED Declaration of Conformity below

 

 

Please download the B924 RED Declaration of Conformity below

 

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We are aware of an issue currently affecting some Android users of the Connect-AIS application. Our technical team is actively investigating the cause and working to restore full functionality as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, you may use our configuration software proAIS2 on your Windows PC or MAC OS via the USB data cable to configure your unit and see other diagnostics information.

proAIS2 Download – https://productsupport.em-trak.com/hc/en-gb/articles/28856291064093-proAIS2-040300-01-24-02-for-Windows-and-macOS

How To Use ProAIS2 – https://productsupport.em-trak.com/hc/en-gb/articles/28856240027165-How-do-I-use-proAIS2

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. In the meantime, we kindly ask for your patience. Updates on the resolution will be communicated as soon as they are available.

 

 

You may occasionally see ‘TX Attempt failed (msg 18)’ or ‘CP busy’ appear in the Messages field of proAIS2.

The B921/B922/B923/B924 all operate using CSTDMA – a ‘carrier sense’ system. They have to find a free slot to transmit in by listening just before transmission to check the slot is empty.

When a transmission is scheduled a block of 10 potential slots is selected. It will attempt to transmit in the first of these slots. If the slot is busy the ‘CP busy’ (meaning ‘candidate position busy’) message will be output. It will then try again in the next slot, and so on for the remainder of the 10 slot block. It is quite normal to see ‘CP busy’ messages in an area where other AIS vessels are operating. It simply means the first slot selected was busy. 99% of the time the transmission will be successful in one of the other 9 slots.

So long as the indicator remains green transmissions are occurring on schedule. If transmissions can’t be made because the AIS environment is simply too busy the indicator will turn amber.

The B922 / B924 Bluetooth interface uses the Classic SPP (Serial Port Profile) – this is a standard method of replicating a wired serial connection and is used by many applications including Android, Windows, and Raspberry Pi.

Apple removed support for Bluetooth SPP from iOS, opting for a proprietary authentication method instead, so unfortunately the B922 / B924 are not recognised as Bluetooth devices.

CONNECT-AIS allows your smartphone to securely connect wirelessly to your B922 or B924, configure it and automatically monitor its health and performance.

The iOS version of CONNECT-AIS can be downloaded from the App Store – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/connect-ais/id1507169676?ign-mpt=uo%3D4en

The Android APK version of CONNECT-AIS can be downloaded from – https://em-trak.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s803b48ccedad4db9abae5b7c406a1644

*If you’re having trouble downloading CONNECT-AIS using the above link, please search for it using the Play Store app on your mobile device instead.

The Access Point mode default password for the B922 / B924 is emtrakais

This can be changed using the Wi-Fi tab of proAIS2, the configuration tool.

If you’re using the default Wi-Fi configuration on your B922/B924 it will be identified as ’em-trak’ on the latest version of the Navionics Boating app.

Otherwise, please follow the steps below to add the B922/B924 manually:

  • Connect to your AIS SSID from your Android or iOS Wi-Fi Settings page
  • Enter the password when prompted(found in your packaging or on the WiFi tab of proAIS2.)
  • Once connected, open up the Navionics app
  • Next select Menu on the Navionics app
  • Select Paired Devices
  • At the bottom of the page select ADD DEVICE
  • Under TCP enter a name
  • Enter your Host (IP address)
  • Enter your Port number
  • Click Save
    The app should start receiving data

Note: You will also need to enable Location and Local Network in the Navionics app settings.

While each settings may be different, the above network information will apply to any other navigational applications such as, InavX, Aqua Maps, TimeZero, etc.



 

Establishing a connection 

To connect to proAIS2 you will need to select the relevant device (usually ‘AIS Class B Transceiver’ for Windows and ‘AIS Virtual COM port’ for macOS) from the drop down menu at the top of the screen before pressing the ‘Connect’ button. If there is no suitable device to select, please ensure the USB cable is securely connected and that the appropriate LEDs are illuminated to indicate it has initialised. If you are still unable to connect to proAIS2 after verifying the connection please contact support@em-trak.com for assistance.

‘Configuration’ tab

Vessel Details:

You will need to populate these fields using the details from your ship license.

The MMSI number will be the same as the one issued for your VHF radio. If you have not been issued with an MMSI number you will need to contact your local authority. Please contact support@em-trak.com if your MMSI number has already been configured and you need to change it. The remaining vessel data can be edited using proAIS2 once configured. Configuration of the call sign is not required if you do not have one.

Ship’s Dimensions and GNSS Antenna location:

Enter the position of your GPS antenna (in metres) in reference to the four dimensions of your boat. If your unit is using its internal GPS antenna you will need to enter the position of your unit.

Configure Baud Rates:

This setting controls the speed at which data is output from the NMEA 0183 port(s). You will need to ensure it matches the baud rate of the connected equipment (for example, a chartplotter or VHF radio). Typically, chartplotters require 38,400 baud and VHF radios require 4,800 baud. AIS data should not be configured for output at baud rates lower than 38,400 – this is because messages may be dropped when travelling through areas of high traffic where there is a lot of data to process.

Output GNSS Sentences:

Tick the boxes as required to output the GPS sentences over the NMEA 0183 port(s). This will usually be defined by the external equipment you’re connecting to, but if unknown RMC is typically required to provide position and SOG/COG. If you require GPS data (PGNs) to be output over the NMEA 2000 port you will need to tick the RMC box.

GNSS configuration:

This setting controls the combinations of satellite constellations which are used to get a position fix. It is not supported by the B100, B300, or B330 as they use GPS only.

Long range broadcast:

This setting enables/disables the transmission of Message 27, used for long range detection. It’s transmitted on a different channel (frequency) and typically received by satellites. This proAIS2 feature is supported by Class B SO products only.

 

Please note that any applied configuration will need to be saved by pressing the ‘Write Configuration’ button.

 

‘GNSS Status’ tab

Use this tab to check the performance of your GPS antenna. This is particularly useful if you’re unsure where you need to mount your unit if it uses an internal GPS antenna. A good GPS fix is 30-40dBHz, although this may be difficult to achieve if your unit is using an internal GPS antenna and there’s an obstruction interfering with the signal.

 

‘Other Vessels’ tab

This tab shows the vessels in range. The vessels can be sorted by selecting the appropriate parameter at the top of the field.

 

‘Diagnostics’ tab

Checklist:

If your unit is fully configured and installed correctly every parameter should have a green tick against it.

Internal Data:

This field displays software versions, serial numbers, and operational/performance data. You may be requested for this information if you contact em-trak customer support for assistance.

‘VSWR’ is Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, and is an indicator of VHF antenna performance. A good VSWR is 3:1 or less, and can be affected by factors such as length or quality of cable and type of VHF antenna connected. If it exceeds the threshold a red cross will appear against AIS Antenna in the checklist field.

‘Power supply voltage’ reports the voltage received at the unit. There may be a small drop in voltage between the battery / power source and the unit, depending on the length of cable. External power (12-24V) is required for the unit to receive and transmit.

Status:

Reflects the LED indicator status on your unit. Select the ‘Silent Mode’ button to enable / disable silent mode, where the blue LED will illuminate if enabled.

Statistics:

Displays the number of messages that have been received and transmitted.

Messages:

Occasionally messages will be output in this field depending on the operational status of your product.

Class B/CS products routinely output ‘CP busy’ or ‘TX attempt failed’ messages; these are normal and relate to the way that Carrier Sense operates, where it needs to listen out for a free slot before it can transmit. You may also see a message relating to RX1 / RX2 and DSC; this is also normal and indicates when one of the receivers is monitoring the DSC channel on a regular, time-shared basis.

Alarms:

This field displays all active alarms. The alarm will be indicated with a corresponding red LED, either flashing (high VSWR) or solid (other hardware-related failure). If the conditions change and the alarm is no longer active, it will disappear from the list and the red LED will stop.

 

‘Wi-Fi’ tab

Use this tab to configure the W-Fi interface on your unit. The configurable parameters will differ between the B330 / B360 products and the newer B200 / B900 Series products; the specific details are covered in the product manuals. This tab is only available on products that support Wi-Fi.

As with the vessel data configuration, you will need to press the ‘Write Configuration’ button to save any changes.

 

‘Serial Data’ tab

Raw serial data is output on this tab. It can also be used to log the serial data to a file (which may be requested for diagnostic purposes if you contact em-trak for support), and there’s a field to enter command(s), if you have requested a configuration that isn’t supported directly by proAIS2.

 

‘VDR’ tab

Your position is automatically logged every time your vessel moves more than 10 meters, and this tab can be used to download that data from a selectable date range. The VDR feature is only supported on Wi-Fi products, and this proAIS2 tab is currently available for the B330 and B360 only.

 

If you have a question relating to proAIS2, and it isn’t covered in this article, please contact support@em-trak.com

The Android APK version of CONNECT-AIS can be downloaded from – https://em-trak.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s803b48ccedad4db9abae5b7c406a1644

The iOS version of CONNECT-AIS can be downloaded from the App Store – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/connect-ais/id1507169676?ign-mpt=uo%3D4en

*If you’re having trouble downloading CONNECT-AIS using the above link, please search for it using the Play Store app on your mobile device instead.

 

Establishing a connection

The iOS version requires a Wi-Fi connection, and only with the default IP address 192.168.2.1 / port number 5000. To establish a connection you will need to select your SSID from the iOS Wi-Fi Settings page, then enter the password when prompted (the default is emtrakais).

The Android version requires a Bluetooth connection. If you haven’t already done so, you will be prompted to enable Bluetooth on your smartphone when you start the app. Please note that there is a 5-minute pairing window, for security purposes. If your unit has been powered on for longer than 5 minutes and you need to pair it to your smartphone, please completely remove and reapply power (including USB). This does not apply to devices already paired over Bluetooth, so once your smartphone is paired it will always remain connected when in range.

When you open CONNECT-AIS you will be prompted to select the device from a list, followed by the last four digits of the product serial number.

If you are unable to connect to CONNECT-AIS after verifying the connection, please contact support@em-trak.com for assistance.

Your Vessel Details

Once you have selected the ‘Configure your AIS Transceiver’ option you will be taken to the ‘Your Vessel Details’ screen, where you will need to populate the fields using the details from your license.
If you have not been issued with an MMSI number you will need to contact your local authority. Please contact support@em-trak.com if your MMSI number has already been configured and you need to change it. The remaining vessel data can be edited using CONNECT-AIS once it has been configured.


Your Vessel Dimensions

Enter the position of your GPS antenna (in metres) in reference to the dimensions of your vessel. If your unit is using the internal GPS antenna you will need to enter the position of your unit. Once this is entered you will need to check the details and confirm they’re correct.


Home

The status of your unit is shown in the top right corner. A green icon indicates the unit is operating optimally, while a red icon indicates there is an issue to attend to. Tap on the icon to go straight to the Diagnostics screen.
The COG, SOG, and position details at the top of the Home screen all refer to your own vessel. The target plot shows the other vessels in range. Selecting a target will populate the details in the fields below.


Settings

Clicking the ‘cog’ icon on the Home screen opens the Settings menu as follows:
My AIS

Displays your own vessel details and provides an option to edit them.
Diagnostics

Transceiver status

If your unit is fully configured and operating optimally every parameter will have a green tick against it. A red ! icon indicates an issue that requires attention. Tap the ! icon for detail.

GPS performance

Use this screen to check the performance of your GPS antenna. This is particularly useful if you’re unsure where you need to mount your unit when using the internal GPS antenna. A good GPS fix is at least 30dBHz.

Toggling ‘Enable GPS sentences’ will enable/disable GPS data output over the USB, NMEA 0183, and NMEA 2000 interfaces.

Serial port baud rates

This setting controls the speed at which data is output from the NMEA 0183 port(s). You will need to ensure it matches the baud rate of the connected equipment (for example, a chartplotter or VHF radio). Typically, chartplotters require 38,400 baud and VHF radios require 4,800 baud. AIS data should not be configured to a baud rate lower than 38,400 – this is because messages may be dropped from the output when travelling through areas of high traffic and there is a lot of data to process.

Software versions
This screen displays the software versions and the product serial number. This information may be requested if you contact em-trak for assistance.
Diagnostic log
This will generate a diagnostic log to be sent via email. If you require assistance please send it to support@em-trak.com with the details of the problem. We recommend generating a log after 30 minutes of uptime to provide enough data for analysis.


MY-TRAK

This feature allows you to download and export your voyage in GPX format. Own vessel position data is recorded at 6-minute intervals for every 100m travelled. Data is logged for up to 30 days.


Silent mode
Toggle ‘Silent Mode’ to enable/disable transmissions. The unit will continue to receive and output AIS messages regardless of whether silent mode is enabled or not. When silent mode is enabled the blue LED will illuminate on the unit.

 

MMSI Number Change

MMSI number can also be change via the App. This is done via the Edit Vessel Menu


If you have any further questions relating to CONNECT-AIS please contact support@em-trak.com

Yes, without power to the B923 or B924 the VHF radio will continue to operate.

User manual / guides

B900 series user manual / guides

Please download the B900 Series user manual in English below 

 

Please download the B900 Series QSG below.

Please download the B900 Series user manual in German below 

 

 

Please download the B900 Series user manual in Spanish below

 

Please download the B900 Series user manual in Dutch below 

 

Please download the B900 Series user manual in French below.

The GPS100 can be pole-mounted or surface-mounted. Full instructions are provided in the attached installation guide.

Configuration software

B900 series configuration software

proAIS2 040300.01.24.02 for Windows and macOS can be downloaded here –https://em-trak.sharefile.com/d-s39912f8c0f074b76bfc4eae7039ffa02

This version addresses an issue where the MSVCP140_1.dll file was missing in some Windows installations.

 

 

If you’re using the em-trak app, CONNECT-AIS, with your B924 and see a message that your software needs updating, please download the following updater tool – https://em-trak.sharefile.com/d-s5f5b5eb295fe4c09a55efde4ac554c97

Once downloaded you will need to extract the zip file to your local machine, run the ‘Updater’ application and follow the on-screen instructions. Please note the updater is compatible with Windows operating systems only.

 

Please Note; The updater tool can only be carried out using USB cable on a computer/laptop.

Please ensure that proAIS2 is installed first as it also installs the required USB drivers. proAIS2 can be downloaded from /hc/articles/28856298408477

 

If you’re using the em-trak app, CONNECT-AIS, with your B922 and see a message that your software needs updating, please download the following updater tool – https://em-trak.sharefile.com/d-s5926b4c3d1814d15ac26ead428d2f258

Once downloaded you will need to extract the zip file to your local machine, run the ‘Updater’ application and follow the on-screen instructions. Please note the updater is compatible with Windows operating systems only.

 

Please Note; The updater tool can only be carried out using USB cable on a computer/laptop.

Please ensure that proAIS2 is installed first as it also installs the required USB drivers. proAIS2 can be downloaded from /hc/articles/28856298408477

 

Further support