Navtex Navtex Navtex Navtex Broadcasting System Broadcasting System Broadcasting System Broadcasting System
Navtex Navtex Navtex Navtex Broadcasting System Broadcasting System Broadcasting System Broadcasting System
Navtex Navtex Navtex Navtex Broadcasting System Broadcasting System Broadcasting System Broadcasting System
Broadcasting System
Overview
Electronics Limited
Unit V Rudford Industrial Estate, Ford
West Sussex BN18 0BD England
Telephone +44 (0)1903 731101
Facsimile +44 (0)1903 731105
www.icselectronics.co.uk
ICS
GMDSS NAVTEX Broadcasting System System Overview
FOREWORD.........................................................................................................................................................3
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................................................7
KEY FEATURES ....................................................................................................................................................7
GENERAL.............................................................................................................................................................7
NAVTEX OPERATOR WORKSTATION.................................................................................................................9
TYPICAL SYSTEM DIAGRAM ..............................................................................................................................16
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ..................................................................................................................................17
SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................................................17
SPARES ..............................................................................................................................................................17
SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................................17
ANNEX A – TECHNICAL DATA ...................................................................................................................18
DSC2-006.30 NAVTEX MODEM .....................................................................................................................19
TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATION...........................................................................................................................20
HIGH POWER “T” ANTENNA SYSTEM ................................................................................................................21
NAVTEX MONITORING RECEIVERS .................................................................................................................23
NAV5SM NAVTEX RECEIVER .......................................................................................................................24
NAV6 NAVTEX RECEIVER .............................................................................................................................26
Foreword
ICS Electronics Ltd, a UK company founded in 1982, specialises in the design, manufacture and
supply of components and systems for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
ICS is one of the world’s principal manufacturers of NAVTEX broadcasting systems and NAVTEX
receivers for ships, fishing vessels and small craft.
The Windows® NAVTEX broadcasting systems enjoy an unrivalled reputation for excellence and
ease of use. Proven programme management, training and support services also feature strongly in our
ability to provide a total solution.
ICS revolutionised the ease of use of ship borne Digital Selective Calling (DSC) systems with the
introduction of large touch screen control panels.
With this strong background in GMDSS communication and an intimate knowledge of the
requirements and practical aspects of GMDSS, ICS can offer a range of sophisticated yet simple to
operate GMDSS Coast Station systems.
We can offer competitive solutions from simple standalone systems to advanced systems having a
number of remote radio stations controlled by multiple control centres. The DSC2 system may be
expanded to facilitate centralised control of all system resources is possible, reducing the running
costs of a GMDSS service.
Systems are available for NAVTEX, EGC, DSC and NBDP use.
For GMDSS coast radio station systems, ICS are the natural selection.
Completed 1996.
Completed 1996.
The Netherlands - Royal Netherlands Navy Area A1/A2 DSC Distress and Safety System using
dual server / workstations at 2 MRCC’s to be
integrated with the existing radio communication
system. The system includes 12 remote VHF sites
and 2 remote MF sites.
United Kingdom - MCA (HM Coastguard) Area A1/A2 DSC Distress and Safety System with
A.I.S. facilities using Windows NT4 Dual server with
multiple workstations.
Canada - Canadian Coast Guard Multi-site centrally controlled A3/A4 GMDSS Coast
Station System for the canadian Arctic featuring DSC,
RT and NBDP operation with automated control and
switching.
USA - SPAWAR (for USCG) Supply of a A1 GMDSS DSC and RT Distress and
Safety System, with four remote radio sites operating
under Windows NT.
USA - USCG Group Eastern Shore Supply of a trial A2 GMDSS DSC Distress and
Safety System, operating under Windows NT.
Netherlands Antilles –Royal Netherlands Navy Supply of NAVTEX messaging system operating
under Windows NT 4.0
United Kingdom – MoD (Royal Navy) 200 automated A1/A2/A3 DSC Systems for all ships
in the UK Royal Navy.
Systems provide DSC, RT and NBDP functionality.
System Description
Key features
Proven system
General
The NAVTEX Broadcasting System (NBS) provides facilities to compile, edit, schedule and
automatically transmit NAVTEX messages, in accordance with the requirements of the IMO
NAVTEX Manual and ITU recommendations.
The system is based on single or dual redundant Microsoft Windows NT4 NAVTEX Workstations
controlling proven NAVTEX modems.
Very high levels of availability are achieved using a dual redundant workstation configuration. One
workstation is configured as Main and the other as Standby. Main performs all NAVTEX message
transmission, whilst Standby maintains a copy of the schedules from the Main workstation. In the
event of a system failure, no data is lost and the Standby workstation will control the transmission of
NAVTEX messages.
The operator may use either workstation to create and edit NAVTEX messages for transmission.
The workstations control one or more NAVTEX modems based on the type approved ICS DSC2
range of modules. This NAVTEX modem features accurate signal timing and crystal controlled
mark/space tone generation. The encoded output signal, normally audio FSK, can also be made
available as a digital data stream. Transmit keying, transmitter selection and frequency selection
output signals are also provided.
The compilation of NAVTEX messages is very straightforward - essential when operator time may be
at a premium. Station letters, message serial numbers, message headers and end of transmission
characters are automatically generated. The operator simply has to select a category, select the first
transmission time slot from a pull down list and enter the message. To further aid the operator, the
NBS also allows easy import of the safety and meteorological information during message
compilation.
The flexible and scalable architecture allows centralised control of single station, single frequency
systems or multiple site, multiple frequency systems. The NAVTEX modems may be located at the
control centre or at the remote radio sites.
The system may be provided as a turnkey solution including transmitters, antennae and remote control
systems or as a sub-system ready for integration with existing equipment.
ICS also offer a range of monitoring receivers to verify the correct transmission of the NAVTEX
messages. These are self-contained units, or serial output versions suitable for remote monitoring.
Advanced scheduling
• Independent schedules for each station
• Supports multiple schedules for each station
• Relay facility for re-transmission of another stations messages
• Online transmission time usage indication
Billing reports
• Billing report option based on originator of messages
• Selectable accounting period
• Store, recall and print reports
Main window
The Main Window represents the working area of the NAVTEX Broadcasting System. This window
conveys information to the user and allows the scheduling of NAVTEX messages.
Individual Message
Transmitter NAVTEX Schedule transmission
status window messages time usage controls
Click on the schedule you wish the NAVTEX message to be included in.
Click the new message button. The NAVTEX Message Editor will appear allowing you to enter
the NAVTEX message and schedule its transmission.
Click on the Category dropdown list box and select the appropriate Message Category.
When a new category is selected, the next available serial number will be assigned to the
message. This can be overridden by entering the required serial number in the edit box. Serial
number allocation will then continue on from the new number. E.g. if serial numbers are currently
running as 10,11,12… and a new serial number of 20 is entered then serial numbers will continue
on as 21,22,23…
NAVTEX message categories, as shown below, are automatically defined during installation, but
may be redefined during system configuration
Select the ‘WZ/ID’ box and enter either the WZ number or message identifier supplied by the
originator. This field is mandatory as it is required for production of the billing information
Select the ‘Originator’ list box and either select the message originator from the list or type in a
‘one-off’ originator. This field is mandatory as it is required for the production of billing information.
Select the ‘Description’ box and type in an optional message description to ease the identification
of messages later.
The first transmission time will be set to the next available transmission slot and the last
transmission time will be set to the first transmission time + 42 days. Either of these times can be
changed by selecting a different transmission time from the appropriate listbox.
If the ‘special delivery’ box is checked the message will only be transmitted at those transmission
slots that have been designated as ‘special delivery’ slots in the schedule configuration.
Select the ‘NAVTEX Message’ box to type in the message for transmission. Only valid characters
from the International Telegraphic Alphabet No2 can be entered and all characters will appear in
upper case.
As you enter the message the overall schedule transmit time is displayed for your information. If
the overall time exceeds the default 10 minute limit an audible alarm will sound once, the title bar
of the affected schedule will turn red and a warning will be added to the schedule transmit time. If
the overall transmit time exceeds the configured time for that schedule the system will inhibit the
typing of further text.
When you have finished entering your NAVTEX message and scheduled its transmission, choose
the OK button to add it to the schedule.
Selected
message preview
Billing features
NAVTEX transmissions are often made on behalf of other countries, government agencies or
commercial organisations and may be chargeable.
Administration of this is made easy with the NBS Billing Report option.
A billing log file is maintained for each schedule by the NBS. These log files are in CSV (comma
separated values) format and are used by the NAVTEX Billing Utility, a stand-alone program, to
produce a billing report for all messages that expired during a specified accounting period for each
originator.
System Diagram
Please note that this diagram is given as a typical example only, and represents a centrally controlled
system with dual remote transmitters.
ATU
NAVTEX NAVTEX
Modem Modem
RS232 RS232
Line Modem Line Modem
RS232 RS232
Line Modem Line Modem
Local Local
Control Unit Control Unit
Telex line
Telex Line
Interface Unit
LAN
The system was found to be compliant with these requirements across the operating date range of the
system.
The NAVTEX Broadcasting System has an effective operating date range from 1 January 1970 to 18
January 2038.
System Documentation
The NAVTEX Broadcasting System is supplied with documentation in the form of a User Manual
describing normal operation of the system, composition and scheduling of messages. The contents of
this manual are also available on-line for access at any time by the operator.
The system will also include a Technical Manual that includes details of how to configure the system
and maintenance information for ensuring continued operation of the system.
Spares
Suitable spares will be included as part of our formal quotation.
Software Maintenance
The NAVTEX Broadcasting system software is covered for a period of one year by the system’s
standard warranty. ICS can offer to extend this warranty to the cover system software on an annual
basis. This facility would cover the system as detailed below.
Where a problem is identified as a possible software design fault ICS, will undertake to investigate the
problem immediately to determine what corrective action, if any, is required. The customer must
submit sufficient information to enable our support to understand and if necessary duplicate the
problem on a reference system. Where corrective action is deemed necessary, ICS will attempt to
resolve the problem immediately, or as soon as possible thereafter. When appropriate, ICS will
endevour to give an estimate of how long a problem may take to resolve.
Corrective action may take the form of a suggested work-around, modification and or additions to
documentation, software patch, or new software release. The installation and commissioning of any
corrective action is not included.
NET
MF/HF DSC
The DSC2-006.30 module is a telex codec that encodes and decodes NAVTEX FEC. It is used in
conjunction with a DSC2-003 MF/HF modem to provide a GMDSS compliant NBDP system.
The codec communicates with the host application, e.g. NAVTEX Broadcasting System, AUTOCOM
Telex system, using standard EIA 232 serial communications.
Transmitter Specification
405-535 kHz selectable in 100 Hz Meets requirements of CCIR -10ºC to +55ºC (storage -40ºC to
steps with Direct Digital Synthesis recommendation 328-3 +65ºC)
0-95% humidity (non condensing)
Power Rating Harmonic Emissions
Overall Efficiency
1250 watts carrier in A1A and F1B Better than –80 dB when used in
1250 watts PEP in A2A, adjustable conjunction with companion Better than 70% (Typically 73%)
down to 200W Antenna Tuning Unit and a (AC in to RF out)
standard antenna
Channels Cooling and Heat Flushing
ON/OFF Keying Radio
Up to 6 Forced air at approximately 90
Better than –120 dB cu.ft/min., 1280 BTU/hr.max
Carrier Frequency Stability
Hum and Noise Power Requirements
Better than ± 10 parts per million
of nominal over full environmental -60 dB relative to PEP at full 198-242V, 50/60, three phase, 3 or
range output power 4 wire
385-465V, 50/60, three phase, 3 or
Emission modes RF Load Impedance 4 wire
180-250V, 50/60 single phase
A1A – carrier keyed ON/OFF 50 ohms unbalanced Other voltages available
A2A – carrier and modulation Type “N” output connector
keyed ON/OFF standard. Other connectors Power Consumption
F18 – FSK with ± 85 Hz shift available upon request.
1.9 kVA maximum at 0.95 power
Modulation (A2A) Load Mismatch factor for 3 phase AC supply at full
output power
Nominally 1000 Hz adjustable Will accept any value of SWR 2178 VA maximum at 0.82 power
within ±5%. Other centre without damage factor for single phase AC supply
frequencies available upon request. at full output power
Controls
Envelope distortion Physical Size
Local
Less than 3% at full power with Extended Single phase AC supply
1kHz 95% modulation Remote Control via an RS232 24” wide x 31” deep x 74.5” high
interface using NAX51 option (61 x 80 x 189 cm)
Keying Rate
Weight
30 Baud maximum A1A and A2A
modes. 450 lbs approximately
100 baud maximum in F1B mode 205 kgs approximately
APPLICATION
This antenna is intended primarily for use with high powered Transmitter/Antenna Tuning Unit
Systems in the LF and MF bands. It is particularly intended for use with aeronautical and marine
non-directional radio beacons (NDB’s).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Basically, the antenna system consists of two interconnected #2 ACSR aluminium elements 230 ft
(70m) long, laterally spaced on 5’10” (1.75m) centres and supported by four high voltage insulators
between two towers at ground potential. The RF signal is fed to the antenna via an aluminium
jacketed downlead which is connected to both horizontal elements. The location of this connection
point is not fixed so the downlead can be installed in the most convenient position for individual site
requirements. The actual attachment of the antenna to the towers is by means of galvanised wire rope
halyards, two at each end, passed over pulleys fixed to the towers. One set of halyards is brought to
ground level and made fast to the tower. At the other end, the halyards are held down by
counterweights. This system of suspension prevents tower overload due to high winds and/or severe
icing. It also provides for much simpler inspection and maintenance procedures.
An optional ground plane of 18 – 500 ft. copper radials provide the RF current return path and
completes the system.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input RF Power Rating Up to 4000 watts average; 16000 watts peak with
T50 insulators without exceeding maximum RF
voltage level.
Maximum RF Operating
Voltage KV RMS WET*
T35 Insulators 35
T50 Insulators 50
* This figure is maximum recommended under wet conditions. To obtain peak voltage allowed,
multiply by a factor of 1.4. If station is 100% amplitude modulated, the voltage with
unmodulated carrier should not exceed one half of that shown.
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
0.57m3 177 kg
The NAV5 is a standard GMDSS approved direct printing NAVTEX receiver. Reliable and
compact, the NAV5 meets the latest IMO, IEC and ETS NAVTEX specifications. It is type
approved for IMO GMDSS fitting and includes all the facilities required for reception and
printing of NAVTEX messages. Simultaneous reception on any two of the NAVTEX frequencies
is also possible with the dual receiver model.
Specification
1 PWR
SUPPLY
12 - 24 VDC
DATA ON
ANTENNA
The NAV5SM, based on the NAV5S, is a NAVTEX receiver purpose designed to monitor
NAVTEX transmissions. This unit receives command data and outputs NAVTEX and status data via
a serial interface. The serial output data is formatted for direct connection to a printer or remote
connection over standard telephone channels using external line modems.
Specification
Receiver: compliant with ETS 300 065
Decoding: compliant with ITU-R M.540-2
Frequency: 518kHz standard, 490kHz or 4209.5kHz options available
Length: 235 mm
Width: 109 mm
Height: 48 mm
Weight: 1000 g
Voltage: 10.8 - 31.2 VDC
Power: 1.2 W typical
Temperature range: -15°C to 55°C
Antenna input: 50Ω
Interface: EIA 232, 4800 baud
Monitoring Features
Rejection of messages
The NAV5SM will indicate if a message has been rejected because the error rate has
exceeded 33%.
Example output:
Example output: