The KATAS OnBoard is a small module which replaces the microcontroller of the popular AIS Engine which is an inexpensive unit for receiving and decoding of Automatic Identification System (AIS) broadcasts from passenger and commercial ships. The KATAS OnBoard utilises the host unit's bi-channel receiver and decoder circuitry but replaces the computational part of the circuit to give extended decoding ability, additional formatted output display modes and easier user-control of system settings. It fits inside neatly and unobtrusively and gives the host unit most of the software functionality of a KATAS AIS receiver. No soldering is required for fitment; the unit simply plugs in.

Use of the KATAS OnBoard requires the original equipment to be opened up which means that the manufacturer's integrity seals will need to be removed. Only perform this modification if you are sure that your warranty has expired, or if you have no intention of making a claim on the warranty, should a problem occur.

Requirements:

• 'Straight NMEA' mode can be used with several different charting programs running on computer system.
• 'Multi-mode' is to be used VT100 terminal emulation software or high-level charting software.
• Recommended use is with PC computer with available serial port running ShipPlotter software from COAA
• Occasional Internet access is required to register ShipPlotter software and to obtain updates.
• ShipPlotter software requires pentium-grade Windows PC with high graphics resolution. Soundcard is not needed.

Features:

• Encodes all AIS message types to !AIVDM sentences, both broadcast and addressed, including class B vessel reports.
• Messages handled can be up to the full five slot length in NMEA modes.
• Serial output can be configured to be either 19,200 or 38,400 baud.
• Allows easy control of receiver channel by simple keyboard commands
• Wide range digital squelch control is able to blank all but the very strongest signals.
• Has bi-colour LED for squelch feedback and indication of signal decoding status.
• LED also indicates incoming GPS NMEA data error status
• Includes 'Straight NMEA' mode for compatibility as well as enhanced KATAS 'Multi-Mode'
• 'Multi-Mode' displays range and bearing of each ship from own static or dynamic position
• Own position can be manually set when unit is used in fixed location.
• Stores all user parameters in non-volatile RAM, no need to re-enter configurations each time
• 'Multi-Mode' 1 (Scrolling-mode) fully decodes message types 1-5
• 'Multi-Mode' 1 shows source MMSI plus message name of all other message types
• Gives indication of signal strength of each signal whilst operating in Multi-Mode' 1
• For mobile use, unit can repeat GPS $xxRMC sentences or can encode !AIVDO messages
• Own MMSI can be manually set for encoding into !AIVDO messages
• !AIVDO messages can be output at several fixed rates
• Reads GPS NMEA sentences at 4800, 9600, 19200 or 38400 baud when set to 'Multi-Mode'
• Has variable output pacing facility to allow for slower output devices

Supplied with:

• KATAS AIS Starter Disc CD-ROM (PC format) allowing use 'straight out of the box'.
• Hardware-specific instruction leaflet detailing connections, fitting instructions and basic operation guide.
• Comprehensive 'Multi-Mode' User Guide, giving full command details and screen data descriptions.
• 12 months return-to-base warranty, excepting for damage caused by user modifications.

Optionally-available:

• Interface dongle to adapt host serial port wiring to that understood by KATAS Serial Switch boxes.
• Switch box, used when feeding in GPS NMEA signal when used in 'Multi-Mode'. For PC with single serial port.
• Switch box, used when feeding in GPS NMEA signal when used in 'Multi-Mode'. For PC with dual serial ports.

The unit has four hardware DIP switches which set main operating modes. The OnBoard is set at delivery to Straight NMEA mode which gives good compatibility with the original firmware but it is expected that most users will switch to 'Multi-Mode' operation once a suitable terminal program has been configured. For full 'Multi-Mode' operation, a 42-line (or more) VT100 terminal emulation program is required and there are many such programs available at small cost. The KATAS AIS Starter Disc contains a licence-free copy of TeraTerm for Windows which can be downloaded and used to good effect.

For use on dry land, a home position can be manually entered so that range and bearing values can be calculated. For use while at sea, and whilst running a high-level computer program, it is always preferable to feed GPS NMEA data into a spare serial or USB port of the computer. If the OnBoard is to be used, set to Straight NMEA mode whilst at sea, and the GPS data must be fed into the receiver, then the original GPS input at 4800 baud via the thin blue wire should be used. This wiring method may be inconvenient and so, when the OnBoard is set to 'Multi-Mode' the unit adopts the standard GPS input wiring as used by KATAS AIS receivers. This requires that a separately-available GPS switch box and interface dongle is used. This provides a standard 9-way connector for the GPS receiver as well as giving a useful GPS NMEA monitoring and configuration function. With the firmware set to 'Multi-Mode', the unit will auto-detect GPS NMEA data at 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400 baud.

The unit has a small bi-colour LED soldered to the board which gives individual signal decoding status and squelch level feedback. A future variant may have a remote LED facility which the user can choose to fit in the outer case of the host unit.