Pole Star Space Applications

DSAS Ship Security Alert System

DSAS Ship Security Alert Installation Guide

Document No: PS-TN-DSAS-SIG_P8-1.04 Issue No: 1.04

Issue Date: January 2004
Pole Star Space Applications Commercial-in-Confidence DSAS Ship Security Alert System

Configuration Page

DSAS Ship Security Alert Installation Guide

Document No: PS-TN-DSAS-SIG_P8-1.04

Issue No: 1.04

Date: January 2004

Summary: This document forms the DSAS Ship Security Alert

System installation guide.

Distribution: Unrestricted.

Author: Philip Lane

Author: Phil Lane

Technical Review: John Duckworth

Quality Review: Tim Durmush

Authorised: Peter Potts

Amendment Record

ISSUE DATE UPDATES AUTHOR

1.00 July 03 Initial release Phil Lane

1.01 October 03 Updated to include latest battery management Phil Lane

system updates and minor clarifications.
1.02 October 03 Updated to include advisory instructions for Phil Lane
external cable preparation.
1.03 December 03 Updated Figure 3 to match latest Skywave Phil Lane
DMR200 15 degree look-angle specification.
1.04 January 04 Added requirement to test both alert buttons & Phil Lane
Charger board LED diagnostics

 Pole Star Space Applications Limited, 2003

All rights reserved, No part of this document or any information appertaining to its content may be used, stored,
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including by photocopying, recording, taping, information storage
systems, without the prior permission of Pole Star Space Applications Limited.

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Table of Contents
CONFIGURATION PAGE...................................................................................................................................I
EQUIPMENT LIST .................................................................................................................................................. 1
PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
SYSTEM OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................ 4
MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................................... 4
INTERNAL CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................... 5
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 6
SATELLITE TRANSCEIVER LED DIAGNOSTICS ..................................................................................................... 7
LINE DRAWINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 8

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Pole Star Space Applications Commercial-in-Confidence DSAS Ship Security Alert System

Appendix A : DSAS Ship Security Alert System Installation Guide

Equipment list
• 1x Inmarsat D+ satellite transceiver (Skywave DMR200)
• 1x DSAS lead acid battery unit with multistage charger
• 1x Stainless steel casing bracket
• 2x Hawke A121 cable glands
• 2x Normally closed (N/C) alert activation points with cable gland
• 8 x 5A blade fuses (including 2 spares)
• 1x External fuse holder
• 1 x Spare 2A 20mm quick blow fuse
• Bolt kit

In addition to the above list, a marine standard 2-core cable (8-11.9 mm diameter) will also be required for the
installation (not supplied).

Unit Description
The DSAS ship security alert system is self-contained requiring only mounting, connection to power, and wiring
of two alert activation points. The unit consists of a satellite transceiver, 21 Ah SLA battery pack, and a
multistage charger unit. The unit requires an external DC supply to maintain the battery charge. On
disconnection of external power, the unit will operate for approximately 7 days. Operation of the unit is
completely automatic, and the only user intervention that should be required after installation is to restore the
external power supply in the event of disconnection. Figure 1 below shows a schematic representation of the
unit. Note: the unit must NOT be painted as this may inhibit transmission / reception of satellite
signals.

N /C A lert 2n d N /C A le rt
bu tton bu tton
1 3 1 3
D + com m u nicato r switch 6
switch 7
2A fuse H awke ca ble
C harg er
glan ds 5A fuse
un it red
B a ttery p ack 24S
Fuse F5 (5A) GND
vesse l p ower
DSAS Unit sup ply:
12 - 30V dc

black

Figure 1 DSAS Unit Schematic Representation

Preparation
The DSAS unit is shipped in a powered down state. To prepare the unit for operation, undertake the following
(this can be done during installation if required):

1. Remove the metal casing and plastic lid of the battery unit.

2. Locate the internal 5A input fuses f2 and f5 (next to screw terminal block J1, refer to Figure 7), and
ensure that they are disconnected.

3. Replace plastic lid and metal top plate, ensuring that the cut-out in the metal top plate is located
above the satellite transceiver (the transceiver is at opposite end to the external power input plug).

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4. The unit must be connected to a DC power supply (24V DC), and requires a cable loop for the
alert activation points. Both external DC power and alert cabling require two core cable with
circular cross section of between 8 & 11.9 mm outside diameter (OD) (figure of 8 cable is NOT
suitable). A suitable cable would be a soft tin annealed copper (ASTM B-33) flexible stranded cable,
OD 10mm, in a heavy duty flame proof arctic grade neoprene. If 24V DC is not easily available then a
150W power supply with 24V DC output will be required.

5. Before feeding the power supply and alert button cables through the Hawke glands, it is advisable to
prepare the cable by stripping at least 140mm of the outer sheath from the cable as shown below.
This will make it easier to manipulate the cable inside the box. The outer sheath must be pushed all
the way through the gland in order to ensure a waterproof seal.

At least 140mm
6mm

Figure 2 External cable preparation

Installation
The unit is supplied with an Installation checklist, which should be followed during installation. To initiate formal
warranty, each step of the installation should be checked off on the checklist on completion.

For reference the unit footprint dimensions inc. metal casing are shown in Figure 6. To install the unit:

1. Select a suitable unit installation location, taking into consideration the following:

a. Positioning should be such that there is a clear and unobstructed view of the sky in order
to obtain satellite lock - for the satellite transceiver located immediately below the cut-out
portion of the steel casing (refer to Figure 3).
b. Positioning should be such that there are no obstructions within the look angle range
(refer to Figure 3).
c. Positioning must be a minimum of 2 metres from any other communication system and
further if possible.
d. Positioning should NOT be in the line of sight of any high-powered transmission
equipment such as radar.
e. Positioning should NOT be in any ‘hazardous zones’ area.
f. The dimensions of the footprint of the metal casing (refer to Figure 6).

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Look angle range

o
15

Figure 3 Communicator mounting and look angles

2. Securely fasten the bottom part of the metal casing to the vessel superstructure (the casing is
designed to be bolted down at the base with M8 bolts).

3. Connect the unit to the vessel power supply as per Figure 1 (the internal connections to the unit are
given in Figure 5). Note: the unit must be powered from a stable DC power supply (the input
voltage for the unit is 24V DC).

The power supply cable must be fed through the first brass Hawke 121 cable gland – specified in
Section - Specifications - and attached to the charger board as per 5. Note: the minimum cable
diameter is 8mm to ensure the IP68 environmental rating is not compromised.

4. Assemble and install the alert activation points. Cabling must be fed through the second brass Hawke
121 cable gland and attached to the charger board as per 5. Note: the alert activation points
should be wired in series using the normally closed terminals (1 & 3 in the supplied alert
activation points) – refer to Figure 1.

5. Connect fuses f1, f3 and f4 as per Figure 7.

6. Connect fuse f5, then connect fuse f2 in strict order as per Figure 7. Note: the unit may be damaged
if the fuses are connected in the wrong order.

7. Replace the plastic lid of the unit and screw it down well to ensure a watertight seal being careful not
to overtighten. Then bolt on the top of the metal casing, ensuring that the cut-out portion is above the
satellite transceiver as per Figure 4. Note: the unit will not function if the cut-out portion of the
metal casing is not over the satellite transceiver.

8. When installation is complete, BOTH alert buttons should be tested individually. These tests should be
done in conjunction with shore based office staff, as they will need to check and reset the alerts.

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Aperture (above transceiver)

Top of casing

Battery box
lid

charger board DMR200 transceiever

Battery box
panic button gland

power cable gland

Bottom of casing

Figure 4 Exploded view of DSAS unit

System Operation
The DSAS unit operates automatically and requires no user intervention. When the satellite transceiver unit is
powered up, the “STAT” and “ERR” LEDs should light for approximately 2 seconds, then go out. In normal
operation, the “STAT” LED flashes about once every eight seconds (refer to Section - Satellite Transceiver
LED Diagnostics).

The unit will automatically switch over to its internal battery supply in the event of input power failure. The unit
should operate independently for approximately 7 days. Normal operation will be resumed when the external
power supply is reconnected.

When pressed, each alert activation point triggers the unit to switch to alert reporting mode at a rate of 1 alert
position report every 30 minutes (this interval can be modified over-air).

Maintenance
The internal battery pack has an expected life of 2 years but this may vary considerably dependent on
operating conditions. It is tested automatically every 30 days and the results are sent to Pole Star by the unit.
Information on the current state of the battery will be made available to the registered owner of the unit to allow
appropriate scheduling of replacements. Full instructions for replacement of the battery pack are included with
the replacement unit.

If spare or replacement battery packs or any other parts are required, or if you have any problems with this
unit, please contact Pole Star Space Applications on +44 (0)20 7313 7400 or at dsas@purplefinder.com
giving details of the vessel name, customer name and the nature of the problem / enquiry.

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Internal Connections

Battery testing
V POS +
BATTERY
NEG -
Alert buttons (N/C) EXTRA + 6
GROUND 5
DOOR CLOSED 4
1
GROUND 3
3 DOOR OPEN 2
1 GROUND 1
SWITCH 7
3
SWITCH 6
+ POSITIVE DC 24S 5
supply cable RSIDE 4
3 LSIDE
- NEGATIVE (GND) 2 STOP
supply cable 1 GROUND
grey POS
RADIO UNIT GND
green OP1
OP2
OP3
black OP4
DMR200
OP5
connector
white IN
TX
orange GND
RX
Figure 5 Connections to DSAS terminal block

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Pole Star Space Applications Commercial-in-Confidence DSAS Ship Security Alert System

Specifications
Overall Physical Dimensions (including metal casing):
Dimensions: Length: 415 mm x Width: 232 mm x Height: 190 mem
Weight 18kg

232mm

190mm

415mm

Satellite
Frequency range: Rx: 1525.0 to 1559.0 MHz
Tx: 1526.5 to 1660.5 MHz

GPS
Frequency Range: 1575.42 MHz

Skywave DMR200 power consumption figures

Mode Current Draw Power Consumption

Receive & GPS 183mA 2.2W
Transmit 833mA 10W

Hawke 121 cable gland specifications

Entry thread size: M20 (24mm AF spanner required)

Minimum cable diameter 8 mm
Maximum cable diameter 11.9 mm
Hexagon size 24.0 mm across flats

Charger Board LED Diagnostics

LED LED lit / on LED unlit / off Flashing

LED 1 + Charge External DC connected External DC not connected n/a
LED 2 – OP1 Alert button circuit open Alert button circuit closed n/a
LED 3 – OP2 Anti-tamper circuit open Anti-tamper circuit closed n/a
LED 4 – OP3 Input 3 circuit open Input 3 circuit closed n/a
LED 5 – OP4 n/a n/a Battery test
LED 6 – OP5 Batteries not charging Batteries charging Battery test

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Satellite Transceiver LED Diagnostics

STAT LED
Under normal operating conditions, the STAT LED should flash periodically. If the satellite transceiver is in
sleep mode, then the STAT LED will not flash because all LEDs are turned off to conserve power. The pattern
of the flashing indicates the current operating state of the satellite link.

Pattern Status Condition

ON continuously Unit failed, contact supplier
Very fast flash (several per second) Configuration mode
5 flashes (repeats every 8 seconds) Waiting to transmit
Slow flash (1 every 2 seconds) Logging on to satellite
4 flashes, pause (repeat every 8 seconds) Searching for satellite
3 flashes, pause (repeat every 8 seconds) Communicating with satellite
Fast flash (2 flashes per second) Acquiring communication channel
2 flashes (repeats every 8 seconds) Monitoring communication channel
1 flash (repeats every 8 seconds) Idle

TX LED
The TX LED indicates briefly while the satellite transceiver is transmitting a data burst up to the satellite. The
unit transmits for 8 seconds while operating on the global beam, and for 2 seconds when operating on a spot
beam.

Pattern Status Condition

ON continuously Unit failed, contact supplier
ON for 2 seconds Transmitting in spot beam
ON for 8 seconds Transmitting in global beam

ERR LED
The ERR LED indicates whenever the satellite transceiver internal diagnostics detects a problem. The ERR
LED will stay active until the cause of the error is removed. Some error conditions may fatal, and will require
service to resolve.

Pattern (repeat 8 secs) Status Condition Action Required

ON continuously
ON and short off every 4 secs
2 fast flashes every 2 secs
1 flash pause 2 flashes
1 flash pause 3 flashes
1 flash pause 4 flashes
1 flash pause 5 flashes
1 flash pause 6 flashes
2 flashes pause 1 flash
2 flashes pause 2 flashes
2 flashes pause 3 flashes
2 flashes pause 4 flashes
3 flashes pause 1 flash
3 flashes pause 2 flashes
3 flashes pause 3 flashes
4 flashes pause 1 flash
4 flashes pause 2 flashes
Failed self test Contact supplier
Transmit inhibited (barred) Contact supplier
Transmit frame missed Check for LOS, wait 2-4 mins
Synthesizer unlocked Contact supplier
Voltage too high Check supply voltage
Voltage too low Check supply voltage
Internal temp too high Let unit cool down
Internal temp too low Activate heater (contact supplier)
Config error Reload config (contact supplier)
Script error Contact supplier
software error Reset terminal (power off /on)
DSP timeout Reset terminal (power off /on)
Low signal level Check for obstacles
Satellite not found Check for obstacles
Satellite communication problem Check for obstacles
Low signal level Check for obstacles
Satellite not found Check for obstacles

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Line Drawings

180 m m

150 m m

diameter
8mm

hole

330 mm

415 mm
401m m

136 m m

232 m m

Figure 6 Baseplate Dimensions

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power cable panic button

gland cable gland

5A blade
fuses

LED6 -O P5
LED5 -O P4
LED4 -O P3
LED3 -O P2
LED2 -O P1

LED1 -Charge
Fuse f4
Fuse f3
Fuse f2
Fuse f1

Fuse f5
Charger
board

Top plate
SkyW ave DMR200
Transceiver

Status
SkyW ave Mobile lights
Com m unications

ERR
Tx
STAT
7m m nut

Figure 7 Plan view of unit

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