éConsilium VDR

Installation Manual
Article No. 707097

 Consilium Navigation AB • P.O. Box 5021 • SE-131 05 NACKA • SWEDEN

Phone +46-(0)8-563 051 00 • Fax +46-(0)8-563 051 00 • E-mail: navigation@[Link]
1. Notes and Updates
Revisions:
Date Ver Issue by Description
01-07-09 B0 Stoft Created from previous documents

2. Where to call in case of problems or faults

Consilium Navigation maintains a 24-hour call centre service. It is located in Denmark.

For service at all times:

Call: +45 12 34 56 78 99 Email: Service@[Link]
Fax: +46 12 34 56 78 90
Should the call centre not be available, you may call Consilium in Stockholm, Sweden directly.

Call: +46 8 563 051 00 Email: navigation@[Link]

Fax: +46 8 563 051 99
The Swedish office is open during office hours, 08.00 – 16.30, UTC+1.

Please note: Email is the preferred method of communication. Please state the fault or problem as fully
as possible, mentioning all details that could be relevant for solving the problem.

Article No. 707094

 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

Table of Contents

1. NOTES AND UPDATES ............................................................................................................II

2. WHERE TO CALL IN CAS E OF PROBLEMS OR FAU LTS....................................................II

3. LETHAL WARNING!..................................................................................................................4

4. FIRST AID IN CASE OF ELECTRIC SHOCK...........................................................................4

5. OVERVIEW OF THIS MAN UAL ................................................................................................4

6. SITING OF THE PROTECTIVE CAPSULE...............................................................................5

7. SITING OF MICROPHONES .....................................................................................................5

7.1. Unit Front Panel......................................................................................................................5

7.2. Unit Back.................................................................................................................................5

7.3. General Information................................................................................................................6

7.4. Selecting Locations ..................................................................................................................6

7.5. Mechanical Mounting ..............................................................................................................6

8. SITING OF ALL OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VDR CONFIGURATION .........................7

8.1. Main Unit 707000B..................................................................................................................7

8.2. Power Supply Unit 707010A ..................................................................................................11

8.3. Remote Indicator SD2-16, 707017..........................................................................................13

9. CABLING OF THE VDR CONFIGURATION ..........................................................................14

10. CABLING BETWEEN VDR UNITS......................................................................................15

10.1. Cabling from Bridge Systems to VDR Main Unit...............................................................24

11. GENERAL NOTES ON CAB LES AND CONNECTIONS ...................................................30

11.1. On Cable Dimensions and Standards .................................................................................30

11.2. On Cable Types.................................................................................................................30

2 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

12. GENERAL NOTES ON EMI.................................................................................................31

12.1. EMI.........................................................................................................................................31

12.2. Termination of Signal Cables............................................................................................31

12.3. On Shields .........................................................................................................................32

12.4. On Cable Placement..........................................................................................................33

13. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM .................................................................................................33

13.1. General information..........................................................................................................33

13.2. Storage Options .................................................................................................................33

13.3. Options..............................................................................................................................33

14. THE REQUIREMENT FOR INTERFACE UNITS TO COMPLY WITH IEC STANDARDS 34

15. MECHANICAL DRAWINGS.................................................................................................35

16. ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS..................................................................................................35

3 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

3. Lethal Warning!

Voltages within this equipment are sufficiently high to endanger life.

Covers are not to be removed, except by persons qualified and authorised to do so, and these persons
should always take extreme care once the covers have been removed.

4. First Aid in Case of Electric Shock

1. Lay victim on his back.
2. Clear victim’s mouth and throat
3. Tilt victim’s head back as far as possible
and raise his head

4. Pinch victim’s nostrils

5. Take a deep breath
6. Cover the victim’s mouth with yours and
blow, watching his chest rise.
Note: Blow forcefully into adults, but gently
into children.
7. Move your face away to allow victim to
breathe out, watching his chest fall.
8. Repeat first five to ten breaths at rapid
rate; thereafter, take one breath every
three to five seconds.
9. Keep victim’s head back as far as possible
at all times.

Have someone else send for a doctor, Keep patient warm an loosen his clothing

Do not give liquids until the patient is conscious.

5. Overview of this Manual

The Installation Manual is intended for use by an authorised installation company. It contains general
information for installation of hardware and wiring of the system components, such as the main unit,
the power supply unit, the remote display, microphones, and the final recording medium (protective
capsule).

4 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

It also contains notes on installation practice, and how to protect the equipment from Electromagnetic
Interference (which is an installation issue).

Also, carefully read and understand the “General Notes on Cables and Connections” before you select
cable material for the installation. Using the wrong cable may harm the long-term stability of the
installation, introduce noise on the data and sound channels, and in serious cases, void the warranty.

6. Siting of the Protective Capsule

Information to be taken from capsule handbook.

7. Siting of Microphones
Microphones are used to record sounds, orders and general noise on the bridge, aiding in later
resolution of an emergency situation.

7.1. Unit Front Panel

Front Panel of the microphone AM1

7.2. Unit Back

The microphone is a sealed unit with push-press terminals on the circuit board on the back. It is also
available with a protective back cover.

Back Panel of the microphone AM1

5 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

7.3. General Information

A drawing of the microphone can be found in the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

7.4. Selecting Locations

Microphone locations should be carefully chosen to optimise recording of all vital voice
communication as well as any other communication from VHF/PA/intercom systems or audible alarm
systems.

The number of microphones needed depends on bridge layout, but most bridges can be covered using
four to six microphones:

• One or two microphones mounted in the overhead panel above the main conning station.

• One microphone mounted in the overhead panel above the chart table.

• One microphone at each bridge wing manoeuvring station.

• One microphone mounted over the radio desk.

The unit front is splash proof, however the backside of the unit must be fitted in a panel with indoor
climate.

7.5. Mechanical Mounting

The unit is to be panel mounted, into the proper panel cut-out. A mounting drawing can be found in
the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

6 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8. Siting of All Other Components of the VDR

Configuration
8.1. Main Unit 707000B
8.1.1. Internal Parts of the Main Unit
The Main Unit consists of a number of internal parts and subassemblies that it is necessary that you
familiarise yourself with, before beginning the installation and start -up.

The parts of the Main Unit

The Main Unit has nine assemblies that you should know, from upper left, clockwise:

• The LCD display: used for controlling the central computer, entering data, making back-ups etc.
The display power switch is on the left side. The buttons to the left regulate brightness, contrast etc.
The snap (white) that holds the display locked in the up position is located to the left, a few
centimetres into the cabinet.

• The type label: showing the article and serial number of the unit.

• The power switch: for turning the unit on and off. It is also a fuse. Remember to down the
computer properly before turning it off.

• The storage stack: holding all the storage media: a DVD RAM player, and a hard disk..

• The hub: sitting on the right wall is an 8-port hub, the connection centre of all Ethernet devices in
the configuration.

7 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

• ND 16: the receiver board for all serial (e.g. NMEA) signals.

• VUB: VDR Utility Board, the receiver board for up to 4 radar channels or other high-resolution
video channels. Also the connection point for the Remote Display and the PSU control signals.

• MU 84 Mixer: The receiving board for up to 8 microphones or other audio sources, such as VHF
equipment, etc.

• Central Computer: the machine controlling the VDR.

8.1.2. Indicators and Indicator Lights of the Main Unit

Indicator lights display the status of most of the subassemblies in the Main Unit.

Indicator Lights in the Main Unit

The lights inside the Main Unit either indicate that the proper power is available to the subassembly or
that some input signal is coming or is being sampled.

• The computer storage devices have Access and Error lights whose functions do not differ from the
same lights on any desktop computer.

• The Ethernet hub has activity lights that should light up stable when an Ethernet device is attached.
This is the way to troubleshoot Ethernet connections, such as the one to the capsule.

Please refer to the picture above for details.

8 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8.1.3. Connection Points in the Main Unit

Power and signal cables connect to various points inside the VDR Unit.

Connections Inside the Main Unit

Lay out the cables neatly, avoiding snags and too long or too short cables. Replace the cable duct covers
after assembly. A neat inside not only looks nicer, it is easier to troubleshoot.

Near the bottom of the box is a grounding rail. Do not use it for grounding anything, unless expressly
told to do so, or if required by electricity safety regulations. Do not connect any signal cable screens to
the rail. You may connect outer braids, in cables having an inner and an outer shield.

At the bottom are cable ports with clamps for strain relief of incoming cables. Please use the clamps.

The radar/video inputs are beneath the VUB on the outside bottom of the unit. Video is connected as
per the “Radar, Other High-Resolution Video” section in the “Cabling from Bridge Systems to VDR
Main Unit” chapter.

8.1.4. General Information

A drawing of the Main Unit can be found in the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

8.1.5. Notes on Connections and EMI

The door edges of the Main Unit are fitted with an EMI seal, protecting the unit from external
radiation, and protecting sensitive equipment like VHF receivers from high frequency emissions from
the unit. Always check the seal for dents or rips and replace a faulty seal. Failure to do so may harm the
long-term stability of the unit and add unwanted noise to communications channels.

9 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8.1.6. Selecting Location

Recommended conditions for the chosen location of the cabinet are listed below:

• The cabinet shall be bolted to a bulkhead in a location where necessary cabling from bridge
equipment can be brought to the unit, preferably close to the bridge.

• The location shall be protected from weather and shall offer a stable temperature.

• The location shall not expose the unit to excessive vibration levels.

• The location shall be far from electrical installations giving excessive electric and/or magnetic fields.

• The cabinet shall be easily accessible and it should be mounted in such a way that the built-in LCD
touch-screen display can be easily operated, for making back-up copies, performing configuration
changes etc.

8.1.7. Mechanical Mounting

The cabinet shall be mounted to a flat surface on the bulkhead using 10-mm steel bolts. A mounting
drawing can be found in the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

10 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8.2. Power Supply Unit 707010A

8.2.1. Main Internal Parts of the Unit
The Power Supply Unit consists of a number of internal parts and subassemblies that it is necessary that
you familiarise yourself with, before beginning the installation and start-up.

The parts of the Power Supply Unit

The Power Supply Unit has four assemblies that you should know, from upper left, clockwise:

• Charger and control unit KE-2: Electronic device for charging and controlling the lead-acid
batteries and keep them in optimum condition.

• Batteries: Marine-hardened, but otherwise ordinary 12 volts lead-acid batteries, series connected to
produce the 24 volts used by the Main Unit.

• Terminal block: for connection input and output voltages. It has a high-voltage and a low voltage
side.

8.2.2. Short-Circuit Warning!

Be sure never to short circuit the 24-volt leads coming from the Power Supply Unit! The available
current is very high, and the cable might melt or catch fire.

11 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8.2.3. High Voltage Warning!

230 volts alternating current exists inside the Power Supply Unit on exposed terminals. Do not open
the unit if you are not properly qualified.

8.2.4. General Information

A drawing of the Power Supply Unit can be found in the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

8.2.5. Notes on Connections and EMI

The door edges of the Power Supply Unit are fitted with an EMI seal, protecting the unit from external
radiation, and protecting sensitive equipment like VHF receivers from high frequency emissions from
the unit. Always check the seal for dents or rips and replace a faulty seal. Failure to do so may harm the
long-term stability of the unit and add unwanted noise to communications channels.

8.2.6. Selecting Location

The same criteria for choosing location for the Main Unit should be applied, but the PSU does only
need to be accessed for service and battery replacement.

The standard cable length between PSU and Main Unit is 10 m. The cable length can be increased to
30m, however with the expense of a larger conductor cross-section.

8.2.7. Mechanical Mounting

The cabinet shall be mounted to a flat surface on the bulkhead using 8-mm steel bolts. A mounting
drawing can be found in the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

12 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8.3. Remote Indicator SD2-16, 707017

8.3.1. Unit Front Panel

Front Panel of the Remote Indicator SD2-16

8.3.2. Unit Back

The Remote Display is a sealed unit, with a pin strip in the connection opening at the bottom, designed
to be mated with a terminal block (included). All cabling is connected to the terminal block and then
snapped on to the pin strip. This makes for easy removal.

Back Panel of the Remote Indicator SD2-16

8.3.3. General Information

A drawing of the Remote Indicator can be found in the “Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

13 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

8.3.4. Selecting Location

The remote display shall be placed on the bridge. Normally it will be mounted in a panel. For other
mounting options please consult the “SD2 Technical Description” in the SD2-16 manual.

The display unit front is splash proof, however the backside of the unit must be fitted in a panel with
indoor climate.

8.3.5. Mechanical Mounting

The unit is to be panel mounted, into the proper panel cutout. A mounting drawing can be found in the
“Mechanical Drawings” chapter.

9. Cabling of the VDR Configuration

All cabling necessary to interconnect the VDR M2 system units is described in this section.

The VDR configuration consists of five main component types: the Main Unit, Remote Display, Power
Supply Unit, Microphone(s) and Protective Capsule.

Signal sources, sensors of non-Consilium origin from all over the ship, transmit their information to the
VDR. There are six kinds of sources:

• Audio from microphones and VHF equipment on the bridge.

• NMEA compliant sources, outputting their information according to the NMEA protocol, as a
serial bit stream on a twisted pair wire. These normally include GPS navigator, speed log, autopilot,
echo sounder etc.

• Non-NMEA compliant sources that needs to be taken through an interface before they can be
recorded by the VDR. The analog/digital interface, available from Consilium, outputs the
converted signals on an Ethernet network cable. They normally include fire door sensors, hull
opening sensors, etc.

14 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

• Video signals in RGB format, directly connected to the VDR, normally radar

• CCTV (close circuit TV) cameras in PAL or NTSC format.

• Ship’s network and other Ethernet-compatible units.

A detailed overview of the cabling between VDR units and other non-Consilium units can be found in
the “Electrical Drawings” chapter.

10. Cabling Between VDR Units

10.0.1. Main Unit 707000 to Power Supply Unit
G E N E R A L IN F O R M A T I O N

• Two cables, with a maximum length of 10 m shall be used to interconnect these units.

• The power supply cable should consist of two stranded 6-mm² wires for powering the VDR.

• The other cable serves as the data link between the two units.

• It is possible to use longer cables, up to 30 m, but in such situations the loop resistance should be
kept low by increasing the copper cross section to 10 mm² for the power cable.

CONNECTIONS

Cabling between Main Unit (right) and Power Supply Unit (left) and
ship’s 230 VAC supply

15 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

PSU VUB Comment, Cable Type

terminal # terminal #
Two twisted pairs with common screen:
5 RX3 (6) Control PSU -> VDR
6 TX3 (5) Control VDR -> PSU
7 0V (7) Control GND
8 +12V (8) Control +12 V
Main Unit
terminal #
Two stranded 6 mm2 conductors:
9 + 24 V positive. If possible use red wire
10 0 24 V return. If possible use black wire
Ship’s
Power
Three stranded 1,5 mm2 conductors, brown, blue and yellow-
green:
Earth Earth PSU -> ship’s earth ground. Use yellow-green wire
1 230 VAC PSU live or neutral -> Ship’s 230 VAC supply
2 230 VAC PSU neutral or live -> Ship’s 230 VAC supply

IDENTIFYING WIRES

• The control wires (#5, 6, 7 and 8) will have to be identified by inspection.

• Powering up the Power Supply Unit and checking the polarity can identify the DC wires.

• The 230 VAC wires must use the standardised colours to avoid any conflicts in identification.

SHORT-CIRCUIT WARNIN G!

Be careful to avoid shorting the DC power output and remember that the Power Supply Unit
will feed power on the #9 and #10 terminals from the batteries, even without AC input.

HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING!

230 volts alternating current exists inside the Power Supply Unit on exposed terminals. Do not
open the unit if you are not properly qualified.

NOTES ON CONNECTIONS AND EMI

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

16 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

10.0.2. Main Unit 707000 to Remote Indicator SD2-16 707017

GENERAL INFORMATION

A cable with three twisted, stranded pairs with a common screen shall be used to connect the remote
indicator to the Main Unit. The interface can accommodate any reasonable wire length (300 m) on a
ship. (A separate power cable with two stranded conductors can be used to connect the power
terminals of the remote indicator to the Main Unit.)

CONNECTIONS

Cabling between VUB in Main Unit (right) and Remote Indicator (left)

SD2-16 Main Unit Comment, Cable Type

terminal # VUB terminal
Two twisted pairs with common screen:
1 TX2A Data VDR -> SD2-16 NMEA “A”
2 TX2B Data VDR -> SD2-16 NMEA “B”
3 RX2A Data SD2-16 -> VDR NMEA “A”
4 RX2B Data SD2-16 -> VDR NMEA “B”
Two stranded conductors:
13 0V 12 volts return
14 12V + 12 V

NOTES ON CONNECTIONS AND EMI

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

17 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

10.0.3. Main Unit 707000 to Microphones AM1 707020

GENERAL INFORMATION

The microphone unit consists of an electret microphone capsule, and a loudspeaker for sounding the
required test tone every 12 hours. The microphone requires external power, which is phantom fed from
the mixer. If you use Consilium AM1 microphones, phantom feeding must be activated on the mixer
board. This necessitates the screen of the microphone pair to be connected in both ends.

The loudspeaker is fed the test chirp signal directly from the MU 84 mixer.

A two twisted pair cable with common screen shall be used to connect each microphone to the Main
Unit. The interface can accommodate any reasonable wire length (300 m) on a ship.

CONNECTIONS

Cabling between MU 84 Mixer Board in Main Unit (left) and microphone

(right)

Microphone MU 84 Comment, Cable Type

terminal # terminal #
Two twisted pairs with common screen:
1 A1-1 to A8-1 Microphone output -> VDR, positive signal
2 A1-2 to A8-2 Microphone output -> VDR, negative signal
3 A1-3 to A8-3 GND, cable screen connected in both ends
4 A1-4 to A8-4 VDR acoustic monitor -> Microphone speaker, positive
5 A1-5 to A8-5 VDR acoustic monitor -> Microphone speaker, negative

IDENTIFYING WIRES

A DMM (not a high voltage insulation tester!) can be used to identify the cable pairs with a microphone
connected in the remote end.

• The microphone pair (#1 and 2) will measure some 2 kOhms between the two wires and some
leakage to GND (#3). Microphones that should be routed to the same audio channel should be
connected with identical polarity, otherwise polarity is not important.

• The speaker pair (#4 and 5) will measure some 10 ohms between the two wires and isolation to
GND (#3). Polarity is not important.

18 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

NOTES ON CONNECTIONS AND EMI

IMPORTANT! To avoid interference, these cables must not be placed close to any cables carrying
high-powered currents, since noise may be induced in the microphone channels.

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

19 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

10.0.4. Main Unit 707000 to Capsule

GEN ERAL INFORMATION

A CAT-5 Ethernet cable, terminated in both ends with RJ-45 connectors, should be used to connect
the capsule to the hub in the VDR. An Ethernet cable has a maximum length of 100 metres.

The capsule is powered with 24 volts from the VDR unit.

CONNECTIONS

Connections in the capsule. Power connections to the left and Ethernet

connection to the right

For power connections, please refer to the capsule handbook.

20 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

The Ethernet cable is routed to the hub and pushed into one of the free
ports. The corresponding activity light should light up

The CAT-5 cable could either be bought ready-made or terminated according to the Ethernet standard.
Terminating an Ethernet RJ-45 connector is outside the scope of this handbook.

PRECAUTIONS

The capsule has an “O” ring seal and an EMI seal braid. Avoid removing these from the capsule base,
and avoid nicking the braid seal.

NOTES ON CONNECTIONS AND EMI

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

21 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

10.0.5. Main Unit 707000 to Sixnet Interface Unit

GENERAL INFORMATION

A CAT-5 Ethernet cable, terminated in both ends with RJ-45 connectors, should be used to connect
the interface unit to the hub in the VDR. An Ethernet cable has a maximum length of 100 metres.

The Sixnet units are delivered in kit form, to be customised on board.

CONNECTIONS

The Sixnet interface acts as a gateway to non-NMEA signals, converting them to Ethernet packaged
data. The gateway box itself has no analogue inputs, but connects to the actual interface units (not
shown) via the “Sixtrak” bus.

As the Sixnet interface units and their setup is different in each installation, only the connection
between the gateway and the VDR is shown here.

The Sixnet units will have to be mounted and connected according to needs, and according to the
Sixnet handbook supplied.

The interface box has its own power supply, to which the gateway is connected. It is not powered from
the VDR.

After finishing the connections, the Sixnet gateway must be powered up and set up using a portable PC
with special terminal software, connected to the 9-pin D-sub connector. The Sixnet handbook has
more about this.

22 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

The Ethernet cable is routed to the hub and pushed into one of the free
ports. The corresponding activity light should light up

The CAT-5 cable could either be bought ready-made or terminated according to the Ethernet standard.
Terminating an Ethernet RJ-45 connector is outside the scope of this handbook.

NOTES ON CONNECTIONS AND EMI

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

23 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

[Link] from Bridge Systems to VDR Main Unit

All cabling described here is based on the standard configuration, as described in the “Technical
Specifications” section in the “VDR M2 Technical Manual”.

10.1.1. Radar
A radar image is a raster-scanned image built up of one monochrome, or three video channels, red,
green and blue, and controlled by two synchronisation signals, horizontal and vertical. The VDR grabs
(samples) one screen from each video source (up to four) and stores it once per minute.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sampling of high bandwidth signals for radar display is technically complicated and requires some extra
care to be wired properly.

• Video connectors carry high bandwidth signals (up to 200 MHz), meaning that all elements of radar
output chain, cable and VDR input, has to be matched to the nominal system impedance. It is not
allowed to connect the VDR input in parallel with a radar display, not even with short cables. Such
a connection would ruin the signal to the VDR, as well as to the radar!

• Each radar / high-resolution screen to be connected, must be equipped with a proprietary video
buffer unit. Any connected video buffer will actually be placed in the signal chain to the VDR but
also to the radar display screen itself.

• Use only BNC connectors and RG59/U coaxial cable, or other cable explicitly defined as 75 Ohm
cable.

• Use connector crimp tools to terminate coaxial cables only if you know exactly how to use them!

SIGNAL FORMAT

The video format for a colour raster scan CRT display in most cases consists of up to five signals.

Name Comment
R Red Carries the red intensity amplitude for each line. The standard voltage
level is 0 to 1 Volt.
G Green Carries the green intensity amplitude for each line. The standard
voltage level is 0 to 1 Volt. In some video formats, synchronisation
pulses are superimposed on the Green signal.
B Blue Carries the blue intensity amplitude for each line. The standard voltage
level is 0 to 1 Volt.
V Vertical Carries a short pulse (predominantly negative) for each new set of line
Sync scans (complete images). The image update frequency is normally in
the range of 50 to 85 Hz.
H Horizontal Carries a short pulse for each new line. The line frequency depends on
Sync the resolution and some other timing, and can be as high as 100 kHz.

Different signal combinations are possible, depending on the radar type. A monochrome radar may
have only one signal carrying intensity modulation (video) and horizontal and vertical synchronisation,
but all combinations are possible, up to the complete set described in the table above.

The VDR M2 is equipped with a four-input video multiplexer, giving the possibility to connect four
different sources.

24 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

CONNECTIONS

Connection of video sources to the VUB, at the bottom of the enclosure

The connectors are located on the underside of the enclosure and there may or may not be markings on
the metal plate itself to aid in connecting the cables.

Video sources number 1-4 are connected from left to right, when viewing from the enclosure front.
The red signal connector is closest to the edge, while the horizontal sync, is closest to the bulkhead.

CONFIGURATION

The radar signal acquisition requires extensive configuration activities to adopt the VDR frame grabber
software to the radar signal format. A software utility to analyse signals in different formats is available
and is described in the “Entering and Updating the Static Configuration Data” chapter of this
handbook. Make sure that cable connectors are readily accessible, to be able to interchange cables
depending on the results obtained from these tests.

IDENTIFYING WIRES

To make it easier to identify the coaxial cables, all being black, round and exactly identical, they should
be labelled, as in the picture above. Preferably the cables should be labelled in both ends at the time
they are connected in the radar end. If there is more than one video source involved, also label the cable
sets with the source number.

N O TE S O N C O N N E C T I O N S A N D E M I

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

10.1.2. Other High or Low Resolution Video

It is possible to record other sources of video, such as CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). This is done
through an interface external to the VDR. Please contact Consilium regarding specifications and
installation options.

25 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

10.1.3. VHF/Communications Audio

Connecting VHF / communications audio to the VDR is similar to connecting microphones. These
signals are also brought to the MU84 audio mixer.

Installation planning documents should tell you where to find the signal outputs. It should be noted
that connecting the VDR directly to the VHF equipment loudspeaker output is not sufficient, since it
will only record received audio.

Any auxiliary device used to feed audio signals from the VHF set should be approved or supplied by
the VHF manufacturer to ensure that type approval is not violated.

IEC 61996 states that the output of a VHF unit should be a standard 0 dBm signal (which corresponds
to nominal level of 0.775 V rms over 600 Ohms load).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Twisted pair cable with common screen shall be used to connect each VHF / Communications output
to the Main Unit. The interface can accommodate any reasonable wire length (300 m) on a ship.

CONNECTION TABLE

VHF set Main Unit MU 84 Comment, Cable Type

terminal # terminal #
One twisted pair with common screen:
A1-1 to A8-1 VHF set output -> VDR, positive signal
A1-2 to A8-2 VHF set output -> VDR, negative signal
A1-3 to A8-3 GND. Do not connect the screen at the VHF /
Communications set end.

NOTES ON CONNECTIONS AND EMI

IMPORTANT! To avoid interference, these cables shall not be placed close to any cables carrying
high power supply currents, since noise can be induced in the audio channels.

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

26 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

10.1.4. Navigation Sensors Using NMEA 0183/IEC 61162-1 Serial Output

GENERAL INFORMATION

The ND16 carries the opto-isolated serial inputs for the main navigation sensor interface to the VDR.

The NMEA interface format is generally very well suited for marine installations and the isolated inputs
make the system quite robust and insensitive to interference.

The installation planning documentation should tell you where the various sensor signals are found.

ND16 INPUTS AND OUTPUTS SPECIFICATION

In principle all 16 VDR NMEA inputs are identical and all channel assignments are done via
configuration in software. However, to ease implementation of non-standard interfaces some channels
are equipped with extra features, see table:

Channels Comment
S01 – Standard NMEA 0183 / IEC 61162-1 inputs with opto isolator
S12
S13 – Inputs equipped with opto-isolated EIA 485 receiver, accepting:
S16 NMEA 0183 / IEC 61162-1 signals using 4 800 b/s, and
NMEA 0183HS / IEC 61162-2 signals using 38 400 b/s
S17 – EIA 232 outputs (output channels of inputs S09 – S12)
S20
S21 – EIA 485 differential outputs (output channels of inputs S13 – S16)
S24

This means that:

• “Normal” output only (standard) NMEA devices should primarily be connected to channels
ranging from S01 and upwards.

• Any “high-speed NMEA” devices should be connected to channels S13 – S16.

• Any non-standard interface requiring two-way communication should be connected as

recommended by Consilium Navigation.

27 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

CONNECTIONS

Connection strip of ND 16 board

Sensor ND16 Comment, Cable Type

terminal # terminal #
Twisted pair with common screen
S01-A to S12-A “A” wire of output devices 1 to 12 -> VDR
S01-B to S12-B “B” wire of output devices 1 to 12 -> VDR
Twisted pair with double screen or twisted pair with
extra ground wire
S13-A to S16-A “A” wire of output devices 13 to 16 -> VDR
S13-B to S16-B “B” wire of output devices 13 to 16 -> VDR
S13-C to S16-C “C” wire of output devices 13 to 16 -> VDR.
Note! The use of the “C” wire is defined in IEC 61162-2.
The wire is connected to the signal ground connection of
the isolated EIA 485 receiver. Only a specific “C” wire may
be connected here, not the outer screen of the cable.
For standard NMEA devices, terminal “C” should not be
used – instead a standard twisted pair cable with outer
screen should be used!
S17 to S24 Should be connected according to CNAB documentation.

SERIAL PORT EQUIVALE NCIES

The NMEA terminals on the ND16 board are connected to the computer’s serial ports as follows.

S01 COM11 S05 COM15 S09 COM3 S13 COM7

S02 COM12 S06 COM16 S10 COM4 S14 COM8
S03 COM13 S07 COM17 S11 COM5 S15 COM9
S04 COM14 S08 COM18 S12 COM6 S16 COM10

The COM1 and COM2 ports are reserved for other system functions, and cannot be used for NMEA
data.

28 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

N O TE S O N E M I

See also the “General Notes on EMI, Cables and Connections” chapter.

29 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

11. General Notes on Cables and Connections

[Link] Cable Dimensions and Standards
11.1.1. Signal Cables
• All cables used for signal interconnection of the VDR M2 system units shall have a cross section of
0.5 mm2 with a voltage rating of at least 60 volts.

• If the specifications state “twisted pair”, such cable should be used.

• If the specifications state a screen should be used, either an aluminium foil screen with an inlaid,
blank, stranded conductor, or tinned copper braid should be used.

Using any other cable type will void warranty.

For your own convenience, please use a cable with numbered conductors. This makes identification
much easier, and minimises the risk of mis-connections. The directions in this manual assume cables
with numbered conductors.

11.1.2. DC Power Cables

• All cables used for supplying DC power in the VDR M2 system shall have a cross section of at least
1.5 mm2 with a voltage rating of at least 120 volts.

• The installation directions may specify a heavier cross section.

Using any other cable type will void warranty.

To avoid problems with voltage drops across longer runs of cable, increase the cross section as
appropriate.

For your own safety, use cable with coloured conductors, preferable one red part for the positive
voltage and one black part for negative return.

11.1.3. AC Power Cable

• All cables used for supplying AC power in the VDR M2 system shall have a cross section of at least
1.5 mm2 with a voltage rating of at least 500 volts.

• The cable must be UL registered, for the environment in which it is used.

• The cable must have three conductors, coloured blue, brown and yellow-green. The yellow-green
part is to be used for earthing only.

Failing to use UL registered cable will void warranty.

Follow established electrical safety regulations when selecting and using high voltage cabling.

11.2. On Cable Types

11.2.1. On Twisted Pairs
• Twisted pair means two wires twisted together in a special noise-cancelling configuration.

• Two twisted pairs means two separate sets of two wires twisted together, not four wires twisted
together.

30 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

The twisted pair is a unit that by its twist protects itself from the environment, and protects the
environment (such as, the pair next to it) from itself. The pitch of the twist is carefully calculated to
maximise the noise-cancelling properties, which is not the case with ordinary multipole cable.

11.2.2. What is Not a Twisted Pair

Surely, all cable with two or more parts is twisted for manufacturing reasons. This does not mean any
two-conductor cable is a twisted pair.

If the specification says “two twisted pairs” this is for a good reason, i.e. noise reduction. Do not use
twisted quads or ordinary multipole cable, which also has somewhat twisted parts.

In a twisted quad the signals in one pair will cross-couple to the other pair, because they are so close,
and because one pair has no means of protecting itself from the other pair.

In an ordinary multipole cable, the noise-cancelling properties are random or unknown. What one does
know, is that cross-coupling between the individual wires is bound to occur.

12. General Notes on EMI

12.1. EMI
Electromagnetic Interference is everywhere. It is the unwanted signal component that disrupts your
system, creates unwanted noise in the audio channels, or causes the system to go down at irregular
intervals. If EMI is not counter-acted at installation time, it will be very costly to troubleshoot and
change the system later. Intermittent faults with an EMI background are almost impossible to find.

The main unit has been manufactured with EMI protection in mind, but counter-productive wiring
could very well spoil the whole construction.

12.2. Termination of Signal Cables

To reduce the risk of

• EMI induction • Intermittent faults

• Excessive noise on audio channels • Entanglement

• Short circuits • Mix-ups

and to ease re-dressing of cabling and re-connections after service, all signal cables used for VDR
connections should be terminated in the manner described here.

31 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

The free ends should be as short as possible, preferably around 10 – 15 millimetres. This tends to make
connecting more difficult, but greatly reduces the risk of EMI induction.

The blank, stranded ends of the wire should be terminated with end caps, as shown in the picture. This
prevents loose strands from sticking out, possibly short circuiting something, and makes re-connection
much easier. The end caps must be crimped with the proper tool, lest they fall off again. The
connection block terminals in the VDR are of the press type, and they will not press fit the end caps.

Examples of proper tools for crimping end caps, and a strip of end caps

Where there is a risk that the shield wire might make short circuit to anything, solder traces, other wires,
chassis, bulkhead, etc., it must be protected with a slip-on plastic tube or shrink tubing. Remember that
the screen is not to carry any current or signal, it is only a screen.

In the case of twisted pair wire, be sure to use the wires in the proper pairs, i.e. in the case of the
microphone, the microphone signals should use one pair, and the loudspeaker the other pair. If you
mix pairs, the noise-cancelling properties of the twisted pair is lost.

12.3. On Shields
Shields should never be connected in both ends of the cable, unless expressly noted. Grounding a
screen “for safety” or “for good measure” could be devastating to noise immunity, forming a ground
loop the will let noise slip into the system.

32 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

The reason for this is that the chassis (bulkhead) potential is never the same in both ends of the cable.
Although the ship is made of steel, large currents flowing through the hull may easily generate a
potential difference of several volts across 100 metres of the ship.

The result is that noise current will start flowing from the “high” end of the screen to the “low” end,
maybe several amperes. On the way, it will induce into the signal leads, causing signal degradation and
improper operation of the VDR unit.

12.4. On Cable Placement

One of the basic rules of cabling: Never strap high-current, noisy cables together with sensitive signal
cables, shielded or unshielded.

The reason is once again to avoid noise induction. Two cables lying tightly together work like a
transformer, the noise in one easily coupling to the other.

The cheapest measure of noise reduction in any design, be it ship or aeroplane, is to keep sensitive
cables away from noisy cables. Doing this at the installation stage is much cheaper than fault-finding
and re-engineering it later, when all the paint has come on.

13. The Computer System

13.1. General information
The VDR M2 computer is a ruggedised PC compatible computer, running Windows NT 4.0
Embedded. The main application is a data logging service, storing all input data to the hard disk at one-
minute intervals (other intervals can be set for specific signals not requiring this short interval, such as
CCTV).

13.2. Storage Options

Data from the last 24 hours of operation (configurable interval) is stored on the hard disk in the form
of files in a directory structure. Data older than 24 hours is replaced by newer data. This data may be
backed up to DVD RAM disks.

Data from the last 12 hours is stored in the protective capsule. Data older than 12 hours is replaced by
newer data.

The storage stack consists of a

• 2.6 GB DVD RAM drive used for copying backup data to

• 10 GB SCSI hard disk used as normal on-line storage

13.3. Options
The computer is operated using the fold-away LCD touch screen display in the VDR enclosure.

To ease in entering characters and navigating the interface, an external keyboard can be connected to
a PS/2 connector in top of the storage stack.

Optionally an external Ethernet LAN using the TCP/IP protocol can be connected to the VDR hub,
for high-speed connection to other, external computers.

33 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

14. The Requirement for Interface Units to Comply

with IEC standards
The VDR M2 interface has 16 inputs, complying with IEC 1162-1/-2 input specification according to
annex A of IEC 61996.

The following data is recorded:

• Ship’s clock: Date and time

• GNSS: ship’s position

• Speed log: speed

• Gyro compass: heading

• Echo sounder: depth

• Wind meter: wind speed/direction

• Auto pilot/Rudder engine: rudder order/response

• Machinery automation: engine order/response

• Fire alarm and safety management system: fire alarm, fire and watertight doors, general status
information

Data received will be stored and time -stamped when received.

It should be noted that in some cases it will be necessary to allocate more than one input for a recording
channel, for instance rudder order and response, as the signals may be output from different sources,
requiring two VDR input channels.

34 (36)
 CONSILIUM NAVIGATION AB • VDR INSTALLATION MANUAL • ART NO. 707097

15. Mechanical Drawings

This section contains the following mechanical drawings:

Drawing No: Unit Detail

707184B0 Main Unit Component Layout
707178A0 Main Unit Installations Dimensions
707185A0 Power Supply Component Layout
707179A0 Power Supply Installations Dimensions
---- Interface Cabinet Installations Dimensions
HVR00-000-00C Protective Capsule Over-view and Installations Dimensions
707182A0 Remote Display Installations Dimensions
707183A0 Microphone Installations Dimensions

16. Electrical Drawings

This section contains the following electrical drawings:

Drawing No: Unit Detail

----- Cabling Diagram
707187A0 Audio Inputs Mixer Unit (Mu-84) Cable Connections
707188A0 Serial Inputs ND16 Cable Connections
707186A0 Main Unit - PSU VUB 2 Cable Connections

35 (36)