INSTALLATION MANUAL

Tron 40VDR FF Capsule

Table of contents
1. Parts in Tron 40VDR ............................................................................................................................. 3
3. Specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Mounting location of GMDSS EPIRB .................................................................................................... 5
5. FBH-40 Bracket .................................................................................................................................. 11
6. Fixing Tron 40VDR Capsule into the bracket ..................................................................................... 12
7. Fitting the front cover ........................................................................................................................ 15
8. Power to the unit ............................................................................................................................... 17
9. Connecting the unit ........................................................................................................................... 17
10. Cabling the Jotron 40VDR .................................................................................................................. 17
11. How to identify the different Docking Modules ................................................................................ 22
12. 87921 – Docking Module (MKI) ......................................................................................................... 23
13. 83180 - Docking Module MkII............................................................................................................ 24
14. Verifying the installation.................................................................................................................... 27
1. Parts in Tron 40VDR

Figure 1: Different parts of Tron 40VDR

The different parts of the Tron 40VDR:

1 Front cover
2 Tron 40 VDR Float-Free Capsule (EPIRB capsule)
3 Storage module (FRM – Final recording Medium)
4 Bracket
5 Hydrostatic release
6 Stability-bracket
7 Grounding screw
8 Catapult
9 Grounding plate
10 Docking module
11 Safety clip
3. Specifications
3.1. Electrical specifications
Power supply External power DC: 24/48V DC.
Absolute: min: 21V DC and max: 57V DC
PoE: 48V DC
Absolute: min: 37V DC and max: 57V DC
Power consumption 6W (typical), 13W (max)
Termination Flying leads
Supplied LAN cable length  2m

3.2. Environmental specifications

Temperature range -20°C to +55°C ( -4°F to +131°F)
Temperature storage -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
Compass safe distance 0.8m

3.3. Mechanical specifications

Dimension (HxWxD) 553x236x214mm
Weight approx. 4.8kg
Material Glass reinforced polycarbonate / Glass reinforced nylon
Color White
Mounting According to Tron 40VDR Installation Manual
Fixing 6 pcs M6 screws A4

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4. Mounting location of GMDSS EPIRB
The Jotron Tron 40VDR is a combined GMDSS EPIRB and float free VDR storage module compliant with
both EPIRB and VDR performance standards IMO A.810(19), and MSC. 333(90). To be compliant as a
GMDSS EPIRB, it is important to follow COMSAR regulation on mounting, COMSAR/Circ.32
http://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_id=10750&filename=32.pdf

4.1. Jotron recommended mounting location

Jotron strongly recommend the Tron 40VDR to be installed on the bridge wings. This location follows the
COMSAR recommendation by it is easily accessible in an emergency and for maintains. In this location, it
is very easily for the crew to reach the unit in an emergency situation. Mounted on the bridge wing, it is
also convenient for the monthly self-tests.

Figure 2: Recommended location of the Tron 40VDR

The bridge wings are also normally in shadow of radar signals, which in peaks can have very high
disturbing signals for the Tron 40VDR operation. Therefore, the Tron 40VDR is shall to be located out of
sight of the radars.

In additional to radars antennas, be aware of other transmitting antennas. Those antennas could be
UHF, HF and VHF antennas. The distance between the Tron 40VDR and transmitting antennas should be
at least 3 meters. It is good practice to locate the Tron 40VDR lower than all other transmitting antennas
and to have as large distance as possible to them.

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Figure 1: Tron 40 VDR mounted in shadow from radars

The location should be in a place where antenna signals will not be reflected back to Tron 40VDR from
naval construction, walls, large metal surfaces, cargos, etc. on the ship. Those elements can easily reflect
disturbance signals back to the unit.

Figure 3: Interference reflected by cargo

4.2. Location summary

To find the best spot for the Tron 40VDR the following steps should be used:
1) Find a spot where you cannot see the radars, this means you are probably out of the beam of
the radars. You should also have at least 3-meter distance to other transmitting antennas.
2) In this area, look for a spot where the signals from the radars could not be reflected from other
naval construction, walls, large metal surfaces, large deck cargo, etc. that could send the
transmission signal back to the spot where you are standing.
3) Verify that the spot fulfils the IMO specifications for the EPIRB location, see page 5, for
reference to the standard.

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 4.3. Bracket mounting
It is important that the Tron 40VDR is mounted VERTICALLY to ensure a good connection to the bracket
module. This is important, to ensure reliable communication with the on-board VDR (Voyage Data
Recorder) computer.

The unit shall have good and short ground connection to the hull ground.

The cable to the Tron 40VDR should be protected in a separate steel pipe, welded to the ship hull. This
will give the cable physical protection as well as protection against RF signals interfering with the VDR
signals.

The Tron 40VDR bracket can be mounted directly on steel ship-wall, as long as the surface is completely
flat and plane. The steal area needs to be larger than the actual bracket.

The Tron 40VDR bracket can also be mounted on railing. It must be mounted onto a vertical pole with a
mounting plate, as seen in Figure 4. The mounting plate will work as ground for the unit and protect it
from strong sea spray onto the backside of the bracket. See chapter 9 for grounding of the mounting
plate and advised dimensions.

6mm2 (min) Grounding

wire. Need good electrical
connection to the metal.

Figure 4: Mounting description for mounting on rails

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 4.4. Mount on a flat surface
It is very important that the bracket is mounted on a completely flat surface. The bracket shall not be
curved in any directions.

Figure 5: Mounting on flat surface

If the bracket is mounted on a curved surface, there can be a tension in the bracket that can cause a gap
between the Docking Module and the Storage Module in the lower part of the bracket, as shown in
Figure 6. A gap between those units can intermittent or in worst case stop the communication to the
storage module.

Figure 6: Mount with no gap between Docking module and Storage module

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 4.5. Mounting plate
If the Tron 40VDR is not mounted on a steel wall, it is shall be mounted on a mounting plate. This will
make sure the bracket is not twisted and secure good grounding. The mounting plate must be of metal
and completely flat.

The mounting plate shall have good electrical contact with the ship hull. There should also be mounted
an extra grounding wire between the mounting plate and the ship EARTH, as indicated in Figure 4. This
wire should be as short as possible and should be minimum a 6mm2 wire. This grounding will increase
the immunity of the unit.

300mm

250mm
700mm

300mm

Figure 7: Advised mounting plate size

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 4.6. FB-40 and FBH-40 Bracket dimensions & mounting holes.
The mounting footprint is the same for both the FB-40 and the FBH-40 bracket, shown in Figure 8.

Grounding
Screw. Seen
from behind

Figure 8: Mounting footprint

4.7. Mounting screws

The bracket shall be mounted to the flat metal surface with 6 pcs M6 screws with socket head with
material quality of A4 (AISI 316). There shall not be used any washer under the screw heads. A washer
can block the catapult from releasing. For the pre-mounted vibration dampers to work properly it is
important that they are not misshaped by the tightening of the screws. If they are misshaped, the
dampers will not work as designed.

The grounding screw, marked in Figure 4 and Figure 8, grounds the bracket to the ship earth. This screw
shall be greased, with Jotron Silicone Grease P/N: 88237, before mounting. The grease will prevent
corrosion in the grounding point. It is important that this screw gives a good electrical connection to
the ship EARTH/ HULL or mounting plate.

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5. FBH-40 Bracket
The FBH-40 is an alternative to the standard FB-40 bracket.
The FBH-40 has a build-in self-regulating heating cable. The
bracket is intended for use in cold climatic environment.

5.1. Features
 Self-regulating heating cable.
 External thermostat for disconnecting the power above a
certain temperature.
 Same footprint and front cover as the regular FB-40
bracket.

5.2. Electrical specifications

Compass safe distance 0.8 m
Heating Cable Power supply 220-240 V AC
Power Consumption  60 W (typical at -30C)
Current Consumption  0.25 A
Recommended Fuse 3 to 10 A
Thermostat cut-off 5-10 C
Cable length to thermostat  0.8 m
Termination Screw terminals inside
thermostat box

5.3. Electrical diagram

Thermostat
box

Thermostat
Ship EARTH (hull)

Ships
cable
PE L N VDR LAN cable

Figure 9: Electrical diagram for FBH-40 bracket

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6. Fixing Tron 40VDR Capsule into the bracket
6.1. Mandatory use of silicone grease
Apply a thin layer of grease evenly in the communication areas marked in green in Figure 10. The
function of the grease is to prevent water to ingress in between Storage Module and Docking Module
and will ensure good communication over the connector free area. A thick layer of grease may have
negative effect on the VDR performance.
The Jotron silicone grease (P/N: 88237) shall be used on both bracket and capsule, as seen in Figure 10.

Figure 10: Mandatory apply a thin layer of grease inside marked areas

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 6.2. Placing the EPIRB capsule

Figure 11: Placement of capsule into the bracket

Take the Tron 40VDR Float-Free Capsule and match the lower part correct on the docking module and
easy press Float-Free Capsule safely in the stability-bracket.

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 6.3. Verify capsule in the bracket
If the bracket is mounted correctly, on a flat surface, the Float-Free Capsule shall fit in the bracket
without any gap in the stability bracket.

Figure 12: Mounting of the Float-Free Capsule in the bracket

If the bracket is mounted incorrect or on a non-flat surface the bracket will be in tension and the Tron
40VDR Capsule may not have good contact with the docking module in the lower part of the bracket.
If there is a gap, between docking Module and Storage Module, as shown in the left picture of Figure 12,
the communication between Docking module and Storage module may be intermittent or in worst case
– not be working!

Figure 13: Verify there is no gap between Docking module and Storage module

If all the above instructions are taken into account when mounting the Tron 40VDR, a fault free system
should be the result!

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7. Fitting the front cover
To place the front cover; the following steps should be followed:
1. Fit the groove on the front cover with the
tap on the bracket.

2. There is a groove alongside the front

cover that has to be aligned and fit
around the tongue in the bracket.

3. After aligning the tongue and groove the

front cover can be closed. If the tongue
and groove does not align correctly, it
can be helped if the front cover is lightly
pressed inwards on the long side.

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4. Firmly press the front cover in place
before fitting the safety clip though the
hole in the hydrostatic release. If the hole
is not visible or you have to use force to
press the front cover before the hole is
visible, the tongue and groove is not
aligned, please take the front cover off
and try again.

5. Make sure the security pin is mounted

correct way

6. The front cover is sealed correct.

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8. Power to the unit
There are two options for supplying power to Tron 40VDR:
- External DC power; + 24 VDC.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE); according to IEEE 802.3af-2003.
Both options are described later in this document.

9. Connecting the unit

A metal box must be used to connect the flying leads from the Tron 40VDR to the VDR system cable. The
connection box must also be electrical connected to chassis/hull (ships ground/-earth). The cable screen
shall be connected to the box via a Cable Gland designed for EMC protection, like Skintop® MS-SC,
where the principal for good shield connection is as illustrated in Figure 14:
This will connect the cable shield, via the box, to the hull in the best way. This is important to protect the
equipment from any interference.

Figure 14 Principle of a shielded cable gland, ref: www.lappgroup.com

10. Cabling the Jotron 40VDR

There are different types of cables and two different color codes on the Jotron VDR cables.

10.1. Definitions of cable types

Cable type 1: Cable with white wires in cable Cable type 2: All different colors
pairs

See chapter 10.2 on page 18 for wiring this See chapter 10.3 on page 20 for wiring
cable. this cable.

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 10.2. Cable with white wires in cable pairs (Cable type 1)
The Cable type 1 can be either light grey or black, depending on the model of the product (MKI or MKII).
They have similar wiring, expect the External DC power.

10.2.1. External DC power (Cable type 1)

When external DC is used to power the Tron 40VDR (MKII) with black cable with white wires in cable
pairs, the connection in Figure 15 should be used. For Tron 40VDR (MKI) with light grey cable, see
Note*)

DC input rage: Absolute minimum 21 VDC (24V–10%) 6W typ. (13W max)

Absolute maximum 57 VDC (48V+20%) 6W typ. (13W max)

Cable shield from Tron 40VDR must be connected to the ship’s Earth (hull) via the EMC cable glands in
the connection box, see chapter 9 for details.

Note*)

Figure 15: External power connection of black cable with white wire pairs
3x EMC cable glands,
see chapter 9

For verification of the cabling, see chapter 14 Verifying the installation on page 27.

Note*) For units (MKI) with light grey cables the DC power connections shall be as follows:
Tron 40 VDR: White/Blue 24 Vdc +
Brown 24 Vdc -

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 10.2.2. PoE - Power over Ethernet (Cable type 1)
When external DC is used to power the Tron 40VDR, with a cable with white wires in cable pairs, the
connection in Figure 16 should be used.

Tron 40VDR supports IEEE 802.3af-2003 (PoE). Both PoE mode A and mode B can be used. The Tron 40
VDR cable is not wired according to the mode B standard; it uses only one wire from each pair. The VDR
System Ethernet cable should always be connected as standard; one to one.

Cable shield from Tron 40VDR must be connected to the ship’s Earth (hull) via the EMC cable glands in
the connection box, see chapter 9 for details.

2x EMC cable glands,

see chapter 9

Figure 16: POE connection of cable with white wire pairs

For verification of the cabling, see chapter 14 Verifying the installation on page 27.

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 10.3. Cable with all different colors (Cable type 2)
10.3.1. External DC power (Cable type 2)
When external DC is used to power the Tron 40VDR, with a cable with all different colors on the wires, the
connection in Figure 17 should be used.

DC input rage: Absolute minimum 21 VDC (24V–10%) 6W typ. (13W max)

Absolute maximum 57 VDC (48V+20%) 6W typ. (13W max)

Cable shield from Tron 40VDR must be connected to the ship’s Earth (hull) via the EMC cable glands in
the connection box, see chapter 9 for details.

3x EMC cable glands,

see chapter 9 Figure 17: Ext power connection of cable with all different colors

For verification of the cabling, see chapter 14 Verifying the installation on page 27.

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 10.3.2. PoE - Power over Ethernet (Cable type 2)
When external DC is used to power the Tron 40VDR, with a cable with all different colors on the wires,
the connection in Figure 18 should be used.

Tron 40VDR supports IEEE 802.3af-2003 (PoE). Both PoE mode A and mode B can be used. The Tron 40
VDR cable is not wired according to the mode B standard; it uses only one wire from each pair. The VDR
System Ethernet cable should always be connected as standard; “one to one”.

Cable shield from Tron 40VDR must be connected to the ship’s Earth (hull) via the EMC cable glands in
the connection box, see chapter 9 for details.

2x EMC cable glands,

see chapter 9

Figure 18: POE connection of cable with all different colors

For verification of the cabling, see chapter 14 Verifying the installation on page 27.

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 11. How to identify the different Docking Modules
There are two versions of the Docking Module. They have both the same basic functionality and both
types can be used on any bracket and Storage modules.
The differences between them are described below:

Name 87921 - VDR Docking Module 83180 - VDR Docking Module MkII
Label

Figure 19: 87921 - Docking Module label Figure 20: 83180 - Docking Module MkII label

Picture

Figure 21: Tron 40VDR Docking module 87921 Figure 22: 83180 – Tron 40VDR Docking Module MkII

Remarks This module has non- detachable grey cable. This module has a detachable black cable.
Page If you have this Docking Module 87921, please go If you have the 83180 Docking Module MkII
to page 23 for LED indications. please go to page 24 for information.

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12. 87921 – Docking Module (MKI)
The 87921 is the first Docking module for Tron 40VDR.

12.1. LED indication of the 87921 (MKI)

See page 22 to identify the docking module.

Below is a description of the LED lights on the 87921 module:

LED: On Power Link Data
Description: Indication on Indication of the Indication of data Indication of data
status of power to Power internally link to the on- communication
the storage in the docking board VDR between the
module. module (Voyage Data Docking module
Recorder) and the on-board
computer VDR (Voyage Data
Recorder)
computer
Storage module Docking Module 100 Mb/s Connected but no
ON Power OK Power OK data1)
Storage module Docking Module 10 Mb/s No connection to
OFF Power failure power failure VDR computer or
Ethernet switch
Failure2) Failure2) Failure2) Connected and
Flashing data received/
transmitted3)
1)
The LEDs will be constant on during start up time up to 2 minutes.
2)
The LEDs can flash during start-up, but not during normal use.
3)
Shows only that there is communication between VDR computer and Docking Module, not that it’s actually communication up
to the VDR storage module. To further check this communication, e.g. use Terminal software and “Ping” command.

Figure 23: LED Description

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13. 83180 - Docking Module MkII
See page 22 to identify the docking module.

This is the Docking Module MkII. This module differs from the 87921 Docking module by the following
features:
 The module has a detachable black cable. This means the bracket can be installed on another
point of time than the electrical installation, this gives more flexibility on installation of the unit.
 The module is indicating communication with the storage module. This way the whole
communication loop can be verified on the installed bracket; both communication to the VDR
computer/system and to the storage module in the Tron 40VDR.
 New watchdog in the docking module. This feature will reset docking module if no
communication is received from storage module within a certain time, see chapter “13.3
Watchdog in Docking module” on page 26 for more details.

Figure 24: 83180 MkII with detachable cable

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 13.1. LED indication of the 83180 MkII
See page 22 to identify the docking module.

Below is a description of the LED lights on the 83180 module:

LED: Storage Power Docking Power Storage Com VDR system Com
Description: Indication on Indication of the Indication of data Indication of data
status of power to Power internally communication communication
the storage in the Docking between Docking between the
module. Module. module and Docking module
Storage module and the on-board
VDR (Voyage Data
Recorder)
computer
Storage module Docking module Connected but no Connected but no
ON Power OK Power OK data1) data1)
Storage module Docking module Storage module No connection to
OFF Power Failure Power Failure communication VDR computer or
Failure Ethernet switch
Flashing 5-15 sec, Flashing 5-15 sec, Connected and Connected and
active watchdog active watchdog data received/ data received/
Flashing transmitted to transmitted to the
Storage module1) VDR computer1)
1)
The LEDs will be constant on during start up time up to 2 minutes.
Figure 25: 83180 MkII LED description

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 13.2. Mounting of the detachable cable into the bracket
When mounting the detachable cable into the Docking module caution should be taken to make sure
the nut is correctly entered onto the treads. If the nut does not go on easily the nut should be
unscrewed and re-entered again, to make sure the nut is entered correctly

Figure 26: Mounting of the detachable cable

13.3. Watchdog in Docking module

The Docking Module MkII has a built-in “watchdog”, that detects if there are communication to the
Storage Module or not. This feature will reset the docking module if no communication is present to the
Storage Module within 10 seconds. This means that if Storage Module is removed from the bracket, the
Docking Module will reset itself after 10 seconds, the module will stay off for about 10 seconds before it
will start again, this cycle will continue until the Docking Module communicates with the Storage
Module.

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14. Verifying the installation
14.1. Verifying test 1: Docking Module
After the docking module is wired as described in this document, the installation can be verified. This
can be done by connecting a LAN switch to the docking module and powering up the units. After
powering up the switch and the docking module should be able to connect a data line with each other.
On most LAN switches this can easily be verified by a light on the switch. The lights at the docking
module should be as indicated in chapter “LED indication” on page 23 or 25 depending on version of the
Docking Module.

If LED indication is not as expected, please verify the following:

 Verify that the surface between the Storage Module and the Docking Module is clean and only have thin
layer of grease, see page 12.
 Verify that the Storage Module is mounted flat onto the Docking Module, see page 14.
 Verify cable connections on all connection points.

For 83180 - Docking Module MkII (black cable) only:

If the EPRIB capsule is not mounted in the bracket at this point, the Docking will reset itself every 10
seconds and be off for 10 second before it starts again, see chapter “13.3 Watchdog in Docking module”
on page 26 for more details.

14.2. Verifying test 2: Storage Module

After the Verifying 1 had passed, the communication to the storage module should be verified.
The EPIRP need to be mounted into the bracket before this test is done.
The unit needs to be powered, with mounted EPIRB capsule, for minimum 2 minutes before this test
can be carried out.
The VDR system cannot store data on the Tron 40VDR during this test. Ping is not a priority task, either
for the computer or the Storage Module, so lost packages can occur even with a perfectly working
system.

Type in the following Ping command on a command line either on a PC or via the actual VDR system
(depending on the system) and verify received packets.
Ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of the Storage module)

Note! IP address ( 192.168.2.1)

used in figure is the default Tron
40VDR IP address, and may not be
correct in the configuration
connected to a certain VDR system.

Figur 27: Ping verification

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Amendment Records

Amd By Date Page(s) Vers Reason

1 MOLM 06.08.14 14,15 C Added info about data retrieval
2 MOLM 23.09.14 9-13,21 D Added IP settings and SSD formatting info.
3 ØB 15.10.14 3-6 E Clarified wire connection.
4 ØB 15.04.16 F Corrected polarity for the DC on pin 3 in Mode A.
Corrected general misspelling.
5 ØB 22.06.16 All G Separated the SW part from this document.
Upgraded the most of document, added
information about MkII,
Added FBH-40 information
6 ØB 19.06.17 All H Updated mounting chapters, based on requests
and feedback from customers.
Updated chapters to include new detachable LAN
cable.
Updated chapter for verifying the installation.
7 ØB 16.08.17 18 I Corrected DC Power wiring.
8 ØB 08.09.17 18 J Corrected unconnected wire to White/Brown

www.jotron.com

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