Jotron Tron 40 VDR AIS Installation Manual, Rev A

Tron 40VDR AIS
Float-free EPIRB with VDR Storage Module

Installation manual
Table of Contents
1 Parts in Tron 40VDR AIS ..................................................................................................................... 4
2 Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Electrical specifications ................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Environmental specifications ....................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Mechanical specifications ............................................................................................................ 5
3 Mounting location of GMDSS EPIRB ................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Jotron recommended mounting location .................................................................................... 6
3.2 Location summary ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Bracket mounting ......................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Mount on a flat surface ................................................................................................................ 9
3.5 Mounting plate........................................................................................................................... 10
3.6 FB-40 and FBH-40 Bracket dimensions & mounting holes. ........................................................ 11
3.7 Installation screws ...................................................................................................................... 11
4 FBH-40 Bracket ................................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 Features ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Electrical specifications .............................................................................................................. 12
1.1. Electrical diagram ....................................................................................................................... 12
5 Fitting Tron 40VDR AIS EPIRB into the bracket ................................................................................. 13
5.1 Mandatory use of silicone grease .............................................................................................. 13
5.2 Placing the EPIRB into the brackett ............................................................................................ 14
5.3 Verify EPIRB in the bracket ......................................................................................................... 15
6 Fitting the front cover ...................................................................................................................... 16
7 Power to the unit............................................................................................................................. 17
8 Connecting the unit ......................................................................................................................... 17
9 Cabling the Jotron 40VDR AIS .......................................................................................................... 17
9.1 Colour of cable pairs .................................................................................................................. 17
9.2 Connection diagram for External DC-power .............................................................................. 18
9.3 Connection diagram for Power over Ethernet (POE) ................................................................. 19
10 83180 - Docking Module MkII .......................................................................................................... 20
10.1 LED indication of the 83180 MkII ............................................................................................... 21
10.2 Mounting of the detachable cable into the bracket .................................................................. 22
10.3 Watchdog in Docking module .................................................................................................... 22
11 Verifying the installation .................................................................................................................. 23
11.1 Verifying test 1: Docking Module ............................................................................................... 23
11.2 Verifying test 2: Storage Module ............................................................................................... 23
13 Ammendment records ..................................................................................................................... 24
jotron.com Page 3 of 26
1 Parts in Tron 40VDR AIS
Figure 1: Different parts of Tron 40VDR AIS
The different parts of the Tron 40VDR AIS:

1 Front cover
2 Tron 40 VDR bouy (EPIRB)
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
2 Specifications
2.1 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
2.2 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
2.3 Mechanical specifications

Dimension (HxWxD) 553 x 236 x 215 mm
Weight approx. 5.4kg
Material Glass reinforced polycarbonate / Glass reinforced nylon
Color White
Fixing 6 pcs M6 screws A4
3 Mounting location of GMDSS EPIRB
The Jotron Tron 40VDR AIS is a combined GMDSS EPIRB and float free VDR storage module compliant with both
EPIRB and VDR performance standards IMO MSC.471(101) and MSC.333(90) as amended in resolution
MSC.494(104). To be compliant as a GMDSS EPIRB, it is important to follow the rules with regards to installation in
the IMO document "Harmonization of GMDSS requirements for radio installations on board SOLAS ships", currently
in IMO COMSAR/ Circ.32 which will be revised in 2022 and most likely given a new circular number.
3.1 Jotron recommended mounting location

Jotron strongly recommend the Tron 40VDR AIS 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 AIS
The bridge wings are also normally in shadow of radar signals, which in peaks can have very high disturbing signals
for the Tron 40VDR AIS operation. Therefore, the Tron 40VDR AIS shall 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 AIS and transmitting antennas should be at least 3 meters. It
is good practice to locate the Tron 40VDR AIS lower than all other transmitting antennas and to have as large
distance as possible to them.
Figure 3: 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 AIS from naval
construction, walls, large metal surfaces, cargos, etc. on the ship. Those elements can easily reflect disturbance
signals back to the unit.
Figure 4: Interference reflected by cargo
3.2 Location summary

To find the best spot for the Tron 40VDR AIS 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 6, for reference to the
standard.
3.3 Bracket mounting
It is important that the Tron 40VDR AIS 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 AIS 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 AIS bracket can be mounted directly on steel ship-wall, as long as the surface is completely flat
and plane. The steel area needs to be larger than the actual bracket.
The Tron 40VDR AIS bracket can also be mounted on railing. It must be mounted onto a vertical pole with a
mounting plate, as seen in Figure 5. 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.
Figure 5: Mounting description for mounting on rails
3.4 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.
Correct Not correct Correct Not correct

Figure 6: 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 7: Mount with no gap between Docking
module and Storage module
. A gap between those units can intermittent or in worst case stop the communication to the storage module.
Correct Not correct

Figure 7: Mount with no gap between Docking module and Storage module
3.5 Mounting plate
If the Tron 40VDR AIS 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 5. 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 8: Advised mounting plate size
3.6 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 9
Grounding screw.
Bracket seen
from behind.
Back view Side view Front view

Figure 9: Mounting footprint
3.7 Installation 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 5 and Figure 9 grounds the bracket to the ship earth. This screw shall be
greased, with Jotron Silicone Grease P/N: 100946, 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.
4 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.
4.1 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.
4.2 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
1.1. Electrical diagram
Figure 10: Electrical diagram for FBH-40 bracket
5 Fitting Tron 40VDR AIS EPIRB into the bracket
5.1 Mandatory use of silicone grease
Apply a thin layer of grease evenly in the flat and touching area between the Storage Module and the Docking
Module, see Figure 11. 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: 100946) shall be used on both bracket and EPIRB, as seen in Figure 11.
Figure 11: Mandatory, apply a thin layer of grease.
5.2 Placing the EPIRB into the brackett
1 2 3 4
Figure 12: placing the EPIRB in bracket
1. Make sure the bracket is not damaged.

2. Insert the EPIRB onto the Docking Module.
3. Gently press the EPIRB into the stability clip.
4. Place the cover by fitting it from the bottom first. Mount the locking pin to securely hold the cover in place. See
chapter 6 ”Fitting the front cover” for details.
If the bracket is mounted correctly, on a flat surface, the EPIRB shall fit in the bracket without any gap in the
stability clip.
5.3 Verify EPIRB in the bracket
Correct Not correct

Figure 13: Mounting of the EPIRB in the bracket
If the bracket is mounted correctly, on a flat surface, the EPIRB shall fit in the bracket without any gap in the
stability bracket.
If the bracket is mounted incorrect or on a non-flat surface the bracket will be in tension and the Storage Module
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 right picture of Figure 14, the
communication between Docking module and Storage module may be intermittent or in worst case – not be
working!
Correct Not correct

Figure 14: 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 AIS, a fault free system should
be the result!
6 Fitting the front cover

To place the front cover; the following steps should be followed:
2 3
1. Fit the groove on the front cover with the tab on the bracket.
2. Firmly press the front cover in place before fitting the locking pin through the hole in the hydrostatic
release. If the hole is not visible, or you must use force to press down the front cover to see the hole, the
tongue and groove is not aligned. Please take the front cover off and try again.
3. Make sure the locking pin is mounted the correct way.
7 Power to the unit
There are two options for supplying power to Tron 40VDR AIS:
- External DC power; + 24 VDC.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE); according to IEEE 802.3af-2003.
Both options are described later in this document.
8 Connecting the unit

A metal box must be used to connect the flying leads from the Tron 40VDR AIS 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 15Figure :
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 15: Principle of a shielded cable gland, ref: www.lappgroup.com
9 Cabling the Jotron 40VDR AIS

The Docking can be connected in two ways, either with External DC-power or with Power over Ethernet (PoE).
9.1 Colour of cable pairs

Colours for cable pairs:
Figure 16: Colours of cable pairs
9.2 Connection diagram for External DC-power
Note, if the unit is powered by POE the connection, see chapter 9.3.
DC input rage: Absolute minimum 21 VDC (24V–10%) 6W typ. (13W max)

Absolute maximum 57 VDC (48V+20%) 6W typ. (13W max)
All connected cables should be shielded cables and the shield must be connected to the ship’s Earth (hull) via the
EMC cable glands in the connection box, see chapter 8 for details.
Figure 17: External power connection of black cable with white wire pairs
3x EMC cable glands,
see chapter 8
9.3 Connection diagram for Power over Ethernet (POE)
Note, if the unit is powered by an external DC power, see chapter 9.2.
For Tron 40VDR AIS connected to Power over Ethernet (POE), the unit 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 AIS must be connected to the ship’s Earth (hull) via the EMC cable glands in the
connection box, see chapter 8 for details.
2x EMC cable glands,

see chapter 8
Figure 18: POE connection of cable with white wire pairs
For verification of the cabling, see chapter 11 Verifying the installation on page 23.
10 83180 - Docking Module MkII
This Docking Module is used for both Tron 40VDR AIS and Tron 40VDR products.
The 83180 Docking Module MkII have 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 AIS.
• 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 “10.3 Watchdog in Docking module” on page 22
for more details.
Figure 19: 83180 Docking Module MkII
10.1 LED indication of the 83180 MkII
The Docking module have four independent LED indicators. Below is a description of different states of each LED
light:
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 20: 83180 MkII LED description
10.2 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
Correct Not correct

Figure 19: Mounting of the detachable cable
10.3 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.
11 Verifying the installation
11.1 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 21.
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 13.
• Verify that the Storage Module is mounted flat onto the Docking Module, see page 15.
• Verify cable connections on all connection points.
For 83180 - Docking Module MkII with black cable:

If the EPRIB 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 “10.3 Watchdog in Docking module” on page 22 for more details.
11.2 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, for minimum 2 minutes before this test can be carried out.
The VDR system cannot store data on the Tron 40VDR AIS 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 22
is the default Tron 40VDR AIS IP address, and may
not be correct in the configuration connected to a
certain VDR system.
Figure 21: Ping verification
13 Ammendment records
Issue Date
Rev Reason for Issue Author
(DD.MM.YY)
A 06.04.2022 Release of first revision for Tron 40VDR AIS ØB
NORWAY / HEADQUARTERS USA CHINA
Jotron AS Jotron USA, Inc Norway Jotron AS Beijing
Ringdalskogen 8 6300 Rothway Street, Suite C Representative Office (ATC business)
3270 Larvik, Norway Houston, TX 77040, USA No. 1204 room, building D
Tel: +47 33 13 97 00 Tel: +1 713 268 1061 Tiejian plaza, Chaoyang district Beijing
100012 China
SINGAPORE UK Tel: +86 10 5619 6464
Jotron Asia Pte. Ltd. Jotron UK Ltd.
10 Ubi Crescent, Ubi Techpark Crosland Park, Cramlington
Lobby B, #05-11/12, Singapore 408564 NE23 1LA, UK
Tel: +65 65 42 63 50 Tel: +44 1670 712000 sales@jotron.com
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Tron 40VDR AIS

Float-free EPIRB with VDR Storage Module

Figure 1: Different parts of Tron 40VDR AIS

The different parts of the Tron 40VDR AIS:

2.2 Environmental specifications

2.3 Mechanical specifications

3.1 Jotron recommended mounting location

Figure 2: Recommended location of the Tron 40VDR AIS

Figure 4: Interference reflected by cargo

3.2 Location summary

Figure 5: Mounting description for mounting on rails

Correct Not correct Correct Not correct

Correct Not correct

Figure 8: Advised mounting plate size

Back view Side view Front view

3.7 Installation screws

4.2 Electrical specifications

1.1. Electrical diagram

Figure 10: Electrical diagram for FBH-40 bracket

Figure 11: Mandatory, apply a thin layer of grease.

1. Make sure the bracket is not damaged.

Correct Not correct

Correct Not correct

6 Fitting the front cover

8 Connecting the unit

Figure 15: Principle of a shielded cable gland, ref: www.lappgroup.com

9 Cabling the Jotron 40VDR AIS

9.1 Colour of cable pairs

Figure 16: Colours of cable pairs

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

2x EMC cable glands,

Figure 18: POE connection of cable with white wire pairs

Figure 19: 83180 Docking Module MkII

Correct Not correct

10.3 Watchdog in Docking module

For 83180 - Docking Module MkII with black cable:

11.2 Verifying test 2: Storage Module

Figure 21: Ping verification

jotron.com jotron.com Page 26 of 26

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