FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How will I know if my KP-1299, or any other KP-XX99 Plotter series, is updated or not?
A: The latest firmware version available for our GPS Plotters is 16.06.14. Compare this to the firmware version of your GPS Plotter to know if it is updated or not.
2. How will I know the version of my GPS Plotter?
A: After turning your GPS Plotter “ON”, a window will be displayed containing a warning message about C-Map and K-Chart Electronic Charting Systems. On the bottom-left side of the window, the Software version of the unit will be displayed and on the bottom-right side of the window, the K-Chart version of the unit will be displayed.
3. What is Automatic Identification System (AIS)?
A: Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a reporting system used in the identification of marine vessels and its location. Vessels equipped with this system allow each other to communicate automatically, dynamically and regularly update their position, speed, course and information such as vessel identity.
The AIS radar function does not refer to its own AIS system and its features such as the VHF T/R and Letter Machine but by serial interface through (NMEA) which will be received by the AIS and sent to the radar on a real time displayed on the radar screen.
ONWA Marine Electronics offer Chart Plotters with built-in AIS devices or external AIS devices which can be interfaced with your Radar and GPS Chart Plotters.
4. Why is the AIS screen missing after the installation of the new firmware?
A : Starting from the new firmware update, we put the AIS screen “ON”/”OFF” selection in the SETUP menu. The default setting for the AIS screen is “OFF” therefore, you need to turn the AIS screen “ON” in the SETUP menu.
5. How to install or update new firmware?
A : To download the firmware update instruction, please click on the link. Firmware updating procedure on 99 series
6. How to switch “OFF” the unit if the system hangs in some cases?
A : Press and hold [POWER] key for about 10 seconds, then the unit will turn “OFF”.
7. What is the difference between an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver?
A: There are two classes of Automatic Identification System (AIS) devices: Class “A” Transponder and Class “B” Receiver. Class “A” transponders are those with built-in VHF transmitter and receiver. This means that the device can transmit and receive vessel information to and from its own vessel. On the other hand, Class “B” receivers are only able to receive vessel information from other vessels which has AIS transmitters.
8. What is the range Automatic Identification System (AIS) covers?
A: Normally, vessels with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver connected to an external antenna placed on 15 meters above sea level, will receive AIS information within a range of 15-20 nautical miles. Even behind remote mountains, range can be determined depending on the elevation, antenna type, obstacles around antenna and weather conditions.
9. Can I use the Automatic Identification System (AIS) of ONWA with other brands?
A: Yes. ONWA Marine Electronic equipment uses NMEA standards which makes it compatible with other brands. You can use the included cable (KS2-data1) on the package to connect the Automatic Identification System (AIS) device to other navigational equipment such as plotter, radar etc.
Please connect the DB9 connector of the KS2-data1 cable to the DB9 socket of KS200A/B. Connect the other end of the KS2-data1 cable to the external navigational equipment.
Wiring Connection is available in the manual.
10. Why is it that I cannot see the ship nearby in the Automatic Identification System (AIS) screen, though I see it on the sea?
A: There are two classes of Automatic Identification System (AIS) devices: Class “A” Transponder and Class “B” Receiver. Class “A” transponders are those with built-in VHF transmitter and receiver. This means that the device can transmit and receive vessel information to and from its own vessel. On the other hand, Class “B” receivers are only able to receive vessel information from other vessels which has AIS transmitters. Thus, vessels with Class “B” AIS devices cannot be seen by other vessels, it can only receive information from other AIS devices.
Another scenario would be if the other vessel has no AIS device at all. Then, only the radar can detect its presence on navigational equipment.
11. Can I see my ship in marinetraffic.com using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) of ONWA?
A: Yes. There are only a few reasons if you cannot see your vessel in marinetraffic.com:
The vessel is not equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder or the transponder is not operational or the transponder is not properly working
The vessel sails in an area where no nearby AIS receiving station exists
The transmission power of the vessel’s AIS transponder is not enough in order for a land-based station to receive the signals. This depends on the type of the transponder, the type and the height of the antenna and the quality of the cabling
Especially for vessels equipped with a Class-B AIS transponder, the transmission power of AIS signals is much lower than the power of a Class-A transponder and therefore the reception range in much more restricted
The AIS transponder of the vessel is not configured to transmit the correct information (e.g. MMSI number, ship’s name etc.)
12. I lost the adapter of my Radar for Automatic Identification System (AIS), how can I get a new one?
A: Please contact your nearest ONWA Dealer or you can send us an email about your concern on Automatic Identification System (AIS) via our Contact Us page.
