DANPHONE Futronic MKII User Manual Download

Page: 1 / 65

Futronic MKII

Maritime Communication Test Box

User manual

Version 9 November 2021

This manual supports software version

682.0001.042 (Master)

682.0002.037 (Application)

Klokkestoebervej 4. DK-9490 Pandrup. Denmark
Tel: +45 96 44 44 44, Fax: +45 96 44 44 45
E-mail: [email protected], www.danphone.com

Summary of Contents for Futronic MKII

Page 1: ... User manual Version 9 November 2021 This manual supports software version 682 0001 042 Master 682 0002 037 Application Klokkestoebervej 4 DK 9490 Pandrup Denmark Tel 45 96 44 44 44 Fax 45 96 44 44 45 E mail danphone danphone com www danphone com ...

Page 2: ...tests AIS Transponders AtoNs Beacon tests 406 MHz EPIRBs PLBs AIS SARTs MOB devices Radar SARTs Tests results Show results Transfer to PC Clear memory Freq Counter 0 4 475 MHz Test Box settings Time date Backlight time LCD contrast OCXO time Enable speaker Test Box info Test Box model Serial number Software version Calibration due date Battery voltage Self test PLL test FRQ test ...

Page 3: ...est box can also be used to check 406 MHz EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons as it can receive and decode test calls on 406 025 028 031 037 040 MHz as well as receive the 121 5 MHz homing signal AIS TESTS The test box is capable of testing AIS Class A transponders for vessels aircrafts and shore stations as well as Class B Transponders by checking their ability of sending and receiving AIS data a...

Page 4: ...Receive ATIS 20 VHF power test 20 VHF Frequency test 21 FM Deviation 23 AM 123 1 MHz 24 Signal level 24 Test sensitivity 25 MF HF Radios 27 Receive DSC 27 Simultaneous MF HF power test 28 Send DSC 29 Send custom DSC 32 Signal level 33 Test Sensitivity 33 TELEX test 33 MF HF Power test 34 NAVTEX TESTS 36 AIS TRANSPONDER TESTS 38 Receive AIS sele 40 Receive AIS 41 AIS auto test 41 Receive AIS loop 4...

Page 5: ...ansfer to PC 56 Clear Memory 56 Automatic generation of EPIRB reports via PC 57 FREQUENCY COUNTER 58 TEST BOX SETTINGS 59 Time date 59 Backlight time 59 LCD contrast 59 OCXO time 59 Enable speaker 59 Return to Default Settings 59 TEST BOX INFO 60 Test box model 60 Serial number 60 Software version 60 Calibration due date 60 Battery voltage 60 SELF TEST 60 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 61 PERFORMANCE CH...

Page 6: ...et for connection of VHF dummy load 3 BNC socket for connection to VHF transmitter 4 RADAR SART Antenna If installed 5 Fuse for 12V Battery To be removed during transportation by air Type 5x20mm 250V 2A T 6 DC socket for connection to external power supply 7 USB socket 8 8 pin DIN socket for connection to pilot plug 9 Slide switch for switching the test box ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 ...

Page 7: ...crease the output level by 15 20 dB Watertight and Crush Proof Case This case is specially configured to hold the tester and accessories safe and secure Weight only 3 9 kgs External dimensions 460 x 360 x 175 mm Backpack with protective cases The waterproof backpack protects the test box and all accessories It contains two cases made of Polyethylene Foam to support and secure the equipment The bac...

Page 8: ...ion It is recommended from time to time to charge the battery over a full day and night Also recommended if the battery has been completely discharged This will keep the battery fit and fully restore its capacity Loss of power will not cause any loss of data in the test box memory During transport by air you are advised to remove the battery fuse from the rear panel With this the test box is permi...

Page 9: ...al number for recognition for instance VHF no 3 Edit ship s MMSI MMSI 1234567890 Radio tests VHF Radios Set no Receive DSC Receive DSC sele Send DSC Send custom DSC Receive ATIS VHF power test Frequency test FM deviation AM 123 1 MHz Signal level Test sensitivity MF HF Radios Set no Receive DSC Send DSC Send custom DSC Signal level Test sensitivity TELEX test MF HF power test optional acc NAVTEX t...

Page 10: ...Request MSG 5 Class A Request MSG 11 UTC Request MSG 24 Class B Send AIS MSG Simulate ships Beacon tests 406 MHz EPIRBs Set no Detect frequency 406 025 MHz 406 028 MHz 406 031 MHz 406 037 MHz 406 040 MHz 121 5 MHz AIS SARTs Set no Activate SART Radar SARTs Set no Activate SART Test results Show results Transfer to PC Clear memory Pilot plug test ...

Page 11: ... Freq Counter 0 4 30 MHz 30 50 MHz 50 75 MHz 75 100 MHz 100 125 MHz 125 150 MHz 150 175 MHz 175 200 MHz 200 225 MHz 225 250 MHz 250 275 MHz 275 300 MHz 300 325 MHz 325 350 MHz 350 375 MHz 375 400 MHz 400 425 MHz 425 450 MHz 450 475 MHz ...

Page 12: ... TREE CONTINUED Test Box setting Time date Backlight time LCD contrast OCXO time Enable speaker Test Box info Test Box model Serial number Software version Calibration due date Battery voltage Self test PLL test FRQ test ...

Page 13: ...support software update All test box functions are available for remote control EDIT SHIP S MMSI You can check the current target MMSI number registered by the test box in the Edit ship s MMSI menu In this menu you can either accept the current number or enter a new MMSI if required Press to move the cursor Press or to change the digit Press EXIT to accept and store the number The test box is prep...

Page 14: ... number of the device to be tested here When changing the Target MMSI a new entry in Index is created in the test results If a new entry in Index is to be created press the at Target MMSI Set button in FUTRONIC MKII Manager If the Target MMSI not changed it s only the timestamp which are changed in the Index entry Another way of adding a new entry in Index is the Edit ship s MMSI is used A new ent...

Page 15: ...he same time measure the frequency and the forwarded and reflected power Use this setup with the Receive DSC test The test can also be performed over the dummy load inside the test box If so use the short coax cable supplied with the test box and connect like this To perform the test select Receive DSC and press OK and activate the transmitter to send a DSC call The received MMSI number DSC data a...

Page 16: ...many ships the test box will receive data from the radio first detected To make sure that the test box will be receiving data from one particular radio use the test mode Receive DSC sele below Receive DSC sele In the Receive DSC sele mode the test box will receive data from the radio having its MMSI number currently registered in the test box So please check and change number if required using the...

Page 17: ...F Out on the Testbox Send DSC In the Send DSC mode the test box will transmit a DSC call for you to check on the DSC receiver accordingly It is a requirement that the MMSI number registered in the test box is identical with the MMSI of the radio to be tested Please check and change number if required using the Edit ship s MMSI menu See Page 12 With selective calls connect the telescopic VHF antenn...

Page 18: ... DSC DATA CH70 156 525 MHz RX MMSI 9999999990 Format 120 Category 108 TX MMSI 2190155210 Test acknowledgement EOS 122 ECC 66 Status OK RF 156 525 1 kHz Fwd 22 3 Watt Rev 0 2 Watt VSWR 1 24 The selective call transmits the following information 120 120 Format specifier individual call 21 95 57 62 40 Address 2195576240 100 Category Routine 99 99 99 99 90 Self identification Testbox MMSI no 100 First...

Page 19: ...dulus 2 checksum Send custom DSC The Send custom DSC mode enables the test box to send a custom made DSC call composed in advance on a PC using Futronic MKll manager Connect your PC to the test box via the USB cable supplied Futronic MKll manager Under the DSC Composer tab you can compose your own custom made DSC messages and transfer them to the test box accordingly Please refer to ITU R M 493 fo...

Page 20: ...d on the inland waterways of Europe that enables the authorities to identify each transmission by a short data burst sent when the PTT key is released In the Receive ATIS mode keying of an ATIS equipped VHF on CH 6 or CH 15 will enable the test box to receive the station s ID Use this setup Select Receive ATIS on the test box and press OK Select channel and press OK Then activate the ATIS transmit...

Page 21: ...of Printout from the Memory VHF 1 Time date 08 18 16 21 11 2011 Power Measure Fwd 20 3 Watt Rev 0 1 Watt VSWR 1 16 VHF Frequency test In this mode you can decide whether you wish to perform a frequency test only or a simultaneous frequency and power test To measure the frequency only use this setup On the test box select Frequency test and the preferred frequency range Then press OK and activate t...

Page 22: ...as or Cont to start measuring In the Meas measure mode the test box will perform and display a single frequency and power measurement and store it in the memory The test box displays the result in two lines Scroll down to read line two In the Cont continue mode the test box will only take frequency measurements and continue until pressing the Exit button stops it or Meas button for the Meas mode C...

Page 23: ...st procedure is as follows 1 Select FM Deviation 2 Select between CH 6 8 9 13 or 16 with the up down buttons and press Ok 3 Hold the audio reference device AF generator close to the transmitter s microphone and activate the tone 4 Activate the transmitter on selected channel 5 Press OK on the test box Maximum deviation and actual deviation are shown on the LCD display 6 Press OK on the test box an...

Page 24: ...ll limit a strong input signal in order to protect the loudspeaker To check a Receiver set the receiver to 123 1 MHz and press TX on the test box The testbox transmits 123 1 MHz with 1 kHz modulation level is approx 37 2 dBm on the RF out connector Signal level This mode can be used to check the signal strength level of the received signals at 156 300 MHz and 156 525 MHz transmissions respectively...

Page 25: ...o s speaker as a 1 kHz tone Use the setup below It is very important to use coax cables for the connection of the equipment Select Test Sensitivity and press OK CH 06 will appear as the default channel in the display Other channels can be selected by pressing or At the desired frequency press OK and the test box will keep sending the modulated signal To stop the transmission press EXIT For referen...

Page 26: ...078 2079 2084 2085 can be selected Determine the VHF channels to be tested for sensitivity Futronic MKll manager allows you to configure the Futronic test box on 6 selected VHF channels Set the VHF channel between 00 28 or 60 88 2006 2019 2020 2024 2028 2078 2079 2084 2085 and press Save The channel is hereby visible on the test box and ready for testing Press and on the test box to choose between...

Page 27: ...e transmitter The test box remains in receive mode until a DSC call is received A press on the EXIT button can interrupt the mode provided that the test box has not started to receive a call in which case you have to wait for a few seconds MMSI number data and the MARK SPACE frequencies are presented in the display and stored in memory provided that the checksum is OK Test results are displayed li...

Page 28: ...used for calculation of the MARK SPACE frequencies must be within 1615 15 Hz and 1785 15 Hz respectively to be accepted Simultaneous MF HF power test When the MH HF Power Sensor optional accessory is connected between the transmitter output terminal and the antenna tuner Futronic MKll will display the PEP power and VSWR The test results are stored in the test box memory along with the DSC data Exa...

Page 29: ...07 29 01 2020 DSC DATA 12577 0 kHz RX MMSI 9999999990 Format 120 Category 100 TX MMSI 2190155210 1 telecommand 109 2 telecommand 126 Info 12 35 30 12 35 30 EOS 117 ECC 94 Status OK Mark 12576916 Hz Space 12577085 Hz MF HF 2 Time date 08 35 28 29 01 2020 12577 0 kHz Received ok Send DSC In the Send DSC mode the test box will transmit a DSC call for you to check on the DSC receiver accordingly It is...

Page 30: ...s recommended to send the call With MF HF select frequency and press OK Select Dis to send a distress call Tst or Sel to send a selective call Select Normal or Reduced output power Usually normal power is recommended to send selective calls Distress calls are always sent at reduced power Following the DSC call the test box will display Received status Press OK if the call was successfully received...

Page 31: ...d 126 Second telecommand 126 126 126 126 126 126 Frequency or channel 126 transmitted six times 117 Ack RQ End of sequence 69 Modulus 2 checksum The MF HF test safety call transmits the following information 120 120 Format specifier individual call 21 95 57 62 40 Address 2195576240 108 Category safety 99 99 99 99 90 Self identification Testbox MMSI No 118 First telecommand 126 Second telecommand 1...

Page 32: ... Custom made DSC messages can also be saved on your PC for later use Futronic MKll test box To make the test box transmit the custom made call select Send custom DSC on the test box and press OK Then select TFC or MF HF respectively With TFC select frequency and press OK Select Normal or Reduced output power Usually Normal is recommended to send the call With MF HF select frequency and press OK Se...

Page 33: ... from the radio The level figure appears in the test box display A figure of 70 or higher is advisable Test Sensitivity This test mode enables you to check the sensitivity of a MF HF receiver Use this setup 1 Set the receiver to 21 000 kHz 2 Select Test Sensitivity on the test box and press OK 3 Select High to send a test signal at 90 dBm or Low to send the signal at 110 dBm With this the test box...

Page 34: ...smitting Check that the TELEX receiver receives prints the following messages THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG 1234567890 TELEX TEST SEQ BY FUTRONIC GMDSS TESTBOX NNNN 5 After transmitting the testbox asks Received status Select Fail or OK Example of Printout from the Memory TELEX 1 Time date 08 12 43 14 08 2019 2174 5 kHz Received ok MF HF Power test In the MF HF Power test mode the te...

Page 35: ...ll perform and display a single power measurement and store it in the test box memory In the Cont continuous mode the test box will continue taking measurements until pressing the EXIT button Cont readings are not stored but the feature can be used e g for checking adjusting the antenna Example of Printout from the Memory MF HF 1 Time date 08 48 28 04 12 2019 RF range 25 0 25 2 MHz Fwd 264 Watt PE...

Page 36: ...accessory as shown below 1 In the Send mode select frequency and press OK 2a Select Carr To send the un modulated carrier Press EXIT to stop transmission 2b Select Msg to send a pair of test messages a navigational warning and a SAR message 3 Use or to set the number of times you wish to transmit the test messages 4 Use or to set the transmitter site letter in your NAVTEX message 5 Press OK to sen...

Page 37: ...es D SAR message 00 99 Message No Please note that the NAVTEX receiver may have been set to neglect routine messages with a transmitter ID letter and message number already received within a certain period of time If so a test signal from the test box may also be neglected In order to solve this problem the test box automatically adds 09 to every routine message number being sent Changing the Tran...

Page 38: ...MSG No Name of message 1 Position report Scheduled 11 UTC Date response 2 Position report Assigned 12 Safety related addressed msg 3 Position report Interrogated 14 Safety related broadcast msg 4 Base Station report 15 Interrogation 5 Static and voyage related data 18 Class B position report 8 Inland specific message FI 10 19 Class B extended pos report 9 SAR Aircraft position report 21 Aids to Na...

Page 39: ... setup it is possible to send and receive AIS messages 4 In this setup it is possible to send and receive AIS messages and measure power level from the AIS transponder ANT AIS TRANSPONDER Retracted antenna 20 dB Attenuator ANT AIS TRANSPONDER SIGNAL COMBINER 20 dB Attenuator ANT AIS TRANSPONDER SIGNAL COMBINER 20 dB Attenuator ...

Page 40: ...all the results Results are also stored in the test box memory The test box must receive AIS data on RF IN in order to start the power measurement If the test box keeps waiting to receive for some time it is likely because the AIS transponder is still waiting to transmit its data Please note the transponder s reporting interval depends on the ship s speed The lower speed the longer interval Report...

Page 41: ...D 1 MMSI 219023274 Position 57d35 6062 N 9d57 5732 E Navigational status 15 COG 293 8d SOG 0 0 Knots ROT 0d HDT 159 Time stamp 09 AIS2 RF 162 025 1 kHz AIS auto test Select AIS auto test on the test box and press OK Use setup 3 4 or 5 from Setup for AIS tests It is a requirement that the MMSI number registered in the test box is identical with the MMSI of the AIS transponder to be tested Please ch...

Page 42: ...DANPHONE Type of ship 30 Dimension of ship A 5 m B 65 m C 4 m D 6 m Electronic position fixing device 15 Draught of ship 8 0 m Destination PANDRUP ETA MMDD 12 01 HHMM 05 05 AIS1 RF 161 975 2 kHz Fwd 11 8 Watt Rev 0 6 Watt VSWR 1 63 AIS Auto 1 Time date 11 57 09 16 12 2020 Message ID 8 MMSI 219015521 AI 10 ENI 12301552 Length 70 0 m Beam 10 0 m Type 1000 H Cargo 5 Draught 8 00 m Loaded 0 Quality 1 ...

Page 43: ... 13 10 01 05 01 2021 Message ID 21 MMSI 3405 Position 63d25 6830 N 10d06 4266 E Name of AtoN ATON_TEST Dim of AtoN A 0 m B 0 m C 0 m D 0 m Type of AtoN 7 Type of position fixing device 1 Time stamp 61 AIS2 RF 162 025 0 kHz Fwd 11 1 Watt Rev 0 6 Watt VSWR 1 64 Poll info CH70 Please note According to ITU Recommendation 1371 5 page 63 section 1 1 AIS transponders are no longer required to act in resp...

Page 44: ...gn IMO number name type of ship and dimensions etc Use setup 3 from Setup for AIS tests Use setup 4 or 5 from Setup for AIS tests To include a power measurement with the test It is a requirement that the MMSI number registered in the test box is identical with the MMSI of the AIS transponder to be tested Please check and change number if required using the Edit ship s MMSI menu on page 12 Select R...

Page 45: ...ing the ship s MMSI and name and MSG 24B providing information of the ship s MMSI type of ship call sign and dimensions It is a requirement that the MMSI number registered in the test box is identical with the MMSI of the AIS transponder to be tested Please check and change number if required using the Edit ship s MMSI menu on page 12 Select Request MSG 24 and press OK Then select AIS frequency an...

Page 46: ... transponder and then automatically send the message It is possible to force an AIS transmission by pressing the button on the right side whilst the test box is in waiting position After the transmission the test box will display Received status Press OK if the call was successfully received Press Fail if the call was not well received The answer will be stored in the test box memory for your test...

Page 47: ...ata may be registered in the test box already for instance if you have made other AIS tests prior to Simulate ship Check this out in the Test results Show results menu looking for the latest position data received If you prefer not to use these data perform a new Receive AIS test that includes the receipt of position data The test box will always use the latest received position data for the Simul...

Page 48: ...mory AIS 1 Time date 08 03 22 21 11 2011 Pilot plug data packet status Ok Fail 10 0 Please note that a pilot plug cable is not supplied as a standard with the test box Can be supplied as an optional accessory The pilot plug on the test box pilot connects as follows pin 1 Input A pin 4 Input B Futronic MKll manager The Baud rate is default 38400 It s possible to change it on the PC in the NMEA tab ...

Page 49: ...wn individual set number for recognition Default number is 1 Press OK to confirm or press or to change to another number 3 Press OK and Detect freq will appear in the display 406 MHz beacons are available for transmitting at various frequencies If the beacon does not provide any printed information of its frequency select Detect freq and the test box will automatically detect the frequency and set...

Page 50: ...gure is only an indication of the signal strength not an exact measurement The purpose of this figure is to ensure a reliable test A level figure of 140 or more is advisable Bit 26 85 15 Hexadecimal Bit 25 112 22 Hexadecimal and Bit 25 144 30 Hexadecimal can be decoded by using the decode program made available by Cospas Sarsat on the website www cospas sarsat org Beacons Beacon Message Decode Pro...

Page 51: ... not transfer the test results to the test box but still generate finished test reports that can be stored in your PC 1 Turn the test box on No need to select EPIRB tests your PC will take control 2 Deselect all tests from the header list at the right hand side if any 3 Select frequency in the EPIRB dialogue box at the left hand side and fill in the beacon information form 4 Press Start PC control...

Page 52: ...t number is 1 Press OK to confirm or press or to change to another number Then press OK and go to the test 3 Press OK and the display will show Waiting for transmission 4 Activate the beacon in its test mode As soon as the beacon has found its position it will start transmitting A complete transmission includes one Message 14 six Message 1 and finally one Message 14 again covering both AIS 1 and A...

Page 53: ...ge ID 1 MMSI 970010136 Position 57d12 3722 N 9d40 6770 E Navigational status 15 COG 0 0d SOG 0 0 Knots ROT N A HDT N A Time stamp 49 AIS1 RF 161 974 8 kHz AIS SART 1 Time date 05 01 15 25 09 2017 Message ID 1 MMSI 970010136 Position 57d12 3722 N 9d40 6770 E Navigational status 15 COG 0 0d SOG 0 0 Knots ROT N A HDT N A Time stamp 49 AIS2 RF 162 024 8 kHz AIS SART 1 Time date 05 01 17 25 09 2017 Mes...

Page 54: ...Test setup and procedure For the testing of radar SARTs place the test box on a table or other surface that does not reflect radio waves Make sure that there are no reflecting items or surfaces such as metal floors or metal walls within a distance of at least 70 cm around the test setup Put a mark on the table where the SART is to be positioned during the test which is 50 cm from the radar antenna...

Page 55: ...the test and the SART can be deactivated accordingly The test box will display the average frequency of the response signal transmitted by the SART along with a figure indicating the signal strength level A level figure of 150 or higher should be obtained in order to ensure a reliable test The test results are automatically stored in the test box memory with the facility of transferring them to a ...

Page 56: ...bit and 1 stop bit should be able to receive the data and test results from the test box Here is how to use a HyperTerminal program within Windows Usually the program can be found on your PC under Start Accessories Communications If not we advise you to download a HyperTerminal program from the Internet 1 Connect your test box to the PC using the USB cable supplied with the test box 2 Create a Hyp...

Page 57: ...nd side 3 Press Generate Report to create the EPIRB Test Report HTML format See example of an EPIRB Test report on the next page During the installation of the Futronic MKll manager a default report template has been placed in C EPIRB on your PC Feel free to use this HTML document as the basis for creating your own layout or design if so wished Then press Get template and select the new one from y...

Page 58: ...Page 58 of 65 Example of Test Report based on the default HTML design ...

Page 59: ...o move the cursor and to change the digit Press OK to store Backlight time The backlight time can be adjusted from 0 to 200 seconds Default is 60 seconds Press or to adjust and OK to store LCD contrast The LCD contrast can be adjusted from 0 to 100 Default is 90 Press or to adjust and OK to store OCXO time The Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator OCXO may not be active all the time only when require...

Page 60: ...zer controlled oscillator is programmed to each frequency in turn and then the lock detect output is watched for about 1 sec to check for a correct lock In case of a lock failure the test is stopped and the LCD display indicates the frequency out of lock The test continues when one of the push buttons are activated FRQ TEST This mode is used for test of the MARK SPACE frequencies in the MF HF rang...

Page 61: ...cification 0 1 ppm 1 digit Check output level at the following frequencies 518 kHz 15 dBm 3 dBm 156 525 MHz 46 dBm 3 dBm Normal 2 1875 MHz 13 dBm 3 dBm 16 804 5 MHz 15 dBm 3 dBm Reduced distress 2 1875 MHz 57 dBm 3 dBm 16 804 5 MHz 57 dBm 3 dBm Check sensitivity at MF HF DSC receiving Specification 80 dBm Check sensitivity on CH 70 Specification 90 dBm Check sensitivity on EPIRB 406 025 MHz Specif...

Page 62: ... proper functioning Futronic MKII test boxes must be re calibrated at Danphone for the first time after one year and then every two years Please contact Danphone for further information email danphone danphone com DECLARATIONS Declaration of Conformity to EMC Directive Declaration of the Built in Battery Declaration of Battery Conformity to IATA Regulations ...

Page 63: ...Page 63 of 65 ...

Page 64: ...Page 64 of 65 ...

Page 65: ......

Search results

Summary of Contents for Futronic MKII

Reviews:

Related manuals for Futronic MKII

Brands by name

Popular brands

DANPHONE Futronic MKII, User Manual

Search results

Summary of Contents for Futronic MKII

Reviews:

Related manuals for Futronic MKII

Brands by name

Popular brands