Marimsys Satellite TX / RX HARDWARE

Marimsys has pioneered its own “hardened case”products for  VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) use.  These are systems which emit GPS based positioning signals, and optionally maintain bi-directional satellite communications between marine mobiles and shore Control Centers.  These systems are resistant to operator and external interference in the primary mission of maintaining a continuous flow of positioning emission from the vessel.  Features include audible and visible warning signals when there is an intent to interfere with the positioning equipment, its antennae or external power supply. There is a back-up battery included in the protective case should the main external power source becomes disconnected or inoperative.  Marimsys includes a MAYDAY alarm button on all its VMS modems which has been involved in the saving of some 38 lives to date.  

Marimsys Modem VMS	Marimsys Modem VMS II

Marimsys Modem VMS

Marimsys Modem VMS equipment was designed to fulfill Sovereign Maritime Authority requirements to supervise a national or private fishing fleet.  The hardware emits  the position of each vessel as required by the Control System, this permits the geographical monitoring of the vessel to verify that it does not fish in prohibited areas.  These vessels are monitored at either or both a Sovereign or private VMS.  Control system operators, because of these security features, manage vessel movements in a high-confidence environment.   For further details on the VMS process in Chile click here.

This system, as well as being capable of tracking the mobile, also has the capacity to send and receive messages (bidirectionality), for which the device must be connected through the R-232 serial port by a PC or PDA in order to send and receive messages in e-mail format.

The Marimsys Modem VMS consists of a box which protects the equipment against third party interference and spray entering during bad weather.  Within the box there is an SC and a back-up battery which allows the equipment to continue to operate when there are power failures from the main source.  The SC inside the VMS enclosure is loaded with a firmware routine which:

•   Automates Tracking – and places operational command with the Contol Center.    

•   Emits alarms – to isolate attempts to interfere with signal generation from mechanical dysfunction.

The warning signals are activated when the equipment is not functioning properly or because of third party interference, such as power cuts, blocking or disconnection of the GPS antenna or of the Rx/Tx antenna, or when opening or closing of the device is detected.

In addition, the equipment includes a MAYDAY push button which sends out a warning signal which can be used in case of emergency as a means of requesting assistance.

Marimsys Modem VMS II

This robust device reflects over 1000 vessel years of Marimsys experience with on-board position emission devices.  It is physically strong, spray resistant and fitted with robust alarm routines.  While it is possible to interfere with its position emission and communications functions, it is virtually impossible to do so without leaving "tracks";  the Marimsys VMS II modem thereby provides a high-confidence counterparty to Command and Control software. 

This second and advanced version of the Marimsys Modem VMS, brings e-mail capacity "on box".  This permits bringing satellite e-mail Tx / Rx within the protective "shield" of VMS position communications.  The screen and an alphanumerical keyboard make it possible to send and receive SMS and "macro type" messages from the device itself.  This eliminates many problems having to do with the attachment of an external computer or message terminal to the MTU such as reasons why Control System traffic was not received:  “the computer wasn’t turned on – it was broken”, “the serial cable was damaged”, etc.  In addition these devices have electrical management circuitry to obtain electrical feed from a solar panel, and 48 hours of independent battery capacity within the secure enclosure.

The Marimsys Modem VMS II device, like its predecessor, independently generates positions and warnings, and adds the reception and emission of pre-defined "macro" messages and normal electronic mail.  

The primary electrical input source is the vessel mains (either 12 VDC or 24 VDC), alternatively a solar panel.  Either or both of these feeds are used to charge the VMS II internal battery  to operate the equipment in normal functioning.  Failure of the primary power supply causes automatic reversion to the internal battery.  Special electrical circuitry is included to provide system electrical feed in the case of substandard vessel electrical systems and voltages.

The steel case is designed for installation on the bridge of a vessel, located in a visible position so as to be able to see the incoming mail lights, system warning signals, and to hear  audible alarms.

The SC (satellite communicator) inside the VMS II box is the device which, by means of its GPS unit, acquires positions automatically, two on-board CPUs verify these positions, formats them for transmission, perform internal checks, monitor and report alarms and ignition / shutdown, and transmits and receives positions / alarms / Control Center commands and e-mail.

Messages from vessel to control center:

• Position Reports: The Marimsys Modem VMS II equipment is able to automatically generate and transmit position report messages at pre-established intervals. The interal may be changed by commands issued by the Control Center.

• Short Messages: The Marimsys Modem VMS II is equipped with a keyboard and a screen which permits both the entry of short messages, to be dispatched to the control center, as well as the viewing of messages received from the control center, these messages can be emitted and received at any moment.

• E-Mail Messages: When the SMS cellular keyboard is used it is possible to send electronic mail to any person having an e-mail address connected to Internet.

• Warning Signals: The Marimsys Modem VMS II device is equipped with multiple sensors and routines allowing it to detect occurrences, giving audible, visible warning signals and emitting warning messages to the control center.

The device sends out an alarm when the following occurs:

•  Swich on - power up.
• Switch off - power down.
• Intrusion in the case.
• Re-sealing of the case. 
• Blockage or disconnection of the transmitting antenna.
•  Internal GPS failure.  
• Shipboard mains power failure.  
• Re-connection of shipboard maings (external power).
• Physical movement of the device.  (Optional).
• MAYDAY emission.

Messages from the Control Center to the vessel:

• Polling – Command from Control Center requiring the emission instantly of the vessel’s current position: From the control center at any moment a “polling command” may be sent.  This requires the VMS II Modem to instantly emit its current position to the Control Center. 

• Polling interval change: Report frequency change commands are transmissions made by the Control Center to intensify the coverage of vessels in special situations such as working close to closed areas. Transmission changes are a function for which Marimsys Modem VMS II is permanently prepared, upon receipt of these commands the devices change the report interval immediately and implement the new schedule.

• Short Coded Messages: From the system’s control center coded short messages may be sent to the vessels.

• Electronic Mail Messages: The on-board SMS type e-mail receives Control System e-mails and displays them on the built-in screen.  Likewise it is possible to interchange e-mails (if permitted by the particular control system) with any Internet connected computer, marine or land-based.