Marine Event Recorder

a
Voyage Data Recorder

Operating Manual

Version 3.12
 This document is our property for which we reserve all rights, including
those relating to patents or registered designs. It must not be
reproduced or used otherwise or made available to any third party without
our prior permission in writing.
Alterations due to technical progress are reserved.

INTERSCHALT maritime systems AG

D - 14547 Fichtenwalde, Ahornstr. 10

Service
Customer Support Center

Phone: + 49 (0) 33206 592 113

Fax: + 49 (0) 33206 592 22
E-mail: vdr-support@interschalt.de
MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

Revision: 3.12
Date: 14.07.08
MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

Revision: 3.12
Date: 14.07.08
MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

Document Name: ..\Operating Manual\t_xx_e.book

Device Name: MER-VDR-D
Version: 3.12
Last Modified on: 14.07.2008
Created on: 2004-03-03
Author: Christian Quass

Rev. Date Details of Modifications Modified by

3.00 03.03.2004 Update of the documentation from Version 2.xx to 3.00 Christian Quass
3.10 31.08.2006 Update of the documentation from Version 3.00 to 3.10 Christian Quass
3.11 07.12.2006 Update of the documentation from Version 3.10 to 3.11 Sandra Richter
Update of the documentation from Version 3.11 to 3.12
3.12 09.07.2008 (Chapter 3 modified) Andreas Keusch

Revision: 3.12
Date: 14.07.08
MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

Revision: 3.12
Date: 14.07.08
MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D List of Contents
Operating Instructions

List of Contents

List of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i

List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

List of Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Starting up the VDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Powerdown the VDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3.1 Emergency Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3.1.1 Start Emergency Backup (MER-VDR Rev. 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3.1.2 Start Emergency Backup (MER-VDR Rev. 2, MER-VDR-D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3.2 Automatic Restart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Retrieving of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1 Retrieving Data from FRM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2 Retrieving Data without Replay Computer (optional feature) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.1 Flash Disk installed inside the Data Concentrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.2 Flashdisk connected via external USB Card-Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3 Retrieving of Data with Replay Computer (VDR Data Transfer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4 Recorded Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2 Merlog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.3 Details about Radar Images (Periodic Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4 Details about Audio Information (Continuous Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.5 non standard Information (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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 List of Contents MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D List of Figures
Operating Instructions

List of Figures

Fig. 1-1 Diagram of the MER-VDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Fig. 1-2 Diagram of the MER-VDR (Rev. 2) and MER-VDR-D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fig. 2-1 Key-switch of the MER-UPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Fig. 2-2 Emergency Backup button in the door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Fig. 2-3 Emergency Backup button on the MER-ATB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Fig. 2-4 Emergency Backup button on the bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Fig. 2-5 Emergency Backup button on the CB4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fig. 2-6 Emergency Backup button on the MER-ATB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fig. 2-7 Emergency Backup button on the VDR remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fig. 2-8 Emergency Backup button on the bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fig. 3-1 Knob to solve the Data Concentrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Fig. 3-2 Removable Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fig. 3-3 Removeable Flash Disk in USB Card-Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fig. 3-4 Selection of Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fig. 3-5 VDR Data Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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 List of Figures MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D List of Abbreviations
Operating Instructions

List of Abbreviations

A
AIS Automated Identification System
ARPA Automatic Radar Plotting Aid
ATB Alarm Tableau

C
CB Connection Board
cPCI Compact Peripheral Component Interconnect
CPU Central Processing Unit

D
DCU Data Collection Unit
DIG Digital

F
FRM Final Recording Medium (Submersible Capsule)

H
HVR Hardened Voyage Recorder

I
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
IMO International Maritime Organisation

K
KBD Keyboard

M
MB Megabyte
MER Marine Event Recorder
MR Maritime Recording
ms Milliseconds

P
PC Personal Computer
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association

R
RGB Red Green Blue

T
TAN Transaction number
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

U
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply

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 List of Abbreviations MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

UTC Coordinated Universal Time

V
VDR Voyage Data Recorder
VGA Video Graphics Array
VESA Video Electronics Standards Assoziation
VHF Very High Frequency

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 1 Overview
Operating Instructions

1 Overview

The purpose of the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) MER-VDR / MER-VDR Rev. 2 / MER-VDR-D is to
maintain a store, in a secure and retrievable form, of information concerning the position, movement,
physical status, command and control of a vessel for a period covering at least the most recent 12 hours
of operation.
The recording takes place continuously according to the principle of a circle memory. It means all data
older then a defined period of time (depending on the different storage media) will be overwritten.
The VDR meets all requirements of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) resolution A.861(20.)
and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61996. In these documents the amount of data
to be recorded are specified detailed (see Section 4).
The VDR consists of the following main components:
- VDR Concentrator (Main Unit)
- Data Collecting Unit (MER-DCU)
- UPS 120W (MER-UPS) or UPS 240W (MER-UPS Rev. 2)
- Microphones
- Final Recording Medium (FRM), Type VDR6260 (Rev.1 and Rev.2), Type MR8 or L3-HVR (Rev.2)

Fig. 1-1 Diagram of the MER-VDR

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1 Overview MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

Fig. 1-2 Diagram of the MER-VDR (Rev. 2) and MER-VDR-D

The following additional or alternative components are available:

- external Framegrabber (EXT-FGR)
- RGBHV switch buffer (MER.FRAMESWITCH)
- SAM Radar 1000 / Radar 1100 with network interface
- Alarm Unit MER-ATB
- Replay System and Online Monitoring
- ISDN Router (LANCOM 800+)
since Rev. 2:
- Alarm Unit VDR Remote Control

In addition to the Final Recording Medium two internal storage media are available, where the collected
data are stored in parallel:
Storage Medium storage history
Final Recording Medium last 12 hours
Removable Hard Drive last 24 hours
Internal Hard Drive last 24 hours, but NMEA 168 hours (7 days)

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 2 Operating Procedures
Operating Instructions 2.1 Starting up the VDR

2 Operating Procedures

2.1 Starting up the VDR

The initial start up of the VDR should

be carried out only by authorised
personnel.
To restart the VDR the UPS has to
be powered up using a key-switch in
order to prevent misuse.
If the restart is successful, the VDR
alarm, generated on the assigned
Alarm Unit, will be disappeared
within two minutes. The restart
process will also carry out a test of
the bridge microphones.

Fig. 2-1 Key-switch of the MER-UPS

The key-switch is located in the door of the UPS as shown in Figure 2-1.

2.2 Powerdown the VDR

Only in case of maintenance or for changing the Removable Hard Disk (for more information see Section
3.2) the VDR should be powered down manually by using the the key-switch in the MER-UPS, as shown
in Figure 2-1.
Open the MER-UPS and turn the key-switch to the “off” position. The VDR needs power down delay
between 30 seconds and 120 seconds. Protection from abuse is ensured by
1) the key-switch itselfs and
2) the locked UPS unit.

2.3 Normal Operation

In normal operation the MER-VDR runs autonomously and continuously and no MER-VDR errors occur
respectively no alarms will be indicated by the assigned Alarm Unit. Any fault preventing normal operating
will be displayed.

A check of the recorded data should nevertheless be carried

out on completeness in regular distances, that means every
month or more frequent.

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2 Operating Procedures MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
2.3 Normal Operation Operating Instructions

It also is recommended to make a data check after every

service which was carried out at equipment the VDR
receives data from. Sometimes after such a service the
interface to the VDR will be modified. In this case it may be
that the VDR cannot get longer all required data.

This check can very comfortably be carried out with the optional Replay and Realtime Monitoring System.
An annual check of the MER-VDR is specified from the authorities.

2.3.1 Emergency Backup

In case of incidents as nearly accidents not followed by a shutdown of the MER-VDR, the data can be
stored by the Incident Backup. With this function the recorded data of the last 24 hours will be copied as
a separate file onto an internal hard disk for analysis at a later time. This operation depending on the
amount of data between 30 and 60 minutes while not using a VDR firmware version V4.05a or higher. It
is indicated in the assigned Alarm Unit by a flashing lamp or as an insensitive Menu.
Since the implementation of firmware version V4.05a it takes a shorter time (1 minute to 15 minutes).
This firmware version was introduced in Summer 2006. During the annual check also the existing VDR
systems are updated to the firmware version V4.05a or higher.
The Incident Backup runs in the background and does not affect the other operations of the VDR which
continues to record as usual. The Incident Backup can be started at any time; it is generally preferable
to backup the data at the end of the incident. This backup should then be archived (using the Replay
System) as soon as possible and before a new Incident Backup is started. This is to ensure that should
the incident last longer, or should a new incident arise, another backup can be made without loss of the
earlier data.
Since firmware version V4.05a up to 10 incident Backups are possible. After the activation of an incident
backup the MER-VDR blocks the activation of a new incident backup for a delay of 12 hours. During this
blocked time a new incident Backup call will be buffered and activated after the delay of 12 hours. 10
incidet backups is the default value. For special system requirements this value can be modified during
commissioning or service.

To secure faultless operation of the Incident Backup func-

tion a regular backup-test is recommended. Therefore
iniciate an Incident Backup. In case of no errormessages the
test was successful.

2.3.1.1 Start Emergency Backup (MER-VDR Rev. 1)

While using the MER-VDR as Rev. 1 there are up to 3 options to activate an Emergency Backup:
- push button in the MER-VDR casing as shown in Figure 2-2.
- push button on the MER-ATB as shown in Figure 2-3 (if installed).
- push button on the bridge as shown in Figure 2-4 (if installed)

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 2 Operating Procedures
Operating Instructions 2.3 Normal Operation

The push button in the MER-VDR is directly mounted on the metal door of the casing.

push button in the door of

the MER-VDR casing

Fig. 2-2 Emergency Backup button in the door

push button on the MER-ATB

Fig. 2-3 Emergency Backup button on the MER-ATB

Fig. 2-4 Emergency Backup button on the bridge

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2 Operating Procedures MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
2.3 Normal Operation Operating Instructions

2.3.1.2 Start Emergency Backup (MER-VDR Rev. 2, MER-VDR-D)

While using the MER-VDR-D or MER-VDR as Rev. 2 there are 4 options to activate an Emergency
Backup:
- push button on the CB4 inside of MER-VDR casing as shown in Figure 2-5.
- push button on the MER-ATB as shown in Figure 2-6 (if installed).
- push button on the VDR remote Control as shown in Figure 2-7(if installed).
- push button on the bridge as shown in Figure 2-8 (if installed).

push button on the CB4

Fig. 2-5 Emergency Backup button on the CB4

push button on the MER-ATB

Fig. 2-6 Emergency Backup button on the MER-ATB

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 2 Operating Procedures
Operating Instructions 2.3 Normal Operation

push button on the VDR remote Control

Fig. 2-7 Emergency Backup button on the VDR remote Control

To activate the emergency backup on the VDR remote

Control, the push button has to be pressed at least 2
seconds

Fig. 2-8 Emergency Backup button on the bridge

2.3.2 Automatic Restart

The MER-VDR carries out a weekly automatic restart every Sunday at 00.30 UTC. This restart is in order
to ensure a stable normal operating condition and to help prevent undefined system conditions occurring
during months of autonomous operation.
If the MER-VDR automatically shutdown after 2 hours of operation following a power failure an automatic
restart will be carried out once power is resupplied.
An automatic restart will be activated by the integrated hardware watchdog within 13 seconds of an
uncontrolled caused by a malfunction.

If the MER-VDR was powered down manually (e.g.

using the key-switch) then it will have to be manually
restarted.

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2 Operating Procedures MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
2.3 Normal Operation Operating Instructions

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 3 Retrieving of Data
Operating Instructions 3.1 Retrieving Data from FRM

3 Retrieving of Data

3.1 Retrieving Data from FRM

Following a total loss of the ship, the Final Recording Medium - i.e. the submersible capsule - remains
attached to the ship and should be salvaged by specialists. The salvage should take place within 30 days
of submergence. Over longer periods the underwater sustainability of the capsule is not guaranteed. After
salvage the diving capsule must be sent to the authorities in order to recover the data stored on the FRM.
If the storage device has been damaged in any way, it should be returned to the FRM manufacturer for
recovery of the data.

3.2 Retrieving Data without Replay Computer (optional feature)

If this optional feature is installed, the removable flash disk is installed either in the VDR Concentrator or
is connected via external USB Card-Reader and all data will, in parallel to the recording on the FRM, also
be recorded on this disk. To remove the removable storage medium it is necessary to power down the
VDR (see Section 2.2). Depending on the kind of construction the steps to reach the Flash Disk are
described below.

3.2.1 Flash Disk installed inside the Data Concentrator

Make sure the VDR is powered down. Afterwards the box can be folded up forward, therefore the knob
must be solved. The screw is located above the VDR Concentrator on the right and left site as shown in
Figure 3-1.

Fig. 3-1 Knob to solve the Data Concentrator

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3 Retrieving of Data MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
3.2 Retrieving Data without Replay Computer (optional feature) Operating Instructions

The removable storage medium is located beside the MER.CPU. Push the black button shown in Figure
3-2 on the left site of the removable storage medium twice to change the removable storage medium.
.

black button Removable Hard Disk

Fig. 3-2 Removable Hard Disk

The VDR is also able to run without an removable storage medium, if none is available, however, another
removable storage medium should be installed as soon as possible. Afterwards the VDR has to be
restarted while using the key-switch of the MER-UPS.

3.2.2 Flashdisk connected via external USB Card-Reader

Make sure the VDR is powered down. The external USB Flash Card-Reader is well visible mounted
inside the VDR - door. (Figure 3-3) To change the flash disk hold the Card-Reader housing tight and
simply pull out the Flash Disk

Fig. 3-3 Removeable Flash Disk in USB Card-Reader

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 3 Retrieving of Data
Operating Instructions 3.3 Retrieving of Data with Replay Computer (VDR Data Transfer)

3.3 Retrieving of Data with Replay Computer (VDR Data Transfer)

Ship-based Download
Essential for ship-based download is:
- a Laptop or PC with an Operating System Windows 2000 or higher
- the application VDR Data Transfer and the application VDR Data Replay
- network connection between PC and VDR
In order to use this program, there must be a network connection between the PC and the VDR. The
VDR Data Transfer is started by double-clicking on the according shortcut on the desktop. The following
window will be displayed on the screen.

Fig. 3-4 Selection of Data Source

After starting the program, there are four options for downloading the data, first of all it is possible to
download the data from the VDR local storage medium (Harddisk). Next, data can be downloaded direct
from the Emergency Backup. Furthermore, it is possible to download the data from the Final Recording
Medium and last the data can be downloaded from the Removable Flash Disk, if this option is installed.
But this last feature should not be used during a ship based download, because the Remoable Flash Disk
has to be removed from the VDR and inserted in the local PC/Notebook. The Removable Flash Disk is
a possibility to save the actual data very quickly during an emergency situation, if not enough time for a
normal download is available.
The downloaded data are stored in the folder ....\Replayer\adir#.
The amount of data to be transfered from the VDR can be restricted using the controls in the next figure.
If no changes are made, all available data in the dataset will be downloaded. Communication, Radar and
ISM log data can be turned on or off using the available checkboxes.
The replay period for each type of data may be defined using the sliding regulators. The top regulator
identifies the start point of the replay period; the bottom regulator the end point. The actual times selected
are shown on the right of the sliding scale.

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3 Retrieving of Data MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
3.3 Retrieving of Data with Replay Computer (VDR Data Transfer) Operating Instructions

To start the download click on Transfer and confirm with OK.

Depending on the size of the selected data, the download may take sometime. The progress of the down-
load is shown in the indicator at the bottom of the window. Once the download has been completed the
program issues a corresponding message and will be closed after confirming the message.
More detailed information to the download utility VDR Data Transfer can be found in the Replay and Real-
time Monitoring Manual.

Fig. 3-5 VDR Data Transfer

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 3 Retrieving of Data
Operating Instructions 3.3 Retrieving of Data with Replay Computer (VDR Data Transfer)

Land-based Download
In addition for land-based download it is necessary to set a TCP/IP data connection between the shore
office and the vessel (e.g. a radio or an inmarsat connection) and the MER-VDR is integrated in the ship's
network, then the currently recorded data may be retrieved directly by the office using the VDR Data
Transfer tool.
Because of the potentially very large volume of data to be transferred, the user should be careful in the
selection of the data to transfer. Especially the transfer of radar images and audio should be avoided
wherever possible.
If a removable storage medium is available in the shore office, this volume can be inserted in the Replay
PC/Notebook and then used as data source for a download.

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3 Retrieving of Data MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
3.3 Retrieving of Data with Replay Computer (VDR Data Transfer) Operating Instructions

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MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D 4 Recorded Data
Operating Instructions 4.1 General

4 Recorded Data

4.1 General

Data which can be acquired by VDR:

Data types Notes
- Date and time - Obligatory
- Obligatory (max. 1280 x 1024 Pixel at 75Hz)
- Radar data, post display selection(Section 4.3) Stored as compressed colour images.
- ship's position - Mandantory
- speed - Mandantory
- heading - Mandantory
- water depth (echo sounder) - Mandantory
- wind speed and direction - Mandantory
- ship's motion behaviour, heave pitch and roll - Optional
- motion of the sea - Optional
- engine orders and responses - Mandantory
- rudder orders and responses - Mandantory
- propeller and thrusters rpm and pitch - Mandantory
- additional machine information - Optional
- status of
- hull opening/doors - Mandantory
- waterlight and splash watering doors - Mandantory
- fire doors and fire security systems - Mandantory
- main alarms - Mandantory
- other status information as required - Optional
- bridge audio - Mandantory, max. 8 microphones on 2 channels
- communications audio (Section 4.4) - Mandantory, (VDR output 0dBm at unit)

The VDR includes a general data file "i<IMO-No.>.cfg", containing compulsory data according to IEC
61996. This file is stored on all available storage mediums, including the FRM. Whenever data is down-
loaded, this file is included and is then available in the local archive.

4.2 Merlog

The MER-VDR maintains a log file "Merlog". This file records all information pertaining to the system start,
as well as all events, warnings and error messages occurring during operation.
Once the file has reached a size of 500kB it will be saved as "Merlog.bak" and a new file will be started.
The Merlog file is copied every hour onto all installed and removable data storage devices and onto the
FRM. When downloading data, the Merlog file may optionally be included in the download and is then
available in the local archive.

4.3 Details about Radar Images (Periodic Data)

A screenshot of the main radar is grabbed every 15 seconds and stored in the Final Recording Medium
for a period of at least 12 hours. The screenshot is stored as a colour image in the original resolution (up
to a maximum of 1280 x 1024 pixels at 75 Hz).

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4.4 Details about Audio Information (Continuous Data) Operating Instructions

Optionally it is also possible to acquire radar pictures and images from up to 2 additional sources. This
requires the use of a video switch controlled by the MER-VDR. The sources may have different resolu-
tions and properties, however they should also supply VESA-compatible RGB signals.
Any additional images will not be recorded on the FRM but are stored on the disks in the Data Concen-
trator and can be recalled from there. The capture of additional images therefore requires that a local
hard disk is also installed.
Additional images will be acquired every 15 seconds, in alternating sequence with the acquisition of the
main radar picture. As an example, when recording images from 3 different radar displays the following
sequence will be used:

Time Source FRM Disk(s)

0,0 s Main Radar Yes Yes

7,5 s Source #2 No Yes

15,0 s Main Radar Yes Yes

22,5 s Source #3 No Yes

30,0 s Main Radar Yes Yes

37,5 s Source #2 No Yes

45,0 s Main Radar Yes Yes

52,5 s Source #3 No Yes

60,0 s Main Radar Yes Yes

The main radar image is stored in the FRM every 15 seconds as required by IEC 61996. Additional
images are stored on local hard disk and (if installed) on Removable Flash Disk. The frequency of these
additional images depends on the number of additional picture sources:

Freq. of storage of
No. of additional each additional
sources source

1 15 s

2 30 s

4.4 Details about Audio Information (Continuous Data)

All bridge communication and one radio channel will be recorded by the MER-VDR in accordance with
IEC 61996. Microphones are placed in the ceiling at the main console and other working areas in order
to record the communication on the bridge. These audio signals are combined into one voice channel
and digitally stored by the MER-VDR. The voice recorded by the microphones in the bridge wings is
combined into a second voice channel and also digitally stored. For large bridges using more than 6
microphones, two of the microphones will be mixed in the second channel. The maximum number of
microphones is 8, mixed and stored using two channels. One radio channel is also stored digitally. All
audio data is stored in the Final Recording Medium for at least 12 hours in accordance with IEC 61996.
When additional data storage mediums such as local or removable one have been installed, the audio
signals will also be recorded on these devices.
There is also a possibility to record an additional radio channel. This data will then be stored not in the
FRM but on fixed hard disk and/or (if installed) Removable Flash Disk in the MER-VDR.

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Operating Instructions 4.5 non standard Information (optional)

4.5 non standard Information (optional)

If desired and as required, additional data may be acquired to that required by IEC 61996. In principle
any data telegram may be acquired, including those in manufacturer-specific or proprietary formats. Data
may also be acquired as analogue or digital values. These are converted into data telegrams and
forwarded to the VDR. Other interfaces not complying to the requirements of IEC 61996 can also be
intgrated in a similar manner. All data telegrams acquired by the VDR are stored in the FRM for at least
12 hours.

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4.5 non standard Information (optional) Operating Instructions

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MER-VDR and MER-VDr-D Notes
Operating Instructions

Notes

Space for your notes.

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 Notes MER-VDR and MER-VDR-D
Operating Instructions

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