R5 SOLID AIS System
TROUBLESHOOTING
7000 118-200, C2 Page 56
7 TROUBLESHOOTING
One of the basic ideas with troubleshooting is to solve a supposed problem on site instead of
immediately sending the suspected part for a costly repair. Solving a supposed problem
would in this aspect mean both to rectify the real problem, but it could also mean that the
suspected part is confirmed to be working or not working.
Historically, many of the parts sent to Saab TransponderTech for repair have in fact been
confirmed working instead. Another common scenario is that the equipment has faulty I/O
settings or other erroneous configurations, easy to fix on site. A proper troubleshooting would
ideally prevent those unnecessary returns of fully functional equipment.
There are numerous ways to troubleshoot a transponder installation, much dependant on the
skill and experience level of the troubleshooter. The preferred approach may probably also
differ between different individuals, and there is no such thing as right or wrong.
This chapter is not intended to be a step by step troubleshooting instruction, but instead offer
a toolbox with some different techniques on how to troubleshoot the R5 SOLID AIS System.
7.1 Troubleshooting Prerequisites
A transponder operating environment may naturally differ widely, ranging from small high-
speed RIB’s to very large SOLAS tankers, military aircraft carriers and even submarines.
The diversity of installation environments will of course have impact on the complexity of
the troubleshooting, but it is always advisable to start with minimizing all possible
interference sources in order to simplify the troubleshooting.
Disconnect other NMEA equipment from the R5 SOLID (ECDIS, RADAR, NAV,
etc.)
Switch off other emission sources (RADAR, SATCOM, VHF, etc.)
We encourage applying the latest software available for the R5 SOLID if any problems are
experienced. It may contain bug-fixes and other improvements solving already known
issues. Check supplied software release notes to see what has been changed in the new
software.
7.2 Troubleshooting with the Front Panel LED’s
It is very fast and effective to use the LED’s to verify the status of the R5 SOLID. This
should always be the first step in the troubleshooting.
7.2.1 STATUS LED (multi-colored)
- The STATUS LED is constantly lit green when the transponder is operating and
no alarms are active.
- The STATUS LED is constantly lit red if there is one or more acknowledged
active alarms in the transponder, but no unacknowledged alarms. Refer to
section 7.3 for interpretation of the alarms.
- The STATUS LED is flashing red if there is one or more unacknowledged
alarms in the transponder. Refer to section 7.3 for interpretation of the alarms.
If neither colours are lit, nor flashing, then check the power supply and make sure that:
The voltage is correct and stable
The polarity is correct and not switched
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