NAV6 Series User Guide

NAV6
NAV6plus
NAV6repeater

MAN 3030.00
Issue 3.0, March 2012.

ICS Electronics Limited.

Unit V, Rudford Industrial Estate
Ford, Arundel, West Sussex
BN18 0BF
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1903 731101
Fax: +44 (0)1903 731105
E-Mail: sales@icselectronics.co.uk
support@icselectronics.co.uk
Website: www.icselectronics.co.uk

The technical data, information and illustrations contained in this publication were
to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the
right to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance
instructions without notice as part of our policy of continuous product development
and improvement. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise without
permission in writing from ICS Electronics Ltd. No liability can be accepted for any
inaccuracies or omissions in the publication, although every care has been taken to
make it as complete and accurate as possible.

Copyright  2012, ICS Electronics Limited. All rights reserved.

NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Important Information
This equipment is not approved for use by SOLAS convention
vessels within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
(GMDSS)
It is intended for use by leisure craft and other non-SOLAS vessels
wishing to participate within GMDSS

Safety Warnings
This instrument is for use as an aid to sailors and should not lead
to a reduction in the level of good seamanship required at all times
Reception of messages cannot always be guaranteed as this
depends on local radio propagation
The correct magnetic variation must be input at the navigation
instruments (e.g. GPS, electronic compass) for the accurate
display of COG, set, waypoint bearing and heading.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................. 5
NAV6 s Features ..................................................................................... 6
Basic Operation ....................................................................................... 8
Advanced Operation .............................................................................. 15
Navtex Mode .......................................................................................... 15
Navigate Mode – NAV6plus or NAV6repeater only ............................... 20
Setup Mode............................................................................................ 25
Alarm Operation ..................................................................................... 38
Printing NAVTEX And Navigation Log ................................................... 39
Output To A PC or Plotter ...................................................................... 40
Installation Of Display Unit ..................................................................... 41
Installation Of Receiver Unit .................................................................. 42
Connecting the Display Unit to the Receiver Unit.................................. 43
Connecting an antenna to the Receiver Unit ......................................... 45
Replacing an existing NAV6 installation ................................................ 54
Testing The NAV6 After Installation....................................................... 56
Maintenance and TroubleShooting ........................................................ 57
Warranty ................................................................................................ 59
Glossary ................................................................................................. 59
OPTIONAL EXTRAS ............................................................................. 60
Appendix I: Navtex Station Database .................................................... 64
Appendix II: Message Type Indicators .................................................. 75
Appendix III: NMEA Sentences Supported ............................................ 75
Appendix IV: NAV6 Menu Navigation .................................................... 76
Appendix V: NAV6 Menu Structure ....................................................... 77

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

NAV6 Complete System Showing Head Unit, NAVTEX Receiver Box

and Passive Antenna

Congratulations on purchasing this high quality ICS Electronics Ltd

product. It is not only an excellent NAVTEX receiver, but a first class
instrument repeater (Plus & Repeater models only). It may be the only
display you will ever need at your navigation position. We hope that it
gives you many years of reliable and trustworthy service. Please take
the time to read this manual carefully as it contains some essential
information regarding the operation and maintenance of the product and
a useful background to the NAVTEX system.
We recommend that you regularly visit the ICS website
www.icselectronics.co.uk for information on updates, the availability of
software enhancements, further options and support. The support
pages contain frequently asked questions about the NAV6 that you may
find useful. There is also a NAVTEX database providing a list of
operational NAVTEX stations and their details.
The IMO and various national coastguards also operate informative
websites that you may wish to visit; see www.icselectronics.co.uk/links.

Please note that the NAV6 standard model does not include the
instrument repeater functions as described in this manual. It may
be upgraded at anytime in the future (charges apply).

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Quick Start
You will find this product extremely easy to operate. Please don't be
intimidated by the comprehensive nature of this manual. In reality,
receiving your first NAVTEX messages just could not be simpler.
• Follow the installation guidelines
• Re-check the cable connections
• Apply power
• If you have not connected a GPS navigation receiver, make sure
that you set the date and time on the screen which will appear at
start up
• Wait for your first NAVTEX message. If you are within range of a
NAVTEX transmitter, you should not need to wait for more than four
hours.
• Refer to “Appendix IV : NAV6 Menu Navigation” for an overview of
the available operating modes & how to switch between them.
• Read the “Basic Operation” section to find out how to use some of
the commonly used features of this product
• If you then want to get the best from the system, read the rest of the
manual!

Introduction
What Is NAVTEX?
NAVTEX is a worldwide system for the broadcast and automatic
reception of maritime safety information (MSI) in English by means of a
narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy. NAVTEX provides shipping with
navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information.
NAVTEX is a component of the IMO/IHO worldwide Navigational
Warning Service (WWNWS) as defined by IMO Assembly resolution
A.706(17). It is included within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System (GMDSS). Since 1 August 1993, NAVTEX receiving capability
has become mandatory equipment for certain vessels under the
provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS).
NAVTEX broadcast information is available to all seafarers, free of
charge.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

How Does NAVTEX Work?

NAVTEX transmissions are sent from stations situated worldwide. The
power of each transmission is regulated so as to avoid the possibility of
interference between transmitters. Each station is allocated a 10-minute
time slot every 4 hours so that many stations can share the same
frequency. Stations typically have a transmission range of 250 – 300
Nm.

NAV6 s Features
The NAV6 adds a new dimension in NAVTEX functionality. Unlike other
NAVTEX receivers that discard unselected messages, the large flash
memory in the NAV6 means it has the capacity to store all of the
messages from transmitting stations within its range. This allows you to
recall, display and review any message at any time even if it was not
selected at the time of the transmission.
The NAV6plus offers simultaneous reception on both the 518kHz
international channel and the 490kHz local information channel and
when connected to an NMEA data source, it offers a range of standard
and custom instrument repeater functions. The NAV6plus includes a
database of all NAVTEX stations around the world and when connected
to a GPS can be set to automatically display messages from all stations
within range or just the closest station helping to provide a much clearer
picture of the conditions in your area.
A unique message processing (iNEC) feature benefits you by
decreasing errors in received messages in noisy or weak signal areas.
Choose from the NAV6 or NAV6plus according to your requirements
and budget.
Outputs are also included for connection to a serial printer or computer.

The NAV6plus and NAV6repeaterinclude additional instrument repeater

functions. All the information you really need at your navigation position
on one large, easy to use display. With navigation space becoming
more and more restricted in modern boats, the NAV6plus concentrates
all the data you need, where you need it. It takes critical NMEA data
from your GPS or instrument systems and displays it in a highly
innovative manner. An electronic log book is updated at regular intervals
and can be sent to a serial printer. These powerful Instrument and GPS
repeater functions are included as standard in the NAV6plus.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

The NAV6repeater can also be purchased separately without a

NAVTEX receiver for use as a stand-alone NMEA repeater. When
added to an existing system, NMEA data and NAVTEX data can also be
repeated at another position such as the helm or fly bridge.

Display Unit
• The Display Unit uses a high resolution backlit LCD to display
NAVTEX messages in a choice of text sizes.
• The display unit contains a large non-volatile memory to store
NAVTEX messages, NAVTEX station database, all of the user
settings, filter options, LCD contrast and backlight levels. All
messages and settings are retained during power down.
• Several messages can be displayed at once (depending upon the
length of the message) and messages can be scrolled with a single
keypress.
• Messages can be filtered and sorted using a number of user
selectable criteria.
• The NAV6plus and NAV6repeater can act as an NMEA instrument
repeater and is capable of displaying data in a choice of formats.
• The NAV6plus and NAV6repeater can be connected to a printer or
computer to print NAVTEX messages and Navigation logs.
• Audible and visible alarms can be set up to indicate reception of
SAR and/or New Messages.
• A sleep mode allows long standby periods with minimum power
consumption, such as when the vessel is left in a marina with main
batteries being trickle charged from the shore.

Receiver Unit
(NAV6 and NAV6plus systems only)
• The Receiver Unit contains dual receivers that can receive on both
490kHz and 518kHz simultaneously.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Basic Operation
The NAV6 is a flexible & powerful tool for receiving, storing & viewing
NAVTEX messages. In order to assist you in getting the best from your
NAV6, read this section which contains short cuts to the most common
NAVTEX operations. Please read the rest of the manual for a
comprehensive guide to the NAV6 Series of NAVTEX products.
First, find your way around the keypad and the display:

The Keypad
softkeys

FUNCTION PAGE VIEW MODE

navigation pad
• Centre keys are a ‘navigation pad’ ( UP DOWN LEFT RIGHT ).
• Softkeys are situated on either side of the navigation pad. The
current function is shown on the soft-key menu area at the bottom of
the LCD.
• The mode softkey switches between the three operating ‘modes’
(NAVTEX, Navigate & Setup).
• The view softkey switches between ‘views’ in each operating
‘mode’. If a ‘view’ has several ‘pages’ associated with it then these
are selected with the page softkey.
• Operate the keys in this order to get to the mode that you want:
MODE → VIEW → PAGE → FUNCTION

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Hint : softkeys are context sensitive and cyclical in operation, several

button presses will return you to the start of the cycle.

The Display
At the bottom of the display is the softkey menu area:

Current option

Current softkey function

The softkey menu area shows what each softkey does in the current
operating mode.
• The top line of each softkey menu box indicates the option that is
currently selected.
• The bottom line of each softkey menu box indicates the current
function of that softkey.
The example above shows the NAV6 in NAVTEX Mode; the right hand
softkey selects the ‘mode’ & the current mode is ‘NAVTEX’.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

At the top of the display is a status bar:

The status information is displayed as a series of icons. The meaning of

the icons is as follows:

Message ID for the upper most message

An alarm is active

NMEA / GPS position data available

490 kHz reception available

518 kHz reception available

Receiving message now

Signal Carrier, but no message

Receiver Communication fault

SAR message received

NEW message received

UTC Time

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Viewing & Scrolling Through NAVTEX Messages

To view NAVTEX messages you must first select the NAVTEX Mode.
Use the right hand softkey to change modes until ‘NAVTEX Mode’ is
visible in the right hand softkey menu box. You can now use the UP,
DOWN, LEFT & RIGHT keys to scroll through the displayed messages.
UP & DOWN scroll line by line, whereas LEFT & RIGHT scroll
message by message.
The messages currently displayed are a sub-set of all the messages
stored in memory. Whether you can see a particular message or not
depends upon the current station selection, message filter and age limit
settings (see following sections for details).

Message Storage
All received NAVTEX messages are stored in memory regardless of
whether you have them selected for viewing or not. The NAV6 has lots
of memory so you will easily have enough storage for all messages
received in any 72 hour period. The messages displayed are selected
from the NAV6’ memory by applying the current message filter preset &
age limit settings. This enables you to change your mind later about
your message display options. This means you will still be able to view
messages that were received previously, but were not selected for
display at the time, by changing the current message filter or age
setting.
After using the NAV6 for a while you may notice that if you receive a
particular message more than once there will only ever be one copy in
view. If a message has been received more than once the NAV6 will
store only the best version. It even attempts to repair corrupted
messages by comparing repeated transmissions of the same message!

Filter Presets
The messages currently available for viewing on screen are selected
from the messages stored in memory by applying ‘filter presets’.
To see the current selected filter presets go to [NAVTEX Mode⇒ ⇒Filter
View]. You will notice that the left hand softkey is labelled ‘Preset’ and a
number from 1 to 5 is visible. This is the currently selected filter preset
number for the this ‘filter page’. Each of the 4 filter pages (518 Types,
518 Stns, 490 Types & 490 Stns) has its own 5 presets.
In any one of the filter pages press PRESET to change the preset

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

number. You will notice that the settings on the screen change with filter
preset number.
Select the preset that you require for the filter page that you are viewing
and then look at the presets for the other filter pages. Note that the
preset that is displayed is the one that is currently applied to the
message display.
Multiple presets can be used for switching quickly between different sets
of messages on the screen. For instance, if you want to show just
‘navigational warnings from all stations in range’, you can use a preset
to do this.
Although the presets are pre-programmed, you can set them to any filter
setting you require.
Tip : Use preset 1 for normal operation and only use the other presets if
you want to switch between different sets of messages on the display.

Station Selection
If you leave your NAV6 receiving for 72 hours you will have received
many messages (subject to your current location) and unless you filter
out those stations that are not required for display, you will be swamped
with data. This can either be done automatically using a GPS or by
using manual filter settings. In either case go to [NAVTEX Mode⇒ ⇒Filter
View⇒⇒490 or 518 Stns Page]. You will notice that each station can be
set to one of three filter settings:

Setting Operation
On Messages from station always in view (see note 1)
Off Messages from station never in view
Auto Messages from station only viewed when nearest or in
range depending upon setting (see note 1)
note 1 : messages are only displayed if they also fall within the ageing
limit, error limit and message category filter settings.

An asterisk to the right of the station name indicates that the station is
selected with the current filter setting.

Automatic Station Selection Using GPS (NAV6plus only)

Many users will just want to display NAVTEX from the nearest NAVTEX
station to their cruising location. This is most easily achieved by

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

connecting a GPS and selecting ‘Nearest’ station option in the set up

page.
With a GPS connected and ‘Nearest’ selected you should only see one
(or sometimes two) asterisks. Ensure that the set of stations that you
want to automatically select from are all set to Auto. Stations that you
definitely do not want should be set to Off. You may wish to set your
‘home’ station to On so that you display messages from it even if it is
currently not the nearest station to your cruising position.

Manual Station Selection

Alternatively, you can manually select a station (or stations) setting
stations to On or Off by using the UP, DOWN, LEFT & RIGHT keys. If
you are using a GPS but still want to select stations manually then do
not leave any stations set to Auto.

Message Filtering
You can further reduce the amount of unwanted messages that are
displayed by applying a filter to the message categories. Go to
[NAVTEX Mode, Filter View, 490 or 518 Types Page]. Each message
category can be turned On or Off or can be set to New using the UP,
DOWN, LEFT & RIGHT keys.

Reading ‘New’ Messages

Sometimes it is useful to know which messages have been received
since you last looked at the NAV6 display. You may have noticed that
each message header carries a ‘NEW’ icon and that there is an
additional ‘NEW’ icon in the status bar at the top of the display. Select
[NAVTEX Mode⇒ ⇒Message View] and you will see that what was the
PAGE softkey is now indicated as NEXT NEW. If the message at the
top of the display has the ‘NEW’ icon showing then the left hand softkey
will now be indicated as MARK READ. Once you have read the
message & want to de-emphasise it then press MARK READ. The
‘NEW’ icon will disappear from the message header. Press NEXT NEW
to jump to the next new message. Proceed through all of the messages
in this way. Once all of the messages have been marked as read then
the ‘NEW’ icon at the top of the display will also disappear. When you
return to the NAV6plus later on it is now very easy to tell if there are any
new messages to read (the ‘NEW’ icon in the status bar at the top of the

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

display will be illuminated).

Note that messages that have been ‘marked as read’ will still be
displayed, but with the ‘NEW’ icon removed from the header in each
one. However, it is possible to hide messages once they have been
read. Go to [NAVTEX Mode⇒ ⇒Filter View⇒
⇒490 or 518 Types Page] and
set the message categories that you want to hide after they have been
marked as read to ‘New’ instead of ‘On’. You may wish to leave SAR
messages as ‘On’ so that they are not hidden once read.

Displaying The Newest Message

All messages are date and time stamped by the NAV6 even if there is
no GPS connected and therefore no correct source of time data.
If there is not a GPS connected then you can manually enter the time
and date or just ignore it. The NAV6 will still order the messages in the
correct chronological order (remember that the indicated time of
reception will be wrong though).
To display the newest message, go to [NAVTEX Mode⇒ ⇒Sort
View⇒⇒Descending Order⇒ ⇒Date Criteria]. The newest message is now
at the top of the display.

Message Aging
NAVTEX messages become less relevant over time & eventually just
clutter the display. In order to reduce the number of obsolete NAVTEX
messages that are being displayed, the NAV6 uses the concept of a
message ‘Age Limit’.
It is possible to hide messages that are older than a certain pre-settable
age limit. These messages are still stored in the NAV6plus memory for
a considerable time after they have been removed from the display and
can still be displayed if necessary by increasing the message age limit
setting.
To change the age limit go to [Setup Mode⇒ ⇒NAVTEX View⇒ ⇒Options
Page] and select the age limit that you require. Use the UP & DOWN
key to select ‘age limit’ and LEFT & RIGHT keys to select a value. 3
days is a sensible choice as NAVTEX messages have a nominal life of
72 hours. Set a longer age limit if you wish to display NAVTEX
messages going back over the previous weeks.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Advanced Operation
This section provides a detailed description of the operation of your
NAV6. The three operating modes are described in detail. Remember to
use the right-hand MODE softkey to switch between the operating
modes.

Navtex Mode
NAVTEX Mode is only available if a
receiver is (or has been) connected to
the display and the NAVTEX
frequency setting on the NAVTEX
options page is set to 518 kHz, 490
kHz or Both.
In NAVTEX Mode, the display consists
of a large area dedicated to displaying
NAVTEX messages, with a status bar
at the top, and descriptions of the
softkey functions at the bottom.
It is possible to scroll up and down the
messages line by line, using the UP
and DOWN keys. Additionally, you
can step through the display, message
by message using the LEFT and
RIGHT keys.

Four different ‘views’ can be selected by pressing the VIEW softkey:

Message View
Print View (when enabled in setup)
Sort View
Filter View

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

NAVTEX Mode, Message View

This view can be used for keeping track of new messages as they are
received and displayed. Each new message can be accessed by a
single key press & then marked as read, if required.
The NEXT NEW softkey should be used to move the next new message
to the top of the NAVTEX display, where it can be marked as read by
pressing MARK READ. Note that the message that will be ‘marked as
read’ is indicated in the top left of the status bar. This is particularly
useful when the message’s header has scrolled off the top of the display
area.

NAVTEX Mode, Print View

This view allows individual messages to be printed. The ‘Print View’ is
only displayed if the manual print setting is enabled on the [Setup
Mode⇒ ⇒NAVTEX View⇒ ⇒Options Page]. Printing is only possible if an
external printer or PC is installed as part of the system.
The NEXT NEW softkey can be used to move the next new message to
the top of the NAVTEX display where pressing PRINT will print it.

NAVTEX Mode, Sort View

From within this view different sort criteria can be applied to order the
messages on the display. The NAVTEX Mode display can be sorted in
one of three ways by pressing the CRITERIA softkey:
Sort by Station
Sort by Type
Sort by Date
The sort can be further organised in ascending or descending order by
pressing the ORDER softkey.
Sort by Station orders the messages by NAVTEX frequency and the
alphabetical order of their station letters.
Sort by Type orders the messages in the alphabetical order of their
message identifier letter.
Sort by Date orders the messages by the date and time that they were
first received. For sort by date to work properly, the correct time and
date should be set using either time data from the NMEA input or if this
is not available, time should be entered manually at start-up.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

NAVTEX Mode, Filter View

This view allows specific stations to be selected for display and the
various message categories to be turned on or off. Use the filter view to
select which message types from which stations you wish to see
displayed on the NAVTEX display.
(Tip: even if you have de-selected messages from a particular station
and/or message type, the system will still receive and store those
messages. You will be able to view those messages by re-selecting
them in Filter View.).
5 different sets of filter settings can be programmed into the unit. Using
the filter presets allows quick selection of 5 different filter settings. Once
a preset is selected, the filter settings for that preset may be changed as
required. The filter settings for the current selected preset will be applied
when NAVTEX messages are next viewed. Press the PRESET softkey
to select a preset.

(Tip: Set up the 5 filter presets for the stations and message types that
you use most. For example:
Preset 1 - all message types from nearest station;
Preset 2 - meteorological warnings from nearest station,
Preset 3 - navigational warnings from nearest station;
Preset 4 - new messages of all message types from nearest station;
Preset 5 – new messages of all message types from stations in range)

There is a ‘stations’ and ‘types’ filter page for each selected receive
frequency. Use the PAGE softkey to select one of the four possible filter
pages: 518 Stations, 518 Types, 490 Stations, or 490 Types.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Message Categories
The picture shows the 518 Types filter
page; the 490 Types filter page is
similar.
Each of the message types can be
selected as either On, Off or New
Use the UP and DOWN keys to select
the message type setting that you
wish to edit. Use the LEFT and
RIGHT keys to change the setting.
Set each message type filter to one of
the following:

Setting Notes
On Message type always displayed
Off Message type never displayed
New Message type only displayed when new. Messages marked as
read will not appear.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Stations
The picture shows the 518 Stations
filter page; the 490 Stations filter page
is similar. Use the UP and DOWN
keys to select the station filter setting
that you wish to edit. Use the LEFT
and RIGHT keys to change the
setting.
The ‘Auto Station Filter’ setting can be
either Nearest or In Range. This
setting is active only when you have a
GPS receiver connected to the NMEA
input and it applies only to stations set
to Auto. To display messages from the
nearest station to your current
position, set the auto station filter to
Nearest.
To display messages from all stations
in range of your current position, set
the auto station filter to In Range.
For all settings, an asterisk appears next to all stations for which
messages will be displayed.
Set the filter for each station to one of the following:
Setting Notes
On Messages from station always displayed
Off Messages from station never displayed
Auto Messages from station displayed only when nearest or in range
depending upon ‘Auto Station Filter’ setting.
Important (NAV6plus Only): You may wish to leave your NAV6plus
running whilst your GPS or instrument system is disconnected or
switched off. If you do this then please be aware that the Navigate data
items derived from NMEA (including position) will time out after a short
while. If you have also opted to display only the ‘nearest’ NAVTEX
station or stations ‘in range’ then the NAV6plus will no longer have the
required position data. It will revert to displaying all stations that are set
to ‘Auto’. As soon as the NMEA data becomes available again only the
‘Nearest’ or ‘In Range’ stations will be displayed dependent upon your
current settings.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Navigate Mode – NAV6plus

NAV6plus or NAV6repeater
NAV6repeater only
Navigate Mode is only available if there is a GPS or other source of
NMEA 0183 data connected to the NAV6 Receiver Unit NMEA input.
The GPS icon in the status bar at the top of the display will be
illuminated only if there is position data available on the NMEA input.
There are five fixed-format Navigate data display views and four user
configurable views. These can be selected from within the Navigate
Mode using the VIEW softkey. The five fixed views are:
Position View
Combined View
Waypoint View
Conning View
Log View
The user configurable views are User Views 1,2,3 and 4.
(Tip: Disable views that are not required, in [Setup Mode⇒Navigate
⇒Options Page and Setup Mode⇒Navigate⇒User View Page]. Display
units can be changed in the Navigate Options page).
Note: Data fields that are not available on the NMEA input are indicated
by a series of dashes (e.g. ---.--).
Important
• The correct magnetic variation must be input at the navigation
instruments (e.g. GPS, electronic compass) for the accurate display
of COG, set, waypoint bearing and heading.
• For the purposes of testing your installation, you may wish to use
your GPS’s simulator mode to generate data for the NAV6plus.
Please check your GPS User Manual to find out whether it transmits
valid NMEA data whilst it is in its simulator mode – many GPS’s do
not set the ‘data valid’ flag in the NMEA sentences during
simulation. As a safety feature, the NAV6plus will ignore any NMEA
sentences where the ‘data valid’ flag is not set.
• The NAV6plus has a built in NMEA simulator mode – please ensure
that it is switched OFF in normal operation.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Position View
The Position View shows GPS
information (Position, COG and SOG),
Depth reading and Distance log using
a large font.

The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT

keys have no function.

Combined View
The Combined View shows all NMEA
input data on one screen using a small
font.

The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT

keys have no function.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Waypoint View
The Waypoint View shows waypoint
navigation information and a graphical
“rolling road” display of the boat
position and course relative to the
course line. The rolling road display
can be used to steer the boat along
the course line whilst keeping the
cross track error within chosen limits
(the XTE limit may be changed on the
[Setup mode⇒ ⇒Navigate
View⇒ ⇒Options Page] ). The Waypoint
View shows the waypoint name,
waypoint position, time to go (TTG in
hours, minutes and seconds), range
and bearing to waypoint, closing
speed to way point, cross track error
and COG and SOG.
The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT
keys have no function.

Conning View
The Conning Display is a unique
analogue display which shows
overlapping vectors for Heading
(course through the water), Course
Over the Ground (COG), Set (a
combination of leeway and tide) and
wind. All of these vectors are
displayed relative to the current
heading, which is displayed in digital
form at the top of the screen.
Heading is shown as a single headed
arrow; Course Over the Ground
(COG) is shown as a double headed
arrow, and Set is shown as a triple
headed arrow - in the familiar manner.
The wind vector displays variable tail
patterns according to the strength of

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

the wind. It follows the usual meteorological wind symbol rules: 5 kts per
half feather, 10 kts per full feather, 50 kts per triangle. Computed Set
and Drift and other related parameters are shown in digital form at the
bottom of the screen.
To take into account various sea states, variable damping levels may be
selected by pressing the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys. The currently
selected level is shown in the top right hand corner of the display. The
damping level can be None, Low, Medium or High. The damping level
affects COG, SOG, Heading and Water Speed and Set and Drift
readings. The UP and DOWN keys have no function.

Log View
The UP and DOWN keys allow the log
to be scrolled forwards and backwards
in time. The LEFT and RIGHT keys
scroll other LOG data into view.

(Tip: consider the Log View to be a

large piece of paper. The LCD
allowing a smaller view which can be
moved up, down, left and right
displaying a portion of the paper at
any one time)

The Log View columns are Position,

COG, SOG, Heading, Water Speed,
Wind Direction, Wind Speed, Depth
and Distance.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

User Views
The four user views can be configured to
show either 2, 3 or 4 panels (picture
shows a 3 panel view). Each panel can be
configured to show different navigation
information from a range of options. See
the [Setup Mode⇒ ⇒Navigate View⇒ ⇒User
View Page] for more details of the
available options.

The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT keys

have no function.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Setup Mode
This mode enables the user to modify the operation of the NAV6.
NAVTEX message display presentation, Navigate data presentation,
LCD operation & printing operation can all be controlled from Setup
Mode.
Setup Mode consists of 3 ‘Views’ that can be selected with the VIEW
softkey. Each View has a number of ‘Pages’ that can be selected with
the PAGE softkey.

General View NAVTEX View Navigate View

LCD Page Options Page Options Page
Options Page 490 Names Page User View Page
518 Names Page Monitor Page
Monitor Page

Setup Mode, General View, LCD Page

The General View LCD Page shows a
checker board pattern that can be
used to set up the LCD.
LCD contrast is adjusted with the
LEFT and RIGHT keys.
LCD brightness is adjusted with the
UP and DOWN keys.
There is a readout of the LCD
backlight temperature towards the
bottom of the display. This is internal
case temperature, and gives only an
approximation to ambient
temperature.

(Tip: If the LCD is unreadable due to

incorrect contrast setting, hold down
the MODE softkey for more than 2
seconds, in any operating mode, to display the LCD page and reset the
LCD contrast and backlight to 50%. The LCD should now be readable.
Adjust the contrast as required).

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Setup Mode, General View, Options Page

Option Setting Notes
Year YYYY Year, e.g. 2001
Month MM Month, e.g. 03
Day DD Day, e.g. 15
Hour HH 24 hour clock
Minute mm Minutes
Keyclick OFF No beep on key press
ON Beep on key press
New Message OFF New message alert off
Alert ON Audible alarm for new messages
Antenna Alarm OFF Antenna alarm off
Timed Antenna alarms repeated 5 times, unless
cancelled
Repeated Antenna alarms repeated until cancelled
SAR Alarm OFF SAR alarm off
Timed SAR alarms repeated 5 times, unless
cancelled
Repeat SAR alarms repeated until cancelled
Language English English language menus
Francais French language menus
Portugues Portuguese language menus
Deutsch German language menus
LED Function OFF LED always off
ON LED as power indicator
RX LED as receive indicator
SAR LED as SAR indicator
NEW LED as New Message indicator
Defaults shown in BOLD

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

General View Options Page

This view shows general settings for the
display such as Date, Time, Sound and
Miscellaneous settings. Use the UP and
DOWN keys to select the setting that you
wish to edit. Use the LEFT and RIGHT
keys to change the setting.
Notes:
• Date and time will be taken from
NMEA input data if available.
• There is no battery backup so date
and time will be incorrect when power
is switched on unless NMEA data is
available or the date and time are
manually set. The date and time is
used to mark all incoming NAVTEX
messages so that they can be sorted
by date and time.

Setup Mode, NAVTEX View, Options Page

The [Setup Mode⇒ ⇒NAVTEX
View⇒ ⇒Options Page] shows general
settings for NAVTEX operation such as
Antenna, Display, Sound and Print
settings. Use the UP and DOWN keys to
select the setting that you wish to edit.
Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to change
the setting.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Option Setting Notes

Font Small Display NAVTEX messages using small
font
Medium Display NAVTEX messages using medium
font
Large Display NAVTEX messages using large
font
Error XX % Percentage character error rate above
Threshold which messages are not displayed. Note
that this setting does not stop messages
with an error rate above the threshold from
being stored in memory
Alphabet Latin Latin alphabet used for NAVTEX
messages.
Cyrillic Latin alphabet with third shift Cyrillic used
for NAVTEX messages
Age Limit None, Maximum age of NAVTEX messages to be
1, 2, 3, 5 displayed. NAVTEX messages older than
Days, 1, 2, the age limit are not displayed
3, 4, 8, 12
Weeks
NAVTEX None No receiver selected. Tip: useful when
Frequency using the display only as a NMEA
instrument repeater
490 kHz 490 kHz only operation
518 kHz 518 kHz only operation
Both 490 and 518 kHz operation – only available
if antenna Type is ‘Dual’
New Message Off New message alert off
Alert On Audible alarm for new messages
Antenna Alarm Off Antenna alarm off
Timed Antenna alarms repeated 5 times, unless
cancelled
Repeat Antenna alarms repeated until cancelled
SAR Alarm Off SAR alarm off
Timed SAR alarms repeated 5 times, unless
cancelled
Repeat SAR alarms repeated until cancelled
Display Mode Master Set to master if this is the main display.
This display will control the receiver over
the receiver data link. Only one display
may be set to master.
Slave Set to slave if this is a repeater unit. Slave
units do not control the receiver and can

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Option Setting Notes

only monitor the receiver data link. There
can be multiple slave displays in a system
Auto Print Off Auto printing off
On Auto printing on. New messages will be
printed when received. The print filter
settings can be used to filter which
messages are printed based upon
message type and station
Manual Print Off Manual printing off. The NAVTEX Mode,
Print View is hidden
On Manual printing on. The NAVTEX Mode,
Print View is enabled
Output Format Data Formatted for PC. Messages printed in raw
format as received.
Printer Formatted for printing. Messages printed
with print header.
Antenna Type Switchable Reported by receiver, cannot be changed
Dual
Firmware X.X Reported by receiver, cannot be changed
Version
Hardware X Reported by receiver, cannot be changed
Revision
Defaults shown in BOLD

Setup Mode, NAVTEX View, Options Page, Print Setup –

NAV6plus
NAV6 plus & NAV6repeater
NAV6repeater only
Press the PRINT SETUP softkey from within the [Setup
Mode⇒⇒NAVTEX View⇒ ⇒Options Page] to display the print filter setup
pages. Press the EXIT softkey to leave the print filter setup.
Note: The print filter setup pages are available only when Auto Print is
enabled.
Use the print filter setup pages to select which message types from
which stations you wish to have automatically printed when received.
The print filtering is independent of the filtering used for the display. It
does not affect the storage of messages for display on the NAVTEX
screens.
There is a stations and types filter page for each selected receive
frequency. Use the PAGE softkey to select one of the four possible filter

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

pages: 518 Stations, 518 Types, 490 Stations, or 490 Types.

The picture shows the 490 Types filter

page; the 518 Types filter page is
similar.
Each of the message types can be
selected as either ON or OFF.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to select
the message type setting that you
wish to edit. Use the LEFT and
RIGHT keys to change the setting.

The picture shows the 518 Stations

filter page; the 490 Stations filter page
is similar. Use the UP and DOWN
keys to select the station filter setting
that you wish to edit. Use the LEFT
and RIGHT keys to change the
setting.
The ‘Auto Station Filter’ setting can be
either Nearest or In Range. The
setting is active only when you have a
GPS receiver connected to the NMEA
input and it applies only to stations set
to Auto. To print messages from the
nearest station to your current
position, set the auto station filter to
Nearest. To print messages from all
stations in range of your current

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

position, set the auto station filter to In Range. An asterisk appears next
to all stations for which messages will be printed.
Set the filter for each station to one of the following:
Setting Notes
On Messages from station always printed
Off Messages from station never printed
Auto Messages from station printed only when nearest or in
range depending upon setting.

Setup Mode, NAVTEX View, 518 and 490 Names Pages

The station names setup pages
determine the names of stations
displayed on station filter pages and in
NAVTEX message headers.
The picture shows the ‘518 Names’
page; the ‘490 Names’ page is similar.

Use the UP and DOWN keys to select

the setting that you wish to edit. Use
the LEFT and RIGHT keys to change
the setting.

The Station Name Selection setting

allows the user to select between
‘GPS’ and ‘Manual’ station selection. If
‘GPS’ is selected and there is valid
position data on the NMEA input, the
NAV6 will select the NAVTEX transmitting station name nearest to the
boat’s current location for each station letter.
If ‘Manual’ is selected, then the user can manually select the
transmitting station name to be displayed for each station letter.

(Tip : You may be sailing in Nav Area II and therefore will pick station
names from Nav Area II. However it is important to realise that the
corresponding station letter in the adjacent Nav Areas may be closer.
For example, the ‘S’ station that you are receiving is the ‘S’ station in an
adjacent Nav Area).

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Setup Mode, NAVTEX View, 518 and 490 Names, Station

Database Setup
Press the STATION DATABASE softkey
from within the [Setup Mode⇒⇒NAVTEX
View⇒⇒518 or 490 Names Page] to display
the station database setup page for 518 or
490 kHz.
Press the EXIT softkey to leave the
station database setup.
The station database page is divided into
two halves. The top half shows a scrolling
list of all stations in the database. The
bottom half shows details of the current
station selected in the station list.

To edit an existing station entry:

Use the UP and DOWN keys to select the
station you wish to edit. Use the LEFT and
RIGHT keys to jump to the next or
previous station letter in the database.
Press the EDIT softkey to edit the station details at the bottom of the
display.
The database entry for a typical
station (i.e. ‘Niton’) is shown right.

Data items are selected using UP and

DOWN keys. Data items are changed
using LEFT and RIGHT keys.

When editing the station name, use

the LEFT and RIGHT keys to change
the letters. Use the NEXT softkey to
accept the current letter and move the
cursor to the right. Use the
BACKSPACE softkey to delete the
current letter and move the cursor to the left.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

When editing the latitude and longitude fields, use the NEXT softkey to
select the Degrees, Minutes or Cardinal part of the position. Use the
LEFT and RIGHT keys to change the selected item.

When you have finished entering the data, press the SAVE softkey to
save and update the database or CANCEL softkey to abort the change.

Field Notes
Station The station letter: A to X
Area The Nav-Area: I to XVI
Name The station name as displayed on NAVTEX
messages. Up to 17 characters.
Latitude The transmitter position. Used to determine the
Longitude nearest and in-range stations
Range The stated coverage range of the station in NM.
Used to determine in range stations.
Operational Set to YES when the station becomes
operational. Set to NO when the station is
declared but not yet operational. When set to
NO, the station will be excluded when
determining the nearest and in range stations.

To enter a new station:

Press the NEW softkey to create a new database entry. The rules for
entering a new station are identical to those described above for editing
an existing station. When you have finished entering the data, press the
SAVE or CANCEL softkey as required.

To delete a station :
Use the UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT keys to select the station in the
station list that you wish to delete. Press the DELETE softkey.
Confirm or cancel the deletion by pressing the CONFIRM or CANCEL
softkeys.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Setup Mode, NAVTEX View, Monitor Page

The monitor page shows a split screen
view of live 490 and 518 kHz
transmissions as they are received.

None of the filtering selected in the

various setup pages is applied.

The monitor page displays ALL

incoming data regardless of error rate.

The monitor page also shows the low

level phasing characters contained
within transmissions (shown as ø
characters) and transmission errors
(shown as ✸characters).

Setup Mode, Navigate View, Options Page

The [Setup mode⇒ ⇒Navigate View⇒ ⇒
Options Page] shows general settings
for the navigation screens such as
Display, Waypoint, Log, Print and
View settings.

Use the UP and DOWN keys to select

the setting that you wish to edit. Use
the LEFT and RIGHT keys to change
the setting.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Option Setting Notes

Distance Units NM Nautical Miles
km kilometres
mi Miles
Speed Units Kt Knots
Km/h Kilometres per hour
m/s Metres per second
mph Miles per hour
Depth Units ft Feet
m metres
North Reference True COG and waypoint bearings
displayed relative to true North
Magnetic COG and waypoint bearings
displayed relative to magnetic
North
Heading Reference True Heading and set displayed relative
to true North
Magnetic Heading and set displayed relative
to magnetic North
Wind Speed Units Kt Knots
Km/h Kilometres per hour
m/s Metres per second
mph Miles per hour
Wind Reference True True wind speed and direction
displayed
Relative Relative wind speed and direction
displayed
Damping None, Low, Sets the damping level applied to
Medium, High COG, SOG, Heading, Water
Speed, Set and Drift readings.
Demo Mode Off Real navigation data from the
NMEA input is displayed.
On Simulated navigation data is
displayed. Note: the GPS icon
does not appear on the status bar.
XTE Limit 0.02 to 1 NM Set the cross track error limit used
on the Waypoint View. Increments
in 0.01 NM units.
Log Interval OFF Logging interval as selected.
15, 20, 30 mins
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
hours
Auto Print Off Auto printing off
On Auto printing on. Log data will be

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Option Setting Notes

printed at the log interval.
Manual Print Off Manual printing off. The Print
softkey on the Navigate Mode,
Log View is hidden
On Manual printing on. The Print
softkey on the Navigate Mode,
Log View is enabled
Position Off Position view disabled
On Position view enabled
Combined Off Combined view disabled
On Combined view enabled
Waypoint Off Waypoint view disabled
On Waypoint view enabled
Conning Off Conning view disabled
On Conning view enabled
Log Off Log view disabled
On Log view enabled
Defaults shown in BOLD

Setup Mode, Navigate View, User View Page

The [Setup Mode⇒ ⇒Navigate View
⇒User View Page] provides settings
for the user view pages.

Set the format for each user view

page to either Off, 2, 3 or 4 panels.

Set the contents of each panel. Panel

1 is displayed at the top and panel 4 is
at the bottom of the page.

Use the UP and DOWN keys to select

the setting that you wish to edit. Use
the LEFT and RIGHT keys to change
the setting.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Option Setting Notes

Format Off Disable the user view page
2 Panels Display the user view page with two large panels.

3 Panels Display the user view page with one large panel at
the top and two small panels at the bottom.
4 Panels Display the user view page with four small panels.

Panel n See right Choose the data to be displayed in large panels

from the following:
Time, Date, Position, COG, SOG, Heading, Water
Speed, Wind Direction, Wind Speed, Set, Drift,
Distance, Trip, Depth, Turn Rate, Waypoint, Wpt
Position, Range,
Bearing, TTG, Closing Spd, XTE.
Choose the data to be displayed in small panels
from the following:
Time/Date, Latitude, Longitude, Ground, Water,
Wind, Current, Odometer, Depth, Turn Rate,
Waypoint, Wpt Latitude, Wpt Longitude,
Range/Bearing, TTG, Closing Spd, XTE.
Defaults shown in BOLD

Setup Mode, Navigate View, Monitor Page

The monitor page shows a view of live
NMEA 0183 data received at the NMEA
input.

The monitor page displays ALL incoming

sentences and can be paused by pressing
the PAUSE softkey.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Alarm Operation
The NAV6 display contains a buzzer that can generate audible alarms
for the following conditions:

Option Notes
New Message Alert Short beep beep. Not repeated.
Indicates reception of a new NAVTEX message.
SAR Alarm Morse code: Dot dot dot, dash dash dash, dot dot
dot.. Repeated every ten seconds.
Indicates reception of a message type D, Search
And Rescue NAVTEX message.
Antenna Alarm Short dah dee, dah dee. Repeated every eight
seconds.
Indicates that there is a fault in the NAVTEX
antenna or the cabling; see the Fault Finding section
for more details.

The alarms can be enabled or disabled via the [SETUP MODE,

GENERAL VIEW, OPTIONS PAGE]. When enabled, the SAR Alarm
and Antenna Alarm can be set to repeat 5 times or to repeat
continuously.

(Tip: When an alarm is active, pressing any of the softkeys will cancel
the alarm. The normal softkey action will not occur).

(Tip: When an alarm is active, an alarm bell icon will flash on the status
bar).

The red LED found above the softkeys, can be setup (on the Setup
Mode⇒ ⇒General View⇒
⇒Options Page) to flash when there are unread
new messages or SAR messages. This can be useful in a noisy
environment where audible alarms cannot be easily heard.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Printing NAVTEX And Navigation Log

The NAV6plus can be configured to function like a GMDSS paper
NAVTEX printer when connected to a suitable serial printer. A NAV6
serial printer can be purchased from ICS (ICS order number 918.01).
The NAVTEX auto print facility acts like a GMDSS paper NAVTEX
printer:
• Poor quality messages (error rates over 33%) are not printed.
• All new messages are printed when first received.
• Only messages not excluded by the print filtering are printed.
• Message repeats are printed each time they are received until they
have been received with good quality (error rate of less than 4%).
• Once a good quality message has been received, repeats are not
printed during the next 72 hours. After 72 hours the message is
treated as a new message and printed again.
The Navigation Log auto-print facility prints navigation log entries as
they are added to the Navigate Mode, Log View. Each log printout
contains time, date, position, COG, SOG, heading, water speed, wind
direction and speed, depth and distance. Only fields containing valid
data are printed.

Setting up a printer
Follow these steps to setup NAVTEX printing.
• Connect the serial printer as described in the “Installation Of Display
Unit” section.
• Test the printer installation by enabling manual print (see Setup
Mode⇒ ⇒NAVTEX View⇒ ⇒Options Page) and printing a NAVTEX
message by pressing the PRINT softkey on the NAVTEX
Mode⇒ ⇒Print View.
• Enable NAVTEX auto print and set the output format to “Printer”;
see Setup Mode⇒
⇒NAVTEX View⇒ ⇒Options Page.
• Enable NAVTEX manual print if you want to be able to the current
print NAVTEX message by pressing the PRINT softkey on the
NAVTEX Mode⇒ ⇒Print View.
• Setup the NAVTEX print filtering to select which message types
from which stations should be printed; see Setup Mode⇒⇒NAVTEX

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

View⇒
⇒Options Page⇒ ⇒Print Setup.
• Enable Navigate auto print and set the logging interval; see Setup
Mode⇒⇒Navigate View⇒ ⇒Options Page.
• Enable Navigate manual print if you want to be able to print the
current page of log entries from the navigation log using the PRINT
softkey on the Navigate Mode⇒ ⇒Log View.
Auto printing of NAVTEX messages should now occur when new
NAVTEX message transmissions are received from the selected
stations. Auto printing of Navigation logs should now at Navigate
logging intervals.

Output To A PC or Plotter
The NAV6plus can be setup to output NAVTEX messages to a PC or
compatible chart plotter. Setup the NAV6 as per “Setting up a printer”
but with the following exceptions:
• Instead of connecting a serial printer , connect the PC or chart
plotter.
• To test the PC connection, run a terminal application with the serial
port set to 4800 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and print a
NAVTEX message at the NAV6.
• Set the NAVTEX output format to “Data”; see Setup
Mode⇒ ⇒NAVTEX View⇒ ⇒Options Page. This formats the NAVTEX
messages for processing by chart plotter applications.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Installation Of Display Unit

• Choose a location that is flat, free from excessive heat and
vibration, and which is convenient for routing the Display Cable. The
display is best viewed when the screen is mounted square on.
• The Display Unit has been designed for above or below decks
mounting. It can be panel mounted onto a bulkhead, mounted via a
U-bracket (ICS Part Number 6020.00)
• Avoid direct sunlight. If this cannot be avoided then protect the
unit when not in use.
• The Display Unit should be located at least 0.5metres away from
any transmitting equipment including mobile phones, GPS
antennas, VHF radios, Radar etc.

Surface Mounting the Display Unit

You will need a 104mm (4") hole saw, a 3mm drill for fixing screws and
a Phillips head screwdriver.

Follow the instructions:

• Choose a flat surface on which to mount the Display Unit.
• Use the drilling template supplied to mark out the centres for the
104mm hole and the two 3mm holes.
• Drill the holes.
• Remove the two screw covers from the Display Unit.
• Apply a releasing agent (grease or petroleum jelly) to the rubber
seal around the back of the NAV6. This will prevent the seal from
sticking to the bulkhead surface over time.
• Position the NAV6 over the holes and insert the screws.
• Do not over-tighten the screws.
• Clip the screw covers in place.
• Route the display cable to the location where the Receiver Unit will
be installed.

U-bracket Mounting
Please follow the fitting instructions contained within the optional U-
bracket mounting kit.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Installation Of Receiver Unit

• The Receiver Unit is not waterproof and care should be taken to
install it where there is no possibility of water ingress.
• The Receiver Unit should be located at least 0.5metres away from
any other electronic equipment including GPS antennas, Radar etc.
• Ideally the receiver unit should be mounted at least 0.5metres from
the display unit.

Mounting the Receiver Unit

• First, remove the lid from the receiver enclosure.
• Place the receiver in the desired location at least 0.5metre away
from any other electronic equipment. The receiver should be
mounted on a vertical surface with the connector at the base of the
unit.
• Mark out the two mounting holes.
• Move the receiver and drill the two mounting holes to suit the No.8
screws provided (the holes size will depend upon what material you
are drilling into).

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Connecting
Connecting the Display Unit to the Receiver Unit
The display cable consists of six twisted pairs:

Twisted Pair Core Colour Signal description

RED twisted with BLACK RED 12V input
BLACK GND input
BLUE twisted with BLACK BLUE NMEA A input
BLACK NMEA B input
BROWN twisted with BLACK BROWN RS232 TX output
BLACK RS232 RX input
WHITE twisted with BLACK WHITE receiver DATA A
BLACK receiver DATA B
YELLOW twisted with BLACK YELLOW receiver POWER o/p
BLACK receiver GND o/p
GREEN twisted with BLACK GREEN programming signal
BLACK not used
Screen Silver Nominally 0V

There are four connections required between the display and receiver
units. These consist of two of the twisted pairs in the display cable -
one for the receiver power and one for serial data communications.
These pairs should be connected to the receiver unit as shown below:

Twisted Pair Core Signal description Connect to

Colour Receiver Pin
YELLOW twisted with YELLOW POWER from display 6
BLACK BLACK GND from display 5
WHITE twisted with WHITE DATA A from display 8
BLACK BLACK DATA B from display 7

If the display and receiver are within 1 metre of each other then the
connections can be made directly into the receiver unit connector.

If the display and receiver are more than 1metre apart then the terminal
strip should be used to connect the supplied extension cable between
the display cable and the receiver unit.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

The following diagram shows the wiring for a typical NAV6 system:

WHITE WHITE
BLACK BLACK
YELLOW YELLOW
BLACK BLACK

SCREEN DRAIN SCREEN DRAIN

GREEN BLACK *
BATTERY NAV-6
+12v RED DISPLAY
GND BLACK
GPS A BLUE
SENSOR
B BLACK

TX BROWN
NAV-6 PRINTER BLACK
RX
NAV6 Printer

* Not connected

Note that this drawing shows an extension cable being used to connect
the receiver unit to the display via the terminal strip. This may not be
necessary if the distance between the receiver unit and the display unit
is less than 1metre.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Connecting an antenna to the Receiver Unit

The NAV6 Series (except NAV6repeater) complete systems are

supplied with a NAVTEX receiver unit and passive antenna as standard,
although ICS offer the following antenna options :

Active 50 ohm (Whip) 1metre tall ICS order code 905.04

Active 50 ohm (White Tube) 1metre tall ICS order code 905.05

Alternatively you may wish to use a backstay as an antenna or you may

wish to run a wire around your headlining in the cabin. All of these
options are catered for in the NAV6, the suitability of each option will
greatly depend upon your own circumstances. For instance, running a
wire around the cabin in a steel boat may not be very successful.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Passive 50 ohm Antenna (supplied)

ICS supply a passive 50 ohm antenna

that has been specified for NAVTEX
use. An equivalent antenna specified
for operation at 490kHz and 518kHz
would also be acceptable.

Receiver PCB link settings: LK100 – not fitted

LK101 – should be fitted

The antenna should be connected to ANT+ (antenna coax centre) and

ANT- (antenna coax screen) on the receiver unit connector.

CONNECTOR PIN CONNECTION

1 -
2 Antenna coax centre connection
3 Antenna coax screen
4 Connection to Display SCREEN
5 Connection to Display 0V (BLACK)
6 Connection to Display 12V (YELLOW)
7 Connection to Display RS485_A (BLACK)
8 Connection to Display RS485_B (WHITE)

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Optional - Active 50 ohm Antenna with External PSU Interface

Box

ICS recommend
using an active 50
ohm antenna that
has been specified
for NAVTEX use.
A suitable antenna is
the ICS 905.04 or
905.05 although an
equivalent antenna
specified for
operation at 490kHz TO 12V PSU

and 518kHz would be

acceptable.
If the active antenna
is supplied with an
external PSU
interface box then this should be used.

Receiver PCB link settings: LK100 – not fitted

LK101 – not fitted

The antenna should be connected to ANT+ (antenna coax centre) and

ANT- (antenna coax screen) on the receiver unit connector.

CONNECTOR PIN CONNECTION

1 -
2 Antenna coax centre connection
3 Antenna coax screen
4 Connection to Display SCREEN
5 Connection to Display 0V (BLACK)
6 Connection to Display 12V (YELLOW)
7 Connection to Display RS485_A (BLACK)
8 Connection to Display RS485_B (WHITE)

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Optional - Active 50 ohm Antenna without External PSU

Interface Box

ICS recommend using an active 50 ohm

antenna that has been specified for
NAVTEX use.
A suitable antenna is the ICS 905.04 or
905.05 although an equivalent antenna
specified for operation at 490kHz and
518kHz would be acceptable.

If the active antenna is not supplied with an

external PSU interface box then the
antenna should be installed as follows.

Receiver PCB link settings:

LK100 should be fitted in the ‘50ohm active antenna’ position
LK101 should be fitted

The antenna should be connected to ANT+ (antenna coax centre) and

ANT- (antenna coax screen) on the receiver unit connector.

CONNECTOR PIN CONNECTION

1 -
2 Antenna coax centre connection
3 Antenna coax screen
4 Connection to Display SCREEN
5 Connection to Display 0V (BLACK)
6 Connection to Display 12V (YELLOW)
7 Connection to Display RS485_A (BLACK)
8 Connection to Display RS485_B (WHITE)

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Alternative - Using a Back Stay as an Antenna

A back stay may be used as an antenna if a suitable 50 ohm matching
balun is fitted. ICS Technical Support may be able to offer advice on this
point.

Receiver PCB link settings: LK100 – not fitted

LK101 – should be fitted

The balun 50 ohm output should be connected to ANT+ (balun coax

centre) and ANT- (balun coax screen).

On no account should the back stay be connected into the Hi-Z input on
the NAV6plus connector.

CONNECTOR PIN CONNECTION

1 -
2 Antenna coax centre connection
3 Antenna coax screen
4 Connection to Display SCREEN
5 Connection to Display 0V (BLACK)
6 Connection to Display 12V (YELLOW)
7 Connection to Display RS485_A (BLACK)
8 Connection to Display RS485_B (WHITE)

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Alternative - Using a Wire in the Cabin as an Antenna

A long wire routed safely out of harm’s way (for instance under the
headlining in your cabin) may be used as an antenna in some
circumstances. ICS Technical Support may be able to offer advice on
this point. (Note that this method of connection is not highly
recommended, an antenna mounted above decks is the preferred
approach).

Receiver PCB link settings: LK100 – not fitted

LK101 – should be fitted

The wire should be connected to the HI-Z input on the receiver unit
connector.

CONNECTOR PIN CONNECTION

1 -
2 Antenna coax centre connection
3 Antenna coax screen
4 Connection to Display SCREEN
5 Connection to Display 0V (BLACK)
6 Connection to Display 12V (YELLOW)
7 Connection to Display RS485_A (BLACK)
8 Connection to Display RS485_B (WHITE)

Grounding
For some installations where local interference is thought to be limiting
receiver performance, it may be necessary to ground the screen of the
antenna coaxial cable.
This technique is only applicable where a 50 ohm antenna is employed
(connected to ANT+ & ANT-).
Connect the outer screen of the antenna coaxial cable (ANT- on the
receiver unit connector) to a good electrical ground. This can either be a
specially installed ground plate, or the keel bolts on a non-encapsulated
keel. If electrical isolation is to be maintained then this should be done
via a 0.1uF 400V (min) capacitor.

If in doubt consult your dealer.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Connecting Power
The NAV6 should be powered from a nominal 12Vdc switched supply,
capable of providing a continuous 350mA.
• To allow the unit to be isolated for service, a 1.5A circuit breaker or
a 1.5A fuse and switch should switch the power supply.
• Use the RED and BLACK twisted pair for connection to the boat’s
power supply.
• Connect the RED wire to boat’s positive (12V) supply.
• Connect the BLACK wire to negative (0V) supply.
• Note that vessels that require isolation may need to install a DC to
DC converter(ICS part number 500.09) – if in doubt ask your dealer.
• 24V vessels should install a 24V / 12V DC to DC converter (ICS
part number 500.10). – if in doubt ask your dealer.

Connecting
Connecting an NMEA Source
• Use the BLUE and BLACK twisted pair for connection to the NMEA
data source.
• Connect the BLUE wire to the NMEA A signal.
• Connect the BLACK wire to the NMEA B signal.
(Trouble shooting: Note that NMEA signal terminology can vary
between manufacturers – try swapping the BLUE and BLACK wires if
the NMEA input does not work initially – no damage will be done)
The NAV6 is compatible with most sources of NMEA 0183 data such as
a GPS receiver or adapter boxes supplied for use with networked
instrument systems. Please note that you may need to program the
source of NMEA data to send the correct sentences in the correct
format. You may also need to purchase an NMEA adapter box for your
instrument system. Should you be uncertain of your abilities in this area,
you are strongly advised to seek the services of a qualified marine
electronics installer.
Note: We do not guarantee compatibility with all GPS receivers or all
instrument systems. However, this can normally be achieved for most
systems by a skilled installer. For notes on achieving compatibility with
various systems, see the NAV6 FAQ section on our web site:
www.icselectronics.co.uk
The NAV6plus uses NMEA data for the following:

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

• To synchronise its internal clock with UTC time.

• To display a wide variety of NMEA data in a selection of formats
(see Appendix IV for the NMEA sentences supported).
• To automatically filter the message display to show either
messages from only the nearest NAVTEX transmitting station, or
all stations that are currently within range.

Connecting the Programming Signal

The programming signal (GREEN and BLACK twisted pair) is not
required for normal operation and should be left unconnected.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Connecting a PC, Printer or Plotter

The following equipment with RS232 serial data connection may be
connected to the NAV6:
• A PC (via ICS Cable option 6020.09).
• Or a printer or chart plotter (via ICS Cable option 6020.10).
The PC and printer serial port should be set to 4800 baud, 8 data bits,
no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. A terminal emulator program,
such as HyperTerminal, can be used to monitor the data output.
If you wish to make up your own PC interface cable please follow the
diagram below

9 way “D” PC Interface NAV6 Display Cable

type female Signal Cable Core Colour (connection
pin number Colour* via terminal block)
1 No connection - -
2 PC Rx Brown Brown
White (paired with Black (Paired with
3 PC Tx
brown) brown)
4 No connection - -
5 GND Black Black (Paired with red)
6 No connection - -
7 No connection - -
8 No connection - -
9 No connection - -

*Note that the PC Interface Cable core colours shown above may differ if you make
your own cable.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Connecting Multiple Display Units

The NAV6 system may be configured to allow connection of multiple
Display Units. Please contact ICS Electronics for further information.

Replacing an existing NAV6 installation

Replacing the antenna system

If you are replacing an old NAV6 antenna installation

that uses the NAV6 antenna sensor unit of the type
shown right, you can use the old sensor cable to aid
the installation of the new system :

• First, mount the new receiver unit as described in

the section “Installation Of Receiver Unit”.
• After ensuring the power to the NAV6 system is turned off, cut the
old sensor cable at the location of the new receiver unit. The cut
end of the cable still connected to the display unit can then be
prepared and connected to the new receiver unit.

• If your old sensor unit has a white sleeved cable, refer to the
connection details as described in the section “Connecting The
Display Unit To The Receiver Unit”.

• If your existing sensor unit has a black sleeved cable, this uses a
‘core pair number to colour’ scheme with a yellow sleeve to indicate
the power pair. The pair number is printed in black, repeating every
7cm along the white cores. Refer to the table overleaf for wiring
details:

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

BLACK sensor cable

Twisted Pair Core Signal description Display
marking connection
WHITE of pair ‘ONE’ WHITE POWER from display YELLOW of
ONE twisted with YELLOW YELLOW pair
with BLACK sleeve
BLACK POWER GND from BLACK of
display YELLOW pair
WHITE of pair ‘TWO’ WHITE DATA A from display WHITE of
TWO twisted WHITE pair
with BLACK BLACK DATA B from display BLACK of
WHITE pair
Screen Silver Screen (nominally 0V) Silver

• The old sensor can then be cut off and the rest of the old cable used
as a pull-through for the coax cable of the new antenna before
being disposed of.

Replacing the display unit

If you are replacing the display unit of an existing NAV6 antenna

installation that uses the NAV6 antenna sensor unit of the type shown
above right:

• First, check the condition of the sensor unit to ensure there are no
signs of water ingress or other damage. If there are, consult your
dealer before installing the new display unit.
• Remove the old display unit and fit the new one ensuring the cable
connections match the previous installation. If your old sensor unit
has a white sleeved cable, refer to the connection details as
described in the section “Connecting The Display Unit To The
Receiver Unit”.

If your existing sensor unit has a black sleeved cable, refer to the
connections detailed in the table at the top of this page.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Testing The NAV

NAV6
AV6 After Installation
• Carefully check all connections before applying power.
• Switch on the power supply by closing the 1.5A circuit breaker or
power panel switch.
• Check that the red LED illuminates for approximately 8 seconds and
then goes out and the start-up page appears on the NAV6 display.
The start-up
up progress bar at the bottom of the page will disappear
when the system is ready to use. Press any key to show the next
screen.
• Check that the receiver is working. Check that both h the ‘490’ and
the ‘518’ icon appear on the status line at the top of the NAVTEX
display.
If the correct icons do not appear, then switch off the power supply
and check the receiver data and power connections; check that you
have not swapped the receiver DATA A and DATA B wires.
• Check that the NMEA input is working. When the display is
receiving GPS data the ‘GPS’ icon will appear on the status line at
the top of the NAVTEX display. If the icon does not appear, ensure
that the NMEA source is operating and check the NMEA data
connections; you may have to swap the NMEA DATA A and DATA
B wires.

NAV6 Series Start-up Screen

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Maintenance and TroubleShooting

TroubleShooting
Cleaning
The NAV6 NAVTEX System may be cleaned when necessary by wiping
with a cloth dampened with fresh water. Do not use solvents.

Fault Finding
Fault Possible cause
LCD blank, RED LED Green wire connected to 12V
On Disconnect green wire – it should not be
connected other than for programming
LCD blank, RED LED No power
off Check that 12V is connected to RED wire and
0V to its BLACK pair
RED LED flashing with Low voltage
a period of 2 seconds. There is insufficient voltage supplying the
Display not operating. display
RED LED flashing with Sleep Mode
a period of 15 seconds. Press any key to activate the display
Display not operating.
No NAVTEX messages Check for SIG or ERR on status line; see
received below. Check siting of antenna
SIG on status line • If this symbol appears for short periods –
(signal fault) don’t worry – it’s caused by one or more
NAVTEX stations transmitting carrier but
no modulation, or by local interference.
• If this symbol persists then you may have
a receiver error or interference from
nearby equipment.
Check for possible causes. Identify the local
source of interference by turning off items of
equipment (e.g. battery charger) until the SIG
indicator is cleared
ERR on status line • No power to Receiver
(communications error) • No communications to Receiver
Check connections to receiver. Check for 12V
between YELLOW wire and its BLACK pair
• Display Mode set to “Slave”
Always set the ‘Display Mode’ to “Master” in
single display systems.
• Two or more master displays connected
to a receiver
Set the ‘Display Mode’ on one display to

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

master and set all other displays to slave

No GPS indicator on No NMEA data on NMEA input.
status line Check the NMEA data connections.
Check that the GPS unit is switched on.
Check that the GPS unit is set to output
compatible NMEA sentences (see Appendix
III: NMEA Sentences Supported).

Antenna Fault Finding

Finding
ANTENNA - general
Check the cable between the NAVTEX antenna and the NAV6, ensure
that it is not damaged. NAVTEX antenna must be mounted in an
elevated position clear of obstructions

ACTIVE ANTENNA
Check that power is correctly applied to the centre of the coax cable.
Power is supplied either from the NAV6 or from an external interface
box (eg. The CA Active Whip).

Software Upgrade
The NAV6 has FLASH memory based software. This allows the NAV6
to be upgraded when new software releases are developed. Please
check our website www.icselectronics.co.uk for information on new
releases.

Input Fuse
The NAV6 has a built-in resettable fuse on its 12V input. This fuse will
trip if the unit due to a fault condition draws excessive currents. Power
must be disconnected from the unit for 10 seconds in order for the fuse
to reset.

Receiver Output Fuse

The NAV6 has a built-in resettable fuse on its receiver output power
connector. This fuse will trip if a fault condition on the receiver unit
draws excessive currents. The receiver unit power must be
disconnected for 10 seconds in order for the fuse to reset.

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Warranty
ICS Electronics Ltd warrants to the original end-user that this product
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, and
upon proof of purchase, the product will be repaired or replaced (with
the same or a similar model, which may be a refurbished model) at ICS
Electronics’ option, without charge for either parts or labour. For
warranty repair, the unit must be returned, carriage pre-paid, to the ICS
Electronics Ltd. dealer from whom it was first purchased. This limited
warranty shall not apply if the product is modified, tampered with,
misused, subjected to abnormal working conditions (including, but not
limited to lightning and immersion in water) and use with power supplies
and other options not specifically recommended by ICS Electronics Ltd.
Please contact us for further details of our warranty repair procedure.

Glossary
COG Course Over Ground
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
IMO International Maritime Organisation
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
RS485 Serial data communication interface
RS232 Serial data communication interface
SAR Search and Rescue
SOG Speed Over Ground
SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea
TTG Time To Go
XTE Cross Track Error

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

The following NAV6 ancillary parts can be purchased:

Description Part Number

NAV6 Antenna Mount – Pushpit Rail (Nylon) 903.03

NAV6 Antenna (Wideband Active Whip – No PSU) 905.04
NAV6 Antenna (NAVTEX Active – No PSU) 905.05
NAV6 5 Outlet PSU for Active Antennas 905.06
NAV6 Single Outlet PSU for Active Antennas 905.07
NAV6 Thermal Printer 918.01
NAV6 ‘U’ Mount Bracket 6020.00
NAV6 Extension Antenna Cable (Coax - 10m) 6020.27
NAV6 Extension Antenna Cable (Coax - 30m) 6020.28
NAV6 PC Lead (2m) 6020.09
NAV6 Printer Lead (2m) 6020.10

For further details, or to order, please contact your dealer.

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Specification
Approval Standards
Meets the EMC requirements of IEC 60945
Power
Voltage range 10.8V to 15.6V
Consumption (Typical)
Backlight full 310 mA (3.8 W at 12V)
Backlight off 165 mA (2.0 W at 12V)
Sleep mode 115 mA (1.4 W at 12V)
Display Unit
Operating Temperature Range 0 to +50degC
Storage Temperature Range -20 to +55degC
Humidity 0 to 95%
Mounting Above or below decks
Weight (without cable) 445 g (approx.)
Power 10.8V to 15.6V
Splash-proof
Message Storage
Sufficient non-volatile storage for 3 days transmissions under normal
operating conditions. Normally much longer than 3 days worth of
storage will be achieved

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NMEA Input Interface Specification (NAV6plus & NAV6repeater only)

The unit meets the electrical requirements of NMEA 0183
Display Unit Features
1/2vga (480x320 pixels) monochrome LCD with 4 grey levels
32 step CCFL backlighting of LCD
128 step contrast adjustment of LCD
LED backlighting for keyboard
RS485 serial I/O port to receiver
NMEA input
RS232 printer output
Piezo buzzer for audible alarms
Internal temperature sensor
Non volatile memory

Receiver Module
Power Requirements
70mA at 12V (supplied by NAV6 display).
Antenna input
1. 50ohm, range 490 - 518 kHz
12Vdc to feed to power an active antenna is selectable
at installation.
2. Hi impedance wide range
Supports connection of longer than 2m of insulated
wire or unmatched whip antenna.
Weight
300g
Physical Dimensions
Height 180mm, Width 122mm, Depth 36mm

Mounting
Bulkhead mounting via two self-tapping screws (supplied)
Connection
All connections made by 2 part screw terminal
Environmental
Not for outside use
Unit must be mounted below decks in a suitable dry location
Receive Frequency
490kHz and 518kHz

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Antenna- Passive
Length
0.5m (1.5ft)
Weight
1kg
Bottom Diameter
28mm
Fittings
1”-14 threads female
Structure
Epoxy Fibreglass
Ferrule
Chrome Plated Brass
Base Torsion Force
5 N at max Wind Speed
Frequency
490-518kHz
Impedance
50 ohm
Gain
-3db half wave dipole
Polarization
Vertical
Lighting Protection
DC Ground

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Appendix I: Navtex Station Database

For information purposes only. ICS do not accept any liability for this
information, always check with the local NAVTEX provider for the latest
NAVTEX information.

518kHz NAVTEX Stations

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Svalbard
1 Svalbard Yes 78° 3' N 13° 37' E A 450
(Norway)
1 Norway Bodo Yes 67° 16' N 14° 23' E B 450
Russia
1 (Barents Sea Murmansk Yes 68° 46' N 32° 58' E C 300
Coast)
Foroyar
1 Torshavn Yes 62° 1' N 6° 48' W D 250
(Denmark)
United
1 Niton Yes 50° 35' N 1° 18' W E 270
Kingdom
Arkangel'sk
Russia (White
1 (English and Yes 64° 51' N 40° 17' E F 300
Sea Coast)
Russian)
United
1 Cullercoats Yes 55° 5' N 1° 28' W G 270
Kingdom
1 Sweden Bjuroklubb Yes 64° 28' N 21° 36' E H 300

1 Sweden Grimeton Yes 57° 6' N 12° 23' E I 300

1 Sweden Gislovshammer Yes 55° 29' N 14° 19' E J 300

United
1 Niton (French) Yes 50° 35' N 1° 18' W K 270
Kingdom
1 Norway Tjome(Jeloya) Yes 59° 26' N 10° 34' E L 450

1 Norway Rogaland Yes 58° 39' N 5° 36' E M 450

1 Norway Orlandet Yes 63° 41' N 9° 35' E N 450

United
1 Portpatrick Yes 54° 51' N 5° 8' W O 270
Kingdom
Netherlands
1 Netherlands Coastguard Yes 52° 6' N 4° 15' E P 110
Radio
Republic of
1 Malin Head Yes 55° 22' N 7° 21' W Q 400
Ireland
1 Iceland Saudanes Yes 66° 11' N 18° 57' W R 550

1 Germany Pinneberg Yes 53° 40' N 9° 48' E S 400

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

1 Belgium Oostende Yes 51° 11' N 2° 48' E T 55

1 Estonia Tallinn Yes 59° 30' N 24° 30' E U 250

Oostende
1 Belgium Yes 51° 11' N 2° 48' E V 150
(Thames)
1 Norway Vardo Yes 70° 22' N 31° 6' E V 450
Republic of
1 Valentia Yes 51° 56' N 10° 21' W W 400
Ireland
1 Iceland Grindavik Yes 63° 47' N 22° 31' W X 550

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

France
2 (Atlantic Corsen Yes 48° 28' N 5° 3' W A 300
Coast)
2 Senegal Dakar Yes 14° 46' N 17° 21' E C 200
Spain (North
2 Coruna Yes 43° 22' N 8° 27' W D 400
Coast)
2 Acores Horta Yes 38° 32' N 28° 38' W F 640
Spain (North
2 Tarifa Yes 36° 1' N 5° 35' W G 400
Coast)
2 Islas Canarias Las Palmas Yes 28° 25' N 16° 23' W I 400

2 Portugal Monsanto Yes 38° 44' N 9° 11' W R 530

2 Cape Verde Ribeira de Vinha Yes 16° 51' N 25° 0' W U 250

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Russia (Black
3 Novorossiysk Yes 44° 43' N 37° 47' E A 300
Sea Coast)
3 Algeria Bordj-El-Kiffan Yes 36° 44' N 3° 10' E B 500

3 Ukraine Odessa Yes 46° 29' N 30° 44' E C 280

Turkey
3 (Marmara Istanbul Yes 41° 4' N 28° 57' E D 300
Denizi)
Turkey (Black
3 Samsun Yes 41° 17' N 36° 20' E E 300
Sea Coast)
Turkey
3 (Mediterranean Antalya Yes 36° 53' N 30° 42' E F 300
Coast)
3 Ukraine Kerch Yes 45° 22' N 36° 29' E G 120
Iran (Caspian Fereydoon
3 Yes 36° 42' N 52° 33' E G 250
Sea) Kenar

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

3 Greece Iraklion Kritis Yes 35° 20' N 25° 7' E H 280

Turkey
3 Izmir Yes 38° 21' N 26° 35' E I 300
(Aegean Sea)
3 Bulgaria Varna Yes 43° 4' N 27° 46' E J 350

3 Greece Kerkyra Yes 39° 45' N 19° 52' E K 280

3 Greece Limnos Yes 39° 52' N 25° 4' E L 280

3 Cyprus Cyprus Yes 35° 2' N 33° 17' E M 200

Egypt
El Iskandariyah
3 (Mediterranean Yes 31° 12' N 29° 54' E N 350
(Alexandria)
Coast)
3 Malta Malta Yes 35° 49' N 14° 32' E O 400
Israel
3 (Mediterranean Hefa (Haifa) Yes 32° 49' N 35° 0' E P 200
Coast)
3 Croatia Split Yes 43° 11' N 16° 26' E Q 85

3 Italy Roma Yes 41° 48' N 12° 31' E R 320

Cagliari
3 Italy Yes 39° 14' N 9° 14' E T 320
(Sardegna)
3 Italy Trieste Yes 45° 41' N 13° 46' E U 320

3 Italy Augusta (Sicilia) Yes 37° 14' N 15° 14' E V 320

France
3 (Mediterranean La Garde Yes 43° 6' N 5° 59' E W 250
Coast)
Spain
3 (Mediterranean Valencia Yes 38° 43' N 0° 9' E X 300
Coast)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

United States
4 (Atlantic Miami Yes 25° 30' N 80° 23' W A 240
Coast)
4 Bermuda (UK) Bermuda Radio Yes 32° 21' N 64° 39' W B 300
Canada (S.
Riviere-au-
4 Lawrence Yes 50° 15' N 66° 10' W C 300
Renard
River)
United States
4 (Atlantic Savannah Yes 32° 8' N 81° 42' W E 200
Coast)
United States
4 (Atlantic Boston Yes 41° 43' N 70° 31' W F 200
Coast)
4 United States New Orleans Yes 29° 53' N 89° 57' W G 200

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

(Gulf Coast)

Canada (Great
4 Prescott Yes 44° 42' N 75° 31' W H 300
Lakes)
Nederlandse
4 Antillen Curacao Yes 12° 6' N 68° 55' W H 400
(Netherlands)
United States
4 (Atlantic Portsmouth Yes 36° 44' N 76° 1' W N 280
Coast)
Canada
4 (Atlantic St Johns Yes 47° 30' N 52° 40' W O 300
Coast)
Canada (Great
4 Thunder Bay Yes 48° 25' N 89° 20' W P 300
Lakes)
Canada
4 (Atlantic Sydney Yes 46° 10' N 60° 0' W Q 300
Coast)
4 Puerto Rico San Juan Yes 18° 27' N 66° 6' W R 200
Canada
4 (Atlantic Iqaluit Yes 63° 44' N 68° 33' W T 300
Coast)
Canada
4 (Atlantic Fundy Yes 45° 14' N 65° 59' W U 300
Coast)
Greenland
4 Kook Islands Yes 64° 4' N 52° 1' W W 400
(Denmark)
Canada
4 (Atlantic Labrador Yes 53° 42' N 57° 2' W X 300
Coast)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

6 Uruguay La Paloma Yes 34° 40' S 54° 9' W F 280

Ushuaia
6 Argentina Prefectura Naval Yes 54° 48' S 68° 18' W M 280
Radio
Rio Gallegos
6 Argentina Prefectura Naval Yes 51° 31' S 69° 3' W N 280
Radio
Comodoro
Rivadavia
6 Argentina Yes 45° 51' S 67° 25' W O 280
Prefectura Naval
Radi
Bahia Blanca
6 Argentina Prefectura Naval Yes 38° 43' S 62° 6' W P 280
Radio
Mar del Plata
6 Argentina Prefectura Naval Yes 38° 3' S 57° 32' W Q 280
Radio

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Buenos Aires
6 Argentina Prefectura Naval Yes 34° 36' S 58° 22' W R 560
Radio

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

7 Namibia Walvis Bay Yes 23° 3' S 14° 37' E B 380

7 South Africa Cape Town Yes 34° 2' S 18° 43' E C 250

7 South Africa Port Elizabeth Yes 34° 2' S 25° 33' E I 250

7 South Africa Durban Yes 29° 48' S 30° 49' E O 250

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

8 Mauritius Mauritius Yes 20° 18' S 57° 28' E C 400

Mumbai
8 India Yes 19° 5' N 72° 50' E G 250
(Bombay)
Chennai
8 India Yes 13° 5' N 80° 17' E P 250
(Madras)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

9 Iran Bushehr Yes 28° 59' N 50° 50' E A 300

9 Bahrain Bahrain Yes 26° 13' N 50° 39' E B 300

9 Iran Bandar 'Abbas Yes 27° 7' N 56° 4' E F 300

Saudi Arabia
9 Damman Yes 26° 26' N 50° 6' E G 390
(Persian Gulf)
Saudi Arabia
9 (Red Sea Jeddah Yes 21° 23' N 39° 11' E H 390
Coast)
Masqat (Muscat)
9 Oman (Wattayah Radio Yes 23° 37' N 58° 31' E M 160
Station)
9 Pakistan Karachi Yes 24° 52' N 67° 9' E P 200
Egypt (Red Al Qusayr
9 Yes 26° 6' N 34° 17' E V 200
Sea Coast) (Kossier)
Egypt (Red Ismailia
9 Yes 30° 35' N 32° 17' E X 400
Sea Coast) (Serapeum)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Indonesia
11 Jayapura Yes 2° 31' S 140° 43' E A 300
(Papua)
11 Indonesia Amboina Yes 3° 42' S 128° 12' E B 300

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

(Seram) (Ambon)

Singapore Port
11 Singapore Operations Yes 1° 21' N 103° 59' E C 400
Control
Indonesia Ujungpandang
11 Yes 5° 6' S 119° 26' E D 300
(Sulawesi) (Makassar)
11 North Korea Pyongyang Yes 38° 55' N 125° 43' E D 200
Indonesia
11 Jakarta Yes 6° 6' S 106° 54' E E 300
(Jawa)
11 North Korea Hamhung Yes 39° 50' N 127° 41' E E 200
Bangkok Radio
11 Thailand Yes 13° 34' N 100° 39' E F 200
(Nonthaburi)
11 Japan Naha Yes 26° 5' N 127° 40' E G 400

11 Japan Moji Yes 34° 1' N 130° 56' E H 400

11 Japan Yokohama Yes 35° 14' N 139° 55' E I 400

11 Japan Otaru Yes 43° 19' N 140° 27' E J 400

11 Japan Kushiro Yes 42° 57' N 144° 36' E K 400

11 Vietnam Da Nang Yes 16° 5' N 108° 13' E K 400

Hong Kong
11 Hong Kong Yes 22° 13' N 114° 15' E L 400
Radio
11 China Sanya Yes 18° 14' N 109° 30' E M 250
Guangzhou
11 China Yes 23° 9' N 113° 30' E N 250
(Kwangchow)
Fuzhou
11 China Yes 25° 59' N 119° 18' E O 250
(Foochow)
Chi-lung
11 Taiwan Yes 25° 8' N 121° 45' E P 540
(Keelung)
11 Taiwan Linyuan Yes 22° 29' N 120° 25' E P 540

11 China Shanghai Yes 31° 8' N 121° 33' E Q 250

11 China Dalian Yes 38° 52' N 121° 31' E R 250

Sabah
11 Sandakan Yes 5° 54' N 118° 0' E S 350
(Malaysia)
Sarawak
11 Miri Yes 4° 27' N 114° 0' E T 350
(Malaysia)
Malaysia,
11 Peninsular Penang Yes 5° 26' N 101° 24' E U 350
(West Coast)
Guam (North
11 Mariana Guam Yes 13° 29' N 144° 50' E V 100
Islands) (USA)
Chukpyon
11 South Korea Yes 37° 3' N 129° 26' E V 200
(Jukbyeon)

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Pyonsan
11 South Korea Yes 35° 36' N 126° 29' E W 200
(Byeonsan)
Ho Chi Minh-
11 Vietnam Yes 10° 47' N 106° 40' E X 400
Ville

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

CAMSPAC
United States 122° 44'
12 (Point Reyes) Yes 37° 55' N C 350
(Pacific Coast) W
(San Francisco)
Canada 130° 25'
12 Prince Rupert Yes 54° 17' N D 300
(Pacific Coast) W
Canada 125° 32'
12 Tofino Yes 48° 55' N H 300
(Pacific Coast) W
Kodiak (Area 152° 34'
12 Alaska Yes 57° 46' N J 200
East of Kodiak) W
12 Ecuador Ayora Yes 0° 45' S 90° 19' W L 400

12 Hawaii Honolulu Yes 21° 22' N 158° 9' W O 350

United States Long Beach 118° 24'
12 Yes 35° 44' N Q 350
(Pacific Coast) (Cambria) W
United States 123° 49'
12 Astoria Yes 46° 10' N W 216
(Pacific Coast) W
Kodiak (Area 152° 34'
12 Alaska Yes 57° 46' N X 200
West of Kodiak) W

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Russia (Pacific
13 Vladivostok Yes 43° 23' N 131° 54' E A 230
Coast)
Russia (Pacific
13 Kholmsk Yes 47° 2' N 142° 3' E B 300
Coast)
Russia (Pacific
13 Petropavlovsk Yes 53° 0' N 158° 40' E C 300
Coast)
Russia (Pacific
13 Magadan Yes 59° 41' N 150° 9' E D 120
Coast)
Russia (Pacific
13 Okhotsk Yes 59° 22' N 143° 12' E G 300
Coast)
Russia
13 (Caspian Sea Astrakhan Yes 45° 47' N 47° 33' E W 250
Coast)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

15 Chile Antofagasta Yes 23° 40' S 70° 25' W A 300

Valparaiso Playa
15 Chile Yes 32° 48' S 71° 29' W B 300
Ancha

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15 Chile Talcahuano Yes 36° 42' S 73° 6' W C 300

15 Chile Puerto Montt Yes 41° 29' S 72° 57' W D 300

15 Chile Magallanes Yes 52° 56' S 70° 54' W E 300

Isla de Pascua 109° 23'
15 Chile Yes 27° 9' S F 300
(Easter Island) W
Isla de Pascua
109° 23'
15 Chile (Easter Island) Yes 27° 9' S G 300
W
(Spanish)
Antofagasta
15 Chile Yes 23° 40' S 70° 25' W H 300
(Spanish)
Valparaiso Playa
15 Chile Yes 32° 48' S 71° 29' W I 300
Ancha (Spanish)
Talcahuano
15 Chile Yes 36° 42' S 73° 6' W J 300
(Spanish)
Puerto Montt
15 Chile Yes 41° 29' S 72° 57' W K 300
(Spanish)
Magallanes
15 Chile Yes 52° 56' S 70° 54' W L 300
(Spanish)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Paita (English
16 Peru Yes 5° 5' S 81° 7' W S 200
and Spanish)
Callao (English
16 Peru Yes 12° 3' S 77° 9' W U 200
and Spanish)
Mollendo
16 Peru (English and Yes 17° 1' S 72° 1' W W 200
Spanish)

490kHz NAVTEX Stations

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

1 Belgium Oostende Yes 51° 11' N 2° 48' E B 55

United
1 Portpatrick Yes 54° 51' N 5° 8' W C 270
Kingdom
1 Iceland Saudanes Yes 66° 11' N 18° 57' W E 550
United
1 Niton Yes 50° 35' N 1° 18' W I 270
Kingdom
1 Iceland Grindavik Yes 63° 47' N 22° 31' W K 550
Pinneberg
1 Germany Yes 53° 40' N 9° 48' E L 400
(German)
United
1 Niton (French) Yes 50° 35' N 1° 18' W T 270
Kingdom

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United
1 Cullercoats Yes 55° 4' N 1° 28' W U 270
Kingdom

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Las Palmas
2 Islas Canarias Yes 28° 25' N 16° 23' W A 400
(Spanish)
France
2 (Atlantic Corsen (French) Yes 48° 28' N 5° 3' W E 300
Coast)
Monsanto
2 Portugal Yes 38° 44' N 9° 11' W G 530
(Portuguese)
Horta
2 Acores Yes 38° 32' N 28° 38' W J 640
(Portuguese)
Valencia
2 Spain Yes 38° 43' N 0° 9' E M 300
(Spanish)
2 Senegal Dakar Yes 14° 46' N 17° 21' E M 200
Ribeira de Vinha
2 Cape Verde Yes 16° 51' N 25° 0' W P 250
(Portuguese)
2 Spain Tarifa (Spanish) Yes 36° 1' N 5° 35' W T 400
Coruna
2 Spain Yes 43° 21' N 8° 27' W W 400
(Spanish)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Turkey (Black Samsun

3 Yes 41° 17' N 36° 20' E A 300
Sea Coast) (Turkish)
Turkey
Istanbul
3 (Marmara Yes 41° 4' N 28° 57' E B 300
(Turkish)
Denizi)
Turkey
3 Izmir (Turkish) Yes 38° 21' N 26° 35' E C 300
(Aegean Sea)
Turkey
3 (Mediterranean Antalya (Turkish) Yes 36° 53' N 30° 42' E D 300
Coast)
Iran (Caspian Fereydoon
3 Yes 36° 42' N 52° 33' E J 250
Sea) Kenar
Constanta
3 Romania Yes 44° 6' N 28° 38' E L 400
(Romanian)
France
La Garde
3 (Mediterranean Yes 43° 6' N 5° 59' E S 250
(French)
Coast)
3 Ukraine Kerch Yes 45° 22' N 36° 29' E U 120
Bordj-El-Kiffan
3 Algeria Yes 36° 44' N 3° 10' E V 500
(French)
3 Ukraine Odesa Yes 46° 29' N 30° 44' E X 280

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Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

Riviere-au-
4 Canada Yes 50° 15' N 66° 10' W D 300
Renard (French)
Canada
4 (Atlantic Sydney (French) Yes 46° 10' N 60° 0' W J 300
Coast)
Canada
4 (Atlantic Iqaluit (French) Yes 63° 44' N 68° 33' W S 300
Coast)
Canada
4 (Atlantic Fundy (French) Yes 45° 14' N 65° 59' W V 300
Coast)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

La Paloma
6 Uruguay Yes 34° 40' S 54° 9' W A 280
(Spanish)
Ushuaia
6 Argentina Prefectura Yes 54° 48' S 68° 18' W A 280
(Spanish)
Rio Gallegos
6 Argentina Prefectura Yes 51° 37' S 69° 3' W B 280
(Spanish)
Comodoro
Rivadavia
6 Argentina Yes 45° 51' S 67° 25' W C 280
Prefectura
(Spanish)
Bahia Blanca
6 Argentina Prefectura Yes 38° 43' S 62° 6' W D 280
(Spanish)
Mar del Plata
6 Argentina Prefectura Yes 38° 3' S 57° 32' W E 280
(Spanish)
Buenos Aires
6 Argentina Prefectura Yes 34° 36' S 58° 22' W F 560
(Spanish)
Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

9 Iran Bushehr Yes 28° 59' N 50° 50' E D 300

9 Iran Bandar 'Abbas Yes 27° 7' N 56° 4' E I 300

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

11 North Korea Pyongyang Yes 38° 55' N 125° 43' E A 200

11 North Korea Hamhung Yes 39° 50' N 127° 41' E B 200

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Chukpyon
11 South Korea (Jukbyeon) Yes 37° 3' N 129° 26' E J 200
(Korean)
Pyonsan
11 South Korea (Byeonsan) Yes 35° 36' N 126° 29' E K 200
(Korean)

Area Country Station Operational Latitude Longitude ID Range

12 Ecuador Ayora (Spanish) Yes 0° 45' S 90° 19' W A 400

Note: to the best of our knowledge, all NAVTEX station database

information was correct on the date of publication.

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Appendix II: Message Type Indicators

NAVTEX broadcasts use following message type letter:
A Navigational warnings
B Meteorological warnings
C Ice reports
D Search and rescue information, and pirate warnings
E Meteorological forecasts
F Pilot service messages
G DECCA messages
H LORAN messages
I OMEGA messages (Note: OMEGA has been discontinued)
J SATNAV messages (i.e. GPS or GLONASS)
L Navigational warnings - additional to letter A
V Notice to Fishermen (U.S. only)
W Environmental (U.S. only)
X Special services - allocation by IMO NAVTEX Panel
Y Special services - allocation by IMO NAVTEX Panel
Z No message on hand

Appendix III: NMEA Sentences Supported

Data Item Taken from NMEA Sentences
Time RMC GGA GLL ZDA
Date RMC ZDA
Lat/Long RMC GGA GLL
Heading (True) *HDT *HDG VHW
Heading (Magnetic) *HDG VHW
Water Speed *VBW VHW
Course (True) RMC VTG
Course (Magnetic) RMC VTG
Ground Speed RMC *VBW VTG
Wind Speed *MWV #VWR #VWT
Wind Angle *MWV #VWR #VWT
Distance VLW
Trip VLW
Depth *DPT DBT
Rate Of Turn *ROT
Waypoint RMB BWC BWR APB
Name RMB BWC BWR
Lat/Long ETA RMB ZTG
Range RMB BWC BWR
Closing Speed RMB WCV
Bearing (True) RMB BWC BWR APB
Bearing (Magnetic) BWC BWR APB
Cross Track Error RMB XTE APB

* SOLAS required sentence # Obsolete

Note that the if a data item is present in more than one sentence, then it
is taken from the leftmost sentence in the table entry above.
I.e. if Range is available in BWC and BWR, it will be taken from BWC.

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Appendix IV: NAV6 Menu Navigation

4 3 2 1
FUNCTION PAGE VIEW MODE
Mark Read Next New Message
View
Print Next New Print 2
View
Date Ascending 2
Criteria Order
Station 4 Descending 3 Sort
Criteria Order View
Type 4 NAVTEX
Criteria Mode
Preset 1 490 Types 2
Page
Preset 2 4 490 Stns 3
Page
Preset 3 4 518 Types 3 Filter
Page View
Preset 4 4 518 Stns 3
Page
Preset 5 4

1
Position
View
Combined 2
View
Waypoint 2
View
Conning
View
2 Navigate
Mode
User 1,2,3,4
View
2
Log
View
2
1
Options General
Page View
LCD 3
Page
Options 2
Page
490 Names 3 NAVTEX
Page View
518 Names 3 Setup
Page Mode
Monitor 3
Page
Options 2
Page
User View
3 Navigate
Page View
Monitor
3
Page

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Appendix V: NAV6 Menu Structure

NAVTEX - Mode1
Message - View Notes:
Next New
Mark read 1. Receiver type selection,
Print - View2 controls whether this option
Next new is displayed.
Print 2. Only displayed if manual
Sort - View NAVTEX printing ON
Order
Ascending 3. Only displayed if manual
Descending navigate log printing ON
Criteria 4. Only displayed if the station
Date database memory is full
Station
5. Only displayed if auto
Type
NAVTEX printing ON
Filter - View
Pre-set 1,2,3,4,5 6. Only displayed if enabled
490 Types - Page1 on navigate options page
490 Stns – Page1
518 Types – Page1
518 Stns - Page1
Navigate – Mode,
Position – View6
Combined - View6
Waypoint - View6
Conning - View6
User 1,2,3,4 - View6
Log - View6
Print3
Set-up - Mode
General - View
Options - Page
Factory reset
Confirm
Cancel
LCD - Page
Pre-set
Day
Night
Sleep
NAVTEX - View
Options - Page
Print Set-up5
490 Types1
490 Stns1
518 Types1
518 Stns1
490, 518 Names - Pages1
Station database
New
Save
Cancel
4
Purge
Confirm
Cancel
Edit
Save
Cancel
Purge4
Confirm
Cancel
Delete
Confirm
Cancel
Exit
Monitor - Page

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NAV6 Series NAVTEX System User Guide

Navigate - View
Options - Page
User View - Page
Monitor - Page
Pause

APPENDIX VI: RECEIVER

RECEIVER UNIT ASSEMBLY

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