Bluetooth Pilot Interface

The Raven Bluetooth Pilot Interface (BPI) is a Bluetooth wireless device that translates data from an AIS Pilot Port Interface (PPI) plug found on a ship and transmits that AIS data to a computer via a Bluetooth or USB serial data link. The BPI has a small footprint with 20 hours of battery life on a single charge and auto-correct feature for detecting wiring errors on the pilot plug. The BPI is used by pilots throughout the United States and is manufactured in the U.S. by Raven Industries.

Features

• Rechargeable Battery allows for 20+ hours of operation on a single charge.
  Actual battery life will depend on many factors, including temperature,  range, and BPI age.
• Class I Bluetooth Wireless Data Link with range up to 100 m (330 ft) with an on-board audio alarm to indicate Bluetooth connection status
• Wire Wizard – the BPI auto-corrects for wiring errors on the pilot plug
• Auto Baud – automatically detects PPI signals at 9600, 19200 or 38400 baud and converts to a standard 38400 baud output
• Standard system includes two AIS-BPI cables, universal travel charger and  USB cable

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 102 mm x 51 mm x 25 mm (4 in x 2 in x 1 in)
• Weight: 102 g (3.6 oz)
• Connectors: 7-pin eSATA, female
• Mini-B USB port for charging and optional data path
• LED indicators for
  Wireless connection status
  Power, including low power indication
  Pilot plug data status
  Battery charger status
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 40°C (-4°F to +104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to +122°F)

Performance Characteristics

Communications

• Uses a class I Bluetooth radio with dynamic power management which automatically lowers transmit power to maximize the battery life.
• USB Connector provides backup communications path for AIS data.

Miscellaneous

• Auto-corrects for wiring errors on the pilot plug
• Scans for PPI signals at 9600, 19200 and 38400 baud rates
• Night Mode dims the LED status lights at night
• Soft shutdown after 60 minutes of no AIS data to conserve battery life
• USB cable can be used for charging the battery and for hard-wire access  to the AIS data
• BPI firmware can be updated in the field with supplied software
• A loopback adapter is attached to the AIS-BPI cable to verify the BPI

Power

• Battery: 3.7V, 1250m Ah Li-Ion rechargeable smart battery
• Operating time at 23°C (75°F): 20 hours with Bluetooth connection
• Battery Charger:
       Recharge time: 1-1.5 h
       Input voltage: 4.2V
• LED indicators for low power and charge status

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