2.Installation overview and prerequisites
In the United States 
WARNING: It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications
Commission to input an MMSI that has not been properly assigned to the end user, or to otherwise input any inaccurate data in this device.
The US FCC regulation states that “The entry of static data into a Class B AIS device shall be performed by the vendor of the device or by an appropriately qualified person in the business of installing marine communications equipment on board vessels. In no event shall the entry of static data into a Class B AIS device be performed by the user of the device or the licensee of a ship station using the device. Knowingly programming a Class B AIS device with inaccurate static data, or causing a Class B AIS device to be programmed with inaccurate static data, is prohibited.”
In the USA, some of the following steps must be performed by your vendor or a professional installer. Outside of the USA, the owner may perform all of these steps. The installation process has four separate steps. Complete each step before proceeding to the next.
Compile ship‟s static data for installation (MMSI, vessel name, call sign, AIS GPS antenna position) Have static data programmed into transponder
Install the Link2AIS™ Software onto your PC.
Install your AIS hardware to your vessel.
NOTE: In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessel‟s marine VHF license provisions. The vessel onto which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a current VHF Ship station license which lists the AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number.
Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information.
The application will install and launch automatically. A Start Menu folder and shortcut will be created with the name 'Link2AIS'. This short cut should be used to
Prerequisites
The Link2AIS™ Software is designed to operate with Microsoft Windows® 2000 (SP 3), Windows® XP (SP 2) and above. Recommended minimum system requirements are:
Microsoft Windows® 2000 SP3 or Microsoft Windows® XP SP2 Display resolution of at least 1024 x 768
At least one RS232 serial port (or serial to USB converter already installed) A pointing device (mouse or equivalent)
This software uses the Microsoft .NET® connection software V2.0. The framework will be automatically installed during setup if not already present on the system.
NOTE: In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessel‟s marine VHF license provisions. The vessel onto which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a current VHF Ship station license which lists the AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number.
Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information.
3.Software installation
Before installing a new version it may be necessary to remove any prior version of the Link2AIS™ software from your PC. When the old version cannot be overwritten, the installation program tells you to uninstall the previous version first. The program can be removed (uninstalled) at any time using the uninstall feature located in the program directory within the start menu (if applicable) or with the “Add or Remove Programs” function within Windows®.
Insert the installation CD.
If the installation does not start automatically, locate the file “setup.exe” on the
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