Netwave NW4800 HSS VDR Protective Capsule – Hardened Storage Server (Netwave Marine NW-4000 Series VDR / S-VDR)

Product Information

Product Name	Netwave NW4800 HSS Voyage Data Recorder Protective Capsule (Hardened Storage Server)
Manufacturer	Netwave Systems BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands (Net Wave Marine)
Type / Model	NW4800 HSS (NW-4800)
Product Type	Fixed (deck-mounted) VDR / S-VDR protective capsule with underwater locator beacon
System	Netwave NW-4000 series VDR / S-VDR
Compass Safe Distance	0.8 m (as printed on the label)
Serial Number	Not clearly visible in the supplied photograph
Beacon Model	Not clearly visible in the supplied photograph
Country of Manufacture	Netherlands (manufacturer address on label)
Condition	New
Supplier	SM MARINE SERVICE™, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Product Introduction

The Netwave NW4800 HSS is the hardened storage server – the protective capsule – of the Netwave NW-4000 series Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Simplified VDR (S-VDR), manufactured by Netwave Systems BV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The capsule stores the final recorded voyage data in a crash- and fire-protected housing so that it can be recovered after an accident. SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies the NW4800 HSS capsule and other VDR spare parts to ship owners, ship managers and service companies worldwide. Visit https://www.smmarineservice.com/ for more navigation and communication equipment.

What Is This Equipment?

A VDR is the "black box" of a ship. It records bridge audio, radar images, position, speed, heading, engine orders, alarms and other sensor data. The protective capsule is the part that keeps this data safe. It is mounted on the open deck (usually on the compass deck or monkey island) and is built to survive impact, penetration, fire and deep-sea pressure. In the Netwave NW-4000 design the NW-4800 is called a Hardened Storage Server (HSS) because the CPU and the data storage server are integrated inside the capsule itself, connected to the rest of the system by a single cable. A battery-powered underwater locator beacon is mounted on the side bracket to help divers find the capsule after sinking.

Main Features

• Fixed deck-mounted protective capsule for VDR and S-VDR installations
• Integrated CPU and data storage server (Hardened Storage Server concept)
• Fully solid-state storage – no hard disk or moving parts (as published for the NW-4800)
• Single-cable connection to the system power supply / data switch
• Fluorescent orange-red housing with "DO NOT OPEN – REPORT TO AUTHORITIES" label
• Side-mounted underwater locator beacon (ULB) bracket
• Stainless steel deck mounting base with quick-release clamps and pins
• Designed for IMO / IEC 61996 VDR requirements

Netwave NW4800 HSS voyage data recorder capsule with deck mounting base, underwater locator beacon and connection cable.

Main Technical Specifications

Model	NW4800 HSS (NW-4800 Hardened Storage Server)
Capsule Type	Fixed protective capsule (VDR / S-VDR)
Housing	Armoured stainless steel (A316), as published by Netwave
Storage	Solid state; 8 GB total (4 GB protected + 4 GB unprotected) as standard, larger memory options published
Minimum Recording Time	12 hours + 12 hours (published)
Interface	Single cable to the NW-4200 PSU / data switch, IP66 quick-connect connector (published)
Fire Resistance	1100 °C for 1 hour and 260 °C for 10 hours (published)
Pressure Resistance	600 bar, approx. 6,000 m depth (published)
Dimensions	Approx. 220 mm diameter × 350 mm height (published)
Weight	Approx. 27.5 kg (published)
Compass Safe Distance	0.8 m (label)
Standards	IMO A.861(78), IEC 61996, IEC 60945 (published)

Inside the Unit: PCBs, Modules & Part Numbers

The NW4800 HSS is a sealed, protected capsule and must not be opened in service. Internal PCB part numbers are not published by the manufacturer and are not visible in our photograph, so we list only the main functional modules (all internal part numbers: Not verified).

CPU / Storage Server Module

The integrated processor and server electronics that receive the recorded data stream from the VDR system and write it to protected memory.

Protected Solid-State Memory Module

Crash-survivable solid-state memory inside the thermal and pressure-protected core that holds the final recording period.

Interface / Connector Assembly

The single-cable connection carrying power and data between the capsule and the NW-4200 power supply and data switch unit.

Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB)

Battery-powered acoustic beacon mounted in the side bracket. It activates in water to help locate the capsule. Beacon model and battery expiry date are Not clearly visible in the supplied photograph; the beacon battery must be replaced according to the date on the beacon label.

Main Components & Related Units

• NW-4800 HSS – Hardened Storage Server / protective capsule (this product)
• NW-4010 – Bridge Control Unit (BCU) / bridge alarm and control panel
• NW-4200 – Power Supply and Data Switch Unit (PSU)
• NW-4400 – WaveNet Interface Module (WIM) with adaptor modules for sensors and bridge microphones
• Bridge microphones and VHF audio interfaces
• Later generation: Netwave NW-6000 series with NW-6860 hardened FRM capsule and NW-6880 float-free capsule

Marine & Industrial Applications

• SOLAS VDR and S-VDR installations on cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers and container vessels
• Passenger ships, ferries and offshore vessels
• Mega yachts and special-purpose vessels fitted with Netwave VDR
• Replacement of damaged or failed capsules found during annual performance tests (APT)

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Capsule communication / recording fault on the BCU – check the capsule cable, connector and the PSU/data switch port; check for water in the connector.
• Beacon battery expired – replace the ULB battery/beacon before the date shown on the beacon label.
• Corrosion on base, clamps or connector – clean and protect; replace damaged cable.
• Failed annual performance test – the service engineer will check data download and capsule health; a faulty capsule must be replaced.

Safety note: Do not open the capsule – it is a sealed protected unit and opening it may destroy evidence and the certification. Work on VDR equipment must be done by an approved service engineer.

Common Alarms

Capsule-related alarms are shown on the NW-4010 Bridge Control Unit and are described in the Netwave system documentation. We do not list undocumented alarm codes; please send us the exact message shown on your BCU.

Maintenance Tips

• Keep the capsule, base and connector clean and free from paint over labels.
• Check the beacon expiry date at every annual performance test.
• Check the quick-release clamps and pins for free movement and corrosion.
• Check cable glands and the connector seal for water ingress.

Spare Parts & Replacement Availability

SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies the Netwave NW4800 HSS capsule and related Netwave VDR units. For a fast quotation please send:

• Photo of the capsule label and beacon label
• VDR system model (e.g. NW-4000 series) and BCU alarm message
• Vessel name and delivery port
• Required quantity

We ship worldwide by courier and air freight to ports and agents.

Why This Equipment Is Still Used

Many ships are fitted with Netwave NW-4000 series VDR and S-VDR systems. When only the capsule fails, replacing it with the same NW4800 HSS keeps the existing wiring, interface modules and approvals, avoiding the cost and time of a complete new VDR installation.

FAQ

Q1. What is the Netwave NW4800 HSS?
It is the Hardened Storage Server – the protective capsule – of the Netwave NW-4000 series VDR / S-VDR.

Q2. What does HSS mean?
Hardened Storage Server: the CPU and data storage are integrated inside the protected capsule.

Q3. Who manufactures the NW4800?
Netwave Systems BV, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Q4. Which units work with the NW4800 HSS?
NW-4010 Bridge Control Unit, NW-4200 PSU / data switch and NW-4400 WaveNet Interface Module.

Q5. What are the PCB numbers inside the NW4800?
The capsule is sealed and internal PCB numbers are not published, so we do not list them. Please contact us with your capsule label details.

Q6. Can the capsule be opened for repair on board?
No. The capsule must not be opened; a faulty unit is replaced.

Q7. Does it have an underwater locator beacon?
Yes, a beacon is mounted on the side bracket of the capsule.

Q8. Is the NW4800 used for VDR or S-VDR?
Netwave publishes it as a fixed capsule for both VDR and S-VDR.

Q9. What is the newer Netwave capsule?
The NW-6000 series uses the NW-6860 hardened FRM capsule; it belongs to a different system generation.

Q10. Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, SM MARINE SERVICE™ ships worldwide to vessels, agents and service companies.

Short Product Description

The Netwave NW4800 HSS is the fixed protective capsule (Hardened Storage Server) of the Netwave NW-4000 series Voyage Data Recorder and Simplified VDR, made by Netwave Systems BV, Rotterdam. The capsule integrates the CPU and solid-state storage in an armoured, fire- and pressure-resistant housing, connects to the system through a single cable and carries an underwater locator beacon on its side bracket. It works with the NW-4010 Bridge Control Unit, NW-4200 PSU and NW-4400 WaveNet Interface Module. SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies this capsule worldwide as a direct replacement for ships with Netwave VDR or S-VDR systems.

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SM MARINE SERVICE™ – Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier

Available Equipment Conditions: New • Used • Refurbished • Reconditioned (Specific product condition and availability are subject to confirmation.)
Stock Locations: Bangladesh • China
Services: Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: https://www.smmarineservice.com/

Send us your enquiry today with a photo of your capsule label for a quick quotation.

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