Airmar Technology Corporation DST810

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Summary

WARNINGS AND SAFETY

Navigation Aid Disclaimer

The CAST app is a navigational aid, not a replacement for proper skill and caution.

GETTING STARTED WITH AIRMAR CAST

Airmar CAST App Overview

Describes the Airmar CAST app's function for connecting to Airmar Smart TRIDUCERs.

App Installation and Initial Connection

Steps to download the app, enable Bluetooth, and connect to the Airmar sensor.

Navigating the App Interface

Overview of the app's layout and initial sensor connection steps.

GENERAL USE AND DATA DISPLAY

General Use Notes and Value Adjustment

How to adjust sensor values using the keypad and change display modes.

Device Data Page Details

Understanding displayed sensor data like depth, speed, and temperature.

Information, Customization, and Units

Accessing device info, setting names, and selecting measurement units.

NMEA 2000 AND OFFSETS

NMEA 2000 PGN Configuration

Managing data output rates (PGNs) for the NMEA 2000 network.

Offsets for Sensor Readings

Setting additive offsets for depth, temperature, trim, and heel, including attitude calibration.

SPEED CALIBRATION

Basic Speed Correction

Applying a single percentage correction to paddlewheel speed readings.

SOG and Distance Calibration Methods

Calibrating speed using GPS SOG or travel time over a known distance.

Heel-Corrected Speed Calibration

Adjusting speed calibration to account for boat heel angle using SOG or distance methods.

Advanced Speed Calibration Table

Using a table for fine-tuned speed corrections based on speed and heel angle.

The AIRMAR® CAST™ Application is a mobile app designed to connect with and configure AIRMAR Smart TRIDUCER® devices, specifically the DST810 Multisensor and DX900+. It allows users to view real-time data, adjust outputs, program offsets, and calibrate their sensors.

Function Description:

The AIRMAR CAST app serves as a navigational aid, providing a user-friendly interface to configure and display navigational data from individual sensors. It communicates directly with the AIRMAR DX900+ or DST810 Multisensor, receiving only the data output by the sensor, not all network traffic. This direct communication ensures efficient data transfer and configuration. The app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy for connection, eliminating the need for manual pairing. The app automatically searches for compatible devices within range, displaying them on a device list for easy selection.

Important Technical Specifications:

The DST810 Multisensor, which the app configures, provides data for Depth (below transducer), Speed (speed through water), and Temperature (water temperature). It also supports attitude (heel and trim) output, though this is turned off by default. The sensor communicates via the NMEA 2000® network, and the app allows users to manage the output of various NMEA 2000 PGNs (Parameter Group Numbers). Users can enable or disable specific PGNs and adjust their output rates. For example, the Water Depth (PGN: 128267) can be set to output at 1/sec, 2/min, or other rates. The app displays the firmware version of the connected device, including the main firmware and attitude firmware versions, which is useful for technical inquiries. The serial number and part number of the device are also accessible through the app.

Usage Features:

Device Connection: The app connects to the DST810 via Bluetooth Low Energy without requiring pairing. Upon initial connection, users are prompted to enter the last three digits of the device's serial number for verification. This serial number can be found on the warranty label near the sensor's cable or accessed via a connected MFD or instrument display on the NMEA 2000 network.
Data Display: Once connected, the app displays real-time data from the DST810, including depth, speed, and temperature. A single tap on the screen toggles between graphic and text views of the data.
Customization: Users can assign a "Friendly Name" to their DST810, which will be displayed in the device search menu for easier identification. This name, along with the serial number, is stored locally in the app.
Unit Settings: The app allows individual adjustment of display units for speed (e.g., knots, mph), depth (e.g., feet, meters), temperature (e.g., °F, °C), and distance (e.g., nautical miles, kilometers).
NMEA 2000® Configuration: The NMEA 2000 page in the app lists all PGNs the connected device can supply. Users can enable/disable PGNs and adjust their output rates to optimize network traffic. Disabling a PGN prevents data from being sent to the network but does not stop the sensor from calculating the value internally.
Offsets: Offsets can be programmed for depth, temperature, trim, and heel. An offset is an additive value that adjusts the raw sensor reading. For example, a negative depth offset can be used to display "Depth Below Keel."
Speed Calibration: The app offers multiple methods for speed calibration:
- Basic Speed Correction: Applies a fixed percentage correction to all paddlewheel readings. This can be manually entered or calculated by the app using either the SOG (Speed Over Ground) method (using the smart device's internal GPS or external source) or the Distance method (traveling a known distance).
- Heel-Corrected Speed Calibration: Allows for speed calibration adjustments based on the boat's heel angle. This is crucial for sailing vessels where hull flow profiles change with heel. This calibration requires the attitude PGN to be enabled and the sensor to be calibrated while stationary. It can also be performed using SOG or Distance methods, ideally in slack water.
- Advanced Speed Calibration Table: Provides fine adjustment of speed correction over multiple speeds and heel angles. This table allows for up to two angles per side and up to 10 non-zero speeds. It overrides all other speed corrections and requires careful manual input of differences between indicated and actual speed through water at various calibration points.

Maintenance Features:

The manual emphasizes the importance of proper sensor installation for accurate speed and depth performance. It also highlights the need for regular calibration, especially for speed, to ensure the best possible performance of the paddlewheel. Users are advised to record and save their serial number as it may be required for re-connection if the app is reinstalled or a different device is used. For advanced speed calibration, users are cautioned to save a record of their table entries, as the data will be permanently deleted if they switch back to basic or off calibration settings. The app itself facilitates maintenance by allowing users to monitor firmware versions and adjust output settings, which can help in troubleshooting or optimizing sensor performance.