The Digital Repeater Compass, identified by type 133-811.NG001, is a crucial navigational instrument designed to display a ship's heading. It receives heading information from either a gyro/magnetic compass or, for development status E02 models, a GPS/SAT compass.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Digital Repeater Compass is to provide a clear and accurate indication of the ship's heading. The heading is displayed on a 7-segment LCD, which is designed for readability from up to 10 meters and from various angles. The display shows the gyro heading with a graduation of a tenth of a degree. A key feature is the tendency indicator, a decimal digit that helps prevent erroneous readings by showing small heading changes. This indicator also displays the rate of turn using an LED ring, with green LEDs for turns to starboard and red LEDs for turns to port. The rate of turn in the LED ring is proportional to the ship's rate of turn.
The device supports NMEA RS 422 interfaces, automatically detecting when heading serial data is present. It also offers brightness control for all indications, ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. Synchronization is unnecessary due to the transmission of absolute values. The repeater is designed for flexible mounting, suitable for bulkheads, desks, and ceilings with a bracket. It includes a central dimmer connection and a pushbutton function to "freeze" the heading indication for taking bearings with a bearing disc.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: Height 96 mm, Width 192 mm, Depth 66 mm.
- Weight: Approximately 1 kg (approx. 3 kg with enclosure).
- Protection Class: IP56 after installation, IP44 with enclosure.
- Voltage Supply: 24 V DC (ranging from 8 to 36 V).
- Power Consumption: Maximum 4 W.
- Accuracy of Indication: ± 0.05°.
- Resolution of the Tendency Indicator: 0.1°/s.
- Input Interfaces: NMEA RS 232C / RS 422 or Coursebus (heading serial).
- NMEA Specification:
- Transmission Mode: 4800 baud, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit (also configurable to 9600, 19200, and 38400 baud).
- Frame Clock Pulse: 1 s/100 ms.
- All transmitted information complies with IEC 61162-1 (for development status E02, IEC 61162-2, repetition rate).
Usage Features:
The Digital Repeater Compass offers several operational features, configurable through its pushbuttons.
- Brightness Adjustment: Pushbuttons allow users to increase or decrease the brightness of the display, pushbuttons, and LED ring. For external dimmer control, the repeater's brightness must be set to minimum.
- Heading Source Selection: Users can select the heading source (Gyro or Magnetic, or GPS/SAT for E02 models). This is done by entering a configuration mode (holding "Brightness Up" and "Brightness Down" simultaneously until "-CF-" is displayed) and navigating through options like "G M" (Gyro or Magnetic), "G" (Gyro), or "M" (Magnetic).
- Heading Offset: The device allows for a 180° heading offset, useful in specific navigational scenarios. This feature is also configured in the special mode, toggling between "000°" (no offset) and "180°" (offset on).
- Alternating Heading Source (E02): For E02 models, there's an option to activate an alternating heading source, toggling between "Son" (source no, alternating heading source not active) and "Soy" (source yes, alternating heading source active).
- LED Rate of Turn Indicator Activation/Deactivation: The LED ring, which shows the rate of turn, can be activated ("roy") or deactivated ("ron") in the configuration mode.
- NMEA Telegram Formats: Various NMEA telegram formats (HEHDT, xxHDT, GPHDT, HCHDT, HCHDG, xxHDG, HCHDM, xxHDM) can be activated or deactivated to match the heading source's output. If an Anschütz Course Bus is detected, NMEA telegram format selection has no effect.
- Freeze Heading Indication: An external pushbutton (e.g., "Freeze Course") can temporarily freeze the heading display for 6 seconds, with the LED ring lighting up in yellow.
- Test Illumination: Holding both brightness pushbuttons for approximately 5 seconds activates a test illumination, lighting up the display, pushbuttons, and LED ring at maximum brightness.
Maintenance Features:
The Digital Repeater Compass is designed for minimal maintenance.
- No Regular Maintenance: The device does not require routine maintenance.
- Non-Repairable Unit: In the event of a fault, the entire unit must be replaced, as it is not designed for repair.
- Storage and Transport:
- Preservation: Components are packed with special protection against humidity, using desiccants and a humidity indicator. The humidity indicator should be checked regularly, and desiccants replaced if necessary. Packaging must be checked for damage.
- Transport: Equipment must be protected against damage, dirt, and dust. It should be handled carefully. Environmental parameters for transport include a temperature range of -30 °C to +70 °C, humidity less than 80% relative humidity (non-condensing), and atmospheric pressure from 600 hPa to 1.400 hPa.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting table for common issues, such as flashing "SCI" (cable to interface interchanged, data unknown/corrupted), flashing "Con" (no data telegram, no cable connection), or steady horizontal lines (invalid heading, heading source error). Remedies include checking cable polarity, data integrity, connections, and NMEA settings.
The manual highlights safety regulations using "WARNING!" for situations that could result in injury or death, and "CAUTION!" for situations that could result in material damage. Specific warnings include danger due to improper operation, unskilled personnel, electrical current, and improper disposal of harmful substances. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions are emphasized for handling the product and its components, requiring the use of ESD protected areas (EPA) and proper grounding.
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