Setting up the interface for course gyro input

In order to operate correctly, the ST90 system requires input from a course gyro. In most cases a suitable course gyro is already installed on the vessel. A global positioning system (GPS) with a compatible output format can also be used. To select which sensors to install, use the Sensor Installation page. The current heading is shown on the top bar if you have enabled this in the Display Options dialog box.

This procedure assumes that:

  • You have a vacant interface port on your Processor Unit.
  • You are familiar with NMEA and other relevant datagram formats.
  • You know how to set up the parameters for serial and local area network (LAN) communication.
  • The interface port is set up with the correct communication parameters.
  • The ST90 system is turned on and operates normally.
  • The new sensor is physically connected to the ST90 system using a serial or network cable. The sensor is turned on and in normal operation.

Neither tools nor instruments are required.

Note:

The input from a course gyro is essential for operation. Without the input from a course gyro, the ST90 system will not be able to present correct navigational information. This lack of compensation will prevent the system from providing correct echo information.

The Sensor Installation page allows your ST90 system to communicate with external sensors and systems. You must specify which communication port to use (LAN (Local Area Network) or serial port). You can type a custom name to identify the sensor import. In the list of valid datagram formats, select the format(s) to be accepted by the ST90 system. For each relevant sensor you must insert the offset values that define the its physical location relative to the vessel’s coordinate system.

Note:

Just making changes and selecting OK at the bottom of the page will not install anything. Select what to install, define the relevant parameters, and then select Add.

Procedure

  1. Connect the gyro (or other heading sensor) to an available communication port on your computer.

    This is described in the Installation Manual.

  2. Open the Setup menu.
  3. On the Setup menu, select Installation.

    Observe that the Installation dialog box opens. This dialog box contains a number of pages selected from the menu on the left side.

  4. On the left side of the Installation dialog box, select Sensor Installation.
  5. For Sensor Type, select Gyro to import information from a global positioning system.
  6. Select which port you want to import the sensor information on.
  7. If you want to check the communication parameters, select Inspect Port.
    Note:

    You cannot make any changes here. To change the communication parameters, use the I/O Setup page.

  8. If you want to check that the peripheral system is transmitting data to the ST90 system, select Monitor.

    The Port Monitor dialog box provides one text box for incoming messages (Rx Data), and one for outgoing messages (Tx Data). Use these boxes and your knowledge of the data communication to investigate the datagrams. The Port Monitor dialog box is a tool for debugging purposes. It is neither required nor intended for normal operation of the ST90 system.

  9. Type a custom name to identify the interface in other dialog boxes.
  10. Select which datagram(s) you want to import from the sensor.
  11. If relevant, specify a dedicated talker ID.
  12. Provide the accurate physical location of the sensor (or its antenna) with reference to the vessel’s coordinate system.

    The position of certain sensors must be defined as an offset to the Ship Origin in the coordinate system to maximize performance. These offset values are all required to allow the ST90 system to give you as accurate information as possible. The degree of accuracy offered by the ST90 system is directly related to the accuracy of the information you enter on the Sensor Installation page.

    1. Select the offset value on the X axis (fore-and-aft direction) from the Ship Origin. Adjust with a positive value for X if the sensor is located ahead of the ship origin.
    2. Select the offset value on the Y axis (athwartship) from the Ship Origin. Adjust with a positive value for Y if the sensor is located on the starboard side of the ship origin.
    3. Select the offset value on the Z axis (vertical) from the Ship Origin. Adjust with a positive value for Z if the sensor is located under the ship origin.
  13. Select Add to save the new sensor interface you have defined.

    The sensor interface is added to the Installed Sensors list on the Sensor Installation page.

  14. At the bottom of the dialog box, select Apply to save your settings.
  15. Continue your work in the Installation dialog box, or select OK to close it.

On the left side of the Installation dialog box, select Sensor Configuration. Define the priority of the datagrams, and set up relevant configuration parameters.