Configuring the sensor priority

With multiple sensors connected to the ST90 system, many of them will provide the same datagrams. We cannot expect that these datagrams provide the same information. The Sensor Configuration page allows you to define a datagram priority, so that the information from the "most reliable" sensor is used by the ST90 system. You can also define manual values in case a sensor is unserviceable, or not installed.

This procedure assumes that:

  • The new sensor is physically connected to the ST90 system using a serial or network cable.
  • The interface port is set up with the correct communication parameters.
  • The input from the navigation sensor is defined in the user interface. The relevant interface parameters and physical location properties for the sensor are defined.

Any information in a datagram, for example, the vessel speed, may be provided in different datagrams from several sensors. Due to several reasons (environmental conditions, installation, configuration, accuracy, etc.), the numerical values provided can be different from one sensor to another. The term datagram has been defined as follows:

A self-contained, independent entity of data carrying sufficient information to be routed from the source to the destination computer without reliance on earlier exchanges between this source and destination computer and the transporting network.

https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1594, April 2016

Several sensor are provided on the Sensor Configuration page, one for each type of information. Select the sensor you wish to configure in the Sensor list. For each type, you can define a priority sensor by rearranging the datagrams in a list. You can also define manual values in case a sensor is unserviceable, or not installed.

Tip:

The ST90 system can communicate with several different sensor types. Use the Sensor Installation page to define which external sensors your ST90 system will import information from. You must also specify which datagram formats to use. Open the Sensor Installation page in the Installation dialog box.

When you work in the Installation dialog box, you must always select Apply to save the changes made on a page. You must do this before you continue working on a different page.

Procedure

  1. Open the Setup menu.
  2. 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.

  3. On the left side of the Installation dialog box, select Sensor Configuration.

    Observe that the Sensor Configuration page opens.

  4. Select the sensor you wish to configure in the Sensor list.
  5. If you wish to use the built-in datagram priority, select Auto.
    • With Auto enabled, the priority list is used. Information is imported from the sensor at the top of the list. If the sensor fails to provide information for more than 20 seconds, data from the next sensor is used.
    • With Auto disabled, the priority list is not used. Information is imported from the sensor at the top of the list. All other sensors are ignored.
    Note:

    If you wish to control the datagram priority manually, do not select Auto.

  6. Use the two large arrows to move the selected datagram up or down the priority list.
  7. If relevant, add a manual value for the sensor input.
  8. At the bottom of the dialog box, select Apply to save your settings.
  9. Repeat for each sensor interface that you need to set up.
  10. Continue your work in the Installation dialog box, or select OK to close it.