Setting up input from buoys, fish aggregating devices and other external objects

Position information from external objects such as buoys, fish aggregating devices and other similar items can be imported into the ST90 system.

This procedure assumes that:

  • You have a vacant interface port on your Processor Unit.
  • A suitable receiver system must be available.
  • 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 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 receiver to an available communication port on the Processor Unit.

    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 Type, select External Objects to import information from relevant devices.
  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. 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.

  13. At the bottom of the dialog box, select Apply to save your settings.
  14. 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.