Compass
The Ship's heading information can be obtained from either a gyrocompass, flux gate compass, Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) or a "GPS Gyro". Three methods are available for the IPS software to receive the compass information:
1. Compass input is through the GPS receiver as an NMEA string and transmitted to the IPS software in the NMEA string VHW. The manufacturer's operations manuals for both the compass and GPS receiver should be consulted to verify the equipment's ability to handle the appropriate NMEA data strings, and also for the required interface cabling.
2. An alternative means of compass input to the IPS program would be to use any of the following NMEA data strings: HDM,HDT,HDG or TSS HHRP2 format into the PC directly via a free PC serial port, USB RS232 hub or a serial multiplexer. See the following sections for more information on serial multiplexers. TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACTS and SYSTEM INTERFACING.
3. Ethernet (UDP) when using the CodaOctopus F-180 GPS positioning and referencing system.
A variety of converters are also available to interface the synchro or digital output of a ship's gyro compass with into a PC. For further information regarding these products, please contact ORE International.