Seatex Seapath 20

The GPS Compass

The Seapath 20 product is a GPS compass that provides true heading output with no moving parts. The Seapath 20 replaces several vessel instruments with one compact navigation package (gyrocompass, GPS system, speed log and rate-of-turn indicator) that outputs heading, position, velocity and rate-of-turn, together with 1second time pulse (1PPS) for synchronization of other survey systems. Flexible components The product comprises three components, a Sensor Unit, a Processing Unit and a Display Unit. The Sensor Unit contains two GPS sensors and an inertial sensor device. This unit is to be mounted in the vessel mast. The Processing Unit contains the main CPU, a number of individually configurable RS-232 and 422 output serial lines and Ethernet. The Display Unit provides a LCD screen for navigation information and push buttons for user control and command. Perfect accuracy The precise heading information is not effected of the latitude and vessel dynamics as traditional gyro compasses. The heading is derived from the fixed-distance dual GPS antenna arrangement in the Sensor Unit based on advanced phase measurements. The inertial sensor device in the Sensor Unit provides yaw information. In case of short GPS outages, the inertial sensor automatically takes over as the prime source for heading determination until the GPS signals again are reliable. Working together seamlessly, the inertial and GPS components of the Seapath 20 ensure accurate, continuous and robust heading information. Optionally, the Seapath 20 can be delivered with an IALA beacon receiver to ensure improved position accuracy when DGPS signals are available. Easy to install and operate The Seapath 20 requires no scheduled maintenance or recalibration. The product offers a flexible configuration of the outputs and interface setups, depending on the vessel and application. It is easy to operate, install and align. Type approved The Seapath 20 is IMO type approved by DNV, Norway as THD (Transmitting Heading Device) using GNSS principle.

Features
True heading anywhere on earth Heading accuracy unaffected of the latitude Heading available in periods of GPS drop-outs Replaces several instruments with one robust, integrated product Accurate heading during and after turns compared to heading from standard gyrocompasses Only two-pair cable (no coax) between the mast unit and the Processing unit on the bridge. 20 Hz update rate on heading, rate of turn and position measurements Three RS-232 and three RS-422 configurable output serial lines and Ethernet 1PPS output for synchronization of other survey equipment Accurate and responsive heading source to a favorable price
Processing Unit Sensor Unit

Display Unit

Ethernet RS232/422 output RS232/422 output RS232/422 output DGPS input 1PPS/Radar output

Technical specifications
Performance (*)
Heading accuracy Heading resolution Heading operational measurement range Rate of turn accuracy Maximum turn rate Position accuracy with DGPS Velocity accuracy with DGPS 0.4 RMS 0.01 RMS Roll/pitch within 30 0.5/s + 5% 80/s 1.5 m RMS or 3.3 m 95% CEP 0.05 m/s RMS or 0.1 m/s 95% CEP

Dimension and weight

ProcessingUnit Display Unit Sensor Unit 287 (w) x 203 (h) x 60 (d) mm, weight 1.3 kg 220 (w) x 110 (h) x 39 (d) mm, weight 0.5 kg 850 (w) x 205 (h) x 262 (d) mm, weight 8.0 kg

Operating temperature
Processing Unit Display Unit Sensor Unit 0 to +55C 0 to +55C -30 to +55C

Data outputs
Communication ports Data output rate Baud rate Output message formats 3 RS232 and 3 RS422 serial lines and Ethernet UPD/IP Up to 20 Hz 38.4k baud (max) NMEA 0183 ZDA, GGA, GLL, VTG, HDT, ROT, GSA, GRS and proprietary messages PSXN 20, RD Instrument ADCP proprietary NMEA format, "PRDID". 1PPS or AD-10 format (Simrad or Furuno radar compatible)

Power
Processing Unit 10 to 32 VDC, 15 W

Humidity
Processing Unit Display Unit Sensor Unit IP-44 IP-56 from front, IP-43 from back IP-65, hermetically sealed

DATASHEET SEATEX SEAPATH 20 SEPTEMBER 2003. Grafisk Design AS, Trondheim

Clock Data

Data inputs
Communication ports Baud rate DGPS corrections 1 RS232 and 1 RS422 serial line 38.4k baud (max) RTCM-104 version 2.2

(*) The performance figures are valid with a minimum of four visible satellites, HDOP less than 4, PDOP less than 6, and otherwise normal conditions. Excessive multipath, GPS signal obstructions or interference may reduce the performance. The specifications can be changes on short notice

KONGSBERG SEATEX AS Pirsenteret N-7462 Trondheim Norway Telephone +47 73 54 55 00 Telefax +47 73 51 50 20 firmapost@kongsberg.com www.kongsberg.com