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A Division of TSS (UK) Limited

Meridian Compass Comparator

User Manual
Covers Software Version 1.6x

SG Brown
1 Garnett Close
Greycaine Industrial Estate
Watford
Hertfordshire WD24 7JZ UK
Telephone +44 (0)1923 470800
The information in this Manual is subject to Facsimile +44 (0)1923 470838
change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of SG Brown

Abcdef
Document P/N 060083
Issue 1.1
© SG Brown September 2002
Meridian Compass Comparator

THE DISPLAY UNIT THAT FORMS PART OF THE MERIDIAN COMPASS


COMPARATOR CONTAINS NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS
Only trained service personnel shall remove the covers.
Internally generated high voltages are used within this equipment; always
isolate the power supply input and wait at least a minute before removing
any covers.

CONTENTS

1 Introduction 3

2 Installation 4
2.1 Physical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2.1 Display Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2.2 Signal Interface Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3.1 Signal Interface Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3 Operation 14
3.1 Displays, Indicators and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.1 Heading display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.2 Heading deviation display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2 Power-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3 Compass Comparator Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4 Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.5 Set up Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.6 Display illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.7 Alarm Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.7.1 Input failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.7.2 Power failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.7.3 Version number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.7.4 System reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4 Technical Data 20
4.1 Data Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.1.1 NMEA Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.2 Data Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

DPN 060083 Issue 1.1 © SG Brown Page 1 of 24


Meridian Compass Comparator

AMENDMENTS

Old Issue New Issue Date Details

– 1.0 May 2002 New issue

1.0 1.1 Sept 2002 Document refinements

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Meridian Compass Comparator

1 INTRODUCTION
The Meridian Compass Comparator from SG Brown consists of a Signal Interface Unit and a
Display Unit connected via a bi-directional full duplex serial link.

❐ The Signal Interface Unit provides an interface for NMEA data format inputs from up to
three compass sources. Output from this unit is in a NMEA format and a 5V stepper out-
put. The Signal Interface Unit receives configuration and status information from the Dis-
play Unit.

❐ The Display Unit provides the Man Machine Interface with a visual indication on a Vac-
uum Fluorescent graphic Display or VFD to show ship’s heading from the connected com-
passes, the deviation between two selected compasses and relevant system information.
The large size of the display (107mm × 37mm) and its wide viewing angle allow ample
choice of suitable installation locations. The display can be dimmed to suit ambient light-
ing conditions.

The Meridian Compass Comparator operates from a DC electrical supply in the range 18 to
36V from which it draws less than 25W. It accepts and interprets NMEA 0183 data through an
RS232 or RS422 serial link operating at 4800, 9600 or 38400 baud.

The display normally shows heading, and compass deviation information. It also displays
alarm messages and provides a menu that allows you to select configuration options.

Refer to Section 2 for instructions to install and connect the Meridian Compass Comparator.

Refer to Section 3 for instructions to operate the Meridian Compass Comparator.

Figure 1: Meridian Compass Comparator Display Unit front panel layout

H1 °T SELECTED -H3-
080.1

070
°T
H2 °M
080.5 .1 H1-H3
-010.0°

Compass Comparator

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Meridian Compass Comparator

2 INSTALLATION
Unpack the Meridian Compass Comparator and check all items against the shipping docu-
ments. If there are any parts missing, or if any of the parts have become damaged during trans-
portation, contact SG Brown or an authorised representative of SG Brown for advice.

Decide whether to use a panel, a bulkhead, a deckhead or a desk mounting arrangement for the
Meridian Compass Comparator Display Unit. Your choice should take note of all relevant fac-
tors, including ease of viewing and control and the space available at the preferred location.

Provide all necessary signal connections and electrical supplies at the intended installation
location. Note that the Meridian Compass Comparator includes mating connectors but does
not include the cabling necessary for installation.

❐ The Meridian Compass Comparator requires a DC electrical supply in the range 18 to 36V
DC from which it draws less than 25W to operate. The power supply should be switched
and protected by a suitable circuit breaker at source.
❐ Inputs are provided for two power sources, to allow for installations with a back-up power
source available. If the main power should fail, the Meridian Compass Comparator will
automatically take its power from the back-up supply.
❐ Power to the Display unit can be provided via the Signal Interface Unit or sourced locally.
❐ The Meridian Compass Comparator Signal Interface Unit receives heading information
from up to three external source using either the NMEA 0183 through a serial channel.
❐ Provision is made to accept compass fail TTL level signals from each heading source.
❐ The Meridian Compass Comparator Signal Interface Unit can retransmit heading informa-
tion as an RS232 or RS422 serial output encoded in one of two NMEA 0183 formats and a
5V stepper output.
2.1 PHYSICAL INSTALLATION
❐ Do not install the Meridian Compass Comparator where the temperature may fall below –
15°C or exceed +55°C during operation. Do not expose the comparator to rapid changes in
temperature.
❐ Choose a location that protects the comparator from rain, sea spray or physical damage.
Meridian Compass Comparator Display Unit

❐ Choose a location for the Display Unit that provides a clear view of its display with no sig-
nificant reflections or glare from ambient lighting sources. Note that the visibility of the
vacuum fluorescent display is limited when viewed in direct sunlight.
❐ Make certain the installation position allows easy access to the front panel controls.
❐ Do not install the comparator where it might be viewed against bright light shining through
a bridge window.
❐ Allow sufficient space behind the comparator to connect the cable.
You may install the Meridian Compass Comparator Display Unit in a panel, on a desk, or
against a deckhead or bulkhead. Figures 3 and 4 show the bulkhead and the panel mounting
arrangements respectively. If you use a desk, bulkhead or deckhead mounting arrangement,

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Meridian Compass Comparator

the bracket shown in Figure 1 allows you to adjust the mounting angle to a suitable position
and then to lock it there by tightening the two star knobs.

Figure 2: Installation drawing of Meridian Compass Comparator

H1 °T SELECTED -H3-
080.1

070
°T
H2 °M
080.5 .1 H1-H3
-010.0°

Compass Comparator
Local 24V

24V
Meridian Compass Comparator
Signal Interface unit 24V Backup

5V Step
Switch
Compass
RS232 Output
RS422
OR Signals
RS232
RS422

Input from Compasses

Meridian Compass Comparator Signal Interface Unit


❐ Allow sufficient clearance around the Signal Interface Unit for the cables. Allow at least
305mm of unobstructed space in front of and below the Signal Interface Unit so the cover
can be fully swung open on its hinges.

❐ The mounting surface should be reasonably smooth and of sufficient strength to support
the Signal Interface Unit without flexing.

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Meridian Compass Comparator

❐ Avoid mounting the Signal Interface Unit where it might experience heavy vibration or be
influenced by strong electrical noise sources.

❐ You may mount the Signal Interface Unit in any convenient orientation.

❐ The Signal Interface Unit should be secured to the bulkhead using four M8 bolts on a pitch
of 420mm x 260mm as shown in Figure 6.

❐ Route all cables throughout the installation. Avoid exposing the cables to sharp bends or
other mechanical stresses along their length and secure them at intervals using suitable
clips.
Table 1: Signal Interface Unit connections

Cable No. / Function Connector Signal Recommended cable type

1 PL3/1 +24V 6 core type A


Communication between SIU PL3/2 24V RETURN
and Display Unit PL3/3 COMMS RXA
PL3/4 COMMS RXB
PL3/5 COMMS TXB
PL3/6 COMMS TXA

2 PL17/1 S-TYPE RETURN 4 core type A


S-type output (TTL) PL17/2 S-TYPE LINE 1
PL17/3 S-TYPE LINE 2
PL17/4 S-TYPE LINE 3

3 PL18/1 RS422 B / RS232 RET 5 core type A


Heading Input 1 PL18/2 RS422 A
PL18/3 RS232 SIGNAL
PL18/4 COMPASS FAIL TTL +
PL18/5 COMPASS FAIL TTL RET

4 PL19/1 RS422 B / RS232 RET 5 core type A


Heading Input 2 PL19/2 RS422 A
PL19/3 RS232 SIGNAL
PL19/4 COMPASS FAIL TTL +
PL19/5 COMPASS FAIL TTL RET

5 PL20/1 RS422 B / RS232 RET 5 core type A


Heading Input 3 PL20/2 RS422 A
PL20/3 RS232 SIGNAL
PL20/4 COMPASS FAIL TTL +
PL20/5 COMPASS FAIL TTL RET

6 PL4/1 RS 232 Signal 2 core type A


Channel A RS232 Output PL4/2 RS 232 Return

7 PL5/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 1 PL5/2 RS 422 A

8 PL6/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 2 PL6/2 RS 422 A

9 PL7/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 3 PL7/2 RS 422 A

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Meridian Compass Comparator

Table 1: Signal Interface Unit connections

Cable No. / Function Connector Signal Recommended cable type

10 PL8/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 4 PL8/2 RS 422 A

11 PL9/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 5 PL9/2 RS 422 A

12 PL10/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 6 PL10/2 RS 422 A

13 PL11/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel A RS422 Output 7 PL11/2 RS 422 A

14 PL12/1 RS 232 Signal 2 core type A


Channel B RS232 Output PL12/2 RS 232 Return

15 PL13/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel B RS422 Output 1 PL13/2 RS 422 A

16 PL14/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel B RS422 Output 2 PL14/2 RS 422 A

17 PL15/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel B RS422 Output 3 PL15/2 RS 422 A

18 PL16/1 RS 422 B 2 core type A


Channel B RS422 Output 4 PL16/2 RS 422 A

19 PL1/1 +24V 2 core type B


Power in PL1/2 Return

20 PL2/1 +24V 2 core type B


Power in PL2/2 Return

21 Earth Stud Ship’s Earth Earth Braid


Earth Connection

Cable Type:
A: 16/0.2 screened twisted pair
B: screened two core cable with CSA of 0.75mm2

Table 2: Signal Interface Unit - Display Unit Interconnections

Signal Interface Unit Display Unit Signal Notes

PL3/1 24V DC/2 +24V 24V DC supply may be sourced


PL3/2 24V DC/3 24V RETURN locally if more convenient

PL3/3 PL1/14 COMMS RXA


PL3/4 PL1/1 COMMS RXB
PL3/5 PL1/3 COMMS TXB
PL3/6 PL1/16 COMMS TXA

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Meridian Compass Comparator

Figure 3: Display Unit bulkhead mounting arrangements

24VDC
630mA
FS1
PL1

Select
Compass Comparator

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Meridian Compass Comparator

Figure 4: Display Unit panel mounting arrangements

24VDC
630mA
FS1
PL1

Select
Compass Comparator

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Meridian Compass Comparator

2.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION


2.2.1 Display Unit
Figure 5: Display Unit rear panel layout

You do not need to open the Display Unit housing at any time to install the Meridian
Compass Comparator.

❐ Route all cables to the Meridian Compass Comparator Display Unit carefully so they do
not present a hazard. Avoid exposing the cables to excessively tight bends or other
mechanical stresses as you install them.
❐ Connect a good quality ground connection to the Meridian Compass Comparator Display
Unit at the ‘Earth’ stud on the rear panel.
❐ Power to the Display unit can be provided via the Signal Interface Unit or sourced locally.
❐ When powered locally, provide a DC electrical supply at a nominal 24V 10W to operate
the Meridian Compass Comparator Display Unit. The acceptable supply range is 18V to
36V DC. Table 2 lists the pin out details for the power inlet port on the rear panel. The sup-
ply should include an isolation switch and should be protected by a suitable circuit breaker
at the source. The Display Unit includes a 630mA fuse in the +24V DC supply line, acces-
sible from the rear panel. The shipment includes a spare fuse of the correct rating.
Make all necessary connections to the Display Unit through the ports on the rear panel. Figure
5 shows the rear panel of the Display Unit with PL1 pin numbers identified. Table 1 lists the
connection details for PL1 and Table 2 lists the connection details for the 3-way power port.
To maintain EMC compliance you should terminate all wire braiding on cables at the D-type
back shells.

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Meridian Compass Comparator

2.2.2 Signal Interface Unit


The procedure to connect the wiring cables 1-20 should be as follows.

❐ Pierce the appropriate cable grommet and feed the cable through the hole.
❐ Strip down the black outer cable approximately 50mm.
❐ Double back braided screen over outer cable insulation.
❐ Wrap braided screen in copper tape to prevent fraying.
❐ Connect individual wires to terminal blocks as indicated in Table 1.
❐ Clamp cable (over copper tape) to PCB as shown using the earth clip provided.
Once the connecting wires have been made then the door should be closed and locked
to provide protection and security.

Figure 6: Signal Interface Unit

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Meridian Compass Comparator

Figure 7: Signal Interface Unit - Installation drawing

THIS AREA TO BE KEPT FREE


FROM OBSTRUCTION TO
ALLOW FOR DOOR OPENING

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Meridian Compass Comparator

2.3 CONFIGURATION
2.3.1 Signal Interface Unit
Each of the three heading source inputs have provision for a TTL level gyro fail input signal. It
is necessary to configure jumpers 4, 5 and 6 on the Signal Interface Unit board if these signals
are to be used.

Jumper JP4 selects the gyro fail input for Heading 1, remove JP4 if this input is used.
Jumper JP5 selects the gyro fail input for Heading 2, remove JP5 if this input is used.
Jumper JP6 selects the gyro fail input for Heading 3, remove JP5 if this input is used.

Note that the expected polarity convention of the gyro fail inputs is:
gyro fail = 0V
gyro OK = 5V

DPN 060083 Issue 1.1 © SG Brown Page 13 of 24


Meridian Compass Comparator

3 OPERATION
3.1 DISPLAYS, INDICATORS AND CONTROLS
All the displays, and controls are on the front panel of the Meridian Compass Comparator Dis-
play Unit:

Main display
The vacuum fluorescent display provides a green, variable intensity readout of heading. The
controls allow you to adjust the display brightness in eight discrete steps from full on to
extinction. Note that the display might be difficult to see if viewed in direct sunlight. Note also
that at low brightness settings the vacuum fluorescent display might flicker.

The display shows the following information:


❐ Heading display – Heading information presented digitally using large numerals to one
decimal place accuracy. See sub-section 3.1.1.
❐ Heading deviation display – A horizontal bar moving against a scale at the bottom of the
display panel to provides a graphical indication of heading deviation. A digital readout
also indicates the heading deviation to one decimal place. See sub-section 3.1.2.
❐ All the above displays also indicate whether the heading source is True or Magnetic. Refer
to the supporting text for Table 8 for an explanation of these terms.
❐ Menu display – System information, settings and parameters available for operator adjust-
ment. See sub-section 3.4.
❐ Alarm displays - Activated by pressing the Select button after an alarm condition has
occured.

Select button
A momentary action (push to make, release to break) switch that allows you to navigate
through the display pages and to select parameters in the menu.

Up button
A momentary action (push to make, release to break) switch that allows you to increase the
display illumination, to navigate through the menu and to increase the selected parameter.

Down button
A momentary action (push to make, release to break) switch that allows you to decrease the
display illumination, to navigate through the menu and to decrease the selected parameter.

3.1.1 Heading display


The display uses large digits to show the heading SELECTED -H3-
H1 °T
to one decimal place in the range 000.0° to 359.9°, 080.1

070
°T
updated at 10Hz. H2 °M
080.5 .1 H1-H3
-010.0°
The selected heading is displayed centrally in a
large format, and the non-selected headings are

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Meridian Compass Comparator

displayed on the left hand side of the screen in a smaller format. The decimal part of the head-
ing is displayed in a smaller format.

An indicator shows the heading source as TRUE (°T), MAG (°M) or MAG SENSOR (°).

3.1.2 Heading deviation display


Along the bottom of the display is a bar indicating the divergence between two compass head-
ings. The centre cursor represents the point of zero heading deviation. The markers represent a
scale with gradations at 1° intervals. This offers a span of +/-12°.

❐ When a deviation to lower headings occurs a bar will be displayed to the left of the central
cursor.

❐ When a deviation to a higher heading occurs a bar will be displayed to the right of the cen-
tral cursor.

❐ Above this measure and to the right hand side of the display, there is an identifier to con-
firm the headings compared and the heading deviation to one decimal place.

3.2 POWER-ON
1. Power-on the Meridian Compass Comparator by providing an electrical supply in the cor-
rect operating range to the power socket on the rear panel. Refer to Table 2 for connection
details.

2. Immediately after power-on, the comparator


performs a series of hardware tests on the dis-
play, RAM, E²ROM and ROM. The display
shows the results of each of these tests, with a
failure on any test causing the self test
sequence to re-start. The display also indicates
the software version number and the current input settings.

3. On successful completion of the internal test procedures, the Comparator Signal Interface
Unit will auto-detect the input signal using the selected compass input. The data received
at the selected Compass input will determine the baud rate of the other two channels and
the serial output.

❐ It is safe to leave the Meridian Compass Comparator powered-on continuously.

3.3 COMPASS COMPARATOR CONFIGURATION


When configuring the Meridian Compass Comparator, consideration must be given to the
required mode of operation and the number of connected heading sources.

From the set-up menu, select the "connect" option that describes the heading sources that are
connected to the system. Refer to Para 2.3.1 for the configuration of gyro fail jumpers.

From the main menu, select the heading source which will provide data to the serial and step-
per outputs. In the Auto mode, the selected heading source will be prioritised in the order H1,
H2, H3. If the selected heading source provides no data or transmits a gyro fail signal for a
period of five seconds, an automatic selection of the next prioritised connected heading input.

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Meridian Compass Comparator

From the main menu, select the required deviation limits.

From the set-up menu, select the deviation mode that describes the heading sources that you
require to be compared to set limits of heading deviation. Exceeding the set limits for a period
of five seconds will cause an alarm to be initiated.

3.4 MENU DISPLAY


The menu shows system information and those
parameters that are available for you to modify. MAIN MENU

The Menu is entered on pressing the SELECT but- =>EXIT SELECTED H3

ton. From the menu display use the Up button or SET UP MENU LIMITS 10.0OOFF
the Down button to move the selection arrow to
^SELECT RETURN TO HEADING DISPLAY
the menu item of interest and then press the Select
button to modify the settings:
Table 3: Main Menu Options

Category Options Notes

Exit

Set up Menu

Selected AUTO (prioritise valid input in H1, H2, H3 order)


H1 Available options will be determined by selected “connect” options in the
H2 Set Up Menu.
H3

Limits 0.0o to 12.0o (OFF is displayed when the Dev Mode set to OFF)

❐ An arrow identifies the selected menu option.

Refer to sub-section 3.3 for instructions to use the menu system to configure the comparator.

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Meridian Compass Comparator

3.5 SET UP CONFIGURATION


SET UP CONFIGURATION
The Set Up Configuration menu has the following =>EXIT DEV MODE OFF
options available to configure. CONNECT H1+H3

Table 4: Set Up Configuration Menu ^SELECT RETURN TO HEADING DISPLAY

Category Options Notes

Exit

Connect H1+H2
H1+H3
H2+H3
H1+H2+H3
H1
H2
H3

Dev Mode OFF


H1-H2
H1-H3 Available options will be determined by the selected “connect” options in the Set Up Menu.
H2-H3

3.6 DISPLAY ILLUMINATION


With the Comparitor in the heading display mode, press the Up button to increase the display
and front panel illumination or press the Down button to decrease it.

The display and front panel illumination vary together from off to full brightness through eight
equal steps.

In an alarm condition the front panel lighting will switch to maximum brightness and will
flash on and off at 0.5Hz. The display illumination will be at maximum.

After a power failure the instrument lighting will restore the previous setting, or will restore
the minimum visible lighting level if the previous setting was off.

3.7 ALARM CONDITIONS


The Meridian Compass Comparator is fitted with a sounder which is activated when a new
alarm is received. The display illumination will also be set to maximum and flash at 0.5Hz.

Pressing the SELECT button will acknowledge the alarm and silence the sounder. The alarm
message is displayed. On pressing SELECT the menu is activated to enable configuration
changes as necessary.

If an acknowledged alarm condition remains after 30 minutes or a different alarm condition


occurs the sounder is activated.

When more than one alarm is present a single message will be displayed prioritised as listed
below.

DPN 060083 Issue 1.1 © SG Brown Page 17 of 24


Meridian Compass Comparator

3.7.1 Input failures


❐ No communication from the Surface Interface Unit for a period of five seconds.

ALARM MESSAGE

NO DATA RECEIVED FROM


SIGNAL INTERFACE UNIT

❐ No valid heading data received from the Selected Compass for a period of five seconds.

ALARM MESSAGE

NO HEADING DATA RECEIVED


FROM SELECTED COMPASS

❐ The heading difference between the compared compasses is greater than the set limits for a
period of five seconds.

ALARM MESSAGE

COMPARED COMPASSES
OUT OF SET LIMITS

❐ No valid data or a gyro failure received for five seconds from compass channel 1, 2 or 3

ALARM MESSAGE

NO DATA OR GYRO FAIL


COMPASS CHANNEL 1

ALARM MESSAGE

NO DATA OR GYRO FAIL


COMPASS CHANNEL 2

ALARM MESSAGE

NO DATA OR GYRO FAIL


COMPASS CHANNEL 3

3.7.2 Power failure


The comparator stores the following parameters in non-volatile memory and restores them
when you power-on the instrument after a power failure:

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Meridian Compass Comparator

❐ Illumination level – The comparator will default to the minimum visible level if the previ-
ous setting was ‘off’.

❐ Selected heading source.

❐ Input connection polarity.

❐ Compared compasses.

❐ Deviation Limits.

3.7.3 Version number


You may display the software version number by selecting the Menu display and then pressing
the Up button and the Down button together. The version number appears in the bottom line of
the display.

3.7.4 System reset


You may reset the system and cause it to enter the power-on initialisation sequence by select-
ing the Menu display and then pressing and holding the Up button and the Down button
together for ten seconds.

DPN 060083 Issue 1.1 © SG Brown Page 19 of 24


Meridian Compass Comparator

4 TECHNICAL DATA
Power Requirements
Voltage: 18 to 36V DC
Power consumption: Less than 25W

The Meridian Compass Comparator contains a non-isolated PSU. Therefore, you


should supply it with power from an SELV source as defined in IEC/EN 60950.
The power supply source should be switched and protected by a suitable circuit
breaker.

Performance
Static Accuracy: ± 0.1° for serial input.
Temperature
Operating: –15°C to +55°C
Storage: –25°C to +70°C

Signal Inputs
Serial Data Input: True or magnetic heading signals using RS232 or
RS422 line standard encoded in NMEA 0183
(IEC61162 supported) formats at 4800, 9600 or
38400 baud.
NMEA 0183 true heading: HDT, VHW or HDG with or without Checksum
NMEA 0183 magnetic heading: HDM or HDG with or without Checksum
up to 50Hz.
Display Type
Vacuum fluorescent graphic display 107mm × 37mm
Note that the visibility of the comparator display is limited when subjected to direct sunlight.
At low brightness settings the vacuum fluorescent display might flicker.

Signal Outputs
Serial Data Output: RS232 or RS422 Line standard encoded in
NMEA 0183 (IEC61162 supported) format at
4800, 9600 or 38400 baud. The output echoes the
input in format and speed.

Follow up speed: Rate limited to 20°/sec.

S-type Stepper Output: Step-by-step (5V) at six steps per degree with a
positive common.

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Meridian Compass Comparator

Dimensions and Weight


Digital Unit: 96mm (H) × 192mm (W) × 145mm (D)
Weight 1.260kg

Signal Interface Unit: 300mm (H) x 400mm (W) x 125mm (D)

Weight 5.646 kg

Equipment Classification
❐ The equipment is intended to be permanently connected.

❐ The equipment must be correctly grounded via the earthing stud.

❐ The comparator is classified as ‘protected from the weather’ (formally class B) for the pur-
poses of testing in accordance with EN 60945:1997. The comparator is not designed to
meet the requirements of portable, exposed or submerged equipment.

❐ The degree of protection provided by the equipment enclosure is classified as IP52.

Standards
The comparator is designed to meet the requirements of the following resolutions and stand-
ards:

❐ BS EN 60945 (January 1997), Maritime navigation and radio-communication equipment


and requirements Methods of testing and required test results (equivalent to IEC 945:1996)

❐ BS EN ISO 8728:1994, Shipbuilding – Marine gyrocompasses

❐ CE marking

❐ DIN 43700

❐ Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (note that correctly terminated cable


screens are a requirements to meet this standard).

❐ The Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC

Disposal
❐ Do not dispose of by fire or compacting, as toxic fumes, dust or liquids may be released.

❐ Units may be returned to the manufacturer for safe disposal.

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Meridian Compass Comparator

4.1 DATA INPUTS


The Meridian Compass Comparator has a serial input channel that accepts NMEA 0183 sen-
tences through an RS422 serial connection at 4800, 9600 or 38400 baud. All inputs must be at
the same baud rate.

4.1.1 NMEA Inputs


The Meridian Compass Comparator supports the following NMEA 0183 sentences in accord-
ance with IEC61162:

❐ NMEA 0183 $aaHDT – Refer to Table 5 for a description of this sentence.

❐ NMEA 0183 $aaVHW – Refer to Table 6 for a description of this sentence.

❐ NMEA 0183 $aaHDM – Refer to Table 7 for a description of this sentence.

❐ NMEA 0183 $aaHDG – Refer to Table 8 for a description of this sentence.

The comparator will display heading information if any one of the above sentences is present.
If the input includes more than one of the above sentences, the comparator will use the head-
ing information prioritised in the sequence listed above.

NMEA 0183 sentences can include an optional checksum as indicated in the descriptive
tables.

The comparator shows whether it is displaying a True, a Magnetic or a Magnetic Sensor head-
ing as defined by the received data format. Refer to the supporting text for Table 8 for an
explanation of these terms.

Table 5: NMEA 0183 $aaHDT sentence structure


$aaHDT,XXX.X,T*hh[CR][LF]
Talker identifier

Heading in degrees and tenths

Mnemonic for True heading


Checksum (optional)
Mnemonic for heading true present
Start character

Carriage return Line-feed characters

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Start character Start character Start character
Talker identifier Talker identifier Talker identifier
Mnemonic for heading, deviation, variation Mnemonic for heading magnetic present Mnemonic for vector heading and water speed

DPN 060083
Magnetic sensor heading in degrees and tenths Heading in degrees and tenths Heading in degrees and tenths

Mnemonic for Magnetic heading Mnemonic for True heading


Magnetic deviation, degrees and tenths Null field
Checksum (optional)
Magnetic deviation E or W Mnemonic for Magnetic heading

Magnetic variation, degrees and tenths Speed in knots


Carriage return Line-feed characters
Magnetic variation E or W Mnemonic for knots

$aaHDM,XXX.X,M*hh[CR][LF]
Checksum (optional) Speed in km/h

Table 8: NMEA 0183 $aaHDG sentence structure


Table 7: NMEA 0183 $aaHDM sentence structure
Table 6: NMEA 0183 $aaVHW sentence structure

Mnemonic for km/h


Carriage return Line-feed characters Checksum (optional)

$aaHDG,XXX.X,X.X,E,X.X,E*hh[CR][LF]

information as True and display it as xxx.x°T.


Meridian Compass Comparator

Carriage return Line-feed characters

Issue 1.1
$aaVHW,XXX.X,T,,M,XX.X,N,X.X,K*hh[CR][LF]

© SG Brown
If both the deviation and the variation fields are included in the received NMEA 0183

in the heading field as specified in IEC61162. The comparator will then treat the heading
$aaHDG sentence, then the comparator will add or subtract their values from the information

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Meridian Compass Comparator

If the deviation field is present and the variation field is empty, then the comparator will add or
subtract its value from the information in the heading field as specified in IEC61162 and will
treat the heading information as Magnetic which is displayed as display it as xxx.x°M.

If both the deviation and the variation fields are empty, then the comparator will display the
uncorrected heading and will treat the information as a magnetic sensor heading. In these con-
ditions, the display shows the indication display as xxx.x°.

4.2 DATA OUTPUT


The Meridian Compass Comparator supplies heading through an RS422 and RS232 serial data
channel. NMEA 0183 output sentences will be a verbatim retransmission of the data received
at the selected compass input. The output data format, baud rate and update rate depend on the
incoming data stream:

❐ Receiving equipment should provide opto-isolation.

❐ S-type Stepper output: step-by-step (5V) at six steps per degree with a positive common.

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