When you think of an ECDIS, chances are you are thinking of a navigational aid that can tell you where you are and how far you are from your destination. In addition to that, an ECDIS can also tell you about the weather and where to get food and water. The 3 mandatory sensors in an ECDIS are: Satellite and magnet compasses, Echo sounders and Wind sensors.
XTD (cross track distance)
The cross track distance (XTD) is one of the three mandatory sensors of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). XTD is also one of the most important factors in the navigation process. This ECDIS component is responsible for plotting the vessel’s position and charting its course throughout a voyage. Its function is limited by an emergency source of electrical power, as well as the aforementioned routing and positioning system.
The XTD is a complicated affair. XTD can be measured in meters, kilometers, miles or nautical miles. One of the most important XTD calculations consists of the distance between the starboard and port sides of the vessel. An unsymmetric XTD is a red flag, as the vessel may be forced to divert to the other side of the map.
Gyro
Gyro is a navigational sensor used to determine the ship’s course and position. It is a necessary component of a ship’s navigational system and is required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
In most ships, the gyro compass is the only instrument which can be used to determine the heading of a vessel. Compared to the classical compass, a modern gyro compass is more accurate and has more digital elements.
The modern ECDIS is able to integrate data from a number of sources including gyro compasses, satellite compasses, wind sensors and echo sounders. However, the gyro compass remains the most reliable heading source.
In order to make effective use of an ECDIS, navigators need to understand how it works and how to use it effectively. This article explores some of the fundamental principles for using the device.
Satellite and magnet compasses
A gyrocompass is a primary navigational tool for ships. It works off the Earth’s magnetic field and lines itself with the magnetic North Pole. The needle has a dip at the equator. Depending on the travel speed, the compass will vary in behavior.
Gyrocompasses are equipped with many digital elements, which make them more reliable. However, they have similar limitations to their predecessors Marine Electronics NZ. One such limitation is the inertia of the gyroscopic sphere. This inertia can be removed using a method called “frequency analysis”.
An ECDIS integrates course data from a variety of sources. This includes satellite and magnet compasses, as well as wind sensors. ECDIS can display maps, plot routes, and warn about danger. In addition, ECDIS allows the navigator to keep a log, which helps monitor deviations from the planned course.
Echo sounders
A ship’s echo sounder is used to measure the depth of water. It is usually employed by ships, yachts, tugs, trawlers, and other commercial vessels. The main components are a transducer and a receiver. They also have a display unit.
An electronic echosounder can be either digital or analog. Electronic echosounders are popular these days.
When using an echo sounder, it is important to use it properly. If an operator is not familiar with the equipment, they may not know how to use it effectively.
There are many ways that an echo sounder can fail. If an echo sounder is damaged, it can cause oil spills or other serious problems. To avoid these problems, make sure to set it up correctly.
Wind sensors
Wind sensors are essential to modern ECDIS systems. These devices measure true wind speed, relative wind speed and direction. Depending on the type of wind sensor, they can provide data for a variety of applications.
There are many different wind sensors on the market. Some of them measure only relative wind speeds, while others provide both. The accuracy of any particular device depends on the sophistication of the instrument.
A modern ECDIS can integrate course data from a range of sources, including wind sensors, GPS, satellites, echo sounders and magnet compasses. This will result in a more accurate display of your position and route, making it a must-have on board vessels.
However, it is also possible to overfeed your ECDIS with information. It is important to be aware of this risk. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the information overload, from using larger screens to opting for a more compact ECDIS.