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ARGUS RADAR
SYSTEM
User Manual
ENGLISH
navico-commercial.com
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Page 3
Preface
Disclaimer
As Navico is continuously improving this product, we retain the right to make changes to the
product at any time which may not be reflected in this version of the manual. Please contact
your nearest distributor if you require any further assistance.
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the equipment in a manner that will not
cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.
NAVICO HOLDING AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR
THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated
from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of
the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official
version of the Documentation.
This manual represents the product as at the time of printing. Navico Holding AS and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates reserve the right to make changes to specifications without
notice.
Approvals and Warranty
Please refer to the website: www.navico.com/commercial
Record of changes
Part number/Rev. Date Purpose of change Requested by
988-10185-001 September 2011 First issue
988-10185-002 October 2013 Software release 3.2 M. Carmagnini
988-10185-003 October 2014 Software release 3.2.5 M. Carmagnini
988-10185-004 October 2016 Software release 3.3.2 M. Carmagnini
About this manual
This manual is a reference guide for operating the Argus radar system and describes the following software revision:
Software Edition SWC001A006
Release date: October 2016
MAIN : 3.3.2
ATA 3.2.6
IOVP 3.2.6
Video Proc. 1.7
Graph. Acc. 1.10
Control Panel 16/30
The manual will continuously be updated to match new software releases. The latest available
manual version can be downloaded from the website: www.navico.com/commercial
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Safety precautions
The Argus radar is connected to 115 VAC or 220 VAC - 50 or 60 Hz power; therefore, before
starting any work on the equipment, make sure that the power supply is switched off.
The system is equipped with fuses protecting the electronics devices from short circuits,
which may damage the equipment or cause fire.
Depending upon the material to be highlighted, the following attention headings are used in
this manual:
Danger: Before turning on the radar, make sure that no one is standing near the an-
tenna.
Warning: The electronics of the equipment are supplied with mains power, also when
the equipment is switched off. For this reason, opening a unit must be performed only by
skilled personnel.
Warning: An operating or maintenance procedure, practice, condition and statement
which, if not strictly observed, could result in injury to personnel or death.
Unit
conguration
12 kW X-band +
6’ X-band antenna
12 kW X-band +
9’ X-band antenna
12 kW X-band +
12’ X-band antenna
25 kW X-band +
6’ X-band antenna
25 kW X-band +
9’ X-band antenna
25 kW X-band +
12’ X-band antenna
30 kW S-band +
12’ S-band antenna
Warning: An operating or maintenance procedure, practice, condition and statement
which, if not strictly observed, could result in damage to, or destruction of, the system or
reduced performance.
¼ Note: An essential operating or maintenance procedure, condition or statement, which must
be noticed.
Warning: Microwave radiation levels
TXRX/
Pedestal
Antenna 100 W/m2 Power
density distance (m)
50 W/m2 Power density distance (m)
10 W/m2 Power density distance (m)
Argus 12U 6 ft. X-band 0.15 0.6
Argus 12U 9 ft X-band 0.5
Argus 12U 12 ft. X-band 0.35
Argus 25U 6 ft. X-band 0.1 0.2 1.3
Argus 25U 9 ft X-band 0.1 1
Argus 25U 12 ft. X-band 0.05 0.9
Argus 30U 12 ft. S-band 0.9
2 |
When a precaution, which relates specifically to a part of this manual is required, the information is given in the relevant part of the manual.
Warnings and Cautions precede applicable text.
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High voltage
Radar equipment includes high voltage that can cause injury or loss of life. Danger exists only
when the units are opened and exposing internal circuits, as when servicing the equipment.
The ARGUS Radar has been carefully designed to protect personnel from possible injury from
high voltages.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that the Main Power Line shall always be OFF, as an added
protection when inspecting or servicing the equipment.
Although every effort has been made to eliminate danger to personnel, no responsibility is
accepted for any injury or loss of life suffered in connection with this equipment.
Safety switch
The Radar Unit is provided with a safety switch, which disables the antenna rotation during
maintenance and avoids high voltage damage. Always turn the safety switch off, whenever
the procedure advises to do so (for instance, before performing any maintenance or installation procedure). Ignoring safety switch operation may produce hazard of electrocution as well
as other severe injures.
Safety precautions
Purpose
The described safety precautions are applicable to the ARGUS Radar System. Depending
upon the material to be highlighted, the following notes are used in this manual.
¼ Note: An essential operating or maintenance procedure, condition or statement which must
be highlighted.
Whenever a precaution, relating specifically to a part of this manual is needed, the information is given in the relevant part of the manual. Warnings and Cautions precede applicable
text.
Safety operations
Main power line is always present on terminal board and fuses. During normal operation
(front cover closed), the unit can quickly be disconnected from the main power line, setting
the relevant circuit breaker, located on the electric switchboard, to OFF.
Safety summary
The following are general safety precautions not related to any specific procedure and
therefore do not appear elsewhere in this manual. These are recommended precautions that
personnel must understand and apply during most phases of operation and maintenance.
KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUIT
Operating personnel must at all times observe all safety regulations.
Do not replace components or make adjustments inside the unit with the high voltage supply turned ON. Under certain conditions, dangerous potentials may exist when the power
breaker is in OFF position, also due to charges retained by capacitors. To avoid casualties,
always remove power and discharge a circuit to ground before touching it.
DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST ALONE
Under no circumstances should any person initiate servicing or adjusting the unit without the
presence of someone capable of helping.
RESUSCITATION
Personnel working with or near high voltage should be familiar with modern methods of
resuscitation. Such information may be obtained from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
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Warning information
The following warnings will appear in the text of the technical manuals, and are repeated here
for emphasis.
Warning: Use extreme care when working on the unit once the cover has been
opened. The magnetron assembly operates at voltages that may prove fatal.
Warning: Beware of high voltage capacitors. It is necessary to short-circuit their
leads before performing any maintenance action on them.
Warning: On the electric switchboard, set the power breaker dedicated to the
present equipment to OFF and hang up a placard reading: “work in progress - do
not switch on”.
Warning: Set main line breaker to OFF before replacing a fuse. The voltage in
fuses are under the level which may prove fatal.
X-Ray radiation
X-ray radiation may be generated by Transceiver units and care must be taken to avoid possible harmful effects when they are opened for maintenance. When power is on, care should
be taken not to approach closer than 1 foot (12 cm) from the unit unless front cover is in
place.
Radio frequency radiation
Harmful effects (particularly to the eyes) may be caused by exposure of any part of the human
body to radio frequency mean power densities in excess of 100 mW/cm2. This power density
is exceeded at a distance of 1 foot (12 cm) or less, from the 12 ft. X-Band aerial (when stationary).
The system is however designed to disable radiation when the antenna is not rotating.
The pedestals have also been predisposed for the installation of an external safety switch,
which can be mounted on, or near the platform. This switch removes power from the
Pedestal eliminating the possibility of accidental operation during servicing and also causes
disabling of transmission.
Whenever it is necessary to disconnect the waveguide system from a radar transmitter for
maintenance purpose, the transmitter output should, when practicable, be terminated in
a matched load. If this is not possible, care should be taken to avoid standing in front of an
open-ended waveguide from which power is being radiated.
¼ Note: NEVER look down on a waveguide from which power is being radiated.
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Contents
1 Preface
9 General information
9 Introduction
10 Abbreviations
12 How to read the system version
12 Available versions
13 Physical description
13 Monitor unit
13 Control panel (keyboard)
13 Core unit
13 General functioning description
14 Target and data display
14 Video signal processing
14 Failure procedure
14 Watchdog function
15 Technical characteristics
19 Basic operation
19 Keyboard controls and indicators
21 Procedure to switch on the system
22 Monitor presentation (4:3 system)
25 Monitor presentation (wide screen)
26 General operating procedures
26 GUI Widgets description
26 Buttons
27 Labels
27 Shortcuts
27 Spin buttons
28 Switch buttons
28 List boxes
28 Combo boxes
28 Check buttons
28 Progress bars
29 The three function keys on the keyboard
32 Focusing function
32 Clicking in the ARGUS interface
32 Cursor shape
33 Menu window
33 Numeric and alphanumeric keyboards
34 The button’s label
34 Small menu-like icon
34 Tool icon
34 List of symbols
35 Own ship section
35 Gyro and speed
35 Gyro preset
36 Speed
37 Speed source selection
38 Log speed
38 Manual speed
38 Auto drift speed
39 EPFS speed
40 Course
40 Own ship geographic position
40 UTC or local time
40 Map name
41 Help line section
41 Operating mode section
41 Cursor section
41 Cursor
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41 Latitude and Longitude or ETA and TTG
42 Tracking section
42 Target tracking
42 Target track and AIS association mode
42 CCRP Position (Consistent Common Reference Point)
43 Parallel index menu
43 Main menu
43 Radar conguration
44 Personal settings
46 Video level equalization
49 Layout
50 Brilliance settings
50 Day color
50 Antares PCB info
51 Sharing
51 About Argus
52 ECDIS interface functions
54 Conning menu
57 Task window movement
57 Picture in picture
58 Additional PPI
59 Customizing radar control settings
61 Radar presentation and video processing
61 Presentation and visualization options section
61 Orientation and motion modes
61 Head Up
62 North Up
62 Course Up
62 Relative motion (RM)
62 True motion (TM)
62 P reset/TM reset
63 The row under PPI area
63 Range scale increase/decrease
63 Range rings on/o
63 PPI Centre/O centre
64 P reset/TM reset
64 Gnd Stab/Sea Stab
64 Heading line and PPI graphics on/o
64 Tune
65 Video processing section
65 Gain
66 Rain
67 Sea
69 Video preset
69 Interference rejection
70 Scan to Scan correlation
71 Mutual radar interference
71 Second trace echo
71 Sweep to Sweep correlation
71 Target enhancement
71 SART video presentation
74 RACON (Radar Beacon) video presentation
74 Racon technical characteristics
75 Video processing menu
76 Which preset is the right one?
77 TXRX interswitch menu (standard)
77 Master/Slave
77 Performance monitor on/o
78 Power normal/boost
79 TXRX data
79 Standard speed
79 TXRX interswitch menu (Conguration video combination)
80 Tracking and video processing operation in combination and 2
nd
PPI mode
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81 A or B combination
81 A and B combination
82 Sector combination
83 A and / or B combination
84 Measurement
84 Radar echo measurement
84 Measurement by means of range rings and bearing scale
84 Measurement by means of the cursor
84 Measurement by means of the ERBL 1 or 2
85 More target data measurement
86 Cursor section
86 Cursor
86 Latitude and Longitude or ETA and TTG
86 ERBL 1 and 2
87 Parallel indexes
89 Range rings
90 Tracking
90 General information
90 Radar target tracking facility
91 Tracking operation in 2
nd
PPI zone and under video combination mode
91 AIS (Automatic Identication System)
93 Tracking target symbols
99 Target overload
99 Radar target trails
100 Past positions
100 Vector time
101 True/Relative vector
101 Tracking menu
102 Anchor watch
102 Training target
102 Cancel ALL TGT
103 Minimum safety menu
103 Auto-Acquisition zone
103 Guard zones/Auto Acquisition zones
104 Trial manoeuvre
105 Manual trial manoeuvre
106 Automatic trial manoeuvre
109 AIS and radar target association
110 AIS On/O
110 AIS list
111 TT target list
111 AIS limit priority
111 AIS ltering
112 AIS options
112 Symbol
112 TT, AIS and navigation symbols
113 Route presentation and waypoint data
114 Predictor
114 Displaying target information
119 Maps
119 General information
120 Create a new map
123 Operating with a selected video map
123 Editing objects on the video map
125 Geographic map manual settings menu
126 Selection and movement with the trackball cursor
127 Selection and movement by means of the editable labels and buttons
128 Import and export of a map
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129 Alert and system failures
129 External bridge alert systems
129 Bridge Alert Management (BAM)
129 Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS)
129 Type of alerts
129 Alert notications
130 Acknowledging alerts
131 The Alerts list
131 Audio On/O
131 Radar presentation failure
131 Alphabetic alarm listing
133 List of wrong operation messages
135 Operating modes fallback
136 Maintenance
137 ARGUS FMCW radar
137 General
138 Additional benets of FMCW radar
139 FMCW radar scanner specications
140 Overall dimension of FMCW radar
140 FMCW transceiver radar system installation and settings
140 Preliminary operations
140 First time installation
140 Activating the FMCW transceiver radar system
142 FMCW device conguration menu
143 Utilization of the FMCW transceiver radar system
143 Selection of the FMCW transceiver on additional PPI
144 Description of commands relative to the window of the FMCW radar transceivers
146 Limits
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1
General information
Introduction
The ARGUS Radar is a radar indicator with a presentation based on a raster scan principle.
The advantages of using the raster scan principles to produce a radar display are as follows:
• true daylight presentation
• continuous display of radar video
• high number of graphics that can be superimposed to the radar picture
• areas where all necessary navigational data can be presented at the same time.
The radar scans the horizon over a total of 360°, azimuth samples are converted and stored in
a memory, and then presented on a raster scan display. These conversion and memory logics
make the core (heart) of the indicator.
In order to have a display resolution similar or better as compared to a traditional radar
picture, very large memories are used. In addition, the display monitor is able to present
video data without loosing even the smallest information written into the memory. However,
various monitors with different resolutions can be connected to the ARGUS Radar System, so
depending on the choice of monitor, the graphic interface can be quite different from one
monitor to the next. The graphic layouts and widgets in this manual are examples only and
may therefore not appear exactly the same on the screen in your system.
In order to reduce the number of circuit boards (PCBs), a CPU performs multiple functions.
Therefore, the CPU has the total control of the system and gives the advantage to have very
sophisticated diagnostics and great flexibility.
Very large scale integrated micrologics are used.
A single card forms a complete sub-function and has very few connections to the rest of the
system.
The modular design in the base of the system and sub-units are easily replaced in case of
malfunction.
The ARGUS Radar performs the following operations:
• it receives the ship sensor’s data, which are:
GYRO - indicates the ship heading
LOG - indicates the ship speed
EPFS - indicates the ship position, speed and course
AIS - identifies the ships in the area
• it interfaces and receives signals from up to four transceivers (scanners), with relevant antenna,
and allows the operator to select the transceiver to be used for the presentation
• it processes the received signal in order to detect targets
• it processes the signal relevant to a target in order to obtain the target data: position, speed,
course, heading
• it automatically tracks a target in order to update the target data
• it shows the target position on the monitor.
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Abbreviations
Navigation related information is very often presented using the standard terms or abbreviations. In the following table you will find the most common abbreviations and the ones used
in this manual.
Abbreviations
ACK Acknowledge
ACQ Acquire
ADJ Adjust
AIS Automatic Identification System
ALARM Alarm
ANCH Anchor Watch
ANT Antenna
AP Autopilot
ARPA Automatic Radar Plotting Aid
AUD Audible
AVAIL Available
AZ Acquisition Zone
AZI Azimuth Indicator
BCR Bow Crossing Range
BCT Bow Crossing Time
BKGND Background
BRG Bearing
BRILL Display Brilliance
BWW Bearing Waypoint To Waypoint
C UP Course Up
CCRP Conistence Common Reference Point
CENT Centre
CNCL Cancel
COG Course Over Ground
CONT Contrast
C PA Closest Point Of Approach
CPU Central Processing Unit
CRS Course
CTS Course To Steer
CURS Cursor
DAY/NT Day/Night
DECR Decrease
DEG Degrees
DEL Delete
DGPS Differential Gps
DISP Display
DIST Distance
DPTH Depth
DR Dead Reckoning
DSC Digital Selective Calling
DW Deep Water
EBL Electronic Bearing Line
Terminology
Abbreviations
ECDIS
ECS Electronic Chart System
EGNOS
ENCSOG Automatic Navigational Chart
EP Estimated Position
EPFS Electronic Position Fixing System
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
EQUIP Equipment
ERBL Automatic Range And Bearing Line
E TA Estimated Time Of Arrival
ETD Estimated Time Of Departure
EZ Exclusion Zone
FK User Function Key
FMCW Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave
FWD Forward
GAS Grounding Avoidance System
GEOG Geographic
GLONASS Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress And Safety System
GND TRK Ground Track
GNDSTAB Ground Stabilised
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
GYRO Gyro
GZ Guard Zone
H UP Head Up
HDG Heading
HL Heading Line
HR Hours
I/O Input/Output
IBS Integrated Bridge System
ID Identification
IN Input
INIT Initialisation
INS Integrated Navigation System
IR Interference Rejector
IRCS Integrated Radio Communication System
ISW Interswitch
Km Kilometre
KN Knots
Terminology
Electronic Chart Display And Information
System
European Geo-Stationary Navigational Overlay
System
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Abbreviations
Terminology
LBL Label
LIM Limit
LOST TGT Lost Target
LP Long Pulse
m Metres
MAP Maps
MIN Minimum
MIN Minutes
MKR Marker
MOB Man Overboard
MP Medium Pulse
MSTR Master
N UP North Up
NAV Navigation
NC Normally Closed
N LT Not Less Than
NM Nautical Mile
NMT Not More Than
NUC Not Under Command
OFF CENT Off Centre
OFFTRK Off Track
OS Own Ship
OUT Output
PA D Predicted Area Of Danger
PAST
POSN
Past Positions
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PI Parallel Index Line
PL Pulse Length
PM Performance Monitor
POSN Position
PPC Predicted Point Of Collision
PRF Pulse Repetition Frequency
PWR Power
R BRG Relative Bearing
R CRS Relative Course
R VECT Relative Vector
RAD Radius
RCDS Raster Chart Display System
REF Echo Reference
REF SOG Echo Reference Speed
REL or R Relative
RM Relative Motion
RM (R) Relative Motion (Relative Trails)
RM (T ) Relative Motion ( True Trails)
RNC Raster Navigational Chart
Abbreviations
Terminology
RNG Range
ROT Rate Of Turn
RR Range Rings
RTE Route
RX Receiver
SAF CON Safety Contour
SAR Search And Rescue
SC/SC Scan To Scan
SDME Speed and Distance Measuring Equipment
SEL Select
SENC System Electronic Navigational Chart
SK Soft Key (each button of the trackball)
SNR Signal To Noise Ratio
SOG Speed Over The Ground
SP Short Pulse
SPD Speed
SRNC System Raster Navigational
STAB Stabilised
STBD Starboard
STBY Standby
STW Speed Through The Water
T BRG True Bearing
T CRS True Course
T SPD True Speed
T VECT True Vector
T C PA Time To Closest Point Of Approach
TGT Target
TM True Motion
TPR Transponder
TRIAL Trial Manoeuvre
TRIG Trigger Pulse
TRK Track
TRKG Tracking
TTG Time To Go
TWOL Time To Wheel Over Line
TX Transmit
TX Transmitter
TX/RX Transceiver
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
VRM Variable Range Marker
VTS Vessel Traffic Services
WOL Wheel Over Line
WOP Wheel Over Point
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How to read the system version
The function of the System Version menu is to recognise the program and the version running within the system.
To display the System Version:
1. Open the menu by pressing the relevant button
2. Press the About Argus button.
This menu summarises all the programs running within the system.
Argus models
ARGUS P 340 WS >320 mm
ARGUS P 340 >320 mm
ARGUS P 250 >250 mm
ARGUS P 25O WS >250 mm
ARGUS P 180 WS >180 mm
Actual radar
Available versions
The system can be configured with different additional functions, according to the monitor
being used:
Trial
targets
Activated AIS
manoeuvres
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
Predictor
sharing
Network
Menu at both
•
sides
Additional PPI
targets
Tracked radar
additional PPI
FMCW Radar on
100 300 110
100 300 110
100 300 110
100 300 110
20 120 20
Total AIS targets
Video
picture
Combination
Zoom
Simplied
Conning
WIDE PPI
• • • • • •
• •
• •
• • • • • •
To better understand the different functions, see the following paragraphs:
Actual radar picture: See “PPI Centre/Off centre” on page 63.
Video Combination: See “A or B combination” on page 81.
Zoom: See “Zoom” on page 59.
Simplied Conning information: See “Conning menu” on page 54.
WIDE PPI: See “Monitor presentation (wide screen)” on page 25.
Menu at both sides: See “Layout” on page 49.
Additional PPI: See “Additional PPI” on page 58.
FMCW interface: See “Selection of the FMCW transceiver on additional PPI” on page 143.
Tracked radar targets: See “AIS and radar target association” on page 109.
Total AIS targets: See “AIS filtering” on page 111.
Activated AIS targets: See “Target overload” on page 99.
Trial manoeuvres: See under “Technical characteristics” on page 15.
Predictor: See “Predictor” on page 114.
ECDIS interface
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Network sharing: See “Sharing” on page 51.
ECDIS interface: See “ECDIS interface functions” on page 52.
Physical description
The ARGUS Radar System consists of the following units:
• Monitor Unit on which the data, command buttons inside the SYSTEM DATA AREA, and the
echoes with relevant targets inside the PPI AREA are displayed.
• Core Unit in which the ARGUS electronic boards are mounted.
• Keyboard Unit on which the hardware of the Control Panel is mounted.
• Scanner Unit – not included. Refer to Simrad ARGUS Radar Scanner – Technical Manual.
Monitor unit
The Argus Monitor Unit represents the visual interface between the Operator and the Equipment. The equipment can be supplied with different types of Monitor Unit. Technical characteristics are located in the next paragraph.
Control panel (keyboard)
The Control Panel is the interface on which the operator can insert data, change the working
parameters and perform the operations necessary for the correct use of the equipment.
The Control Panel features light indicators, pushbuttons, rotating knobs and a trackball, which
controls the equipment. For more details, refer to Chapter 2.
The Control Panel is connected to the Core Unit by means of a cable with connector.
Core unit
The Core Unit consists of the following main parts protected in a dedicated cabinet::
• the Antares Assy
• the Alpha Board
• the optional Alpha Expansion Board
• the Power Supply mounted on the Alpha Board
• the Line Filter
• the Main Power Switch
For details, refer to Simrad ARGUS Radar Installation & Service manual.
The boards are made up of multi-layers printed circuits using VLSI components; programmable gate arrays and microprocessors are used to achieve a high package density, functional
reliability and low power consumption.
Auxiliary indicators (Light Emitting Diodes) are also located on the boards to allow easy
scheduled test, troubleshooting and maintenance actions.
The Line Filter is fixed to the left lateral panel of the Core Unit by means of nuts. The supply
voltage (115 VAC – 220 VAC 50/60 Hz) is applied through the Main Power Switch to the Alpha
Board.
The Alpha Board is fixed on the left side of the Core Unit by means of screws. The board is
the interface between the Argus monitor, auxiliary navigation equipment (GYRO, GPS, LOG,
AIS…) and the TXRXs (transceivers) connected. The interconnection allows commands to be
transmitted or received through BNC connectors and the Terminal connectors.
General functioning description
The Argus monitor receives the following signals from the connected transceiver(s):
• Video Signal
• Trigger
• Azimuth (AZ)
• Heading Line (HL)
• TXRX Data
The data is applied to the TXRX interface block of the Alpha Board that, upon command from
the Main Processor on the Antares Board, selects the transceiver to be used. The signals from
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the selected transceiver represent the data on which the equipment operates.
The signal process mainly consists of two steps:
• the Video Signal Processing
• the Automatic Target Tracking.
The results of the signal processing are both visualised on the monitor and sent to the Automatic Target Tracking circuits.
Target and data display
The monitor presentation area is subdivided in a radar video presentation called PPI AREA
and a data table SYSTEM DATA AREA (for more details, refer to Chapter 2). The total area of
the screen is made up of a rectangle of pixels, depending on the size of the display. The video
signal and the graphic symbols (vectors, arcs, special symbols, bearing scale and segments)
are represented within the area of the PPI.
Video signal processing
This section receives the Video Signal from the transceiver and, after conversion into digital
form, processes it by removing:
• Sea Clutter
• Rain Clutter
• Interference.
The processed signal is sent to:
• the monitor for visualisation
• the Automatic Target Tracking circuits.
In the Video Signal Processing blocks, the digital signal is processed by means of complex
algorithms in order to recognise the presence of a target and, if the target is present, its shape
and the target coordinates.
The target coordinates and the target shape are sent, in digital form, to the Automatic Tracking Section of the equipment.
Failure procedure
This description does not describe failures that can occur during operation. If a failure occurs,
the operator must perform all relevant actions in order to remove the failure itself. When a
failure occurs, the fail condition is pointed out by:
• the red SYSTEM FAIL LED
• the acoustic alarm
• the Fail System Warning will be displayed in the General Purpose Section.
Watchdog function
Warning: The equipment’s operational software is monitorised by a hardware watch-
dog with a 3s timeout.
Non recoverable errors due to hardware faults are indicated by FAIL indication on the Control
Panel flashing at approximately 1 Hz.
Any type of failure caused by software or hardware, which stops the system for more than half
a second activates the System Failure relay on the Alpha PCB. This check doesn’t need software intervention, but is automatically controlled by the hardware. The Failure relay contact
is normally closed, so the function is active, also when the main line is absent or the power
supply has failed.
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Technical characteristics
1 General description
The ARGUS Radar fully complies and exceeds IMO recommendations.
• IMO-Resolution A.278 (VIII), A.694 (17), A.823 (19), MSC 191 (79), MSC 192 (79)
• EN 62388 Ed.2.0, 2013
• EN 62288 Ed.2.0, 2014
• EN 60945 Ed.4.0, 2002 incl. Corr.1, 2008
• EN 61162-1 Ed.4.0, 2010
• EN 61162-2 Ed.1.0, 1999
The ARGUS Radar is composed of the scanner unit and three modules i.e. a desk-mounted Monitor Cabinet, Keyboard and
Core Unit. Thanks to the modular design, it can be assembled to form a stand-alone display cabinet or may be flushmounted into a mechanical bridge console. The standard basic configuration always includes an electronic, built-in Interswitch for
dual radar installation.
The above flexibility makes the ARGUS Radar the optimum solution for a dual radar system on new constructions and retrofit installations.
2 Display unit Actual radar picture
(mm)
Monitor size: 16/19” WS > 180 mm 1366 x 768 1 CAT3
Monitor size: 24” WS > 250 mm 1920 x 1080 1 CAT2/CAT2H
Monitor size: 19” > 250 mm 1280 x 1024 1 CAT2/CAT2H
Monitor size: 23” > 320 mm 1600 x 1200 1 CAT1/CAT1H
Monitor size: 26” WS > 320 mm 1920 x 1200 1 CAT1/CAT1H
Monitor size: 27” WS > 320 mm 1920 x 1080 1 CAT1/CAT1H
Performance for categories of ship/craft for Solas V
Description CAT3 CAT2 CAT1
Minimum operational display area 180 mm 250 mm 320 mm
Minimum Display Area 195 x 195 mm 270 x 270 mm 340 x 340 mm
Auto Acquisition of Targets YES YES YES
Acquired Radar Targets Capacity 20 100 100
Active AIS Targets Capacity 30 110 110
Sleeping AIS Targets Capacity 120 300 300
Trial Manoeuvre YES YES YES
3 Technical specications
Video processing • Digital processing on: 8 bit (256 levels)
• Manual /Automatic Sea anti-clutter and rain anti-clutter
• Sweep to sweep (Interference Rejection), scan to scan video correlation for residual sea
clutter removal, target enhancement
• Scan to scan correlation for echo trails. True and relative trails calculated simultane-
ously in every presentation mode
• Trails are maintained between changes in range scale and PPI position
Presentation modes Day/night modes
- Relative motion (RM) Head up, Course up and North up
- True motion ( TM) Course up and North up
O-centering Up to 50 % of range scale in use
Range scales 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96
Range rings 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.75, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16
Range resolution 3 m on 0.75 NM range scale
Resolution
(pixels)
Suggested viewing
distance (m)
Category of ship/
craft
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3 Technical specications
VRM Dual VRM from 0 to 96 NM with digital readout
VRM resolution 0.01 NM
VRM accuracy 1% of range scale in use
Azimuth resolution 0.1°
EBL Dual EBL with independent 0-360° true or relative digital readout
EBL resolution 0.1°
Trackball Polar and Geographic coordinates continuously displayed
Diagnostics On-line diagnostic built-in
Radar target facilities:
Acquisition Manual or automatic up to 100 or 20 targets (depending on the category), up to 24 NM
Tracking Automatic up to 100 or 20 targets (depending on the category), up to 24 NM
Auto acquisition/
Guard Zones
One auto acquisition zone stabilized on Ownship heading and size/shape configurable.
Four sectors with fixed width of 0.5 NM configurable as auto acquisition or guard zone
AIS facilities:
Presentation Up to 300 or 120 targets (depending on the category), in sleeping accepted with selectable
priority (nearest range, most dangerous). Presentation filters according to AIS class, range,
CPA, TCPA, speed
Acquisition Manual or automatic activation of up to 100 targets CAT1/2 or 20 targets CAT3 plus manual
selection through a table ordered in ship name and distance
Safe Checking All AIS targets in sleeping or activated state
Auto acquisition/
Same zones described in Radar Target facilities
Guard Zones
Trial manoeuvres:
Trial course For ARPA and AIS targets. Manually adjustable from 0° to 360° or automatically computed
within 135° with reference to the present course
Trial speed Adjustable from 0° to 50 Knots
Trial ROT Adjustable from 1° to 60°/min.
Trial time Adjustable with 1 minute increments
Mapping: Operator compiled maps up to 120 segments plus symbols and text strings with selectable
colors and line styles
Map Stabilization Relative, True (Dead Reckoning) or geographic
Map storage By Name, on a built-in non volatile memory. Transferable via USB Memory stick
Map adjustment Position and orientation
Graphic functions: True or relative time adjustable vectors
Target identification number, trackball marker and true marks. AIS identification number,
ship names or call signs
Time adjustable past position plots
Four independent parallel index lines
Waypoints and Route from EPFS
Ownship shape and activated AIS target shape on lower range scales
Additional features:
Zoom Enlarges a selected area over the main PPI
Picture in Picture (CCTV) Opens a window inside which is an area of the ship for monitoring; e.g. the hold or car deck
of a ship. (Number of video input channels according to monitor specifications)
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3 Technical specications
Simplified conning information
Graphic display of sensors, e.g.:
• Wind sensor
• Steering Gear
• Heading sensor
• CCTV Input
• Echo sounder
• SDME sensor
Additional PPI Additional PPI with the same functions as the main PPI, including the possibility to interact
with different TXRXs at the same time
ECDIS interface Function for complete integration with an ECDIS system connected via LAN
Video Combination Possibility to select two radar sources and the possibility to view the two sources at the
same time in a single image. The automatic Tracking uses the two sources to track targets,
even across the blind sectors of the radar antennas
Data readout:
ARPA Target data Range/bearing, speed/course, CPA/TCPA and Latitude/Longitude
AIS Target data Ship Name, MMSI, Call Sign, Range/bearing, speed/course, CPA/TCPA and Latitude/Longi-
tude, Type, Status, Destination, ETA, ship size, AIS class
Ownship data Heading, Speed/Course water or ground stabilized Geographic position and UTC time
System setting: Safe Minimum CPA & TCPA, vector/past positions / trial / trials time
Alarms: Acoustic and visual warning for: Dangerous Target, Target in Guard Zone, Lost Target, Sys-
tem Failure and external interface sensors (EPFS and AIS)
Other features: Anchor-watch, echo reference speed (not for AIS enabled systems), EPFS speed
Built-in, electronic dual interswitch facility plus additional expansion, up to four transceivers.
Coaxial cable only connection (SXI mode) to TXRX
Inputs:
Gyro Heading Analog: synchro or stepper. Digital Fast NMEA (IEC 61162-2)
Speed Log Analog: PIT or two axis log. Digital: NMEA (IEC 61162-1)
EPFS Serial Interface NMEA (IEC 61162-1)
AIS Serial Interface NMEA (IEC 61162-1)
External Alarm Interface Serial Interface NMEA (IEC 61162-1) – RAACK sentence
Outputs:
Serial Interface NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162-1)
RATTM - RAOSD – RARSD – RAALR – RATLB – RATTD sentences
Dead Man Alarm, Power Fail, Danger Target relay outputs configurable as NC or NO
Other interfaces: Double Ethernet port 10/100 with a full set of TCP/IP protocols. System redundancy for LAN
connection failure
Four USB 2.0 port
Environmental features:
Operating temperature -15°C / 55°C (IEC 60945 protected equipment)
Storage temperature -25°C / 70°C (IEC 60945 protected equipment)
Relative humidity Up to 95% at 40° (IEC 60945 protected equipment)
Water proofness IP66
Vibrations As per IEC60945
Power consumption: 500 W max (depending of monitor and wind load on TXRX)
Power Supply: 220/115 VAC 50/60 Hz
Dimensions: Core unit only: Width 46 cm, height 35 cm, depth 15 cm
Weight:
Keyboard 2 kg
Core unit: 9 kg
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3 Technical specications
Type approval: IEC 60945 (General Requirements)
IEC 62388 (Radar Performance)
IEC 61162-1/2 (NMEA interface)
Warning: Highest mast position is good for long range detection, but it heavily affects
the detection in sea clutter. For optimal detection in sea clutter, suggested antenna height
from sea level is around 20 m. Usually the contradictory specifications are solved with
installation of more than one antenna, e.g. one at 30 m for long range detection and one
at 20 m for optimal detection of low intensity echoes in sea clutter. THe S-band transceiver
is always the optimal choice for reducing rain clutter reflections and increase long range
detection. Longer antennas for X-band are less susceptible to rain and sea clutter.
Warning: According to IMO standard, a ground speed sensor is required to be con-
nected to the Argus console. Only electronic positioning systems (EPFS) approved in accordance whit the requirement of the IMO in resolution msc.112(73) shall be connected to
the radar console.
It is allowed to use an electronic position fixing system (EPFS) approved in accordance with
the requirements of the IMO in resolution msc.112(73) or an alternative two dimensional
ground stabilising SDME in compliance with IMO resolution msc.96(72).
Warning: Only electronic positioning systems (EPFS) approved in accordance with the
requirements of the IMO in resolution msc.112(73) shall be connected to the radar console.
Warning: The radar unit is provided with a safety switch, which disable the antenna
movement during maintenance operations and avoids high voltage damage. Always turn
the safety switch off, whenever advised in this manual (for instance, before performing any
maintenance or installation procedures). Ignoring safety switch operation may produce
hazard of electrocution as well as other severe injures.
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2
Basic operation
Keyboard controls and indicators
5 7 8 12 9 10 14 11 15
1
2
3
POWER
TX ON
FAIL
SYSTEM
CHART RADAR OTHERCONN
SHOW
MOB EVENT AUDIO
LAYER
FNCT 1 FNCT 2 FNCT 3
4
EBL
BRILL GAIN SEA
DISPLAY TRACKING
TM /
COURSEUPHEADUPNORTHUPPRES
RM
OFF
CENTRE
CENTRE
RANGE
RESET
RAIN TUNE
ACQ
VRM
SEL
CANCEL
6 13 6
Control or
Ref.
indicator
Description and function
1 POWER This pushbutton with green LED indicator is used to switch between
Sleep and On conditions. When the system is in Sleep condition it
appears to be Off, but the electronic is still on, waiting for the real On
condition request. In order to switch on the monitor, and the control
panel, the operator has to press the POWER button, and holding it
pressed for more than 5 seconds. An audible beep will sound and the
green LED next to the pushbutton will change to high brilliance.
In “On” condition, by pressing the POWER button again, the monitor,
and the control panel will be switched off again and another beep
will sound and the green LED will return to low brilliance, bringing the
system into a Sleep mode (to shut down the system completely, the
main power switch of the core unit must be set to position 0).
2 TX ON This pushbutton is used to switch the system between Standby and
TX ON. In Standby the display does not request the TXRX to transmit,
but it is possible to get some information from the system, depending
on the type of TXRX connected. In TX ON the radar (if Master) radiates and the antenna turns. This is the normal working condition (the
switching “Standby to TX ON” and “TX ON to Standby” are executed at
the release of the pushbutton).
3 FAIL This indicator is normally Off. A red-colored LED will be switched on
when a system failure occurs (this is an indicator, not a button).
4 USB port USB type 2.0. Main purpose is to simplify file sharing and software
upgrading.
5 SYSTEM
user
functions
Momentary pushbuttons used to access the function or to execute
one of the three programmable functions (FNCT 1, 2, 3) as described
in “The three function keys on the keyboard” on page 29.
6 EBL/VRM Use the rotary knob to set the EBL/VRM 1 or 2 alternatively. The EBL/
VRM data are displayed in the related windows. For further details,
refer to “Measurement by means of the ERBL 1 or 2” on page 84.
7 BRILL Monitor and keyboard dimmer. Push to toggle Day/Night.
8 GAIN GAIN control. Push to toggle Manual/Auto modes. The optimum set-
ting is when the receiver background noise is hardly visible. For further
details, refer to “Gain” on page 65.
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Control or
Ref.
indicator
Description and function
9 SEA Anti-Sea Clutter by reducing the gain at minimum range gradually
returning to normal. Push to toggle Manual/Auto modes. The gain
varies with the distance according to a predetermined curve and in an
amount proportional to the setting. When the potentiometer is turned
fully counter clockwise, the gain is uniform over the entire screen.
10 RAIN Anti-Rain Clutter. Push to toggle Manual/Auto modes.
Large target masses will show only the immediate shoreline, thus,
permitting prominent targets on land to appear. Rain or snow clutter
can be reduced by the use of the potentiometer, and covered target
revealed. For more details, refer to “Rain” on page 66.
11 TUNE
Push for 2 seconds to toggle between Manual/Auto modes. If manual,
keep it pressed to change the tuning. The tuning may be checked by
means of the numeric indicator on the screen, or directly by observing
a target echo. In the last case, the echo level should be slightly above
the noise level (not saturated). The tuning meter indication is displayed
on long pulse only. For more details, refer to “Tune” on page 64.
12 DISPLAY:
TM/RM Toggles True Motion and Relative Motion modes.
COURSE UP Momentary pushbutton used to select a stabilised Course Up presen-
tation. Press again in Course Up mode to enter a new course reference.
HEAD UP Momentary pushbutton used to select Head Up presentation (referred
to Heading Line).
NORTH UP Momentary pushbutton used to select North Up presentation
(referred to Gyro North). When the PPI is in True Motion mode the
presentation is automatically selected. For more details, refer to “North
Up” on page 62.
PRESS RESET Momentary pushbutton used to reset the position of own ship 180°
against the course.
OFF CENTRE Momentary pushbutton used to set the off-centered presentation
on the point under the cursor of the trackball (if the cursor is placed
inside the PPI).
For more details, refer to “PPI Centre/Off centre” on page 63.
CENTRE Momentary pushbutton used to set the PPI centered presentation.
Not active in True Motion presentation.
13 RANGE Two momentary pushbuttons used to select one of the 10 different
range scales, expressed in NM, and the relevant range rings for PPI
presentation.
With the + pushbutton it is possible to increase the range scale while
with the - pushbutton it is possible to decrease it. For further information refer to “Range scale increase/decrease” on page 63.
14 TRACKING:
ACQ(UIRE) Momentary pushbutton used to acquire a radar target or to activate
an AIS target.
SEL(ECT) Momentary pushbutton used to display alphanumeric information
related to the selected radar target or AIS.
CANCEL Momentary pushbutton used to delete a tracked radar target or to
deactivate an AIS target.
15 TRACKBALL Positioning input device. Use the trackball to move the cursor on the
PPI (displayed as a cross) and on the system data area (Menus area,
displayed as a black arrow, except for the progress bars in which it is
possible to change the value, where it’s displayed as a double horizontal thin arrow).
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Procedure to switch on the system
Switching on the main power switch placed on the core unit, the system will boot and the
Standby window will appear. Pushing the POWER button the system will switch between
Standby and Sleep mode. When the system is in Sleep mode it appears to be powered off,
but the electronics are still on, waiting for the actual Power On mode request. In order to
switch on the monitor and the keyboard, the operator has to press the POWER button, and
holding it for more than 3 seconds. An audible beep will sound and the green LED next to the
pushbutton will change to high brilliance.
In Power On mode, by pressing this pushbutton again (for more than 3 seconds), the monitor and the keyboard are switched off again, another beep will sound and the green LED will
change back to low brilliance; the system is now in Sleep mode (to shut down the system
completely you need to switch off the main power switch of the core unit.
After switching on the system, the Standby window will be shown on the monitor and the
brilliance is automatically set to the lowest level in night colors. This feature is important in
case of switching on during the night to avoid a strong flash into the eyes of the operator. For
daylight operation, click on the centre mouse key or press the BRILL button to obtain the day
highlighted colors palette. The Standby window below provides informative data, such as:
• TXRX Status (Standby, Short, Medium or Long Pulse, warm-up countdown, etc.)
• Possible selection of Transceivers (with only one connected, no selection is possible)
• Operation mode at the next TX ON (master or slave)
• Magnetron and System Life Times (available only for TXRX version 54 or higher).
When the system is in Standby (Standby window visible in the centre of the screen and TX ON
yellow LED off) the operator is allowed to switch on the RF transmission, using the TX ON button. In Standby the radar display does not require the TXRX to transmit, but the transmission
could be on due to the control by another display or the TXRX could also be in Local mode
in transmission (for more details regarding the Local/Remote mode refer to the transceiver
technical manual). In TX ON mode, the radar antenna (if Master) radiates and turns. This is the
normal working condition (Standby to TX ON and TX ON to Standby switching are executed
at the release of the pushbutton).
Warning: In TX ON condition, pressing the TX ON button the system will return to
Standby.
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Monitor presentation (4:3 system)
The monitor function is to visualise all necessary information to carry out the scheduled navigation and show information related to targets, own ship, settings and measurements, etc.
According to the procedure described in the previous paragraph, clicking the TX ON button
will turn on the yellow LED and set the scanner in transmit mode. When transmitting, the following window will be displayed on the screen.
Monitor Display - General view
The window displayed can be divided into the following two main areas:
• PPI area in which the radar video is displayed. In this area all the tracking and navigation op-
erations can be performed.
• SYSTEM DATA area, which features all the menus for the operator to control the system, to set
all the data required by the system and to perform all the radar target /AIS operations. The
SYSTEM data area is organised in the following 9 sections - see next page.
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1) Own ship
2) Help line
3) Operating mode
4) Cursor
5) Tracking
6) Main menu control
7) Displaying information
System data area sections
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Argus Radar Operator Manual
8) Video processing
9) Alerts/System status/Failure
10) Presentation modes
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System data area
Ref. Sections Function
1 Own ship In this section all parameters regarding own ship are indicated:
• AIS operating mode (ON/OFF, if connected)
• Heading
• Speed and course
• Own ship geographic position
• UTC or Local time
• Map name (if displayed)
• Number of tracked targets or AIS with target overflow identification
• AIS input priority, display filtering, source data during target association.
2 Help line This line with three columns indicate the various options for each mouse button according to
the operating mode (Tracked target, PPI, Map editing).
3 Operating mode Selecting one of the two modes, the operator can select operating in Tracked target or PPI
mode. Changing the operating mode, will consequently change the suggestions in the help
line and the functions of the three function buttons on the keyboard.
4 Cursor In this section all parameters regarding the cursor are displayed i.e. Cross cursor in:
• Range and bearing, true or relative
• Geographic position.
5 Tracking In this section all parameters regarding AIS and targets are shown:
• Number of tracked targets or AIS with target overflow identification
• AIS input priority, Display filtering, Source data during target association.
6 Main menu control By pressing the main menu, a dropdown menu with submenus will be displayed. Refer to
“Main menu” on page 43 for the explanation of these submenus.
7 Displaying
information
In this section (normally empty), the information, data and measurements according to the
operator actions e.g. the menu and the target data are displayed.
8 Video processing This section includes the signal processing menu. The signal processing menu includes: GAIN,
RAIN, SEA, Scan to Scan Correlation, Sweep to Sweep Correlation.
9 Alerts/System
status/Failure
This section provides the Alerts list, the System status and the Failures.
• System status: it is displayed the status of the following unit: Trigger, Antenna, Heading line,
Gyro, Log, Radar External Interface (REI), Keyboard, TX/RX, Auto Tracking Aid (ATA), Video
process.
10 Presentation modes This section of the System data area monitor includes the buttons and shortcuts for:
• Visualisation: In the Orientation and Presentation modes section, the operator can select
the visualisation mode of the monitor display
• TX/RX Control status: Master/Slave, Power, PRF
• Presentation reset : The function of this button is to reset Own Ship position in the PPI
(True or Relative)
• Range Scale: selected Rings On, the operator, by means of the two buttons + and – will
increase or decrease the range scale
• System warnings and Wrong orders.
24 |
Warning: The true data (bearing, data, vector, etc) are always related to north and rela-
tive to heading.
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Monitor presentation (wide screen)
This type of configuration has the same basic characteristics as the 4:3 monitor, but with the
availability of a larger area in which to view the different sensors.
Monitor display - Wide screen
The window displayed can be divided into the following two main areas:
PPI area in which the video radar is displayed. In this area, upon command of the operator, all
the tracking and navigation operations can be performed.
SYSTEM data area, the same functions as the 4:3 system monitor, but with a larger area for
extended functions, like graphics sensor presentation.
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System data area sections
Area 1
Sensor information
2nd PPI mode
Main menu and sensor area
information
Area 3
Sensor information
System data area
Sections Function
Area 1 Sensor information In this area, it is possible to view up to two sensors
2nd PPI mode. Main menu
and sensor area information
Area 3 Sensor information In this area, it is possible to view up to two sensors
In this area, it is possible to view up to four sensors or it can
be used exclusively to view the second PPI
General operating procedures
In order to properly operate the ARGUS radar, it is necessary to know some basic information
regarding the GUI (Graphic User Interface), the menu structure, how to reach each function
and what information is available in the ARGUS radar display.
A general description of the GUI, which describes each section of the System data area is
provided in “Own ship section” on page 35.
GUI Widgets description
The GUI of the ARGUS radar display is composed by objects called widgets, described in the
following sub-paragraphs.
Buttons
Pressing the buttons, will consequently perform an action. The buttons can be sub-divided
into the button types:
• Menu buttons, which open a window with another menu. They have a square symbol on the
right, similar to a small menu window and they don’t change their caption
• Bi-stable buttons, which just change a parameter (i.e. ON/OFF) and consequently change
their caption
• Mono-stable buttons, which perform an action, not changing their caption (i.e. range +)
• List buttons, which open a List box or a Combo box under them. They have a down-oriented
arrow symbol on the right and they change their caption according to the section of the list.
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Bi-stable button (On and O) Menu button List button
The different type of buttons look very similar and when pressing them, the operator can see
that the button has been pressed.
Button style when pressed Button style when focusing (cursor pointing)
Almost all of the buttons activate their action when they are released after being pressing,
so the operator has the possibility to move the mouse pointer away and not execute their
action even if he already pressed them. The buttons have a focusing function (for more details
regarding the focusing refer to “Focusing function” on page 32).
Labels
Normally the Labels are just indications, placed where important context information is
described, but some of them are editable, and the operator can change their caption or the
value indicated in them. The editable labels can easily be distinguished as they have a frame
and the focusing function (for more details regarding the focusing refer to “The three function
keys on the keyboard” on page 29).
The Normal labels are just indications; they don’t have any frame or focusing function. The
data that they contain can be in two different colors depending on the selected palette and
if the data is static or dynamic. For example: with the day blue palette, around the top side of
the System data area, “Gyro” is written with a dark color, as it’s static (it’s always “Gyro”). Next to
it there is the gyro value, which is in a bright color, as it is dynamic.
When the numerical field shows a ----.— the data is invalid or missing.
Normal labels (Static and Dynamic)
Editable label (with frame) Focusing on Editable label
Shortcuts
The shortcuts are essentially a shorter way to modify the status of various radar aspects, for
example switching On/Off the ERBL or changing the Orientation mode without having to
enter the main menu and thereafter the respective menu. Passing over the shortcuts with the
mouse pointer, the possible options will appear in the Help line.
Spin buttons
The Spin buttons are similar to labels, but with some important differences. It is possible to
change the displayed value by passing with the mouse pointer over the two horizontal or
vertical arrows.
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It is also possible to modify the value by passing with the mouse pointer over the value itself.
The possible choices will appear in the Help line, in this case:
Switch buttons
These widgets look very similar to the previously described buttons, but their behaviour is
very different:
Normally they form a group in which only one is selected. All the others are automatically deselected. The green “√” inside a yellow square indicates the selected Switch button.
Switch button no. 1 selected, going to select no. 2 ..... Switch button no. 2 just selected.
The Switch buttons have the focusing function (for more details regarding the focusing, refer
to “The three function keys on the keyboard” on page 29).
List boxes
The List boxes are lists of items which are displayed when
pressing the buttons with the down-oriented arrow on the
right (List buttons, see “Buttons” on page 26). Having selected an item, the list is automatically closed and the caption
of the button memorizes the selected item.
When the list is open, clicking outside the List box or on the
button, the list will automatically close with no effect.
Combo boxes
The Combo boxes look very similar to the List boxes. They are
lists of items displayed by pressing the button with the same
kind of symbol, but they can contain a lot of items and the
quantity of them can not be fixed. On the right side of the lists
they have a column with an upper-oriented arrow at the top, a
down-oriented arrow at the bottom and a slide bar in the
middle, so the operator can scroll the list up and down to
visualize all the items.
28 |
Check buttons
The Check buttons are just a label which meaning can be activated or deactivated according to the “√” in the white square on
the left. The function indicated in the label is deactivated if the
white square does not have a “√”.
Progress bars
The Progress bars are rectangular or rotary bars showing a value by their blue filling and a
numerical indication of the current value.
Some of them can accept an input by the operator: when the cursor over a progress bar is
represented by a left-right oriented arrow, it means that the operator can increment or decrement the value of the bar using left/right SK; otherwise the bars just indicate their value and
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the cursor over them is represented by a normal up-oriented arrow. The focusing on the progress bars is shown by drawing a frame inside them.
Video processing (Accepts input)
Video processing (Accepts input) Brightness control (Accepts input)
Screen capture (Indication only)
The three function keys on the keyboard
¼ Note: From this point ahead the 3 function keys on the keyboard will be called Soft Keys (SK).
Following a short description of the Soft Keys’ meaning, when no other suggestion is provided by the Help line:
• The FNCT 1 key (left SK), as in most systems with a GUI, is normally used to check the Check
buttons or to select a Switch button.
• The FNCT 2 key (center SK) normally has the same meaning as the left one.
• The FNCT 3 key (right SK) is normally used to close a menu if any is open, otherwise it doesn’t
have a function.
If the Help line labels are not empty, the SKs take the function shortly described in the relevant label of the Help line.
For example: when in the left label of the Help line is written “Tgt Acquire” the left SK takes
the target acquiring function and once clicked, the echo under the trackball pointer will be
acquired.
Other example: when the trackball pointer is placed on an editable label, the 3 labels of the
Help line normally indicate “Decrease”, “ Enter Value”, and “Increase”. This means that the left
SK decreases the value inside the label when pressed, the right SK increases it and the centre
SK opens another window with a numeric keypad to enter a new value from scratch. This system allows the operator to carry out all the functions of the ARGUS radar display only with the
three SKs. In the following page, some examples of the functions of the SKs and the relevant
functions of the Help line are described.
LEFT SK CENTER SK RIGHT SK
Tgt Acquire Tgt Select Tgt Cancel Acquire Tracked
targets or Activates AIS
ones
Offcentre Select PPI Center The PPI will be cen-
tered at the position
of the mouse pointer
when pressed
Close Menu Normal mouse click
(press buttons)
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Argus Radar Operator Manual
Select Tracked target
or AIS targets to display numeric data
Select ERBL and Parallel Indexes, keeping it
pressed, the objects
can be moved
Normal mouse click
(press buttons)
Cancel Tracked target
or AIS targets
The PPI will be
centered again on its
geometrical centre
Close the menu currently open
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LEFT SK CENTER SK RIGHT SK
Truncate Select Untruncate When Truncate mode
is enabled on Parallel
Index sub menu, the
parallel index pointed
by the cursor will
be truncated at the
position of the mouse
pointer when pressed
Decrease Enter Value Increase Decrease the relevant
value one step for each
press
Decrease Auto Increase Decrease the relevant
value of the relevant
video processing,
keeping it pressed the
vaule decrease quickly
Unused Manual Unused Button not used in this
function
Ins Line
Ins Text
Hook Txt
Modify Txt
Posit Adj
Undo Adj
Place a Map line on PPI
(only in Maps editing)
Ins Symbol Cancel Txt Angle Adj The displayed Map
will be hooked to be
moved in the next step
Apply Shift Undo Adj Unused Apply the new
position of the map
previously hooked and
moved
Unused Undo Adj Apply Rot Button not used in this
function
Hook Line/
Txt
Modify Line/
Txt
Canc Line/Txt Hook the focused map
line/text to be moved
Hook SYM Modify SYM Cancel SYM Hook the focused map
symbol to be moved
NUP HUP Res Course Set orentation to
North UP
HUP CUP Set orientation mode
in Heading Up
NUP CUP Set orentation to
North UP
T Trails /
R Trails
T motion/
R motion
Set Echo Trails True/
Relative
Set Presentation mode
to True Motion/Rela-
tive Motion
Centre PPI center
TXRX Menu Open TXRX menu
Select Parallel Indexes;
keeping it pressed, the
line can be moved
Open the numeric keypad in order to enter a
new value
Set the relevant video
processing in Automatic mode (where
possible)
Set the relevant video
processing back to
Manual mode
Place a Map text on PPI
(only in Maps editing)
Quit by the Map Position Adjust condition
Quit by the Map Position Adjust condition
and restore the original
map position
Quit by the Map Position Adjust condition
and restore the original
map angle
Open a menu to
modify the focused
map line/text
Open a menu to
modify the focused
map symbol
Set orientation mode
in Heading Up
Set orientation mode
in Course Up
Set orientation mode
in Course Up
When Truncate mode
is enabled on Parallel
Index sub menu, the
parallel index pointed
by the cursor will be
“untruncated”: if the
line was truncated,
it will be redrawn by
clicking on it with right
key
Increase the relevant
value one step for each
press
Increase the relevant
value of the relevant
video processing,
keeping it pressed the
vaule increase quickly
Button not used in this
function
Place a Map symbol
on PPI (only in Maps
editing)
The displayed map will
be hooked to be rotated in the next step
Button not used in this
function
Apply the new angle
of the map previously
hooked and rotated
Cancel the focused
map line/text
Cancel the focused
map symbol
Reset Course Up orientation to a new course
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LEFT SK CENTER SK RIGHT SK
Maps List Show Map Clear Map Open maps list menu Display selected map Close and undisplay
selected map
Maps List Hide Map Clear Map Open maps list menu Hide currently dis-
played map
Zoom Out Anchor Zoom in Decrease enlargement
ratio
Anchor the zoom
window on the PPI in
Close and undisplay
selected map
Increase enlargement
ratio
order to move it
Off Res Centre Rel /True Turn off ERBL Reset ERBL to PPI
center
Set ERBL angle collocation to Relative or
True
On /Off Rel/True On /Off ERBL visualiza-
ERBL Relative/True
tion
Geo Lock/
O.S. Lock
Geo Lock/
O.S. Lock
ERBL 1 Position is
locked to geografic/
own ship position
ERBL 2 Position is
locked to geografic/
own ship position
Rel/True Set cursor position to
Relative/True
Decrease Enter Value Increase Reduce the numerical
value
Decrease Unused Increase Reduce the numerical
value
EPFS A Drift Manual Set EPFS speed as
speed source
LOG A Drift Manual Set LOG speed as
speed source
LOG EPFS Manual Set LOG speed as
speed source
LOG EPFS A Drift Set LOG speed as
speed source
Unused Auto Unused Button not used in this
function
Place Obj Hook Obj Select Obj Place object:
Enter the numerical
value
Button not used in this
function
Set auto drift speed as
speed source
Set auto drift speed as
speed source
Set EPFS speed as
speed source
Set EPFS speed as
speed source
Auto speed as speed
source
Increase the numerical
value
Increase the numerical
value
Manual speed as
speed source
Manual speed as
speed source
Manual speed as
speed source
Set auto drift speed as
speed source
Button not used in this
function
Hook object Select object
Line
Symbol
Tex t
Place Line Unused Close Place line Button not used in this
Quit function
function
Place Txt Unused Close Place text Button not used in this
Quit function
function
Place Symb Unused Close Place symbol Button not used in this
Quit function
function
More info Close M.S. Targets data more info Close minimun safe
windows
Min Safe 2 Targets 4 Targets Open minimun safe
Show two targets Show four targets
windows
More info All Fails Close Menu Information of fails Information of all fails Close Fails menu
Lat/Lon ETA/TTG Close Menu Presents the cursor’s
coordinates
Time Setup Close Menu Open the menu that
ETA and TTG set by the
cursor distance
Close menu
Close menu
allows to set the system time
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LEFT SK CENTER SK RIGHT SK
Ais Setting Assoc Off Open Training menu Switch off association
with data from AIS
or Target tracking for
target
Filter Off Filter On Off Disable filter for sym-
bols presented
TT Source Ais Source Close Menu Indicate source of data
in Target tracking
Enable filter for symbols presented
Indicate source of data
in AIS
Focusing function
When placing the trackball pointer on a button of the system data area, the button will be
highlighted with a quite different color. This highlighting is called “Focusing”. Removing the
trackball pointer from the button will return the button to its original color. If the button is
disabled, also the focusing will be disabled.
The focusing is not only in the buttons, its also available in other widgets where its possible to
perform an action. The aspect of the widget changes in some way, depending on the type of
widget:
• The color of the buttons normally changes to a brighter one, in some palettes it changes to a
darker one
• The color of the switch buttons behaves in exactly the same way as the buttons
• The color of the editable labels normally changes to a darker color, in some palettes it
changes to a brighter one
• Inside the progress bars is drawn a frame, which color is in contrast with the other colors of
the widget.
The scope of the focusing is to understand where the trackball pointer is placed, and if its
possible to perform any action with the widget. If the widget is not enabled its not possible
to perform any action and the focusing does not work. When it is enabled again, the focusing
will work and it will be possible to run the relevant action.
Bypass the function
Close menu
Clicking in the ARGUS interface
In all the widgets where its possible to perform actions, it is not required to double click. Every
action can be made by a single click. Most of the buttons execute their actions when they are
released. A button, which works in a different way, is for example the “Heading Line On”, which
hides the heading when pressed, so it has two actions: One is to hide the HL while its pressed,
the other is to display the HL again once its released.
The Decrease and Increase functions of the progress bars and the editable labels are executed
at the pressing. If holding the relevant SK pressed, it will increase or decrease the value faster.
Cursor shape
The trackball cursor changes its shape and color according to where its placed.
Entering in the PPI area the shape is a cyan colored cross, entering in the system data sections
it is normally a large, black, up-oriented arrow, but inside the progress bars, which accepts an
input, it is a thin double horizontal arrow. In case the system has to enter Standby for a while,
for example saving the setup, the cursor becomes a sandglass. Different shapes represent different operating ways. If the cursor is placed in PPI area its shape is a cross and allows to perform standard tracking and navigational operations, such as acquiring and selecting targets,
off centre the PPI, etc., when its over a progress bar its shape changes to a double horizontal
arrow and pressing the left or right SK it is possible to decrease or increase the value of the
progress bar (see progress bars paragraph).
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Examples of cursor shapes
Page 35
Menu window
Basically, all opened menus are windows, which have a title in a color different to the rest
of the window (pos. 1), a back pushbutton (pos. 2) used to return to previous menu and an
escape pushbutton (pos. 3) used to close the window. The remaining area (pos. 4) normally
contains buttons, labels or any other kind of widgets or items.
2
1
3
4
Menu window: shape and items
¼ Note: When operating with menus opened in the displaying information section and the
operator opens another menu, the previous one is automatically closed.
Numeric and alphanumeric keyboards
When the operator selects a function (such as the Gyro preset) and need to fill in data, a numeric or an alphanumeric keyboard will be displayed right below the cursor section (See “System data area sections” on page 23, pos. 4). The operator will be able to enter the required
data by means of pressing the numbers or the letters.
Many functions will display this keyboard. Above the keys will be a help label suggesting what
type of data to be inserted. The measurement unit (degrees, Kt, meters, etc.) will be displayed
inside the data label (See “Cursor section” on page 41).
By means of the keyboard and the cursor, the operator can fill in the desired data, and once
confirming by pressing enter, the inserted data will be applied. In case the inserted data
exceed the maximum or minimum values, the system will adjust the input to those values (i.e.
0 and 359.9 for gyro value).
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In case the operator enters an incorrect password, a Wrong Message error will be displayed.
The ESC labelled button closes the window and the data is not applied. The backspace button
(labelled with a left arrow) deletes the last digit. The DEL labelled button deletes the entire
data inserted. The ENTER labelled button accepts the data and stores it in the system.
The button’s label
Each button is labelled according to the function it performs.
The bi-stable buttons display the actual status of the function performed by the button. This
means that for example when the HL On button is labelled “On” the heading line is enabled
and currently displayed. When its labelled “Off” the heading line is actually Off and its not
displayed.
Other buttons that are not bi-stable, such as the one labelled “Cancel All TGT” on the tracking
menu, performs exactly the function indicated by the label; in this case if the button is clicked
it will cancel all the system targets.
If help mode is enabled, hovering the cursor over the buttons located in the system data
area, another help label will be displayed, amplifying the information related to the function
performed and labelled on each button.
Small menu-like icon
If the button is labelled with a menu-like icon, its function is to open another window containing a new menu, with further information or options. For example the Personal Settings
pushbutton: by pressing it, the personal settings menu will be displayed.
Tool icon
If the button is labelled with a small tool icon, its function is to open specific menus useful for
the configuration of the system e.g. the Radar Configuration pushbutton.
Horizontal line with a down-oriented arrow icon
If the button is labelled with a down-oriented arrow on the right, pressing the button, a list
box will be opened. Clicking e.g. the Past Position button, a list box will be displayed and the
operator will have the possibility to select an item from the list, just by placing the cursor on
one of the displayed options and clicking. To close the list without selecting anything, click
again on the button or anywhere outside of the list.
List of symbols
CCRP / Antenna position reference page 42
Heading line and PPI graphics On / Off page 64
Range rings On / Off page 63
34 |
Basic operation |
Audio On / Off page 131
Open parallel index menu and status page 43
AIS filtering On/Off page 93
AIS data On (AIS data source) page 91
Argus Radar Operator Manual
Page 37
Disabled AIS lost alert page 91
Disabled AIS danger auto-activation page 91
Presentation reset page 62
System status / System failure page 29
Own ship section
In this section the operator has a fast read-out of all the information concerning Own Ship
(See “System data area sections” on page 23).
System data area – Own Ship section
Gyro and speed
Indicates the heading data received from the connected Gyro compass in degrees. If the
communication with the gyro compass is interrupted or the Gyro compass is incorrectly connected or the information receiving data from is wrong, the gyro value label will show “---.-” in
red color and a System Failure will appear, indicating a failure of the gyro.
When the IEC61162 sentence THS is the source of the heading information, the mode indicator field is checked against invalid data or low integrity data. In this case, the heading data is
presented in red for invalid values and black on a yellow background for low integrity data.
Gyro preset
The function of this menu is to set the proper angle between the ship’s heading and North, in
case of incremental gyro such as Stepper or Synchro.
Operating with an incremental gyro, the value provided by the gyro compass is only the
incremental value (a fraction of an angle) and not the absolute value; therefore it is necessary to provide a proper reference pre-setting of the heading value. In this way, changing the
heading, the incremental value will be added to the pre-set value. This value must be set at
the start-up, after a blackout and after the storage of any radar setting.
In case of a Gyro serial signal (NMEA) this setting is not required, because the value provided is
the absolute value (if entering 120°, the gyro will assume the heading is 120°). In this case the
Gyro preset button is disabled.
To pre-set the gyro value, press the Gyro preset
button and a numeric keypad will appear above
the system setup menu. The setting is provided
manually, entering the value by means of the
alphanumeric keyboard and pressing the Enter
button (green).
There could be several reasons why the value is
not accepted by the system. If the Gyro field has
a red background, the Gyro signal is in failure and
the failure is briefly described in the field. The
possible failures with incremental gyro are:
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•
Gyro No Preset. Means that the connections are detected correctly, but the operator need to
preset the gyro value as described above.
• Gyro No Ref. Means that no reference is detected for the three phases of the gyro signal. A
check of the phases is required.
• Gyro Phase Error. Means that the three phases of the gyro signal all have the same voltage.
This is also the failure given when no phase is connected (all at 0 V).
The three phases are given by the Gyro with a 3 bit gray code. The purpose of this code is to
detect the increment of the value and its sign; its most important characteristic is that only
one of the three bits can change at the time and in this application (normally it is not a characteristic of the gray code), the 3 bits cannot all have the same level. Check the gray code to
see the four green LED on the Alpha board are o.k.:
1. The first one next to red LED is D33 and it indicates the first phase (S1).
2. The second one is D34 and it is the second phase indicator (S2).
3. The third one is D35 and it indicates the third phase (S3).
4. The last one is D36 and it is to indicate the reference.
Move the Gyro or somehow simulate a turn and the three LEDs (S1, S2 and S3) will start to
change their state, it will be easy to observe that they never will be all on or all off, and only
one at a time will change its state.
S1 S2 S3
Gray code
Obviously, to do this test, it is necessary to have an incremental Gyro (i.e. stepper) correctly
connected and set up.
Speed
It indicates the ship speed data from the speed sensor in knots. It also indicates if the value is
entered manually. The speed description label indicates the type of value available, if entered
manually or simulated. The possible speed sensors are indicated in source speed conversion
table next page and below are some examples of possible speed read-outs.
Speed from a single axis speed log, in the
course field the Gyro heading value is replied.
Speed Through Water and Course, in this case
the information is taken from the speed log.
Speed Over Ground and Course Over
Ground, if there is no info between parentheses the information is taken from the
speed log (dual axis speed log, Log Ground
Speed selected in Own Ship set menu).
Speed Over Ground and Course Over
Ground, the type of sensor is briefly indicated
between parentheses.
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Source speed conversion table
Speed Over Ground and Course Over
Ground, the information between parentheses indicate the equipment which is sending
the sentence (OSD sentence) and the type of
sensor which the info is coming from.
Manual Speed, the speed source chosen by
the operator is the manual one.
Simulated Speed, the speed simulation
has been turned on by the operator and it
overruns any other kind of speed chosen
before (differently by the manual speed, with
the simulated one, a movement of the ship
is also simulated and the Lat/Lon info are
computed).
Speed computed using a stationary target as
reference.
Target
true
speed
LOG
Speed source
Single axis
Manual drift
ON **
Manual drift
OFF **
Alphanumeric
screen display
STW (LOG) BT W
SPD (LOG) WT W
Analog dual axis STW WT W
Serial dual axis
Manual
speed
WT choice STW WT W
BT choice SOG BT BT
Manual drift
ON **
Manual drift
OFF **
STW (MAN) n.a. M
SPD (MAN) n.a. M
Echo reference speed SOG (REF) BT R
EPFS speed SOG (EPFS) BT P
* WT = Water tracking log BT = Bottom tracking log
M = Manually entered W = Water referenced
P = Positioning system ground reference R = Radar tracking
** MANUAL DRIFT is considered: ON when MANUAL DRIFT SPEED ≠ 0;
OFF when MANUAL DRIFT SPEED = 0
Speed
reference
(OSD) *
For example:
• If a serial dual axis log sensor and BT type is selected, the indication will be: SPD (BT).
• For ship heading speed and course and speed made good, the indication will be: COG - SOG.
• If a single axis log sensor has been selected, the text in the related row is: LOG SPD, and for
course and speed made good: SPEED – HDG.
Speed source selection
Open the speed source selection menu by pressing the “Speed Source Selection”. The main
function of this menu is to select the possible and desired own ship speed source:
• Log Speed, it is possible to switch between ground speed and speed through water value.
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•
Manual Speed, which is not allowed if using AIS on board.
• Auto Drift, which is not allowed if using AIS on board.
• EPFS Speed.
The speed source selected is indicated by the green “√” tick on the yellow background.
Furthermore, it is possible to set a Manual Drift speed and angle, but only with: Manual Speed;
Single Axis Speed Log or Dual Axis Speed Log with transversal has no speeds available.
Main Menu Control – Speed Source Selection Menu
Log speed
The speed LOG can be Single or Dual axis input, either water track or bottom track. Therefore
the stabilization mode available can be either Sea or Ground depending on the sensor in use.
¼ Note: The speed through water measured close to the hull is affected by the tide and by the
current, so from time to time it will differ significantly from speed over the ground. A Speed
Log measuring speed through water may in specific cases be affected by poor conditions
due to e.g. air or ice below the sensor. If the sensor measures only the longitudinal component of the speed, the transversal ship component is unknown to the radar.
Manual speed
Selecting Manual Speed, the value written in the label next to the Manual Speed switch button will be applied as ship speed; this value can be changed placing the cursor on the above
mentioned label and following the suggestion of the Help line, which will say “Decrease”,
“Enter Value” and “Increase”, then press the left or right SK to decrease or increase the actual
value or press the centre SK to directly enter a new value using the numeric keypad, which is
the same as for the Gyro preset.
¼ Note: The Manual Speed is an evaluated speed, unsettled and inaccurate; for this reason,
some operations cannot be performed with manual speed. This can be for True Vector presentation and if on-board AIS is ON.
Auto drift speed
The Auto Drift Speed can be selected to compute own ship’s speed (in case of speed log
failure) using as reference a stationary target. Selecting the Auto Drift Speed, the system will
calculate the ship’s speed relative to the reference target. The Ref. Target can be set by pressing the “Ref Target Sel” labelled button when the interesting target is the last selected (the one
in the first column of the target data window) which can be called Reference Target and be
recognized by a square flashing around it and an “R” inside the square at the top right corner.
Obviously, the reference target must not be moving, otherwise the speed computed is the
sum of the two speeds of own ship and the reference target, and the radar target track must
be steady (must be tracked for at least 3 minutes).
The procedure for using the Auto Drift should be as follows:
38 |
1. Acquire a complete stationary echo (e.g. a buoy).
2. Wait about 3 minutes, until its symbol changes from
to .
3. Select it and press “Ref Target Sel” and the symbol will change to
square around (selection).
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Argus Radar Operator Manual
with a flashing
Page 41
4.
Select “Auto Drift” and the speed displayed in own ship window will be the result of the
calculation of the Ref Target relative speed inverted by 180 degrees.
Pressing “Ref Target Sel” with no tracked target, or no target selected or a moving target selected, the system will indicate “Wrong: No Steady Target” in the wrong order area.
Selecting Auto Drift with no reference target, the system will indicate “Wrong: No Reference
Target” in the wrong order area.
Also, this kind of speed source is not allowed if AIS is ON.
When the speed source is the reference target, the value is calculated filtering the difference
of relative position between the reference target and own ship. Consider that the position
precision is proportional inverse to distance because the measurement in azimuth depends
of the radar antenna beamwidth multiplied by the range.
Good reference target speed is obtained from acquiring and tracking near echoes with small
area but with good radar reflectivity.
Warning: The echo used as reference must be a stationary target, otherwise all speed
calculated will not be true, but only relative to the reference target. It is wrong to select a
ship that is anchored as a reference; no alert will be signalled when the ship starts to move
and all the calculated true speed will change to erroneous values. The reference echoes
should never be used to calculate relative speed. This data is not following a speed change
with adequate accuracy for an anti-collision system.
Warning: When the reference target is lost, the speed source will automatically be
switched to LOG. If the LOG is working on water track, the speed mode will become sea
stabilised.
EPFS speed
Selecting the EPFS speed, own ship’s speed is taken by the speed information coming from
the connected positioning source (i.e. GPS). The sentences accepted on the EPFS serial port as
source of speed are VTG and RMC.
When an EPFS is used as speed source, that speed is calculated filtering the variation of the
position of the ship. Considering that EPFS position resolution is around 10-20 m, and the
speed measured is less than 1 KN, the course inaccuracy will increase with decreasing speed.
In case none of the above sentences are available from the EPFS, but the system is connected
to an AIS receiver, the EPFS source speed can be given from the VDO sentence of the AIS. In
this last case the “EPFS Speed” labelled button changes to “AIS Speed”.
Choosing the EPFS speed, with any of the above sentences, the speed and course values are
handled as if they came from a Ground Stabilized Dual Axis Speed Log, and the label next to
the speed and course values in own ship window change to “STW” and “Crs”.
If any of the above sentences are available, the values of the usable speed and course are displayed in the labels placed to the right of the “EPFS Speed” labelled button and their validity is
displayed there as well.
Valid EPFS Speed and Course
No EPFS Speed Information
Not Valid EPFS Speed and Course
Valid AIS Speed and Course
System EPFS
Using the manual speed or a single axis speed log, it is also possible to enter a Manual Drift,
pressing the Manual Drift On/Off button and entering the correct values in the labels next to
it. The way to enter the values is exactly the same as for entering manual speed.
Using the EPFS Speed or a Dual Axis Speed Log the “Manual Drift” button is disabled.
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¼ Notes:
•
The default source of speed is the speed log, and it is the one selected after every start-up;
after a switch from standby to TX-On the last selection is reloaded.
• An SDME speed over the ground based on acoustic sensors has limited depth range and
may in specific cases be affected by poor acoustic conditions due to e.g. air or ice below the
sensor.
• The speed through water measured close to the hull is affected by the tide and by the cur-
rent, so from time to time it will differ significantly from speed over the ground. An SDME
measuring speed through water may in specific cases be affected by poor conditions due to
e.g. air or ice below the sensor. If the sensor measures only the longitudinal component of the
speed, the transversal ship component is unknown to the radar.
Course
It indicates the ship’s course according to the speed source selected. Obviously, in case of
single axis speed log, the course field shows the gyro value.
Own ship geographic position
It indicates the ship’s Latitude and Longitude, data incoming from an EPFS (i.e. GPS).
Invalid data is displayed in red, low integrity data in black on a yellow background.
When the EPFS is not available or in timeout, the geographic position value is replaced with a
red --.—
UTC or local time
The date and time indicated can be switched between UTC and local time, manually entered or received from the EPFS; this selection can be performed using the shortcut suggestion from the Help line, when placing the trackball cursor on the label, which says “UTC” or
“Local Time”. Pressing the left SK when the correspondent suggestion says “Time Setup”, the
“Date and Time Settings Menu” will be displayed and the operator will have the possibility to
change the following:
• Choose to display UTC or local time; the local time zone offset is normally sent by the ZDA
sentence.
• Set a manual local zone if for any reason the local time zone offset is not available (it can be
applied to the Manual Time also).
The changes are applied immediately, but to store them in the memory and reload them after
a restart, the “Accept” button must be pressed.
¼ Note: The manual date and time are not stored in the memory even if pressing the “Accept”
button, due to the fact that the system is not able to run the clock while it is turned off.
40 |
Date and Time settings menu
Map name
The name of the map currently displayed (if any).
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Page 43
Help line section
The function of the Help line (See “System data area sections” on page 23) is to make suggestions to the operator on the actual functions of three function buttons. The main functions
are described in “The three function keys on the keyboard” on page 29.
Operating mode section
There are two switch buttons under the help line (See “System data area sections” on page
23) with which it is possible to select “Track Mode” or “PPI Mode”. The Help line will change
consequently (See “The three function keys on the keyboard” on page 29).
Cursor section
In the Cursor Section (See “System data area sections” on page 23) of the system data area
all the parameters relevant to the cursor are displayed. The information displayed are described in the following sub-paragraph.
Cursor
The Cursor Polar Position (Range and Bearing) is displayed and it can be switched between
True and Relative. Obviously, if the gyro is faulty, the True information is not available.
Latitude and Longitude or ETA and TTG
These fields normally indicate the Geographic position of the cursor (Cursor must be inside
PPI area and valid EPFS data available).
The EPFS position depends also of the datum (DTM) used.
The DTM sentence is processed and evaluated. Latitude and longitude will not be accepted
and presented when:
• the reference datum is different from WGS-84,
• no datum has been received or the offset is missing and the local reference is not WGS-84.
The position background changes to yellow when the local datum is different from WGS-84
and the latitude and longitude are changed according to the datum offset.
ETA and TTG to the cursor position can be calculated and displayed. And the switch between
the two presentations can easily be performed moving the trackball on the “Latitude” and
“Longitude” labels and watching at the Help line. The Help line related to the left SK will indicate “ETA/TTG” (in case the presentation is already for ETA and TTG it will indicate “Lat/Lon”).
In ETA and TTG mode the system will indicate the estimated date and time of the eventual
arrival at the point where the cursor is placed (ETA, expressed in hh-mm dd-mm-yyyy) and the
time needed to arrive at that point (TTG, expressed in dd hh-mm).
To display ETA and TTG the cursor must be placed inside the PPI at a bearing of ±45° relative
to own ship course.
¼ Notes:
•
The ETA can be displayed only if an external time source is connected (i.e. GPS) or a manual
date and time are set.
• Both ETA and TTG are not displayed if the speed source is at fault or if the speed is lower than
0.1 K T.
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Tracking section
The AIS label shows the AIS operating mode. If an AIS device is connected, a progress bar indicating the number of targets will be displayed, otherwise the information displayed is “OFF”
(See “System data area sections” on page 23). The maximum number of targets that can be
acquired is 300 (CAT1&2) or 120 (CAT3); reaching 95% of the maximum, the progress bar will
change to yellow, to warn about the near limit. And reaching 100% it will change to red, to
indicate the reached limit. It is possible to set the priority of AIS targets by their Range, CPA
and TCPA. It is also possible to filter AIS targets by Range, CPA, TCPA, CLASS A, CLASS B and
Speed. Detailed explanations about AIS priority and filtering are provided at “Operating” on
page 93. The General AIS information are provided in “AIS (Automatic Identification System)”
on page 91.
Target tracking
The TT label indicates how many targets have been acquired. If there are no acquired targets,
the label will indicate “STBY”. Otherwise, a progress bar indicating the number of targets will
be displayed. As for the AIS label, reaching 95% of the maximum targets that can be processed (100 for CAT1&2, 20 for CAT3), the progress bar will change its color to yellow, and
reaching 100% it will become red.
Target track and AIS association mode
A symbol is displayed to indicate the data source when an associated target is selected.
CCRP Position (Consistent Common Reference Point)
By pressing this button it is possible to change the CCRP position between
the conning position and the radar antenna.
Every measurement made with cursor, or EBL VRM etc. is always referred to CCRP. The PPI
origin is always on the radar antenna position, in both modes.
By pressing this button it is possible to change the CCRP position between the conning position and the radar antenna position. Changing the CCRP position will modify the reference of
any angles and distance measurements e.g. bearing scale, range rings, targets distance, ERBL,
etc.
For optimal CCRP presentation the radar sensor should be aligned in position and every range
delay or azimuth skew should be compensated. These settings are made during the installation setup and all the radar display configuration can be saved and shared with other displays
via a USB memory module.
When the selected transceiver is changed, the configuration for that unit is automatically read
from the setup and applied to the picture so that the PPI center is consistent for all selected
radar TXRX and for each console on the bridge.
¼ Note: In True Motion and when the CCRP, due to the position of the radar antenna or the
range scale in use, is located at more than 50% of the PPI radius, the Reference will change
automatically to Antenna Reference. When this condition is not true anymore, because the
range scale was changed, the reference is again automatically switched to the CCRP. This
check is made to avoid loss of radar PPI visibility in front of the ship or incorrect presentation
of the bearing scale.
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Parallel index menu
In the graphic symbols menu, it is possible to set up four parallel indexes.
The Parallel Lines function shows the distance between own ship and the
coastline, or one or more ships when navigating. This function is particularly useful when navigating in limited or restricted waters and navigating in a traffic separated zone. For more information, see ( “Parallel indexes” on page 87).
Main menu
The main menu control section is activated by pressing the Menu button on the screen, and
it consists of the following submenus for various system menu controls:
Radar Configuration (page 43); Personal Settings (page 44);
Speed Source Selection (page 37); Video Processing (page 75);
TXRX and Interswitch Menu (page 77); Brilliance Settings (page 50);
Orientation Motion Sharing (page 51)
and Mode Selection (page 61); Day Color (page 50);
Cursors (page 41); Antares PCB Info (page 50);
Targets Tracking (page 90); About Argus (page 51);
Symbols (page 112); ECDIS (page 52);
Maps (page 119); Conning Menu* (page 54);
*Valid configuration for wide screen; see table in “Available versions” on page 12.
Radar conguration
The “Radar Configuration” button will open a new window containing specific sub menus for
the system configuration. This phase is very delicate, and for this reason the Radar Configuration button is protected with a password. Only skilled operators and factory personnel are
authorized to use these sub menus, generally during the first installation. In case the operator
needs to use the radar setup menu for any reason, we suggest not to touch any parameters
without the help of an authorized technician.
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Personal settings
Pressing the “Personal Settings” button, the following window will be displayed.
Personal settings menu
This menu gives the possibility to customize the ARGUS Graphic Interface, changing the colors, the brilliance of a part of the interface and so on. Obviously, these settings depend on the
preferences of the operator. The purpose of this menu is to cover the preferences of as many
operators as possible. The following sub-paragraphs provide instructions on how to perform
these preferences.
Bearing scale accuracy
Around the PPI window the degrees are indicated on the Bearing scale. The values are normally set for every 30 degrees. The bi-stable button on the left top corner of the Personal Settings Menu modifies the Bearing scale unit from 30 degrees to 10 degrees, as shown below.
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Right/Left hand mouse operative mode
The bi-stable button to the right top corner of the menu, normally labelled as “Right Hand
Mouse”, switches the trackball operative mode between Right and Left hand, interchanging
the functions of the Left and the Right SK.
In this way, most of the functions described in “Buttons” on page 26 have to be flipped
horizontally if Left Hand is chosen; e.g. “Tgt Acquire” must be exchanged with “Tgt Cancel”, but
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“Decrease” always remains on the left and “Increase” always on the right.
¼ Note: This setting will have effect after a restart of the system, it is not possible to see the
effect in real time.
Menu color palette
Pressing the Menu Palette button, a list with the following options will open:
1. Menu: Light Blue
2. Menu: Dark blue
3. Menu: LightGreen
4. Menu: Dark Green
5. Menu: LightGray
6. Menu: Dark Gray
Choosing one of the above options from the list, the colors of the graphic user interface will
change consequently as shown in the following pictures.
¼ Note: The palette change has effect only in Day Color, as it will not change if the system is in
Night Color condition.
Video radar color palette
Pressing the Video Radar Palette button, a list with the following options will open:
1. Video Radar: Yellow
2. Video Radar: Green
3. Video Radar: White
Choosing one of the above options from the list, the colors of the only Video Radar will
change consequently as shown in the following pictures.
Video radar color palette
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PPI black background
When this feature is selected (default), the PPI background will always appear in black, no
matter which video palette is selected.
Checkbox deactivated: The PPI background
will be according to the selected palette color.
Checkbox activated: The PPI background
will always appear in black.
Video level equalization
When the operator changes the range scale from e.g. 6 NM to 3 NM or less, the system makes
an equalization of these levels. The time necessary to visualize this equalization, coming from
6 NM range scale, is a few seconds. This kind of processing allows to get the maximum contrast of the echoes, depending of the video level.
Echo Sharpening
The echo sharpening (Video radar histogram) is deactivated as default. The function is able to
normalize relative color gradients (240) in the current radar presentation on scales lower than
3 NM. It then shows the full color gradients, increasing the discrimination of the radar image.
Select the checkbox to activate the echo sharpening at lower scales of less than 3 NM.
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Echo Sharpening deactivated Echo Sharpening activated
Video processing bars with or without percentage value
This bi-stable button allows to show the video processing bars with or without the percentage values.
It is normally not needed or required by any rule to show these percentage values, but if the
operator prefers to have them displayed, he can easily do so by using this button; just be
aware that, in the tuning bar particularly, the value changes continuously while the antenna is
turning.
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Cursor rest position
The function of this button is to define a position for the trackball pointer to move to after
a defined timeout, which will allow the operator to always know the exact position of the
cursor. To turn on the Cursor Rest Position function, press the “Cursor Rest Pos Off”, which will
change to “On” and another button and label will be shown in the row below the button.
Now, pressing the “Set Rest Position” button will open the Rest Position Storing mode; the left
label of the Help line will indicate “Rest Pos”. In this mode, the operator can move the trackball
to indicate the desired cursor position and then click the left SK to confirm it. The default and
minimum timeout after the cursor is moved to the rest position is 15 seconds, but this interval
can be modified by operator by clicking on the specific label with the center key.
¼ Note: The cursor rest position is operative only after clicking the “Accept” button.
User functions
In order to avoid repetition of procedures specific to the desired operating mode, it is possible
to save and recall specific operating functions. There are three buttons, which allow recalling
these functions. They are called user function keys FK1, FK2 and FK3.
In the personal settings menu, there are three buttons: Function 1, Function 2, and Function
3. When pressing one of them, a new window with 6 buttons will be displayed. When pressing any of these 6 buttons, a list of selectable functions will be shown. This gives the operator
the possibility to store up to 18 functions (6 functions for each of the three function buttons),
which can be quickly recalled by pressing the pushbuttons “FNCT 1”, “FNCT 2” or “FNCT 3” of the
keyboard or the buttons “F1”, “F2” and “F3” placed under the Help line in the system data area.
To change a function from the list, press one of the 6 list buttons of the “Function Key Menu”
and the list will open (see example next page). Choose a function from the list, and select it.
After all 6 buttons in a function key have been selected, press the Accept button to store the
function key content in the setup content file, so the selection can be recalled after a system
restart.
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¼ Notes:
•
The same function could be stored more than once in a FK, e.g. if “True Vector” is stored on
all of the 6 functions of FK1, pressing FK1, the vectors presentation is changed to True mode 6
times, with no other change visible to the operator.
• Also, some functions in the list are complementary, in this case one overwrite the other one,
e.g. if in the first button “Range 24 NM” is selected and in the second one “Range 3 NM”, then
by pressing the relevant FK, the range is set first to 24 NM and immediately after to 3 NM, with
no change visible for the operator.
After the functions have been stored (selecting them from the list and pressing “Accept”), all
6 functions can quickly be set/activated, just by pressing the corresponding FK. For example,
the vector presentation is set to True Motion, the orientation and presentation of the PPI is set
to North Up, True Motion, True Trails, the colors are set to Day, and so on up to the 6th function, which is Scan to Scan On, 1 scan.
Once the FK1 has been pressed, the above functions are executed and the “F1” button
changes its background to yellow, which means that it is the one currently activated.
Now, if the FK1 is pressed again, the system deactivates the functions from FK1, and restores
the system situation as before the FK1 button was pressed. The yellow background disappears
from FK1. This does not mean that the complementary functions to FK1 will be activated. For
example, if FK1 sets the vectors to “True Vectors”, and the vectors were set also to “True Vectors” before FK1 was activated, then after pressing FK1 the second time, the vectors will stay
“True Vectors”.
Key click
The function of this button is to enable/disable the beep sound when pressing any of the
pushbuttons.
Warning beep
The function of this button is to enable/disable a beep when receiving a warning signal.
Help Online
The Help Online check button enables/disables the help functionality that provides the suggested messages when a widget (button, check button, spin box etc.) is focused. Note, that
the help will be available only after clicking the “Accept” button.
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Date format
By pressing the button indicating the date format, a list of possible date formats will open,
allowing to select the preferred type:
• Day-Month-Year (DD-MM-YYYY)
• Month-Day-Year (MM-DD-YYYY)
• Year-Month-Day (YYYY-MM-DD).
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Help O/On
Each button is labelled in order to visualize the main function it performs when pressed. If this
function is activated (Help On), further information is provided when hovering the cursor over
the buttons for more than one second. A help label will be displayed, enhancing the information for the button where the cursor is positioned.
Ship outline beam
This setting is useful to override the standard behaviour described by IEC62388, only the
ships having a scaled beam >6 mm are displayed with proportional outline. This condition is
usually reached only in the lowest range scale. To permit a ship outline indication also in other
range scales, the limit can be set alternatively to >2 mm.
Layout
The Layout button will open the Layout Settings Menu that allows the operator to choose
the desired interface layout between a number of possible options (available options differ
according to the type of monitor in use).
For example, it is possible to have the System Data Menu on the left side, as shown in the
above image. The layout selection will be applied after clicking the “Accept” button and the
system has been restarted.
If the monitor has a wide screen, pressing the Layout button will also include the choice of
having a menu at both sides.
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Brilliance settings
Pressing the Brilliance Settings button will open a menu where the operator can adjust the
brilliance value of: Keyboard dimmers, Own ship symbol, Navigation symbols, Video radar,
Tracking symbols, ERBL and Menu interface.
The Brilliance Settings Menu appears as in the following image, with seven different progress
bars, one for each brilliance value.
Placing the cursor over one of those progress bars, the trackball pointer will become a double
left-right oriented arrow and the operator will be able to decrease or increase the values.
Day color
Toggling this button (Main menu), the operator can quickly switch the monitor background
color between Night and Day options. The night PPI background color is much darker than
the day setting. You can also push the BRILL knob on the keyboard.
The default option is the night background, in order not to disturb the operator if the system
is powered up at night time. Meaning that, every new system will start up with the night color
with low intencity. To quickly switch to Day, press the BRILL knob on the keyboard or press the
centre SK right after the long beep of the power up.
For the dark palette of the menu, there are no evident difference between day and night
colors.
¼ Note: The Night PPI background color is characterised by higher contrast and lower lighting,
compared to the day setting. The Day PPI background color is characterised by higher brightness and lower contrast, compared to the night setting.
Antares PCB info
By pressing this button (Main menu), various information about the status of the main board
will be displayed, the name of the board, its revision, the serial number and some internal
temperatures and voltages. This information can be helpful for the operator or the service
technician, to understand where a possible problem is.
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Sharing
In this mode (Main menu), after setting the Video Maps, Conning Task Configurations and
Personal Settings on the radar, you can then share these settings with other existing stations,
simply by pressing the Synchronize pushbutton - see below example:
Once you have sent the new configuration, the recipient has to accept it by consenting to the
new setting.
However, in case of the “Day/Night Control” parameter, when this is set on any machine, it is
automatically changed on all others, without any consent request.
About Argus
The About Argus menu (Main menu) provides information about the program and the version running within the system. This menu summarises all the programs running within the
system, as well as the model of different hardware components and the serial number of the
ANTARES Board (ex. G297).
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ECDIS interface functions
When the unit is configured to be connected with ECDIS, a new pushbutton will be available
in the lower part of the main menu. Press the ECDIS pushbutton to opent the ECDIS menu.
Main menu with ECDIS
The menu contains two checkboxes to enable streaming of the synthetic video to the ECDIS
console. The point to point connection address of the ECDIS console is defined under the
“Radar Configuration” menu. See the Installation Manual for a description of the ECDIS connection setup.
Up to two video streams to two ECDIS consoles are available. Figure below shows the menu
when two ECDIS LAN destinations are configured in the radar setup.
With the ECDIS interface, which sends packets containing points, line types, fonts and coordinates, it is possible to show this information on the screen in map form with specific symbols,
see illustration next page.
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1 2 3 4
Maps viewed through ECDIS with dierent scales
On the left it shows two maps representing the same course but with different scales. Both of
them show mainly:
• A red dotted line (1) representing the course of the ship
• Red circles (2) inserted above the dotted line (1), representing the points in which the ship
changes direction. These points are known as “Waypoints”
• A white line (4) that may be either continuous or dotted, representing the obstacles present
close to the route or coastlines.
By increasing the scale, we can see that the Waypoint also shows a radius of curvature (where
the ship changes direction).
These maps are enriched with symbols generated to make navigation clearer and it has been
summed up in the table below.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Buoy North
Buoy South
Buoy East
Buoy West
Buoy Lateral Port
Buoy Lateral Stbd
Buoy Special
Buoy Danger
Buoy Safe
Buoy Ufo
Area Caution Arrow W
Area Depth Arrow NW
Area Empty Sign Call
Area Ufo SignReminder
Arrow N Nato 1
Arrow NE Nato 2
Arrow E Nato 3
Arrow SE
Arrow S Nato 5
Arrow SW Nato 6
Nato 4
ECDIS map symbols
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Conning menu
The Conning Menu button is only available for the wide screen system.
In this mode, the operator can configure the available areas on the system data area section,
entering the tasks to be set into the dedicated areas.The sensitive areas for which we can
configure our Tasks have been highlighted in the figure below.
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
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Settable areas
Each area can host a precise number of tasks, such as:
Area 1 (Up to a maximum of 4 Tasks)
Area 2 (Up to a maximum of 8 Tasks)
Area 3 (Up to a maximum of 2 Tasks)
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By entering the Conning Tasks menu configuration, you can enable the “Conning Task Editing
mode”. This function means it is possible to intervene in each of the three areas by inserting
the required tasks, simply selecting them from a list, which is opened each time the trackball’s
center key is pressed.
Conning tasks menu (CHANGE)
From this menu it is also possible to save the set configuration by pressing the “Save As “ button and using the display keyboard that opens in the system data area, to type in the desired
name for this type of configuration, e.g. “DEFAULT”. In this mode, it is possible to save up to 16
configurations.
To re-use this type of configuration, just search for the previously saved name and press the
“Load” key. To delete a stored configuration, once it has been found and the name selected,
press the “Delete” key. To change the configuration set previously and to load another one
from the “Conning Task Configurations List”, press the ”Quit” key and load an existing configuration from the list, such as: “Environment, Docking” etc.
Conning task list:
Task Description
Additional PPI: The window shows an alternative viewing possibility to the first PPI.
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ROT: The window shows the ship’s rate of
turn.
Depth: The window shows depth sent from
the echosounder.
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Task Description
Heading: The window shows the ship’s
heading in relation to geographical north.
Haven and bottom Track: The window
shows the speed through water (STW) and
the speed over ground (SOG).
Docking: The window shows the speed
over ground (SOG); this is used during
docking manoeuvres.
Steering gear: The window shows the rudder position.
CCTV: The window shows images from one
or more closed circuit tv cameras placed on
the vessel.
Wind: The window shows the wind direction relative to the vessel.
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Task window movement
Once a task has been selected, it can be moved inside the sector itself; positioning the cursor
at the top left corner of the task and pressing one of the two “Operating Pushbuttons” it is
possible to drag and drop the selected task window using the trackball (see figure to the left).
Selecting the bottom right corner of the task window, it is possible by pressing one of the two
“SK keys” and using the trackball, to rescale the task window in proportion (see above figure
in the middle). To close the task window, click on the “x” in the top right corner of the window
using one of the two “Operating Pushbuttons” (see above figure to the right).
This function is only possible when selecting the first window “Conning Tasks Editing Mode”.
Picture in picture
Title
Adjustments
CCTV
Task CCTV
Rescaling and moving the CCTV window is only possible using the spin buttons, which then
make it possible to adjust the position vertically, using the “H position” arrows and then to
adjust the horizontal position, using the “V position” arrows.
For the other adjustment functions, such as picture size, use the “Size” arrows. When adjusting brightness and contrast, change the percentages by using the progress bars. To close the
adjustment window, click the arrow on the top right corner of the box. In this configuration,
it is possible to use up to three CCTVs, each one with the previously entered settings. These
operations are possible by selecting one of the CCTV windows (such as e.g. CCTV1 in above
illustration).
It is also possible to rename the CCTV source, pressing the center trackball button on the
lower label and entering the name via the keyboard window.
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Additional PPI
2nd PPI mode
This type of representation is only available in wide screen mode and it offers the possibility to view a different type of presentation. Almost like having two radars. The Additional PPI
can show different radar scales, orientations and stabilization. The additional PPI has separate
video processing and controls to have optimum conditions for specific use. It is also possible
to present AIS and tracked targets.
From the Conning Tasks configuration list, select the “Additional PPI” configuration, which will
open a screen like the one shown above, where the functions appearing are for the most part,
the same as what is available for the first PPI.
Warning: This function is only available when Area 2 does not already contain the
previously inserted tasks.
To enable direct keyboard control of the presentation functions in this mode, it is necessary to select the “Get Control of Keyboard” function. To present the AIS symbols on the 2nd
PPI, select the window “AIS symbol”. If you wish to see the tracked target symbol, select ”TT
Symbols”. For more information about the symbols used, see “Horizontal line with a downoriented arrow icon” on page 34. Different from the main PPI, targets on the second PPI can
be observed, but cannot be acquired, selected or deleted.
To enable the ERBL and VRM function (see explanation in “Measurement by means of the ERBL
1 or 2” on page 84), it is necessary to click with the arrow inside the dedicated shortcut. The
measuring functions are the same as those applied for the first PPI.
¼ Note: The functions of the Additional PPI window are the same as the main PPI, but they are
independent from one another. This means that you can change any parameter of the additional PPI without affecting the corresponding parameter on the main PPI, and viceversa.
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Video radar palette
Pressing the Video Radar Palette button, a list with the following options will open:
1. Video Radar: Yellow
2. Video Radar: Green
3. Video Radar: White
4. Video Radar: Multi
5. Video Radar: Meteo.
Choosing one of the listed options, the colors of the video radar will change consequently .
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Zoom
To access this option, enable the “Zoom” checkbox.
A fixed size zoom window will be shown in the menu area. In zoom mode, a square will be
drawn on the PPI indicating the area which is zoomed. Use the center trackball key to move
the area, right key to increase zoom and left key to decrease it. The zoom area has fixed dimensions, so an increase/decrease operation will resize the PPI selection accordingly.
In zoom mode, it is possible to enlarge the selected area in the first PPI by up to a maximum
of eight times.
Once the function has been enabled, it is possible to interact through one of three options:
Relative This means the possibility to follow your course throughout the route, viewing
the surrounding area in detail.
Geo This means the possibility to focus the image in the geographic position for the
area you intend to monitor only.
Follow Tgt This means the possibility to focus the image on a moving target, following it
along its route.
Customizing radar control settings
You can save up to 5 user defined control settings in the system. The function is used for
defining various conditions and user preferences.
The user settings are saved and recalled from the User settings menu.
You recall default control settings from the Main menu.
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The following functions are included when you save a user setting:
Function Default settings
Band X-band
Collision warning On (limits CPS 2 NM, TCPA 12 minutes)
Display mode of PPI True motion, north up
Display of maps, navigation lines and routes Last settings
EBLs Off or last settings
Fixed range rings Off
Gain, Rain and Sea Automatic
Graphical AIS reported target display On
Off-centering Look ahead
Operational alarms (except collision warnings) Off
Parallel index lines Off or last settings
Post position Off
Radar and AIS target function Association On
Radar target tracking Continued
Range 6 NM
Stabilization Sea/Ground Ground (SOG, COG)
Target trails On, 6 minutes (same as vector)
Tuning Automatic
Vector mode Relative
Vector time 6 minutes
VRMs One VRM on at 0.25 NM
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Radar presentation and video processing
3
Presentation and visualization options section
In the lower section of the system data area the visualized buttons represent different functions and operations related to the presentation options.
Orientation and motion modes
The function of this line (“System data area sections” on page 23 and “Shortcuts” on page
27), normally labelled with the actual orientation and motion mode status, i.e. “HUP RM RT”,
is to select the Orientation and Motion mode of the PPI. Pressing the Orientation Motion and
Mode Selection button in the system data area, the “Orientation and Motion Mode Menu”
will be visualised. Operating within this menu, the operator can choose between different
combinations, where:
• “NUP” stands for North Up, “HUP” for Head Up and “CUP” for Course Up.
• “RM” stands for Relative Motion and “TM” for True Motion;
• “R Trails” stands for Relative Trails and “T Trails” for True Trails;
The Reset Course button is enabled only if a Course Up is selected. Its function is to reset the
presentation to the actual Course Up, for example during a manoeuvre.
The function of the Auto Presentation Reset Check button is to enable/disable the auto presentation reset after every range scale change.
Further description of the available presentation modes:
Head Up
Operating in Head Up mode, the Heading line on the
PPI is oriented on the 0° of the bearing scale, and the
radar image is displayed relatively, when own ship
turns the radar image rotates. A short red marker on
the bearing scale represents the north marker, indicating the actual own ship heading related to North.
The target echo is displayed at its measured distance
and in its direction relative to own ship’s heading.
This is the only orientation mode available if the radar
is not connected to a heading source. The Head Up
mode is available only in Relative Motion mode. To
choose True Motion mode or Relative Motion True
Trails mode, the operator needs to select North Up or
Course Up.
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North Up
Operating in North Up mode, the heading line on
the PPI is oriented according to own ship heading
obtained from the Gyro compass, the 0° indication on
the PPI represents North. When own ship turns, the
heading line changes its direction according to the
ship’s heading and the radar image remains stabilised in azimuth. The target echo is visualised at its
measured distance and in the true compass direction
from own ship. The North Up orientation mode is not
available if no heading source is connected to the
radar. If heading data is lost, the system will automatically switch to Head Up.
Course Up
When this mode is selected, own ship course is oriented to 0°; when own ship turns, the system maintains the orientation of the picture rotating the heading line, to avoid whitening the
sector between the initial and the terminal position. It is possible to be orientated to the new
course by pressing the “Reset Course” button.
Relative motion (RM)
Own ship remains fixed on the PPI, and the radar image moves around it with relative motion.
True motion (TM)
Own ship position moves across the PPI according to own ship’s course and speed, while the
radar image is displayed according to its true movement (land is steady and other ships are
moving). If own ship position exceeds 50% off-centre on the PPI, its position is automatically
reset to a point of 50% radius in the opposite direction. If heading data is lost, the presentation mode is changed to Head-Up mode and the North marker disappears.
P reset/TM reset
The function of the Presentation Reset button (“Orientation and motion modes” on page
61) is to reset own ship position in the PPI. Depending if the system is operating in True or
in Relative Motion, the button is labelled “TM Reset” or “P Reset”. The function of the button is
the same in both conditions: pressing the button, the PPI will be Off-centered and own ship
symbol will be placed as far as possible from the point where it would disappear (opposite
side respect to its course, at 50% of the range scale from the PPI centre), as shown in the following figures:
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Own ship crossing the O-centre limit of 50% Own ship position after the TM reset
This operation is therefore automatically performed by the system when, in True Motion, own
ship passes 50% of the range scale from the PPI centre. In the above figures the 50% limit is
represented by the red circle. Note, that the red circle is not visible on the PPI, but has been
drawn in the above figures to better explain how True Motion Reset works.
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The row under PPI area
Under the PPI area there is the row for the presentation modes, in which the following controls are located (note that widgets can be shown from left to right or viceversa, depending
on the currently used layout):
1. Range Scale Increase/Decrease
2. Range Rings ON/OFF
3. PPI Centre/Off Centre
4. P Reset/TM Reset
5. Sea Stab/Gnd Stab
6. Heading Line On/Off
7. Tu ne
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Range scale increase/decrease
The function of the two square buttons labelled with big “-“ (minus) and “+” (plus) is to decrease or increase the range scale by one step. Between them, a label is indicating the actual
range scale value in NM. There is a direct link between range scales and transceiver PRF. Each
time the range scale is changed, the optimal PRF is selected according to the following table:
Range scale (NM) Pulse length (µs) PRF (Hz)
0.125 0.07 3000
0.25 0.07 3000
0.50 0.07 3000
0.75 0.07 3000
1.5 0.07 3000
3 0.07 3000
6 0.25 1500
12 0.25 1500
24 0.80 750
48 0.80 750
96 0.80 750
The PRF is controlled by the range scale setting of the master unit only.
Range rings on/o
Pressing the “Range Rings On/Off” button, the range rings will be enabled/disabled on the PPI.
With the range rings, the operator can approximately determine the distance to a target . The
rings are equally spaced and the distance between the rings is written on the above mentioned button.
With reference to the bearing scale, the operator can approximately determine the bearing
of the target from own ship position if the presentation is Head Up, and from the north if the
presentation is North Up.
PPI Centre/O centre
Next to the Range Rings button there is the PPI Centre/Offcentre label. The radar picture is
normally shown with own ship at the centre of the display and in this case the label indicates
“PPI Centre”. However, the operator can move the centre, so that the ship is offset by up to
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50% of the radius, anywhere on the screen and in this case the label indicates “PPI Offcentre”.
The operator cannot offset the centre when the radar display is set to the longest range scale
(96 NM).
The centering of the PPI can be changed by means of the PPI section (OFF CENTRE and CENTRE buttons), of the keyboard, or by selecting PPI mode by means of the SKs. Once PPI mode
is selected, placing the trackball cursor on the PPI, the Help line will change to “Offcentre”,
“Select” and “PPI Centre”.
Therefore, selecting Offcentre (pressing the left SK with the pointer in the PPI), the radar
picture will change the centre and the label will display “PPI Off Centre”; and vice versa, when
the radar picture is Offcentre, and the operator wants to place own ship back in the centre, he
must press the right SK, in order to perform the PPI Centre function, reading on the label “PPI
Centre”.
When in True Motion mode, the PPI CENTRE pushbutton is disabled and the Off Centre mode
is automatically selected.
P reset/TM reset
The function of the Presentation Reset button is to reset own ship position in the PPI,
see “P reset/TM reset” on page 62.
Gnd Stab/Sea Stab
Choose between sea and ground stabilization, by pressing the “Log Water Speed” (or “Log
Ground Speed” labelled button). Selecting Ground stabilization next to the speed value “SOG”
will be indicated, instead of “STW” for Water stabilization. If there is no speed data, SOG or STW,
available, the messages described in table “List of wrong operation messages” on page 133
will appear in the wrong operation messages.
Heading line and PPI graphics on/o
Pressing this button, the Heading line and all the syntethic graphics on the PPI (range rings,
maps etc.) will be hidden. The button is mono-stable, so releasing it, the PPI graphic is visualized again; therefore, the button must be kept pressed to keep the PPI graphic invisible.
Tune
The function of this control is to tune the radar receiver to have maximum target returns on
the screen. In the system, two modes of tuning are available: Manual Tuning and Automatic
Tuning. To quickly toggle between manual and automatic tuning, press the TUNE knob on the
keyboard for 2 seconds.
Automatic tuning
Placing the trackball pointer on the tune progress bar, the Help line will change accordingly,
(see “Video processing section” on page 65). If the tuning adjustment mode is not already
automatic, pushing the centre SK, the tuning is switched to automatic and “TUNE” will be preceded by “A – “. In automatic tuning, at every range scale change, the transceiver performs a
tuning of the receiver itself. Should the auto tuning fail for some reason, the message “Manual
Tuning Required” is displayed, and after a few seconds it will automatically switch to manual
tuning.
To switch from automatic to manual tuning, repeat the above procedure, pressing again the
centre SK in the progress bar (the Help line will indicate “Manual” in the centre SK), or press the
TUNE knob on the keyboard for 2 seconds.
Manual tuning
The tuning progress bar indicates the tuning level of the receiver, measuring the received
signal. The adjustment is performed placing the trackball cursor over the tune progress bar,
the Help line will change accordingly. To increase the tuning voltage, the right SK must be
pressed. To decrease it instead, the left one is used, or press and hold the TUNE knob on the
keyboard. During the adjustment, the value is indicated by a small, down-oriented red arrow;
when between 48 and 52% the color is changed to yellow (see following pictures):
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It is better to perform the manual tuning only in case of failure of the automatic tuning. The
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adjustment should be performed about 10 minutes after the radar has been switched on and
once the magnetron has warmed up properly.
To better tune the radar manually, the operator should set the range to 24 NM and set the
gain in order to show the threshold of noise. This is the best condition to tune the radar: with
high enough level of gain and long pulse transmitting. In this condition, adjust the tuning
control to obtain the maximum signal strength. The manual tuning is possible with medium
pulse too, but better to not perform it with short pulse.
Video processing section
In this section of the system data area monitor, the set of video processing is visualised (“System data area sections” on page 23). The following picture shows details about the possible
controls.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Video processing section - Detail
1. Gain
2. Anti Rain
3. Interference Rejection
4. Scan to Scan Correlation
5. Sea State
6. Video Preset
Placing the Trackball pointer on each of the video processing progress bars, the Help line
changes accordingly and the cursor changes to a thin double horizontal arrow.
Gain
The gain progress bar shows the gain level adjusted by the operator, by means of the SKs
used, placing the trackball cursor inside it; its function is to control the strength of the target
returns. The gain adjustment is performed placing the cursor over the gain progress bar and
looking at the Help line, which will change.
By default, at the start-up of the system, the gain assumes the standard value of 80% (normally the progress bars don’t show the percentage) in order to receive the optimum noise level.
The gain adjustment is a very important operation. The gain control adjusts the sensitivity of
the radar receiver. The proper setting is such that the background noise is just visible on the
screen. Setting up for too little gain, weak echoes may be missed. On the other hand, with an
excessive gain yields too much background noise; targets may be missed because of the poor
contrast between desired echoes and the background noise on the display.
Warning: The gain control shall not be used to clean the picture from sea clutter noise.
The use of the gain control to clean the picture could compromise the proper working of
the radar tracking facilities.
As the sea control affects the gain, it will be necessary to manually re-adjust it, if the gain setting is changed manually.
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Rain
The rain progress bar indicates the intervention of the Anti Rain Clutter processing. In case of
automatic Anti Rain Clutter processing, the inscription “AUTO” will precede “RAIN” inside the
progress bar.
Marine radars are sensitive to rain drops, snow flakes and fog, the returning signal is something similar to a big hazy spot of video, which can saturate the receiver and mask all targets
covered by the humidity.
The purpose of the rain control is to reduce this kind of clutter, so that targets masked by the
clutter can be seen and distinguished on the radar picture.
To obtain good results, the rain echo spots must be weaker than the real echoes, otherwise
the rain control cannot distinguish their shapes and they cannot be drawn on the screen.
The operator should turn the control down, even to zero, when its use is not required (i.e.
sunny condition). Since storm cells are usually visible at long distances due to their extreme
altitude, the operator may wish to leave them displayed so that it is possible to observe the
location of bad weather.
In order to reduce the effects of rain drops, place the trackball cursor over the rain progress
bar, the Hep line will change accordingly. To increase the rain control, the right SK must be
pressed, and to decrease the rain control, use the left SK.
Inside the rain progress bar, the function of the centre SK is to switch between manual and
automatic rain clutter control, according to the suggestion of the Help line.
Manual and Auto rain
Rain clutter shows as an echo that has almost constant intensity across the area seen on the
PPI. It can mask all target echoes that have same or less intensity.
The gain processing will try to equalize the detected video, so usually this means that higher
amplitude target over rain are presented with the same brilliance on the screen and they are
not recognizable. The only way to discriminate between target echoes and rain clutter is not
to look at signal amplitude, but at their rate of change in range.
That is exactly what the manual rain control is doing, it works as an FTC (fast time constant)
filter whose output shows only echoes that are well defined in range.
The main drawback is for the same reason, land echoes are also filtered and target size in
range is drastically altered and only the leading edge is visible.
The rain clutter residuals can be suppressed by adjusting the gain control, but it is also possible that small false echoes are presented as result of rain processing. Usually scan to scan
correlation is the best choice to clean up the PPI from these clutter residuals.
The manual rain control should be adjusted in function of the TXRX pulse length that is depending of the range scale selected on ARGUS radar displays.
Higher rain control is necessary for shorter pulses.
Long/medium pulses should not be used under medium/heavy rain conditions, the signal
received will be high in the rain area and will mask all target echoes in between, and will attenuate the transmitted signal, so echoes farther than the rain clutter area will be very dim or
completely invisible.
The auto rain control takes care of different pulse lengths and is also able to show the leading
edge of land returns. This control implements a CFAR (Constant False Alarm Ratio) filter and it
is the optimum choice in almost every weather condition.
As for the manual rain, clutter residuals are suppressed with the gain control and scan to scan
correlation.
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Loss of detection caused by rain clutter
Radar performance is measured for two rates of rain, 4 mm/h (moderate rain) and 16 mm/h
(heavy rain) and it considers the losses caused by the attenuation of the transmitted pulse.
Long pulses should not be used in heavy rain as the range will decrease significantly.
Maximum range detection of target is slightly affected with moderate rain and short pulse,
but becomes only 30% with heavy rain.
On long pulses the range decreases to unacceptable 30% with moderate rain to 10% with
heavy rain. So this underlines that long pulse should never be used on X-Band in rain conditions.
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Sea
The function of this control is to reduce sea returned signals. The sea waves return a spot similar to the one of rain, but with a different behaviour. The spot drawn on the screen is normally
around the PPI origin and its intensity decreases with increasing range. The function of the sea
control is to cut the video detected under the anti sea clutter curve, its effect is stronger close
to the origin (antenna) and weaker going farther in range, following the sea clutter behaviour.
Sea clutter is composed of a very large number of echoes, originated by the random wave
reflections from scan to scan. The clutter from these reflections will make it difficult to detect
real targets. Such sea clutter usually appears as multiple echoes on the display at short range
scales, and the echoes are not repetitive or consistent in position. Since the sea condition
depends on the wind, it is not always easy to determine the most important factor affecting
the sea radar echo. Generally at a higher frequency (3 cm), wind is a significant parameter to
which sea echo can be compared. If the sea is calm and not disturbed by wind, sea echoes
are very small, but targets even as small as seagulls can easily be seen on the PPI.
Due to the electrical characteristics, the sea clutter and land clutter reflections are comparable. The surface of large waves is sometimes bigger than the surface of a boat or small ship,
in that case there is no way to discriminate between the two echoes. The only option is to apply scan to scan correlation with the highest setting (3), but only if the target dimension and
speed follow the table (see table 3.3.1 Scan to Scan correlation).
Reflections from sea waves and targets are “competing” among themselves, so also automatic
processing like auto anti-sea/rain clutter tend to make targets intensity lower and size smaller
than the real values. Sometimes sea waves are presented in a coherent and stable way on the
PPI and it is possible to recognize the linear shape of the wave front.
It is very hard for any automatic radar video processor to discern this type of wave from a
target echo. They have almost the same amplitude, they have a shape that is consistent with
time. The operator can increase the gain threshold, but sometimes has to accept that a clear
scan is almost impossible without cancelling interesting echoes
The sea clutter can be suppressed with the manual sea control. This one reduces the signal
received following an attenuation curve that is calculated at the installation, according to the
antenna height transceiver and antenna types and especially the sea state selection.
The attenuation curve changes considerably from sea state 1 to sea state 4, after this last one
the difference between the sea state selections becomes less important.
The clutter residuals are then reduced acting on the manual sea bar. The main drawback of
manual sea processing is that it acts in the same way for the entire scan.
When the sea clutter return varies heavily with the bearing angle, because wind condition are
different, or when the ship enters in closed areas protected from winds by land, the manual
sea control will be optimized only for the highest sea clutter direction.
Target echoes in lower sea clutter directions, will be dimmed unnecessary. In these conditions
it is preferable to use auto sea clutter control. This processing evaluates the peaks of sea clutter around the ship and tries to follow the sea clutter signal envelope.
The biggest challenge is that sea clutter returns have a clear amplitude average, but around
this value they are peaking a lot and sometimes it is possible to discern wave structures.
These peaks can be higher also from small target reflections, but they change position in
every PPI scan. Scan to scan correlation is useful for reducing them because real echoes can
be found in almost the same place from scan to scan (see limitations in Table of Scan to Scan
correlation “Video preset” on page 69).
Field experiences demonstrate that:
• As wind blows up and exceeds approximately 5 Knots, sea echoes quickly increase from the
previous small value.
• The amplitude of the sea clutter decreases with increasing range from the PPI centre.
Sea return is especially bothersome in heavy seas, since buoys or other small objects are producing echoes of a level lower than the waves and cannot be detected even by means of the
Auto-adaptive Anti Sea Clutter function. The knowledge of approximate position of buoys or
light ships is of considerable assistance, as it is then possible to use the Manual Anti Sea Clutter and to concentrate on the appropriate section of the radar screen. Land masses should be
clearly visible despite of heavy sea conditions.
Care should be exercised using the Anti Clutter Control. If the control is set too low, targets
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remain under the clutter, while if the setting is too high, both sea clutter and targets will disappear from the display. In case of a too strong suppression of clutter, the dark area displayed
around own ship may not show potentially dangerous nearby targets. The proper setting
of the sea clutter should be such that the clutter is seen as small dots, and small targets will
become distinguishable around the ship.
The sea control reduces the gain level in the areas near your vessel, extending up to 3-5 NM
depending on the wave and sea conditions. This is the main reason why the use of the gain
control to reduce sea clutter effect is not correct. The gain control produces the same effect at
all ranges, causing for example loss of targets at 5 NM, when wishing to remove clutter at
1 NM.
In order to reduce the sea clutter effects, the operator has to place the trackball cursor over
the “SEA” labelled progress bar. Use the SKs in order to increase, decrease or switch the Anti
Sea Clutter control to Automatic mode.
The Help line changes when the list is closed, when the list is opened and in automatic STC
mode.
Sea State
The sea clutter attenuation curve depends on the antenna size and height, and especially the
sea state. The list permits selecting the optimal curve for every sea state.
The sea progress bar will indicate the sea state selected, as shown in the previous left figure
(Sea 5). Placing the mouse pointer over the sea progress bar and pressing the centre SK, the
list shown in the previous right figure will appear, giving the possibility to select a different
sea state or the Auto Adaptive Sea Control. Selecting one of the possible items, the indication
in the progress bar will change consequently and the sea shape correspondent to sea state
selected will be loaded by the system.
After the sea state has been selected, the clutter residuals reduction can be optimized operating on the sea clutter bar. Increasing the bar, reduces the sea clutter, decreasing works in the
opposite way.
¼ Note: The sea state STC curves should have been created for each transceiver by instructed
service personnel. For more details regarding how to build the sea state STC curves, refer to
the ARGUS Radar - Installation and Service Manual.
When rain and clutter is present at the same time as sea clutter, both detection losses are
operating at the same time. Sea clutter is always a short range problem, depending of the
sea waves’ height, so when a precipitation bank is distinct from the sea clutter reflection, the
picture will experience detection losses in the precipitation bank and farther in range (on the
angle covered by the rain clutter) and the usual losses in the sea clutter area.
The worst situation is when the precipitation is over the ship position and the detection losses
caused by the two different types of clutter affect the presentation in such a way that it is
hard to discern near echoes in the clutter and farther, because attenuated by the rain absorption.
The best strategy is to avoid using long pulse transmission, depending of the rainfall rate. The
X-Band will be useful only for near range detection, using only the short pulse.
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Warning: while adjusting gain, tune, sea or rain, verify that trail mode is not in use.
¼ Note: The sea and rain clutter do not affect the AIS targets.
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Video preset
To switch between available video presets the operator needs to focus on the Video Preset
widget and click with left and right SK to select the desired condition.
Options available are: Harbor, Near Range, Med Range, Far Range, Rough Sea, Ice. The option
“No Preset” indicates that all presets are disabled.
Interference rejection
The function of the Interference Rejection is to eliminate the mutual radar interference and
second trace echoes. Pressing the IR button, placed under the rain progress bar (“Sea State” on
page 68), will open a list with five possibilities:
• Interference Rejection ON
• Interference Rejection Low
• Interference Rejection High
• Sweep to Sweep Correlation
• Target Enhancement
Depending on the choice, the radar picture of the same environment will change as shown in
the following figures:
IR Low IR High
IR ON
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Sweep to Sweep Correlation Target Enhancement
The above figures show zooms of the areas delimitated by the white rectangles drawn in the
previous four figures, in a part of the radar image in which some small and weak echoes are
on the limit to be visible with IR off, definitely not visible with IR on and with Sweep to Sweep
Correlation and very visible with Target Enhancement. This demonstrates that the type of IR
must be chosen according to the environment around own ship: IR off when the maximum
signal from the receiver is needed, IR on when the interference disturbs the visualisation and
consequently the radar target also (the situation shown by the above pictures, and the usual
one), Sweep to Sweep when strong interference are not sufficient cleaned by the IR and Tar-
get Enhancement when necessary to distinguish between weak real echoes and interference
or clutter with a small difference of amplitude between each other.
Transceiver pulse staggering is always enabled, except when IR is off. When enabled, the
transceiver PRF is changed alternatively for each sweep. Under this condition, spiral interferences and second trace echoes are splitted in range from sweep to sweep. Then, IR processing clears all the echoes found at the same range that are not present in each sweep.
Scan to Scan correlation
The function of the Scan to Scan Correlation control is to distinguish real target echoes from
sea clutter. Correlation is performed by storing and averaging echo signals over successive
picture frames. If an echo is solid and stable, it is presented in its normal intensity. Sea clutter is
averaged over successive scans resulting in reduced brilliance, making it easier to discriminate
real targets from sea clutter.
Echo averaging uses scan to scan signal correlation technique based on the true motion over
the ground of each target. Thus, small stationary targets such as buoys will be shown while
suppressing random echoes such as sea clutter. True echo average is however not effective
for picking up small targets running at high speed over ground or, as well, small targets at low
scale, when the radar echo covers great areas in very short time. For this reason the operator
has to pay extra attention to fast moving targets.
Pressing the Scan to Scan button, a list with the selectable number of scans will be opened.
The system will perform the above mentioned correlations within the set number of scans, to
distinguish the real echoes from the false.
Scan to scan correlation is a process that filters the radar echoes that are not present in the
same position for N consecutive scans. N is a number comprised between 3 and 4.
This means that an echo that changes its position during the correlation time (depending
also of antenna rotation rate) more than its dimension can be cancelled from the PPI.
The table below is useful to estimate which echoes will be stable on the PPI according to their
maximum speed.
For example, if the antenna rotates at 20 rpm and the operator selects Scan to Scan 2/3, a
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radar echo smaller than 30 m with a speed of 20 knots, will move too fast and therefore will
not be visible.
The same echo having, for example, maximum dimension of 25 m will be correctly displayed
if the antenna rotates at 40 rpm (HSC), as the minimum dimension indicated in the table is
16 m.
The highlighted sections in the table indicates cases where the Scan to Scan correlation
should not be used, as it will require unrealistic ship sizes in order to be visible.
Scan to Scan correlation
V (KN) 20 rpm 2/3 40 rpm 2/3 20 rpm 3/4 40 rpm 3/4
10 16 m 8 m 30 m 16 m
20 30 m 16 m 60 m 30 m
40 60 m 30 m 120 m 60 m
70 120 m 60 m 240 m 120 m
Mutual radar interference
Interference from other radar must be expected when two, or more radar-equipped ships are
operating within the range of each other. The interference appears on the screen in the form
of spirals or dashed lines starting from the PPI origin. This interference is cut by means of a
digital interference suppresser circuit included in the video processor system.
Second trace echo
Second trace echoes are present only in condition of super-refraction. In these situations,
echoes placed at big distances may be displayed on the screen as second trace echoes. This
happens when the return echo is received one transmission cycle later, after the next radar
pulse has been transmitted. They can be recognised because of their irregular shape. A radar
set, with a pulse repetition rate of 800 CPS, presents second time around echoes whenever a
signal is received from a target at more than 97 NM. Due to the fact that the period between
two subsequent transmitted pulses is subject to small variations, the second trace echo appears undefined and hazy. These echoes will be displayed at their correct bearing but at a
wrong range given by their actual distance minus 97 NM.
Usually second trace echoes are automatically suppressed by the radar, when interference
rejection is different from OFF a PRF jitter is enabled and the second trace echo is shown at
different ranges from sweep to sweep. In this way the echo is not always present at the same
range so it is recognized as an interference and then suppressed by the IR process.
Sweep to Sweep correlation
Sweep to Sweep Correlation is a video process that prioritizes echoes appearing from scan
to scan. If an echo is only present in a single scan it will not be visible on the screen. Small
echoes surrounded by clutter may not be presented.
Target enhancement
Target Enhancement video processing is used to enhance the visibility of radar echoes. By
stretching them in azimuth and in range and increasing their brightness. The range stretching
is made only for the small echoes and not for the landmasses or rain blocks of video.
Target enhancement works after the anti-sea/rain processing, and with an additional sweep
to sweep control to filter the noise and sea/rain clutter residuals. This is made so that only the
smaller echoes are enhanced in dimension and brilliance. The size enhancement action is
more visible on lower range scales.
SART video presentation
The SART (Search And Rescue Transponder) is used for emergencies. The range for detection
of a SART is normally about 8 NM and its signal may be triggered by any X-Band radar. Its
purpose is to locate distressed vessels by displaying a series of echoes on the X-Band radar
display of a hypothetic rescue ship. Upon receiving a pulse from a standard 9 GHz X-band
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radar, the SART immediately transmits a response, which is swept repetitively across the complete radar frequency band. The response is made by a first rapid sweep (0.4 µs) through the
band and a relatively slow sweep (7.5 µs) through the band back to the starting frequency,
repeated for a total of twelve complete cycles. At some point in each sweep, the SART frequency will match the one of the interrogating radar and, being within the pass band of the
radar receiver, the signal will be displayed on the radar as a line of 12 dots equally spaced by
about 0.64 nautical miles.
When the range to the SART is down to about 1 NM the radar display may also show the 12
responses generated during the fast sweeps. These additional dot responses, which also are
equally spaced by 0.64 NM will be interspersed with the original line of 12 dots. They will appear slightly weaker and smaller than the original dots.
To best detect a SART signal, proceed as follows:
• Use a range scale between 6 and 24 NM, due to the spacing between responses too small to
be distinguished at higher scales (0.64 NM).
• Set sea control to minimum in manual.
• Set rain in manual and use it normally.
• Set gain control to see some noise dots in background.
• Turn Off Scan to Scan Correlation.
• Turn Off Echo Stretch.
Range Scale:
The reason why, when looking for a SART, it is preferable to use from 6 to 24 NM range scale, is
because the length of the SART response of 12 dots may be extended to 9.5 NM beyond the
position of the SART and it is necessary to see more than one response dot to distinguish the
SART from other responses.
Sea Control:
This control shall be set to minimum for optimum SART detection, as the control could cut
the sea clutter as well as the SART response. Note that in this condition (Sea control at the
minimum) ships inside the clutter range may not be visible to the radar. Note also that in case
of strong clutter, the first few dots of the SART response may not be detectable, due to the
sea control at the minimum. In this case, the position of the SART may be estimated by using
the ERBL off centre function and measuring 9.5 nautical miles from the farthest dot back
towards own ship.
Rain Control:
The SART response is not affected by the action of the rain clutter control, so the control shall
be used normally to detect ships in rainy areas, but it shall not be used in automatic.
Gain Control:
For maximum range of SART detection the normal gain setting for long range detection
should be used and a few dots of noise shall be visible in the background (around 80% of the
gain bar).
Scan to Scan Correlation:
The SART response could be weakened by this control and this is why it should be turned off.
Echo Stretch:
The shape and dimension of the dots of the SART response could be modified by this control
and therefore it should be turned off.
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Furthermore:
When only the responses generated by the slow sweeps are visible (when the SART is at a
range greater than approx. 1 NM), the position of the SART must be estimated 0.64 NM closer
than first dot. Whereas, when the distance from the SART is short and the responses generated by the fast sweep are visible, the position of the first of these will be no more than 150 m
beyond the true position of the SART. The long pulse should attenuate the SART response, for
this reason, if using a range scale of 24 NM, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
• Select the “Short Range Small Echoes” preset video processing.
• Set the Gain control at 80%.
• Set Sea Control at minimum.
This way the “Power Pull Down” function will be activated and the transceiver will use the
medium pulse for the 24 NM range scale and the short pulse for the 6 and 12 NM range scale.
Getting closer to the SART and changing the range scale to under 6 NM it is recommended to
return to the “Standard Video Proc”.
As the SART is very near, side lobes from the radar antenna may show the SART responses as a
series concentric arcs or rings. This effect can be removed by using the sea control.
Anyway, it could be operationally useful to observe the side lobes as they might be easier to
detect in clutter conditions and also they will confirm that the SART is very near to own ship.
To improve the visibility of the SART in clutter conditions, the radar may be detuned to reduce
the clutter response without reducing the SART signal. To perform this operation, the tuning
must be set to manual and the potentiometer moved to one side. The operator should take
care when doing this, because the detuned Radar will not be able to see and track targets as
it will when it is tuned. And the anti-collision functions may no longer be working. The tuning
should be returned to normal as soon as possible.
¼ Note: SART can be revealed on X Band radar only. Small echoes are displayed on short pulse
only.
Screen A: SART is far away. Screen B: SART is close.
The lines are shown as concentric arcs.
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Particulars of SART sweeps
The information described in this paragraph has been extracted from IMO SN/Circ 197,
Opertion of Marine radar for SART detection.
RACON (Radar Beacon) video presentation
Warning: The video processing Scan to Scan Correlation could suppress the Racon
return on the display, and may need to be shut off. In order to disable it, refer to para. 3.3.6.
Racons, also called Radar Beacons, Radar Responders, or Radar Transponder beacons, are
receiver/transmitter transponder devices used as a navigation aid, identifying landmarks or
buoys on a marine radar display. A Racon responds to a received radar pulse by transmitting
an identifiable mark back to the radar set. The displayed response has a length on the radar
display corresponding to a few nautical miles, encoded as a Morse character beginning with
a dash for identification. The inherent delay in the Racon causes the displayed response to
appear behind the echo from the structure on which the Racon is mounted. Racons and their
identifying marks are normally indicated on marine charts.
Racons purpose can change with the country it is placed in. Generally they are used for:
• identify aids to navigation, both seaborne (buoys) and land-based (lighthouses)
• identify landfall or positions on inconspicuous coastlines
• indicate navigable spans under bridges
• identify offshore oil platforms and similar structures
• identify and warn of environmentally-sensitive areas (such as coral reefs)
In some countries they are also used to:
• mark new and uncharted hazards (these should use the Morse identifier “D”)
• identify centre and turning points
• leading line racons.
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Racon technical characteristics
Generally Racons are frequency agile, designed to measure the frequency of all incoming radar pulses, and transmit an approximately 25 microsecond Morse-encoded response
less than 700 nanoseconds later back to the radar on that frequency. The Morse-encoded
response is encoded such that the length of one dash is equal to the one of three dots, and
the length of one dot equals that of one space. All Racons operate over the frequency range
9300-9500 MHz marine radar band (X-band), and most additionally operate in the 2900-3100
MHz marine Radar band (S-band).
Racon range is approximately line-of-sight range, normally over 15 nautical miles, although
actual range depends upon a number of factors, including mounting height, atmospheric
conditions, and Racon receiver sensitivity setting.
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Racons installed on buoys are normally active for 20 seconds, and then off for the next 20
seconds and so on. Racons installed on shore, where battery life is not a factor, are normally
programmed to operate 75% of the time. Racons are usually not programmed with a duty
cycle greater than 75%, in order to ensure that the response never completely masks an
important radar target.
The Racon response could be degraded by anti-rain and sea clutter control and interference
suppression. Consequently, shutting off of the above mentioned video processing should
improve the Racon visibility on the PPI. The detection range of a Racon may also be reduced if
the radar receiver is not tuned. Scanning the radar tuning control should correct that problem.
Video processing menu
The system provides 6 kinds of preset video processing, which is available by scrolling
between Harbour/Near range/Medium range/Long range/Rough Sea/Ice with left and right
mouse buttons and select the desired preset with center mouse button.
The scope of the function is to provide shortcuts to adjust the radar at the best for the 6 conditions, giving the possibility to perform any desired change to better adapt the setting to the
real environmental condition.
The yellow text under the selections is a suggestion provided to better understand the task
of each setting. Each different selection will automatically change the caption of the button
placed next to the tuning bar, according to choice made. In case one of the 6 settings is selected, the button will be indicated with yellow background, to indicate the setting also when
the menu has been closed.
The way to select none of the 6 settings is to select “Standard Video Proc”. In this case, the button next to the tuning bar will appear as in above example.
The following table specifies the preset settings of each selection:
Function Parameter Setting
Harbour
Near range
Medium range
Gain
Sea
Rain
Interference Rejection
Scan to Scan
Power Boost
Gain
Sea
Rain
Interference Rejection
Scan to Scan
Power Boost
Gain
Sea
Rain
Interference Rejection
Scan to Scan
Power Boost
Manual 70%
State 1 30%
Manual 0%
LOW
OFF
OFF
Manual 75%
State 2 50%
Manual 0%
LOW
OFF
Pull down
Manual 80%
State 2 30%
Manual 0%
LOW
2
OFF
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Function Parameter Setting
Long Range
Rough Sea
Ice
Gain
Sea
Rain
Interference Rejection
Scan to Scan
Power Boost
Gain
Sea
Rain
Interference Rejection
Scan to Scan
Power Boost
Gain
Sea
Rain
Interference Rejection
Scan to Scan
Power Boost
Manual 80%
State 2 50%
Manual 0%
Sweep to Sweep
OFF
OFF
Manual 70%
State 3 50%
Manual 50%
LOW
2
Pull down
Manual 70%
0%
Manual 0%
LOW
OFF
OFF
¼ Note: If a parameter is modified, the function title will change to orange.
Which preset is the right one?
Harbour
Should be selected when navigating in short range inside a harbour, sea clutter is usually
asymmetric and so it is processed with auto anti-sea clutter.
Near range
Should be selected when navigating with range scales < 3 NM. The system is always working
on short pulse. Echoes are enhanced to increase visibility. Sea clutter residuals are filtered by
scan to scan correlation.
Medium range
Should be selected when navigating with range scales from 3 NM to 12 NM, a standard antisea clutter level is provided.
Long range
Should be selected when navigating with range scales > 12 NM, an increased anti-sea clutter
level is provided due to the long pulse use. Echoes are enhanced to increase visibility.
Rough sea
Should be selected in bad weather conditions with high rain downfall rates. The system is
always working on short pulse. Clutter residuals are filtered by scan to scan correlation with
the most effective setting. CFAR processing is applied over the radar video.
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Ice
A special setting intended to increase the visualization of iced sea. Almost no video processing is applied. The anti-sea control is disabled, but when enabled operates with a special
clutter attenuation curve.
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As per above example, you may save modified settings as user default by pressing Save, and
later on return to factory default at any time by selecting the button “Reset Harbour” to “Factory default”.
TXRX interswitch menu (standard)
Pressing TXRX and Interswitch button (“Main menu with ECDIS” on page 52), normally
labelled “TXRX n mode”, where “n” is the number of the selected transceiver and “mode” is
“Master” if master or “Slave”, the “TXRX AND INTERSWITCH MENU” (above) will be displayed.
In the first group of buttons, on the right, starting from the upper side the operator has the
possibility to switch between Master and Slave mode, turn on or off the Performance Monitor
and the Power Boost functions (where available) and visualise the TXRX data. The last button
of the group displays a new window with all the available data regarding the status of the
transceiver. The second group of buttons (Switch buttons), on the left, allows selecting the
desired transceiver. The group could be from one to four buttons, according to hardware and
software configurations.
Master/Slave
By means of the first button of the right column the operator can set the radar system to be
Master or force the operating display in Slave mode.
In Slave the TXRX is not controlled by the operating display. If the transceiver is controlled by
another display or if it is in local mode, it is possible to use the radar in a kind of “read-only”
mode. Switching the button to Master mode, the display requires being master, and if possible the TXRX can be fully controlled by the operating display. The status of the transceiver
operating mode is continuously displayed on the TXRX Interswitch button (page 77). In
case the TXRX Interswitch button is flashing in yellow color, the display is asking to be master,
but the transceiver is controlled by another display with priority.
Performance monitor on/o
By means of this button the Performance Monitor function can be switched on and off.
The Performance Monitor facility (“TXRX interswitch menu (standard)” on page 77) is
provided for checking the performance of the transceiver, waveguide and antenna. The best
way to use this function is to set the range scale at 24 NM, tune the radar and adjust the gain
control at about 90%. In this condition an intensified noise ring, positioned approx. at 24 NM
should appear. The distance of the ring from the centre is forward proportional to the TXRX
transmitted output power. When the Magnetron has decreased 10 dB in peak power, the
ring’s distance will decrease down to about 12 NM range.
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The performance monitor ring should have a missing
angular sector of some 60° to 100°. This missing
sector is due to the RF beam really transmitted by
the antenna. Any RF power degradation between
the magnetron and the antenna output results in a
smaller angular ring interruption. When the angular
sector is reduced below 30°, the antenna section
requires service.
The ring’s width (thickness) is proportional to the tuning condition. The width of the ring for a good and
correctly tuned radar will be approximately 2 NM.
The ring’s strength (difference between background
noise and ring’s noise) indicates the receiver noise
figure. If the receiver noise figure degradation is
more than 10 dB, the P.M. ring is no longer distinguishable from the background noise.
Some installations may not require the performance monitor function. In such case, the function and the button are disabled.
Power normal/boost
Pressing the “Power Normal” button (“TXRX interswitch menu (standard)” on page 77), the
“Power Boost” function will be displayed. This function permits operating with the radar pulse
lengths according to the following table. In both modes, (Normal or Boost), the functioning of
the system is the same, changing only the transmission pulse length.
Range scale (NM) Normal (µs) Boost (µs)
0.25 0.07 0.07
0.50 0.07 0.07
0.75 0.07 0.07
1.50 0.07 0.25
3 0.07 0.25
6 0.25 0.80
12 0.25 0.80
24 0.80 0.80
48 0.80 0.80
96 0.80 0.80
The operator has to operate carefully when selecting pulse length. The transmitted RF pulse
length (the amount of energy) is an important factor of radar characteristics, it determines the
range resolution, the minimum and the maximum radar detection range. Generally, the system and the operator will select a longer pulse for longer detection range and shorter pulse
for better discrimination of nearby targets at short range, such as in harbour manoeuvring.
Be also aware that the more the operator uses the Power Boost, the faster the magnetron is
consumed.
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TXRX data
By pressing the TXRX data button, the “TXRX 1 DATA MENU” will be displayed; in this window
transceiver parameters such as the Antenna, PRF, Magnetron Lifetime etc.) are shown. These
parameters will be utilised in order to set specific alarms (such as if the internal temperature is
higher than 70°C).
In case of malfunction, the TXRX data menu is useful for determining the source of the problem. The service engineer could ask the crew to check various values to plan what they are to
expect when they come onboard and which kind of spares to bring.
Warning: only the displays connected to new transceivers (mosfet) can show the infor-
mation indicated in the above display. Some systems do not show all this information, it is
just an example of the most detailed data menu.
Standard speed
By pressing this button, it is possible to select standard or high speed antenna rotation.
TXRX interswitch menu (Conguration video combination)
This type of configuration, which is only available in wide screen mode, can combine up to
four signals from TXRX transceivers with different antennas, positions and therefore, reception,
according to the combinations shown in above figure. The checkboxes show graphically the
availability of the different combinations .
If the Additional PPI Mode is selected, the interswitch window will appear as shown below,
permitting selection of different radar transceivers for each PPI.
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It is possible to see the window shown in above figure by selecting one of the two transmitter signal presence indicators using the shortcut in the bottom right, in the row under the PPI
area.
Row PPI area
The combination of the four signals is important, as it optimises the ability to view a better
quality image on the PPI in weather conditions such as rain or rough seas.
Thanks to this system and more signals, it is possible to have a wider view of the surrounding
area, monitoring those zones that would otherwise be hidden from various obstructions, such
as funnels and tall masts on some vessels.
The following section describes possible combinations and their characteristics.
It is important to configure the antenna position correctly as well as the alignment between
the range and the azimuth and the adjustement of the input video level, as the two signals,
A/B, will be submitted to the same video processing. It is advisable to use auto processing in
case of clutter from rain or sea.
For other functions on the screen shown in “TXRX interswitch menu (Configuration video
combination)” on page 79, such as “Master/Slave”, “Performance Monitor OFF/ON”, “Power
Boost” and “TXRX Data”, please see more details in “TXRX interswitch menu (standard)” on
page 77.
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Tracking and video processing operation in combination and 2nd PPI mode
When using the additional PPI, the source and targets are the same as those viewed on the
1st PPI, given that the main source is the same as represented in the first transmitter of the
first PPI.
In cases of video combination mode, there are two sources and these are selected in the
configuration window shown in “TXRX interswitch menu (Configuration video combination)” on page 79. As already mentioned in the previous paragraph, all antenna positioning
considerations and alignments are set in the standard configuration mode in order to have a
correct CCRP.
Video processing is fully split in Additional PPI mode, a double set of controls permits to optimize the detection according to the sensor and its operation mode.
Video processing in combination mode uses only a single control (SEA, RAIN etc..). The same
video processing control is applied to both video sources, only the STC attenuation curves for
the sea control are optimized according to the antenna characteristics (size, height etc…).
Most of these different combination modes are labeled A function B. As mentioned in the
menu window A is the channel connected to TXRX with lower identification number. B is
the one with the higher identification number. Numbers are depending of the connections
enabled by the checkboxes in the same window.
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A or B combination
Once the correct setup on “Interswitch menu” has been selected from the menu with the
antennas you wish to use for this purpose, under the item “Combination Type”, select the detection mode, such as “A or B”, for example. The combined picture will display echoes received
on both transceivers also if an echo is visible only from a single radar antenna.
This mode should be used for better detection on distant echos after previously suppressing
clutter caused by sea waves or rain.
A and B combination
Selecting the “A and B” detection mode in case of strong sea or rain clutter, it is possible to
correlate targets and eliminate clutter residues.
Warning: all combinations shall be used only when full 360° visibility is available for
each radar or at least when blind sectors on both transceivers coincide; otherwise blind
sectors will appear also in the radar zones where at least one transceiver can still see correctly without impedement. In this last case, the optimal combination type is sector one.
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Sector combination
Blind Sector
Sector combination (interswitch setup menu in
sector combination)
This combination mode, known as “Sector”, is used to permit a full radar vision on 360° in case
blind sectors are present or one or more blanking sectors are configured during installation.
Blind sectors are caused by obstacles situated in front of the antenna’s radiation beam, reducing the possibility of signal reception on the radar presentation.
To get around this problem, it is possible to set the received angle (first selecting the transmitters - TXRX).
1 and TXRX2), changing its value with the spin buttons (see Blind Sector below) or using the
actual EBL angle position.
As explained in the menu window, the sectors delimitates reception from TXRX 1 (Sector 1
defined from Start and End limits) and from TXRX 2 (Sector 2, Start and End limits).
The following figure shows in which way two radar pictures with blind sector can be combined in a single PPI presentation where radar visibility and tracking functionality are available
for the full 360°.
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Red line: Sector1 TXRX1 reception angle.
Blue line: Sector2 TXRX2 reception angle.
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A and / or B combination
A and/or B combination (interswitch set up menu in sector combination)
This combination mode is used to get both benefits of the and/or combinations. Up to the
range where the sea clutter can be present, which depends of antenna type and height, the
combination is following the “and” mode to suppress the sea clutter correlating of the two input sensors that scan the same area at slightly different time (antennas are not synchronized).
Beyond sea clutter range, the mode is switched to “or”, where it can improve the detection of
far/dim echoes.
Warning: Since the inputs to two antennas, that are not synchronized, are being com-
bined, the delay between the updates of the two images can be as much as one scan of
the antenna (the fastest one). If the ship manoeuvers at a speed above ~40°/min, the same
echo could appear twice in the same scan.
Radar echoes of the size listed in the following table can also be represented twice on the
screen. The table takes into consideration the worst case scenario of antennas that are completely out of synch by 360° and therefore, the dimension limits are usually greater than the
ones provided here, and according to the scale being used, this problem might not be visible.
Depending on the antenna rotation rate and target speed, the table shows the minimum ship
length necessary for not showing two separate echoes (in “or” mode) or an echo suppression
(in “and” mode).
V (KN) 20 rpm 40 rpm
10 16 m 8 m
20 30 m 15 m
40 60 m 30 m
70 120 m 60 m
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Measurement
4
Radar echo measurement
The position, speed, course, distance and bearing of radar echoes can be performed in several
ways:
• Measurement by means of range rings and bearing scale
• Measurement by means of the cursor
• Measurement by means of the ERBL 1 or 2.
The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages for each of the above measurement modes.
Measurement mode Advantages Disadvantages
Range rings and bearing scale Fast measurement Very low accuracy
Changing the scale, the
Cursor
ERBL
Measurement by means of range rings and bearing scale
The measurement by range rings and bearing scale is used when it is not necessary to have
an accurate value, but it is sufficient to have an approximate one very quickly.
Precise measurement
Fast measurement
Precise measurement
Changing the scale, the
cursor remains on the same
distance
cursor remains on the same
physical position on the PPI,
changing the information
The operator does not get a
fast measurement
Measurement by means of the cursor
Placing the trackball cursor over the echo, very low accuracy in the cursor area (See “System
data area sections” on page 23, Cursor and Markers section, first row) will display the range
and bearing to the cursor.
If the system is connected to a position source (i.e. GPS), this measurement mode will also
indicate the geographic position of the echo right under the range and bearing (See “System
data area sections” on page 23, Curser and Markers section, 2nd and 3rd row).
Measurement by means of the ERBL 1 or 2
In order to measure the bearing and range to a target by means of one of the two available
ERBL, the operator need to:
• Turn ON one of the two ERBL, 1 or 2, by pressing the correspondent pushbutton on the key-
board or by activating the ERBL using the shortcuts on the row under the PPI area
• Drag the EBL or VRM (or both), using the centre SK (keeping it pressed) until the trackball
marker is over the target. PPI mode is automatically selected turning ON the ERBL
• Release the SK and read the values next to the ERBL area.
The readings are the bearing and range to the echo.
Dragging the VRM is only possible in PPI mode, place the trackball cursor over one point of
the circle, press the centre SK and move the trackball keeping the SK pressed until the circle is
at the desired distance.
Dragging the EBL is only possible in PPI mode, place the trackball cursor over one point of the
line, press the centre SK and move the trackball keeping the SK pressed until the line is placed
at the desired angle.
Dragging both of them simultaneously is only possible in PPI mode, place the trackball cursor
over the point of intersection between the circle and the line, press the centre SK and move
the trackball keeping the SK pressed until the intersection is placed at the desired position.
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¼ Note:
¼ Note: This measurement mode allows to get an accurate measurement and the operator has
On the keyboard, the EBL and VRM can be adjusted with two (encoders) placed at the
bottom corners of the panel. Making the adjustments from the keyboard is more accurate
and we suggest using this method instead of dragging the markers.
The “EBL n” button is affixed by “R” (Relative) if it is relative to own ship’s heading, or “T” (True) if
it is referenced to the North. The visualization mode can be changed by pressing this button
and it will toggle between “T” and “R”.
In order to measure the distance between two echoes, it is possible to move the ERBL out
of the centre of the PPI. This operation can easily be performed just by dragging the centre
of the ERBL to the first echo, using the centre SK (only in PPI mode). In the same way, drag
the VRM over the second echo and the range value will represent the distance between the
echoes. To move the ERBL back to the centre of the PPI, just press the “Off Cent” labelled button next to the selected ERBL.
to utilise this mode when the situation requires precise data.
It is important to use maximum range to obtain the best precision for the measurement.
The right scale must be selected in order to
see the target at the maximum range where
visible, so that the measurement is close at
its maximum accuracy. In order to increase
the measurement precision, it is advisable
to place the PPI in OFF Centre mode. In this
way the range can be increased and therefore the precision as well.
The VRM provides a more accurate measurement of the range to an echo. The two VRMs
will be visualised on the PPI as dashed rings,
so that the operator will be able to discriminate them from the fixed range rings.
The two VRM rings can be distinguished by
different colors and different type of dashes:
The selected one is white and dot-dashed,
the other one is cyan and only dashed.
When the ERBLs (1 or 2, or both) are not used, the operator can turn them OFF by performing
the same procedure used to turn them ON.
More target data measurement
The two ERBLs can be used at the same time in order to perform special operations, such as:
1. Control the anti-collision manoeuvre. As explained in the previous paragraph, the origin of
the EBL can be placed anywhere, by means of the trackball, in order to get measurements
between targets (bearing and range). This facility can be utilised in order to verify a potential
risk of collision. The operator should place the EBL origin on the echo of interest and after
at least three minutes, rotate the EBL until it bisects the echo at its new position. The EBL
readout will display the ship’s course, true or relative (depending on the type of presentation
selected). If Relative Motion is selected, it will be possible to calculate the CPA as well. If the
EBL passes through the origin (own ship), the echo is on collision course. The second ERBL
can be switched ON to measure the distance between own ship and the EBL aligned with the
course of the echo: that’s the CPA.
2. Observe any danger under way or in convoy areas. By means of the EBL function, which allow
to place the origin anywhere, it is possible to set the two ERBLs in order to define a Guard
Zone or to observe the ship’s course or distance from the coast or from possible danger to
the navigation.
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Cursor section
In the cursor section of the system data area, all the parameters relevant to the cursor are
displayed. The information displayed are described in the following sub-paragraph.
Cursor
The cursor polar position (range and bearing) is displayed and it can be toggled between True
and Relative. If heading data is missing, the True information is not available.
Latitude and Longitude or ETA and TTG
These fields normally indicate the Geographic position of the cursor. The position is not displayed if the cursor is not inside the PPI and if no EPFS is connected.
According to preference, it is possible to display ETA and TTG to the cursor position. The
switch between the two presentations can be easily performed moving the trackball onto the
“Latitude” and “Longitude” labels observing the Help line. The Help line related to the left SK
will indicate “ETA / TTG” (if the presentation is already set to ETA and TTG it will indicate “Lat /
Lon”). In ETA and TTG mode, the system will indicate the estimated date and time of the eventual arrival at the point where the cursor is placed (ETA, expressed in hh-mm dd-mm-yyyy)
and the time needed to arrive at that point (TTG, expressed in dd hh-mm).
To display ETA and TTG, the cursor must be placed inside the PPI at a bearing of ±45° relative
to own ship course.
¼ Notes:
•
ETA can be displayed only if an external time source is connected (i.e. GPS) or a manual date
and time is set
• Both ETA and TTG are not displayed if the speed source is in failure or if the speed is lower
than 0.1 KT.
ERBL 1 and 2
The operator has the possibility to use up to two sets of ERBL (Electronic Range and Bearing
Line) and select between “Relative and True” and “Centre and Off Centre” for each set. The
three shortcuts in the next picture allows to visualise the ERBL on the PPI or not; passing with
the mouse pointer over them, the Help line will show the possible choices; On/Off and True/
Relative ERBL. When an ERBL is active, the respective shortcut will show the range of the VRM
in NM and the bearing of the EBL in degrees.
By default, the ERBL center always follow the ship’s position in every presentation mode, so
when the ship changes course the center will move accordingly.
It is also possible to lock each ERBL center to the current geographic position.
The choice is available by pressing the two trackball pushbuttons when the cursor is over the
left or right part. Two options available are: “Geolock” and “OS.Lock”.
The anchor symbol on the left means that the ERBL is locked to a geographic position and the
same symbol is shown near the display ERBL center, see the following figure.
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In this example, the ERBL 1 is geographically referenced and the ERBL 2 is locked to own ship.
The same function is available from the cursor menu - see below example.
When the geographic position or the heading is not available, the ERBL center will be reset to
OS Lock.
It is not possible to set the Geo Lock option when the EPFS or heading sensor are in failure.
It is possible, however, selecting the ERBL 1 and VRM 1, to display them independently.
Parallel indexes
To enable their visualisation, the buttons on the first column on the left, related to the parallel indexes, where the On/Off indicates the actual status, the smallest buttons in the centre
can be labelled “Rel” or “True” and they change the meaning of the bearing value. The default
distance between lines and north stabilised checkbox are on the right.
When the parallel index is selected, the display status changes to On and all four parallel
indexes are displayed. After this step, every PI can be disabled independently, and operated in
its own checkbox.
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When the parallel index is selected by means of the cursor it will be possible to truncate the
remaining line exceeding the cursor position but using the Truncate mode.
The list Set all Parallel Index to HL enables one of the possible fast alignment modes.
The selections available are:
• All Parallel to HL (STBD)
• All Parallel to HL (Port)
• All Parallel to EBL (STBD)
• All Parallel to EBL (Port)
• All Following PI x (from 1 to 4)
• All Following ERBL
Every PI has its own list where it is possible to choose an individual alignment option:
• Parallel to HL (STBD)
• Parallel to HL (Port)
• Parallel to EBL (STBD)
• Parallel to EBL (Port)
• Following PI x (from 1 to 4, with exclusion of the PI index in analysis)
• Following ERBL (STBD)
• Following ERBL (Port)
• Range to VRM
All these functions permit to automatically draw the parallel indexes of HL/ERBL or to follow
ERBL or other parallel indexes if moved. The PI distance from the center follows the VRM in
range to VRM and ERBL modes.
Once the index lines are displayed on the PPI, the operator can set their position and angle
correctly by the trackball. In fact, in PPI mode, placing the trackball cursor on a line and fol-
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lowing the Help line (centre SK says “Select”), the operator will be able to hook the line by
pressing the centre SK and keeping it pressed. Then, moving the mouse, the line will turn and
it will be released when releasing the centre SK. To move the line at the right range, perform
the above operation hooking the point drawn on the index line.
¼ Note: When the parallel index is selected and moved manually, the respective label changes
to “Floating” and the list status to “PI Lines Independent”.
When the North stabilised checkbox is enabled, the parallel indexes are always maintaining
their direction in respect to north.
It is suggested to select the Parallel Lines True when the reference is geographic, such as a
coast line, and the Parallel Lines Relative when the reference is a moving reference, such as
another ship.
On the display’s lower bar, the PI pushbutton is shown on the left in both possible states,
which permits a fast access to the Parallel Index menu. The button reflects also the status of
the Parallel Index function. When not enabled, a red cross is overlayed the PI icon.
When the “Truncate mode” checkbox is selected, the parallel indexes can also be truncated.
The effect is to have not-a-straight-line but a semi-straight-line, on one or both sides.
To truncate a parallel index the operator has to focus the line. The Help line will suggest “Truncate” / “Select” / “Untruncate”.
Use the left SK to truncate the line, while the right SK is used to redraw the straight line.
Range rings
The function of the range rings button is to switch On/Off (show/hide) the range rings, and
display their status and the distances between the rings.
The range scales available are: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 NM.
If the range rings are On, the distance between two adjacent rings is automatically shown at
the range scale selection. The related values are: 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16.
The long range scales provide the best overview of own ship in relation to land masses,
weather fronts and large ship targets in or beyond view.
The short range scales provide greater detail of the radar echoes close to own ship, and
should be used as the ship approaches the coastline, harbour or other vessels in the area.
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5
Tracking
General information
Radar target tracking facility
The radar system includes a facility for acquiring and automatically tracking radar echoes.
Each radar target center is used to estimate the relative speed and direction for anti-collision
purposes.
Tracking error sources and eects
There are some factors that can generate errors and confusion in tracking and/or reduction of
target detection capability to the radar operator. Such factors are:
• Sea, Rain, Snow and Low Clouds Returns
• Radar Interference
• Sidelobe Echoes
• Blind Sectors
• Low Signal to Noise Ratio and Signal to Clutter Ratio.
Sea, Rain, Snow and Low Clouds Returns
Sea returns are caused by the reflection of the radar electromagnetic wave by the surface irregularities of the sea and by the water droplet layer existing in the vicinity of the sea surface.
They are displayed as a bright circular area (sea clutter) around the PPI centre having a radius
that, depending on the sea state and the height of the antenna, can be up to 6-7 NM.
Rain, Snow and low Clouds Returns have two main effects on the radar electromagnetic wave:
• Attenuation
• Masking effect.
The first effect reduces both the power of the direct signal hitting a target and the signal
returning to the antenna after reflection from the target. The second effect is due to the electromagnetic wave reflected by rain drops and ice crystals and appears as a bright area (rain
clutter).
Radar echoes in sea or rain clutter areas are practically more or less masked by the clutter.
In order to minimise this problem, the operator must adjust the manual sea/rain controls or
select the automatic sea/rain controls.
Tracked targets entering these areas could not work properly. Generally the effects of such
errors appear as continuous big changes of the target course and speed vector. Sometimes
the symbol of a target that has been acquired at high speed can slip away from the real target
position after a certain time and this event may generate the loss of the target (reported by a
lost target alarm).
These errors, in not very extreme weather conditions, can normally be avoided or at least minimised by the operator with proper adjustments of sea/rain controls. Refer to “Rain” on page
66 and “Sea” on page 67.
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Radar interference
Occasionally, another radar operating in the same frequency band can generate interference. Normally this appears on the radar screen as a series of spirals. The main characteristic
of the interference is that it is not sweep to sweep correlated. For this reason this should not
generate errors in the tracking process due to the sweep to sweep correlation performed
by the video extractor. In very rare cases, when the interference falls on the tracked target, it
can cause a deformation of the size of the echo and consequently a small displacement of its
centre of gravity; this can generate a momentary small error in the course and speed values.
Sidelobe echoes
Radar antennas have a radiation pattern consisting of a main lobe and several very small sidelobes. Most of the energy transmitted by the radar is radiated and received back on the main
lobe, and a very small part on the sidelobes. This problem has no effect in case of distant or
small targets, but the returns from a large target at short range (less than 3 NM) can generate,
on both sides of the main echo and at the same range, arcs or series of small echoes.
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These effects, when they are an extension of the main echo, can cause momentary errors for
the tracking, course and speed values given by the tracking can become unstable. Normally the
problem can be eliminated or strongly reduced by an accurate adjustment of the sea control.
Blind sectors
Funnels, masts (when located near the radar antenna) may cause blind or shadow sectors,
where the target visibility may be completely lost or strongly reduced. In these sectors the
tracking will be very difficult and targets remaining there for long time (not seen for more
than 10 antenna revolutions) will be lost triggering the “LOST TARGET ALARM”.
Low Signal to Noise Ratio and Signal to Clutter Ratio
In situations where the signal to noise or the signal to clutter ratio of the radar echoes is less
than approximately 3 dB (small vessels in heavy sea or rain clutter, or big vessels close to the
radar horizon), target detection is very poor and the tracking will not see the target at each
antenna revolution, this will cause errors in the tracking, that can range from missed information and up to complete loss of the target when it is missed for 10 consecutive antenna
revolutions.
Warning: The speed and course of a radar target are obtained by consecutive measure-
ments of the echo position. The data is then filtered to reach the required precision.
This means, that every abrupt change of speed and direction will be recognized with a
certain delay to reach absolute certainty that the target is moving in a different way.
The confirmation delay is about five scans and after that some additional time is needed
to reach the same data precision as from before the manouvre.
Tracking operation in 2nd PPI zone and under video combination mode
When operating in the additional PPI, the source and targets are the same as viewed in the
first PPI, given that the main source is the same transmitter of the first PPI. In any case, it is not
possible to operate on tracked targets or AIS.
Using video combination mode, there are two sources and there will be two tracker processes
operating separately on the two single channels. The two sources are then brought together
in a single system track, where the kinematic data represent a combination of the data from
the two individual trackers.
More specifically, the data from the trace where the estimated positioning error is the smallest
is favored. The tracker function evaluates trace quality by using the best number of scans out
of ten when combining the two sets of data.
In the case that one of the trackers has to follow a trace through a blind sector, the position
used to track the radar echo is indicated by the information supplied from the other tracker.
The trace is declared as lost only in the case that both trackers cannot see an echo at the position extrapolated by the system track for at least ten scans.
AIS (Automatic Identication System)
The AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a shipborne broadcast system that can act like a
transponder, operating in the VHF Maritime band. It is capable of handling over 5000 reports
per minute and updates as often as every two seconds. The information is coded and the system allows exchange of the information among all the ships operating in the same area. The
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system is based on the VHF channel, RX one and TX the other, and uses Self Organising Time
Division Multiple Access (SOTDMA) technology to meet this high broadcast rate and ensure
reliable ship to ship data exchange.
Every channel is divided into time slots. During these slots, information related to the ship and
information from other ships in the area are exchanged.
Each AIS system consists of one VHF transmitter, two VHF TDMA receivers, one VHF DSC receiver, and a standard marine electronic communications link to shipborne display and sensor
systems. Position and timing information are normally derived from an internal or external
global navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS) receiver, including a medium frequency differential GNSS receiver for precise position in coastal and inland waters. Other information broadcast by the AIS, if available, is electronically obtained from shipborne equipment through
standard marine data connections.
The information exchanged comes in two main groups: Static and Dynamic data. Static
information does not require a high refresh rate. Name, Call sign, Tonnage, Destination, ETA
do not change and are forwarded. The Dynamic information, such as position, course, speed,
heading, ROT, etc. is changing constantly. Therefore, this information is forwarded at a high
refresh rate and according to the ship operation. If the ship is anchored or moored, the data
does not change and the refresh rate is very low, for example 3 minutes (in these conditions,
the system can control up to 5000 ships). If the ship is docking or moving at low speed, the
refresh rate is higher, yet still low e.g. 1 minute. The refresh rate increases proportionally to the
ship’s speed. And if the speed is higher than 14 Kn, the refresh rate is about 2 seconds.
As mentioned above, the AIS can (in theory) control up to 5000 ships. It is important to
underline that the maximum number, which can be displayed, is 300 (CAT1&2) or 120 (CAT3).
The system monitors all received targets, but will display only the 300 (CAT1&2) or 120 (CAT3),
according to the set priority (see AIS limit priority).
The AIS is used during target association to help the tracking process in identification of a
possible dangerous situation like target swap, manoeuvre and to provide a stable source of
position when the echo is fading from scan to scan.
System advantages
The AIS provides the following advantages:
• the position data, provided by GPS, has a precision higher than the radar data
• it is possible to visualise ships covered by a natural obstacle. The radar signals are reflected by
the natural obstacle, such as coastlines, mountains, hills etc, while the VHF radio wave will be
received
• clutter does not affect the data, therefore it is possible to see the target even in rain or sea
clutter
• the information provided is more detailed than provided by the radar. The radar informa-
tion is course, speed, position, while the AIS also provides heading, name, ID, etc. The radar
provides the ship’s heading only at short distance (shorter than e.g. 5 NM)
• the AIS provides the ROT, information useful to understand if the ship is manoeuvring or not
• the AIS continue to operate even when a failure occurs to the radar, which is very important
for collision avoidance.
Warning: The AIS presentation is available only if these conditions are met:
- AIS data through serial line available.
- Gyro compass heading available.
- EPFS valid position and datum available with reference position in WGS84.
When the local datum is different from the reference datum, the correct
position offset shall be available.
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Operating
All information is presented on the monitor’s screen by means of a serial line. It is necessary to
set up the system properly, in order to receive this type of information.
The AIS function is automatically enabled when one or more AIS are received. Their number is
shown in the tracking section of the system data area near the “AIS” label by a blue bar.
A caution alert is triggered if the number of AIS targets exceeds 95% of the maximum system
limitation, and a warning is raised when the maximum capacity is reached.
The visualization of AIS can be disabled by clicking on the AIS label on the system data tracking section (the state of the label will change to “AIS Off”) or by clicking on the AIS On/Off
button from the tracking menu, see page 101.
The AIS will cease to operate, when:
• the corresponding On/Off button, or the label in the system data tracking section, is set to
“AIS Off”.
• Own ship positioning system, or own ship gyro, is out of order or the data is invalid. In this
situation, the AIS switches automatically to AIS OFF mode; in fact, it is not possible to compute any relative data.
• Own ship speed data is not available or is incoherent. It is not possible to compute any rela-
tive data.
• the speed source is not defined. With AIS it is not possible to fill in the speed manually, or use
the auto drift speed. It is possible to use the EPFS speed and the stabilised log speed (SOG/
COG or STW/CRS). When the speed is established, in own ship and TARGET DATA MENU window, it will be displayed in SOG or STW, according to the stabilisation.
Tracking target symbols
Symbol Description
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AIS SAR aircraft
AIS SAR vessel
AIS SART (AIS Search And Rescue Transmitter)
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Symbol Description
AIS target - Dangerous, indicated with bold line and with red color.
The symbol flashes until the target alarm is acknowledged by the
operator
AIS target - Lost, indicated with crossed lines centered on the target
symbol. The symbol is located at the last received position from the
target
AIS target - Selected, indicated with a square (dotted line) around the
target symbol
AIS target - Sleeping, aligned with received heading information or
with COG information if heading is not available
AIS target, activated - True scaled outlines
AIS target with heading line and SOG/COG (dotted line), and with
indicated turn
AIS target with heading line, SOG/COG (dotted line) and past track
Associated target - using AIS data
Associated target - using radar data
Physical AIS AtoN, basic shape (AIS aids to navigation)
Physical AIS AtoN - East cardinal mark
Physical AIS AtoN - Emergency wreck mark
Physical AIS AtoN - Isolated danger
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Off Posn
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Physical AIS AtoN - North cardinal mark
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Physical AIS AtoN - O position
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Symbol Description
Physical AIS AtoN - Port hand mark
Racon err
Physical AIS AtoN - Racon failure
Physical AIS AtoN - Racon
Physical AIS AtoN - Safe water
Physical AIS AtoN - South cardinal mark
Physical AIS AtoN - Special mark
Unlit
Physical AIS AtoN - Starboard hand mark
Physical AIS AtoN - Unlit (failure of lights)
Physical AIS AtoN - West cardinal mark
Radar target - Dangerous,indicated with bold line and with red color.
The symbol flashes until the target alarm is acknowledged by the operator. It remains red until the system no longer defines it as a dangerous target
Radar target - in acquisition state, indicated as a broken circle centered at the position of target acquisition
Radar target - Lost, indicated with crossed lines centered on the
target symbol. The symbol is located at the last received position from
the target
Radar target - Selected, indicated with a square (dotted line) around
the target symbol
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Radar target - Tracked, with velocity vector
Radar target training in execution (flashing).
Radar target with past position and velocity vector
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Symbol Description
R
SS
+
+
+
Reference target
Signal station
Trial manoeuvre in execution (flashing).
Virtual AIS AtoN, basic shape
Virtual AIS AtoN - East cardinal mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - Emergency wrek mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - Isolated danger
+
+
+
+
+
+
Virtual AIS AtoN - North cardinal mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - Port hand mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - Safe water
Virtual AIS AtoN - South cardinal mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - Special mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - Starboard hand mark
Virtual AIS AtoN - West cardinal mark
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AIS target Description of symbol
Indicated by an isosceles, acute angled triangle with its centroid rep-
Sleeping
target
resenting the target's reference position. The most acute apex of the
triangle will be aligned with the heading of the target or with its COG, if
heading information is not available. The symbol of the sleeping target
may be smaller than that of the activated target.
a Indicated by an isosceles, acute angled triangle with its centroid rep-
resenting the target's reference position. The most acute apex of the
triangle will be aligned with the heading of the target or with its COG, if
heading information is not available. The COG/SOG vector will be disActivated
target
played as a dashed line starting at the centroid of the triangle. The head-
ing will be displayed as a solid line of fixed length starting at the apex of
the triangle.
b A flag on the heading indicates a turn and its direction in order to detect a
target manoeuvre without delay.
c A target without COG and SOG.
Selected
target
A square indicated by its corners will be drawn around the target symbol.
Indicated by a bold line clearly distinguishable from the standard lines to
Dangerous
target
draw the symbol. The size of the symbol may be increased. The target will
be displayed with vector, heading and rate of turn indication. The symbol
will flash until acknowledged. On color displays, the triangle will be red.
Indicated by a prominent solid line across the symbol, perpendicular to
Lost target
the last orientation of the lost target. The symbol will flash until acknowl-
edged. The target will be displayed without vector, heading and rate of
turn indication.
¼ Note: If, for some reason or due to a failure, in the target message data, the speed datum is
not received, the CPA/TCPA computing will be impossible and the AIS target will assume a
symbol of a big dotted triangle. If a radar target and an AIS target are placed at same position,
but they are not merged, the AIS target will have first priority and the second priority will be
the radar tracked target.
Operating with the radar target
The radar target main operations are:
• Manual Acquire:
Select a suitable radar target, an echo that is not sea/rain clutter or a landmass. The echo
should be well distinctable from other similar targets and not too near own ship. Press the
ACQ pushbutton on the control panel, or the trackball relative button (Tgt Acquire when in
track mode). The echo under the trackball cursor will be acquired.
After 1 min. the symbol will show a trend vector, speed and course of the trend will be displayed on the target window with yellow background, this means that the speed evaluation
is still not stable and precise, but enough for giving a hint about the speed and direction.
After 3 min. the symbol will become steady and all the data fields of selected targets will be
available. Only in this status the CPA/TCPA anti-collision functions will be enabled.
• Target Selection:
After being acquired, each radar target can be selected moving the cursor over the symbol
and pressing the SEL pushbutton on the control panel or the related trackball button
(Tgt Select when in track mode).
The target data window will open, if this is the first selected target, displaying the primary
information from the tracking process (a radar target has no Name, MMSI etc.).
• Manual Cancel:
After being acquired each radar target can be cancelled moving the cursor over the symbol
and pressing the CANCEL pushbutton on the control panel or the related trackball button
(Tgt Cancel when in track mode).
If the symbol was selected, the relative information on the target data window will be deleted
as well.
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Warning: The operational availability of the tracking function is continuously checked
to warn the operator in case of malfunction.
Various failures can be detected and displayed inside the system failure window. The failures are listed and explained in Chapter 7.
Operating with the AIS target
¼ Note: The AIS operating is equivalent to the relevant radar target functions.
The only operations that can be performed on an AIS target are acquisition and selection.
It is not possible to discard the sleeping target, which is equivalent to the radar echo. What
the operator can do is only to switch the AIS to sleeping. Having the AIS sleeping target, the
symbol will become bigger, the heading and the COG/SOG vector will be visualised. If the
ship is turning, a turn indicator will be visualised. The selection of a sleeping target provokes
its acquisition, plus the visualization of its data in targets data window.
The sleeping AIS target will automatically be acquired by the system when:
• entering an Auto-Acquisition zone or in the Guard Zone set as Auto-Acquisition zone. The AIS
target does not change, but a message will appear “AIS Target in Guard Zone” if the zone is
configured as a Guard Zone;
• the CPA/TCPA are lower than the set minimum safe value. In this situation the AIS target is
classified by the system as dangerous.
¼ Note: The operator cannot deactivate the dangerous AIS target. When the number of
activated AIS reaches the 95% of the maximum AIS limit, the warning message “ACTIVE AIS
CAPACITY ABOUT TO BE EXCEEDED” is displayed. When the limit of maximum active AIS is
reached, a new activation replaces the farthest AIS and the message “WARN: MAX AIS CAPACITY REACHED” is shown.
As soon as the AIS target is acquired, the related AIS data will be displayed in the“Target Data
Window” along with the radar target data. The window displays the AIS data and the radar
target data. Information visualised are (see”Target data window” on page 115:
• Tar g et ID
• Ship’s name
• MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity)
• Call sign
• Range and bearing
• SOG and COG
• CPA / TCPA
• Latitude and Longitude.
¼ Note: The AIS data comes before the radar target information.
By means of the More Info function, available in the targets data window, more details can be
visualised (“Displaying target information” on page 114).
As mentioned above, the Target Data Message is refreshed within the scheduled rate, according to the ship’s operation. If message is not received within 6 times the scheduled time, the
target will be classified as lost and an alarm will be given. The target will remain on the PPI in
this condition for 1 minute, after which it will automatically be cancelled, if not acknowledged.
The operator will just need to switch the AIS symbols to Off, if he wants to remove all displayed AIS symbols on the PPI. Anyway, the CPA/TCPA and all the anti-collision avoidance
controls are always computed (refer to “Graphic Symbols Menu” display, page 112).
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¼ Note: CPA and TCPA are calculated also for SAR (Search And Rescue) but they should be taken
only as information. SAR vehicles, helicopters and airplanes being at different altitudes should
not be dangerous to own ship.
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