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FAQ's
Q: How can I connect my GPS to the PC? Q: Why is GPS position not displayed by the program? Q: What is Chart Datum (from MLLWS to LAT) Q: I'm having trouble updating the chart using RTU/Updates
A: There are a number of options to resolve this problem:
A: The chart probably uses a different horizontal datum than the GPS. Positions reported by GPS are based on a horizontal datum called "World Geodetic System of 1984" (WGS84). In some areas of the world, the local datum may differ from WGS84 by a mile or more. Many GPS receivers can be set to display positions in a local datum rather than WGS84. Most Garmin receivers can display positions in more than 100 different datums. It appears that Garmin receivers store waypoint positions as WGS84 co-ordinates, and convert between the currently selected datum and WGS84 as needed, so that the physical location of a waypoint should not change as you change the current datum on the receiver. Selecting a different datum in the properties menu of the program can change the datum used to display the vessel position. Another problem could be the number of characters used for the output of the receiver position. If the number of decimals is too few, then the position could jump around too much.
A: This can be achieved by changing the resolution of your screen. The optimal setting for TheMAP Systems is 1280 x 1024.
A: This is very much depending what kind of vessel you have. For a Solas vessel there is the option to use either an Electronic Chart System (ECS) or an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). If you want to navigate without paper charts, you must use an ECDIS with official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) as produced by an official Hydrographic Office. Chartworx Holland is a distributor of these ENC's. If you use an ECDIS for your primary navigation you need a back up (ECDIS) system. Unfortunately the coverage of ENC at present is still insufficient. In places where there is no coverage of ENC you are allowed to use official raster charts e.g. ARCS. The use of ARCS is only allowed if you also carry an "appropriate folio of paper charts". This is up to the national maritime authorities. Hence the number and scale of charts required differ per flag state. Chartworx Holland can provide additional information if required. An excellent solution is provided by C-Map CM93/3 vector charts. These commercial charts are produced in the official S57 format and are subject to the same quality control procedures as required for official ENC. Moreover C-Map digital charts are certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in accordance with ISO 19379. C-Map digital charts are at present the only products being certified to this standard. C-Map charts have a world wide coverage. C-Map vector charts can be used for almost all ECDIS and ECS. The use of C-Map charts does not provide any exemption of the carriage requirement of official paper charts as set out in the Solas regulations. C-Map also provides excellent vector charts for the Fishing Industry and the light marine market including the recreational boating market.
A: For official Electronic Navigational Charts an update service is provided via Internet. For subscribers to ENC and ARCS the UK Hydrographic Office is about to launch an update service by (weekly) CD that automatically replaces an ARCS chart when the equivalent ENC becomes available. Most Hydrographic Offices, providing raster charts, include an update service in their price. ARCS charts are updated every week. ARCS Navigator service provides these updates for free. C-Map CM93/3 vector charts can be updated via RTU (real time updating) but only for subscription holders of the charts. C-Map subscription holders also receive a new updated CD every four months.
A: A vector chart consists of layers of chart information. For instance the floating aids to navigation are grouped in one layer. The spot depths in another layer. This enables the user to select the information he wants to see displayed. There is a basic display which for safety reasons can not be switched off. Vector charts enable an ECDIS to trigger specific alarm functions e.g. if one approaches a safety contour or a dangerous area.
A: A raster chart is a facsimile of the paper chart. A raster chart is normally compiled from the same printing master used for the production of the paper chart. The ECDIS alarm function cannot be triggered by raster charts although mariners still have real time positioning, automatic updating and some alarms can be entered manually (off track alarm, warning circles around obstructions etc.).
A: Generally the source of the vector chart is the paper chart. So the information is the same. Vector charts can be zoomed in i.e. displayed on a larger scale unlimited. That may however result in unacceptable positional accuracy of the displayed information. Hence a scale warning should be displayed. The zooming possibilities of a raster chart are limited. Zooming in too far causes a blurred display. The mariner should in all cases make sure to carry charts with the appropriate scale for his voyage.
A: You can use both a key and the mouse to drop a MOB position in the TheMAP/Quodfish program. The multiple key (*) is the default key used for that function. The F12 key will just drop an Instant Fix, a symbol with position and a date/time stamp. There's also a special button for the MOB function on the top left hand side of the screen. This will act in the same way the *-key does.
A: If this is the case you may have to do the following:
A: To summarize for others:
The next time you boot the computer, it will tell itself to disable the "Serial Ball Point". If you boot the machine without the GPS attached, it will not even show the disabled device.
A: With F9 you can save a screenprint as bmp file in the directory screens. With F10 you can save a screenprint as bmp in the directory screens and this will be printed directly to your standard printer.
A: When your PC has not been fitted out with a Com / LPT (serial port) but only with USB connections and you need to connect devices with a serial connector, the problem can be solved with a USB to Serial Converter. This simple device can be purchased from almost every IT/PC shop. The USB to Serial Converter (cable) is suitable for many devices e.g a GPS. The CD delivered with the cable contains all the necessary drivers of which the installation is very straightforward. It is important to connect the cable before starting up the program otherwise the port will not be recognized by Windows. The same principle applies to users connecting a so called GPS Mouse to their PC / Notebook. This type of GPS receiver has already been fitted with a USB connector. Again the drivers ensure that Windows recognise the USB connection as a Com port.
A: Your Chartworx system will accept 16 Com ports (1 to 16).
A: The GPS device could be detected as a MS Ballpoint mouse and cause the cursor to move around the screen.
A: There appears to be a problem using the RTU function whenever Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 is installed. This is caused by a change in the time-out value. Clicking on this link and allowing changes to be made to the registry followed by rebooting the computer should fix the problem. |
