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SR 180 MK 1
Microprocessor Controlled Digital Gyrocompass

Introduction

With an eye on the fast approaching shipboard navigation and control system technologies of the 21st century, a new generation of advanced marine gyrocompasses has been created: the SR-180 MK 1.

The first of its type to be designed as a single unit and of unparalleled compactness in a polyurethane hard foam housing is of low weight and allows this gyrocompass to be installed on any bridge, from large yachts to the most capacious merchant marine vessels.

Ship's cables are connected directly to terminals within the housing, facilitating installation. All electronic components are plug-in modules, thus providing fast and easy service. Digital heading information is derived as an absolute value from a 12 bit shaft encoder. The SR-180 MK 1 Mod. 10 has a control and display unit installed in the front access cover. When required, the control and display unit can be removed from the housing and installed at a location (e.g. bridge console) remote from the gyrocompass.

The unique method of supporting the now enhanced well-proven gyrosphere by means of mere buoyancy ensures north stabilization during short power failures. For example, after a three minute gyrocompass power failure, no more that two degrees of deviation may be expected. Once power has been restored, the gyrocompass will return quickly to the correct heading without requiring the usual settling period. The combined effect of the twin rotors and the liquid damping system prevent latitude error.

For operation in extremely heavy seas where highly accurate heading information is absolutely essential, the SR-180 MK 1 Mod. 7 gyrocompass, equipped with a special gyrosphere container, is recommended. Here, the unique centering pin retaining arrangement for the gyrosphere is mounted in an additional gimbal system, which allows the SR-180 MK 1 Mod 7 gyrocompass an almost unlimited freedom of roll and pitch (±90°).

     

Features

Standard Features

  • Comprises one single unit.
  • Control and display unit in front cover with 4-digit heading display and 6 operating keys.
  • Easy to install and easy to service.
  • 24 VDC and 115/230 VAC supply voltages.
  • High-speed follow-up system 100°/sec.
  • Rate of turn output.
  • Automatic static north speed error correction.
  • Integrated TMC interface.
  • Compass monitor function.
  • Highly accurate digital heading data trans-mission by shaft encoder.
  • Self-synchronizing repeater compasses.
  • Will drive a maximum of 12 analogue repeaters.
  • 7 independent serial outputs RS 422 & NMEA 0183
  • 2 independent 6 steps/° outputs (0.5 A).
  • Complies with IMO regulations A.424(XI), A.574(14), A.821(19) - HSC and ISO 8728.
  • Outputs to Voyage Data Recorder:
    • Heading
    • Heading source gyro/magnetic
    • Rudder angles of two independent rudders.
  • Complies with DNV-W1.
  • Insensitive to horizontal acceleration.
  • Twin rotors and liquid damping system eliminates latitude error.
  • High MTBF (mean time between failures) and low power consumption.
  • All repeater compasses with serial interface.
  • Automatic emergency power changeover and status alarm.
  • Gyro system remains north stabilized during power interruptions of up to 3 minutes.
  • Single point suspension of the gyrosphere container eliminates the well-known adverse effects associated with gimbals.
  • Monitoring and alarm functions for all voltages, gyroscope current and follow-up system.
Optional Features
  • Automatic dynamic north speed error correction.
  • Remote control unit Compass Monitor for additional operational convenience.
  • Magnetic compass with fluxgate.
  • Analogue and digital repeaters.
  • Voyage Data Recorder.
  • Conventional, adaptive and high-speed code autopilots.
  • Rudder angle feedback units.
  • Electromagnetic speed log.

Inputs And Outputs For All Basic Systems

Inputs

  • Position lat./lon. in NMEA 0183*
  • Speed in NMEA 0183 or 200 pulses/nm*
  • Rudder angle, analogue
  • Rate-of-turn time constant from external selector
  • Sine / cosine from magnetic compass fluxgate
  • Heading in NMEA 0183 from electronic compass
  • Steering mode status (auto/man) from selector switch
  • Power supply 115 - 230 VAC and/or 24 VDC

Outputs

  • 12 heading outputs in NMEA 0183 to serial repeaters
  • 2 outputs NMEA 0183 speed, magnetic heading
  • 2 outputs RS 422 gyro heading, ROT, lat./lon.
  • 1 output heading, ROT in RS 422 FAST
  • 1 output heading, ROT in RS 422 SUPER FAST
  • 1 output status signal
  • 1 rate of turn
  • 1 output RS 422 to Voyage Data Recorder with heading, rudder angle, time, lat./ lon., steering mode, speed
  • 1 output status gyro/magnetic
*Required for automatic north speed error correction only.
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