True winddisplay

OMC-131

Users Manual
Ver. No. 1.07
(pdf version)

OBSERVATOR instruments B.V.

[Link] 60
2980 AB Ridderkerk
Rietdekkerstraat 6
2984 BM Ridderkerk
Tel. ++31 (0)180 463411
Telefax ++31 (0)180-463510
The Netherlands
 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

Contents

1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1. Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2. Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2.1 General cable layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2.2 Power supply settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2.3. Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2.4. Daisy chaining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3. Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 wind sensors relative wind information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 True wind information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3 Communication and ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3.1 Serial input output Port 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3.2 Serial input output Port 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3.3 Serial input output Port 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3.4 Serial input output Port 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.5 Serial input output Port 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3.6 Analogue input output Port 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.7 Message format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.4 Settings via frontpanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4.1 Units and averaging settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4.2 Lamp test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4.3 Gyro compass heading adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1 Uploading a new software version in the OMC-131 display unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

5. Setting up procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1 Input device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Set output device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.3 Set average of channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.4 Set options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.5 All settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

1. General

The Obsermet OMC-131 True wind display unit is specially designed for easily read out of true and
relative wind information on board sea going vessels. Once again the use of the latest Obsermet
standards in combination with a distinguished front panel, known from earlier released wind displays
like OMC-139, the unit will be a break through in the marine navigation market.

The unit is suitable for panel mounting as well for mounting into a standard 19" rack, on request a
table top version is also available. Any inclination is allowed and no additional control units are
required.

For proper use, this unit requires, besides a wind speed and direction signal, a GPS, Gyro and
speed log signals. These are necessary for calculating true wind and direction for normal situations
as well as situations such as turning at low speeds.

Relative wind direction and variation is indicated within a circle relative to the longitudinal axis of the
vessel, while the true wind information is displayed within a wind circle with the four wind directions.
Inside these circles which consists of 36 LEDs, numeric displays indicates the corresponding rela-
tive and true wind speed. This information can be displayed in m/s, knots, mph, km/h or Beaufort.
Selection of these units can easily made using the MENU option within the integrated membrane
keys. Another MENU option is the choice of the averaging interval, which can be set at 2 minutes,
10 minutes or every other user-programmed interval. When not in the MENU mode the and
keys are used for brightness control or gust reset.

A gust display is located in the lower right of the relative wind circle. On the lower right of the true
wind circle a 3 digit display is available for indication of the numeric wind direction.

The true wind display unit was specially developed for integration within meteorological systems
used for nautical applications. Therefor many in- and output connections belong to the possibilities,
either as standard or as option. The unit was primary intended to use with the Obsermet OMC-160
wind sensors, but other, most common sensors can be connected to the system.

Of course the connection with all other Obsermet equipment like meteorological data monitoring
software, data printers and ’slave’ display units belong to the possibilities using the Obsermet
standard output.

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Mechanical
Case type : 19 inch frontplate 3HU
Material : Alluminum
Max. dimensions : 483x133x90mm
Panel outcut : 440x128 mm
Weight : 2.5 kg

Electrical
Power Supply : 230 VAC/50Hz
Power Consumption : 50 VA
E.M.C. : EN-50081-1 (emission) and EN-50082-2 (immunity)

Input
Sensor Supply : 15 VDC, max. 100 mA
Signal : TTY, 300 Bd (active)
Compatibility : All Obsermet equipment, wind sensors, displays etc.
GPS : RS422 NMEA-0183
GYRO : RS422 NMEA-0183
LOG : RS422 NMEA-0183 or 200 pulses per nautical mile

Output
Daisy chain : TTY, (passive) to other Obsermet display units

RS-232 Communication & programming

Connector : DB9-M
User interval : 1 ... 600 sec.
Gust reset : automatic or manual

Display

Averaging interval : 2 min, 10 min, or any user-programmed interval, selectable from

front panel. The selected interval is valid for direction, variation,
speed, and gust.
User interval : programming via RS-232 communications port
Readout units : m/s, km/h, kn, mph, bft, selectable from front panel
Selection GPS, Gyro/Log : Automatic or Manual, on front panel LED indication what selection is
made
Front panel control : 3 keys, marked MENU, ∇ and ∆
Brightness control : from front panel with ∇ and ∆ keys (16 steps)
Lamp test : from front panel by simultaneously pressing ∇ and ∆ keys
Manual gust reset : from front panel by simultaneously pressing MENU and ∇ key

Available Options
: 115VAC Power Supply
: 24 VDC Power Supply
: RS-232 signal output (Obsermet data format)
: RS-232 or RS-422/RS485 signal output (NMEA-0183 data format)
: Analog outputs 0-1 V or 4-20 mA
: Signal input for OMC-172/ OMC-176
: Signal input RS-232 (Obsermet data format, modem connection)
: Signal Input for non-Obsermet Sensors: contact factory
: Remote brightness control

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

2. Installation

2.1. Mechanical

Panel mounting of the OMC-131 display requires a panel cut-out of 435mm x 130mm. Maximum
panel thickness 5 mm. Rear access must be provided, for fixing of the tightening clamps and
connecting the electric cabling. The depth of the unit is 63 mm and an additional clearance of 8 mm
should be allowed for the cable connections.

2.2. Electrical

All Obsermet displays utilize a common terminal strip for the connections to the wind sensors and
the ancillary displays and/or recorders. The signal cable between the wind sensor and the display is
a 4-core cable with 2 cores for power to the sensor and 2 cores for signal transmission. To reduce
interference the cable must have a common screen. This screen should be grounded to earth in the
junction box of the wind sensor. In this way the cable may run distances up to 1 kilometer.

Recommended cable: 2 (or 3) twisted pairs with common screen, core size 0.75 mm2.

In the case that the wind sensor is provided with a heater. 2 extra cores are required for power
supply to the heater. The size of the heater cable depends on the cable length. (For more details
see manual wind sensor)

The OMC-131 display unit provides the 15 Volts DC. power supply to the microprocessor
transmitter in the wind sensor. The power consumption of the sensor transmitter electronics is
approx. 65 mA. This power supply should not be used for the optional heaters in the sensor. These
sensor-heaters must be powered independently from the display unit.

2.2.1 General cable layout

Cable layout depends strongly on the customer requirements.

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2.2.2 Power supply settings

The OMC-131 will be delivered with the power supply set as required by the customer. If no power
supply is mentioned in the official ordering papers the OMC-131 power supply will be set for 230
Vac.

If during installation is found that the supply setting is wrong two things can be done, the unit can
be returned to the factory for modification or the user will modify the unit himself.

To modify the display unit for a different power supply proceed as follows,

On the power supply board, the Pcb with the terminal connection on the rear side, there is installed
a transformer. The transformer offers the possibility of 115 or 230 Vac. The supply depends on the
jumper settings between the filter transformer and the supply transformer. (see Pcb layout) If the
wired marked "B" are installed the unit is set for 115 Vac, If the wire "A" is installed the unit is set
for 230 Vac.

For 24 Vdc power supply the transformer TR1 has to be removed from the printed circuit board.
When the transformer has been removed two wire connection can be made (marked with "C")

As an option the OMC-131 can be delivered for 12 Vdc, If the unit has to be modified to work with
12 Vdc the transformer has to be removed. With the transformer removed it becomes possible to
install a DC/DC converter on the location of the transformer. The DC/DC converter converts the 12
Volt supply voltage up to 24 Vdc.

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

2.2.3. Connections

All connections to the OMC-131 display are made to the rear of the display as shown on the
drawing below.

If the Obsermet windsensors are used, the terminals 1. 2. 3, and 4 are used for sensor 1 and the
numbers 7, 8, 9 and 10 for sensor number 2.

1, 7, 13, 19 = -15 Vdc sensor supply

2, 8, 14, 20 = +15 Vdc sensor supply
3, 9, 15, 21 = - serial currentloop input, or RS422 input
4, 10, 16, 22 = + serial currentloop input, or RS422 input
5, 11, 17, 23 = - daisy chain output currentloop or RS422
6, 12, 18, 24 = + daisychain output currentloop or RS422
28 = - remote brightness control
29 = + remote brightness control
30 = not used
31 = not used
32 = not used
33 = - analogue speed output 4..20 or 0..1 Volt
34 = + analogue speed output 4..20 or 0..1 Volt
35 = - analogue direction output 4..20 mA or 0..1 Volt
36 = + analogue direction output 4..20 mA or 0..1 Volt

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2.2.4. Daisy chaining

The daisy-chain output is used to transfer the wind sensor information to a second wind display.
The cable length depends on the type of cable used. Depending on the total capacity of the cable a
distance up to 1000 meter is possible. The cable should be screened, and the screen should be
grounded at 1 point only.

Recommended cable: 1 twisted pair with common screen, core size 0.75 mm2.

The daisy chain function is used in a different way, special dedicated output ports are used to
output true and relative wind information. On the block diagram below the ports 1 to 6 have been
given an extra number 1 to 13. Those numbers are used above to identify the ports.

The input and output ports are numbered as shown above, there are 5 serial input and outputs
numbered from 1 to 5 and 1 analogue port numbered 6. The analogue input is never used with true
wind systems. The output port number 6 is the analogue output 0...1 Volt or 4...20 mA.

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3. Commissioning

Before switching ON the mains, check that the power supply is correct as indicated on the
identification label on the rear of the equipment.

With no signal cable connected, switch on the display and observe the front panel LED,s. The
system will perform a led test all led are switched on and off one by one. When the test is finished
the display shows on the led circle no information and on both speed displays only "---" is shown.
This is because no sensor information is received by the display.

3.1 wind sensors relative wind information

Check the voltage at terminals [1] and [2] on the rear panel this should be 15 Volts DC. With all
cabling correctly connected, the display will show the relative wind speed and wind direction directly
as transmitted by the wind sensor. Sensor should be aligned with respect to the bow of the ship.

Adjustment cannot be made as the sensor-signal is digitally transmitted.

When there is no serial information received from the wind sensor the watchdog circuit in the
display unit starts to switch the 15 Volt supply voltage to the sensor ON and OFF. The supply
voltage is 10 seconds ON and if none information is received from the wind sensor the supply
voltage is switched OFF for 5 seconds. If this is happening during the commissioning check the
wiring to the wind sensor.

If two wind sensor are used the same procedure should be followed for the second wind sensor.
Which sensor is used can be seen from the indication leds on the front panel. The switching
between the sensors is done automatically or if selected by hand via the menu key and the arrow
up/down keys. If on automatic, the sensor selected depends on the wind direction. If the wind
direction is between 345 and 195 degrees starboard sensor is used, if the wind is blowing from 015
and 165 degrees port sensor is used.

When the display is fully operational and the wind sensor information is not received for more than
5 seconds the display starts flashing indicating that the sensor information is not longer received by
the display unit.

If from the speed display inside the led circle the decimal point between the hundred and the ten
display is ON the Eeprom has been damaged. Settings for proper operation are most probably lost.
The display must be returned to the factory.

If in doubt about the information shown on the displays, notice the following information,

Relative wind speed

Relative wind direction
Ships heading as shown on the OMC-131
Ships speed as shown on the OMC-131
Calculate true wind speed
Calculate true wind direction

Contact Obsermet with the above information at hand.

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3.2 True wind information

To calculate and display the true wind information ships speed and heading is needed. When this
information is not received the true display part shows "----" because calculation is not possible.

There are several ways for the OMC-131 to receive the ships speed and heading,

1 NMEA-message with speed and heading information from ships instrumentation (VHW)
2 Heading and speed message from GPS (VTG) and (GGA)
3 Heading and speed message from the stepper conversion box
4 Speed information via the pulse input (6)
5 Heading information from ships instrumentation (HDT)

Which message and on which port the information is to be received must be set in the setup menu
via the serial port (9 pin D-connector).

When no information is received from the gyro compass, the OMC-131 can not calculate the true
wind speed and direction. The true wind part of the display starts to flash or if no information has
been received from start-up the true wind display part shown "-----".

If there is no speed information the unit will still calculate the true wind speed and direction but this
information will not be correct.

When a valid speed and heading is received from the GPS the display will use this information
instead of the gyro heading and the log speed. As soon as the speed in the GPS message
becomes more then 3 knots the GPS information will be used. This is shown on the indication leds
on the front panel of the display.

When a valid speed and heading is received from the DGPS the display will use this information
instead of the gyro heading and the log speed. As soon as the speed in the GPS message
becomes more than 1 knots the DGPS information will be used.

$GPGGA,hhmmss,[Link],a,[Link],a,b,cc,dd.d,xx.x,M,xx.x,M,gg.g,kkkk*hh<CR><LF>

[Link] = GPS latitude North or South a = N/S

[Link] = GPS longtitude East or West a = E/W
b = GPS quality indicator 0 = GPS invalid, 1 = GPS fix, 2 = DGPS fix
cc = Number of GPS satellites being use
dd.d = Horizontal dilution of precision
M = Antenna height relative to main sealevel
M = Geoidal separation units in meters
gg.g = Age of differential GPS data
kkkk = Differential reference station ID
hh = Checksum

The information GPS or DGPS is taken from the message as shown above. If this message is not
available the speed and heading information received from the GPS will be used as GPS
information and not as DGPS, meaning under 3 knots ships speed the system switches back to
gyro compass and ships log for its information.

Because the commissioning is almost always done along side the key, meaning no ships speed
above 1 or 3 knots, the information used to calculate true wind is coming from the gyro compass
and the ships log. Indication on front panel should show this.

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

3.3 Communication and ports

The OMC-131 has 5 input and output ports available. The first 4 inputs are normally used for the
Obsermet windsensors and ships information of speed and heading. For other wind sensor a
RS422 input is also possible. Port number 1 can also be set for a RS485 input signal.

3.3.1 Serial input output Port 1

Port 1 uses the connections on the rear of the instrument numbered 1 to 6 in the following way,

1 = -15Vdc sensor supply

2 = +15Vdc sensor supply
3 = - serial input signal
4 = + serial input signal
5 = - serial output signal
6 = + serial output signal

Port number 1 will accept signals like currentloop, RS422 or RS485, this depends on jumper
settings on the connection board and on the processor board.

Input jumper settings

Port number 1 has jumper settings on the connection board as well as on the
processor board. On the connection board jumper field J1 is used to select
Currentloop or RS422.

J1 jumper position 1-3 and 2-4 = Currentloop input

J1 jumper position 3-5 and 4-6 = RS422 input

On the processor board (right) the following jumper field is used,

J1 jumper position 1-2 = Currentloop input

J1 jumper position 2-3 = RS422 input
J1 jumper position 4-5 = RS485 input

The default settings for port 1 are Currentloop input 300 bps communication
speed. Input Port is always used for input of windspeed and direction informa-
tion. Information can be accepted from several different sensors depending of
settings in hardware and software.

Output jumper settings

Port number 1 has only jumper settings on the connection board, the selected outputs are Cur-
rentloop or RS422. Jumpers must be set as follows,

J5 jumper position 1-3 and 2-4 = Currentloop output

J5 jumper position 3-5 and 4-6 = RS422 output

Output port is used to transmit information to an OMC-183 signal conditionings unit. Default settings
Currentloop signal communication speed 9600 bps.

Output message, V = relative windspeed, v = true windspeed, D = relative direction, d = true

direction, C = ships heading and S = ships speed. (Optional A = latitude, O = longitude)

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3.3.2 Serial input output Port 2

Port 2 uses the connections on the rear of the instrument numbered 7 to 12 in the following way,

7 = -15Vdc sensor supply

8 = +15Vdc sensor supply
9 = - serial input signal
10 = + serial input signal
11 = - serial output signal
12 = + serial output signal

Port number 2 will accept signals like currentloop and RS422, this depends on jumper settings on
the connection board.

Input jumper settings

Port number 2 has only jumper settings on the connection board. On the connection board jumper
field J2 and J6 is used to select Currentloop or RS422.
J2 jumper position 1-3 and 2-4 = Currentloop input
J2 jumper position 3-5 and 4-6 = RS422 input
J6 jumper position 1-2 = RS422
J6 jumper position 2-3 = Currentloop

The default settings for port 2 are Currentloop input 300 bps communication speed.

Port is used for input of a second windspeed and direction sensor. Information can be accepted
from several different sensors depending of settings in hardware and software.

Output jumper settings

There are no jumper settings available.

The output on port 2 can only be RS422. Output is used to transmit True wind information to an
OMC-138 winddisplay. Default settings are RS422 output communication speed 9600 bps.

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3.3.3 Serial input output Port 3

Port 3 uses the connections on the rear of the instrument numbered 13 to 18 in the following way,

13 = -15Vdc sensor supply

14 = +15Vdc sensor supply
15 = - serial input signal
16 = + serial input signal
17 = - serial output signal
18 = + serial output signal

Port number 3 will accept signals like Currentloop and RS422, this depends on jumper settings on
the connection board.

Input jumper settings

Port number 3 has only jumper settings on the connection board. On the connection board jumper
field J3 and J7 is used to select Currentloop or RS422.

J3 jumper position 1-3 and 2-4 = Currentloop input

J3 jumper position 3-5 and 4-6 = RS422 input
J7 jumper position 1-2 = RS422
J7 jumper position 2-3 = Currentloop

Input port is used for ships speed and heading information using the NMEA-183 format. The default
settings are RS422 input communication speed 4800 bps.

Expected input message, VHW Waterspeed and heading or HDT Heading true

$GPVHW,xxx.x,T,xxx.x,M,xx.x,N,xx.x,K,*hh

T = Heading in degrees true

M = Heading in degrees magnetic
N = Speed knots
K = Speed km/h
When only ships heading is available via NMEA-
$GPHDT,xxx.x,T*hh<CR><LF>
183 protocol the pulse input of input 6 can be
used for ships speed input
T = Heading degrees true

If no Ships information is available via the

NMEA-183 protocol, this port is used to receive information from an Obsermet conversion unit. This
unit converts the stepper or synchro signal from the compass together with the ships speed
information and transmits this signal as a currentloop signal to the OMC-131 where it is received on
this port (3)

Output jumper settings

There are no jumper settings available. The output on port 3 can only be RS422.

Output port is used to transmit relative wind information to an OMC-139 wind display. Default
settings are RS422 output communication speed 9600 bps.

Output message format <LF>Dxxx<sp>Vxxx<sp>cscs<CR>

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3.3.4 Serial input output Port 4

Port 4 uses the connections on the rear of the instrument numbered 7 to 12 in the following way,

19 = -15Vdc sensor supply

20 = +15Vdc sensor supply
21 = - serial input signal
22 = + serial input signal
23 = - serial output signal
24 = + serial output signal

Port number 4 will accept signals like currentloop and RS422, this depends on jumper settings on
the connection board.

Input jumper settings

Port number 4 has only jumper settings on the connection board. On the connection board jumper
field J4 and J8 is used to select Currentloop or RS422.

J4 jumper position 1-3 and 2-4 = Currentloop input

J4 jumper position 3-5 and 4-6 = RS422 input
J8 jumper position 1-2 = RS422
J8 jumper position 2-3 = Currentloop

Input port is always used for input of GPS information. This can be information of ships speed and
heading calculated by the GPS (true speed and heading) and position of ship (longitude and
latitude)

Expected messages are , VTG (Course and ground speed) and the GGA message. (see page 9)

$GPVTG,xxx.x,T,xxx.x,M,xx.x,N,xx.x,K*hh <CR><LF>

T = Course degrees true

M = Course degrees magnetic
N = Speed over ground in knots
K = Speed over ground in km/h
hh = checksum

Output jumper settings

There are no jumper settings available. The output on port 4 can only be RS422.

The default settings for port 4 are RS422 input 4800 bps communication speed, RS422 output com-
munication speed 9600 bps.

Output port is used to transmit true and relative wind information in the NMEA-183 format.

Output message,

$IIMWV,xxx,T,x.x,M,A*cscs True wind message

$IIMWV,xxx,R,x.x,M,A*cscs Relative wind message

"M" means meters per second

"A" means message valid "V" means message invalid

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3.3.5 Serial input output Port 5

Port 5 uses the connections on the rear of the instrument numbered 25 to 27 in the following way,

25 = Ground signal
26 = Receive data
27 = Transmit data

Port number 5 will accept only RS232 signals.

Within the menu driven software, input or output can be set to transmit or receive data on this port.
There are no jumper settings available for input or output port number 5
The default settings for port 5 are RS232 input and output communication speed 9600 bps.

Port 5 is sometimes used for output

all the received information to a
computer running the GDM
software for capturing the
information and showing trend
information as well as numeriek
information. Program stores
received information in day files on
hard disk. With the correct GPS
signals transmitted to the OMC-
131, a weather reports can be
stored on harddisk labeled with the
position of the ship at that time.

If position information is to be
received from the GPS, the
following message from the GPS is
expected, GGA Gobal positioning
system fix data

$GPGGA,hhmmss,[Link],a,[Link],a,b,cc,dd.d,xx.x,M,xx.x,M,gg.g,kkkk*hh<CR><LF>

[Link] = GPS latitude North or South a = N/S

[Link] = GPS longitude East or West a = E/W
b = GPS quality indicator 0 = GPS invalid, 1 = GPS fix, 2 = DGPS fix
cc = Number of GPS satellites being use
dd.d = Horizontale dilution of precision
M = Antenna height relative to main sealevel
M = Geoidal separation units in meters
gg.g = Age of differential GPS data
kkkk = Differential reference station ID
hh = Checksum

"b" is used to select at which speed the OMC-131 starts to use the gyro and log information to
calculate the true wind speed and direction.

When the quality indicator give "0" unit switches immediately to gyro and log.
When the quality indicator give "1" unit goes below 3 knot speed to gyro and log.
When the quality indicator give "2" unit goes below 1 knot speed to gyro and log.

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3.3.6 Analogue input output Port 6

Port 6 is completely different used as the ports 1 to 5. The input of port 6 accept signals from an
analogue windsensor system providing a pulse for wind speed and an potmeter output signal for
wind direction. The output port 6 are two analogue signals coupled to one of the input and providing
0...1 Volt or 4...20 mA over a set range.

Port 6 input

Port 6 uses the connections on the rear of the instrument numbered 28 to 32 in

the following way,

28 = - input pulse wind speed

29 = + input pulse wind speed
30 = common signal potentiometer
31 = wiper potentiometer
32 = + reference signal 2.7 Volts

As analogue input is optional the IC’s needed are standard not installed in the
sockets. If analogue is needed the IC’s 14 and 15 must be placed in the
sockets.

The pulse input is sometimes used for ships speed input. A signal of 200
pulses per nautical mile is expected.

Port 6 output

The OMC-131 provides an analogue output signal for wind speed and wind
direction. This is optional and not as standard available.

On the processor board (middle board) there are some jumper settings to select a current or
voltage output signal. There are three
jumpers that have to be set in the correct
position. In the drawing the selection for a
voltage output is set. In jumper field J2 de
position 2-3 is selected and in jumper field
J3 the jumper settings 1-3 and 2-4 are
selected.

To get a 4...20 mA output the jumpers

must be set as follows,

Jumper field J2 set 1-2

Jumper field J3 set 3-5 and 4-6

The potmeters R18 and R19 are used to

set the range of the analogue output
signals.

Because the analogue output is optional

the IC,s needed for this output are not
installed originally. If the analogue output
is added after the display has left the
factory some IC,s needs to be installed in
the correct sockets. For the analogue output the following IC,s have to be installed, IC16, IC17,
IC18 and IC20. To select the correct output signal see above for the correct jumper settings.

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3.3.7 Message format

Currentloop output OMC-160 message format

The currentloop output is normally used to transport the collected data from the currentloop input.
Using the system in this way it is not necessary anymore to output the data as analogue signals
which upgrade the performance and the accuracy. The data is transmitted with the same speed as
data is received from the windsensor. 300 baud 8N1.

If the currentloop output signal from the OMC-160 is repeated by the OMC-138 the message looks
as follows,

<LF>D125<sp>V234<sp >cscs<CR>

In the above message the transmitted wind direction is the number shown after the indent "D" 125
degrees. the windspeed in the message is shown after the indent "V" 234 is 23.4 m/s. The
windspeed is transmitted without decimal point and must therefor be divided by 10 to get the correct
windspeed.

The checksum is all information in the string added, the least significant byte is divided into high
and low nibble and both nibbles are incremented by hexadecimal 30. This information is sent out as
a checksum.

OMC-2900 message format

Sometimes the data is transmitted in the OMC-2900 format. This format is used when more
parameters are transmitted.

The wind data transported in the OMC-2900 format looks as following,

<STX><LF>V21.2<SP>CSCS< CR>
<LF>D156<SP>CSCS<CR><EOT>

Every message starts with a start of text character after this the messages are transmitted. All
messages start with a line feed followed with the identifier for the data, then the data and then a
checksum for protection reasons, the message end with a carriage return.

All input channels can be transmitted in this way every second to any receiving station.

RS232/RS422 in/output channel

The OMC-2900 and the OMC-160 format on the RS232/RS422 looks the same as the format used
in the currentloop output.

There are two possibilities to transmit data in the NMEA output, windspeed can be transmitted in
m/s or in knots, both messages are shown below.

SIIMWV.123.R.5.8.N.A*24 Windspeed in knots

SIIMWV.123.R.5.8.M.A*27 Windspeed in meters per seconds

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3.4 Settings via frontpanel

On the frontpanel of the display there are three pushbuttons. The buttons are marked "MENU",
arrow up and arrow down. Under normal conditions the buttons marked arrow up and down are
used to adjust the brightness of the display.

3.4.1 Units and averaging settings

When the menu button is pressed the led in the average time window starts flashing indicating that
the select option is on. It becomes possible now to make a selection using the arrow up and down
button. If the menu button is pressed again the led in the units window starts flashing indicating that
the select option is on. With the arrow up and down button it is possible now to select different units
for the windspeed.

When the buttons are not touched for 5 seconds the display will return to the normal operation
mode.

3.4.2 Lamp test

With both arrow buttons pressed all the displays and led’s start flashing (lamp test) When the
interval time for gust is set to 0 seconds the Gust must be reset manually. this has to be done by
pressing the menu and the arrow down button at the same time.

3.4.3 Gyro compass heading adjustment

When heading information is received from the stepper/synchro conversion box, the heading must
be set to the correct heading each time the gyro compass has been switched off. If no information
or faulty information has been received from the stepper/synchro conversion box the heading
display on the display panel of the OMC-131 starts flashing. As soon as the gyro align buttons are
used to set the correct heading this flashing will stop.

An offset is added in the following way, Press the arrow-up button and the Menu button,

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4. Maintenance

The Obsermet OMC-138/139 digital display unit has no moving parts, and requires no routine
maintenance. If required, the perspex display front can be cleaned with a cloth, slightly moistened
with a soft detergent. Care must be taken that no liquid enters the display unit. Solvents should not
be used, and scratches should be avoided.

Fuses: Glass fuses 5x20 mm, 250mA for 230 Vac, 250 mA for 115 Vac, 250 mA for 24 Vdc

The fuse can be reached as follows,

Switch of the main supply and disconnect all the wiring on the rear of the display.
Remove the four 2.5 mm screws on the rear of the display.
Remove the front window, pull on a corner with both hands.
With holding the front down, the whole case can be removed now.

The fuse can be reached now. The fuse is placed on the PCB where all the wires are connected to.

4.1 Uploading a new software version in the OMC-131 display unit

On the rear of the instrument there is a 9 pin D-connector. Connect to this connector a RS232
serial cable wired from computer to computer (2 and 3 swapped). No handshake needed.

Start the Program Hyper terminal available in Windows 95’.

Set terminal parameters to 9800 8N1
Press the "enter bar", The following menu should appear.

OMC 938/939 Obsermet Mini weather display unit

Software version 1.1 Serial nr : 93800001

1 - Select input device.

2 - Select output device.
3 - Set averaging of channels.
4 - Set options.
5 - Show all settings.
6 - Test instrument.

If this menu appears on your screen a proper connection with the display has been established,
cable, display and terminal program are working properly.

Close the program "Hyper terminal" and go to the DOS environment.

Go to the directory where the files "Upload" and the program "Flash.A20" can be found. If this is
done give the following command "Upload 1 flash.a20" (The "1" stands for the number of com port)
Display will respond with the following messages,
1. Program to upload motorola hex-files into the omc-138 and series
2. Start erasing Flash eprom
3. Flash is erased
4. Start with upload and programming of flash
5. 000000 !ACK! until 01C500 !ACK! (number of blocks depends on length of program)

The program has been downloaded and installed.

The next thing to do is programming display parameters.

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

5. Setting up procedure

During final testing in the factory the OMC-131 is setup for the system it is manufactured for.
If at a later stage the settings have to be changed then this can be done by the user in the following
way.

Connected a cable to the RS232 connector at the rear of the [Link] the other end of
the cable to a PC. Cable needs wires 2, 3 and 5 to be connected 2 and 3 swapped.

Start on the PC a terminal program like "Terminal" under Windows or "Hyper terminal" under
windows 95.

Select the proper transmission speed, the speed is as a standard set to 9600 bps. This setting
might be set differently, if no response from the instrument when pressing the ENTER button on the
keyboard try a different transmission speed.

If contact is established with the display the a menu as shown on the next page will appear on your
computer screen.

Above the menu structure is shown with all its options.

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

Select one of the items with the numbers in

front of the option.
OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0

Serial nr : 00000000

1 - Set input device.

2 - Set output device.
3 - Set averaging of channels.
4 - Set options.
5 - Show all settings.
6 - Test instrument.

5.1 Input device

OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
With the given options the OMC-131 can be Software version 1.0
set to customers needs.
Serial nr : 00000000
If "Select input device" is selected the menu on
Instrument input device.
the right will appear on the screen. The menu
shows the actual situation with the words 0 - menu back.
placed in brackets. This actual situation can be 1 - windsensor 1 (PortSide).
changed by selecting a number. 2 - windsensor 2 (StarBoard) [disabled].
3 - GPS heading / speed [enabled].
4 - Combined NMEA heading / speed [enabled].
The OMC-131 can handle the information from 5 - NMEA Heading [in use].
two wind sensors. If only one wind sensor is 6 - NMEA Speed [disabled].
used the second wind sensor is disabled as 7 - Step conversion box [in use].
shown. 8 - Speed puls input 200 nm/puls [off]
Select option :
If the word "in use" is shown behind the option
this means that the serial port where the signal
is expected on is already used by an other
signal input.
OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0

If number "1" or "2" has been selected a new Serial nr : 000000

menu will appear as shown on the right.
Input 1 settings.

With this menu it is possible to select the type 0 - menu back.

of wind sensor used with the system and the 1 * 300 baud.
transmission speed the sensor is transmitting 2 - 1200 baud.
its information to the rack. 3 - 2400 baud.
4 - 4800 baud.
5 - 9600 baud.
The selected items are marked with an 6 * Obsermet sensor.
asterisks between the number and the texts. 7 - Obsermet OMC2900 format.
8 - Gill sensor.
In the menu the Obsermet OMC-160 wind 9 - Irdam sensor.
A * No second sensor
sensor has been selected with a Select option :
communication speed of 300 bps.

The second wind sensor has been disabled.

If the settings have been made press "0" to return to the previous menu.

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

When number "3" is selected the menu as

shown on the right will appear. OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.7
To get a better accuracy it is possible to use
the ships speed and heading calculated by a Serial nr : 00000000
GPS system if such a system is available and
Input GPS information 2 settings.
has the correct output signals.
0 - menu back.
In the menu shown it is possible to select a 1 - 300 baud.
GPS when the correct information is received 2 - 1200 baud.
from the GPS system. If switched on the 3 - 2400 baud.
4 * 4800 baud.
correct communication speed must be set. 5 - 9600 baud.
With NMEA-183 this will be 4800 bps. 6 - GPS information off.
7 * GPS information on.
8 - GPS talker identifier [none]
Select option :

When number "4" is selected the menu as

shown on the right will appear. OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.7
On board of some ships it is possible to obtain
ships speed and direction from the ships Serial nr : 00000000
computer. The message is in the NMEA-183
Input Combined NMEA heading / speed settings.
format.
0 - menu back.
When it is possible to obtain the information, 1 - 300 baud.
the combined NMEA heading/speed 2 - 1200 baud.
information must be set ON. 3 - 2400 baud.
4 * 4800 baud.
5 - 9600 baud.
Secondly the correct transmission speed 6 - Combined NMEA heading / speed information off.
should be selected. 7 * Combined NMEA heading / speed information on.
8 - NMEA heading/speed talker identifier [none]
Select option :

If there is no combined message available a

separate message, if available can be used. OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.7
If switched ON a free input port must be
selected where the information is coming in. Serial nr : 00000000

Input NMEA speed settings.

Input "2" can be used if no second wind
sensor is used. 0 - menu back.
1 - 300 baud.
Input "4" can be used if no GPS has been 2 - 1200 baud.
connected. 3 - 2400 baud.
4 - 4800 baud.
5 - 9600 baud.
If both ports are used port "5" can be used. 6 * NMEA speed information off.
This port is an RS232 port. 7 - NMEA speed information on input 2 [free].
8 - NMEA speed information on input 4 [in use].
"in use" means hardware input already used. 9 - NMEA speed information on input 5.
A - NMEA speed talker identifier [none]
Select option :

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

If there is no combined message available a

separate message if available can be used. OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0

If switched ON a free input port must be Serial nr : 00000000

selected where the information is coming in.
Input NMEA heading settings.
The information is expected on port "3" and the
0 - menu back.
correct communication speed must be set.
1 - 300 baud.
2 - 1200 baud.
3 - 2400 baud.
4 - 4800 baud.
5 - 9600 baud.
6 * NMEA heading information off.
7 - NMEA heading information on.
Select option :

When there are no possibilities to input the

ships heading and speed via the NMEA-183 OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
protocol via the ships instrumentation Software version 1.0
Obsermet can provide a step conversion unit.
Serial nr : 00000000
This unit converts the step or synchro signal
Input NMEA heading settings.
from the gyro compass and the pulse
information from the ships log and transmit the 0 - menu back.
signal as currentloop signal with ASCII 1 - 300 baud.
information to the OMC-131. 2 - 1200 baud.
3 - 2400 baud.
4 - 4800 baud.
In the menu window shown right the step unit 5 - 9600 baud.
can be switched on or off and if on the correct 6 * Step conversion box off.
transmission speed must be set. This is always 7 - Step conversion box on.
1200 bps. Select option :

When it is not possible to get ships speed

information in NMEA format, the pulse input, OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0
normally used for windspeed or remote
brightness control, can be used for speed Serial nr : 00000000
input.
Instrument input device.
If the ships log provides a potential free relay
0 - menu back.
contact providing 200 pulses per nautical mile,
1 - windsensor 1 (PortSide).
the relay contacts can be connected to the 2 - windsensor 2 (StarBoard) [disabled].
pulse input (terminals 28 and 29). In the menu 3 - GPS heading / speed [enabled].
window on the right option "8" must be 4 - Combined NMEA heading / speed [enabled].
selected for this option. 5 - NMEA Heading [in use].
6 - NMEA Speed [disabled].
7 - Step conversion box [in use].
If remote brightness control is also switched on 8 - Speed puls input 200 nm/puls [off]
the brightness of the display will be altered Select option :
each time a pulse is received.

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

5.2 Set output device

The main menu is shown again. Select "Set OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0
output device" to adjust the communication
speed for all the possible outputs. Serial nr : 00000000

Select "2" from the menu shown. 1 - Set input device.

2 - Set output device.
3 - Set averaging of channels.
4 - Set options.
5 - Show all settings.
6 - Test instrument.

The new window shows what can be OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
expected on the different output ports. Software version 1.0

Serial nr : 00000000
The output is fixed, the only thing that
can be changed here is the transmission Instrument output device.
speed for the different output ports.
0 - menu back.
Select the number in front of the option, 1 - output 1 cl/rs422 All info OMC2900 format [9600 baud].
2 - output 2 rs422 True wind OMC160 format [9600 baud].
if done a new menu window will open as 3 - output 3 rs422 Relative wind OMC160 format [9600 baud].
shown below. 4 - output 4 rs422 All info NMEA format [4800 baud].
5 - output 5 rs232 All info NMEA format [4800 baud].
6 - output analog [true].
If the analogue output is available, with Select option :
number "6" of the menu true or relative
can be selected for the analogue signal.
OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0
Select the correct communication speed for the
selected port and select "0" to return to the Serial nr : 00000000
previous menu.
Output 1 settings.

0 - menu back.
If all port are set to the correct communication 1 - 300 baud.
speed select "0" again to ge back to the main 2 - 1200 baud.
menu window. 3 - 2400 baud.
4 - 4800 baud.
5 * 9600 baud.
Select option :

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

5.3 Set average of channels

The main menu is shown again. Select "Set OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0
average of channels" to adjust the time
settings for the wind parameters and the Serial nr : 00000000
analogue output
1 - Set input device.
Select number "3" from the menu shown. 2 - Set output device.
3 - Set averaging of channels.
4 - Set options.
5 - Show all settings.
The new window shows what can be set, 6 - Test instrument.

The wind speed display part has 3 different

average times, 2 are fixed times and set for 2
and 10 minutes.
OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
Software version 1.0
The third one is called "users" which means
that the user can set an average time by him Serial nr : 00000000
self.
Averaging of channels.

This is done with the menu shown on the right. 0 - menu back.
The first 3 are for the wind direction, the 1 - Direction [3].
average wind direction and the average wind 2 - Variation direction [3].
speed. 3 - Speed [3].
4 - Analog output direction[3].
5 - Analog output speed[3].
The numbers "4" and "5" are the average 6 - Max windspeed reset time[0].
times used for the analogue output signals. Select option :

Number "6" has to do with the gust display

reset time. If this average time is set to zero the gust display has to be reset manually. Otherwise it
will be reset when the set time here has elapsed.

5.4 Set options

If possible with the existing hardware it is

possible to change the software to customers
OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
specification. Those options can than be Software version 1.0
selected in the menu "Device options".
Serial nr : 00000000
The option "Dim on distance" provide the
Device Options.
possibility to adjust the brightness of the
display on remote location. A push button must 0 - menu back.
be connected to the pulse input normally used 1 - Dim on distance [off].
for pulsed wind speed information. 2 - Deviation [0 deg].
Select option :
A windsensor with pulse output can not be
used anymore.

When wind systems are installed on platforms

which are sometimes relocated it was always necessary to get to the sensor to align the wind
sensor with the true North location. With the option Deviation this is not longer necessary. If the
platform is relocated, the alignment can be done by adding a value to the wind direction information
coming from the wind sensor. The wind indication shown on the display is than sensor output +
deviation (e.q. 345 + 33 gives 018 degrees wind direction)

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 Obsermet division OMC-131 Manual

5.5 All settings

When the OMC-131 has been setup or settings have been changed, it is possible to get an over
view what settings have been made.

Select number "5" of the menu, the window as shown right will appear.

From both wind sensors the

type of sensor as well as
the communication speed is OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
shown. Software version 1.7

Serial nr : 00000000
The window shows which
input is used for ships Input device : Windsensor 1 Obsermet sensor 300 baud
speed and heading with the Windsensor 2 Obsermet sensor 300 baud
used communication speed. GPS information [--] Off
NMEA combined speed / heading [--] Off
NMEA heading [--] Off
NMEA speed [--] Off
From the output ports the Step conversion unit On 4800 baud
baudrate settings are Speed pulse input Off
shown.
Output device : 1 = 9600 baud
2 = 9600 baud
3 = 9600 baud
For more information press 4 = 4800 baud
a key. 5 = 4800 baud
Press a key.

If a key has been pressed the window on the OMC 131 Obsermet True Wind display unit
right appears. Software version 1.2

Serial nr : 00000000
In this window the set range for the analogue
outputs is shown with the average times in Analog output range direction : 360 deg.
seconds. Analog output range speed : 40 m/s.

Average direction : 3
For the wind parameters the "Users" time set Average variation direction : 3
are shown in seconds. Average speed : 3
Average analog out direction : 60
Dim on distance is disabled and there is no Average analog out speed : 60
deviation set for the wind direction. Max windspeed reset time : 0

Dim on distance : disabled.

Deviation : 0

Press a key.

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