Sperry Marine has expanded its bridge data management capabilities through the adoption of a new open platform combining multiple heading inputs, including from third party compasses, within the release of version 1.2 of its CompassNet system.
The new version of CompassNet is designed to support integrated digital navigation services by capturing data from multiple sources. The system’s network technology allows multiple equipment units to be connected via network cables without the need to replace accessories such as heading repeaters.
“Installing a dual gyro compass system under the previous architecture might require close to 400 cables and connections. With CompassNet, the amount of cables for a dual compass system is reduced to around 50,” said Sandra Gassig, Product Line Manager, Compass, Speed Log and Steering, Sperry Marine.
“By specifying a refit using CompassNet 1.2, installation time can be reduced to half of what was needed with the previous architecture.”
Sperry’s Data Distribution Unit (DDU) picks up input signals directly from different sources on the bridge and makes that data available to all devices on the network, rather than requiring each to be connected separately.
Ultimately, the company wants to make the heading data captured using CompassNet 1.2 to also be accessible off the bridge and shared with shoreside teams using its new Sperry Sphere platform.
“We are already collecting data for use by the Sperry service team to quickly analyse system status and give us intelligence on the performance, which makes it easier to identify problems and faults,” adds Ms Gassig.
“The use of a system like CompassNet already provides multiple advantages for the navigation team, because as an open platform it means operators only need to provide training for crew on a single system.”
