Ld2 Verify DP Operations Manual - Ab-V-ma-00514 - Rev 1c
Ld2 Verify DP Operations Manual - Ab-V-ma-00514 - Rev 1c
Operations Manual
VERIPOS
Procedure Title:
Date: 22.05.2014
Procedure
Verify DP Operations Manual
Title:
Procedure
AB-V-MA-00514
No:
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 DISPLAY, KEYBOARD AND SPEAKER ...............................................................................................5
1.2 ENABLING VERIFY DP ........................................................................................................................5
1.3 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................5
1.4 DISCLAIMER .........................................................................................................................................5
2. OPERATION....................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 GENERAL..............................................................................................................................................6
2.1.1 Graphical user interface ...................................................................................................7
2.1.2 Position Information View ................................................................................................8
2.1.3 Almanac/DOP ............................................................................................................... 10
2.1.4 Satellite Polar Plot ........................................................................................................ 12
2.1.5 Signal to Noise .............................................................................................................. 13
2.1.6 DGPS Calculation ......................................................................................................... 15
2.1.7 Map ............................................................................................................................... 16
2.1.8 Reference Station Information ...................................................................................... 17
2.1.9 Target Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 19
2.1.10 Event Log View ............................................................................................................. 25
2.1.11 Status Bar ..................................................................................................................... 25
2.2 MAIN MENU ....................................................................................................................................... 27
2.2.1 Settings ......................................................................................................................... 27
2.2.2 View .............................................................................................................................. 31
2.2.3 Help ............................................................................................................................... 32
3. TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................................. 33
1. INTRODUCTION
VERIPOS specialise in providing robust data broadcast services for precise positioning
applications for the offshore industry.
The VERIPOS LD2 receiver may optionally be equipped with on-board QC software called
Verify DP which is optimised for DP operations. This manual contains the information
required to operate the Verify DP software.
Verify DP is quality control and position monitoring program that has been designed
specifically for DP operators and navigation users who need to quickly and continuously
assess the quality of their positioning. It provides a graphical display of essential position
quality information in an easily understood format.
The software has been designed to keep operator intervention to a minimum. It generates
alarms on all key positioning parameters as well as software function status.
To provide flexibility, alarm thresholds are configurable.
For updates to this document and to access other VERIPOS documentation referenced
please see the VERIPOS online support system (VOSS):
http://help.veripos.com
Related documents:
Users of Verify DP are recommended to refer where required to the LD2 Operations
Manual for reference, fault reporting, advice and assistance when using the LD2 receiver.
Verify DP software runs on board the VERIPOS LD2 integrated mobile unit and therefore
does not require a separate computer.
The monitor connects directly to the VGA port P6 on the rear of the LD2.
A mouse and keyboard are required for system configuration and alarms management.
Connect these to the PS2 type connectors on the LD2 before starting the LD2.
If the display cannot be mounted close to the LD2 an optional KVM extender may be used.
The system uses audible alarms. An external speaker may be beneficial in noisy
environments or where the LD2 is located far from the operator.
Attach this to the rear panel speaker output of the LD2.
Verify DP as a service must first be ENABLED for the LD2 unit by Veripos Helpdesk over
the air. A contract for service - Service Access Licence number (SAL) is required.
Verify DP is an additional VERIPOS service. When contacting the Helpdesk for an enable
please specify that Verify DP is required in addition to your GNSS augmentation service.
(e.g.: Verify DP and Ultra Service.)
See the LD2 Operations Manual for details on enabling VERIPOS services with your LD2.
Configuration of the LD2 receiver is by use of its front panel keypad and 2-line LCD display.
The correct demodulator channel (beam) must be selected for the work area and all
reference stations must be enabled on port P2.
(With all reference stations enabled, Verify DP will automatically use the four stations
nearest the work area.)
1.4 DISCLAIMER
VERIPOS accepts no responsibility for any damage or injury to the system, ship or
personnel caused by drawings, instructions or procedures not pre- pared by VERIPOS.
All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by
any information storage and retrieval systems, without a licence from VERIPOS as
copyright owner granting such permission. Applications for such licence should be
addressed to Veripos House, 1B Farburn Terrace, Dyce, Aberdeen. AB21 7DT, UK.
2. OPERATION
The following section describes how to operate Verify DP visualisation software.
2.1 GENERAL
With the LD2 enabled for Verify DP, the on-board Verify DP software will run automatically.
This will configure the GNSS receiver in the LD2 to output all the information required.
The software will then display the predetermined windows which provide information
required by the DP operator.
Note:
When switching on the LD2 with Verify DP enabled, three items appear in the main menu:
An additional menu item (Admin) may be enabled from the Settings menu.
It then appears at the left of the menu bar.
Listing from top to bottom and left to right, the windows display;
Almanac/DOP
Satellite Polar Plot
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
Position Information
DGPS Calculations
Event Log
Map
VERIPOS Reference Station Information or Target Monitoring
Verify DP screen format is fixed - except for the lower right Reference Station outline
window.
Station outline (RTCM) shows information about reference stations used by the on-board
algorithms.
Optionally where a gyro compass is connected to the LD2 this outline window can also
toggle to display a vessel outline (see Gyro section).
When Gyro use is enabled a pair of icons (used to toggle this window) are visible on the top
right corner of the display:
Clicking these buttons allows the user to switch between the vessel outline and the
Reference Station information (RTCM) view.
A Status Bar across the bottom of the screen shows system status information (explained
below).
1. Position
This is the calculated position in WGS84 format displayed in degrees, minutes and
seconds. Seconds are specified to three decimal points. (Centimetre level precision).
2. Mode
Mode shows which VERIPOS service is currently in use as the primary system.
The software will always use the best solution available.
The box will remain green provided a valid position is being calculated.
If no VERIPOS corrections are available, the box will change colour to yellow and show
Standard. The status indicator at the bottom of the screen will change to show System
Warning on a yellow background.
If no GPS data is available the box will change colour to red and show NO DATA.
Status indicator will change to yellow and show System Warning.
The display screen freezes.
If no valid position is available, the box will change colour to red and the status will change
to Invalid. Operator intervention is then required.
The mode box will display GNSS and be coloured orange when only free to air correction
services or external RTCM source(s) are used.
Full QC is used when the VERIPOS Corrections are input to the Verify DP software.
The date and UTC time are displayed, derived from the GPS receiver.
Where GPS signal is not received the time display freezes and the Verify DP screen
display is fixed.
4. Speed/Course/Heading
Clicking the button to the side allows the user to change units: Mph, Kph, m/s, Knots.
Course over Ground is calculated from the GPS antenna position updates and represents
the direction of travel for the vessel. If the vessel is stationary the position observations
show only small changes in random directions.
Heading display is available when an external Gyro input is connected to the LD2.
The LD2 can accept NMEA serial gyro data in RS232 format on either port P3 or USB port
(with an approved USB-Serial converter). For either input the LD2 port must be
appropriately configured. See the LD2 Operations manual for details.
2.1.3 Almanac/DOP
The Almanac/DOP view displays data from the GNSS Almanac. It provides the user with a
six hour window of predicted data that can be used for planning purposes.
In addition, a two hour history is kept showing the predicted DOP from data in the Almanac
and the actual DOP values generated by the Algorithms (shown to the left of the current
time). This allows the user to compare the actual and predicted DOP values.
Note:
Actual figures are plotted as lighter lines, compared to the darker lines drawn by the
predicted values.
Almanac View
DOP (Dilution of Precision) is an indicator of the quality of the geometry of the satellite
constellation. The DOP values for the current time are displayed at the top of the view as
well as the last two hours of DOP data being graphically displayed.
GDOP is computed from the geometric relationships between the receiver position and the
positions of the satellites that the receiver is using. For planning purposes GDOP is
computed from the Almanac and a user position.
Predicted GDOP does not take into account obstacles that block the line-of-sight from the
position to the satellites.
GDOP Components:
PDOP - Position Dilution of Precision (3-D), sometimes known as the Spherical
DOP.
HDOP - Horizontal Dilution of Precision (Latitude and Longitude).
VDOP - Vertical Dilution of Precision (Height).
The Green area displays the number of GPS and possible GLONASS (where enabled)
satellites that are above elevation mask (default 7).
The white area displays the total number of satellites above the horizon.
The satellite polar plot displays the satellite constellations at the users location.
Satellites are colour coded to provide information on their status with circles representing
the satellites of the GPS constellation and squares representing the GLONASS
constellation:
The SV column of the view displays the unique PRN (satellite) number of the satellites in
view. If the satellite is in the GLONASS constellation it will be given a PRN number greater
than 32.
The Azi column is the satellites Azimuth. The azimuth is the horizontal angle measured in
degrees from the fixed point north to the direction of the satellite and is relative to the users
location.
The third column, Elev is the Elevation of the satellite relative to that users position at that
instant of time.
The Dir column provides an indicator to show if the satellite is either rising or falling.
The satellite polar plot view also shows the elevation mask height set in the unit, the
number of satellites in use and the number available. A grey ring is used to indicate the
elevations between zero and the mask in use. Any satellite whose elevation falls below the
mask will be excluded from position computations.
SNR View
The strength of the signal received from each satellite available is displayed in the SNR
view.
If a single frequency (L1) Multi-Reference solution is in use only a single bar will be
displayed to represent the L1 SNR.
When a dual frequency solution (APEX / APEX2 and Ultra / Ultra2) is enabled then both L1
and L2 measurements are plotted.
The X axis shows the PRN numbers of the satellites being received and includes satellites
below the elevation mask. The Y axis shows signal strength in the range 0 to 60 dBHz,
where higher values indicate stronger signals.
The bars are colour coded, with green indicating a good signal level, yellow a marginal
level and red an unsatisfactory level.
Note:
Typical values for signal strength vary depending on the model of GPS receiver installed in
the LD2. To allow for this there is provision in the Settings menu to change the levels at
which the colour transitions occur. Threshold levels are set by the VERIPOS workshop and
should only be changed under the direction of a VERIPOS engineer.
The SNR bars will fluctuate over the period that a satellite is in view. This is a characteristic
of the signal due to the changing elevation of the satellite (elevations are displayed in the
Polar Plot view.)
It is normal for satellites to show low (red) SNR values when they are at low elevations.
Bad SNR values at high elevations (i.e. above 40 degrees) may indicate a potential
problem and should be investigated.
A problem with a single satellite usually indicates signal blockage on a particular azimuth.
Problems with multiple satellites may indicate a problem with the on-board equipment.
(See Troubleshooting section in this manual.)
The DGPS calculation view displays the position error ellipses for all the calculations.
Each ellipse is uniquely coloured for ease of identification.
There is a Key showing the colours associated with each position calculation.
It also shows the standard deviation (SD) measurements for latitude, longitude and height
components of each position solution together with its RMS. Standard deviations are a
measure of the spread of the measurements (at 95% confidence) precision of the position
computation. Smaller SD values indicate better accuracy.
The RMS is a statistical measure of the computed positions around a best fit position
solution. This is shown in metres.
The + and buttons on the view is available to zoom in and out, with the scale ranging
from 0.05m to 5m per scale bar division.
In the grid display and the circular display the grid marks and radius are spaced two scale
bar divisions apart.
The amount of position history shown on the graphical display is changeable; the default is
60 seconds. Amend using the main menu Setting / DGPS Cal settings or by right clicking
on the display.
2.1.7 Map
Map
The Map View shows the users position and the VERIPOS Reference stations that are
available for the working area.
Green background indicates stations which are in use by Verify DP.
White background indicates stations which are enabled for use (using the front panel of the
LD2) but are not in use by Verify DP.
Note: The two buttons immediately above the Map window are used to select whether the lower half
of the screen displays the Reference Station Information window or the Target Monitoring window.
(Described below)
The RTCM view displays the age of the corrections from the individual reference stations
that are used in the position solution.
The reference stations are listed in the left hand column along with the VERIPOS station
ID. The number of satellites for the specific reference station is indicated in brackets
(located to the right of the scrolling bar) for the age of corrections.
VERIPOS RTCM Type 1 and Type 31 corrections are shown as scrolling bars which
indicate the current age of the corrections. They are colour coded according to status:
If corrections from a station are not available for an extended period that station will not
appear on the display.
When HF stations are selected they are shown with blue scrolling bars
When MF stations are selected then they will be displayed with orange scrolling bars.
Note: HF/MF stations will only be available if the relevant option is installed and configured
in the LD2. Please refer to LD2 manuals for details. When this service is used the stations
will automatically be used within the calculation, depending on the distance from the
stations.
Type 15 messages (Standard Plus service) are shown as an indicator box, with the number
of the satellites available from the station shown in brackets. The box remains green while
corrections are received but if none are received after 6 minutes the box will change to
amber and then red after 9 minutes.
Type 15 messages remain valid longer than the Type 1 messages.
The system will switch to the next available service (e.g. VERIPOS Standard Service or MF
corrections). If no corrections are available it will revert to stand-alone GPS.
Note:
The threshold values are set by the VERIPOS workshop and should not be changed by the
user except under the guidance of a VERIPOS engineer.
The reference stations used in the calculation are the four closest stations to the users
location. They are selected from the stations which are enabled on port P2 of the LD2.
Note:
All the reference station data received from the selected L-Band channel is available for
output on port P2. When using Verify DP we recommend that all stations are enabled.
During port configuration the user can enable or disable each individual station.
The user may wish to manually select which stations are used. To do this, disable the
remaining stations on port P2. Note that a maximum of four stations may be used and
these stations must be within the maximum range limit (1500 Km).
The target monitoring window displays the vessels outline and heading.
This screen only works when a heading source from a gyro is input into the LD2 through
port 3 or using the USB port.
Before use the vessel outline facility needs to be enabled in the software Admin Settings
.
The vessel outline can be chosen by right clicking the mouse on the background of the
view, selecting the required outline from the list of standard and user defined vessel
outlines.
User defined vessel outline can be generated using the VERIPOS Vessel Shape Editor
Excel Macro which can be downloaded http://downloads.veripos.com located in Utilities
folder. Instructions are given with in the sheet on how to upload the file to the LD2. This is
typically undertaken during commissioning. Contact VERIPOS for guidance.
Selecting Target
To enter a target position, select one of the Target buttons at the bottom of
the Target monitoring view. This opens the Edit Target dialogue box.
Use this dialogue box to set parameters for a vessels proximity or a station
keeping alarm.
If the target is within range at the current view scale it will be displayed by a target symbol.
A red line will also be drawn from the Centre of Rotation (CoR) to the target position.
The target latitude and longitude are displayed in the top right hand side of the display.
On the top left of the screen are displayed:
The bearing to the target from the centre of rotation
The distance to the target from the centre of rotation
The Estimated Time of Arrival at the target
Use this dialog box to set parameters for a vessels proximity or a station keeping alarm.
Proximity Alarm
When set to Proximity the system will alarm when the distance from the target to the
vessels centre of rotation is less that the user defined distance.
Zooming
Using the [ + ] and [ ] buttons at the bottom of the screen it is possible zoom in.
When zooming out the view exceeds the set scale, the symbol will change to an arrow
pointing in the direction of the heading of vessel.
Maximise view
The vessel outline and target view may be maximised.
The maximised view provided more information regarding Speed and course, heading and
information on the proximity / distance to the selected target.
To exit the full screen mode, either toggle the Expand button or the Escape
key on the keyboard
Range Rings
Range rings may be switched off. Right click the mouse over the Target
monitoring view. In the menu left click the Show Range Rings. When ticked
range rings will be displayed. Repeat to remove the range rings.
Vessel Offsets
Two offset positions relative to the vessels CRP (Central Reference Point)
can be defined: the GPS Antenna offset and the vessels CoR (Centre of
Rotation) offset.
To enter values, right click the mouse over the Target monitoring view.
Select from the popup options Set Vessel Offset & Centre.
This will display the Offset & Centre of Rotation dialog box, below.
Enter offset values for the GPS antenna and Centre of rotation relative to the vessels
CRP. Use measurements in metres (m).
Sign conventions:
System Status
System mode
The figure below presents the system mode view (this is displayed along the bottom of the
Verify-DP display).
The system mode indicates which position calculations are available and whether they
have been enabled.
System Mode
A green box denotes that the solution is available. Where the text box is highlighted this is
the position solution being used. Where a service is not enabled the text box for the service
is greyed out.
Where the service is enabled but not available the box will be red. This may indicate a
problem with that solution.
As well as system mode indicators there are also indicators for the RTCM data input
sources. In normal mode of operation the RTCM boxes are green when valid corrections
are available. These turn yellow after 30 seconds, then red if corrections are not available.
Differential Availability
The example above shows the external RTCM feed is from a LAN network connection.
It is possible to have multiple sources of RTCM feeding the algorithms:
External RTCM can be fed in to the algorithms through multiple input ports.
A letter is displayed onscreen to indicate which port is in use:
U = USB
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S = Serial
L = LAN (network)
The user has the ability to perform limited configuration from the main menu structure.
By default three main menu items are shown: Settings, View and Help.
An additional menu item (Admin) may be enabled from the Settings menu which will be
on the left of the menu bar.
The admin menu is intended for use by VERIPOS engineers performing system
administration tasks and not normally accessed by the user.
Details of its functions are included in the Appendix
The Admin menu is password enabled and is always disabled when the unit is powered
down.
2.2.1 Settings
The settings menu allows for some basic configuration of the Verify DP software.
Four of the menu options (described below) may be modified by the user.
SNR Plot
Ref Station Settings
DGPS Calc Settings
Remaining menu options should only be used under the direct guidance of a VERIPOS
engineer and are described in the Appendix.
SNR Plots settings
This dialogue allows the thresholds for the SNR to be set. This will determine the signal
levels for display colours to change. To adjust the settings, press the up or down arrow on
the appropriate threshold until the required value is displayed. The dialog can also be
opened by right-clicking on the Signal to Noise window.
On initial use these will have been entered in the VERIPOS workshop to match the model
of GPS receiver installed and should only be amended after consulting a VERIPOS
engineer. Before making any changes the user should record the initial values
The Reference Station dialogue indicates the age thresholds of the RTCM corrections for
each message type (Type 1, Type 15 and Ultra). This dialog can also be opened by right-
clicking on the Reference Station Information window. VERIPOS recommend that the
default settings are not changed.
The thresholds control the age at which the display bars change colour.
The Age Upper Threshold also determines the age at which the station is excluded from
the calculations.
Thresholds can be changed by the operator with the limits by pressing the up or down
arrow until the required threshold value is reached.
This option should be used with caution after consulting a VERIPOS engineer and should
only be amended after consulting a VERIPOS engineer. Before making any changes the
user should record the initial values
The DGPS Calculation view is used to set the amount of position history that will be
displayed. The longer the time set in seconds the more position points will be displayed on
the plot. This dialog can also be opened by right-clicking on the DGPS Calculation window.
With Verify DP software version 2.0.9.5 (and above) has a new feature which enables the smoothing
of the Vessel Outline and Target display to be adjusted between zero to 30 seconds.
Note:
In the dialog box, if required amend the Set Smoothing Parameters to the required value in
seconds (range zero to 30 seconds) using the arrows then click on Commit to apply.
2.2.2 View
View Menu
2.2.3 Help
Help Menu
The Help menu enables the user to access information about Verify DP.
About
About opens information about the system including:
IP address, the LD2 uptime and Software Versions.
About Dialog
3. TROUBLESHOOTING
This section is to assist users for the most frequently encountered areas.
PROBLEM: SOLUTION:
The vessel is in port. The Verify DP monitor Check the ID indicator on LD2. If the
is displaying a full screen of data. indicator is flashing, the unit is disabled.
LD2 is powered down (e.g. generator Enable the LD2 using normal procedures
change). When the unit is powered back up the display will be restored.
the screen is blank.
An enable code is entered into the LD2. Turn off the power to the LD2 (switch on
The ID indicator stops flashing and is rear panel). Wait ca. one minute then turn
steadily illuminated but the monitor remains the power back on. The unit should always
blank. be rebooted after enabling.
The unit is an LD2S. The user enters an Check the Sync indicator on the LD2S. It
Enable (or Disable) code is supplied by the cannot be enabled or disabled unless they
Helpdesk but the unit status does not are receiving signal on the L-Band input.
change. If the LD2S is rebooted the Access If the Sync indicator is extinguished there
Code display may be blank. is a problem with L-band input which must
be corrected before the unit can be enabled.
(Refer to the LD2 Operations Manual).
The user cannot access the Target This screen is optionally displayed on the
Monitoring (Vessel Outline) screen. bottom right of the display in place of the
Station Data window.
The Mode indicator on the Position window This indicates a total positioning failure
turns red and displays NO DATA. caused a by a loss of GPS input.
The Time display freezes and the Refer to the LD2 Operations manual for
remainder of the screen ceases updating. troubleshooting procedures.
The alarm sounds.
In the Station Data window the Age bars May indicate a loss of correction data from
turn amber, then red. The alarm sounds. In the L-Band input.
the status bar (at the bottom of the screen) Unless external or HF corrections are
the IMM/SPOT (on the right hand side) is available the position shown will be
red. uncorrected GPS. (Mode will indicate
STANDARD with an amber background.)
4.1 ADMIN
Selecting this option will open a password dialog box. Upon correct entry of
the password, an additional item Admin will be added to the left hand end
of the main menu. The functions of this menu are described below.
NOTE:
This menu is normally reserved for administration functions by VERIPOS
engineers. The user should only use the functions under guidance from
VERIPOS. The password must be obtained from the VERIPOS Helpdesk.
See Contact information.
The Helpdesk can also provide guidance concerning the correct use of the
Verify DP functions.
APPENDIX 1
CONTACT INFORMATION
All initial contacts regarding technical or support issues should be initially addressed to the
VERIPOS Helpdesk. Where appropriate, the Helpdesk will refer issues to the regional
operations and engineering teams.
If shipping equipment back to VERIPOS, please contact the Helpdesk who will
provide the current shipping address, according to your area of operations.
APPENDIX 2
SETTINGS MENU
The Settings menu allows for some basic configuration of the Verify DP software.
Only three of the menu options should routinely be modified by the user. These are:
SNR Plot Settings
Ref Station Settings
DGPS Calc Settings
The remaining menu options should only be used under the direct guidance of a VERIPOS
engineer. These are described below:
RTCM Database
Once this has been selected all the Factory Default settings are loaded into the preset
views of Verify-DP. This does not affect the hardware settings of the LD2.
Re-Initialise IO
This will Re-initialise the internal sockets used for passing RTCM data to algorithms within
the LD.
Re-Initialise Decoder
The Factory settings are re-established on the decoder when this is selected.
Admin Settings
Selecting this option will open a password dialog box. Upon correct entry of the password,
an additional item Admin will be added to the left hand end of the main menu.
The functions of this menu are described below.
Note: This menu is normally reserved for administration functions by VERIPOS engineers.
The user should only use the functions under guidance from VERIPOS. The password
must be obtained from the VERIPOS Helpdesk.
See Contact Information section in the Appendix.
Administration Menu
By default only three items appear in the main menu: Settings, View and Help.
An additional menu item (Admin) may be enabled from the Settings menu.
It then appears on the left of the menu bar.
This menu is intended for use by VERIPOS engineers performing system administration
tasks and should not normally be accessed by the user.
A password is required to enable the Admin menu and is disabled when the unit powers
down.
Where required the password is obtained from the VERIPOS Helpdesk.
(See Contacts section of Appendix.)
The Helpdesk can also provide guidance concerning the correct use of functions.
Administration meus
Configuration
Opening Configuration displays the following sections:
Double clicking opens each section while a right click allows a new config to be made.
Configure Alarms
Alarm Configuration
The user can configure the priority of alarms these depending on the severity of the
operation, i.e. is data is lost, this may be seen as critical as the system will not be operating
at all. The alarm priorities are:
Normal
Warning
Critical
Proximity
To change the priorities on the alarm codes, select Admin / Configuration and expand
Alarms. Use the drop down box to select the appropriate alarm priority for the alarm code.
Finally select Save to enable.
The Data Decoder dialog enables the user to configure data ports in the LD2 for
communications.
To configure an IO select which type is being used.
The following data is available on the associated port and IP address.
N. B. Gyro data is optional.
The above dialog enables the user to configure the data inputs from external data sources
into the algorithms. The Stream is the Source of the data input, the user should select the
appropriate data source then tick the Enable box then choose the appropriate data type :
GNSS GNSS data from the on-board GNSS card when enabled.
L-band RTCM corrections from the on-board L-band Card when enabled.
HF/MF RTCM corrections from the on-board HF/MF Card when enabled.
Serial P3 External data from a third party system being feed through Port 3
UHF Local Allows for an external source of UHF data to be input into the
on-board algorithms.
L-Band (Ext 2) messages Allows for the input of non -VERIPOS RTCM messages into
the on-board algorithms
USB External data from a third party system being feed through the USB
port
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UHF Local Allows for an external source of UHF data to be input into
the on-board algorithms.
L-Band (Ext 2) messages Allows for the input of non -VERIPOS RTCM messages into
the on-board algorithms
Ext. LAN External data from a third party system being feed through the LAN
Port. When using the External LAN data feed, the user must enter the IP and port
number of the system that is outputting the data.
UHF Local Allows for an external source of UHF data to be input into
the on-board algorithms.
L-Band (Ext 2) messages Allows for the input of non -VERIPOS RTCM messages
into the on-board algorithms
Configure IP Address
The IP Address Configuration dialog allows the user to configure the way that an IP
address is assigned to the LD2. The user can configure the system to obtain an address
from a Network using DHCP where supported, or the user can allocate the LD2 a Static IP
Address.
IP Address Configuration
Change Password
If the password is changed, it is strongly recommended that the new password is held in
a secure place on the vessel so that when it is urgently required it can be easily obtained.
If the data is old in the Event Log then by using this facility all the data can be deleted. Not
recommended whilst the vessel is in DP operation.
Display Dimming
This facility can be used to adjust the display for the operators night time requirements.
Options
Vessel outline enable: enables the View option in the top menu bar which allows the
user to toggle between the vessel outline and the station information view.
HF/MF card installed: should be enabled when there is an HF/MF installed in the LD2. If
there is no HF/MF card installed, this option should be disabled or the system will sound an
alarm when it does not receive HF/MF data.
This allows the user to view the data being used to populate the Verify-DP display. This is
useful to check if data is being output from the algorithms.
This will take the operator back to the normal display with the Admin menu item removed
from the task bar at the top of the screen.
Close Verify DP
Selecting this will close the screen leaving it blank, but the LD2 unit will keep running.
To restore Verify-DP on the screen, the LD2 must be cycled off/on.
APPENDIX 3
ABBREVIATIONS
ABBREVIATIONS
ADE Above Deck Equipment
APEX / APEX2 Veripos High Accuracy Positioning System
BDE Below Deck Equipment
BER Bit Error Rate
CoG Course over Ground
CR/LF Carriage Return/Line Feed
DGPS Differential GPS
DOP Dilution of Precision
DP Dynamic Positioning
EGNOS European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System
GDOP Geometry Dilution of Precision
GLONASS GLObal NAvigation Satellite System Russian equivalent to GPS
GPS Global Positioning System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
HDOP Horizontal Dilution of Precision
HF High Frequency Radio used to Transmit Correction Data
KPH Kilometres per Hour
LAN Local Area Network
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
L-Band Methods of transmitting Correction data to mobile users
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LD6 Unit containing GPS card, demodulator and PC processor
LVTTL Low Voltage Transistor Transistor Logic
MF Medium Frequency Radio used to Transmit Correction Data
MPH Miles per Hour
m/s Metres per Second
MSAS Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
PDOP Positional Dilution of Precision
PPP Precise Point Positioning
PPS Pulse per Second
PRN Pseudo Random Noise
RMS Root Mean Square
RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services
SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation System
SD Standard Deviation
SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
SNF Signal Notification Form
SNR Signal to Noise
Spotbeam High Power L-Band Signal
Standard / Std VERIPOS Single frequency DGPS system
SV Space Vehicle
Ultra VERIPOS High accuracy positioning system
USB Universal Serial Bus
UTC Coordinated Universal Time
V Volt
VDOP Vertical Dilution of Precision
VGA Video Graphic Array
VOSS VERIPOS Online Support System
W Watt
WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System
APPENDIX 4
The latest VERIPOS Station listing can be found on the VERIPOS Online Support System
via the following URL: http://help.veripos.com in FAQs.
VERIPOS PPP services Ultra and APEX have no range limitations and may be used in
any location.
The corrections are in a VERIPOS proprietary format and can only be decoded by
VERIPOS systems.
The same Station IDs are used across all satellite beams;
Global and regional coverage charts are available on the VERIPOS online support site
(VOSS) at: http://help.veripos.com
VERIPOS also provide Verichart software which enables the user to generate a chart
showing the best beams and reference stations for the exact location of the worksite. This
software is provided with new systems and may also be downloaded from VOSS.
IALA BEACONS:
APPENDIX 5
QUALITY STANDARDS
QUALITY STANDARDS
1. UKOOA
2. NMEA-0183
3. IMCA
NMEA have recently introduced the NMEA-2000 interface standard. This standard falls
outside the scope of this document. See www.nmea.org for further information.
References
[1] Guidelines for the use of Differential GPS in offshore surveying, UKOOA, 1994
[2] NMEA 0183 Standard for interfacing marine electronic devices, version 3.01,
January 1, 2002
UKOOA STANDARD
The UK Offshore Operator Association (UKOOA) issued Guidelines for the use of
Differential GPS in offshore surveying in 1994. These guidelines set out what is generally
regarded as good practise in the offshore industry. They are not mandatory and operators
are free to adopt different guidelines or standards.
These guidelines are now dated in certain areas due to advancements in positioning
technology and algorithms. However, they contain useful suggestions for quality monitoring
as indicated below [see 1]: -
To assist DGPS operators and client representatives to monitor the quality of the
DGPS system in real-time the following information should be continuously
available:
Pseudo-range residuals of all SVs and observation weight values used
Unit variance
Number of satellites in view and number used in solution
Redundancy of least squares solution
DOP values (HDOP, PDOP and VDOP)
Latency of differential correction data
Position comparisons derived from different reference stations
Derived antenna height with respect to known height
Monitor station information, especially position error measured at the monitor
station. All data should be time tagged
Maximum external reliability figure and observation carrying it
The UKOOA guidelines present a set of test statistics and quality measures recommended
for use with DGPS. In its final recommendations [see 1] it states: -
Where accuracy and precision statistical parameters are generated these all represent a
95% (2) confidence region.
These recommendations are particularly aimed at survey applications but could be applied
equally to DP applications.
NMEA-0183 STANDARD
GPS receiver communication is defined within this specification. The idea of NMEA is to
send a line of data called a sentence that is totally self contained and independent from
other sentences. There are standard sentences for each device category and in addition
NMEA permits hardware manufactures to define their own proprietary sentences for
whatever purpose they see fit. All standard sentences have a two letter prefix defining the
device using that sentence type. For GPS receivers the prefix is GP followed by a three
letter sequence defining the sentence contents. All proprietary sentences begin with the
letter P and are followed with 3 letters identifying the manufacturer controlling that
sentence.
NMEA consists of sentences, the first word of which, called a data type, defines the
interpretation of the rest of the sentence. Each data type has its own unique interpretation
and is defined in the NMEA standard. Each sentence begins with a '$' and ends with a
carriage return/line feed sequence no longer than 80 characters of visible text (plus the line
terminators). The data is contained within this single line with data items separated by
commas. The data itself is ASCII text and may extend over multiple sentences in certain
specialized instances but is normally fully contained in one variable length sentence. The
data may vary in the amount of precision contained in the sentence. For example time
might be indicated to decimal parts of a second or location may be shown with 3 or even 5
digits after the decimal point. Programs reading the data should only use the commas to
determine the field boundaries and not depend on column positions. There is a provision
for a checksum at the end of each sentence which may or may not be checked by the unit
reading the data. The checksum field consists of a '*' and two hex digits representing the
exclusive OR of all characters between, but not including, the '$' and '*'. A checksum is
required on some sentences.
There have been several changes to the standard but for GPS use the only ones that are
likely to be encountered are 1.5 and 2.0 through 2.3. Version 2.3 added a mode indicator to
several sentences used to indicate the kind of fix the receiver currently has. The value can
be A=autonomous, D=differential, E=Estimated, N=not valid, S=Simulator. Sometimes
there can be a null value as well. Only the A and D values correspond to an active and
reliable sentence. This mode character has been added to the RMC, RMB, VTG, and GLL,
sentences and optionally some others including the BWC and XTE sentences.
The hardware interface for GPS receivers is designed to meet the NMEA requirements.
They are compatible also with most computer serial ports using RS232 protocols, however
strictly speaking the NMEA standard is not RS232. They recommend conformance to EIA-
422. The interface speed generally can be adjusted but the NMEA standard is 4800 baud
with 8 bits of data, no parity, and one stop bit. All GPS receivers supporting NMEA should
support this speed. Note that, at a baud rate of 4800, you can easily send enough data to
more than fill a full second of time.
At 4800 baud 480 characters per second can be sent. As an NMEA sentence can be as
long as 82 characters this can be limited to less than six different sentences. The actual
limit is determined by the specific sentences used and it is easy to overrun the capabilities
for rapid sentence response.
A cable is required to connect to the GPS receiver output. Data can be output also via
Ethernet or wireless connection. For general NMEA use with a GPS receiver only two wires
are required in the cable, data out from the GPS receiver and ground.
IMCA RECOMMENDATIONS
In October 1997 IMCA issued a document titled Guidelines on the use of DGPS as a
positioning reference in DP control systems (IMCA reference: IMCA M 141), see [3]. These
guidelines highlight the specific need of DP vessels for position stability and repeatability,
more so than just accuracy. It stipulates that DP systems receive unfiltered position data.
DP systems using multiple position reference should perform comparisons to detect drift
and instabilities. The DP system should perform quality checking and detect failures.
Two DGPS service parameters are considered as critical: correction update rate and
latency. It recommends using differential services with an update rate of less than 5
seconds but it recognises that lower update rates suffice for certain applications . These
recommendations are now out of date since Selective Availability was switched off on the
GPS satellites in May 2000. Update rates of up to 60 seconds are now considered
sufficient.
It equally recommends latencies of around 5 seconds or at least less than 15-20 seconds.
Again these recommendations are out of date and latencies up to 100 second are now
considered sufficient to maintain accurate and stable positioning.
The IMCA guidelines recognise that DPOs are not expected to have either the time or the
need to interpret the plethora of information in DGPS QC monitoring.
DGPS QC can and, for many activities, should be used more effectively than at
present. QC indicators should be understandable, helpful and meaningful to non-
specialist and should be minimised to avoid overloading DPOs with information.
DGPS should reliably indicate its own performance to limit the interpretation needed
by DPOs in busy vessel environments where they have other responsibilities and
distractions.
The proposed structure of the DQI values is outline in the table below (based on table 4.2.2
in [3] : -
Notes: -
The thinking behind the DQI values is that DGPS systems can cascade in performance and
update the DP system accordingly on a worsening or improving positioning.
The IMCA guidelines subsequently propose a modified NMEA $GPGGA sentence called
the $DPGGA sentence. The $DPGGA sentence has the same structure as the $GPGGA
sentence, for ease of implementation, but the meaning of two fields have been replaced:
The DGPS QI field in the $GPGGA sentence has been replaced by the
DQI field in the $DPGGA
The Differential Reference Station Identifier in the $GPGGA sentence has
been replaced by the DGPS System Identifier in the $DPGGA sentence.
This identifier reads DGPR for a radio-based link or DGPI for an Inmarsat-
based link
APPENDIX 6
NMEA SENTENCES
NMEA SENTENCES
This section describes the message structure of the following advanced positioning
messages: -
GGA
GLL
GST
ZDA
GNS
VTG
HDT
ROT
The NMEA GGA sentence contains time and position fix related data for a GPS system. It
includes basic quality information, which is limited to Fix Quality, Number of Satellites in
Use, HDOP and Age of Differential GPS Data.
$GPGGA,hhmmss.ss,ddmm.mmmmmmm,a,dddmm.mmmmmmm,b,Q,s,p.p,h.h,M,g.g,M,x.x,nnnn*c<CR><LF>
$GPGGA,150207.00,5708.7100972,N,00217.1170486,W,2,10,0.9,137.44,M,50.72,M,6.4,0704*57
The NMEA GST sentence provides error statistics of the position fix. These statistics follow
from the position calculation process.
$GPGST,hhmmss.ss,a.a,b.b,c.c,d.d,e.e,f.f,g.g*hh<CR><LF>
$GPGST,024603.00,3.2,6.6,4.7,47.3,5.8,5.6,22.0*58
The NMEA ZDA sentence provides time and time zone information.
$GPZDA,hhmmss.ss,dd,mm,yyyy,xx,yy*hh<CR><LF>
$GPZDA,201530.00,04,07,2002,00,00*6E
The NMEA GNS sentence contains time and position fix related data for a single or
combined satellite navigation system. Separate $GPGNS and $GLGNS sentences are
used to report data calculated from individual systems if a combined GPS+GLONASS
position is output. A single string will be output if no GLONASS data is in use.
$GPGNS,hhmmss.ss,ddmm.mmm,a,dddmm.mmm,b,ee,xx,p.p,a.b,c.d,l.l,nnnn*hh<CR><LF>
$GNGNS,104601.00,5707.7332018,N,00204.7778500,W,DD,12,0.71,24.743,50.284,,*45
$GPGNS,104601.00,,,,,,09,,,,3.0,0001*44
$GLGNS,104601.00,,,,,,03,,,,3.4,0001*56
The NMEA VTG sentence provides the actual course and speed relative to the ground.
$GPVTG,p.p,T,q.q,M,r.r,N,s.s,K,u*hh<CR><LF>
$GPVTG,054.7,T,034.4,M,005.5,N,010.2,K*33
Verify-QC supports 2 variations of the NMEA VTG sentence. These variations are:
o VTG (Default) conforms to NMEA v3.0 standard and includes the mode indicator
o VTG (Old) conforms to previous NMEA standards and does not include the
mode indicator
The NMEA HDT sentence provides the actual vessel heading in degrees.
$GPHDT,p.p,T*hh<CR><LF>
$GPHDT,038.13,T*0C
The NMEA ROT sentence provides the rate of turn and direction of turn in degrees/minute.
$GPROT,q.q,A*hh<CR><LF>
$GPROT,01.88,A*33
APPENDIX 7
1. Connect the Gyro input to P3 or USB port of the LD2. If using a USB to serial
converter, once installed re-boot the LD2.
3. Select Settings menu from the top menu panel and then Admin Settings menu.
4. The password box will appear. Contact the Veripos Helpdesk to request the
password. Enter the password and press OK. When correct password is entered the
Admin menu option is added to the top menu.
5. Select the Configuration from the Admin menu. The Configuration box will appear.
8. Click OK. Close the configuration window and close the Admin Menu.
APPENDIX 8
VERIFY DP LOGGING
LD2S and Verify DP (software version 2.0.7.3 and above) for Logging
This guide provides the information required to operate the logging option available for the
VERIPOS LD2S Integrated Mobile unit, when using Verify DP version 2.0.7.3 software.
The LD2S receiver may as an option, be enabled to use the on-board QC software, Verify
DP, optimised for DP operations.
Logging
Software versions 2.0.7.3 and above have a new feature which enables the system to log
the Raw GNSS and RTCM Data.
This can then allow loading and replay of this data on to a PC using a VERIPOS Verify QC
software package, for subsequent data analysis can show performance of the system as an
aid to diagnose problems.
Note:
Where Verify DP data logging is required after commissioning contact the VERIPOS
Helpdesk for guidance.
Once enabled, Verify DP will run a rolling data log that holds 333Mb of data (approximately
2-3 day of data). It will create a new file every 30 minutes.
As the stored data reaches 333Mb in size, oldest file will be deleted to make room for a
new file (overwrite).
Requirements
The USB stick requires a folder with specific formatting to be prepared before use.
Downloading Data
Data can be downloaded from the LD2S unit by inserting a USB Flash drive into the USB
port on the rear of the LD2s.
Note:
This procedure should not be carried out during position critical operations.
- During download of data to the USB stick output of data from the LD2S will be
intermittent.
To download data:
1. Prepare the USB Flash Drive - insert stick in to a USB port of Windows XP() PC
2. Confirm you can access the stick
3. Ensure the Flash drive has at least 350Mb of free space available
4. Open Notepad on the PC
5. Type Veripos
The LD2S unit will detect the flash drive with the required files and folders and will
automatically download the data to the prepared folder the Flash Drive.
Note: Allow up to 10 minutes to download all data onto the USB Flash Drive
Remove the USB stick which is now in ready for use on a PC with Verify QC version 1.07
and above.
Should you have problems or require assistance please check our FAQs on VERIPOS
Online Support Service - VOSS - http://help.veripos.com enter a support request there or
call our helpdesk on +44 1224 965900.