installation & operation manual alphaline mfd v1.0 a4 eng.pdf

ALPHALINE MFD

Installation & operation manual

ALPHATRON MARINE B.V. Schaardijk 23 3063 NH ROTTERDAM The Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0)10 – 453 4000 Fax: +31 (0)10 – 452 9214 P.O. Box 210003 3001 AA ROTTERDAM Web: www.alphatronmarine.com Mail: [email protected]

The information in this manual may be changed without further notice. No rights can be reserved to this manual. Document : Manual ALPHALINE MFD Revision : 1.0 ALPHATRON MARINE B.V.

Manual ALPHALINE MFD version 1.0 of 96

ALPHALINE MFD

Table of contents: 1. REVISION MANAGEMENT........................................................................................... 5

2. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 6

3. INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Provided materials ............................................................................................. 7

3.2 Placing the ALPHALINE MFD ................................................................................ 8

3.2.1 ALPHALINE MFD flush mounting .................................................................... 8

3.2.2 ALPHALINE MFD bulkhead ............................................................................ 9

3.3 Connecting the ALPHALINE MFD .........................................................................10

3.3.1 Cable assembly .........................................................................................11

3.3.2 Earthing the ALPHALINE MFD ......................................................................12

3.3.3 Connecting the power supply .......................................................................12

3.3.4 Connecting the NMEA data signal .................................................................13

3.3.5 Connecting the CAN signal ..........................................................................14

3.3.6 NMEA Data sentences .................................................................................15

4. ALPHALINE MFD operation ........................................................................................16

4.1 Soft keys .........................................................................................................16

4.1.1 Switching the ALPHALINE MFD on ................................................................16

4.1.2 Switching the ALPHALINE MFD off ................................................................16

4.2 Work mode/states ............................................................................................17

4.2.1 Normal mode ............................................................................................17

4.2.2 Alarm mode ..............................................................................................18

4.2.3 Dim mode (Dimming the background) ..........................................................19

4.2.4 Menu mode (using the menu) ......................................................................20

4.2.5 Hardware test............................................................................................29

4.2.6 Sketch global menu structure ......................................................................31

5. ALPHASPEED MFD ...................................................................................................32

5.1 NMEA signals ...................................................................................................32

5.2 Speed sentence ................................................................................................34

5.3 Working modes/states .......................................................................................34

5.3.1 Normal mode ............................................................................................34

5.3.2 Alarm mode ..............................................................................................35

5.3.3 Menu modus .............................................................................................36

5.3.4 Sketch Menu structure ................................................................................44

6. ALPHATIME MFD .....................................................................................................46

6.1 NMEA signals ...................................................................................................46


6.2.1 Normal mode ............................................................................................47

6.2.2 Alarm mode ..............................................................................................47

6.2.3 Menu modus .............................................................................................48

6.2.4 Sketch menu structure ...............................................................................54

7. ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD ..........................................................................................56

7.1 NMEA signals ...................................................................................................56


7.2.1 Normal mode ............................................................................................57

7.2.2 Alarm mode ..............................................................................................58

7.2.3 Menu modus .............................................................................................59


8. ALPHACOURSE MFD .................................................................................................67

8.1 NMEA signals ...................................................................................................67


8.2.1 Normal mode ............................................................................................69

8.2.2 Alarm mode ..............................................................................................69

8.2.3 Menu modus .............................................................................................70


9. ALPHACONTROL MFD ...............................................................................................77


9.1.1 Normal mode ............................................................................................77

9.1.2 Individual control mode ..............................................................................78


ALPHALINE MFD

9.1.3 Central dimming mode ...............................................................................80

9.1.4 Menu mode ...............................................................................................81


10. SOFTWARE REVISION ..........................................................................................85

11. TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................85

12. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................86

13. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ...........................................................................................86

14. ALPHATRON Dealers (Authorized) ..........................................................................87

15. Appendix ............................................................................................................88

15.1 Appendix 1: Mounting frame ..............................................................................88

15.2 Appendix 2: Instrument dimensions ....................................................................89

15.3 Appendix 3: Wiring diagrams .............................................................................90

15.3.1 Wiring diagram Alphaspeed MFD as master unit .............................................90

15.3.2 Wiring diagram Alphaspeed MFD as slave unit ...............................................91

15.3.3 Wiring diagram Alphatime MFD ....................................................................92

15.3.4 Wiring diagram Alphatime&speed MFD ..........................................................93

15.3.5 Wiring diagram Alphacourse MFD .................................................................94

15.3.6 Wiring diagram Alphacontrol MFD ................................................................95

16. NOTES: ..............................................................................................................96


ALPHALINE MFD

Important!

Don’t change the device in any way without written permissions from ALPHATRON MARINE, otherwise the warranty will expire.

Please read the manual completely before install and/or use the device.

Terms of delivery: All orders to the general sales and delivery of application for the metal and electrical industries, which are filed at the District Court at The Hague on August 21, 1991. Commercial Registration KvK Rotterdam: nr 182,635.

Warranty: The Alphatron equipment comes with 1 year of warranty on material and / or construction errors, excluding travel and subsistence and additional test runs, unless otherwise agreed.

No part of this manual may be reproduced and / or published by print, photocopy, microfilm or any other means, without the prior written permission of Alphatron.

Although this manual with the utmost care has been compiled Alphatron accept no responsibility for the consequences of any inaccuracies.


ALPHALINE MFD

1. REVISION MANAGEMENT

Revision: Description Date

V1.0 Document created 04-03-2010


ALPHALINE MFD

2. INTRODUCTION

The MFD ALPHALINE MFD instrument is a multifunctional instrument which can operate as desired by the user. The instrument can operate as:

- ALPHASPEED MFD - ALPHATIME MFD - ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD - ALPHACOURSE MFD

- ALPHACONTROL MFD The ALPHASPEED MFD is a speedlog-system, which calculates and displays the movement of the ship by two GPS-signals and a heading-signal. De speed of the ship, the bow and the stern are

displayed. By arrows on the LCD-display is the direction of the movement displayed. The movement is also broadcasted as an NMEA-sentence, so other instruments, like the ALPHASPEED MFD in slave-mode can also display the by the master-unit calculated speed and

directions. The ALPHATIME MFD displays the actual time and date, which is set and synchronized by the GPS. The time is displayed in 24-hours format, with optional displaying of the seconds. The date

is displayed in readable text, in the set language. The ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD displays the actual time, date and speed. The displaying of the

time and date is identical to the ALPHATIME MFD. De speed of the ship is determined by GPS-data, and is displayed in Knots, Km/h or m/s, which is user definable. De ALPHACOURSE MFD is identical to the ALPHACOURSE MF, but will display the current

heading only digital. The heading can be received from a gyro compass, magnetic compass, a GPS antenna or another heading source. The course can be displayed with or without one decimal, with or without Rate of turn identification and an acoustical signal can optionally be audible with a change of course.

The ALPHACONTROL MFD is a central control unit for other ALPHALINE instruments. With the ALPHACONTROL MFD, all ALPHALINE MF and ALPHALINE MFD instrument can be remote

controlled and dimmed. Central dimming and dimming per dim group is also possible.


ALPHALINE MFD

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 Provided materials

The hardware of the ALPHALINE MFD is as following: � Mounting frame � ALPHALINE MFD display unit � 1x Power supply connector

� 2x Signal connecter

Figure 1: the complete hardware of the ALPHALINE MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

3.2 Placing the ALPHALINE MFD

The ALPHALINE MFD can be mounted in a number of ways. The instrument can be flush mounted or bulkhead.

3.2.1 ALPHALINE MFD flush mounting The ALPHALINE MFD can be placed horizontal, vertical and under an angle. The possible

mounting positions are shown in figure 2.

Figure 2: Possible positions for flush mounting

In order to mount the ALPHALINE MFD instrument, the flush mounting frame needs to be built-

in first. A hole with the measurements of the flush mounting frame needs to be made in the bridge or overhead console. The measurements of the flush mounting frame can be found in paragraph 15.2, the appendix of this manual.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 3: The mounting frame

After the hole for the flush mounting frame has been made, the flush mounting frame can be

secured. The flush mounting frame needs to be mounted with four screws in the appropriate holes. These holes have been indicated with arrows in figure 3. After mounting the flush mounting frame, the ALPHALINE MFD instrument can be pressed into the frame. The instrument

will be kept in place through a click/spring system. 3.2.2 ALPHALINE MFD bulkhead

The bulkhead ALPHACOURSE MF requires an extra DIN 144 bulkhead frame. This bulkhead frame is not part of the standard delivery.

Figure 4: Bulkhead frame for the ALPHALINE MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

3.3 Connecting the ALPHALINE MFD

De ALPHALINE MFD has three different connectors on the back of the instrument. There are two signal connectors and a power connector. The function of the connectors is indicated at the sticker on the bottom of the instrument and is displayed bellow, in figure 5.

- Connector 1 = Power supply connector (24VDC) - Connector 2 = CAN data / RS232 - Connector 3 = RS485 / RS422

Figure 5: Connectors of the MFD instrument


ALPHALINE MFD

3.3.1 Cable assembly

It is important that all cables are assembled correct, otherwise the instrument will not work properly. Cables need to be prepared according to figure 6.

Figure 6: Cable assembly

Note: The earth cover/shield needs to be cut only halfway in order to slide it back

over the cable jacket. Then, a little more than half of the earth cover/shield that has been slid back will be attached to cable jacket with tape. The remaining uncovered piece of the earth cover/shield that has been slid back needs to be attached under the

metal clasp on the back of the instrument. See figure 7.

Figure 7: Correct cable assembly

This will ensure the optimum protection effect of the earth cover/cable shield.


ALPHALINE MFD

3.3.2 Earthing the ALPHALINE MFD

In order to function properly, the instrument needs to be earthed. An earthing point can be found on the right side next to the signal connectors on the back of the instrument. This earthing point must be connected via a low impedance connection to the ship's mass. This

means using a thick and as short as possible wire or earth shield. See figure 8.

Figure 8: Correct earthing of the instrument

3.3.3 Connecting the power supply The ALPHALINE MFD needs to be connected to a 10VDC - 40VDC power supply that can supply at least 1 ampere. Connector 1 in figure 5 is the power supply connection. The polarity of the

power supply connection is presented on the power supply circuit board as well as on the connection sticker on the backside of the instrument. The maximum width of the connectable wire is 2.5mm². The complete connection diagram for every device type of the ALPHALINE MFD

can be found in the appendix (paragraph 15.3) of this manual. The power supply connections are identical for every device type.

Figure 9: Power supply connection


ALPHALINE MFD

3.3.4 Connecting the NMEA data signal

The ALPHALINE MFD needs to receive the course information through the serial RS485/RS422 connection. This data/information needs to comply with the IEC61162-1. This serial connection needs to be connected to connector 2, also see figure 5. These are the connections with pin

numbers 31 and 32. The figure below shows the signal connectors including the corresponding sticker with the connection information.

Figure 10: Connecting the NMEA signal

The complete connection diagram for every device type of the ALPHALINE MFD can be found in the appendix (paragraph 15.3) of this manual.


ALPHALINE MFD

3.3.5 Connecting the CAN signal

To remote control and remote dim the instrument, it must be connected to the CAN-bus. This is a bus-system, and will only work between the ALPHALINE instruments of the ALPHALINE Multifunction line (MF) and the ALPHALINE Multifunction digital line (MFD). The CAN-bus can be

connected to connector 2, with connections 1 and 2. The complete connection diagrams of the ALPHALINE MFD are included in the appendix (paragraph 15.3) of this manual.

Figure 11: Connecting the instrument to the CAN-bus

The length of the cable from connector 2 to the CAN-bus is maximal 30cm. The CAN-bus is explained in figure 12.

Figure 12: The central dim/central control system (CAN bus)

Note: The central dimsystem is a CAN-bus, which is a line topology. It must be closed

with 120~124 ohm resistors, as shown in figure 12. These resistors can be connected directly into connector 3 (together with cable wiring) of the instrument at the end of the line.


ALPHALINE MFD

3.3.6 NMEA Data sentences

3.3.6.1 Accepted data sentences The ALPHALINE MFD accepts and sends asynchrony serial data at 4800 baud via the

RS485/RS422/RS232 inputs/outputs. This data needs to consist of data frames of 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity bits.

Baud rate = 4800 Data bits = 8 (bit D7 is always null/zero)

Parity = none Stop bits = 1 All received data is interpreted as ASCII characters, which forms sentences as set in the

IEC61162-1 norm. The sentences as received and send by the different devices of the ALPHALINE MFD are

explained in paragraph 1 of the chapter of the specific device.

Start D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7=0 Stop


ALPHALINE MFD

4. ALPHALINE MFD operation

This section explains how the ALPHALINE MFD is operated. 4.1 Soft keys

In order to operate the ALPHALINE MFD, four push buttons are placed in the front of the instrument. The only button with a fixed function is the ‘On/Off’-button. This button can only be used to switch the instrument on or off. This button works under all circumstances.

The other three buttons have various functions depending on the mode the instrument is in at that moment.

Figure 13: 1) ‘left’ button, 2) ‘right’ button, 3) ‘on/off’ button, 4) ‘dim/menu/enter’

button

During normal operation the only button functioning is the DIM/MENU/ENTER button. This button can be used to go to ‘dimming mode’ or ‘menu mode’. If the instrument is in alarm (the

‘alarm mode’) is the ‘dim/menu/enter’ button used to accept the alarm. The left and right buttons only function during dimming and menu mode.

4.1.1 Switching the ALPHALINE MFD on The ALPHALINE MFD can be turned on by a short press on the ‘on/off’-key. The instrument will boot up immediately. In the LCD-display, the name and the software version of the instrument

is showed. The instrument will start up as the user defined which can be:

- ALPHASPEED MFD

- ALPHACOURSE MFD - ALPHATIME MFD - ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD

- ALPHACONTROL MFD If the type of the instrument is not defined, a menu will be shown to set the type of the instrument. How to operate this menu is explained in paragraph 4.2.4.

If it is needed to change the function of the device, the ‘left’-key and the ‘right’-key must be pressed together directly after pressing the ‘on/off’-key. The keys can be released when the

menu is showed. How to operate the menu that is showed is explained in paragraph 4.2.4. 4.1.2 Switching the ALPHALINE MFD off

In order to turn off the ALPHALINE MFD, the ‘on/off’ key needs to be pressed for approximately 5 seconds. The instrument will switch off after 5 seconds. The LCD-display will turn black, and the device is completely switched off.


ALPHALINE MFD

4.2 Work mode/states

The ALPHALINE MFD can be in one of the four possible modes/statuses. These are: 1. Normal mode

2. Alarm mode 3. Dim mode 4. Menu mode

4.2.1 Normal mode If there are no alarms and if the instrument is not in dimming or menu mode, the instrument is

in normal mode. During this mode, the instrument displays the information, depending on the set device type.

Figure 14: ALPHALINE MFD as ALPHASPEED MFD in normal mode


ALPHALINE MFD

4.2.2 Alarm mode

The ALPHALINE MFD has two types of alarms, which are:

- 1. NMEA timeout alarm

- 2. Invalid NMEA data If either one of the alarms becomes active, the instrument's background light will turn red and start flashing and a buzzer/audio tone will be audible. In the display is the source of the alarm

showed, and this message will flash. The instrument now is in alarm mode (not accepted).

Figure 15: ALPHALINE MFD as ALPHASPEED MFD in alarm mode

The alarm always has to be accepted first by pressing the ‘dim/menu’ button. If the cause of

the alarm is now corrected or has already been corrected, the instrument will automatically go back to normal mode. The background light will go back from red to the originally selected color, and the buzzer/audio tone will switch off. The alarm text will disappear from the screen and the ‘normal mode’ screen will be restored.

If the cause of the alarm is not corrected, the instrument's background light will stay and the buzzer/audio tone will switch off. As long as the alarm is not corrected, the alarm text will

remain displayed. If the cause of the alarm is corrected, the instrument will go back to normal mode. The alarm text will disappear from the screen. 4.2.2.1 NMEA timeout alarm

The first type alarm is the timeout alarm. This alarm will be activated when the instrument does not receive data for 8~10 seconds. After accepting, the alarm can be resolved by sending the

right data on the right COM-port or changing the settings of the used COM-port. The correct data depends on the set device type. The data for the set device type can be looked up in paragraph 1 of the chapter of the specific device. An example of the Alphaspeed MFD with an NMEA timeout alarm is showed in figure 15.

4.2.2.2 Invalid NMEA alarm The second alarm is the NMEA invalid data alarm, see figure 16. This alarm is activated if the

instrument receives NMEA sentences with invalid data in the data fields. This alarm is deactivated when one NMEA sentence is received fully correctly.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 16: ALPACOURSE MFD invalid alarm

4.2.3 Dim mode (Dimming the background)

The brightness of the backlight of the instrument can be adjusted in 15 steps from 1 to 100%. In order to adjust the brightness of the backlight, the instrument needs to be set to dimming mode. The dimming mode can only be activated from the normal mode. This can be done by

shortly pressing the 'dim/menu' button. The display will now show the brightness level of the backlight in text as well as graphically. See the following figure.

Figure 17: Dimming mode

By shortly pressing the 'left' button, the brightness of the backlight will decrease by one step.

By shortly pressing the 'right' button, the brightness of the backlight will increase by one step. Note: Continuously pressing the 'left' or 'right' button does not affect the brightness

of the backlight. Only pressing and release will dim the backlight If none of the buttons are pressed for 3 or 4 seconds, the instrument will automatically return to normal mode.


ALPHALINE MFD

4.2.4 Menu mode (using the menu)

The instrument's settings can be changed via the menu. For example, the color of the background, the language of the instrument and how the information is shown on the display can be changed in the menu. The menu can be opened by pressing the 'dim/menu' button for

approximately 6 seconds. The main menu will now appear in the LCD screen. The device now is in ‘menu mode’. Selection of and navigating through the menus is done with a round cursor on the left side of

the text. See figure 18. Menu cursor

Figure 18: Menu cursor in the LCD display

This cursor can be used to select and open menu’s or submenu’s or can be used to select and

activate menu items. In order to select a submenu or an item, the cursor can be moved with a short press on the ‘left’- or ‘right’ button. When the cursor is in front of the last menu item and the ‘right’ key is pressed, the menu cursor will jump to the fist item. When the cursor is in front of the first item and the ‘left’ key is pressed, the cursor will jump to the last item.

In order to open or select a menu item, the cursor must be moved to relevant item. The menu will be opened or the item will be activated by a short press on the ‘dim/menu’ button.

Every menu can be closed and returned to the previous menu by selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ item, which is always the last menu item. If the ‘Exit’ item is selected and activated from the main menu, the menu will close and the device will return to ‘normal mode’.

4.2.4.1 Device type menu If the device is powered on for the first time or the ‘left’- and ‘right’ button are pressed

simultaneously during the complete startup until the menu appears, the mode changes to menu mode and the device type menu is showed. This menu can be operated as every other menu, as shown above.

Figure 19: The device type menu


ALPHALINE MFD

Selecting a device type The current set device type is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. On the first time the

device is switched on, no device type is selected, so no highlighting will be displayed. By moving the cursor with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the new desired device type can be selected. A short press on the ‘dim-menu’ key will save and apply the setting. The highlighting will change to the

new selection. Selecting the hardware test When selecting and activating the ‘Hardware test’, this menu will close and the device will enter

the ‘Hardware test mode’. This mode can be used to test all the hardware functionality of the instrument. This mode is explained in paragraph 4.2.5. There is no way to exit the hardware test mode. To close the hardware test mode, switch the device off. The device will start up as a device type set in the ‘Device type’ menu or will display

the menu when nothing is set. Close the menu

To exit this menu, the ‘exit’ option must be selected and activated. The device will start in the normal mode of the selected device type. If no device type is set, the menu will disappear and the screen will be cleared. The device is not doing anything. To re-open the menu, the instrument must be switched off. When switched off, the device must be switched on. The menu

will be loaded after the startup, because there is no device type set.

4.2.4.2 Main menu The main menu is the start menu. This menu directs to various submenus and an exit option, to close the menu mode and return to the normal mode.

Figure 20: Main menu

From the main menu, the following submenus are opened:

- Set background color

- Language menu - User menu - Service menu


ALPHALINE MFD

4.2.4.3 Background color menu

This menu is used to choose the instrument’s backlight. There are three possible backlight colors.

� Red � Green � White

Figure 21: Background menu

The ‘left’ and ‘right’ keys can be used to select the desired color. After selecting, the selection

can be saved and applied with a press on the ‘dim/menu’-button. The color will directly change to the selected color. To exit this menu, and return to the main menu, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated. The instrument will return to the main menu.

4.2.4.4 Set language menu In this menu, the instrument language can be set. There are three supported languages:

� Nederlands (Dutch) � Engels (English) � Duits (German)

Figure 22: Language menu


ALPHALINE MFD

The ‘left’ and ‘right’ keys can be used to select the desired language. After pressing the ‘dim/menu’ button, the selected language will be saved and applied. The language of the menu

will change in the selected language. By selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ item, the instrument will return to the main menu.

4.2.4.5 User menu In the user menu, user preferences can be set. For example, displaying the seconds for the ALPHATIME or an acoustical indication of a course change for the ALPHACOURSE can be set in

the submenus of the user menu. The contents of this menu depend on the selecting device type. From paragraph 3.3 of the chapter of the specific device, the menus are explained for the device types. However, there is a

generic submenu that exists for every device type, the ‘Central dimming menu’. 4.2.4.6 Central dimming menu

In the central dimming menu, the device can be controlled to join the central dimming. Central dimming can be turned on or off. If it is set to on, the device will listens to central dim messages on the CAN-bus and will react to it by dimming the background. The dim group, the

CAN address and the minimal dim value also can be changed. More about this is explained in paragraph 4.2.4.9, the ‘CAN menu’. In this menu, only the listening to the central dim messages on the CAN-bus can be turned on or off.

Figure 23: Switch central dim on or off

To do so, the cursor can be moved with the ‘left’- and ‘right’-keys to the desired setting. A

rectangle indicates the current setting. To activate the new setting, the ‘dim/menu’-button must be pressed short. The indication will jump to the new setting, the new setting will be saved and the device will listen to central dimming messages.

To leave this menu, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated. The device will return to the user menu. 4.2.4.7 Service menu

In the service menu, changes can be made that affect the working of the device, like changing the COM that the device listens on. When entering the Service menu from the Main menu, a

password will be asked, to prevent unauthorized people to make important changes to the instrument. In this menu, the ‘Enter’ option must be selected. This can be done by pressing the ‘right’ button short for two times. When the ‘Enter’ option is selected, opening can be done by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button short. The service menu will be opened.


ALPHALINE MFD

The contents of this menu depend on the selecting device type. From paragraph 3.3 of the chapter of the specific device are the menus explained for the device types. However, there are

submenu’s that exists for every device type. � NMEA Monitor (Not available for ALPHACONTROL)

� CAN Menu � Factory settings The other submenus depend on the selected device type.

4.2.4.8 NMEA-monitor To check the NMEA on the com ports, the received data can be displayed on the display. After

opening this menu, a submenu appears with three options, the three comports, and an ‘Exit’-option. The COM ports can be selected with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys. To select the com port for viewing the data, the ‘dim/menu’ button must be pressed short. If the comport receives data, it

will be displayed on the bottom of the screen, beneath the menu frame.

Figure 24: NMEA Monitor. An $HEHDT-sentence is received on the RS422 port

The selected comport is indicated by a rectangle. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, another COM port can be selected to view the received data, or the NMEA-monitor can be closed by selecting

and activating the ‘Exit’ option. The previous menu, the service menu will appear. 4.2.4.9 CAN-menu

To central control or central dim the device, there are a few additional settings that must be set to make it work correctly. These additional settings must be done in the CAN-menu. The menu layout is shown in figure 25.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 25: CAN main menu

In this menu, the following submenus can be opened; � CAN Address menu

� Dim Group menu � Minimal dim value The ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys can be used to move the cursor to the desired submenu. After

selecting, opening can be done by pressing the ‘dim/menu’-button. To close the CAN-menu and return to the service menu, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated

4.2.4.10 CAN address menu If the device is used in a central dim/central control system with multiple devices, every device has to have a unique address. These addresses will be scanned and stored by the

ALPHACONTROL. To remote control the device, the specific device will be addresses by sending the commando’s, so it is important that every device has a unique address.

If there are more devices of the same type (for example three ALPHACOURSE MF instruments) on the bus, the addresses for central controlling will be stored sorted ascending. For example, if there are three ALPHACOURSE instruments on the CAN bus that must be central controlled, it is recommended to set the can addresses in an ascending order. An example is showed in the

figure below. When scanning the CAN bus with the ALPHACONTROL MFD, the instruments will be displayed as ‘Alphacourse MF 1’, ‘Alphacourse MF 2’, ‘Alphacourse MF 3’, with ‘Alphacourse MF’ corresponding to address 11, ‘Alphacourse MF 2’ corresponding to address 12 and so on.

Address 13 (displayed: ‘Alphacourse MF 3’)

Address 12 (displayed: ‘Alphacourse MF 2’) Address 11 (displayed: ‘Alphacourse MF 1’)

This address of the ALPHALINE MFD device can be set in the CAN address menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 26: CAN address menu with the first number selected

Setting the numbers The menu is shown in figure 26. By opening, the cursor is in front of the first menu line. After a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will the first number element will be selected. The

selected number is displayed highlighted. In figure 26, the first number is selected. Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the number can be changed into the desired value. After selecting the right number, the selection can be changed to the following number using the ‘Dim/menu’ button.

The CAN address cannot be set greater than 2047 and cannot be zero, to avoid conflicts with central dimming and communication with other devices. When the last number is selected, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will change the

cursor to the next line, the ‘Reset’ option. Resetting the numbers To restore the numbers in the first line to the saved numbers, this line must be selected and

activated. The numbers will immediately change to the previous setting. Save the numbers

To save the numbers, the ‘Save’ option must be selected and activated. The numbers will be saved into the memory, and after successfully saving, the cursor will jump to the next line, the ‘Exit’ option. When nothing happens for about one second, the saving failed. It can be tried again by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button again.

Close this menu When the ‘Exit’ option is selected and activated, the device will return to the CAN menu.

4.2.4.11 Dim group menu If the device is used in a central dimming system, the instruments must be assigned to a dim

group. Every instrument can be assigned to one of the five available dim groups. The intention is that all the devices on the central dim system that are the same distance of the user are assigned to a dim group. To every dim group, a minimal dim value can be assigned, by the Minimal Dim value menu, so the backlight intensity cannot be decreased more than the

minimal dim value.


ALPHALINE MFD

A possible Dim group configuration:

Figure 27: Example Dim groups

For example, in figure 26, the minimal dim value of group 1 is 40% and the minimal dim value of group 2 is 0%. When dimming from 100% to 0), the backlight intensity of the instruments of group 1 will not be less than 40%. In this way, the instruments in the overhead console will remain legible. The dim group can be set in the Dim group menu.

Figure 28: Dim group menu

Setting the numbers The menu is shown in figure 28. By opening, the cursor is in front of the first menu line. With a

short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the first number element will be selected. The selected number is displayed highlighted, as shown in figure 28. In this figure is the first line selected and is the first number displayed highlighted. Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the number can

Dim group 1

Dim group 2


ALPHALINE MFD

be changed into the desired value. The dim group cannot be set to zero and cannot be greater than five. After selecting the right dim group, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will

change the cursor to the next line, the ‘Reset’ option. Setting the numbers

To restore the number in the first line to the saved numbers, this line must be selected and activated. The number will immediately change to the previous setting. Setting the numbers

To save the number, the ‘Save’ option must be selected and activated. The dim group number will be saved into the memory, and after successfully saving, the cursor will jump to the next line, the ‘Exit’ option. When nothing happens for about one second, the saving failed. It can be tried again by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button again.

Setting the numbers When the ‘Exit’ option is selected and activated, the device will return to the CAN menu.

4.2.4.12 Minimal dim value menu In the minimal dim value menu, the dim value can be set that the device will not pass. The

backlight intensity cannot be reduced more than the value set in this menu when dimming remotely, over the CAN bus. This value applies to the whole dim group, as set in the Dim Group menu. How the Dim Group

can be set is described in paragraph 4.2.4.10.

Figure 29: Minimal dim value menu

Note: The minimal dim value only works for dimming by the central dim system by the

CAN bus. When dimming the instrument with the keys, as described in paragraph 4.2.3, the device can be dimmed from 1% to 100%. Setting the numbers

The menu is shown in figure 29. By opening, the cursor is in front of the first menu line. With a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the first number element will be selected. The selected number is displayed highlighted. Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the number can be changed

into the desired value. After selecting the right dim group, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will change the cursor to the next line, the ‘Reset’ option. Setting the numbers

To restore the numbers in the first line to the saved numbers, this line must be selected and activated. The numbers will immediately change to the previous setting.


ALPHALINE MFD

Setting the numbers To save the numbers, the ‘Save’ option must be selected and activated. The minimal dim value

will be saved into the memory, and after successfully saving, the cursor will jump to the next line, the ‘Exit’ option. When nothing happens for about one second, the saving failed. It can be tried again by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button again.

Setting the numbers When the ‘Exit’ option is selected and activated, the device will return to the CAN menu.

4.2.4.13 Factory settings To restore the all the settings to the factory default, this option can be used. After opening this menu, the cursor is in front of the first option, ‘Reset factory defaults’.

Figure 30: Restore the factory settings

Only opening the menu does not affect the settings. After selecting and activating the first option, the ‘Reset factory settings’ item, the settings are restored to the factory defaults, and the cursor is moved to the next option, the ‘Exit’ option.

This menu can be closed by selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option. The device will return to the Service menu. 4.2.5 Hardware test

Selecting and activating this menu item will change the mode to hardware test mode. In this mode, all the hardware functionalities can be tested, which are;

- The three COM ports (RS485, RS422, RS232) - The analogue input module - Digital inputs/outputs

Central dimming can be tested with another Alphaline MF/MFD instrument.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 31: Screen of the ALPHALINE MFD in hardware test mode

As shown in figure 31, the state of the com ports, the digital I/O and the ADC is showed. If an NMEA sentence is received on one of the NMEA ports, it is showed on the display behind the

appropriate text. If a high signal is detected on one of the digital inputs, the square on the screen is displayed filled. If a low signal is detected (not connected), the square is empty, see figure 29. This also applies to the digital outputs. Their state is toggled every 500ms. An ohm meter or a relais for

example can be connected to the digital out port on the connectors as displayed behind the text. The output value of the ADC (analogue to digital) module is displayed.


ALPHALINE MFD

4.2.6 Sketch global menu structure

The global menu structure of the ALPHALINE MFD, which applies to all the set device types:

� Main menu

o Background menu • Red • Green • White

• Exit o Language menu

• Nederlands (Dutch) • English

• Deutsch (German) • Exit

o User menu

� Central dimming • On • Off • Exit

� Exit o Service menu

� NMEA-monitor

• RS-485 • RS-422 • RS-232 • Exit

• CAN-menu • CAN address

o Enter numbers o Reset numbers

o Save numbers o Exit

• Dim group

o Enter number o Reset number o Save number o Exit

• Minimal dim value o Enter numbers o Reset numbers


• Reset factory defaults • Exit

• Exit o Exit


ALPHALINE MFD

5. ALPHASPEED MFD

The ALPHASPEED MFD uses two GPS signals (GPS Bow and GPS Stern) and a heading signal to calculate the movement and the speed of the ship, the bow and the stern. The ALPHASPEED displays this information on the LCD display and transmit it to other listeners on the RS422 bus,

for example the ALPHASPEED MFD in slave mode. The by the ALPHASPEED MFD displayed speeds are speeds over the ground, calculated by speeds over the ground, sent by the GPS antennas. The ALPHASPEED does not calculate speed

nor does anything with the speed through the water. The calculated values for the bow and stern are the values for the extreme tip of the bow and the extreme tip of the stern, if the length values are set correctly.

Note! Due the above mentioned interpretations errors can occur. The displayed speed is the speed over ground, not influenced by waves or water flow. The bow- and stern values and directions are the values and the direction of the

extreme tip. The ALPHASPEED MFD does not calculate the gross movement of the ship. It does calculate the movement of the bow and stern and the speed at which this happens.

5.1 NMEA signals

To calculate the speed values, the ALPHASPEED MFD uses two kinds of NMEA signals; the VTG signals from the GPS receivers and an HDT signal from the gyro compass or GPS compass. The ALPHASPEED MFD can be set as master device or slave device. When set as master, the

device will calculate the speeds and directions, displays it on the display and transmit it as an $xxVBW-sentence. Setting the master/slave setting is described in paragraph 5.3.3.5. The factory default is slave.

The ALPHASPEED MFD listens to NMEA sentences, as described in paragraph 3.3.6. The NMEA signals must be of the following format;


ALPHALINE MFD

For the best result are GPS antennas with a minimal update rate of 10Hz recommended. GPS antennas with a lower update rate will cause a noticeable slower change of speed on the screen and on the slaves!

Note: The GPS signals cannot be connected on the same comport. The gyro signal and one of the GPS signals can be connected on the same comport using a data combiner. GPS Bow and GPS stern signals cannot be distinguished by the device if they are

received on the same COM port!


ALPHALINE MFD

5.2 Speed sentence

The NMEA sentence as transmitted by the ALPHASPEED MFD in master mode or received by the ALPASPEED MFD in slave mode is as following;

The only values used are the longitudinal ground speed and the bow/stern transverse ground speed, with the status bits for marking the validity of the speed. If the device is in alarm mode (see paragraph 5.3.2), the Alphaspeed will transmit the last calculated sentences with an invalid

status bit. The other values in the sentence are empty. The status bits are marked as invalid. 5.3 Working modes/states

As mentioned in paragraph 4.2, the device can be in different working modes. 5.3.1 Normal mode

In normal mode, the device displays the speed of the ship, the bow and the stern. Arrows on the display indicates the direction of the movement. The unit of the speed can be set in the user

menu, submenu ‘Speed unit’, and can be km/h, knots or m/s with knots as factory default. The screen in normal mode is shown in figure 32 for the head up with not inverted bow/stern and for the head down, with inverted bow/stern. In order to invert the bow/stern, the ‘Invert bow/stern menu’ from the ‘User menu’ can be used. This is described in paragraph 5.3.3.3.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 32: The ALPHASPEED MFD in normal mode with head up (left) and with head

down/inverted bow and stern (right)

5.3.2 Alarm mode

The ALPHALINE MFD has two types of alarm;

- NMEA timeout alarm - Invalid NMEA data

Every NMEA input has an alarm. The alarms are triggered by wrong NMEA sentences or no NMEA data. If the alarm is triggered, the backlight will turn red, an acoustical signal will be

audible and the source of the alarm is blinking in the display, at the position where the up-arrow is located in normal mode. The device now is in alarm mode.

Figure 33: The ALPHASPEED MFD in alarm mode

The device will return to normal mode if the alarm is accepted and correct data is received. The alarm can be accepted by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button. If the alarm is accepted, the alarm source will stop blinking. If correct data is received, the device will return to normal mode.


ALPHALINE MFD

5.3.3 Menu modus

In paragraph 4.2.4, the global menu structure is explained. However, there are some device setting specific submenus in the User menu and the service menu.

5.3.3.1 User menu In this menu, user specific settings can be set. On top of the overall submenus, the following are additional submenus available, as shown in figure 34.

Figure 34: the user menu of the ALPHASPEED

� Invert bow/stern � Speed unit menu

Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the correct menu can be selected. By pressing the ‘dim/menu’ button, the selected menu can be opened. To exit the User menu and return to the main menu,

the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated. 5.3.3.2 Speed unit menu

In this menu, the unit of the speed can be selected. The factory default is Knots. The current selection is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. The desired option can be selected with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys. With a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the setting can be saved. The highlighting will change to the new setting and the setting is saved and applied.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 35: Set the speed unit. In this case, ‘Knots’ is set.

As shown in figure 35, the following units can be selected;

- Kilometers per hour (Km/h) - Knots (Kn) - Meters per second (m/s)

By selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the previous menu, the User menu.

5.3.3.3 Invert bow/stern In this menu, the direction of the displayed ship can be configured. The factory default is a ship with the direction up. By setting the Invert bow/stern option to ‘On’, the direction of the ship is

down. This can be useful if the device is seen towards the stern. The result after setting the ‘invert bow/stern’ option to ‘On’ is showed in figure 32, ’The Alphaspeed in Normal mode’

Figure 36: The device in normal mode with inverted bow/stern

As shown in figure 36 is the current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save and apply the new setting.

After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

5.3.3.4 Service menu

In the service menu, settings can be changed that affects the working of the device. The available submenus depend on the ‘Master unit’ setting. On top of the overall submenus, the following menus are showed;

- Master unit - Input menu (If master-unit is set on) - VBW-input menu (If master-unit is set off)

Figure 37: The Service menu of the Alphaspeed in slave mode.

5.3.3.5 Master unit menu

The master unit menu can be used to configure whether the Alphaspeed acts as master unit or not. If set to off, the device will listens to the $--VBW sentence as described in paragraph 5.2, on the COM port which can be set in paragraph 5.2.3.9. The COM port is factory default set to

RS485, with pin numbers 31 and 32 on the back of the instrument. If set to on, the device will listen to the VTG and HDT sentences, will calculate the speeds of the ship with it and will transmit it on the RS422 bus to other speed instruments, like the Alphaspeed MFD in slave

mode. Note: If the device is set as slave, only a serial connection to the master is required. A connection from the master to the GPS-en and the gyro compass is not needed.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 38: Master unit menu to change to operation mode of the Alphaspeed.

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text, as shown in figure 38. With

the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.

5.3.3.6 Input menu If the device is configured as Master unit, it needs a few additional settings to correct the speed

as good and accurate as possible. These settings can be set in the submenus of the Input menu. The following submenus are available;

• Serial set

• Set Ships length

Figure 39: The input menu for the Alphaspeed in Master mode.

With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired menu can be selected. By pressing the ‘Dim/menu’

button, the selected menu will be opened. To return to the Service menu, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated.


ALPHALINE MFD

5.3.3.7 Serial set menu

In the serial set menu, different kinds of signals can be linked to the COM port. The three by the ALPHASPEED MFD used signals can be linked to the three possible COM ports. After opening this menu, three submenus are displayed;

• GPS Bow • GPS Stern • Gyro

Figure 40: The Serial set menu

With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired menu can be selected. By pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the selected menu will be opened. To return to the Input menu, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated.

5.3.3.8 GPS Bow, GPS Stern, Gyro link menu

In this menu, the signal type can be linked to a COM port, as explained in paragraph 5.3.3.7. The ALPHALINE MFD has three COM ports;

• RS485

• RS422 • RS232

The selected option is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. To change the com port, the

‘left’- and ‘right’ keys can be used to move the selection. To save the selection, the ‘Dim/menu’ button must be pressed. The highlighting will change to the new selection and the new setting will be applied to the calculation


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 41: Link the GPS Stern to a com port. In this figure the GPS stern is linked to the RS422 port.

To return to the Serial set menu, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated. 5.3.3.9 Ships length menu

To calculate the speed, movement and direction of the movement of the bow and stern of the ship, it is needed to calculate the offset of the antennas relative to the ship. To calculate the offset, the location of the GPS antennas is needed. This can be set in the Ships length

submenus;

• Ships length • Length GPS Bow

• Length GPS Stern

Figure 42: Set the Ships Length

After selecting the right menu, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will result in opening the menu. Selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option will result in returning to the Input menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

5.3.3.10 Ships length, Length GPS bow, length GPS stern menu

In this menu, the length of the ship and the distance of the GPS antenna to the bow and the distance of the GPS to the stern can be set. With these settings, the offset of the antennas can be calculated, as described in the introduction of this paragraph, chapter five.

Figure 43: Set the Ships Length. The first number is selected for changing

Setting the numbers

The menu is shown in 43. By opening, the cursor is in front of the first menu line. With a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the first number element will be selected. The selected number is displayed highlighted. Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the number can be changed into the desired value. After selecting the right number, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will

move the highlighting to the next number, and this number can be changed with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys. After selecting and setting the last number, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will move the cursor to the next line, the ‘Reset’ option.

Resetting the numbers To restore the numbers in the first line to the saved numbers, this line must be selected and activated. The numbers will immediately change to the previous setting.

Saving the numbers To save the numbers, the ‘Save’ option must be selected and activated. The size length will be saved into the memory, and after successfully saving, the cursor will jump to the next line, the

‘Exit’ option. When nothing happens for about one second, the saving has failed. It can be tried again by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button again.

Close the menu When the ‘Exit’ option is selected and activated, the device will return to the CAN menu.

5.3.3.11 VBW-input menu If the device is configured as slave unit, this menu will appear in the service menu. In this menu, the COM port which is used to receive ALPHASPEED MFD Master Data with the format

$xxVBW, as shown in paragraph 5.2, can be set. There are three COM ports available;

• RS485

• RS422 • RS232


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 44: Set the VBW-input. VBW input is currently expected on the RS422 port

The current set COM port is displayed highlighted by a rectangle around the text. To select

another COM port, use the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys to select it. With a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the selection will be saved and applied and the highlighting on the display will jump to the new selection. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the menu will return to the Service menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

5.3.4 Sketch Menu structure

The global menu structure of the ALPHALINE MFD, which applies to all the set device types:

� Main menu



� Nederlands (Dutch) � English

� Deutsch (German) � Exit

o User menu

� Invert bow/stern • On • Off • Exit

� Speed unit • Km/h • Knots

• M/s • Exit

� Central dimming • On

• Off • Exit

� Exit o Service menu

� Master unit o On o Off

o Exit � Input menu (if Master unit is set to ‘On’)

o Serial set � GPS Bow

• RS485 • RS422 • RS232

• Exit � GPS Stern

• RS485 • RS422

• RS232 • Exit

� Gyro • RS485

• RS422 • RS232 • Exit

o Ship length � Ships length

• Enter numbers • Reset numbers

• Save numbers • Exit

� Length GPS Bow

• Enter numbers


ALPHALINE MFD

• Reset numbers • Save numbers

• Exit � Length GPS Stern

• Enter numbers

• Reset numbers • Save numbers • Exit

� Exit

o Exit � NMEA-monitor

• RS-485 • RS-422

• RS-232 • Exit

• CAN-menu

• CAN address o Enter numbers o Reset numbers o Save numbers

o Exit • Dim group

o Enter number

o Reset number o Save number o Exit

• Minimal dim value

o Enter numbers o Reset numbers o Save numbers o Exit

� Factory settings • Reset factory settings • Exit

� Exit o Exit


ALPHALINE MFD

6. ALPHATIME MFD

The ALPHATIME MFD displays the actual time and date, in 24-hours format with the date as readable text and the time with or without seconds, by user definition.

6.1 NMEA signals The ALPHATIME MFD uses the GPS to synchronize the internal clock. To do so, one GPS

sentences are used, depending on the time zone settings, as described in paragraph 6.2.3.4. If this setting is configured as automatically synchronize time zone with GPS, the device listens to the $--ZDA sentence. If the device is configured to manual time zone offset, the device listens to the $--RMC sentence, because every GPS antenna transmits an $--RMX sentence. The

sentences must be of the following format:


ALPHALINE MFD

6.2 Working modes/states As mentioned in paragraph 4.2, the device can be in different working modes.

6.2.1 Normal mode

In the normal mode, the device displays the actual time and date. The time is displayed in 24-hours format, with user definable seconds display. The date is displayed as readable text, in the language as set in the Language menu. To set the correct language, the Language menu can be used, as described in paragraph 4.2.4.4. At the bottom of the display, the UTC offset is

displayed.

Figure 45: The Alphatime in normal mode without seconds displayed

6.2.2 Alarm mode

As described in paragraph 4.2.2, the ALPHALINE MFD instrument can be in Alarm mode. The ALPHATIME MFD has two types of alarms;

• NMEA Timeout alarm • Invalid NMEA data


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 46: The Alphatime in alarm mode

Every NMEA input has an alarm. The alarms are triggered by wrong NMEA sentences or no NMEA data. If the alarm is triggered, the backlight will turn red, an acoustical signal will be audible and the source of the alarm is blinking in the display and appears below the UTC offset.

The device now is in alarm mode. The device will return to normal mode if the alarm is accepted and correct data is received. The

alarm can be accepted by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button. If the alarm is accepted, the alarm source will stop blinking. If correct data is received, the device will return to normal mode. 6.2.3 Menu modus


6.2.3.1 User menu In the User menu, some user specific settings can be set. There following submenus are

showed: • Seconds display • D.S.T. settings • Time zone menu


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 47: the user menu of the Alphatime

6.2.3.2 Seconds display

In the Seconds display menu, the displaying of the seconds can be switched on or off. If it is switched on, a wider frame in the normal mode display will be displayed and the seconds of the

time are showed. If it is turned off, the frame in the normal mode display is displayed smaller and the seconds are not showed.

Figure 48: Set whether seconds are displayed or not

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will

save and apply the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu. 6.2.3.3 Daylight Saving Time (DST) setting

In the ALPHATIME MFD, the daylight saving time (DST) can be configured. It can be turned on or off. When it is turned on, it means the summertime is active, and one hour will be added to

the current time. The factory default is ‘off’.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 49: Set the daylight saving time setting, currently set to ‘Off’.

When the menu is opened, the current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text.

With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save and apply the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.

6.2.3.4 Time zone menu The current time zone of the ship can be set manually for simple GPS antennas or it can be set

to automatically. If it is set to automatically, the $--ZDA sentence will be used to synchronize the current time and date. In this sentence, the UTC offset is included, so the time for the current time zone can be calculated and displayed. How the $--ZDA sentence looks, is explained in paragraph 6.1.

If the setting is set to manual, the current time zone can be manually entered. The current time is corrected by the set value. For synchronizing with the GPS, the $--RMC sentence will be used as also explained in paragraph 6.1.

Figure 50: Time zone menu with ‘Automatic set’ set to ‘Off’

After opening this menu, a submenu appears. The contents of this menu depends on the setting of the first submenu, the ‘Automatic set’ menu. How this menu can be used, is explained in the

next paragraph, paragraph 6.2.3.5. If the setting in the ‘Automatic set’ menu is set to ‘off’, a


ALPHALINE MFD

second submenu will be showed, the ‘Set offset’ menu. In this menu, the manually offset can be set. Using this menu can be described in paragraph 6.2.3.6.

6.2.3.5 Automatic set menu

In this menu, the type of GPS synchronizing and the type of used UTC offset can be used, as explained in paragraph 6.2.3.4.

Figure 51: Set the automatic time zone synchronization with the GPS

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’

keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.

6.2.3.6 Set offset menu

To set the UTC offset manually, the Set offset menu can be used. In this menu, an UTC offset can be set up to the minute, positive or negative.

Figure 52: Set the UTC offset manually. The first number is selected for changing


ALPHALINE MFD

Setting the numbers By opening, the cursor is in front of the first menu line. With a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’

button, the first number element will be selected, which is showed in figure 52. The selected number is displayed highlighted. Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the number can be changed into the desired value. After selecting the right number, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button

will move the highlighting to the next number, and this number can be changed with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, and so on for all of the numbers. After selecting and setting the last number, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will deselect the numbers line and move the cursor to the next line, the ‘UTC -’ option.

UTC – To set the UTC offset negative, this option must be selected and activated. The sign in front of the first line, the numbers line will change to a ‘-’.

UTC+ To set the UTC offset positive, this option must be selected and activated. The sign in front of

the first line, the numbers line will change to a ‘+‘. Resetting the numbers To restore the numbers in the first line to the saved numbers, this line must be selected and

activated. The numbers will immediately change to the previous setting. Saving the numbers

To save the numbers, the ‘Save’ option must be selected and activated. The UTC offset will be saved into the memory, and after successfully saving, the cursor will jump to the next line, the ‘Exit’ option. When nothing happens for about one second, the saving has failed. It can be tried again by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button again.

Close the menu When the ‘Exit’ option is selected and activated, the device will return to the Time zone menu.

6.2.3.7 Service menu

On top of the generic service menu, as explained in Paragraph 4.2.4.6, the following submenu is showed;

• NMEA Data input

Figure 53: The service menu of the Alphatime.


ALPHALINE MFD

The submenu to be opened can be selected with the ‘left’-and ‘right’ keys. After selecting the desired submenu, the menu can be opened with a short press on the ‘dim/menu’.

6.2.3.8 NMEA Data input menu

The COM port on which the NMEA data will be received can be set in this menu. There are three available comports;

• RS485

• RS422 • RS232

Figure 54: Set the COM port for receiving time GPS data.

After opening the menu, the current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the selected

COM port. The COM port on which the data will be received can be selected with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys. To activate the COM port, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button


ALPHALINE MFD

6.2.4 Sketch menu structure

The menu structure of the ALPHATIME MFD:

� Main menu





o User menu

� Seconds display • On • Off • Exit

� Daylight Saving Time • On • Off

• Exit � Timezone

• Automatic set o On

o Off o Exit

• Set offset (if ‘Automatic set’ is set to ‘off’) o Enter numbers

o UTC – o UTC + o Reset numbers



• Off • Exit

� Exit

o Service menu � NMEA-data input

• RS485 • RS422

• RS232 • Exit

� NMEA-monitor • RS-485

• RS-422 • RS-232 • Exit


o Enter numbers o Reset numbers


• Dim group

o Enter number


ALPHALINE MFD

o Reset number o Save number

o Exit • Minimal dim value

o Enter numbers

o Reset numbers o Save numbers o Exit

• Reset factory defaults

• Exit • Exit

o Exit


ALPHALINE MFD

7. ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD

The ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD displays the actual time and date, in 24-hours format with the date as readable text and the time with or without seconds, by user definition. It also shows the

speed in three digits, with one decimal, with a user definable speed unit. 7.1 NMEA signals

The ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD uses the GPS to synchronize the internal clock. To do so, two GPS sentences are used, depending on the time zone settings, as described in paragraph 7.2.3.4. If this setting is configured as automatically synchronize time zone, the device listens to the $--ZDA sentence. If the device is configured to manual time zone offset, the device listens to the

$--RMC sentences. Every GPS antenna sends out an $--RMC sentence. The sentences must be of the following format:


ALPHALINE MFD

The speed shown on the display is extracted from the VTG-sentence, which is transmitted by almost every GPS antenna. The sentence must look as following;

7.2 Working modes/states As mentioned in paragraph 4.2, the device can be in different working modes.

7.2.1 Normal mode In the normal mode, the device displays the actual time, date and speed. The time is displayed in 24-hours format, with user definable seconds display. The date is displayed as readable text,

in the language as set in the Language menu. To set the correct language, the Language menu can be used, as described in paragraph 4.2.4.4. At the bottom of the display, the UTC offset is displayed. The speed of the ship is extracted from the VTG-sentence of the GPS antenna, as

mentioned above. It is displayed in big digits in the middle of the display. In figure 55, the ALPHATIME&SPEED in normal mode is showed.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 55: The Alphatime&speed in normal mode

The unit of the showed speed is adjustable by the user. How this can be done, is explained in paragraph 7.2.3.7, using the ‘Speed unit menu’.

7.2.2 Alarm mode As described in paragraph 4.2.2, the ALPHALINE MFD instrument can be in Alarm mode. The ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD has two types of alarms;


Figure 56: The Alphatime&speed in alarm mode

Every NMEA input has an alarm. The alarms are triggered by wrong NMEA sentences or no NMEA data. If the alarm is triggered, the backlight will turn red, an acoustical signal will be

audible and the source of the alarm is blinking in the display, between the speed unit and the time frame, as shown in figure 56. The device now is in alarm mode. The device will return to normal mode if the alarm is accepted and correct data is received. The

alarm can be accepted by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button. If the alarm is accepted, the alarm source will stop blinking. If correct data is received, the device will return to normal mode.


ALPHALINE MFD

7.2.3 Menu modus

In paragraph 4.4, the global menu structure is explained. However, there are some device setting specific submenus in the User menu and the service menu.

7.2.3.1 User menu In the User menu, some user specific settings can be set. There following submenus are showed:

• Seconds display • D.S.T. settings • Time zone menu

Figure 57: The user menu of the Alphatime&speed

7.2.3.2 Seconds display

In the Seconds display menu, the displaying of the seconds can be switched on or off. If it is switched on, a wide frame is displayed in normal mode and the seconds of the time are showed. If it is turned off, the time frame in the normal mode display is displayed smaller and the seconds are not showed.

Figure 58: Set the seconds display in the normal mode


ALPHALINE MFD

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will

save and apply the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.

7.2.3.3 Daylight Saving Time (DST) setting In the ALPHATIME MFD, the daylight saving time (DST) can be configured. It can be switched on or off. When it is switched on, it means the summertime is active, and one hour will be

added to the current time. The factory default is ‘off’.

Figure 59: Set the Daylight Saving Time setting

When the menu is opened, the current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text.

With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.

7.2.3.4 Time zone menu The current time zone of the ship can be set manually for simple GPS antennas or it can be set

to automatically. If it is set to automatically, the $--ZDA sentence will be used to synchronize the current time and date. In this sentence, the UTC offset is included, so the time for the current time zone can be calculated and displayed. How this sentence looks, is explained in paragraph 7.1.

If the setting is set to manual, the current time zone can be manually entered. The current time is corrected by the set value. For synchronizing with the GPS, the $--RMC sentence will be used as also explained in paragraph 7.1.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 60: Time zone menu with ‘Automatic set’ set to ‘Off’

After opening this menu, a submenu appears. The contents of this menu depends on the setting of the first submenu, the ‘Automatic set’ menu. How this menu can be used, is explained in paragraph 7.2.3.5. If the setting in the ‘Automatic set’ menu is set to ‘off’, a second submenu will be showed, the ‘Set offset’ menu. In this menu, the manually offset can be set. Using this

menu is described in paragraph 7.2.3.6. 7.2.3.5 Automatic set menu

In this menu, the type of GPS synchronizing and the type of used UTC offset can be used, as explained in paragraph 7.2.3.4.

Figure 61: Set the automatic time zone sync with the G.P.S.

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’

keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save the new setting. After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the time zone menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

7.2.3.6 Set offset menu

To set the UTC offset manually, the Set offset menu can be used. In this menu, an UTC offset can be set up to the minute, positive or negative.

Figure 62: Set the UTC offset manually, with the first number selected for changing

Setting the numbers By opening, the cursor is in front of the first menu line. With a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button, the first number element will be selected, as showed in figure 62. The selected number

is displayed highlighted. Using the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the number can be changed into the desired value. After selecting the right number, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will move the highlighting to the next number, and this number can be changed with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys. After selecting and setting the last number, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button

will move the cursor to the next line, the ‘UTC -’ option. UTC – To set the UTC offset negative, this option must be selected and activated. The sign in front of

the first line, the numbers line will change to a ‘-’. UTC+

To set the UTC offset positive, this option must be selected and activated. The sign in front of the first line, the numbers line will change to a ‘+’. Resetting the numbers

To restore the numbers in the first line to the saved numbers, this line must be selected and activated. The numbers will immediately change to the previous setting.

Saving the numbers To save the numbers, the ‘Save’ option must be selected and activated. The UTC offset will be saved into the memory, and after successfully saving, the cursor will jump to the next line, the ‘Exit’ option.

Exit When the ‘Exit’ option is selected and activated, the device will return to the Time zone menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

7.2.3.7 Speed unit menu

The unit of the speed which is shown on the display in the normal mode is adjustable by the user. The preferred speed unit can be set in the Speed unit menu. There are three options;

• Km/h (Kilometers per hour) • Knots • M/s (Meter per second)

Figure 63: Set the speed unit for the speed to be displayed

The current setting is highlighted by a square around the text. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the desired option can be selected. Activating by a press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will save the new setting, change the highlighting and apply it.

After selecting and activating the ‘Exit’ option, the device will return to the User menu.

7.2.3.8 Service menu On top of the generic service menu, as explained in Paragraph 4.4, the following submenu is showed;

• NMEA Data input

Figure 64: the Service menu for the Alphatime&speed


ALPHALINE MFD

7.2.3.9 NMEA Data input menu

The COM port on which the NMEA data will be received can be set in this menu. There are three available comports;

• RS485 • RS422 • RS232

Figure 65: Select the COM port on which the data must be received

After opening the menu, the current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the selected COM port. The COM port on which the data will be received can be selected with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys. To activate the COM port, a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button will save the new selection, change the highlighting and apply the setting.


ALPHALINE MFD


The menu structure of the ALPHATIME&SPEED MFD:

� Main menu





o User menu

� Speed unit • Km/h • Knots • M/s

• Exit � Seconds display

• On

• Off • Exit

� Daylight Saving time • On

• Off • Exit

� Time zone • Automatic set

o On o Off o Exit

• Set offset (If ‘Automatic set’ is set to ‘off’) • Exit


• Off • Exit

� Exit

o Service menu � NMEA-monitor

• RS-485 • RS-422

• RS-232 • Exit


o Enter numbers o Reset numbers o Save numbers


o Enter number o Reset number

o Save number o Exit

• Minimal dim value

o Enter numbers


ALPHALINE MFD

o Reset numbers o Save numbers

o Exit • Reset factory defaults • Exit

• Exit o Exit


ALPHALINE MFD

8. ALPHACOURSE MFD

The ALPHACOURSE MFD displays the actual heading in degrees, from the gyrocompass, magnetic compass, GPS compass or a GPS receiver. The course is displayed with an optional decimal, and an optional click is audible when the course changes

8.1 NMEA signals The ALPHACOURSE MFD uses a gyro compass, a GPS compass, a magnetic compass or a GPS

receiver. The used NMEA-sentenced can be configured in the Service menu. How this can be done is described in paragraph 8.2.3.6. The optional sentences are $xxTHS, $xxHDT, $xxHDG, $xxHDM and $xxVTG. How this sentences look like, are shown below.

The HDT sentence is an old sentence, which is replaced by the THS sentence. It is not included in the official IEC 61162 standard. However, the ALPHACOURSE MFD can display course that is received in this sentence.

The Alphacourse can also receive $--HDM sentences. $--HDM Sentences are like HDT. Instead of a T, which indicates ‘True’, there is an M on that place, which indicates ‘Magnetic’.


ALPHALINE MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

8.2 Working modes/states

As described in paragraph 4.2, the instrument can be in different working modes. 8.2.1 Normal mode

In the normal mode, the device displays the current heading. It is displayed with an optional decimal, in degrees. The source of the heading is displayed above the text, and is definable, as described in paragraph 8.2.3.6.

Figure 66: The Alphacourse in normal mode without decimal notation, and ‘True

heading’ selected.

8.2.2 Alarm mode

As described in paragraph 4.2.2, the ALPHALINE MFD instrument can be in Alarm mode. The ALPHACOURSEMFD has two types of alarms


Every NMEA input has an alarm. The alarms are triggered by wrong NMEA sentences or no NMEA data. If the alarm is triggered, the backlight will turn red, an acoustical signal will be audible and the source of the alarm is blinking in the display, at the position where the source of the NMEA-sentence located in normal mode. The device now is in alarm mode.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 67: The Alphacourse in alarm mode.

The device will return to normal mode if the alarm is accepted and correct data is received. The

alarm can be accepted by pressing the ‘Dim/menu’ button. If the alarm is accepted, the alarm source will stop blinking. If correct data is received, the device will return to normal mode. 8.2.3 Menu modus


8.2.3.1 User menu As described in paragraph 4.2.4, on top of the user menu, the following submenus are showed:

• Stepper audio • Decimal notation • ROT-identify

8.2.3.2 Stepper audio menu By a change of course, a click can be audible. This can be useful if the ship is sailed by the

autopilot, and the crew must be warned by a deviation of the course. To set this option, the Stepper audio menu can be used.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 68: Set the Stepper Audio for course changing notification

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. By pressing the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the new setting can be selected. A short press on the ‘dim-menu’ key will save the

setting. The highlighting will change to the new selection and the new setting will applied. To exit this menu, the ‘exit’ option must be selected and activated. The device will return to the user menu.

8.2.3.3 Decimal notation In normal mode, the course is displayed in three big digits. Decimal notation can be turned on

or off in the Decimal notation menu.

Figure 69: Set the decimal notation

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. By the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys,

the new setting can be selected. A short press on the ‘dim-menu’ key will save and apply the setting. The highlighting will change to the new selection. To exit this menu, the ‘exit’ option must be selected and activated. The device will return to the user menu.


ALPHALINE MFD

8.2.3.4 Rot identify

The Rate of turn of the ship, calculated by the course difference is displayed on the screen by two dots. The displaying of the ROT-identify can be configured in the ROT Identify menu.

Figure 70: Set the Rate Of Turn identify for the heading

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. By the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, the new setting can be selected. A short press on the ‘dim-menu’ key will save and apply the

setting. The highlighting will change to the new selection. To exit this menu, the ‘exit’ option must be selected and activated. The device will return to the user menu.

8.2.3.5 Service menu On top of the standard Service menu items, as described and explained in paragraph 4.2.4, the following submenu is showed for the ALPHACOURSE;

• Heading type • NMEA Data input

Figure 71: the Service menu for the Alphacourse


ALPHALINE MFD

8.2.3.6 Heading type menu

As described in the introduction and paragraph 1 of this chapter, the type of NMEA sentence that the ALPHACOURSE MFD uses for extracting and displaying the heading is configurable. This can be done in the Heading type menu. As shown in the following figure, there are five optional

heading sources.

Figure 72: Select the heading source which is used to extract the heading from

The current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the text. By the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys,

the new setting can be selected. A short press on the ‘dim-menu’ key will save and apply the setting. The highlighting will change to the new selection. To exit this menu, the ‘exit’ option must be selected and activated. The device will return to the service menu.

8.2.3.7 NMEA Data input menu The COM port on which the NMEA data will be received can be set in this menu. There are three available comports;

• RS485 • RS422

• RS232

Figure 73: Select the Com port for receiving heading information


ALPHALINE MFD

After opening the menu, the current setting is highlighted by a rectangle around the selected COM port. The COM port on which the data will be received can be selected with the ‘left’- and

‘right’ keys. To activate the COM port and save the selection, the ‘Dim/menu’ button must be pressed shortly.


ALPHALINE MFD


The menu structure of the ALPHACOURSE MFD:

� Main menu





o User menu

� Stepping sound • On • Off • Exit

� Decimal notation • On • Off

• Exit � ROT-identify

• On • Off

• Exit � Central dimming

• On • Off

• Exit � Exit

o Service menu

� Heading type • $--THS • $--HDT • $--HDM

• $--HDG • $--VTG • Exit

� NMEA-data input • RS485 • RS422 • RS232

• Exit � NMEA-monitor

• RS-485 • RS-422

• RS-232 • Exit

• CAN-menu

• CAN address o Enter numbers o Reset numbers o Save numbers


o Enter number

o Reset number


ALPHALINE MFD

o Save number o Exit

• Minimal dim value o Enter numbers o Reset numbers


• Reset factory defaults • Exit

• Exit o Exit


ALPHALINE MFD

9. ALPHACONTROL MFD

The ALPHACONTROL MFD is a multifunctional control unit for ALPHALINE MF and MFD devices. It can be used for central dimming, dimming by dim group and individual dimming per instrument, accepting alarms per instrument and remote control the instruments. All this is

done by using the CAN bus. 9.1 Working modes/states

As mentioned in paragraph 4.2, the device can be in different working modes. For the ALPHACONTROL MFD, the working modes differ from the other device types. 9.1.1 Normal mode

In the normal mode, a list of all the configurable ALPHALINE MF and ALPHALINE MFD instruments are showed. The list is a menu, with a rectangle around the selected item as the

cursor. This cursor can be moved with a short press on the ‘left’-and ‘right’ keys. The list that is showed are the available devices on the CAN bus, as scanned by the ALPHACONTROL. If the list is empty or the list is not complete, the scan should be done. How to

do this is described in paragraph 9.1.1.5, ‘Scanning the CAN devices’. If the instrument that should be controlled or dimmed is selected, the subpage to do so can be

opened by activating the selection. This can be done by a short press on the ‘Dim/menu’ button. The instrument will now change to ‘Individual control mode’. The last item on the list is always ‘Central dimming’. After selecting and activating the last

‘Central dimming’ item, the instrument will change to ‘Central dimming mode’, which can be used to central dim the dim groups or all the instruments. How to use this mode is described in paragraph 9.1.1.3.

The following figure shows the Alphacontrol MFD with several ALPHALINE instruments scanned on the CAN bus. There are more items than can be showed on the display, so a scrollbar appears. When the cursor passes the last item, which is in this case the ‘Alphaspeed MFD 2’, the

list will scroll to the bottom. When the list is scrolled to the bottom and the cursor is moved to the upper element, the list will scroll to the top.

Figure 74: The Alphacontrol MFD in normal mode with a number of instruments on the CAN bus.


ALPHALINE MFD

9.1.2 Individual control mode

After selecting and activating a device in the normal mode, the individual control mode for the selected device will be opened. A frame is showed, titled the selected device. Just as the normal mode, the list with options is a menu with a rectangle around the selected item as the cursor.

This cursor can be moved with a short press on the ‘left’-and ‘right’ buttons. The following options are available;

• Individual dimming

• Accept alarm • Display menu

Figure 75: The individual control mode for a device

The last option is the exit option. After selecting and activating this option, the device will return to ‘normal mode’.

9.1.2.1 Individual dimming Selecting and activating this option will change the working mode on the selected device to the individual dimming mode. The ‘Individual dimming’ text will display highlighted and the cursor is

not available, as shown in figure 76. Pressing the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys on the Alphacontrol will simulate pressing the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys on the remote device. The instrument can be dimmed to the desired backlight intensity. Individual dimming will not dim the entire group that the instrument is in, which is different from dimming the device with the buttons on the front of

the actual instrument. Dimming the device locally will dim the entire group. Dimming the device in the Individual control mode will dim only the selected device. For dimming the entire Dim group with the Alphacontrol, the ‘Central dim mode’ can be used as described in paragraph 9.1.1.3.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 76: The Alphacontrol in individual dimming mode

If there is no button press on the Alphacontrol or the remote instrument for ~5 seconds, the individual dimming mode will close. The remote instrument will return to normal mode and the Alphacontrol will return to Individual control mode. The highlighting will change into the cursor.

9.1.2.2 Accept alarm Activating and selecting this item will send a command to the remote device to change the

alarm mode to alarm acknowledged mode. The remote device will stop beeping and flashing. If the instrument is not in alarm, activating the ‘Accept alarm’ item will not affect anything.

9.1.2.3 Display menu When this is item is activated, a command will be send that will open the menu on the remote device and the menu on the remote device will appear, so the working mode on the remote

device has changed to ‘Menu mode’. The text ‘Display menu’ will be displayed highlighted and the text ‘To close the menu, press the ‘Dim/menu’ mode for two seconds’ will appear under the options.

Figure 77: displaying and controlling the menu on the remote device


ALPHALINE MFD

The menu can now be used as described in paragraph 4.2 for an instrument of the ALPHALINE MFD or as described in the manual of the specific ALPHALINE MF device. The ‘left’, ‘right’-and

‘dim/menu’ buttons are simulated by commandos, sent by the ALPHACONTROL. Every button press on the ALPHACONTROL will result in action on the remote device. The ALPHACONTROL now is in individual menu mode.

To leave the individual menu mode, the ‘exit’ option in the Main menu of the remote device must be selected and activated, or the ‘dim/menu’ button must be pressed for two seconds, as displayed on the display. The remote device will return to normal mode, and the

ALPHACONTROL will return to individual control mode. The highlighting will disappear and change to a menu cursor. 9.1.2.4 Exit

Selecting and activating the ‘exit’ item will result in changing the individual control mode to the normal mode. The control mode for the selected device will close and the display will return to

the device list. Another device that must be controlled, dimmed or which alarm must be accepted can be selected.

9.1.3 Central dimming mode The Alphacontrol can be used for remote controlling of other Alphaline MF/MFD instruments or

central dim the dim groups. This can be done in the Central Dimming mode. After opening this mode from the normal mode, the screen as showed in figure 78 is displayed. As cursor is a rectangle used, which can be moved with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ buttons. In order to central dim a group, the group that must be dimmed must be selected. Pressing the ‘dim/menu’ button will

select the group. The group name is displayed highlighted. With the ‘left’- and ‘right’ buttons, the dim value of the group can be changed. The current dim value is displayed in a bar on the screen.

If the group is dimmed as desired can the group is deselected by pressing the ‘dim/menu’ button. The highlighting will disappear and the cursor will be moveable with the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys.

In order to dim the Alphacontrol instrument, the dim group where the instrument is in must be dimmed. The dim group can be set in the ‘Dim group menu’, as described in paragraph 4.2.4.11. It is not possible to individual dim the Alphacontrol. The only way to dim the instrument is dimming the dim group that the Alphacontrol is in.

In order to dim all the dim groups, select and activate the ‘All’ item. All the dim groups will be displayed highlighted. When pressing the ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys, all the dim group values will

change and the dim command will be broadcasted to the remote instruments. When the central dimming is done, a short press on the ‘dim/menu’ button will deactivate all the dim groups and re-activate the cursor. To return to the ‘normal mode’, the ‘Exit’ option must be selected and activated. The ‘Central dimming’ display will disappear.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 78: displaying and controlling the menu on the remote device

9.1.4 Menu mode In paragraph 4.2, the global menu structure is explained. However, there are some device

setting specific submenus in the User menu and the service menu. 9.1.4.1 Service menu

In the Service menu, device specific settings can be set that ensure the correct working of the device. There following submenu is showed:

• CAN devices

Figure 79: the Service menu for the Alphacontrol

9.1.4.2 CAN Devices

In order to individual control the remote ALPHALINE devices, it is important for the Alphacontrol to know the addresses of the remote devices. The ALPHACONTROL must know which address belongs to which device. The ALPHACONTROL scans the CAN bus and saves the addresses. The

addresses will be stored into the non-volatile memory of the device, so scanning the CAN bus


ALPHALINE MFD

only has to be done once. The scan must be done again when the instruments on the CAN bus are changed.

Figure 80: CAN devices menu

Note: A CAN address belongs to a specific device. Exchanging an ALPHALINE MF/MFD instrument will not change the working of the remote control. If the address in the new device is the same as the address in the old device, the remote control will

remain working. Only changing CAN addresses requires a re-scan of the CAN bus. In this menu, three options and an ‘exit’ option are showed;

• Scan devices • Accept, save • Reset

Scan devices Selecting and activating this item will start scanning the CAN bus. Before start, make sure all

the ALPHALINE devices are switched on, and every device has a unique address. How this can be done, is described in paragraph 4.2.4.9 of this manual or in the chapter ‘CAN address’ of the device specific manual.

If the scan is started, the menu will disappear and the text ‘Scanning devices’ will be showed. The remaining CAN devices will appear in big digits. Scanning will not take more than ten seconds.


ALPHALINE MFD

Figure 81: Scanning the CAN bus in progress

If the scan is complete, a list of scanned devices is showed. If there are more of the same devices on the bus, their addresses will be sorted ascending, which is explained in paragraph

4.2.4.9 of this manual. The list of the scan output can be used to check if the scanned devices match the current ALPHALINE devices on the CAN bus. The ‘left’- and ‘right’ keys can be used to browse through the list. The list is only for controlling. Selecting and activating a device does not take any

action. If the list that is showed is not complete, the scan must be re-done. To re-do the ‘Scan devices’ item must be activated from the ‘CAN devices menu’. In this menu the scanned devices can be saved. This menu is still opened on the background. Selecting and activating the ‘Next’ option at the end of the list will bring the menu to the front. The menu cursor has moved to the

next item ‘Accept, save’ automatically. If this list is not accepted, the ‘Scan devices’ item in the menu must be selected and activated.

Accept, save This option will save the scanned list. This option can be activated after a correct scan. If the scan is not correct, the ‘Scan devices’ item in this menu must be selected and activated.

If the items are stored correctly, the cursor will jump to the next option, the ‘Exit’ option. Exit

This option can be used to return to the Service menu. Selecting and activating will close the ‘CAN devices menu’.


ALPHALINE MFD


The structure of the ALPHACONTROL MFD:

� Main menu





o Service menu

� CAN-devices • Scan devices • Accept, save • Reset

• Exit • CAN-menu

• CAN address

o Enter numbers o Reset numbers o Save numbers o Exit

• Dim group o Enter number o Reset number o Save number

o Exit • Minimal dim value

o Enter numbers

o Reset numbers o Save numbers o Exit

• Reset factory defaults

• Exit • Exit

o Exit


ALPHALINE MFD

10. SOFTWARE REVISION

This manual matches software version 1.1.

11. TROUBLESHOOTING Q: The backlight intensity of the instruments on the CAN bus does not change when I change the backlight intensity of one instrument or not all instruments dim along.

A: There are several possibilities; - Central dimming is switched off in the user menu. It must be switched on for every

device on the CAN bus, which must join the remote dimming. How this can be switched on is described in paragraph 4.1 of this manual for the Alphaline MFD device

or is described in the manual for the specific Alphaline MF device. - The dim group of the remote device(s) differs from the dim group of the device that

is dimmed on. For the ALPHALINE MFD, setting the dim group is described in

paragraph 4.2.6. For the ALPALINE MF, refer to the device specific manual to set the dim group.

- The CAN bus installation is not correct. Make sure all the CAN-devices are connected properly with twisted pair cables and as a bus. Make sure that the bus begins and

ends with 120~124 ohm terminator resistors. The correct CAN bus installation is described in paragraph 3.3.5, ‘the CAN bus installation’ or in paragraph 15.3, ‘Wiring diagrams’.

- The software that is running on the MF instruments is not up to date. Older versions of the ALPHALINE MF software do not have the central dimming/central control over the ALPHALINE MFD protocol implemented. If there is no option in the Backlight menu of the remote Alphaline MF instrument to switch the central dim on or off, it is

very likely that the software is outdated. Make sure that the ALPHALINE MF instruments are programmed with the last software.

Q: The instrument gives an NMEA timeout alarm, but the NMEA source is connected

A: There are several possibilities: - Make sure the NMEA source is wired properly and not polarity reversed. - Make sure the NMEA source sends the proper NMEA sentences, as described in

paragraph 1 of the description of every device type. - The source of the NMEA can be set in the Service menu. Make sure the NMEA source

is set properly. How to do this is described in the ‘Menu mode’ paragraph of every device type.

- Make sure that the NMEA source sends the NMEA sentence as requested by the specific device type. For the requested NMEA sentence, paragraph 1 of the description of every device type can be referred.

Q: The ALPHACONTROL in individual control mode takes a long time to time to react to the commandos and the commandos does not seem to work on the remote device A: This is caused by the remote instrument. The ALPHACONTROL waits for a response of the

remote device but never gets it. After ten tries, which equals ~2 seconds the ALPHACONTROL gives up. There are several reasons that this happens;

- The CAN address of the ALPHACONTROL is equal to the CAN address of another CAN device on the bus. Make sure all the devices have unique addresses.

- The remote device is not alive. Make sure the remote device is switched on and running.

- Make sure that the CAN bus is still intact and wired properly, as described in

paragraph 3.3.5, ‘the CAN bus installation’ or in paragraph 15.3, ‘Wiring diagrams’.


ALPHALINE MFD

12. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical:

Parameter Value Comments

Operating voltage 10-40 Volts DC voltage

Power consumption 30mA switched off

0,3A switched on

Reverse battery protection Yes Fuse will blow

Input(s) 1x RS485/422

EMC approved IEC60945

Mechanical:


Size 161x181x87 mm

Weight 1,5 Kg

IP value IP65 Applies only to the front of

the instrument

Environmental:


Operation temperature 0°C to +50°C

Storage temperature -10°C to +50°C

13. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If technical support in required for the ALPHALINE MFD instrument, please contact:

Alphatron Marine BV Schaardijk 23

3063NH, Rotterdam P.O. Box 21003 The Netherlands

Tel: 0031(0)10 4534000

Fax: 0031(0)10 4529214 www.alphatronmarine.com

[email protected]


ALPHALINE MFD

14. ALPHATRON Dealers (Authorized)

THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM

Alphatron Marine BV Alphatron Marine BVBA Schaardijk 23 Vaartkaai 12 3063 NH ROTTERDAM B – 2170 MERKSEM

Tel. + 31 (0)10 453 40 00 Tel. + 32 3 364 68652 Fax. + 31 (0)10 452 92 14 Internet: www.alphatronmarine.com Internet: www.alphatronmarine.com E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]

FRANCE NORWAY

Etna ProNav AS Les Hautes Vallees Fiskarvik Maritime Senter Route de mondvilliers 76930 4370 EGERSUND OCTEVILLE-SUR-MER-CEDEX Tel. + 47 514 94 300

Tel. + 33 2 355 460 60 Fax.+ 47 514 92 100 Fax. + 33 2 355 460 59 Internet: www.pronav.no Internet: www.etna.fr E-mail : [email protected]

E-mail : [email protected] SPAIN SINGAPORE

Crame Navtronics Pte. ltd. C/Lanzarote 14 76 Playfair Road 28700 #06-05 LHK 2 BUILDING San Sebastian de los Reyes SINGAPORE 367996

MADRID Tel.: + 65 38 32 788 Tel. + 34 91 658 65 08 Fax.:+ 65 38 32 188 Fax. + 34 91 654 96 44 Internet : www.esi-online.com.sg

Internet: www.crame.es E-mail: [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM INDIA

Selex Communications Ltd Elektronik Lab Marconi House R/13 Navroz Baug New Street Lalbaug MUMBAI 400012

CHELMSFORD Tel. + 91 22 247 151 15 ESSEX CM1 1PL Fax. + 91 22 247 104 44 UNITED KINGDOM Internet: www.elektroniklab.com Tel. + 44 (0) 1245 27 55 88 (sales) E-mail: [email protected]

Fax.+ 44 (0) 1245 27 56 89 Internet: www.selex-comms.com UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Elcome International L.L.C. Al Jadaf Dockyard – DY159

P.O. Box 1788 DUBAI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel. + 971 4 4049100

Fax. + 971 4 049200 Internet: www.elcome.ae E-mail: [email protected]


ALPHALINE MFD

15. Appendix

15.1 Appendix 1: Mounting frame


ALPHALINE MFD

15.2 Appendix 2: Instrument dimensions

Side view

Rear view


ALPHALINE MFD

15.3 Appendix 3: Wiring diagrams

15.3.1 Wiring diagram Alphaspeed MFD as master unit


ALPHALINE MFD

15.3.2 Wiring diagram Alphaspeed MFD as slave unit


ALPHALINE MFD

15.3.3 Wiring diagram Alphatime MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

15.3.4 Wiring diagram Alphatime&speed MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

15.3.5 Wiring diagram Alphacourse MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

15.3.6 Wiring diagram Alphacontrol MFD


ALPHALINE MFD

16. NOTES:

installation & operation manual alphaline mfd v1.0 a4 eng.pdf

Documents

alphaline mfd operation

alphaline mfd bulkhead

manual alphaline mfd

manual alphaline mfd

alphaline mfd flush

menu mode

dim mode

normal mode