Maritime Software

FEATURES

• Can use existing or new NAVTEX transmitters
• Integrated into the GMDSS Operator Console
• Up to 100 NAVTEX transmitters can be supported
• A single NAVTEX station can be accessed from multiple Consoles
• Broadcasts can be scheduled and/or sent manually
• Distress button to quickly send NAVTEX distress messages
• User-defined message templates
• Start of message and end of message can be custom designed
• Automatic date insertion into messages
• Virtual NAVTEX stations can share a common transmitter
• One minute audible alert of scheduled broadcast start

ABOUT

The TransOceana NAVTEX function can be used to both send and receive NAVTEX broadcasts. The NAVTEX function is a software based Windows application integrated into the GMDSS Operator Console. Any number of NAVTEX monitoring receivers and broadcast transmitters can be supported.  NAVTEX broadcasts can be both manual and scheduled. Distress broadcasts can also be made. Multiple Operator Consoles can share the same NAVTEX transmitter or receivers.

NAVTEX TX HANDLER

The NAVTEX TX handler is a Windows® based software application that runs on an industrial PC, desktop PC or laptop. The handler interfaces the Operator Consoles to the NAVTEX transmitters. Each handler can support up to 100 transmitters. The handler includes a ‘Job Scheduler” that will automatically transmit a NAVTEX broadcast on a scheduled basis. The scheduler includes the message database such that it can independently broadcast even if the network to the Operator Consoles is inoperative. The handler monitors the status of the transmitter and reports any faults to the Operator Console.

NAVTEX RX HANDLER

The NAVTEX RX handler is a windows based software application that runs on an industrial PC, desktop PC or laptop. The handler interfaces the operator consoles to the NAVTEX receivers. Each handler can support up to 100 receivers. The RX handler functions independent of the TX handler. It is used to receive NAVTEX broadcasts and pass them to the operator consoles. This is normally used for monitoring the stations broadcasts but can be used to monitor other stations as well. The RX handler can be installed on different PC’s than the TX handler or on the same PC.  The number of receivers can be different from the number of transmitters.  The RX handler can be used solely as a monitoring device with no transmit function at the station. The RX handler is compatible with most NAVTEX receivers on the market today.

NAVTEX OPERATOR CONSOLE

Each Operator Console can be configured to interface to one or more NAVTEX   transmitters.  Multiple transmitters will appear as separate panels as shown above stacked vertically as if in a 19″ rack. The NAVTEX panel is used to interact with the NAVTEX TX handler (described above).  The Operator can create messages, edit messages and remove messages from the broadcast schedule. The job processor running on a TX handler can be stopped and started as needed.  Stopping the job processor will sound an audible and visual alarm on all Consoles connected to the transmitter to alert the station operators of a change in status. One minute before each scheduled broadcast an audible and visual alert is sounded on the consoles to notify the operators of a broadcast start.

A ‘test signal’ can be activated at any time by the operator for maintenance purposes. A distress button can be used to immediately send a NAVTEX distress message.

A distress message will pre-empt any transmission currently in progress. A “MJC” (manual job control) function is available whereby the operator can manually send messages thereby overriding the scheduled broadcasts. By turning off the Job Scheduler and using the MJC feature the NAVTEX station can be operated manually. This is useful during testing and station setup. A test feature can be used to simulate a scheduled broadcast to insure the correct messages are being sent, and are in the correct order. Additionally the test function can be used to verify that the transmission will fit within the allotted time frame available for transmission.

The NAVTEX function is capable of transmitting all NAVTEX message types. The operator can create custom message templates and save them on the TX handler. These templates can be called into the editor where current information can be entered into the message and then added to the broadcast schedule. This eliminates having to enter the same text each time. The operator can create Job Start text and Job End text which is placed at the start and end of each transmission.  This can include station information, location, frequencies for contacting the station, etc. In addition, in the Job Start template the operator can specify the insertion of the current date and time into the message.

DSC Decoder I

Features

• Can use existing or new radio receivers or transceivers
• Runs under Windows® operating system
• State of the art DSP signal processors
• Captures more DSC signals than any other decoder on the market
• Each decoder can service 2 radios
• Can support MF, HF and VHF radios simultaneously
• Up to 20 radios on a single PC
• No limit to the number of decoders on a network
• Parallel signal processors on each radio can capture message collisions
• A decoder can send messages to one or more operator consoles
• Internal memory to store up to 65,000 messages in case of network failures
• Passes all information down to the bit level on each message for subsequent processing
• Can decode the new expanded DSC sentences for enhanced position information

About

The number of decoders on a single PC is limited to the memory and CPU speed. We have tested systems successfully with as many as 14 DSC receivers on a single PC. Each decoder can be configured to send the DSC messages to one or more operator consoles on the network. The decoder is limited to a maximum of 100 operator console addresses.

 

Operator console

DSC Decoder II

Features

• Black Box decoder
• Operator Console connection not required
• DSC messages are output using serial or UDP methods
• Can filter messages
• Can output to multiple destinations
• Can operate stand-alone as a DSC message recorder
• Ideal for decoding DSC traffic and passing to 3rd party software

About

The DSC Decoder II is a Windows® based software component for decoding DSC signals and passing the messages to 3rd party software using serial or UDP/IP connections. The standard DSC decoder requires connection to an operator console to view the messages. The DSC Decoder II does not require connection to an operator console. The DSC Decoder II is ideal for applications that require only DSC signal capture and reporting, e.g. receiving DSC message reports and passing the information to an AIS chart plotting system.

The DSC Decoder II is an integration of the standard TransOceana DSC decoder and the TransOceana GMDSS operator console. In the past if a 3rd party application wanted to capture DSC messages and report them on a web page or a chart they would need to purchase both a DSC decoder and GMDSS operator console software components. The DSC decoder would decode the signals and send them to the operator console. The operator console would use a virtual receiver to reformat the messages and send them to a 3rd party application using either AIS or NMEA protocols.

With the DSC Decoder II the decoder can send the DSC messages directly to the 3rd party application. There is no need for an operator console. However a DSC Decoder II can be configured to output DSC messages to BOTH 3rd party applications and one or more operator consoles if required.

The decoder can be configured to filter messages similar to a virtual receiver in the GMDSS operator console program. An operator console can have 10 virtual receivers and therefore 10 different filtering methods, the DSC Decoder II is limited to one filter per radio. If more than one filter is required then the decoder must pass its messages to a virtual receiver (operator console). The DSC Decoder II provides a less expensive solution for those applications requiring only DSC messages.

A DSC Decoder II can also be used as a stand alone DSC message recorder. The decoder can be configured to capture messages and store them into a report file to be accessed later by the user. For example, the decoder could be used to log all station calls to a specific MMSI.

Features

• Can use existing or new transmitters or transceivers
• Runs under Windows® operating system
• Each encoder can service two transmitters
• Can support MF, HF and VHF radios simultaneously
• Up to 20 transmitters on a single PC
• No limit to the number of encoders on a network
• An encoder can receive DSC messages from one or more operator consoles
• Can queue messages for transmit if radio is busy
• For A3 stations the encoder can limit the available DSC frequencies by radio

About

The TransOceana DSC Encoder is a Windows® software application that runs on an industrial rack mount computer, a desktop computer or a laptop. The encoder is used to convert the DSC messages from an operator console into audio signals which are then sent to a transmitter. The encoder can key the transmitter, change frequencies and verify the state of the transmitter before transmitting. It uses an internal or external audio interface module (soundcard) to send audio signals to a transmitter. Each encoder can service two transmitters, Transmitter 1 and Transmitter 2. Transmitter 1 can be a MF or HF or VHF radio and Transmitter 2 can be a MF or HF or VHF radio.  The radios do not have to be the same. One encoder can service both transmitters simultaneously. Both radios can transmit at the same time.

Multiple encoders can be placed on a single PC to handle more transmitters. The number of encoders on a single PC is limited to the memory and cpu speed of the PC. Each encoder can receive DSC messages from one or more operator consoles on the network. An internal queueing system is used to hold messages while the transmitter is busy.

A transmitter can be ‘shared’ by multiple consoles with different MMSI numbers. For example, Coast Guard could share its DSC VHF radios with the local shipping port or Navy. When a DSC message is transmitted it uses the specified MMSI # of the console.

An encoder can key a transmitter in several ways:

1. By sending a control command over a serial link to the radio.

2. VOX signalling where the transmitter keys when the audio signal is above a specified threshold.

3. Using a small signal relay to open/close a PTT control line to the transmitter

Each transmitter has its own configuration file for specifying how the transmitter should be setup prior to a DSC transmit.  This can include setting transmitter parameters such as power level, mode, external amplifiers, etc. and additionally setting the frequency if required. The encoder can also verify each of these settings to make sure the transmitter is ready before keying the PTT line. Each transmitter can be configured to limit the number of available DSC transmit channels. This is useful if a particular transmitter is not able to transmit on some frequencies due to antenna or amplifier restrictions.

Operator console

An operator can transmit a DSC message with as few as 3 key clicks.  Pre-defined messages are used to simplify the task. A log of all messages transmitted is stored on disk for later reporting. The status of all transmit jobs is displayed on the console.  If a DSC message cannot be transmitted for some reason then an alarm is sounded to notify the operator.

Custom DSC messages can be sent.  This includes every possible message permitted in the DSC protocol exceeding the requirements for a Class A station.

For A3 transmitters the operator is given a drop down list of available DSC channels to select from.  This restricts the operator to only those valid channels that are available for that transmitter.  This is not needed for VHF and MF transmitters which are single channel transmitters.

DSC encoder handler

The status of each encoder is displayed on the operator console using a DSC Encoder panel.  Multiple encoders are stacked on top of each other in a manner similar to a 19″ equipment rack.  The user can scroll up and down the stack to view the status of each encoder. The operator can temporarily suspend the operation of each encoder and restart it as required. The communications link between each encoder and operator console is monitored using a software watchdog timer.  If the communications link fails an alarm is sounded to alert the operator.

Features

• A USB hardware relay module
• 4 relays per module
• Max 100 modules per operator console
• NC/NO configuration for each relay
• Small signal or large signal relays available
• Any relay can be accessed from one or more consoles
• Relay status is updated instantly on console

About

The TransOceana Relay Control feature integrates small signal hardware relay control into its GMDSS Operator Console software program. The relays can be used to toggle PTT on radio transmitters, activate lights, alarms, door locks, etc.  Each relay module provides 4 relay contacts. Up to 100 relay modules can be added per operator console.

The relay handler panel is displayed on the operator console under H/W devices. There is one panel for each hardware module. Each module provides 4 small signal or 4 large signal relays. Each relay can be configured for NO or NC operation. The relay status is updated frequently and displayed as an indicator lamp above each switch.  The entire module (all 4 relays) can be powered off with a single switch.

For larger systems, each console can be configured to display selected relay modules. For example, an administrative console can be configured to not display any relays handlers. A technician console can be configured to display only those relays within a certain geographic region.

About

The new TransOceana Radio Control function is a Windows® based software application and hardware audio switching matrix that provides a flexible yet convenient system for controlling multiple radio-telephones. Up to 100 radios can be configured into a user defined matrix control panel for viewing status and changing channels. Multiple consoles can share the same radios.

Radio Control Handler

The Radio Control Handler is a Windows® based software application that can run on an industrial PC, desktop PC or laptop. The handler interfaces the operator console Radio Control function to one or more external audio matrix modules for routing audio signals to and from multiple radios. The radio handler can support multiple operator consoles which can all share the same radios. The handler controls all audio routing from one or more microphones or headsets to the radios.  The handler also controls all audio routing from the radios to one or more speakers or headsets. PTT keying and channel changing are controlled by the handler through various radio handlers. The handlers can also monitor the status of the radios and update the operator consoles.

Operator Console Radio Control Panel

• Multiple radios can be quickly accessed from a single panel that can be placed anywhere on the PC desktop.
• The panel can be displayed in any row and column configuration.
• The radios can be of different types including MF, HF, VHF and can be receivers only, transmitters or transceivers. They can be mixed of any type and number. The radios can be ordered any place in the matrix.
• Each radio can have its own descriptive name. Each radio indicator will display the radio name, channel and signal strength.
• If the radio is ‘selected’ then its background will appear yellow.
• If the radio is transmitting its background will appear red.
• Clicking on a radio is used to select the radio and to change the channel.

The radio channel can be entered directly using the keypad, or a pre-defined channel can be selected by pressing one of the macro keys. The user can create custom macro keys by entering a text name for the key and the channel it is assigned to.

A channel translate table for each radio is used to translate user channels or text into radio channels.  For example, a button could be configured as “WRK 1″ and assigned to CH 26. Each radio is 

configured with the valid radio channels for that radio. The operator cannot change the channel to any other channel not assigned.  This feature works even if the radio does not support channel lockout. Each radio is also accessible from the H/W devices panel in the operator console:

• Each radio panel in the H/W devices list can be assigned to the Radio Control panel matrix.  The user can specify which radios in the list will be added to the Radio Control matrix.
• The radio panel in the H/W devices will indicate the same information as the Radio Control panel but provides more information about the radio including fault conditions if available from the radio.
• Each operator console can be configured independently to which radios are monitored and displayed. Multiple microphones are supported as well as multiple speakers.
• The operator can route the audio from one radio to multiple speakers or a single speaker.  The same with microphones.

Features

• Mapping program indicates relative position of vessels reporting in a DSC transmission
• Mapping screen can be centered on distress or at operator’s discretion
• Mapping screen can display chart or map available to operator in a .jpg format
• One click access to map from regular console display or can be displayed on split screen if operating system allows
• If there is a distress call, the position of the vessel in distress flashes to alert operator to vessels in the area that could respond
• Mapping is integrated into the operator console and is an option available with purchase of console
• No separate interface needed to install mapping

About

The TransOceana map function option runs on the TransOceana Operator Console application. The map function provides an easy to use method for displaying ship locations on a regional map without having to purchase or interface to 3rd party map applications.

If a DSC message is received with a position, then the map is automatically updated with the location and MMSI of the vessel. This feature is integrated with the virtual receivers within the operator console to selectively filter what is added to the map. The map display always centers on the last position added making it easy to locate the vessel.

Landmarks and positions of other special interest can be added to the map and saved in a database. Layers can be defined by the operator to add or remove location types. By integrating the map function with a virtual receiver, an alert can be sounded when the map is updated. For example, if a distress call within a geographic area is received, the map will be updated and an alert sounded.