Initial Inspection Navigation Instruments

 

A pictorial diagram of the original navigational equipment installed aboard Indra is shown below.

During the first initial inspection, attempted to turn on each system, but only the two Navman display instruments and the Furuno GPS powered on.  The GPS never achieved a satellite lock. Later, on the next visit discover almost all the electrical connections were disconnected behind the navigational desk mount panels.  Was unable to power on anything on this visit, as the GEL batteries were dead.

A inventory of the navigational equipment aboard Indra was conducted. Recorded pertinent information like manufacture, part/model number, and serial number; pictures were taken of both front and backside.  Connectors, terminals, and wiring condition, installation, and routing was checked.  Each device's power wire circuit was checked for wire type/size and fuse protection.

Next, researched each item on the internet to determine if it was still manufactured or discontinued, what a replacement would cost and where it was available, if a manual was available - it was downloaded and reviewed, and lastly, what was the general reputation of the item as expressed on website discussions.

The following list reflects the inventory and findings obtained.

 

  • Toshiba Dynabook NB200 Series Portable Personal Computer.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured.  The Toshiba NB200 Series User's Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
    • The Toshiba laptop was previously used to interface with the Pactor modem to send and receive emails and download weather grib files. It also connected to a GPS input to update real time position on electronic chart programs.  The laptop  was not aboard Indra when we first visited.  We discovered it had been removed and was in the "care" of another cruiser at the marina - we later discovered other items that were listed on the for-sale inventory had also "gone missing".
    • We took possession of the laptop on our second visit and discovered it was not able to boot-up.  We brought it back with us when we returned to Naga City, Cebu.  After significant research and time, downloaded a complete set of BIOS, drivers, and software; determined the hard drive was the culprit for not booting up. Used a hard drive utility and it was able to lock-out a large number of bad blocks on the hard drive and the laptop was able to be booted up.  Reinstalled the BIOS, drivers, and software per the Toshiba manual and laptop appeared stable, but the hard drive operation was still not 100%.  The operating system, Windows 7 Starter Edition 32-bit, had to be reinstalled and this resulted in all previous programs being inoperable requiring their re-installation to be functional. The previous content on the laptop hard drive was now view-able and determined most software programs were free-ware and outdated.  A virus check was run on the file system and numerous files were infected with viruses, malware, and adware - the program MaxSea was seriously infected and was suspected to be a cracked version of the original commercial program. A large number of electronic map files were present, but research revealed they were all outdated and current up-to-date files were obtainable via the internet.  The contents of the laptop was backed up to a external drive for future reference, if ever needed; then the all files were deleted from the laptop.  The hard drive was completely reformatted, bad block error and low-level sector checked - it took two days running this hard drive diagnostic operation.  Then a fresh install of Windows 7 Starter Edition with Service Pack 1, with all updates to current date, were installed.
    • A MaxSea version 10.3.2.1 was previously installed (cracked version), but not reinstalled, as could not find a legal source for the software installation files - this was not a big deal, as the MaxSea software program was outdated and discontinued by the manufacture as they promote their new and expensive MaxSea TimeZero software.
    • A TotalTide version 1.0.11.0 June 2001 with world data tide charts was previously installed, but not reinstalled.  This program was outdated and discontinued by the manufacture as they promote their new and expensive annual licensing scheme.  The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office posted a notice on their website stating: "End user licenses for versions of TotalTide 2004 and earlier will terminate on 7 November 2017" - Meaning all previous software versions should be deleted and no longer used.
    • A ExpeditionLT version 3.0.11 by Tasman Bay Navigation Systems was previously installed, but not reinstalled. Search on the internet yielded no current websites for this program.  The manufacture has a updated website and program called Expedition for purchase - this new Expedition program is a version 10.7, which means the originally installed program at a version 3.0-level is seriously outdated.
    • A NavMonPc, a nav-system monitoring program, was previously installed, but not reinstalled.  This free program still had a view-able website, with software and manual downloads available, but it was very evident that it had not been updated in years.
    • A old version of Airmail was previously installed and it's website was still active and had updated free software, which was downloaded and installed.
    • OpenCPN, Chart Plotter Navigation software (free-ware), plugins, and current map charts were reinstalled along with the GE2KAP utility that creates satellite map images, using Goggle Earth program, that overlay on OpenCPN.
    • The Toshiba laptop, though now functional, really needed a new hard drive and battery.  However, it was deemed not worth while to purchase parts for this laptop, as it was an old model and very, very slow; and it's hardware architecture was not capable of supporting software upgrade of the Windows operating system to a current version.  Additionally, this laptop derived it's power aboard from a Paco 12 VDC to 240 VAC inverter that was being deleted from use - To Do List Item A0177.  As a result of these issues, the Toshiba laptop was deleted and gifted to a local Filipino boy.
    • As we already owned other laptops with Intel I7 CPUs running Windows 10, they could be utilized to perform the function of a navigational desktop computer and updated to interface with the Pactor modem.

 

Added to the To Do List:

  • A0227 - Configure laptop with navigational program and current map charts.  Install a email and weather fax program.
  • A0228 - Determine and make laptop connection interface to Pactor modem and GPS input.

 

  • Navman Speed Transducer PN: AA002150.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured, Navman Marine went out of business.  Compatible replacement made by Plastimo PN: 40640 and available for $156.04.  Navman Through Hull and In-hull Transducer Installation Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
  • Navman Depth Transducer PN: 31357.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured, Navman Marine went out of business. Compatible replacement made by Northstar, Navman Plastic D145 Thru-hull Transducer PN: AA002158 available for $83.97. Navman Through Hull and In-hull Transducer Installation Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
  • Navman 3150 Masthead Wind Sensor PN: 54051.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured, Navman Marine went out of business.  No direct replacement part discovered.  Navman Wind 3150 Installation and Operation Manual was located and downloaded from the internet; which also contains installation instructions for the masthead wind sensor.
  • Navman Wind Display PN: 3150s. Discontinued and no longer manufactured, Navman Marine went out of business.  No direct replacement part discovered.  Navman Wind 3150 Installation and Operation Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
  • Navman Multi-Function Instrument Display PN: 3100s.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured, Navman Marine went out of business.  Compatible replacement made by AdvanSea PN: PL57750 Multi S400 available for $390.11.  Navman Multi 3100 Installation and Operation Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
      • The Navman series of instruments were all discontinued and no longer manufactured.  The wiring between instruments was direct (analog) versus the current standard of using a electrical communication bus - i.e., NMEA interface.  This meant a failure of one item would necessitate the replacement of all items, due to current for sale instruments interface requirements. Both Navman displays, wind and multi-function, had failed for the previous owner, who had them repaired under warranty and returned.  This is evident by the "s" in the model number and the warranty repair receipts found aboard. Internet research revealed an unfavorable consensus of the Navman brand and it's reliability - could not find many remaining owners, as most opted to upgrade and replace these unsupported items.  The speed and wind sensor had been installed a long time and due to their mechanical rotation parts, were most likely to be worn-out, as experienced and reported by many previous owners on the internet.  Lastly, the 12 VDC power to these instruments was not properly fused protected. Based on the remaining expected life span (short), lack of reliability, and their age, decided to replace all of them.

     

    Added to the To Do List:

    • A0088 - Remove forward speed transducer thru hull and close out hole.
    • A0089 - Remove aft speed transducer thru hull and close out hole.
    • A0090 - Remove and delete depth transducer.
    • A0229 - Remove and delete masthead wind sensor and cables.
    • A0230 - Remove and delete wind and multi-function navigational display units.

     

     

    • Raymarine ST4000+ Autopillot Control/Display.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured.  No direct replacement part discovered, system upgrade/replacement only option. Raymarine ST4000+ Wheel and Tiller Autopillots Owner's Handbook and Service Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
    • Raymarine ST4000+ Autopillot Tiller Drive PN: Q047.  The Raymarine tiller drive PN: Q047 is still manufactured and available for $743.22.  In addition to the Raymarine ST4000+ Wheel and Tiller Autopillots Owner's Handbook, a detailed Raymarine Tiller Drive Installation Guide was located and downloaded from the internet.  The maximum boat displacement for use with this tiller drive is identified as 13,000 lbs (6,000 kgs), however Indra's displacement is listed as 26,000 lbs (11,794 kgs); this discrepancy will need further evaluation.
    • Raymarine ST4000+ Fluxgate Compass PN: M81190.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured.  No direct replacement part discovered, system upgrade/replacement only option. Installation instructions contained in Raymarine ST4000+ Wheel and Tiller Autopillots Owner's Handbook.  This fluxgate compass was attached to the under-side of the hard top dodger on the center-line of the boat.  Its wiring was permanently installed (epoxied in-place) in the hard-top dodger - very short sighted, as a failure and subsequent repair would be destructive to the fiber glassed hard top.
          • As a result of the decision to replace the Navman items, the Raymarine display and compass were also to be replaced; as part of a new, integrated navigational system.  The Raymarine tiller drive was retained, despite it being rated under powered for a boat of this displacement.  The 12 VDC power to these instruments was not properly fused protected and the wiring to the tiller drive was not sized properly and would need to replaced.

         

        Added to the To Do List:

        • A0231 - Remove and delete autopilot display unit.
        • A0232 - Remove and delete fluxgate compass.

         

         

        • As the picture above illustrates, the GPS antenna cable was not connected, explaining why when powered on during initial inspection, no GPS lock was achieved.  The picture also reveals the absence of the manufacture's installation instructions display case ground wire.  The GPS antenna was permanently installed (epoxied in-place) in the hard-top dodger along with it's cable - very short sighted, as a failure and subsequent repair would be destructive to the fiber glassed hard top.
        • Both these units were retained and would be used as a back-up GPS system if they still worked ok.  The manual identified the display unit had a lithium battery CR2354-1F2 installed with expected lifespan of 3 to 5 years - this would need to be replaced.

         

        Added to the To Do List:

        • A0233 - Install  Furuno GP-32 GPS Navigator display case ground wire.
        • A0234 - Obtain and replace Furuno GP-32 GPS Navigator CR2354-1F2 lithium battery.

         

         

         

          • As a result of the decision to install a new, integrated navigational system, the Furuno monochrome CRT display and radar radome are to be replaced.

         

        Added to the To Do List:

        • A0235 - Remove and delete radar display unit.
        • A0236 - Remove and delete radar radome and mast cables.

         

         

        • Sea-Me Active Radar Target Enhancer.  The manufacture's website (www.sea-me.co.uk) is non-existent.  Located it still available for purchase on only one internet website for $504.97. Viable replacement option is the Echomax Active-XS-Dual Band Radar Target Enhancer.  The Sea-Me, The Active Radar Target Enhancer User Handbook was located and downloaded from the internet.
            • The Sea-Me Active Radar Target Enhancer appears to be no longer supported by it's manufacture and has very few active retailers.  It is designed to respond to X-band radars only which is a negative factor, as commercial shipping is now using S-band type radars more often.  Internet advice emphasized that use of a manual static radar reflector should be considered as a primary safety device, as loss of power or a failure of an active radar transponder is a very likely possibility.  Current reported events of collisions between commercial and military navy vessels, which have very sophisticated detection systems, emphasize that the best anti-collision defense is a person on watch using their eyes and common sense - a practice required by international maritime law.  Lastly, a active radar response system is only effective if the other ship is using it's radar with a capable operator - as reported on the internet and in news articles this often is not the case.
            • A final decision to keep/replace/delete the Sea-Me Active Radar Target Enhancer will be made based on a functional test of the system - but initial findings/opinion indicate it should be deleted and a static radar reflector installed.
            •  Required by law in many countries (mandatory for commercial shipping) is use of an active AIS system - this will be added aboard.

           

          Added to the To Do List:

          • A0237 - Perform functional test of Sea-Me Active Radar Target Enhancer.
          • B0238 - Obtain and install static radar reflector.
          • A0239 - Obtain and install AIS system.

           

           

           

            • The ICOM radio will be replaced with a new radio compatible with AIS and DSC safety options. This also entails replacing the mast antenna and coax cable with new items that meet the performance requirement for dual-use AIS and VHF transmissions.

           

          Added to the To Do List:

          • A0240 - Remove and delete VHF radio.
          • A0241 - Remove and delete VHF masthead antenna and cable.

           

           

          • ICOM IC-718 HF Transceiver.  No longer manufactured and still available for $619.95.  The ICOM IC-718 Instruction Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
          • ICOM AH-4 Automatic Antenna Tuner. Still manufactured and available for $299.95.  The ICOM AH-4 Instruction Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
          • Pactor SCS-PTC-IIE USB Modem.  Discontinued and no longer manufactured, Pactor system upgrade/replacement only option.  The SCS PTC-IIe User Manual was located and downloaded from the internet.
              • The ICOM IC-718 HF Transceiver is designated by ICOM as a land-based amateur HF base station - it was not intended for marine use as their M802 Single Side Band (SSB) radio is; however the IC-718 HF radio was/is widely used by many in the boating community.  Internet research revealed a current up-to-date SSB system consisting of the M802 SSB radio and A140 tuner kit costs $2,696.00 with an extra cost of $2,000.00 for the latest Pactor-4 modem.
              • Additional internet discussion showed a growing preference for satellite based phone and weather information instead of a HF/SSB radio system.  But this option has a downside as a few cruisers had reported subscription renewal issues and ended up with no service while at sea.
              • The IC-718 HF transceiver, AH-4 antenna tuner, and Pactor modem were to be retained and final decision to keep/replace/delete would be made based on a functional test of the system.  The 12 VDC power input would also need to be reworked as it was not properly fused protected.
              • Research on the internet also revealed the Pactor SCS-PTC-IIE modem speed could be increased by a factor of 4-times, with a firmware upgrade ($169.00) making it essentially a Pactor-III modem equivalent. This option will only be considered after functional test of the system is completed.

             

            Added to the To Do List:

            • A0242 - Perform functional test of HF radio and Pactor modem.
            • B0243 - Obtain and install Pactor modem firmware upgrade.

             

             

             

              • The Ritchie SuperSport SS-2000 compass was retained.  However, it's LED night lighting was not functioning and the 12 VDC input power was not properly fused protected - see discrepancies here.