IMCA M 229
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Ideally the sensor should be mounted:
with the inspection hatch facing towards the bow (opposite the operating area), parallel to the
vessel’s fore and aft centre-line. Any deviation from the centre-line alignment can be corrected in
the dashboard software (see section 6.4);
with an unobstructed view in the expected direction of the target;
above sea-level to prevent swamping or immersion;
on a different vertical level to any radar systems operating in the X-band (see section 11.1);
on a flat, rigid, horizontal surface able to support the sensor weight and receive four M12 fixing
bolts;
allowing for easy access to the connection panel and sensor information display;
high enough to be level with the responder.
6.3
Responder Placement
To ensure highest performance of the system and quality of the relative position data sent to the DP
system, the location, range and orientation of the responders must be optimised.
Ideally responders should be mounted:
within the recommended height difference limits;
within the tilt limits;
facing the sensor directly;
in a permanent location.
Additionally the sensor blanking zone should be configured in the Dashboard software.
Following these guidelines should prevent the sensor detecting any ‘ghost’ reflections from metallic
surfaces which may occur from any microwave-based system.
6.4
Calibration
6.4.1
Calibrating the Sensor Range Measurement
The sensor range measurement is factory calibrated and does not require any further steps
during installation or operation.
6.4.2
Calibrating the Sensor Bearing Measurement
Once installed on the vessel, the mounting of the sensor unit may have introduced a bearing
offset between the sensor and the vessel centre-line or heading axis. The dashboard user
interface allows the installation team to enter a fixed offset to the bearing to compensate for
it.
This change requires service access and should be carried out by trained personnel during
installation.
In multi-target tracking mode, the DP system may require that the reported heading is aligned
with the on-board gyro(s). This must be done through the Mini RadaScan user interface
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and
repeated prior to commencing any DP operation.
6.4.3
Responders
The responders do not require any calibration steps and are ready for use out-of-the-box once
switched on. However the operator should pay great attention to installation guidelines to
maximise responder visibility from the sensor point of view.
