Raymarine RayTech RNS 5.0 User manual

RayTech RNS

V5.0

User Manual

Document Number: 81216_2

Date: May 2004

Trademarks and registered trademarks

Autohelm, HSB, Raymarine, RayTech, RayTech RNS, Sail Pilot, SeaTalk

and Sportpilot are registered trademarks of Raymarine Limited. Apelco

is a registered trademark of Raymarine Holdings Limited (Registered in

all major marketing territories).

AST, Autoadapt, Auto GST, Autoseastate, Autotrim, Bidata, Marine

Intelligence, Maxiview, On Board, Raychart, Raynav, Raypilot, Raystar,

ST40, ST60, Seaclutter, Smart Route, Tridata and Waypoint Navigation

are trademarks of Raymarine Limited.

Windows and NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel.

NVIDIA and GeForce are trademarks or registered trademarks of

NVIDIA Corp.

Maptech is a registered trademark of Maptech.

C-Map and C-Map NT are registered trademarks of C-Map SRL.

All other product names mentioned are trademarks or registered

trademarks (if applicable) of their respective companies.

Copyright: ©Raymarine 2004

i

Contents

Important Information...................................................................................................1

Chapter 1: System overview, features and requirements ...................................5

1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 5

1.2 System overview ................................................................................................... 5

1.3 System features .................................................................................................... 5

Easy marine navigation ...................................................................................5

Chart formats ..................................................................................................5

Comprehensive Weather/ Oceanographic reporting .......................................6

Advanced graphical user interface .................................................................. 6

3D contour display .......................................................................................... 6

Sailboat racing ................................................................................................6

Fishing ............................................................................................................ 7

1.4 System requirements ............................................................................................7

Minimum system requirements .......................................................................7

Optimum system requirements .......................................................................7

Chapter 2: Getting Started .......................................................................................9

2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 9

2.2 How do I install RNS ?... ........................................................................................ 9

from a CD ........................................................................................................ 9

from the internet ............................................................................................. 9

2.3 How do I run RNS for the first time? ....................................................................10

Continuing to use RNS ..................................................................................10

How do I disable the disclaimer? ...................................................................11

How do I obtain license keys? .......................................................................11

2.4 How do I set up RNS? ..........................................................................................12

2.5 How do I install instruments to RNS? ..................................................................13

2.6 How do I install charts? .......................................................................................13

C-Map NT+/PC charts from CD-ROM ............................................................13

Maptech BSB V4 cartography .......................................................................14

Maptech Contour Professional cartography ..................................................14

How do I use the chart manager? ..................................................................14

ii RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

Chapter 3: The User Interface and controls ..........................................................17

3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................17

3.2 What does the screen show me? ........................................................................17

3.3 How do I use the interface? ................................................................................18

Drop down menus .........................................................................................18

Toolbars ........................................................................................................19

Softkeys ........................................................................................................19

Pathfinder panel ............................................................................................20

Right mouse menus ......................................................................................20

3.4 How is information displayed? ...........................................................................21

Selection dialog box ......................................................................................21

Action box .....................................................................................................21

Data box .......................................................................................................22

Alert and information dialog box ..................................................................22

Application information box .........................................................................22

3.5 Can I change what I see on the screen? ..............................................................23

How do I move around a split page? .............................................................24

Chapter 4: Using waypoints ....................................................................................25

4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................25

What is a waypoint? ......................................................................................25

4.2 How can I place a waypoint? ..............................................................................25

...at the cursor’s current position ...................................................................25

... at the boat’s current position .....................................................................25

... at a known position ...................................................................................26

How do I place a man overboard marker? .....................................................27

How do I change a waypoint symbol? ...........................................................27

4.3 How do I navigate to a waypoint? ......................................................................28

...using the WAYPT button ............................................................................28

...using the cursor ..........................................................................................28

...using the waypoints list ..............................................................................28

4.4 How do I move a waypoint? ...............................................................................29

4.5 How do I edit waypoint details? ..........................................................................29

How do I organize waypoints? ......................................................................30

How do I delete a waypoint or waypoint folder? ...........................................31

How do I use the waypoint recycle bin? ........................................................32

iii

Chapter 5: Using charts ...........................................................................................33

5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................33

Use your charts safely ...................................................................................33

5.2 What does the chart show me? ...........................................................................33

5.3 How do I open a chart? .......................................................................................34

5.4 How do I move around the chart? .......................................................................34

Chart panning ...............................................................................................34

Zooming ........................................................................................................34

How do I find my boat on the chart? ..............................................................35

5.5 How do I choose a chart type? ............................................................................36

5.6 How do I use chart layers? ..................................................................................36

Chart order ....................................................................................................37

Chapter 6: Using routes ...........................................................................................39

6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................39

What is a route? ............................................................................................39

6.2 How do I create a route? .....................................................................................40

What if I place a waypoint in the wrong position? .........................................41

6.3 How do I edit a route? .........................................................................................41

How do I add a waypoint to a route? .............................................................41

How do I delete a waypoint from a route? .....................................................42

6.4 How do I monitor my course? .............................................................................43

Chapter 7: Using radar .............................................................................................45

7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................45

7.2 How do I display the radar in a new page? .........................................................45

7.3 What does the radar picture show me? ..............................................................46

7.4 Can I change how the picture is shown? .............................................................47

7.5 How do I get the best radar picture? ...................................................................48

How do I use the gain functions? ..................................................................48

How do I make a target clearer? ....................................................................50

7.6 How do I set up the radar display? ......................................................................51

How do I change the displayed range? ..........................................................51

7.7 How do I mark a position on the radar screen? ...................................................51

7.8 How do I use radar to help avoid a collision? ......................................................53

Range rings ...................................................................................................53

iv RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

VRMs/EBLs. ...................................................................................................53

MARPA .........................................................................................................55

What is MARPA? ...........................................................................................55

What are target vectors and history? ............................................................57

How do I acquire MARPA targets? ................................................................57

How do I cancel a MARPA target? .................................................................58

How do I view MARPA target data? ..............................................................59

Chapter 8: Using sonar ............................................................................................61

8.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................61

8.2 What does the screen show me? ........................................................................61

8.3 How do I display the sonar in a separate page? ..................................................62

8.4 How do I change what I see on the screen? ........................................................62

Background color ..........................................................................................62

Scrolling speed ..............................................................................................63

Target depth ID ..............................................................................................64

8.5 How do I improve my underwater view? ............................................................64

How do I change the range? .........................................................................65

How do I select the operating frequency? .....................................................66

How do I make the picture clearer? ...............................................................67

How do I get a clearer picture of the bottom? ...............................................68

How can I see a live image of what’s below the boat? ...................................69

How do I isolate objects near the bottom? ....................................................70

How do I get a closer view of an image? .......................................................71

8.6 How do I mark a position on the screen? ............................................................71

8.7 How can I tell the depth and distance of an object? ............................................73

8.8 What kind of sonar alarms can I use? ..................................................................75

Chapter 9: Using RNS advanced features .............................................................77

9.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................77

9.2 What weather information can I see? .................................................................77

What does the screen show me? ...................................................................78

How do I get weather information from the internet? ...................................79

How do I view a weather file? .......................................................................80

How do I animate a weather file? ..................................................................80

v

9.3 How can I measure distances on a chart? ...........................................................82

9.4 How do I use polars to optimize my performance? .............................................83

How do I collect data? ...................................................................................83

How do I enter and edit data? .......................................................................84

How do I graph and read a polar plot? ..........................................................88

How do I use the upwind, downwind and Vmc plot screens? ........................90

How do I calibrate my instruments to ensure data accuracy? ........................93

9.5 How do I use DataTrak? ......................................................................................95

How do I add the wands to DataTrak? ...........................................................97

9.6 How do I optimize my route? ..............................................................................98

9.7 How do I set up the pre-start display? ...............................................................999

9.8 How do I use navigation numbers? ...................................................................100

9.9 How do I transfer route and waypoint data? .....................................................102

Sending data ...............................................................................................103

Receiving data ............................................................................................105

Chapter 10: The USB Navigation keyboard ..........................................................107

10.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................107

10.2 How do I use the controls? ................................................................................107

10.3 How do I install the keyboard? ..........................................................................109

10.4 How do I set up RNS for use with the keyboard? ...............................................109

10.5 What does the RNS screen show me? ...............................................................109

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting ..................................................................................111

11.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................111

11.2 Troubleshooting RNS ........................................................................................111

11.3 How can I get Technical Support? .....................................................................114

World wide web ..........................................................................................115

Help us to help you ......................................................................................115

How can I contact Raymarine in the US? .....................................................115

How can I contact Raymarine in Europe? ....................................................116

Appendix A: Charts .....................................................................................................................117

Appendix B: Radar ......................................................................................................................121

Appendix C: Sonar ......................................................................................................................127

Appendix D: Toolbars .................................................................................................................131

Appendix E: List of Abbreviations ...........................................................................................141

Appendix F: Glossary of terms ..................................................................................................143

vi RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

Important Information 1

Important Information

Intended use

RayTech RNS V5.0 is intended for recreational marine use. Users should note that only

authorized government charts and associated Notices to Mariners contain all the

information required for safe navigation.

Safety notices

WARNING:Navigation aid

When this product is used within a navigation system, it is only

an aid to navigation. It’s accuracy can be affected by many

factors, including equipment failure or defects, environmental

conditions and improper use or handling. It is the users

responsibility to exercise common prudence and navigational

judgements. This product should not be relied upon as a

substitute for such prudence and judgement. Always maintain

a permanent watch so that you can respond to situations as

they develop.

WARNING:Product installation

This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance

with the Raymarine instructions provided. Failure to do so

could result in poor product performance, personal injury, and/

or damage to your boat.

Disclaimers

This electronic chart is an aid to navigation designed to facilitate the use of authorized

government charts, not to replace them. Only official government charts and notices to

mariners contain all of the current information needed for the safety of navigation, and

the Captain is responsible for their prudent use.

This program and its charts do not excuse the user from carrying the required official

charts and documents.

Raymarine does not warrant that this product is error free or that it is compatible with

products manufactured by any person or entity other than Raymarine.

This product utilizes digital chart data, and electronic information from the Global

Positioning System (GPS) and weather information which may contain errors.

2 RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

Raymarine does not warrant the accuracy of such information and you are advised that

errors in such information may cause the product to malfunction or give incorrect

readings. Raymarine is not responsible for damages or injuries caused by your use or

inability to use the product, by the interaction of the product with products

manufactured by others, or by errors in chart data or information utilized by the

product provided by third parties.

Except for the limited warranty regarding the magnetic media contained in the license

agreement accompanying the product, this product is provided ‘AS IS’ without

warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied

warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and any others

which may arise from course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade.

The limits of electronic navigation

Experienced navigators know not to rely on a single method of navigation for

determining their position. Two or more methods should be used to determine position

and guard against errors placing you or your boat in a dangerous position. Global

Positioning System (GPS) based electronic navigation is an amazing application of

technology, but like all other technology, has limits. A wise navigator will understand

these limits and how they affect the safety of their boat and crew.

The Global Positioning System is made up of components starting with ground based

computers to monitor and maintain the system made up of 24 satellites in orbit around

the earth. The system ends at your boat’s receiver. Like all systems it is not perfect and

any part of it can fail. GPS accuracy varies between 2 and 50 meters.

NMEA 0183 1.0 / 1.5 only supports 2 digits of latitude and longitude, giving a precision

of approximately 60 feet.

NMEA 2.0 / 2.1 supports 3 digits of latitude and longitude, giving a precision of

approximately 6 feet.

Another limitation to the system accuracy is digital charts. These electronic charts are

made by highly skilled cartographers. Surveys on which the cartography is based, were

in some cases, made over 50 years ago. So despite everyone’s best efforts, it may be

possible to have errors in the final product.

Lastly, RayTech software was developed by highly skilled and talented software

engineers and underwent a rigorous test and quality assurance program before being

released. However, it is possible that software issues or malfunctions may remain

undetected in the software. While Raymarine make every effort to find, fix and repair

software issues as they are discovered, this product is specifically not promised to be

issue free.

Important Information 3

About this manual

This manual describes how to install and operate RayTech RNS V5.0 marine navigation

software. It assumes that the personal computer (PC) on which the software is to be

installed meets the requirements for running this version of RayTech RNS, and that all

peripheral equipment intended to be operated with it is compatible and has been

correctly installed.

For further information on preparing your PC and system compatibility refer to -

RayTech RNS - Getting Started, which will be found in the RayTech RNS box.

This manual is intended for users with varying technical and marine abilities, but

assumes a general level of knowledge of PC use and nautical terminology and

practices.

This manual gives an overview of RayTech RNS V5.0, and details the main functions

and how to operate them. There are several ways that a task can be completed,

experiment, find the way of using RNS that best suits your way of working.

Conventions used

In this manual the following conventions will be used:

• RNS refers to RayTech RNS V5.0.

• The names of keyboard keys are printed in boldface, such as Enter.

• Italics are used to show names, such as

Open Chart

, or softkeys such as

Find Vessel

.

• Instructions using menu options are written as menu option/submenu option.

For example, the instructions might read ‘Select File/ Layers’. This means go to

the File menu on the drop-down menus and select it. A submenu will appear that

contains the Layers option for you to select.

• ‘Click’ refers to clicking the mouse button. Unless otherwise stated, it refers to the

left mouse button once.

• ‘Right click’ refers to clicking the right mouse button once.

• ‘Double click’ means to click the left mouse button twice quickly.

Product use

You may not use this product unless you agree to the terms and conditions of the

license agreement.

In accepting these terms and conditions, you agree to be bound by the terms of the

license agreement and to release and hold Raymarine harmless from and against any

and all claims, obligations and liabilities with respect to the product, except those

specifically reserved in the license agreement.

4 RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

If you do not agree to the terms and conditions of the license agreement, you may

return the program within thirty (30) days of the date of purchase by following the

instructions contained within the license agreement.

System integration

Raytech RNS V5.0 has been designed to work transparently with Raymarine SeaTalk

data communications package, or any other device that outputs data in National

Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 0183 format. These protocols allow

information such as heading, wind speed and direction, sea temperature and other

information to be accessed and displayed within RNS. Information generated by RNS

can also be displayed on your boat’s standard on-board instruments.

Technical accuracy

The technical information contained within this manual, to the best of our knowledge,

was correct at the time of printing. However, Raymarine cannot accept liability for any

inaccuracies or omissions it may contain.

In addition Raymarine’s policy of continuous product improvement may change

specifications without notice. As a result Raymarine cannot accept liability for any

differences between the product and the manual.

Copyright

Under copyright laws use of this manual is intended for the original licensee.

No portion of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means,

electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage

and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the licensee’s use, without the

express written permission of Raymarine, and provided in the licensing agreement

between you and Raymarine.

Chapter 1: System overview, features and requirements 5

Chapter 1: System overview, features and

requirements

1.1 Introduction

This chapter introduces RayTech RNS and covers the following:

• System overview.

• System requirements.

1.2 System overview

RayTech RNS operates within a standard Windows environment, and enables you to

utilize the latest digital charts and Global Positioning System (GPS) instrumentation to

help you navigate your boat virtually anywhere in the world. RNS easily interfaces with

your boats onboard navigational systems, offering you the flexibility to allow RNS to

autopilot your boat to any destination you chose to plot.

RNS also incorporates the capability to download the latest weather and

oceanographic information and display it on any chart. Advanced features are

included that will enhance RNS’s route plotting and fish-finding performance making

it an ideal choice for the serious sailor or fisherman.

1.3 System features

RNS has been designed for ease of use and incorporates the following features:

Easy marine navigation

RNS takes the guesswork out of marine navigation by enabling easy and accurate

planning and plotting of simple or complex routes. These can be stored and re-used,

even changed while in use to take changing weather conditions or other factors into

account.

Chart formats

RNS uses the latest digitized versions of the paper charts traditionally used in marine

navigation, and supports the following chart formats:

• C-Map NT and NT Plus.

•C-Map NT+/PC.

• Maptech NOAA/BSB.

•Maptech PCX.

• Maptech Photo Regions and Topographical charts.

6 RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

• SoftCharts International Nautical charts and PhotoNavigator.

•NDI/CHS charts.

Comprehensive Weather/ Oceanographic reporting

RNS offers you the capability to download and display the latest weather and ocean

conditions, and then superimpose this information upon your charts in several layers.

Weather and oceanographic charts (in GRiB format) can be downloaded directly from

the Internet or requested via e-mail. These files can be animated to show predicted

weather conditions over a specified period of time. Typical weather files contain

information in 6, 12 or 24 hour intervals, covering a period of several days, giving you

a comprehensive presentation of atmospheric and marine conditions.

Advanced graphical user interface

RNS is operated via an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) complete with many

customizable toolbars, softkeys and ‘floating’ data boxes. Using an intuitive menu

hierarchy, you can display only those tools that you commonly use, or customize

screens to show you only pertinent information, with just a few mouse clicks. RNS’s

flexible GUI enables you to quickly and easily tailor its powerful resources to suit your

needs.

3D contour display

An advanced 3D contour display works in conjunction with optional Maptech Contour

Professional cartography to show your boat, the ocean floor, and other related

information using a 3D vector-style display. This enables you to view any area, such as

a favorite fishing spot, harbor entrance with a full three dimensional page. Images can

be rotated through 360

o

, enabling you to view your boat’s position from virtually any

angle.

Sailboat racing

The Sail Racer features are targeted towards the professional sailboat racer, and

include

• DataTrak.

•Polars.

• Route Optimization.

• Advanced weather routing.

• Pre-start display.

• Navigation numbers.

• Specialized racing toolbar.

Chapter 1: System overview, features and requirements 7

Fishing

The fishing features, with optional Satellite Fishing Maps Subscription Service, are

targeted towards the serious fisherman and provide two major elements in the search

for fish:

• Ocean plankton/ water clarity - using data from the OrbView 2 satellite.

• Sea surface temperature (SST) - using data from U.S. Government weather

satellites.

1.4 System requirements

Before you can begin installing RayTech RNS, you need to make sure that the PC you

intend to use meets the minimum hardware requirements for running the software.

While RayTech RNS will run successfully on the minimum requirement, for best

performance, a PC satisfying the optimum requirements is recommended.

The minimum and optimum requirements are:

Minimum system requirements

The minimum system requirements are:

•Pentium

®

III 1 GHz processor.

• 128 MB RAM.

• Windows 2000/XP.

•CD-ROM drive.

• Serial port.

• PCMCIA port - optional for hsb

2

interface.

• Monitor - capable of displaying 800 x 600 resolution, 16 bit color.

Note:

If your PC is not equipped with serial or PCMCIA cardbus ports, refer to the Raymarine

website, www.raymarine.com, for adapter recommendations. Failure to use the

recommended adapters may result in poor system performance.

Optimum system requirements

The optimum system requirements are:

• Pentium IV processor or faster.

• 256 MB RAM or higher.

•NVIDIA

®

GeForce 4

®

graphics processor.

•Windows XP.

• Monitor - capable of displaying 1024 x 768 resolution, 16 bit color.

8 RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

Chapter 2: Getting Started 9

Chapter 2: Getting Started

2.1 Introduction

This chapter describes getting started with RNS and covers the following:

• Installing RNS.

• Starting to use RNS.

• Setting up RNS.

• Installing charts.

For details on installing system hardware refer to - RayTech RNS - Getting Started.

2.2 How do I install RNS ?...

Your RNS software can be installed from either a CD-ROM or downloaded directly from

the Internet. This section describes both methods and how to open RNS after

installation.

from a CD

To install RNS using a CD-ROM:

1. Insert the RNS CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. After a few moments the

Install Shield Wizard Welcome screen is displayed.

2. Click

Next,

and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the Install Shield Wizard does not automatically run;

1. Select Start/Run from the computer taskbar and type e:\Raytech\setup.exe

(substitute the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive for ‘e’ if it is different). After a few

moments the Install Shield Wizard Welcome screen is displayed.

2. Click

from the internet

To install RNS from the internet:

1. Point your internet browser to

http:///www.raymarine.com/RayTech Software.

2. Click

Download RayTech

.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note:

RNS is a very large file (85MB). Dial-up connections are not recommended for this

operation.

10 RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

2.3 How do I run RNS for the first time?

To run RNS for the first time:

1. Select Start/Programs/RayTech/RNS V5.0 from the Windows taskbar. The

program will load and display the Open New Page dialog box.

2. Click the

Raster Chart

icon.

3. Click

OK

. The dialog box closes and a raster chart page opens. The disclaimer is

displayed.

4. Read the disclaimer.

5. If you agree to the terms of the disclaimer, click I Agree. If not, click I do not

Agree, and the program will terminate.

6. After clicking I Agree, the license key dialog box will be displayed.

7. Select the type of license key you are entering. See below.

8. Enter your license key using the on-screen keyboard. Move the cursor over the

required number and click to enter.

9. Select OK. The dialog box closes.

The default opening screen of RNS is displayed.

Continuing to use RNS

You will only need to enter your license key the first time you use RNS after installing it.

Each time you open RNS, the following dialog box will appear:

Click on the way in which you would like RNS to open:

• Planning - allows you to work in a simulated mode, away from the boat if you want

to, for planning and learning purposes.

• On-board - allows you to work in a real-time mode on-board your boat with data

being collected and used from all the instruments that are connected to RNS

D6912_1

Chapter 2: Getting Started 11

How do I disable the disclaimer?

The disclaimer dialog box will be displayed each time you start RNS unless you choose

to disable it.

To disable the disclaimer dialog box, click the action box next to

Show this disclaimer

next time.

How do I obtain license keys?

A license key is required to activate RNS.

There are two types of license key:

• 5.0 Upgrade License - this type of key is required if you are upgrading to RNS

V5.0 from a previous version.

• 5.0 License - this type of key is included when you purchase RNS V5.0.

• Both types of keys can be purchased from

http;///www.raymarine.com/RayTech

.

D6913_1

D6914_1

12 RayTech RNS V5.0 - User’s Manual

2.4 How do I set up RNS?

Once you have installed and started using RNS, you can enter specific information on

your boat and change default settings to your personal preferences to suit the way you

work.

To set up RNS:

1. Select File/Setup. The Set up dialog box is displayed.

2. Click on the setting you want to change.

3. Click

OK

. The dialog box for that setting will be displayed.

4. Click the action boxes and change the required settings.

5. Click

OK

to close a dialog box.

6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for each setting you want to customize.

You can customize any of the following settings:

Units configure the units to be used within RNS

License enter or change license keys

Logging set up your data logging options

Settings set up operational settings

Performance set up graphic performance settings

3D settings set up 3D contour page settings

System clock set up the current date and time

Raster chart setup control raster charts

Instruments set up RNS to interface with your instruments

Colors set up the colors to be displayed in RNS features

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Raymarine RayTech RNS 5.0 User manual

Raymarine RayTech RNS 5.0 User manual

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