Raymarine RayTech RNS 5.0 User manual

RayTech RNS
Getting Started
Document Number: 81241_1
Date: May 2004

Trademarks and registered trademarks
Autohelm, HSB, Raymarine, RayTech, RayTech RNS, Sail Pilot, SeaTalk
and Sportpilot areregistered trademarksof 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

3
Contents
Important Information ..........................................................................1
System overview and features .............................................................5
Getting Started .......................................................................................9
System integration ...............................................................................19
Installation Guidelines .........................................................................21
Interfacing RNS .....................................................................................25
Technical support ..................................................................................39

4 RayTech RNS V5.0 - Getting Started

1
Important Information
About this manual
This manual describes how to get started using RayTech RNS marine navigation
software.
It shows you how to ensure that the PC on which this software is to be installed meets
the requirements for running this version of RayTech RNS.
It also shows how the peripheral equipment required for full functionality of the
system should be interfaced with RNS.
Details of how to operate RayTech RNS after it has been successfully installed are
described in the RayTech RNS - User’s Manual which accompanies this product.
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. Its 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.

2 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
Disclaimers
This electronic chart is an aid to navigation designed to facilitate the use of authorized
government charts, not to replace then. 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.
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. 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 GPS 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.

3
Another limitation to the system accuracy is digital charts. These electronic charts are
made by highly skilled cartographers. Surveyson 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. Whilst 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.
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.
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.

4 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
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 onboard 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.

System overview and features 5
System overview and features
Introduction
This chapter introduces RayTech RNS and covers the following:
• What’s in the box.
• System overview.
What do I get in the box?
When you open the box containing RNS, you will find various components, depending
on which package you have purchased.
If any of the above components are missing, you should contact, in the first instance,
the Raymarine dealer where you purchased your package, or Raymarine Customer
Support, the details of which can be found in the Technical Support section of this
handbook,
page 39 .
RayTech RNS - Part No.E83034
Component Raymarine Part No.
RayTech RNS CD-ROM 47001-2
Softchart CD-ROM 47002-1
Maptech CD-ROM 47003-1
C-Map America CD-ROM set 47004-2
C-Map Asia and Europe CD-ROM set 47005-2
RayTech RNS license key 47007-1
RayTech accessory list 47015-1
RayTech RNS - Getting Started 81241-1
RayTech RNS User’s Manual 81216-2
Global Positioning System (GPS) cable E86001
RayTech Pathfinder PC - Part No. E86022
All of the components contained in Part No. E83034 above, plus:
hsb2to controls box cable 4471-005-B
hsb2to PCMCIA interface 47013-1
RayTech SeaTalk Interface box E85004
SeaTalk to PC interface cable E86001

6 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
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 fishfinding performance making it
an ideal choice for the serious sailor or fisherman.
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 whilst 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.
• Maptech NOAA/BSB.
•MaptechPCX.
• Maptech Photo Regions and Topographical charts.
• SoftCharts Nautical charts and PhotoNavigator.
•NDI/CHScharts.
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.

System overview and features 7
Advanced graphical user interface
RNS isoperated viaan easy-to-use GraphicalUser 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 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 360o, 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.
Fishing
The fishing features 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.

8 RayTech RNS - Getting Started

Getting Started 9
Getting Started
Introduction
This section deals with making sure that your PC is ready to install and run RayTech
RNS and details:
• System requirements.
• Whether your PC is ready to install RNS.
• Upgrading drivers and adapters.
• Installing RNS.
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.
Whilst RayTech RNS will run successfully on the minimum requirement, for best
performance, the optimum requirements are 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-ROMdrive.
• Serial port.
• PCMCIA port - only required if you are connecting your PC to hsb2.
• Monitor - capable of displaying 800 x 600 resolution, 16 bit color.
Optimum system requirements
The optimum system requirements are:
• Pentium IV processor or faster.
• 256 MB RAM or higher.
•NVIDIA
GeForce 4 processor.
•WindowsXP.
• Monitor - capable of displaying 1024 x 768 resolution, 16 bit color.

10 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
Is my PC ready to use RNS?
Use this flowchart to see if your system will run RNS:
Note: *If you are not planning to buy the Pathfinder PC kit, or you are not intending to use
RayTech’s hsb
2
networking capability for chart, radar, sonar sharing, you can skip this check.
NO
YES
Is the processor at least a 1GHz Pentium III? An upgrade is required.
Visit www.raymarine.com for
details of recommended PCs and adapters
YES
Does the PC have at least 128 mb RAM? NO
YES
Is the PC running Windows 2000 or XP? RayTech RNS requires Windows 2000 or XP
NO
NO
Does the PC have an NVIDIA GeForce graphics adapter? Raymarine recommends NVIDIA graphics adapters
for best performance
YES
Does the PC have a serial (RS232) port? An USB-serial adaptor is required.
Visit www.raymarine.com for
details of recommended PCs and adapters
NO
YES
Is the PC a laptop?* You will need a PCI-PCMCIA adaptor
Visit www.raymarine.com for
details of recommended PCs and adapters
NO
NO
YES
Is the PC's software up-to-date? Get the latest software updates for your PC from
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
and the manufacturer of your graphics adapter
(e.g. http://www.nvidia.com) or PC.
NO
Your PC is now ready for RayTech RNS
YES
An upgrade is required.
Visit www.raymarine.com for
details of recommended PCs and adapters
D6911_1

Getting Started 11
Upgrading drivers and adapters
Prior to installing RayTech RNS, Raymarine strongly recommend updating your PC
display drivers and verifying that you have the latest versions of Microsoft DirectX and
your Display adapter driver installed.
Note: It will be necessary to have the PC connected to the internet for these checks and up-
dates to be carried out.
Driver update
To ensure that your PC is current with regard to Windows operating system patches
you should execute the Windows Update utility.
To run the Windows Update utility:
1. On the computer taskbar, click
Start . The pop-up menu is displayed.
2. Select and click
Windows Update . The PC will connect to the Microsoft Windows
Update site.
3. The Welcome screen is displayed.
4. Click Scan for Updates .
Your computer is scanned to find which update patches are required. The screen
updates to show the progress of the scan. When the scan is complete the Review
Updates screen is displayed.
D6966_1

12 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
5. Click Review and Install Updates. The available updates are displayed.
6. Click Install Now . Installation of the updates starts, with progress being shown on
screen.
Upon completion of the installation a dialog box appears. This will tell you that
installation is complete and that you need to restart your computer for the updates
to be activated.
7. Check Restart Now. Click
OK . Your computer will restart and Windows will be
updated.
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 until all applicable updates have been installed.
D6967_1
D6968_1
D6969_1

Getting Started 13
DirectX
To ensure that you have the latest version of DirectX installed you should run the
DirectX diagnostics utility.
To run DirectX diagnostics utility:
1. On the computer taskbar, click
Start . The pop-up menu is displayed.
2. Select and click
Run . The Run dialog box is displayed.
3. Type in, dxdiag. Click OK . The DirectX diagnostic tool will be displayed.
4. Make a note of the version number installed on your computer (highlighted in the
picture above).
5. Click the
Display or Display 1 tab. The display adapter screen is displayed.
D6970_1
D6971_1

14 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
6. Make a note of the display adapter name, manufacturer, chip type and driver
version installed on your computer (highlighted in the picture above).
7. Point your internet browser to -
http:// www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/
downloads/default.asp
and check the current version of DirectX. If the version
installed is not current, download and install the latest version.
8. Point your internet browser to the display adapter manufacturer’s site and check
the current version available. If the version installed is not current, download the
latest version.
Useful websites
You may find he following websites useful when ensuring your PC has the latest drivers
and adapters available:
Manufacturer Website
Intel software www.intel.com
VIA software www.viarena.com
AMD software www.amd.com
SIS software www.sis.com.tw
ATI graphics www.ati.com
NVIDIA graphics www.nvidia.com
D6972_1

Getting Started 15
Installing RNS
Having checked that your computer meets the operating requirements, and upgraded
the drivers and adapters as necessary your computer is now ready for installing
RayTech RNS.
However, to make sure that RNS V5.0 operates correctly you should, before
installation, execute the Windows Add/Remove Programs utility and remove any
previously installed KiwiTech or RayTech program(s).
To run the Add/Remove Programs utility:
1. On the computer taskbar, click
Start . The pop-up menu is displayed.
2. Select and click
Control Panel . The control panel is displayed.
3. Click
Add/Remove Programs . The Add/Remove Programs dialog box is displayed.
4. Select the program you wish to remove.
5. Click
Change/Remove . The Change/Remove wizard is displayed.
D6973_1
D6974_1

16 RayTech RNS - Getting Started
6. Check Remove . Click Next . Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the
selected program.
Your RNS software can now be installed from either a CD-ROM or downloaded directly
from the Internet.
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:\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
Next , and follow the on-screen instructions.
Installation from the internet
To install RNS from the internet:
1. Point your internet browser to
http:///www.raymarine.com/RayTech software
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: RNS is a very large file (85mb). Dial-up connections are not recommended for this oper-
ation.
Using RNS for the first time
License keys
To operate RNS with your boat’s instruments and use the advanced features, it is
necessary to purchase a license key. There are two types of license key that can be
purchased for RNS:
•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 key can be purchased from
http;///www.raymarine.com/RayTech .