Simrad GC80 Compact Gyro User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SIMRAD GC80/85
COMPACT
Gyro Compass
20221511D English

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
ii 20221511 / D
Document revisions
Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by
A 19.12.03
B 17.02.05
C 05.12.05
D 09.05.07
Document history
Rev. A First issue.
Rev. B Updated for new software release (Master compass: V.1.03, Control
unit: V.1.04).
Rev. C New procedure for how to adjust true heading, updated dimensions for
remote panel, other minor updates to text throughout the manual.
Rev.D Text and illustration updates.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
20221511 / D iii
About this manual
This manual is intended as a reference guide for installing, operating and maintaining
Simrad GC80 and GC85 Compact Gyro compasses.
The manual assumes that the operator is a qualified ship officer, or is under supervision
of a qualified person.
In this manual, references to buttons on the operator panels are written in boldface, but
in a different text style (e.g. SET button, DISP button, GYRO button).
Important text that requires special attention from the reader is emphasized as follows:
Note! Used to draw the reader’s attention to a comment or some
important information.
Caution Used for warning the reader that a risk of damage to the
equipment exists if care is not exercised.
WARNING Used when it is necessary to warn personnel
that a risk of injury or death exists if care is
not exercised.

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
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This manual is divided in the following sections:
1. System overview
An overview of the GC80/GC85 Compact gyro system and it’s components.
2. User interface
Overview of GC80 Compact Control unit and the user interface.
3. Operation
Main operating procedures for using the GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro compass.
4. Maintenance
Simple maintenance procedures that should be performed by the system operator,
together with a complete procedure for how to replace the sensitive element and fuses.
5. Installation
Mechanical installation, cable connection, and software configuration for the
GC80/GC85 Compact gyro system.
6. Advanced settings
A description of parameters that can be entered or changed in the Extension menu.
7. Technical specifications
Specifications for the system and for all separate units in the GC80/GC85 Compact gyro
system.
8. Drawings
Outline drawings and wiring diagrams for the GC80/GC85 Compact gyro system.
9. Spare part list
List of all standard and optional units that are used in the GC80 and GC85 Compact
gyro systems.
10. Terminal layout
List of all terminal pins and terminal labelling with details on pcb’s in the GC80 Control
unit.
11. Dip switch settings
Drawings and references of jumpers and dip switches for the different printed circuits
boards in the Control unit.
12. Alarm messages and corrective actions
A description of how system errors are indicated, and corrective actions that can be
performed by the operator.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
20221511 / D v
Contents
1SYSTEM OVERVIEW...........................................................1
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................2
1.2 Precaution in use................................................................3
1.3 System components............................................................4
1.4 Bearing repeaters...............................................................4
2USER INTERFACE ..............................................................5
2.1 GC80 Compact Control unit..................................................6
3OPERATION.......................................................................9
3.1 System Start-up and Shut-down.........................................10
Start-Up ....................................................................10
Turning the Gyro compass OFF......................................11
3.2 Selecting active compass...................................................12
3.3 Adjusting dimming level ....................................................12
3.4 Displaying present settings ................................................13
Displaying settings with no external sensor connected......13
Displaying settings with external sensor connected ..........14
3.5 Confirming present settings ...............................................16
True bearing...............................................................16
Latitude.....................................................................16
Speed........................................................................17
3.6 Pendulum function............................................................19
3.7 Alarm messages...............................................................20
Acknowledging an alarm ..............................................21
4MAINTENANCE................................................................23
4.1 General...........................................................................24
4.2 Precautions......................................................................24
4.3 Cleaning the operator panels and the cabinet surface ............24
4.4 Checking the connectors....................................................24
4.5 Checking mechanical installation.........................................24
4.6 Preventive maintenance intervals........................................25
4.7 Replacing the Sensitive element .........................................25
Mechanical installation .................................................25

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Verifying the element’s tilt angle ...................................29
Parameter updates......................................................30
Balancing the Horizontal ring ........................................31
4.8 Replacing the Fuses ..........................................................32
Master Compass..........................................................32
Compact Control unit...................................................32
Power Supply Unit (Option) ..........................................34
5INSTALLATION................................................................35
5.1 Unpacking and handling ....................................................36
5.2 Mechanical installation ......................................................36
Control unit................................................................37
Power supply unit (Option) ...........................................39
Master compass..........................................................40
5.3 Cabling ...........................................................................41
5.4 Grounding the units ..........................................................42
5.5 Dip-switch and jumper settings ..........................................42
Activating the control unit for GC80 or GC85 system ........43
Activating an external heading sensor ............................44
Activating the pendulum function ..................................44
5.6 Installing the Sensitive element..........................................45
Verifying the element’s tilt angle ...................................47
5.7 System start-up and software configuration .........................49
System Start-up .........................................................49
Configuring the gyro system.........................................50
Setting the Latitude input source...................................52
Setting the Speed input source .....................................53
5.8 Balancing the Horizontal ring..............................................54
Adjusting True heading ................................................54
6ADVANCED SETTINGS .....................................................57
6.1 General...........................................................................58
6.2 Using the Extension menu .................................................58
6.3 The Extension menu overview ............................................59
7TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ...........................................65
7.1 Accuracy .........................................................................66
7.2 General specification.........................................................66

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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7.3 Input specification ............................................................67
7.4 Output specification ..........................................................68
7.5 Physical Dimensions..........................................................69
GC80 Master Compass.................................................69
GC80 Compact Control Unit ..........................................69
GC80 Power Supply unit (option)...................................69
7.6 Power .............................................................................69
GC80/85 Master Compass ............................................69
GC80 Compact Control Unit ..........................................70
GC80 Power Supply unit (option)...................................70
7.7 Environmental Specification ...............................................70
GC80/85 Master Compass ............................................70
GC80 Compact Control unit ..........................................70
8DRAWINGS .....................................................................71
8.1 Drawings included ............................................................72
9SPARE PART LIST............................................................79
9.1 GC80 Compact Gyro system...............................................80
9.2 GC85 Compact Gyro system...............................................80
9.3 GC80/GC85 Optional equipment .........................................81
10 TERMINAL LAYOUT .........................................................83
10.1 ITERM board....................................................................84
TB1...........................................................................84
TB2...........................................................................85
TB3...........................................................................86
10.2 IOPT board......................................................................87
TB3...........................................................................87
TB4...........................................................................87
11 DIP SWITCH SETTINGS...................................................89
11.1 Compact control unit.........................................................90
ICIF board..................................................................91
IOPT board.................................................................94
ITERM board...............................................................96
12 ALARM MESSAGES AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS...............97
12.1 The alarm system.............................................................98

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
viii 20221511 / D
12.2 Acknowledging an alarm....................................................99
12.3 Fault finding .................................................................. 100
Main power failure..................................................... 100
Internal power failure in Control unit............................ 101
Inverter failure ......................................................... 101
Zero cross failure ...................................................... 101
System communication failure .................................... 102
GPS communication or data failure .............................. 102
Internal communication failure.................................... 103
External bearing sensor failure.................................... 103
LOG (serial) communication or data failure ................... 103
Repeater failure ........................................................ 104
Failure when powering ON the gyro compass ................ 104
12.4 Complete alarm code list ................................................. 105

SYSTEM OVERVIEW
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1SYSTEM OVERVIEW
This section provides an overview of GC80 and GC85
Compact Gyro compasses and their components.

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
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1.1 Introduction
GC80 and GC85 Compact Gyro compasses have been
designated for any size of vessels to enhance the navigation
capabilities and reliability. The gyro compasses eliminate the
inconvenience and limitations of magnetic compasses, and
provide a variety of electrical outputs to supply accurate and
consistent heading information to other navigational equipment.
-A GC80 Compact gyro is designed for vessels with speed
up to 30 knots. The system complies with IMO A.424 (11)
and Wheel Mark Specifications.
-A GC85 Compact gyro system is suitable for high speed
vessels with speed up to 70 knots. It complies with IMO
A.821 (19) HSC.
GC80 and GC85 Compact gyro systems have different sensitive
elements, but use the same GC80 Compact Control unit. The
systems are identified with divergent dip switch settings in
Master compass and in the Control unit.
Note! A GC80 or GC85 system is identified by the labelling on top of
the Master compass’ case as shown on the figure below.
The labelling on the control unit is identical for both gyro
systems.
pfjo^a=d`UR
_lt

SYSTEM OVERVIEW
20221511 / D 3
1.2 Precaution in use
The GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro compass displays and outputs
bearing information. Although the system continually checks for
faults while the system is running, failures or malfunctions may
occur.
Any errors in input information will generate an alarm. These
errors may also cause large jumps in the output bearing from the
gyro compass. If this happens, any external equipment
depending on the bearing output from GC80/85 should be
operated manually or switched to other bearing sensors.
To assure long time safe operation, the following precautions
should be taken:
-Assure that the operator is familiar with the use of the
gyro compass
-Perform daily check to maintain normal system operation.
Refer MAINTENANCE, page 23 onwards
-If any unusual behavior is observed during daily
inspection, the cause should be found and corrected. If
necessary, the local Simrad dealer should be contacted
-If any alarm is generated, verify the reason for the alarm

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
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1.3 System components
A GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro compass includes the following
units:
-Master Compass with Sensitive Element
-Compact Control unit
-Power Supply unit (Option)
Note! For details, refer TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION, page 65.
1.4 Bearing repeaters
GC80 and GC85 outputs step and serial signals used for
repeaters. Even when the gyro compass is supplied by the
emergency power supply, the connected repeaters will be driven
by the repeater backup function included in GC80/GC85.
The following serial signal may be selected:
Lo speed: IEC61162-1 ed.2, close in comparison with
NMEA0183 version 2.30 (4800 baud)
High speed: IEC61162-2, based upon NMEA0183 version
2.30 (4800 and 38400 baud possible)
Note! A proprietary Tokimec serial signal may also be available, but
this is normally not used.
These signals may be set separately for each circuit.
For connection of repeaters, refer to wiring diagrams, page 72
onwards.
COMPACT
CONTROL
UNIT
MASTER
COMPASS
POWER
SUPPLY
UNIT
(OPTION)
24V DC POWER INPUT
from Ship’s Supply or
from the optional
POWER SUPPLY UNIT
110/220V AC
4 x NMEA
1 x 24V STEP
EXTERNAL HEADING SENSOR
GPS
SPEED
24V DC
24V DC
BACK-UP

USER INTERFACE
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2USER INTERFACE
This section gives an overview of the GC80 Compact
Control unit and the user interface.

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
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2.1 GC80 Compact Control unit
The Control unit includes the control panel for the gyro
compass.
A flush mount kit (part number 27101757) may be ordered from
Simrad for remote installation of the control panel. Refer Flush
mounting the control panel, page 37.
^i^oj
dvol
buq
afpm pbq
afj i^jm
qbpq
^`h
bkq
pfjo^a=d`UM
POWER Button
mltbo
Used for switching the gyro system ON. The button will be lit to
indicate that power is applied to the system. Refer System Start-
up and Shut-down, page 10.
Display
The LCD displays data in two rows: the upper row shows data
and the lower row shows active mode.
-The Data indicator consists of four 7-segments red
LEDs. The indicator is used for displaying the vessel’s
bearing, latitude and speed. Refer Displaying present
settings, page 13.
The Data indicator is also used for displaying alarm
codes as described from page 19 onwards.
-The Mode indicator consists of three 7-segments green
LEDs. The Mode indicator displays codes used for
identifying input type for bearing, latitude and speed.
GYRO Button
dvol
Used for selecting the gyro compass as the active heading
reference source. The status lamp is lit to indicate that the gyro
system is active.
Refer Selecting active compass, page 12.
EXT Button
buq
Used for selecting the external heading source as the heading
reference. The status lamp will be lit to indicate that the external
heading reference source is active.
Refer Selecting active compass, page 12.

USER INTERFACE
20221511 / D 7
DISP Button
afpm
Used for displaying data on the LCD. Refer Displaying present
settings, page 13.
SET Button
pbq
Used for changing data and input sources. Refer System start-up
and software configuration, page 49 onwards.
ACK/ENT Button
^`h
bkq
Used for confirming a change in data and input sources. Refer
System start-up and software configuration, page 49 onwards.
The button is also used for acknowledging an alarm as described
in Acknowledging an alarm, page 21.
Arrow Buttons
afj i^jm
qbpq
Used for increasing or decreasing a parameter value. Refer
System start-up and software configuration, page 49 onwards
Also used for lamp test and for setting the display illumination
as described in page 12.
Alarm Indicator
^i^oj
Used for indicating an alarm situation. Refer Alarm messages,
page 20.

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BLANK

OPERATION
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3OPERATION
This section describes the main operating procedure used
when operating the GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro compass.

Simrad GC80/GC85 Compact Gyro Compass
10 20221511 / D
3.1 System Start-up and Shut-down
A GC80/GC85 Compact gyro system is usually left with power
on. If the system has to be shut down and restarted, the
procedures in the following sections should be followed.
Start-Up
Caution Before the gyrocompass is turned into normal operation, it has
to be configured according to the description in System start-
up and software configuration, page 49 onwards.
mltbo
Turn ON the gyro system by pressing the POWER button on the
Control panel. The following start-up sequence will be run:
1Control unit type (GC80 Std, or GC85 HSc), SW version
for Control unit and for Master compass is displayed in
rapid succession. Examples of display text are shown
below:
OR
GC80 CONTROL
UNIT
STD VERSION
GC80 CONTROL
UNIT
HIGH SPEED
VERSION
SW VERSION
CONTROL UNIT SW. VERSION MASTER COMPASS
dvol
2If the rotor was not completely stopped when the POWER
button was pressed, a rotor break function will be activated
to stop the rotor.
Active rotor break is indicated with flashing display.
3When the turning stops, the sensitive element starts rising
horizontally and the compass rotates 360° clockwise. The
display shows decreasing bearing as the compass is
turning.
dvol
4When the compass has rotated 360°, start bearing is
indicated with flashing text in the display. The start
bearing will be the same as active bearing when the
compass was turned OFF.

OPERATION
20221511 / D 11
dvol
5The indicated start bearing is accepted by pressing the
ACK/ENT button, or increased/decreased by using the
arrow buttons and then pressing the ACK/ENT button. If
no action is taken within 3 minutes, the start-up process
will continue with the indicated start bearing.
The bearing indication stops flashing when the start
bearing is accepted, while the lamp remains flashing.
6The rotor will now start rotating, and reaches full speed
after maximum 30 minutes.
dvol
7When the rotor has reached full speed, the compass starts
the north seeking function. The display will now change to
show the compass’ actual heading, and from now on
bearing output will be available.
The lamp near the GYRO button change from flashing to
steady light.
The GC80/GC85 will be settled within 3 hours when started
with a deviation angle less than 5°. With a larger deviation
angle, the compass will be settled within 4 hours.
Turning the Gyro compass OFF
mltbo
1Press the POWER button on the Control panel. The light in
the POWER button will be switched off.
dvol
2Repress the POWER button to activate the rotor break
function. The light in the POWER button will be lit again.
Active rotor break is indicated by:
-flashing display
-a soft clicking sound heard from the gyrocompass
The rotor break function will be active for maximum 4
minutes.
Caution It is very important that the rotor break is activated to stop the
rotor rotation to prevent any possible damage by ship’s
movement!
mltbo
3Press the POWER button again to shut down the
gyrocompass when both the data and the dot in the display
change from flashing to steady light.
The light in the POWER button will now be turned OFF.

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3.2 Selecting active compass
If an external heading sensor is connected to GC80/GC85, it is
possible to switch between gyro and external heading sensor as
active steering sensor.
The gyro system will normally be used with the gyro compass
selected as active compass. An external heading sensor should
only be used as active compass when the gyro compass not is
working properly.
dvol
buq
+
^`h
bkq
By pressing the GYRO or the EXT and the ACK/ENT buttons
simultaneously, the GC80/GC85 will toggle between using the
gyrocompass or an external sensor as active sensor.
When the active sensor is changed, an audible alarm will sound
three times.
Active compass is identified with light in the button’s indicator
lamp, and with active compass type in the LCD as shown in the
figures below.
dvol
buq
dvol
j^d
buq
GYRO COMPASS SELECTED AS
ACTIVE STEERING SENSOR EXTERNAL HEADING SENSOR SELECTED AS
ACTIVE STEERING SENSOR
WARNING Changing active compass may result in large
change of true bearing. No changes should
therefore be made when the system is in
operation.
3.3 Adjusting dimming level
afj
The display illumination and the light intensity in the indicator
lamps can be increased or decreased in 5 steps by pressing the
arrow buttons.
When the illumination is set to lowest level, a faint light is still
present in the display, Alarm indicator, status lamp and Power
button.
Panel lamps and display segments may be tested by pressing
both arrow buttons simultaneously. All lamps and display
segments will be lit, and a short audible alarm will be activated.