Marine Electronics on the High Seas
When it comes to getting between here and there one of the most lauded marine electronics is that of the GPS or Global Positioning System. Just as the early mariners used the stars, the GPS network is based on a constellation of satellites (24 to 32). They are kept in a medium orbit and transmit precise microwave signals which GPS receivers can interpret to determine exact location, time and velocity. These electronic devices were first used by the military and over time have come to be every day devices in our cars, planes, ships and even wrist watches and cell phones.
Each type of transport faces specific challenges when it comes to GPS usage, but maybe none more than marine travel. The marine environment, even on a nice day, is hard on any type of marine electronics and GPS is no exception to the rule. Seawater is highly corrosive and additionally the rise and fall of sea going vessels create challenges of vibration, shock and constantly changing attitude.
So a GPS receiver at sea has to be marinized or ruggedized so that the units can still receive the satellite information needed to give proper coordinates, but so that water and humidity are kept out of the unit and the unit is protected from shock and vibration. The first is usually managed by creating a rugged housing which is impervious to sea water and keeps humidity to a minimum while staying cool and allowing for readouts to be easily gathered. The second can be accomplished in many fashions, but rotates around keeping the GPS unit isolated from the motion of the ship either by mounting on isolation brackets or a gimbal.
No matter the method used for ruggedizing a GPS, it is a vital part of ship navigation as we know it and must be kept protected from the elements in order to better serve sea going men and women. Like early travelers we still look to the skies, but using modern marine electronics we do so with confidence to go safely into deep waters.
18 Responses to “Marine Electronics on the High Seas”
Great blog on Marine Electronics…very informative.
I don’t go anywhere without my GPS receiver.
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