Page 53: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (September 1999)

tor/user conditions. Specialized key- boards and data entry aids, self-adjust- ing displays and other human factor- related design considerations are criti- cal when operators must contend with extremes of temperature, vibration and ocean conditions while carrying out complex operating tasks.

On the bridge, where accurate assess- ment of data and split-second decision making are imperative, the need for dis- play "readability" and system reliabili- ty are most apparent. In the tight, "data intensive" environment at the nerve center of any ship, space comes at a pre- mium. In such circumstances, size does count, and the less of it, the better. When "heads up" space is all that's available, tight integration of display (self adjust- ing hi-brite flat panels work best for a variety of reasons) and computer make real sense.

Further complicating design require- ments, radio frequency interference (RFI) generated by communications systems ranging from radar to cell phones can impact or even disable sen- sitive bridge computers. Design know- how vital to excluding RFI penetration (and its corollary, not creating it) is important, yet is often minimized or overlooked altogether as a specification.

Below decks, the endless pounding created by propulsion systems and waves, when combined with moisture, fumes and airborne contaminants, create more reliability issues for operator interface designers. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted by genera- tors, compressors and pumps, intro- duces even more reliability problems.

On-deck operator workstations pre- sent their own special considerations;

PC-based operator interface design solutions are often overlooked altogeth- er because of the enormously punishing environment to which they are subject- ed. But cargo handling and monitoring, heavy equipment control and other applications can benefit from the graph- ical display and operator I/O options offered by PC-based systems.

For those who design or use onboard control systems, ruggedness, reliability and ease of use are critical considera- tions. Azonix Corporation, based in Bil- lerica, Massachusetts, successfully deals with such complexities, designing and building PC-based navigation, bridge control and below decks operator inter- faces for a variety of military and civil- ian clients.

Azonix's market position is supported by two key factors: 1) the company's dedication to designing and manufactur- ing operator workstations and displays for extreme industrial environments and; 2) modular product design and adaptive engineering services. For clients requiring uniquely adapted sys- tems in quantities of 10s or 100s, the combination of modular design (reli-

To gain a sense of the utility of these unique con- trol devices, four application examples follow:

Bridge Propulsion System Display • Operates on open decks and bridges • Wide ambient temperature range (any climate/season) • Totally sealed against spray, rain, deck "washover" • Continuing operation, including "rollover" sub- merged conditions • Viewable in direct sunlight • Lloyds certified

Oil Exploration Operator Workstation • Operates on offshore oil platforms (any cli- mate/season) • Certified for use in hazardous areas • Isolated against liquids, shock/vibration,

EMI/RFI, etc. • Self-adjusting display brightness for 24-hour operation • Networkable, Web ready, easy upgrade

Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Control Ops • Large display/small footprint (Flat-panel LCD) for "heads up" bulkhead mounting in limited bridge space • Low electronic emissions (EMI/RFI - Mil Spec 46ID) - Prevents interference with communica- tions equipment/ detection by enemy • Barge tested (depth charge detonation) for shock resistance

Below Decks Communication System Display • Resistance to extreme shock and vibration from heavy equipment and propulsion systems • Imperviousness to high concentrations of EMI • Sealed system for total resistance to system degradation from washdowns, fumes and airborne contaminants

FlagShip from Proteus Engineering

IMSA

Circle 258 on Reader Service Card iW larine I esign Software

FlagShip is a complete ship design system, including hull- form design (FastShip), struc- tural design and optimization (MAESTRO), stability, power- ing, maneuvering, seakeeping, shipyard cost estimating and interfaces to CAD and ship production programs. FlagShip is based on tilne-tested, best-in-class applications, which are in use by more than 1,000 designers in over 30 countries around the world.

General Hydrostatics (GHS) from Creative Systems, Inc.

Widely recognized as the most advanced and produc- tive trim/stability/strength software. Specialized ver- sions are available for ship operators, for salvage engineers and for small craft designers. Includes efficient modeling for all types of complex vessels, and the abili- ty to analyze them both afloat and aground.

NavCad from HydroComp, Inc.

NavCad offers an integrated platform to predict resistance and power, and to determine optimum propeller parame- ters. With NavCad each aspect of a ship's performance can be evalu- ated for virtually every type of displacement hull, semi-displacement and planing craft, river barge train, catamaran and auxiliary- powered sailboat.

ShipCAM / CAD-Link / NC-Pyros from Albacore Research Ltd.

Integrated ship production for Win95/NT. ShipCAM:

Fairing and lofting including frames with cutouts, plate expansion, shell expansion and inv. bending. CAD-Link: AutoCAD13 based 3D structural modeling as easy as 2D drafting plus weight & CG. NC-Pyros: NC-code gener- ation from CAD drawings.

We welcome our newest member, SPAR Associates

PRODUC

FAIRWATERS, PROPELLER REBUILDING, PRO-

PELLERS UP TO 120-DIA, SHAFTS, COUPLINGS,

BEARINGS, STUFFING BOXES, AIR COMPRESSORS.

SOLENOID' VALVES, USCG- ASME AfR RECEIVERS,

FOG SIGNAL TIMERS. WHISTLE LIGHTS. AUTOMATIC

Model S-203C S-203 CHT

For vessels over 75 meters in length, this design allows both whistles to exceed 143 dB (1/3 octave band). The S-2036 and

S-203 CHT are virtually mainte- nance free Durability is ensured by the use of bronze and marine . construction materials yh out. For the most extreme cold weather operation.

Model S-203 CHT (shown) includes a thermostatically con- trolled. heated enclosure for both the combination manual/electric valve, and the horn sounding body.

HEAVY-DUTY SIGNALS by

Kahlenberg Signals were developed to withstand the pun- ishing use of commercial and military service. Their dura- bility has been demonstrated over decades of service on ocean-going vessels ranging from naval warships to com- mercial vessels. Military specifications have required extensive testing for many of these whistles and the accessories supplied with them, which have proven the exceptional qualities of Kahlenberg design and manufac- turing.

KAHLENBERG BROTHERS COMPANY

P.O. Box 358, 1966 MONROE ST.

TWO RIVERS, WISC. 54241

PHONE: (920) 793-4507

CABLE: KAHLENBERG

FAX: (920) 793-1346

MARINE PRODUCTS SINCE 1895 fistHESiiiffittt

Chosen for use on aircraft carriers as well as commercial vessels over 200 meters in length, the S-120 utilizes an oscillating piston driven by 7-1/2 horse- power 3 phase 220/440 volt electric motor producing 143 dB and a funda- mental frequency of 94 Hz in 1/3 octave band at one meter. , VSfpm^Sit^lii i'Jrfs, w

A cooperative association of software developers with eomplementmy marine design products. |

Durham, iNH 03824 -.USA- , \

Tel: 603-868-3344

Fax: 603-868-3366

I • • •• •

Circle 211 on Reader Service Card 55