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There were 21 questions found in this category:
  1. A Basic Comparison of PILOT SBL Technology and USBL Systems
      As compared to USBL technology used in systems such as Linkquest or Trackpoint, PILOT… Provides survey grade accuracy and robust position fixes when the surface station transducers can be spaced far apart (barges, docks, larger working vessels). Does not limit operations to ...

  2. A Detailed Comparison of PILOT SBL Technology and USBL Systems
     PILOT's 'short baseline' (SBL) technology spans the gap between 'ultra short baseline' (USBL) technology often used for general tracking tasks and 'long baseline' (LBL) technology which is the frequent choice for high precision surveying.  Depending on its deployment, most princip...

  3. AquaMap ShipHull performance in difficult areas of a hull, and other challenging situations
    This entry discusses the perfomance of AquaMap ShipHull in  specific locations on a hull and situations that might be considered 'challenging'.  Please see the related question for a general performance review of the system. Performance on the side of a hull: AquaMap ShipHull perfo...

  4. Can I track multiple targets simultaneously with PILOT or AquaMap?
    The new versions (Divebase PILOT, Divebase SeaFloor) can not track multiple targets. Yes, currently both the PILOT and AquaMap systems support tracking of up to ten targets. Multi-target tracking always requires the following: 1. A surface station. The surface station 'synchronizes' the trac...

  5. Chart Overlay File Formats for DiveBase
    Chart overlays are currently supported by both DiveBase SeaFloor and DiveBase ShipHull (DiveBase PILOT is an entry level software that does not support chart overlays).  DiveBase will only accept chart information in .BMP format.  However, charts that are available in any other for...

  6. DiveBase Serial Position Data Output Formats
    DiveBase can transmit position data via a serial port to another system.  This capability can be used for example to export position data to a surveyor's or a ship charting software such as Hypack. Serial data output is currently supported by DiveBase Seafloor and DiveBase Shiphull.&nbs...

  7. Do you have an independent review of the performance of AquaMap ShipHull?
    In May 2006, the U.S. Navy invited several underwater vehicle and systems manufacturers to San Diego for 'HULSFEST', a thorough evaluation of their ship hull inspection capability.  Our AquaMap ShipHull positioning system was used by two teams:  VideoRay on their PRO-3 ROV and Lockhee...

  8. How do I fix a serial data communication problem in AquaMap or PILOT equipment?
    AquaMap and PILOT use RS-232 for serial data communication between a surface station and the surface station PC, and to configure the underwater stations.   The following table lists the most common  problems, and how to diagnose them.  Please check the list from top to botto...

  9. How do I install or select the SmartDive firmware on my AquaMap or PILOT station?
    Start the DiveTerm utility on your PC, and follow the instructions in the DiveTerm manual.  You can find the latest copy of the manual here.

  10. How do I position the GPS antenna in the AquMap or PILOT software?
    In AquaMap (SBL configurations) or PILOT you use the ship description window (Action/Ship Description on main menu) to set the position of the GPS antenna. This is accomplished either by entering the coordinates of the GPS antenna in the window, or selecting the check box next to the GPS(x,y)...

  11. In the AquaMap or PILOT desktop software ship description window what is the "Bow" length?
    In the ship description window (Action/Ship Description on main menu) the "Bow" Length describes the length of the portion of the graphic that looks like the bow of a boat. The ship graphic displayed on the screen looks like a rectangle with a triangle on top of it.  The Ship Length s...

  12. Is a STM-1 or STM-10 surface station required for multi-station diver or vehicle navigation with AquaMap?
    The STM-1 and STM-10 are no longer available; they have been replaced by the STM-3. While AquaMap does require a 'surface station' to regulate access to the navigation network by the multiple divers or vehicles, that station does not necessarily have to be a traditional model STM-1 or STM-10 sta...

  13. Is there any way to convert UTM to Lat/Lon?
    There are several utilities available on the web to perform UTM/Lat,Lon conversions.  Here are a few: http://www.cellspark.com/UTM.html http://www.swcp.com/csar/UTMConverter.shtml#applet The proj.4 software library will do this as well. http://proj.maptools.org/ Desert Star can a...

  14. PILOT Tracking Operation from Small Boats
    The attached application note (see below) describes PILOT operation from small vessels.

  15. System configuration files for PILOT PT-1 and PT-2
    Our PT-1 and PT-2 systems are no longer available for order. Please contact tgray@desertstar.com for the new configurations.Our PILOT PT-1 and PT-2 systems are factory configured for tracking a single target in a typical 'open ocean' environment.  This configuration will work in many test an...

  16. VLT-1 keeps turning off every 2-5 minutes? Solution provided
    If your VLT-1 is turning itself off every few minutes (2-5 minutes) then chances are you have it in "sleep" mode. Turning the sleep mode off is as simple as turning the on/off knob until the etch is lined up with the ON.If you do want the "sleep" mode to be activated then turn the knob 1/4 of a turn...

  17. Water Properties and Acoustic Positioning Accuracy
    Accurate acoustic positioning is dependent upon accurate estimation of the speed of sound.  Sound speed in turn depends on water temperature, salinity and pressure.  The application note (see below) explains the fundamental concepts, describes proper operation of Desert Star posi...

  18. What is the serial output used for in AquaMap and PILOT?
    The serial output is used for integration with other software, such as Hyack or WinFrog. It is uses to send position information out of a serial port, and can be used in realtime or in replay mode.   However, currently in replay mode the timestamp will be the current machine time and no...

  19. What NMEA-0183 sentences do AquaMap and PILOT Understand?
    AquaMap and Pilot accept GPS and Compass data in the form of NMEA-0183 serial sentences. Currently accepted sentences are: GGA,GLL for GPS data. HDM,HDG,HDT, and the Precision Navigation custom sentence for Compass data.

  20. When is it appropriate to use real-time GPS/Compass integration?
    GPS/Compass data stream integration is currently only useful for SBL operations.  It is used to convert the acoustic fixes, which are in a moving relative coordinate system, to geofeferenced coordinates.  In other words positions relative to a moving boat to positions relative to ...

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