Kongsberg Maritime Seatex DARPS Transponder (relative GPS responder)

Kongsberg Maritime Seatex DARPS Transponder (relative GPS responder)

Kongsberg Maritime's Seatex DARPS Transponder is a new generation relative GPS (RGPS) positioning system responder developed based on advanced GPS technology. Its core function is to provide high reliability and precision relative position reference for offshore operation scenarios, such as ship and platform/FPSO loading and unloading operations. Through integrated design and intelligent communication protocols, it adapts to the multi device collaborative positioning requirements in extreme offshore environments.

Core positioning and technological advantages of the product

1. Core application scenarios

Specially designed for offshore operations that require precise relative positioning, with a focus on addressing:

Position monitoring during loading, unloading, and supply operations between ships and fixed platforms (such as FPSOs and offshore drilling platforms);

The relative positioning of multiple ships working together in the same area to avoid operational risks caused by collisions or positional deviations.

2. Key technological advantages

Mature technology accumulation: Kongsberg Seatex has over ten years of experience in the development of GPS maritime tracking systems. The responder integrates continuous iteration of technical experience with the latest GPS developments to ensure positioning stability.

Highly integrated: All electronic components, GPS antennas, and UHF antennas are integrated into a single physical unit, requiring only one power cord to connect and automatically start when powered on, greatly simplifying installation and maintenance.

Anti harsh environment capability: Made of polyethylene shell, electronic components are designed for harsh marine environments, with a protection level of IP68 (able to withstand short-term immersion in 10 meters of water depth), suitable for offshore conditions such as salt spray, humidity, and vibration.

Multi device collaboration capability: Based on the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol, it supports up to 24 ships sharing the same UHF frequency, with an update rate as fast as 2 seconds per time, meeting the requirements of multi ship synchronous operations.

Core functions and working principles

1. Relative positioning workflow

Data collection: The responder has a built-in GPS receiver that captures L1 C/A code and carrier phase signals, while also having anti multipath interference function to reduce signal attenuation and ensure the accuracy of the original data.

Data transmission: GPS raw data and responder status parameters are transmitted to the DARPS 100 host system on board via a UHF wireless link (bidirectional communication); If the ship sends RTCM correction data, the responder can output DGPS positioning results, further improving accuracy.

Position calculation: After receiving data, the DARPS 100 system on board accurately calculates the relative position between the ship and the responder (and corresponding platform); A single responder can communicate with multiple ships equipped with DARPS 100 simultaneously, achieving collaborative positioning among multiple ships.

2. Core functional highlights

High precision positioning: Based on L1 C/A code measurement technology, combined with anti multipath interference design, it ensures relative positioning accuracy and meets the strict requirements for position error in offshore operations.

Intelligent data verification: By using reliable data protocols to detect and eliminate erroneous data, invalid results can be avoided from affecting RGPS operations, ensuring reliable positioning.

Remote configuration and monitoring: Key parameters of the responder (such as UHF frequency, GPS update rate, TDMA time slot) can be remotely modified through the DARPS 100 control unit or handheld controller on board, and all status parameters (such as power supply, signal strength, working mode) can be monitored in real time to prevent sudden failures.

Flexible frequency selection: Provides two UHF frequency bands (450-470MHz standard band, 868-870MHz optional band), with easily adjustable frequencies within the band to adapt to radio spectrum planning in different sea areas.

Detailed explanation of technical specifications

1. General and GPS parameters

Category specific specifications

General characteristic appearance: polyethylene cylindrical (with mounting bracket adapter); Update rate: up to 1Hz; Protection level: IP68 (10 meter water depth)

Number of GPS performance channels: 12 channels (supporting L1 C/A code and carrier phase measurement); Core function: multi-path interference suppression

2. UHF radio parameters

Parameter specifications

Frequency range standard: 450-470MHz; Optional: 868-870MHz (Synthetic Bidirectional Radio)

Channel spacing of 25KHz

Transmitting power 0.5W

Data transmission rate 9600 bps

Communication distance (line of sight) typically 15-20 kilometers

3. Interface (I/O) and Control

Serial interface: 3 serial I/O lines, maximum baud rate 19200 bps; Support remote configuration of baud rate, TDMA time slot number, UHF radio mode, and GPS update rate.

Control mode: Supports remote reset commands and status message polling; Can connect to handheld terminals for local status viewing and control; Multiple connector options are available (please contact Seatex for detailed information).