FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on S-VDR
1. Data Recording Unit and Data Collecting Unit
- Where is the data stored after collected by the Data Collecting Unit (DCU)?
- The data is stored on the Removable Hard Disc Drive (RHDD) VR-3011 in the DCU and Flash Disc in the Data Recording Unit (DRU).
(The data can also be stored on RHDD on the PC networked with DCU through LAN.)
- What is the capacity of the DRU?
- Two types of DRU are available: DRU 6 GB and DRU 9 GB (please specify when ordering). When the data from two radar sets is to be recorded, it is advised you select DRU 9GB.
- How does the DRU store and handle the data?
- The DRU stores the data for the duration of 13 hours. After 13 hours, the oldest data is overwritten by the latest data.
- What is the capacity of the RHDD VR-3011 in the DCU?
- The RHDD VR-3011 has 40 GB of capacity.
2. Interface with other equipment
(With regard to the radar, please refer to “Recording Radar/ECDIS Images")
- GPS data input
- Data input from a GPS Receiver is mandatory. If the GPS receiver does not have datum output, please consult the classification society for confirmation.
- Is the optional Remote Junction Box IF-8530 necessary for a speed log that outputs only the contact signal?
- Since Remote Junction Box IF-8530 does not have contact signal input, please use signal interface available on the market.
- Is the optional Remote Junction Box IF-8530 required for a gyrocompass that outputs "Step", "Synchro" and other signals?
- NO Remote Junction Box is not necessary. Instead, a signal interface is required. FURUNO recommends AD-100.
- Does the depth data need to be input into the S-VDR?
- It is not mandatory, however, if the navigational sounder onboard outputs the depth data in the IEC-61162 format, it should be interfaced with S-VDR according to the IMO MSC.163(78). Only the FE-700 has the capability in the FURUNO product line-up.
- What are the signals of "Main Alarm" as stipulated in the regulation?
- Main alarm means all visible/audible alarms on the bridge.
- Does the data from anemometer and anemoscope need to be input into the S-VDR?
- Yes, only if the anemometer and anemoscope onboard output the data in the IEC 61162 format.
- Does the engine data (engine order and response) need to be input into the S-VDR?
- It is not mandatory, however, if the equipment including engine has a capability of outputting data in the IEC 61162 format, the interface with the S-VDR is required.
3. Recording Radar/ECDIS Image
- Does the radar image need to be input into the S-VDR?
- If the radar has RGB output capability, the radar image should be stored on S-VDR in accordance with IMO MSC.163(78).
- Which FURUNO radar is radar image input to the S-VDR required?
- FR-21x5 series, FAR-28x5 series and FAR-21x7/28x7 series are.
- What is required for inputting the radar image into the S-VDR?
- Radar Interface Board RI-3010 is required on the S-VDR side.
- Is it possible to record ECDIS graphic data?
- It is possible through Radar Interface Board RI-3010.
- If the radar onboard without RGB output is replaced by the radar with RGB output, will the radar image need to be stored on the S-VDR?
- Yes, the newly installed radar should be interfaced and the radar image shall need to be input to the S-VDR. Please use the optional Radar Interface Board RI-3010.
4. The structure of the VR-3000S
- What is power supply required for the VR-3000S?
- 100-220 VAC or 24 VDC
In case that the power supply is accidentally shut down, the internal battery in the DCU will automatically be activated to record the bridge audio for two additional hours.
5. Note on use of the S-VDR
- Under what circumstances are we allowed to stop recording the data on the DCU?
- Only while inspection and staying at port
6. Parts replacement
- How long is the average battery life of the DCU?
- 4 years
- How long is the life-time of a sound beacon in the DRU?
- 6 years
7. Live Player Pro
- What is Live Player Pro for?
- Live Player Pro is software by which you can play, replay and back up the recorded data on a PC.
- Is Live Player Pro payable?
- The software is included in the standard supply of the VR-3000S.
- What are the minimum requirements for a PC working with the Live Player Pro?
- CPU: Pentium 4 (1.8 GHz) or higher
RAM: 256 MB or over (512 MB or more is recommended for Windows XP)
Screen Resolution: VGA or higher (higher than SXGA (1280 x 1024) is recommended)
OS: Windows 2000 Professional SP 4 or Windows XP Professional SP 2
DirectX Compatibility: DirectX 9.0 or higher
*Live Player Pro can run on the Windows Operation System only in English or Japanese.
- How should a PC be interfaced when live-playing the data using the Live Player Pro?
- The PC should be interfaced through LAN with DCU.
- Can AIS data be displayed on a PC with the Live Player Pro?
- Yes.
- What is the required free space within the RHDD on a PC when we wish to back up the data using the Live Player Pro?
- Approximately 3 GB of free space within the RHDD is required to store channel 1 (radar image), serial, analog and digital data for one day.