Sperry Mark 37 MOD-D gyro. The gyro has a syncro to digital converter installed and the NEMA heading messages are available for scientific use. Output from the gyro is recorded by the shipboard data acquisition system (SCS). The Mark 37 gyro relies on manual latitude and speed corrections. The ship also has a Yokogawa MKM022 gyro compass.
GPS
Two GPS receivers, Trimble Echo XL and Northstar 952X. Data outputs from the GPS receivers are
available for scientific use and are continually recorded by SCS. A GPS networked time
code receiver is presently time synching the shipboard data acquisition system and the computer dynamic positioning system. Software is available for time synching the networked PC-based scientific computers.
Navigation
Nobeltec's Visual Navigation Suite is the navigation software package used on the DAVID STARR JORDAN. The navigation program is continually run on the bridge while underway and has the ability to receive GPS input from DGPS. Traditional paper charts are used as well.
Radar
Two Raytheon navigational radars on the bridge. One radar is an ARPA X-band (3 cm) M34 and the other is an S-band (10 cm) Pathfinder. Both radars are used for collision avoidance and navigation.
Doppler speed log
A Raytheon model DSN-450 Doppler sonar provides an indication of ship's speed,
distance traveled and, at continental shelf depths, an indication of water depth. At deep ocean depths the speed is referenced to the water mass under the ship, water depth is inoperable. The speed output is also recorded on SCS and is available for scientific use.
NAVTEX
Receiver for receiving and printing the international automated medium frequency (518
KHz) direct-printing service which provides navigational and meteorological warnings and
forecasts, as well as urgent marine safety information to ships. Receiver is located on the
bridge.
Weather fax
Medium frequency/high frequency, amplified antenna facsimile receiver system for the
reception of broadcast weather facsimile pictures and charts. The weather fax is located in the Bridge.
