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NavSim software is designed to be linked with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in order to display the current position on the loaded charts and to record a trajectory while navigating. Once connected and configured, the GPS can greatly enhance the level of data provided our software.
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This program supports GPS receivers capable of outputting NMEA-0183 compliant string. Please check the user manual for the GPS receiver if unsure of its capabilities.
The communication link from the GPS receiver to the computer is established in one of two ways, depending on the GPS receiver used:
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Serial communication over an RS-232 cable with a DB-9 connector. Typically a communications cable will come with the GPS receiver that has a DB-9 Female connector (as shown) on one end to connect to the PC's serial port (also called a COM port), and another connector on the other end of the cable to connect to the GPS receiver. If the GPS receiver has a connector for hooking into such a cable, but the cable is missing, a replacement may be available from the manufacturer of the receiver or a local marine outfitting store. Note: Some newer laptops do not have DB-9 Male connectors to accept these cables, in which case a PCMCIA card GPS receiver (shown below) may be required. |
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Communication using a PC-Card (also known as a PCMCIA card) that slides into the side of a laptop computer. This type of connection is typically only found on laptop computers, and there are a number of PCMCIA GPS receivers available for laptops. In this case, connecting the GPS receiver is just a matter of plugging in the card and following the instructions given by the GPS manufacturer, e.g., installing software drivers, etc. |
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Once the hardware is connected to the computer, the software can be configured to display the information using the Device Finder Wizard or through the GPS dialog in "Tools->Devices->GPS". If a GPS device is configured through the Device Tools dialog, be sure to set the correct Baud Rate for the receiver. This baud rate can usually be found in the receiver documentation and can even be configured on some units. If a connection is not immediately established , different COM ports and baud rates may have to be tested in order to find the correct combination.
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Once the software is configured and reading from the GPS, and at least four active satellites are in view, it can use the GPS information for navigation and tracking. When GPS information is available, it is used to update many of the displays available. For more information about displaying more GPS information, see Navigation.
In order to centre the Chart View on the present location reading from the
GPS, press the Follow Boat 
button
on the Main Toolbar. With Follow Boat activated,
the Zoom-In command will cause the chart to zoom to the current GPS location.
This only works on the primary chart view.
The software is able to record a running path of vessel positions (the trajectory)
based on the information sent to it by the GPS receiver. The GPS tracking
feature can be enabled by clicking the "record" button 
from the device Status Bar. When position
recording is activated, the button becomes highlighted 
.
A trajectory is also produced when running a simulation.
A set of rules for controlling the recording of trajectories are configurable
by the user as discussed below. Please visit
the Trajectories page to read more about trajectories
in general.
The software allows the transfer of information to and from a GPS receiver. It can:
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To view a graphic of the satellite constellation and the present signal strengths,
add the "Satellites" control to a custom layout. The picture below
shows an example of this control.
This shows the location of the GPS satellites orbiting overhead.
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When navigating at the appropriate level of zoom with the GPS, navigation aids for the currently active route will be displayed, depending on the vessel options. When navigating a specific route, right click on the first waypoint and click Activate Route from the Context Menu. This will highlight the next active waypoint in the route with a red circle.
The image below shows an example of navigating with the GPS. Navigation information is displayed using waypoints (once the route is activated), markers, marinas, geolocations and photos.
This figure illustrates many things to the user. The following elements are important to note:
NOTE: Navigation tags will only appear to waypoints that are on the active route. Routes can be enabled with the Start Navigation button from the Route Context Menu. No other routes will have tags associated with their waypoints.
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