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Calibration Overview
Instrument Calibration Theory and Practice
Calibration |
of instrument systems is necessary to make displayed information correct and useful. Instrument systems use sensors to measure primary environmental factors (boatspeed, wind, heading, position, heel and others), possibly combine them, and display the results. Stand-alone systems do not combine inputs, while integrated systems do.  Most instrument systems provide some means of calibration; either through hardware (screw-turns) or software commands, or both. Some calibrations tend to be static; once set, they pretty much stay where they are, while other calibrations always seem to need changing. These days, ALL integrated instrument systems (the ones that can output true wind and current) are computerized. They pretty much follow the block diagram shown above, although they might not offer all the adjustments or options shown. A key characteristic of a properly designed integrated system is that all inputs and outputs are available in one place for calibration by all functional channels. For instance, heel has an effect on boatspeed and true wind. If heel were not available to the appropriate algorithms, this could not be done. |
Input calibrations |
correct sensor inputs to make their readings accurate. They adjust for things like boundary layer (paddlewheels), upwash (masthead units), and installation variables such as compass deviation or sensor misalignment. Almost all instrument systems, including stand-alone types, offer some kind of input calibration. |
Algorithms |
are the computer codes that process the inputs to produce outputs. Some outputs (the "primaries") are simply a repeat of the sensor reading, although the digital domain allows better fidelity, modeling and filtering. Other outputs are not directly measurable. For example, true wind angle and speed are a combination of apparent wind and boatspeed, and wind direction is in turn a combination of true wind angle and heading. Instrument algorithms tend to be invariable because they are based on mathematical models, but some systems allow limited control. |
Calculation options |
(when available) change the way the algorithms work. For example, the system might allow switching from paddle to SOG to replace boatspeed, or certain calculations might be disabled to comply with racing rules. Because these features are limited to high end systems, they tend to be controlled by computer commands. |
Output adjustments |
scale or warp outputs to correct for unmeasured or unknown effects (such as wind shear and gradient), or when input calibrations do not completely correct the sensor inputs. |
Look-up tables |
are a flexible way to specify calibrations or adjustments which depend on other measured parameters, e.g. leeway depending on keel extension or trimtab angle. But since they are difficult to create and maintain, they should only be used when needed.  One of the problems with "table type" calibration is that you may be able to determine the value for a few cells, but never get to test all of them, leaving you with the problem of a 'bumpy' table. Everything may be fine until you happen to get into an unusual condition, and your instruments suddenly go haywire. On the other hand, if your boat is high performance (e.g. big roach, canting keel, forward rudder), lookup tables are sometimes the only way to go. |
Instrument Calibration on the Ockam System
The Ockam Unisyn™ and Tryad™ systems have many types of calibration, options and adjustments providing for all levels of need.
| Hardware Cal |
 Most Ockam interfaces have Input Cal screws, used for basic instrument calibration. Many deride them as old-fashioned and low-tech. Yes, and they’re inconvenient too. We use them because our low-tech clients can relate to them. They’re robust, reliable and don’t freak out like RAM-based cals can. Software
Cals
are a solution to the inconvenience factor, though we recommend turning
the screws once the input cals have been figured out. The Ockam System Manual section 3 covers these calibrations.
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| Software Cal |
 Every hardware cal screw has an equivalent software command. For example, sending the command K1=1.06 sets CAL Boatspeed Master to 1.06 regardless of the hardware screw setting. Sending the command K1=D returns the calibration to the hardware value. These commands can be entered by means of the Eye PDA application, Matryx displays, OckamSoft 4, or even a terminal emulator. They greatly speed the calibration process, but the settings are vulnerable to memory loss or processor replacement. Once the calibration settings have been established, it is recommended that the settings be transferred to the hardware screws. Software cals are described in the Ockam System Manual section 4.
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| AutoCal |
 AutoCal is a PC application which automates the output of Software Cal commands based on user-specified independent variable values. In the table above, CAL Upwash (CALUW) is modified depending on the current value of true wind speed and angle. In addition to Input Cals, AutoCal can adjust true wind to correct out that last bit of wiggle in wind direction and true wind speed. If you need this additional capability, download the AutoCal applet which includes a sample spreadsheet and more documentation.
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| AutoCal in the T1 |
When your
AutoCal table is
complete and debugged, you can move the function into the T1, thereby
unloading your PC and the comm channel for other work.
The AutoCal applet includes instructions for preparing AutoCal.dat for the T1.
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| Kwik Cal™ (T1 only) |
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| Sensor correction tables (T1 only) | Beginning
with software
revision 20.04 (2/1/08), the T1 can now correct for individual sensor
non-linearities by means of sensor correction tables. For more detail,
see Sensor correction on the T1 (PDF) |
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| DeWiggler™ |
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