Latest Version of Boat Trip Computer (v4)

Overview and specifications

Boat trip computer is unique product due to possibility to measure, calculate and display multiple parameters related to engine and trip. Device uses GPS and several sensors to measure and calculate:

·         boat speed (in knots or km/h),

·         direction of navigation with angle referenced to north,

·         ODOmeter (in nautical miles or km),

·         trip meter (in nautical miles or km),

·         engine rpm's,

·         engine workinh time (total and in current trip),

·         fuel consumption (in l/h for both gasoline and diesel engines),

·         battery voltage,

·         fuel tank level,

·         fuel consumed in current trip,

·         economy* (in l/mi or l/km),

·         average fuel consumption (l/h for current trip),

·         average economy,

·         average speed.

 * Economy is the ratio of fuel consumption and speed. It gives an idea at which speed boad should be driven to achieve low fuel consumption. Lower value is better. Average trip economy is shown on display 2, while current value is shown on display 3.

Specifications

Enclosure type and size: Plastic splash-proof enclosure with transparent front panel. Dimensions are 200x120x75 mm (Width x Height x Depth).

Display: 20x4 characters reflective liquid crystal display (lcd) with backlight. Large and easy visible characters (1 cm high). High contrast ensures good visibility on direct sunlight, while backlight ensures visibility during night.

Water resistance: Enclusure is splash-proof and moisture proof. Two buttons on front side are water resistant, while lcd is placed behind transparent front panel making it protected from salt water. Front panes uses O-ring for sealing against rest of enclosure. On the back side there are waterproof wire guides for power and signal.

Flow meter: Unit accept any flowmeter with 3-wire connection (+5V, signal and GND). Flowmeter constant which is only important characteristic can be entered via menu. If gasoline engine is used only one flowmeter is used. For diesel engine two (forward and return) flowmeters are used. Flow measuring range is approx. 2 to 130 l/h.

Fuel tank level: Unit accept both US and EU standard resistive level meters. Other non-standard resistive meters are also acceptable. User inputs resistance (in Ohms) for empty tank and resistance for full tank. Full tank capacity (in litres) also needs to be specified. These values are enough for unit to calculate actual fuel level.

(US standard is 33 Ohm for empty and 240 Ohm for full, while EU standard is 180 Ohm for empty and 10 Ohm for full. )

Operating voltage: between 8 VDC and 20 VDC.

Tachometer input uses special circuit to count revolution pulses. It can be connected to pickup or to engine tachometer signal output. Voltage input ranges are from 2,5 Vrms up to 200 Vrms, which means it can tolerate high input voltages. To avoid interference device should be located away (30 - 50 cm) from magnetic compass, radio trensmitter and similar possible sources of electromegnetic interference. Good grounding and sufficient wire cross section area are important for unit to work without errors.

Manuals for this device can be downloaded HERE.