KMSS to Launch New Operating Station

Kongsberg Maritime Ship Systems (KMSS) is preparing to launch the new and innovative Midi Operator Station (MOS) on 1st January 2003. The MOS acts as an interface/operator station for process control indication and operation, and can be easily installed almost anywhere on a vessel. Acting as a fully integrated and self-contained operator station, the MOS allows for immediate access to the functions of the Datachief C20 Remote Operator Station (ROS) within the process areas of a ship such as the engine or switchboard room. Built to withstand extreme pressures, it’s possible to actually mount the MOS on items such as engines and compressors, for easy and regular access. The MOS can be connected to the CAN-bus (Controller Area Network) and offer access to the functions of the Distributed Processing Units (DPU). The MOS is able to learn the database of the automation systems by requesting the distributed databases from the DPU’s. Though fully connectable, the MOS is able to operate as a database server for standalone systems. In this case, data can be stored on replaceable flash discs, and used between systems. Also, in small system configurations without a ROS, the MOS can act as the main operator panel. A user-friendly interface utilises icons and graphical elements for items such as diesel generators, circuit breakers, pumps and valves, via a high resolution TFT LCD screen. The icons are identical to those used by the C20, making operation between the two units easy. A simple key-pad set-up with menu, orientation, function and alphanumeric keys also makes the MOS very intuitive to use. The ease of use of the MOS is demonstrated when looking at its alarm system functions. The screen can be split into sixteen separate alarm groups with flashing red ‘lamps’ denoting unacknowledged alarms whilst a constant red ‘lamp’ denotes already acknowledged alarms. Using this clear and concise layout, the operator can simply respond to the flashing ‘lamps’ by pressing the dedicated ‘acknowledge alarm’ key. KMSS will release the MOS in two stages. On January 1st 2003 the Operator Station for Power Management Systems and an Alarm Station for small Alarm & Monitoring Systems will be launched. On April 1st 2003 a full Operator Station for control systems covering items such as pumps, fans, compressors, valves and PID controllers will be released alongside a fully functional Alarm Station for any sized Alarm system. Future upgrades of the MOS software will be made simple by using a C20 ROS or a PC/laptop with RS232 or CAN interface.