Kongsberg DPS112 Marine DGNSS Position Sensor, Dynamic Positioning Reference Receiver

Description

Kongsberg DPS112 Marine DGNSS Position Sensor, Dynamic Positioning Reference Receiver

Product Description

The DPS112 is a rugged marine-grade DGNSS (DGPS/DGLONASS) positioning sensor from Kongsberg Seatex DPS family, designed to supply stable position reference for vessel dynamic positioning (DP), hydrographic survey and offshore navigation. It integrates GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2, SBAS and IALA beacon receiver plus an internal L-band demodulator for Fugro Seastar G2/SGG global correction service. It features an embedded keypad and local display for on-board configuration and health monitoring, with optional external graphical display for DP operator stations. This model is discontinued by Kongsberg, superseded by DPS i1; spare and refurbished stock are commonly used for vessel retrofits and redundant DP reference loops.

DPS112

Technical Parameters

Recommended Related Models (8 units)

1. DPS i1: Direct successor of DPS112, modern multi-constellation DP position sensor
2. DPS132: High-performance upgraded DPS series, integrated IMU aided positioning
3. DPS142: Dual-frequency high-accuracy model for deepwater survey vessels
4. MRU5: Kongsberg Motion Reference Unit, roll/pitch/heave complementary sensor for DP
5. K-Pos DP Controller: Native DP control system that accepts DPS112 position input
6. Seatex MRU2: Compact motion sensor for hydrographic survey integration
7. DPS085: Entry marine DGPS receiver for auxiliary navigation
8. Seastar 9200: Fugro standalone L-band correction receiver

Compatibility & Installation Traps

Compatibility

• Primary integration: Kongsberg K-Pos DP systems, ECDIS, hydrographic survey software, third-party DP controllers
• Antennas: Compatible with Kongsberg GNSS/IALA beacon/L-band spotbeam antennas
• Data output: NMEA 0183 serial and Ethernet TCP/IP for position streaming
• Correction sources: IALA beacon, SBAS, RTCM serial input, Fugro Seastar G2 L-band service

Critical Installation Traps

1. End-of-Life Status: OEM manufacturing stopped. No new factory repair boards; long-term vessel DP safety design should prefer DPS i1 instead of relying solely on DPS112.
2. Antenna Sky View Requirement: GNSS antenna must have unobstructed sky view. Blockage by superstructure, cranes or containers causes cycle slips and DP position jumps.
3. Separate Antenna Types: GNSS, IALA beacon and L-band spotbeam antennas are not interchangeable. Mismatched antennas result in missing correction signals.
4. Cable Loss Control: Long RF antenna cables introduce signal attenuation. Use low-loss marine coax and calculate budget to avoid weak L-band Seastar reception.
5. Galvanic Isolation & Ground Loops: Serial NMEA ports are vulnerable to ground potential differences on vessels. Use isolated serial converters between and DP controller.
6. Correction Service Subscription: Seastar G2/SGG decimeter accuracy requires active Fugro subscription. Without valid service, it falls back to standalone GNSS meter-level precision.
7. Serial Termination & Baud Rate Mismatch: NMEA 0183 baud rate and parity must match DP/ECDIS settings; misconfiguration causes garbled position sentences.
8. Vibration and Rack Mounting: On working vessels, secure rack slide rails and fasten all connectors; loose RF connectors lead to intermittent position dropout during sea motion.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

1. Pre-installation inspection: Check rack unit housing, display and keypad integrity; inspect antenna cables, connectors and insulation for corrosion. Confirm firmware revision compatible with vessel K-Pos DP software.
2. Mechanical mounting: Install into 19-inch marine rack, fasten mounting brackets, leave convection clearance around ventilation slots.
3. Antenna & cabling: Route GNSS, IALA beacon and L-band spotbeam coaxial cables separately; seal deck penetrations with marine cable glands. Terminate RF connectors properly.
4. Power and signal wiring: Apply 24 VDC vessel supply; connect serial NMEA or Ethernet to DP and ECDIS. Fit galvanic isolators on serial lines.
5. Configuration: Access local keypad display or web interface; select correction source (IALA / SBAS / Seastar G2), set NMEA output rate and sentence list.
6. Commissioning test: Monitor satellite tracking, PDOP, correction status and position output. Compare readings with other DP reference sensors to verify consistency.
7. Periodic maintenance: Quarterly RF cable and connector visual inspection; annual satellite tracking and DP cross-check test. Backup configuration before firmware update via USB.
8. Decommissioning: Isolate 24 VDC power before rack removal; cap all RF ports to prevent contamination. Store spare units in dry, temperature-controlled marine storage.

Application Scenarios

• Offshore vessel Dynamic Positioning (DP) redundant position reference
• Dredgers, cable-lay vessels and platform support vessel navigation
• Hydrographic survey, bathymetry and offshore construction positioning
• ROV / AUV mother vessel position monitoring
• Coastal and open-water marine navigation with differential corrections
• Retrofit upgrade of legacy Kongsberg DP systems

Supporting Components

• Kongsberg GNSS marine antenna
• IALA beacon antenna and L-band Seastar spotbeam antenna
• Low-loss marine RF coaxial cable and deck cable glands
• Isolated RS422 / NMEA serial isolators
• 24 VDC marine filtered power supply with reverse polarity protection
• 19-inch rack slide kit and locking fasteners
• RF connector crimping and sealing kit
• External DP display unit for bridge operator console