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Chetco Digital Instruments vGauge G12A User Manual

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vGauge G12P/G12S
User's Manual
Chetco Digital Instruments

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  • Page 1 G12P/G12S User’s Manual Chetco Digital Instruments...
  • Page 2 All features and specifications subject to change without notice. Chetco Digital Instruments may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice.
  • Page 3 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 4 SPECIFICATIONS CASE Dimensions: ..........7.75” W x 6.5” H x 2.3” D MODULE Dimensions:........5.75” W x 4.6” H x 1.7” D Input Voltage:............4.5-5.6 vDC, 5-volt Nominal Processor Frequency:..........18.432 MHz Maximum Current: ..........800 mA Display:..............5.5”W x 4.5”H LCD 30 char H x 40 char W Operating and Storage Temperature ....

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction Welcome Anti-glare faceplate What You Get Unit Cables Software Operation Normal Operation Graphic Modes System Configuration Options File Page Format file Display Engine Hour Meter Display Date/Time Alarms Analog Inputs Connectors System Power Optional Analog Sensors Installation Cutout...
  • Page 6 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Introduction Welcome Thank you for purchasing a Chetco Digital Instruments product. vGauge G12™ is a multi-function display head that provides custom instrumentation in a rugged compact design. Its menu driven functions allow it adapt to and monitor many different sensors from a single location.

  • Page 8: Anti-Glare Faceplate

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vGauge G12i models are available with 4 direct analog inputs and a single tachometer input. These models will have an additional 6-pin connector on the rear of the unit for receiving the additional analog inputs. Anti-glare faceplate The vGauge™...

  • Page 9: What You Get

    For distances longer than 16 feet, a custom serial cable can be ordered up 150 feet. Please contact Chetco Digital Instruments if you need a longer cable. Flash Programming cable – A custom USB interface cable is available for reprogramming the unit firmware.

  • Page 10: Software

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Software vDash vGauge G12 units come with instrumentation software for WindowsXP vDash and Vista platforms. allows creation of custom screen layouts and graphic elements for up to 8 user defined pages. These settings can be arranged on the host PC connected to vGauge Remote sensor unit and then transferred to attached vGauge G12 units via supplied USB cable.

  • Page 11: Operation

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Operation This manual covers operation for vGauge G12 Dash units and the vGauge G12 OEM Modules. Both units feature a 320X240 graphic LCD display. Operation of both units is the same with the exception of the location of the control buttons. On the vGauge G12 Dash unit, the sealed button is located on the front of the case while the vGauge G12 OEM module has a rear connector for attachment of control buttons.
  • Page 12 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual When you receive your unit it has been programmed to display gauge readings in groups with a maximum of eight groups. On power-up the unit will start to display the first group of gauge functions. Additional gauge display groups can be viewed by using the Select button.

  • Page 13: Normal Operation

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Normal Operation When the unit is powered up it will display the first group of display values. The vGauge G12 can display from 1 to 12 values per group and up to 8 groups. The total number of groups displayed is an option that can be changed in setup mode. For example if the number of groups is set to four –...
  • Page 14 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Figure 2 Display Group 2...
  • Page 15 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Figure 3 Display Group 3...
  • Page 16 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Figure 4 Display Group 4. Once you cycle through all display groups they start over. You can change the group assignment and position for any of the display values using the setup modes.

  • Page 17: Graphic Modes

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Graphic Modes vGauge G12 supports ten graphics modes to display digital data. The modes can be selected dependent on the type of desired display format. • Digital Data Display (1) • Histogram (2) • Horizontal Bar Graph (4) •...
  • Page 18 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Figure 6 Bar Graph Element Sensor text label and digital value are displayed on the left of the graph. One Bar Graph can be assigned to each row of the display for a total of 6 per display page. NO OTHER GRAPHIC ELEMENTS CAN BE ASSIGNED TO THE SAME ROW WITH THE BAR GRAPH Histogram Graph –...
  • Page 19 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Digital Gauge Dial Graph – A 15 segment digital dial shows the relative signal strength using a analog style gauge display. The needle at the 9:00 O’clock position represents low signal The needle at the 12:00 O’clock represent Mid-strength The needle at the 3:00 O’clock represents Max strength The needle moves in real-time in a clockwise direction to represent the relative strength of the analog signal.
  • Page 20 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Large Half Digital Dial – This graphic mode shows relative signal strength using a familiar dial display with a 14 element needle around the other edge. As sensor value increases, the needle moves in a clockwise direction This graph is an instantaneous display of signal strength.
  • Page 21 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Four Large Digital Dials can be used on a single display page arranged as two rows and two columns. A Large Digital Dial can be combined with other graphic elements as long as they do not overlap the dial position. Big Vertical Bar –...
  • Page 22 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Small Digital Data – An 8 character text label followed by a 6 character digital readout. The characters are 8 X 6 for a total of 24 readouts (12 rows by 2 columns) per display page. Digital data display modes can be mixed with other graphic display modes Figure 9 Small Digital Data Element All Display pages are configurable to use any of the graphic display formats for...

  • Page 23: System Configuration

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual System Configuration System configuration consists of: • Disable Alarms • Turn Backlight ON/OFF (LCD ONLY) • Enter Screen Contrast • Enter Display Labels • Enter NMEA TAGS • Select Display Graphics Modes • Select Display Groups • ENTER Alarm values vDash These functions can be performed by using supplied...

  • Page 24: Options File

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Options File Most vGauge G12 configurations are contained in a separate Options file created vDash by the Program and transferred to flash memory from a PC using a USB or Serial cable. vDash Use the configuration program to edit any vGauge12 settings. The options file is used to configure each unit •...
  • Page 25 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %00 Pulse0 Enable(select models only) db %01 P0 Edge(select models only) db %1E P1 Scale factor (not used) db %4B P1 Time (not used) db %00 Pulse1 Enable (not used) db %01 P1 Edge (not used) db %03 Data input ports 0=Serial 1=USB 2=Both...
  • Page 26 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual NMEA, >%80 Analog) db %87 Input Channel 7 (< then %80 is NMEA, >%80 Analog) db %88 Input Channel 8 (< then %80 is NMEA, >%80 Analog) db %89 Input Channel 9 (< then %80 is NMEA, >%80 Analog) db %CC Input Channel 10 (<...
  • Page 27 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %00 ALARM 3 LOW VALUE db %FF ALARM 3 HIGH VALUE db %00 ALARM 4 LOW VALUE db %FF ALARM 4 HIGH VALUE db %00 ALARM 5 LOW VALUE db %FF ALARM 5 HIGH VALUE db %00 ALARM 6 LOW VALUE db %FF ALARM 6 HIGH VALUE...
  • Page 28 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED...
  • Page 29 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %01 INVERT FLAG Channel 11 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 11 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 12 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 12 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 13 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 13 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 14 db %00 INVERT FLAG Channel 14...
  • Page 30 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %00 NOT USED db %00 NOT USED db %00 USB AUTODET(Not Used) db %00 USB 1 ENABLE (Not Used) db %00 USB 2 ENABLE (Not Used) db %00 USB STATUS (Not Used) db %00 SIO0 ENABLE (Not Used) db %00 SIO1 ENABLE (Not Used) db %03...
  • Page 31 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used) db %00 (Not Used)
  • Page 32 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vDash configuration program is used to set or change any options and will construct the correct OPTIONS File to be loaded into vGauge G12 Flash memory. The options settings are very similar to vGauge Remote sensor units with a few exceptions.
  • Page 33 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Serial/USB0 Section The NMEA inputs need to be enabled (checked) to receive any data from a vGauge Remote Sensor unit. NMEA data can be received from both USB and Serial ports. It is best to keep both ports enabled. The Mode should be set to SLAVE to allow vGauge G12 to display sensor labels and calibrated readings from a vGauge Remote sensor unit.
  • Page 34 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual seconds. For best viewing in day and low conditions, the backlight should be left The Backlight Adjust setting sets the brightness of the backlight. Minimum value is 0 (off) and maximum value is 100 (full on). The Contrast setting will lighten or darken the display. Maximum value is 255 (lightest) and minimum value is 0 (darkest).

  • Page 35: Page Format File

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Page Format file vDash The Page Format file is created by the application and downloaded into non-volatile memory (FLASH) and does not need to be directly edited. The file allows display graphic elements to be assigned to each possible channel for each of 8 display page groups The ten display mode symbols are: •...
  • Page 36 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual db %00 DISPLAY CHANNEL 12-PAGE 00 db %00 DISPLAY CHANNEL 13-PAGE 00 db %09 DISPLAY CHANNEL 14-PAGE 00 db %09 DISPLAY CHANNEL 15-PAGE 00...
  • Page 37 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The location of each graphic element on a page is determined by a index to a screen position. The entire 320X240 graphic space is divided to 24 regions where elements can be assigned The Position Index determines the display location of the selected sensor value on the 40X30 character display matrix as outlined below.
  • Page 38 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The following table sets the positions for each element on the first page db %00 POSITION 00 - PPOS0 db %03 POSITION 01 - PPOS0 db %00 POSITION 02 - PPOS0 db %08 POSITION 03 - PPOS0 db %0B POSITION 04 - PPOS0 db %00...
  • Page 39 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The Page Format file contains 15 pairs for Format and position assignments but only the first 8 are used.
  • Page 40 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The final entry in the Page Format file is the NMEA tag assignment table db %00 POSITION 00 - NMEA db %00 POSITION 01 - NMEA db %00 POSITION 02 - NMEA db %00 POSITION 03 - NMEA db %00 POSITION 04 - NMEA db %00...
  • Page 41 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The following table shows the currently available tags that can be captured and displayed. Once a selected tag is detected for the designated display label, the data is decoded and displayed if that label is assigned to a Display Group. NMEA data can only be displayed in Digital Data format..

  • Page 42: Display Engine Hour Meter

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual For example, here are two NMEA display positions (NMEA0 and NMEA1) with two different Display Labels (SPEED1 and SPEED2) looking for the same NMEA TAG ($GPVTG). In this case both NMEA positions will receive random updates since it is impossible to determine which location to assign the incoming data to.

  • Page 43: Display Date/Time

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Display Date/Time A special NMEA tag ($PCDIS,T) is reserved for allowing display of the internal Date and Time in one of the NMEA data positions. Selecting this tag for any of the NMEA positions will display a 16 character readout of the current Date and time with the display label assigned to the selected NMEA position.

  • Page 44: Alarms

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Alarms vGauge G12 display units are capable of indicating alarms for each of the NMEA or Analog inputs NMEA $IIXDR sentences contain a sensor value index (0-255) that can be used to lookup user defined alarm thresholds for both Low and High vDash conditions.
  • Page 45 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vGauge G12 parses incoming NMEA $IIXDR sentences and extracts the raw sensor index value This value is then compared according to the user specified conditions from the Alarm Options and the indicated action performed. The Alarm Mode determines what action is taken for each individual sensor input.

  • Page 46: Analog Inputs

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Analog Inputs vGauge G12i units are configured with 4 analog inputs and one pulse (tachometer) input. These Display units can be operated stand-alone without a vGauge Remote sensor unit. A separate 6-pin connector in the rear is used for interface to analog signals from temperature, pressure, fuel, or voltage sensors.
  • Page 47 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The re-assignment of NMEA channels for analog mode is performed by using the vDash program on a PC and loading the modified options file to the display head. The following table shows a typical modified section in the Options File for setup in analog mode.
  • Page 48 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vDash applaction has a Channels section to allow for resetting NMEA channels 8-11 for analog input. In addition to channel assignment, then Options File is also modified to indicate the number of analog inputs (0-4). vDash The following screen shows a typical Options screen in which is configured for use on a vGauge G12i display head with 4 analog inputs and 1 tachometer input.
  • Page 49 Note the Analog setting in the Input section is set to 4 and that the Pulse 0 section has enabled to allow for tachometer function. When purchasing G12i display units from Chetco Digital Instruments with analog input options, be sure to specify which type of sender is going to used on each analog channel to ensure proper operation.
  • Page 50 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual...

  • Page 51: Connectors

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Connectors The vGauge G12P/G12S display unit has single water-resist quick-connect connector on the rear panel (two for G12i with analog input option). Each connector is keyed to ensure proper alignment when attaching the supplied cables. Never force a cable in. Rotate the cable until the keys align and it should smoothly insert.

  • Page 52: System Power

    For distances longer then the specified 16 foot maximum of USB cable length, a optional serial cable interface can be obtained for distances up to 150 feet. Contact Chetco Digital Instruments to order a custom length serial cable for your installation.
  • Page 53 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The serial port connector provides the interface to a computer RS232 interface for command and status control of the unit. The unit can be remotely controlled via this interface using ASCII command sequences or the optional software utilities. Status information is transmitted out this interface using NMEA 0185 $IIXDR sentences.

  • Page 54: Optional Analog Sensors

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Optional Analog Sensors The analog sensor connector on vGauge G12i units is used to interface with various senders to provide information to the unit. The supplied color-coded cable will have to be terminated to the appropriate senders dependent on your application.
  • Page 55 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The standard vGauge-G12i configuration for direct analog input is to provide 1 temperature sender input, 1 voltage input, 1 fuel level input, 1 pressure inputs, and 1 tachometer input. • Temperature Inputs – These inputs are designed to be used with standard coolant senders with a resistance of 1000 ohms at 70 degrees F.
  • Page 56 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual...

  • Page 57: Installation

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Installation Cutout vGauge-G12 can be mounted directly in the dash by performing a rectangular cut out as shown in the figure. The bezel lip is 0.5” from the cutout dimensions so care must be taken to not to make the cutout any larger then specified. It is a good idea to practice on scrap material before cutting into the panel.
  • Page 58 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vGauge G12A Rear case dimensions The unit can be secured in place by using slotted “L” brackets in the threaded gimbal holes on either side of the unit. Be careful not to tighten down the supplied screws into the holes with out a washer or “L” bracket - else damage to the internal...
  • Page 59 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vGauge-G12 OEM MODULE can be mounted directly in the dash by performing a rectangular cut out a shown in the figure. You must allow for the 1.5” depth of the unit plus another 3.5” to support the cables for a total of 5” behind the dash.

  • Page 60: Power

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Power Power is supplied from the accessory bus via a 2 amp fuse. Never attempt to connect power without providing a fused input or serious damage may result. Unit should have power applied when key is in the accessory or run position and power removed when key is off.

  • Page 61: Signals

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Signals The vGauge G12i unit supports up to 5 sensor inputs (4 analog and 1 pulse). Refer to the connector diagrams for the proper connection for each type of sender. Any unused sensors should be connected to ground to avoid unwanted noise. Never connect any resistive sensor input (temperature/pressure) directly to a voltage source or damage to the unit may result.

  • Page 62: Calibration Tables

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Calibration Tables vGauge G12i utilizes 12 modifiable calibration tables to convert sensor data into user readable display information. The internal Analog-to-Digital converter converts sensor voltages to 10-bit values. The converter can resolve voltages to 2.5/1024 = 2.5 mVolts. These values are averaged and then used to lookup 8 character values form a 256 point lookup table.
  • Page 63 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The calibration table must conform to a strict format to be loaded. The first row of the text file must start with “[TABLE] [Table Address] [Num of Characters per line = 8] [Number of lines = 256]” to indicate to the download program it is a text file. The remaining 256 lines are the display lookup values corresponding to each of 256 table indexes.
  • Page 64 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual The 6 character display value can be any alpha-numeric value but usually is a numeric sequence representing the desired readout for the given table index. The “*” character is reserved to skip the space when displaying the sequence. For example ‘...

  • Page 65: Serial Port Protocols

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Serial Port Protocols The serial port interface of the SeaGauge-G12 unit can be used for real-time status and reprogramming. The status information is sent in NMEA 0183 format using the $IIXDR sentence format. Custom NMEA control sentences are used to control the unit via the serial port interface.

  • Page 66: Next Menu

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual • X = sensor type (G,P,C,..) • DATA = 8 character sensor data value returned from the lookup table • U = unit of measurement specifier • LABEL = 8 character sensor label and a 1 character number representing the channel •...

  • Page 67: Program Mode

    Use caution when using this command as improper use will erase the unit and it will have to be sent back for reprogramming. Programming files can be obtained from Chetco Digital Instruments for use in this mode. These are in a special propriety format and can not be constructed or edited in the field.
  • Page 68 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Table Address Start Page End Page Erase Command Sensor Labels 6800 *0D0D Groups 7000 *0E0E Options 7800 *0F0F Lookup Table 0 0800 *0101 Lookup Table 1 1000 *0202 Lookup Table 2 1800 *0303 Lookup Table 3 2000 *0404 Lookup Table 4 2800...

  • Page 69: Nmea Input

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual NMEA INPUT The serial port interface of the vGauge unit can be used to receive information in NMEA 0183 format using the $IIXDR sentence format. The following table shows the currently available tags that can be captured and displayed.
  • Page 70 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Please refer to unit Setup sections of this manual for proper information on how to set these modes. NMEA $IIXDR tags are filtered based on the first 8 characters of the label portion of the sentence. This label must match one of (6-8) the NMEA Display Labels stored in the unit to be displayed.

  • Page 71: Flash Programming

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Flash Programming The firmware of the vGauge-G12 unit can be upgraded using the optional flash programming cable and software utility. To perform this function you will need a WINDOWS compatible computer or laptop and a NULL MODEM adapter or USB to Serial adapter to connect the supplied cable.

  • Page 72: Unit Dimensions Vgauge-G12 Case

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Unit Dimensions vGauge-G12 Case The following table provides dimension information for the vGauge-G12 case unit with 320 X 240 LCD display. All dimensions are in inches. G12P case Front G12P case Rear G12A case Front G12A case Front...

  • Page 73: Unit Dimensions Vgauge-G12 Module

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual Unit Dimensions vGauge-G12 Module The following table provides dimension information for the vGauge-G12 module with 320 X 240 LCD display. All dimensions are in inches..

  • Page 74: 90 Day Warranty

    SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual 90 day Warranty “We”, “our”, or “us” refers to Chetco Digital Instruments, the manufacturer of this product. “You” or “your” refers to the first person who purchases this product as a consumer item for personal, family, or household use.
  • Page 75 REMINDER: You must retain the sales slip or sales receipt proving the date of your original purchase in case warranty service is ever required. Chetco Digital Instruments, INC. BOX 5359 Brookings, OREGON 97415...
  • Page 76 SeaGauge-G12 User’s Manual vGAUGE FIRMWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE END-USER WHOFIRST PURCHASES THIS PRODUCT AS A CONSUMER ITEM FORPERSONAL, FAMILY, OR HOUSEHOLD USE (“YOU”) AND CHETCO DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS, INC., THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS PRODUCT. (“WE”, “OUR”, OR “US”). USING THE PRODUCT ACCOMPANIED BY THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
  • Page 77 If your unit fails and the failure is not covered by the original warranty, Chetco Digital Instruments has a flat-rate repair policy that covers your unit and accessories packed with the unit at the factory. There is a 30-day warranty on all non-warranty repairs from the factory, which is similar to the original warranty, but is for 30 days rather than 90 days.

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