Furuno, AD-100 gyro analog to digital converter

The Furuno AD-100 is a marine gyro analog to digital converter that takes analog heading signals from a ship’s gyrocompass (AC Synchro, DC Synchro, or Step-by-Step) and converts them into standardized digital formats like NMEA 0183 and Furuno AD-10S. It features a 4-digit digital bearing display and allows for output to various navigation equipment such as radar, GPS, and autopilots, ensuring modern systems can utilize traditional gyrocompass data.

Technical Specification

General:

Function: Converts gyro compass reading (analog) into digital coded bearing data.
Display: 4-digit LED display for current bearing.
Compatibility: Designed for integration with various navigation equipment (radar, GPS navigator, autopilot).

Input Signals:

Types Accepted: Gyro repeater signal (selectable via DIP switches)
- AC Synchro
- DC Synchro
- Step-by-Step
Input Voltage Ranges:
- AC Synchro Type:
  - Rotor: 20VAC to 135VAC
  - Stator: 20VAC to 135VAC
  - Frequency: 50Hz, 60Hz, 400Hz, or 500Hz
- DC Synchro Type:
  - Rotor: 20VDC to 100VDC
  - Stator: 20VDC to 100VDC (Note: Some sources specify AC for stator here, but common for DC Synchro to have DC rotor/stator or AC stator from a transformer)
- Step-by-Step: 20VDC to 100VDC

Performance:

Power Consumption: Less than 5W
Tracking Speed: 30°/second
Bearing Display: 4-digit LED display (with dimmer control and Hold function)

Output Data:

AD-10S Format:
- Type: Photo-coupler driver, 4-digit BCD code, MSB transmission order.
- Output Ports: 6 ports
- Transmission Interval: Switchable between 25ms and 200ms (25ms recommended for radar only).
NMEA 0183 Format:
- Sentences: HDT (Heading, True), VHW (Water speed and heading)
- Level: RS-485 level
- Versions: Version 1.5, 2.0 (and potentially 3.0 depending on firmware revision)
- Baud Rate: Selectable between 4800 bps and 38,400 bps.
- Output Ports: 1 port
- Transmission Interval: Selectable among 25ms, 100ms, 200ms, and 1s. (Note: For 25ms, 100ms, or 200ms, typically only $AGHDT is output. The 25ms setting forces a 38,400 bps baud rate).

Physical & Environmental:

Cabinet Color: 2.5GY 5/1.5 (Newtone No.5)
Front Panel Color: N3.0
Fuses: Four 2A fuses (internal, on PCB, for protection against overvoltage or internal faults).
Installation: Designed for panel mounting or surface mounting.

Controls & Indicators:

Front Panel Controls:
- Dimmer Control (for display brightness and key backlighting)
- COUNT-UP key (adjusts bearing display by 0.1° or 1.0° steps)
- COUNT-DOWN key (adjusts bearing display by 0.1° or 1.0° steps)
- HOLD key (freezes/restarts display)
Indicators: HOLD lamp (LED)

Self-Test Functions: