Review Simarine Inclinometer SDI 01

In this review, topRik experts present an extremely necessary device on any vessel – a marine inclinometer. But since SDI01 is a module of the Simarine PICO system monitor, it has a number of unusual features, if only because it is a high-resolution digital inclinometer for pitch and roll with manual calibration.

Below we will tell you in more detail what advantages you get when purchasing the SDI01 module as a marine inclinometer in our marketplace, in particular, in comparison with bubble or pendulum models, which are also presented on our marketplace.

Inclinometers are used in many areas of human activity, including drilling operations in the mining industry. As for the use of these devices on ships, it has become mandatory since 1999, when the IMO adopted a resolution according to which electronic inclinometers (the second name for inclinometers) must meet the technical requirements of the voyage data recorder (VDR). Namely, “to determine the ship’s roll angle, the amplitude and period of roll, display information on a display located on the navigation bridge and ensure the transfer of instantaneous data on the ship’s roll angle to the voyage data recorder (VDR)”.

Thus, the presence of an inclinometer on a ship is necessary to prevent dangerous situations during navigation, as well as to provide assistance and assistance during investigations at sea.

Inclinometers are also used as equipment for car service centers. They are used to measure the position angle of suspension parts. This information is transferred to the wheel alignment control program of the wheel alignment stand.

By the way, the model that is the hero of our review - inclinometer SDI01 - you can use not only on a yacht, but also in a camper, motorhome, caravan, car.

According to the measurement method, inclinometers of indirect and direct measurement are distinguished. For the first, radar data, the method of sequential moves and orientation from the surface, and seismic readings are used. For the second – gravity field sensors caused by the Earth's gravity, magnetic field, telesensing and gyroscopic effect.

Depending on their design features, devices come in three types:

• with one X axis – measurement range 360 degrees;
• two-axis X and Y – ±90;
• three-axis X, Y, Z – ±90 tilt angle along the X, Y axes and accelerometer sensor along the X, Y, Z.

The presented inclinometer SDI01 is biaxial.

Key Features and Specifications

As is known, under conditions of constant pitching with varying amplitudes, a ship at sea has all degrees of freedom and is subject to roll, trim and yaw. Under such conditions, the error of pendulum and bubble inclinometers reaches 30%. That is why in maritime affairs electronic inclinometers are used that are not sensitive to horizontal and vertical acceleration, but at the same time have extremely high measurement accuracy, like the presented SDI01 device.

The high resolution digital two-axis inclinometer SDI01 is fully compatible with existing Simarine monitoring systems, as well as with all its modules. It is distinguished by high measurement accuracy, prompt display of information on the monitor and energy efficiency, as can be seen from the technical characteristics.

Please note that you need firmware version higher than 3.000.

The high-resolution inclinometer SDI01 measures roll/pitch angle, roll and pitch amplitude and time. Data is continuously fed to the yacht's RDR. The error of the measured indicators is minimal and does not exceed 0.1° for amplitude and angle and 1 sec. according to the time of transmission of readings.

All danger messages are recorded in a special history, which subsequently helps with flight analytics.

Like most modules of the Simarine monitoring system, the inclinometer has compact dimensions - 24x19.5x5.5 cm and is light in weight - the package weighs less than a quarter of a kilogram. The inclinometer is made of corrosion-resistant materials and is protected from the penetration of moisture and salt. But for it to work correctly, it should be placed on a horizontal surface in a dry place, since it is an electrical device.

It is impossible to imagine a simpler control and a more intuitive interface than this device. Inclinometer SDI01 – plug device and play, it does not need any settings other than simple calibration, but more on that below.

Installation and Configuration

Simarine SDI01 module is designed to make setting up and calibrating the inclinometer quick and user-friendly.

Like any other Simarine modules, SDI01 also communicates with Simarine PICO system monitor via SiCOM data cable, which is included with the inclinometer.

You can connect the inclinometer directly to the splitter, or to another module that is already connected to the splitter, forming a serial, that is, indirect connection.

After connecting the SDI01 module, the monitor where the measurement data is output will automatically recognize it and configure two new inclinometers, which you can see in the list of inclinometers MENU > DEVICES > INCLINOMETERS.

Calibration is performed in two ways: through the monitor or using the CAL button on the inclinometer module itself.

To calibrate a module using the CAL button, press and hold it until the LED on the module begins to flash red. The result of the calibration is 0° angles for the PITCH and ROLL inclinometers in the current position of the module.

If you choose to calibrate the inclinometer through the monitor, go to the PITCH and ROLL inclinometer screens and simultaneously press and hold the up and down arrow buttons until the confirmation screen appears.

Once the confirmation screen appears, press and hold the icon at the bottom right until the result appears.

We caution that only qualified electricians, equipped with appropriate safety equipment, should install Simarine electronics. When installing the monitoring system, you should wear protective clothing.

Functionality and Integration

The SDI01 inclinometer is fully compatible with Simarine PICO System Monitor , all its shunts, modules, shunt modules and VIA display.

We have already mentioned the main functions of this module above, but in more detail, these are:

• pitch and roll control;
• alarm (visual and audible);
• roll/keel angle measurement;
• measurement of the amplitude and time of roll and pitch;
• high speed of information transfer to RDR;
• accurate data transmission in any environmental conditions;
• maintaining a history of emergency messages.

The module is capable of performing a special signaling function that warns of the possibility of an emergency. When activated, the critical level of roll is shown on the monitor in red, which is accompanied by an audible signal.

The manufacturer provides software updates: at the time of writing this review, version no lower than 3,000 was recommended for use.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Like any electrical and digital equipment, the SDI01 dual-axis inclinometer has both advantages and disadvantages. We immediately warn you that the advantages of the module significantly outweigh the disadvantages both in quantity and in importance for operation.

Advantages

Actually, almost all of the information presented above is a description of the advantages of the SDI01 digital inclinometer:

• full compatible With Simarine PICO System Monitor;
• the ability to combine with equipment from other brands through splitters , shunt modules and shunts with suitable connectors and voltage;
• high accuracy and reliability of measurements;
• plug principle and play , which allows installation straight out of the box;
• ease of installation and configuration;
• intuitive interface that simplifies calibration;
• durability and resistance to external influences;
• manufacturer's warranty.

Flaws

If the SDI01 inclinometer module is connected to the Simarine PICO system monitor, then no shortcomings should appear.

Horizontal installation and measurement of roll in 2 axes may conditionally be considered a disadvantage, but for a ship or car this is not at all critical if you are not a fan of installing equipment on vertical planes.

But restrictions on compatibility with some systems of other brands are a more significant reason to pay attention to it. Therefore, the compatibility of the SDI01 with other equipment that is available on a particular yacht should be assessed, at least in terms of the available inputs and voltage.

It is clear that the cost of a digital device is higher than an analog one, but this is compensated by the higher accuracy of measurements and the speed of their transmission.

Technical Support and service

Manufacturer of Simarine PICO system monitor provides ongoing support for the modules included in the system and provides a warranty for 3 years.

Firmware versions are updated, innovative applications are added, for example, the ability to monitor the monitoring results provided by the system from anywhere in the world.

Warranty service is provided for the specified period, provided that the breakdown was not caused by unauthorized user intervention in the design of the inclinometer or other types of violations during operation.