Galaxy Sentinel GMDSS FAQ

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Overview/Description
Features & Functions 
Service Providers
Technical Details & Specifications
Sales & Support
GMDSS Regulations

Overview/Description
What is the Galaxy Sentinel™ system?
What does the Galaxy Sentinel system do?
What are the applications for Galaxy Sentinel systems?
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Features & Functions
What is the benefit of built in GPS in the Sentinel?
What is data reporting?
What happens when I press the distress button?
What is a Distress Alert?
How do I generate a Distress Alert from the ship's steering position?
What is a Distress Message?
What is QuickSend?
Can I send messages to an Internet address?
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Service Providers
How many LES's are available and what services are available from these LES's?
How much does it cost to send messages with the Sentinel?
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Technical Details & Specifications
What accessories are available for the Sentinel system?
How can I get GPS data from the Galaxy Sentinel?
Do I need to understand computers to load the Sentinel software and operate the system?
I have a Galaxy transceiver and a PC. Do I need to upgrade to meet the new requirements?
How much space is required to install the Galaxy Sentinel system?
What connectors are on the back panel of the Galaxy Sentinel system?
What certifications and type approvals does the Galaxy Sentinel have?
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Sales & Support
Why should customers buy the Galaxy Sentinel system?
What are the competitive advantages of the Galaxy Sentinel system?
Who are the competitors to the Galaxy Sentinel systems?
What after-sales support and service is available for the Galaxy Sentinel system?
How can I get more information about the Galaxy Sentinel system?
How do I get support for the Galaxy Sentinel product?
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GMDSS Regulations
What is CN114?
What are the recent IMO resolutions that effect GMDSS equipment?
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What is the Galaxy Sentinel system?
The Galaxy Sentinel is a fully integrated Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Inmarsat-C/GPS system. All of the main Sentinel system components are housed in the Communications Unit enclosure including the Inmarsat-C transceiver, GPS receiver, computer, display and disk drive. The printer and antenna are the only other standard components of the system. An optional remote printer, remote alarm panel and AC/DC power supply are also available. The Galaxy Sentinel system offers full compliance with the new Inmarsat CN114 specification and IMO Resolutions A.807(19) and A.814(19).
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What does the Galaxy Sentinel system do?
The Galaxy Sentinel system provides two-way communication between ships at sea and land locations or other ships at sea. Communication with shore side destinations may be via Email, fax (ship to shore only), telex or other data network services. The Sentinel also provides the Inmarsat-C "Distress Alert" and "Distress Message" facilities, data reporting and other services.
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What are the applications for Galaxy Sentinel systems?
The Galaxy Sentinel was designed to comply with the new GMDSS regulations and Inmarsat Change Notice 114 (CN114). It is an ideal product for merchant ships that are required to comply with the new GMDSS regulations including IMO Resolutions A.807(19) and A.814(19). The Sentinel is also ideal for fishing and other applications because of its simple installation, rugged construction, ease of use, and built in GPS.
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What is the benefit of built in GPS in the Sentinel?
The Sentinel built in GPS has numerous functions. It satisfies the IMO recommendation for automatic input of position to the distress memory and is a back up source of position information in the event of a failure of other navigation instruments. The Sentinel built in GPS also has a number of other important uses. Further, GPS is included at no extra cost in the Galaxy Sentinel. The Sentinel internal GPS is a source of continuous position updates to the Sentinel "Distress Alert" memory, automatically providing up to the minute, accurate position information in the event the "Distress Alert" button is activated. The Sentinel internal GPS is the tamper proof source of position information for data reporting so that up to the minute, accurate position information can be sent in response to polling commands. Galaxy Sentinel allows the user to select "Present Position" as an EGC filter. The present position information from the Sentinel internal GPS is continuously input to this filter. This causes the Sentinel to print only EGC messages that are for the NAVAREA in which the ship is located. The Inmarsat SDM requires printing of every EGC message for every NAVAREA if the position is not updated every 4 hours. In the case of manual position updates the printer will print a very large number of unwanted EGC messages if someone is not available to update the position when required. This causes a waste of paper and a great waste of time reviewing all the EGC messages to find the ones relevant to the NAVAREA of interest. Sentinel's automatic GPS position update eliminates this problem because the position is updated every second.
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What is data reporting?
Data reporting is a low cost service for sending small amounts of information such as position reports to a shore side destination. Data reporting is a standard feature of the Galaxy Sentinel. Data reporting is controlled from the shore. On board personnel cannot control data reporting. Data reporting works by sending a polling command from shore over the satellite to the Sentinel unit. The polling commands can request a one-time position report or can set a position reporting timer so that the Sentinel sends position reports to the designated shore facility at a scheduled interval. The data reports are sent in binary format to a mail box at the selected LES. Data reports from up to 255 ships can be sent to a single mail box at the LES. They are stored in the mail box until down loaded by an authorized user. They can be down loaded to your office using a PC and modem. The charge for a maritime data report which includes time, position, ships course and speed is typically $0.08. Charges for land line connections to the LES are separate.
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What happens when I press the distress button?
Activating the distress button causes the Galaxy Sentinel system to send a Distress Alert. The Distress Alert contains the vessel identity, time and position information. The Inmarsat-C system assigns the highest level of priority to Distress Alerts and Distress Messages. Distress Alerts are forwarded without delay from the LES to the specified RCC. The Sentinel software allows the user to specify an LES for Distress Alerts and Distress Messages in a setup menu. If the user does not specify a particular LES the Distress Alerts are sent to a default LES specified in the Sentinel software.
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What is a Distress Alert?
A Distress Alert is simply a distress indication sent from the Inmarsat-C unit that is passed through the LES to a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). A Distress Alert contains the vessel identity, time of fix and position. Distress Alerts cannot be sent from the system keyboard. IMO Resolution A.807(19) requires that Distress Alerts be sent only from a special distress button that is protected from inadvertent or accidental activation.
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How do I generate a Distress Alert from the ship's steering position?
An optional Remote Alarm Panel is available for the Sentinel so that a Distress Alert can be initiated from a location remote from the main Sentinel Communications Unit. The Remote Alarm Panel has the same Distress Alert controls as the Sentinel Communications Unit to simplify training and reduce the possibility of confusion during an emergency.
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What is a Distress Message?
A Distress Message is a free form message sent from the keyboard using "Distress" priority. No addressing is required or permitted for Distress Messages because they are automatically routed from the LES directly to the RCC. Distress priority messages may be sent from the Galaxy Sentinel by selecting "Distress" and "Send a Distress Message".
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What is QuickSend?
QuickSend is a proprietary Trimble feature in the Galaxy software that allows sending and receiving messages and most system control from a single screen. QuickSend offers simple commands to perform messaging operations and eliminates the need to use pull down menus for most Galaxy Sentinel operations. QuickSend greatly simplifies system operation and reduces training time for new users.
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Can I send messages to an Internet address?
Yes, if you are registered with an earth station that supports Internet service. At this time we know that Comsat, British Telecom (BT), Netherlands PTT (Station12), New East, BIMCOM, and DT Mobile all support Internet addressing. You must register with one of these service providers to use this service. For detailed instructions, see the application notes.

For information call: British Telecom (BT)
Comsat
New East
Station 12
+44-171-492-4996
+1-301- 428-2400
+1-709-748-4226
+31-2555-45111
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How many LES's are available and what services are available from these LES's?
There are now more than 40 Inmarsat-C LESs. Services available are not the same from all LES's. You should contact the LES's you wish to use directly to determine whether they offer the service you desire. Among the services you may wish to use are:• Internet email addressing
• fax delivery of ship to shore messages
• messaging to a mail box at the LES
• Data Reporting
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How much does it cost to send messages with the Sentinel?
Message costs depend upon the LES you use and the mode of transmission. Messages can be sent mobile to mobile, telex delivery, to a mailbox at the LES for PSTN delivery or to a fax destination (in the case of ship to shore only). You should contact the LES you plan to use to get precise pricing. In general, message costs are approximately US $0.008 per character with a 128 character minimum. Messages sent in the telex mode are more expensive.
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What accessories are available for the Sentinel system?
An auxiliary printer, a remote alarm panel and an AC/DC power supply are available for the Galaxy Sentinel. All of these items are type approved for use in GMDSS systems and have the CE Mark. The auxiliary printer uses a serial interface which permits operation up to several hundred feet from the Communications Unit. This allow installation of the auxiliary printer on the bridge or other remote location when the Sentinel Communications Unit is installed in the radio room. This allows the system to meet GMDSS requirements by configuring the systems to print SafetyNET messages at the auxiliary printer on the bridge when the Communications Unit is located in an unmanned radio room or other area with restricted access. The Sentinel software provides a great deal of flexibility in selecting message types that are routed to the separate printers. The Remote Alarm Panel has the same operating controls as the Sentinel Communications Unit which reduces the training requirements for the system and reduces the possibility of confusion in the event of an emergency. The Remote Alarm Panel is compact measuring only 3 1/8 x 2 1/8 x 8 1/2 inches (80 mm x 55 mm x 217 mm) and may be mounted in any convenient location on the bridge to meet the GMDSS requirements. The AC/DC power supply has provisions for input from the ships main AC power source and from the ships DC emergency power source. In the event of a failure of the ships main power system the AC/DC power supply will automatically switch to the emergency DC power source.
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How can I get GPS data from the Galaxy Sentinel?
The Galaxy Sentinel has an RS-422 port with a standard NMEA output of the GGA, GLL and VTG sentences. These sentences provide output of GPS time, position, course and speed. GPS position information is also available on the Galaxy screen when using the Galaxy DTE software.
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Do I need to understand computers to load the Sentinel software and operate the system?
No! The Sentinel software is pre-loaded. Once the Sentinel is commissioned you simply turn on the power switch. The system will start the Sentinel software automatically . You can then enter addresses you want to send messages to and begin using the system. The operator will not see a DOS prompt.
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I have a Galaxy transceiver and a PC. Do I need to upgrade to meet the new requirements?
Equipment that was previously installed and certified as compliant with the existing GMDSS regulations may remain on the ship. The implementation date for the new regulations for new installations is defined by the national authority in each country. Installation of a new Galaxy Sentinel system will protect you from the problem of servicing an obsolete computer or trying to find a "Type Approved" computer if the one now on the ship fails. You will also benefit from the other features of the Sentinel system and will have the most up to date, regulation compliant system available.
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How much space is required to install the Galaxy Sentinel system?
The Galaxy Sentinel system integrates the Inmarsat-C transceiver, GPS receiver, computer, disk drive and 9.5 inch display in a single compact Communications Unit. The Communications unit outside dimensions when installed with its yoke mount are approximately 13 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches (340 mm x 350 mm x 190 mm). The yoke may be mounted either up or down. Additionally, the Communications Unit may be panel mounted. Only a compact keyboard and printer need be installed with the Sentinel Communications Unit. The printers and keyboard supplied by Trimble are equipped with mounting plates so they can be secured to a horizontal surface. The Sentinel Communications Unit is so compact that it may be easily added to an existing radio room or even mounted at a chart table or other convenient bridge location. The Galaxy Sentinel also includes a single antenna to provide both Inmarsat and GPS functionality. This antenna measures approximately 7 1/2 inches in diameter by 6 1/2 inches in height (187 mm in diameter and 170 mm high). A convenient pole mount is provided with the antenna to accommodate mounting poles with diameters from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch (20 to 40 mm). Complete installation information is contained in the Galaxy Sentinel installation manual.
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Why should customers buy the Galaxy Sentinel system?
The Galaxy Sentinel meets all the current IMO Resolutions and is Inmarsat type approved to CN114, the most recent Inmarsat requirements. Sentinel is the Inmarsat-C GMDSS system for the future. Galaxy Sentinel offers private, reliable, global message communications as well as all the IMO mandated safety features. Sentinel communications are not affected by distance or weather.
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What are the competitive advantages of the Galaxy Sentinel system?
The Galaxy Sentinel is very different from the competition. The highly integrated Communications Unit is much more compact than offered by any competitor. GPS is a standard feature included in every Sentinel unit, but is an extra cost option with all of the competition. The Galaxy Sentinel comes with pre-installed software, starts the operating program automatically when power is switched on and also includes QuickSend for single screen operation.
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Who are the competitors to the Galaxy Sentinel systems?
Sentinel competitors include the JRC model JUE-75C, Furuno model Felcom 11, Sailor and Thrane & Thrane. Most other Inmarsat-C equipment offered by other companies is a brand labeled unit from Trimble or one of the above companies. Galaxy Sentinel is the only Inmarsat-C system with an integrated Communications Unit with integral GPS that meets the requirements of the new IMO Resolutions and Inmarsat CN114. None of the competitive systems are as compact or feature rich as the Galaxy Sentinel.
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What after-sales support and service is available for the Galaxy Sentinel system?
The Galaxy Sentinel comes with a standard warranty of 2 years from shipment from Trimble. Service is available from Trimble locations in Sunnyvale, California, Hook, Hampshire in England and Christchurch in New Zealand. In addition, Galaxy Sentinel service is available from authorized servicing dealers in locations throughout the world. A complete list of service locations is available from your regional Trimble Sales manager. Each of these locations has personnel trained to service the Galaxy product line and has spares for the Galaxy products. We have begun upgrading these locations to include training and spare parts for the Sentinel product and expect to have this process completed by year end. Additionally we are adding a few new locations to provide Sentinel service.
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How can I get more information about the Galaxy Sentinel system?
Each Trimble regional office has a person that is familiar with the Galaxy Sentinel product. A list of these offices and their phone numbers is included on the back of the Galaxy Sentinel brochure.
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How do I get support for the Galaxy Sentinel product?
Call either our main office in Sunnyvale, California, our European office in Hook, Hampshire, England, our Christchurch office in New Zealand, or your local dealer. One of these organizations will help you or will give you the name and contact information for a Galaxy Sentinel servicing dealer that is more convenient to your location.

Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
Sunnyvale, California
Phone +1 (408) 481-6940 or +(800) 767-4822
Fax: +1 (408) 481-6020

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What is CN114?
CN114 or Inmarsat Change Notice 114 is the latest revision to the Inmarsat-C specification (known as the System Definition Manual or SDM). CN114 was developed to comply with recent IMO resolutions. CN114 requires a dedicated GMDSS computer where the operating program is stored in nonvolatile or read only memory. Storing the operating program on a disk drive is not allowed. Other changes in CN114 include new environmental specifications including the requirement for all of the system internally mounted components to operate over a temperature range of -15 to +55 degrees C. This specification applies to the main Communications Unit, the printer, remote alarm panel and any other internally mounted components of the system. Externally mounted equipment (antenna) must operate over a temperature range of -35 to +55 degrees C. CN114 includes a number of other changes including changes to the operation of the "distress" function of the equipment. Inmarsat-C type approvals to the pre-CN114 requirements will not be granted after 31 December, 1996.
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What are the recent IMO resolutions that effect GMDSS equipment?
IMO Resolutions A.807(19) and A.814(19) effect GMDSS requirements for Inmarsat-C equipment. Significant items in these resolutions are: A.807(19) Requires the facilities to send a "distress" from the position from which the ship is normally navigated and from at least one other position designated for distress alerting. This requires at least 1 remote alarm panel so that a "distress" can be sent from a position some distance away from the main Inmarsat-C equipment. A.808(19) also includes provisions to reduce the number of false distress calls sent from Inmarsat-C equipment. A.807(19) requires both automatic and manual input of position and time information. Automatic entry of these parameters may be from a separate navigation sensor connected to the Inmarsat-C transceiver or from an internal navigation sensor such as a GPS receiver. The Sentinel incorporates the award winning Trimble GPS technology which is integrated with the Inmarsat transceiver at the component level. this level of integration eliminates an external cable (increasing reliability), insures accurate position input to the Distress Message Generator and provides a tamper proof position reporting capability. A.807(19) requires operation from the ships main source of electrical power as well as an alternative source of power. The equipment must not require re-initialization or lose received messages stored in memory following a power interruption of up to 60 seconds. This resolution also includes requirements for antenna installation to insure no obstructions which interfere with proper operation of the system. A.814(19) Provides guidelines for reducing false distress alerts. Requires features to reduce the opportunity for sending false distress alerts and distress messages, including a cover over the distress button and other items. Also provides instructions for labeling and for training in the use of the distress alerting and distress messaging features of Inmarsat-C equipment.
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