OBSERVATOR

instruments

HMS Helideck Monitoring System

Users’ manual

Version: v1.07
TDC-HB June 2015
 OBSERVATOR HMS Users manual
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Revisions:

1.06 November 2014 added ATIS section

1.07 June 2015 added radio recommendation ATIS

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Index

1  Preface .................................................................................................................................................. 5 
1.1  Functional description ................................................................................................................... 5 
2  Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................... 6 
2.1  Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6 
2.2  Basic Main Screen ........................................................................................................................ 6 
2.3  Status indicators ........................................................................................................................... 7 
2.4  Wind .............................................................................................................................................. 8 
2.4.1  Wind direction ........................................................................................................................... 9 
2.4.2  Wind speed ............................................................................................................................... 9 
2.4.3  Marked Discontinuity ................................................................................................................ 9 
2.5  Barometric Pressure ..................................................................................................................... 9 
2.5.1  QNH ........................................................................................................................................ 10 
2.5.2  QFE......................................................................................................................................... 10 
2.6  Temperature, Humidity & Dew point........................................................................................... 10 
2.6.1  Temperature ........................................................................................................................... 10 
2.6.2  Dew point ................................................................................................................................ 10 
2.6.3  Relative Humidity .................................................................................................................... 10 
2.7  Visibility & Present weather ........................................................................................................ 10 
2.7.1  Visibility ................................................................................................................................... 10 
2.7.2  Present Weather ..................................................................................................................... 11 
2.7.3  Marked Discontinuity .............................................................................................................. 11 
2.8  Clouds ......................................................................................................................................... 11 
2.9  Motion ......................................................................................................................................... 12 
2.9.1  Aircraft category...................................................................................................................... 12 
2.9.2  Operational limitations ............................................................................................................ 12 
2.10  Waves ......................................................................................................................................... 13 
2.11  Current ........................................................................................................................................ 13 
3  Advanced screens ............................................................................................................................... 14 
3.1  Wind ............................................................................................................................................ 14 
3.2  Weather ...................................................................................................................................... 15 
3.3  Clouds ......................................................................................................................................... 16 
3.4  Motion ......................................................................................................................................... 17 
4  ATIS ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 
4.1  Metar message ........................................................................................................................... 18 
4.1.1  Data Missing ........................................................................................................................... 18 
4.1.2  NOTAM ................................................................................................................................... 18 
4.1.3  VHF triggering......................................................................................................................... 18 
5  APPENDIX A: Supervisor settings ..................................................................................................... 19 
5.1  Logging in ................................................................................................................................... 19 
5.2  Helideck height. .......................................................................................................................... 19 
5.3  Heading ...................................................................................................................................... 19 
6  APPENDIX B: OMC2900 Collector .................................................................................................... 20 
6.1  Logging in ................................................................................................................................... 20 
6.2  Adding sensor(s)......................................................................................................................... 20 
7  APPENDIX C: Maintenance recommendations .................................................................................. 22 

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1 Preface

This manual is intended for the operator of the Observator Helideck Monitoring System (further
referred to as HMS). For technical information we kindly refer to the installation manual.
Appendix B: Supervisor describes the more advanced settings which are not required for
normal operation.

1.1 Functional description

The Observator HMS is a Helideck Monitoring System designed with respect to CAP 437 and
Norsok C-002 regulations
All basic weather sensors are connected to an OMC-182 signal conditioning unit while all other
sensors are connected directly to a PC. Since there is a connection between the OMC-182 and
the PC all data will be stored in a database. This will make it easy to view, review and export all
data. All data can be viewed on the PC while the OMC-182 makes it possible to connect
dedicated displays like the OMC-938. The data can be send over a network which and even
broadcasted if the optional OMC-DOL- Webserver is used. With the optional ATIS module the
Observator HMS turns into an automatic weather station.

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2 Getting Started

2.1 Introduction

The HMS is installed in a way that it will auto start when the PC is started. The HMS has a basic
layout, but will be custom configured for every installation. For instance a floating installation will
require motion measurement, while a seabed based system doesn’t. All functions will be dealt
with separately so you can skip the parts that do not apply to your system.

2.2 Basic Main Screen

A typical main screen layout of a system with a motion sensor will look as underneath screen:

Main screen with Motion

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Main screen without motion

The main screen will show all basic information required helideck monitoring.
The dark blue labels (Motion, Wind sensor, Weather & Clouds) are also buttons which link to sub
pages with more detailed information (chapter 3).

2.3 Status indicators

All connected sensors have a status indicator (circle) at the bottom of the screen. This will give you a
clear indication of the status of your sensor.

Color Behavior Status

Green Steady Valid data received

Gray Steady No data received for > 7 days

Red Steady Data out of range

Red Blinking No data received for > 3 minutes

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Table 1

NOTE: The status indicators indicate valid data has been received or not. It will not detect a
defective or out of spec sensor while it still sends valid data!

The values on screen will turn gray and strikethrough when no valid data has been received for 3
minutes.

2.4 Wind

All wind data is presented as a 10 minute average data except:

- During startup (you will need 10 minutes of data first)

- When a ‘Marked Discontinuity’ occurs.

In all cases the actual average interval will be indicated.

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When 2 wind sensors are in use the sensor with the highest wind speed will be automatically selected.
The selected wind sensor is indicated in the label.

2.4.1 Wind direction

The wind direction is displayed in tens of degrees.

Depending on the wind speed and wind direction variation the wind direction and variation are displayed
according table 2.

Wind speed in Actual variation over Displayed Variation Displayed Wind direction
knots  average interval
  (degrees)   
All  < 60  nothing Average 
=<3  >=60<180  Variation Text: “Variable” 
>3  >=60<180  Variation Average 
All  >=180  nothing Text:: “Variable” 

Table 2 

2.4.2 Wind speed

Wind speed is displayed in whole Knots. The Gust (highest wind speed over a 3 second average) over
the average interval is displayed as well.

2.4.3 Marked Discontinuity

Whenever there is a sudden drastic change in wind speed or direction above the limits in table 3 a
‘Marked Discontinuity’ occurs. All data before the last 2 minutes is discarded for the average calculation.
The ‘Marked Discontinuity’ will change color from green to red and the average counter will go back to 2
minutes. When the wind speed & direction variations are within limits for 10 minutes the indicator will go
back to green.

Marked Average Wind speed change > 10 kts over last 2 Average Wind direction change
Discontinuity wind speed minutes compared to last average. > 30 degrees over last 2
minutes compared to last
average
No <10 kts no Yes
Yes >10 kts either Yes
Yes any yes either

Table 3

2.5 Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure is presented as 1 minute average data.

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Although barometric pressure will be reported in whole hPa it is displayed with 1 decimal since this must
be reported on request of the pilot.
For calculation of QNH and QFE the correct height of the Helideck above sea level and the height of the
barometric pressure sensor above the Helideck must be set. This is done during the commissioning of the
system. The height of the Helideck above sea level can also be set by the Supervisor.

2.5.1 QNH

QNH is the barometric pressure at sea level

2.5.2 QFE

QFE is the barometric pressure at Helideck level

2.6 Temperature, Humidity & Dew point

Temperature, humidity & dew point are presented as 1 minute average data.
Although humidity is not required for CAP 437 it is measured to calculate the dew point.

2.6.1 Temperature

The temperature is displayed in degrees Celsius with 1 decimal.

2.6.2 Dew point

The dew point is calculated from the measured temperature and humidity data and is displayed in
degrees Celsius with 1 decimal.

2.6.3 Relative Humidity

The measured relative humidity is displayed in percentage.

2.7 Visibility & Present weather

2.7.1 Visibility

The visibility is presented as a 10 minute average unless during startup or when a marked discontinuity
has occurred.

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2.7.2 Present Weather

These values can also be manually altered when there is no Present Weather sensor connected to the
system.

The left box opens a window to set the

obstruction.

Present weather Obstruction

The right box opens a window to set the precipitation

Present weather Precipitation

2.7.3 Marked Discontinuity

Whenever there is a significant change in visibility for 2 minutes a marked discontinuity will be detected
All data before those 2 minutes will be discarded for the average calculation and a 2 minute average will
be displayed. When the situation is stable the average interval will be build back up to 10 minutes.

2.8 Clouds

The first 2 cloud layers are displayed on the main screen. The information contains Cloud coverage and
Height. If no sensor is connected the observed information can also be manual selected. On the
dedicated cloud page up to 4 cloud layers and vertical visibility information is available.

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2.9 Motion

The Motion data takes a large part of the screen. It shows the required data over the last 20 minutes and
indicates if the motion of the Helideck is within limits (Green indicator) or above (Red indicator).

The limits are influenced by the Helideck category, Aircraft category and Day / Night setting.
The platform category is set during installation and can only be changed by the administrator.

In the graphs the limits are indicated by the red lines.

The limits are according table 4:

HELIDECK CATEGORY
Aircraft 1 2 3
Category P/R INC H/R H/A P/R INC H/R H/A P/R INC H/R H/A
DAY ±3 3.5 1.3 5.0 ±2 2.5 1.0 3.0 ±2 2.5 1.0 3.0
A
NT ±3 3.5 1.0 4.0 ±2 2.5 0.5 1.5 ±1 1.5 0.5 1.5
DAY ±4 4.5 1.3 5.0 ±3 3.5 1.0 3.0 ±3 3.5 1.0 3.0
B
NT ±4 4.5 1.0 4.0 ±2 2.5 0.5 1.5 ±1.5 2.0 0.5 1.5
Table 4

2.9.1 Aircraft category

The Aircraft Category should be set by the operator to A or B according the type of helicopter.

2.9.2 Operational limitations

Select Day or Night to change the limits accordingly.

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2.10 Waves

Not yet implemented

2.11 Current

Not yet implemented

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3 Advanced screens

3.1 Wind

This screen gives more detailed information of the wind measurement. It also gives the option to change
the average interval to actual, reference orientation and units. Al these settings are for this screen only.

A Magnetic North deviation must be set for the correct Magnetic North orientation.

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3.2 Weather

This screen gives more detailed information about the Barometric pressure, Humidity, Temperature, Dew
point and Visibility / Present weather.

Units can be changed for temperature and visibility. Changes are for this screen only.

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3.3 Clouds

This screen gives you 2 extra layers and vertical visibility (if available).
Units can be switched between meters and feet. Changes are for this screen only.

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3.4 Motion

This screen gives you a larger graph of the motion data and the Helideck category. The Helideck
category can only be changed via the Installation Login. (Please contact you supplier if the category is
incorrect).

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4 ATIS
The optional ATIS module turns the HMS into an automatic weather station with a spoken METAR
weather report.

4.1 Metar message

The Metar message is build up as follows:

Identification: This is platform x automated weather observation

UTC time: HR MM Zulu
Measurements: Wind, 10 knots
Etc

NOTAM (optional): User configurable message at the end of the weather report.

4.1.1 Data Missing

Whenever a parameter value is not relevant (like Vertical Visibility at a clear sky) it is left out completely.
But when particular data has not been received or is out of boundary (which could indicate a sensor
malfunction) the data is reported with the text: ‘Missing’.

4.1.2 NOTAM

A message can be added to the weather report. This can be done as follows:

- Leave the full screen mode

- Select in the file tree on the left: ATIS
- Type your message in the NOTAM field.
- Test your message and save it you are satisfied.

NOTE: The system uses the voice installed on the main system. If you test remote from a different PC
your local installed voice will be used for the test. This might sound different form the actual voice!
We advise to install the same voice on your remote system to avoid this. (Standard Observator
installed voice is IVONA 2 AMY).

4.1.3 VHF triggering

The ATIS system can be triggered remote by the Push To Talk (PTT) button of the VHF. The codes for
this can be configured by your system integrator. Via this module it is possible to control other functions
as well such as landing lights.

For the correct working of the VHF triggering the radio must be set to
manufacturer recommendation according the manual of the VHF radio.

Take special care to the correct squelch setting!

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5 APPENDIX A: Supervisor settings

When logged in as Supervisor more settings will be available, which are not to be changed during normal
operation. This mode is password protected to avoid unwanted changes.

5.1 Logging in

To login as Superuser the main screen must be closed with the off button.

Restart the HMS system with the HMS (Supervisor) shortcut (or via Start\All Programs\
Observator). You will be asked to enter a password.

5.2 Helideck height.

For fixed platforms the height above sea level is set during installation and should not be altered, but on
moveable platforms the height must be set whenever the actual height has changed.
The height can be changed in the ‘Weather’ menu.

5.3 Heading

The heading can be set in the ‘Wind’ screen. This will be set during installation and for fixed platforms this
should not be changed. For moveable installations this can be set manually. The value is stored in the
OMC-182 signal conditioning unit. Saving it takes 1-2 minutes.
When a gyro is connected to the system the heading will be updated automatically. Dedicated wind
displays connected to the OMC-182 will only show relative wind .The gyro value will not be updated to the
OMC-182.

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6 APPENDIX B: OMC2900 Collector

When logged in as Administrator more settings will be available, which are not to be changed during
normal operation. This mode is password protected to avoid unwanted changes.

6.1 Logging in

To login as Administrator the main screen must be closed with the off button.

Restart the HMS system with the OMC-Data-Online (as Administrator) shortcut can be found
via Start\All Programs\Observator\OMC-Data-Online. You will be asked to enter a password.

6.2 Adding sensor(s)

In OMC-Data-Online go to ‘Control’ and click on

‘Stop OMC-2900 Weather Station Data Collector’
Then go back to ‘Control’ and click on
‘Start&Configure OMC-2900 Weather Station Data
Collector’. Here you have an overview of what modules are
already being collected.

To add an additional sensor you first need to press the button ‘Add’ then you need to use the following
settings to the corresponding sensor (these are the default settings).
1 2 3
Sensor Module code Protocol Baudrate Aggregation Registration Auto detect
4 5
Period interval Marked
6
Discontinuity
Meteo METEO OMC2900 4800 1 minute 2 minutes Enabled
Navigation* NAVIGATION NMEA 4800 1 minute 2 minutes Disabled
Motion MOTION TSS 9600 30 minutes 2 minutes Disabled
Cloudbase sensor CLOUDS CBME80 (Ceilo) 1200 1 minute 2 minutes Disabled
Visbility Sensor VISIBILITY VPF710 / VPF730 1200 10 minutes 2 minutes Enabled
Wave Sensor WAVES WaveRadar Rex 9600 1 minute 2 minutes Disabled
*Navigation needs to be added two times one for Gyro and the other for GPS.

See below for a screenshot about the ‘Module settings’ with the corresponding numbers in the table
above.

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Once the sensors has been added press on ‘OK’. And press then on ‘Close and Save Changes’.
You will get a popup of the start confirmation. Please choose ‘Start as Service’.

Now you can close OMC-Data-Online and start OMC HMS as operator again.
Shortcut can be found on your desktop.

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7 APPENDIX C: Maintenance recommendations

The Observator HMS system is a high standard and accurate system. To maintain this high
standard some components do require regular maintenance and calibration.

To guarantee an accurate system shorter intervals are required compared to land systems.

The following maintenance list replaces any recommendations in the separate sensor
datasheet or manual:

Equipment Maintenance Calibration Remarks

interval interval
OMC-150 12 months 12 months Bearing replacement. Calibration in wind tunnel.
wind sensor

OMC-160 12 months 12 months Bearing replacement. Calibration in wind tunnel.

wind sensor

OMC-406 12 months 12 months Calibration in lab.

T&H sensor

OMC-506 N.A. 12 months Calibration in lab.

Baro sensor

VPF-710 Regular 12 months Calibration on site.

Visibility cleaning of
sensor lenses*

VPF-730 Regular 12 months Calibration on site.

Present cleaning of
weather lenses*
Sensor

CBME80 Regular N.A. No calibration required.

Cloud base cleaning of
Sensor. lenses*

*Regular cleaning requirement is influenced by local circumstances. We recommend cleaning

once a week, this interval should be shortened if circumstances require this.

We offer an exchange service for sensors that require calibration in wind tunnel or lab.

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