Systems Overview

 

Design. NightWatch systems have been continually refined to meet the exacting requirements of captains and engineers.  We listen constantly to our customers’ suggestions and work out methods to incorporate their needs and recommendations into our products.  Importantly, NightWatch makes no proprietary hardware.  PLC modules are available in over 60 countries and can usually be installed with a screwdriver.  Backup cards are provided for all systems along with detailed drawings and manuals.

Custom Systems.  For larger vessels each system is a combination of our tried and true hardware and programs and adaptations needed for a given job.  For each vessel we may have to meet new requirements to monitor different engines, electrical, HVAC or other devices as well as work out locations and space for mounting of hardware.

 For larger vessels our systems usually consist of three DAUs (Digital Acquisition Units):  One near the bridge, one in the machinery spaces and one below forward, usually in the crew area.  All inputs from analog, data buss, and digital sources wire to the nearest DAU.  All three are interconnected with duplicate networks with automatic throwover in case of a network failure.  This combination of minimized cable runs has been determined to be the most efficient and safest.  All DAU connections are housed inside waterproof (NEMA4) enclosures.  The main goal is to insure that no single connection failure or wire break can take down a large part of the system.  Where possible, all wired connections are hard wired to terminals with connector use minimized.

All displays provide the same information and general layout.  Bridge displays are driven by approved PCs which access the actual alarm system for raw data and present it using high end SCADA graphics designed by NightWatch.  Displays for utility areas, engine rooms, crew, officer’s cabins, etc. are Lloyds approved full color touchscreens with waterproof (NEMA4) faces.  All displays are individually cabled to the core alarm system.  Touchscreens are uniquely addressed in the system but are interchangeable in the event one is damaged.

Utility Systems.  Our systems for work boats and smaller yachts normally consist of 32 or 64 digital (contact type) inputs and may include a small number of add-ons for analog data from tanks, engines or electrical devices.  They are designed for the user to adapt to his specific requirements.  From the touchscreen displays he can: 1) enter the three line text to be entered on each button, 2) determine if that button should alarm on contact opening or closing, 3) enter the delay required before alarming, such as for bilges, 4) specify if that alarm is one of a group which can be disabled when needed, such as for hatches and doors during working hours, 5) select any of eight output relays to close on that alarm for remote sounders.  As with the custom systems, multiple displays are common for different areas of the boat.

Certifications.  For classed vessels, all PLC hardware and related modules and interfaces are pre-approved by many certification agencies including Lloyds, DNV, NK, GL, Gost, and others.  When our design is complete, we submit  it to the responsible agency for overall approval.  For non-classed vessels, we use mostly the same hardware and meet the same rigorous testing procedures.  Documentation meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 90003:2004, Software engineering - Guidelines for the application of ISO 9001:2000 to computer software.

 Installations. NightWatch systems are designed for easy installation by shipyards in the case of new builds or local marine electronics firms for refits.  We can assist in locating qualified installers if needed.

 

Vessels - Up to 100’

 

Custom Systems. NightWatch can adapt their PLC based system to any size vessel. These systems use the same Lloyds approved data acquisition hardware and quality touchscreen graphics as found in our larger systems.  The photo gallery below shows some of the screen displays used on custom yachts in this size range.

 

T-64. The T-64 system is a modular, off-the-shelf, monitoring system designed for workboats, fishing vessels, and smaller yachts. Using the same quality graphics and Lloyds approved components, T-64 delivers an economical system that you can customize to suit your vessel.  By expanding the basic 64 point alarm unit for tanks, engines, and electric data, the T-64 can monitor nearly every aspect of the vessel’s operation.  The standard 8” waterproof touchscreen can  be upgraded to a 12” display, and additional color displays can be added for other areas of the boat.  Each of the 64 alarm buttons has a setup screen where titles can be defined.  Eight output relays can be selected in any combination  to close for each alarm.  The setup screen also allows the user to set horns, time delays, and normally open or closed inputs.  If the emergency text message option is included, the setup matrix also appears on this screen.  Below are some sample screen shots.  Prices begin at $9,090.

 

E-32.  Our  E-32 monitoring system is designed for vessels that need a simple, adaptable monitoring and alarm system.  This economical, off-the-shelf system has 32 alarm points that are displayed on a 7” full color, waterproof touchscreen.  Similar to the T-64, each alarm has a setup screen for customizing titles, alarm delays, relay closures, normally open/closed contacts, and signal audibility.  There are 8 relay outputs for connecting to horns, strobes, or other devices.  Price $4,350.

The screen shots below also show the screens for the text messaging option, which can be included for an additional cost.

 

Vessel Systems - 100’ to 160’

 

NightWatch’s first custom monitoring systems were built for this range of vessels. Over the years, we have tailored each system  to accommodate the customer’s needs, employing the latest innovations in data acquisition and graphic design.  The screen captures below illustrate some of the custom displays NightWatch has provided for vessels in the 100’ to 160’ range.

These are very comprehensive monitoring systems, almost all approved by classification societies, built to the specifications of owners, captains, engineers, and naval architects.  Although there is a commonality among such systems, no two are alike.  Some are designed to meet minimum requirements for approvals while others are more elaborate with more displays and monitoring of additional equipment.  An example is a  fishing vessel which needed additional monitoring of  numerous tank temperatures and motor currents of over 18 DC motors.

In this size range free standing fire detection systems are required.  Some are simple enough for conventional loop type systems while others need addressable systems where each sensor is continually polled on one or more networks.  NightWatch provides either type and accesses the equipment data buss to provide repeated information on all NightWatch displays.

Though not usually required by classification, most users of our systems in this size range have opted for the navigational conning display which gathers data from various GPS, gyro, weather, steering, and other sources and presents a consolidated situational view to the helmsman.  This is a second bridge display driven by a second approved PC.  A further use is to split the video signal and feed it to small, waterproof, full sunlight displays on the wing stations, avoiding many individual gauges and indicators normally used.

 

Vessel Systems - Over 160’

 

Systems for vessels in this size range are more elaborate versions of the 100-160 foot systems.  Not only are the monitoring requirements expanded for vessels over 500 tons, but onboard equipment is larger with more detailed data buss information, many more doors and hatches, and far larger fire detection systems.  A typical vessel in this size range will have 16 navigation lights to monitor and, if using LED lights, must monitor five or six notification or alarm conditions for each light.  HVAC systems can require an entire page of data for four or more compressors.

 

Systems for Workboats

T-64. For working vessels the T-64 alarm system offers dependable PLC monitoring that can be expanded to include tanks, electrical, or engine data.  Using the same quality graphics and Lloyds approved industrial components, T-64 delivers an economical system that you can customize to suit your vessel.  The standard 8” waterproof touchscreen can  be upgraded to a 12” display, and additional color displays can be added for other areas of the boat.  Each of the 64 alarm buttons has a setup screen where titles can be defined.  Eight output relays can be selected in any combination  to close for each alarm.  The setup screen also allows the user to set horns, time delays, and normally open or closed inputs.  If the emergency text message option is included, the setup matrix also appears on this screen.  Prices begin at $9,090.

  The screen shots below are examples of alarms and tank monitoring.

 

E-32.   Our  E-32 monitoring system is designed for vessels that need a simple, adaptable monitoring and alarm system.  This economical, off-the-shelf system has 32 alarm points that are displayed on a 7” full color, waterproof touchscreen.  Similar to the T-64, each alarm has a setup screen for customizing titles, alarm delays, relay closures, normally open/closed contacts, and signal audibility.  There are 8 relay outputs for connecting to horns, strobes, or other devices.  Price $4,350.

The screen shots below also show the screens for the text messaging option, which can be included for an additional cost 

 

Systems for Fishing Vessels

 

NightWatch has been continually developing our "T" series to meet the needs of the Northwest fishing fleet.  As a result, the USCG is accepting NightWatch monitoring systems under the Automation in Lieu of Assistant Engineer Policy letter No. 11-11, Ch 1. 

The basic T-64 monitors 64 contact closure inputs on four screens of 16 buttons and is expandable to 12 screens, allowing 192 alarm buttons (T-192).  Processing of alarms is performed by a PLC and displayed on a waterproof touch screen; both are approved by Lloyds, DNV, GL, NK and many others.  When an alarm occurs the button flashes red, an audible alarm activates, and one or more user selected relays close for remote horns or annunciators .  Once pressed, the button changes to a fixed yellow until the problem is corrected.  Each alarm button has a setup screen for the user to customize text, select output relays, and set horns, time delays, and normally open or closed inputs.  For convenience, alarms may be grouped for control of audible alarms.

In an expanded system, analog monitoring for up to 48 inputs allows for linear 4-20 milliamp measurements such as temperature, pressure, or batteries.  For tank volumes, our 16 level calibration corrects for any tank irregularities.

Special monitoring of engine and electrical parameters is available for up to 6 engines and 8 generator or shore power sources.

Touch screen displays are available in 8”, 12”, and 15” full color NEMA4 versions, and up to 4 remote displays can be added to a system.

Pricing for the basic T-64 with one 8” display begins at $9,090.

 

For smaller boats, with fewer crew members, our E-32 may be the right choice.  Visit E-32 , under the Workboats for more information.
 

Refits

 

Large vessel refits are very different from new builds and have become a special niche for NightWatch.  Refit jobs are unique because costs can vary dramatically based on the designer’s or architect’s approach.  There must be careful surveys to see which existing input sensors and devices can be reused, how to minimize removal of finished paneling, and to determine the best location for the new monitoring system hardware.  In every refit there will be management decisions regarding how much additional monitoring to add and whether bridge consoles will be upgraded for newer navigation equipment and enhanced displays.  Below are some screen shots from systems designed to meet the specific requirements of refit vessels.

 

Emergency Texting

NOTE: All messaging requires a SIM card from the user’s cell account.
 

Custom Systems Add-on.  Emergency Text Messaging (ETM)  is an option on any of our custom NightWatch monitoring systems.  If an alarm occurs, ETM sends up to 8 different text messages to 5 cell phone numbers chosen by the user.  If the alarm is not acknowledged within a user specified time, 5 additional cell phone numbers can be called to insure that someone is aware of the problem.  Exit and entry disabling times are user settable.  All text messaging devices require the user to have a cell contract with their preferred provider.  For display on 8” screens, such as on the T-64, the data remains the same, but with a smaller format.  Call for pricing. 

 

T-64 or E-32 Add-on.  Emergency texting is an optional addition to the T-64 or the E-32 alarm system.  Similar to the system described above, additional screens are added to allow defining two sets of phone numbers and up to five different messages which can be sent in response to alarm conditions.  The setup screen for each alarm button is used to set which message must be sent for that specific alarm.  Call for pricing.