Endeavour® Navigator FAQs

Is there a printed version of the User Guide?

Endeavour®5 Navigator User Guide is provided in digital format (PDF document) and can be found on the Endeavour®5 Navigator distribution CD.

The Endeavour®5 Navigator distribution CD also contains installation files for Adobe Acrobat Reader.



The User Guide and all our documentation is also available for download from this website.

A printed version of the Endeavour®5 Navigator User Guide is available upon request. Please contact sales.

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Can I use USB dongle instead of parallel dongle?

Since version 5.3, Endeavour®5 Navigator can use both Parallel and USB dongles. Older versions of Endeavour® do not support USB dongles.
You can upgrade your dongle case from parallel to USB for $110 by contacting sales.

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What is the "Own Ship Settings" Password? (Version 5.2 and 5.3)

By default, a password is not being set up in the application - it is "blank", i.e. when the dialog pops up you can ignore typing anything in the "Enter password" field and click the OK button to continue.

If on the other hand you want to add password protection, you can assign a new password by selecting the Change Password tick box on the "Enter password to xxx" dialog and clicking on the OK button. This will present you with two new fields: "Enter New Password" and "Confirm New Password". Type the new password in both fields and select the OK button.

Note: This password will be used through out the application whenever it is required, i.e. it is not unique to the particular setting.

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The system consistently crashes immediately on starting the program (Version 5.4 and below)

This usually means that the chart object database (SENC) that is created by the program has been corrupted. The chart object database stores all chart objects used by the system.

Unfortunately, the only fix to this problem is to delete the SENC before you run the program. This means that you will lose all the chart objects (waypoints, legs, position lines, clearing lines, etc.) held by the system.

For this reason, we recommend that you regularly archive/save all your chart objects to a file. To save your chart objects use the "Group Control" dialog, which is accessed from the CHART WORK menu.

To delete the chart object database, you need to delete the senc directory, which is found under C:/Program Files/Endeavour.

Start the program as normal and a new, empty Chart Object Database will be created. You can now import any chart objects that you have previously exported to a file using the "Group Control" dialog.

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The system crashes after several days constant use (Version 4.1)

This is a known problem with Endeavour version 4.

This problem has been fixed in - Endeavour®5 Navigator. A free demonstration version of the software can be downloaded.

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My screen is dark or displaying in the wrong colours

There are two possibilities:

  • In Endeavour, check the colour screen you are using. You may have the screen on Night or other dark setting, since you last used the program. Go to VIEW / Settings / Display Colours to check your settings.
  • Your computer may not be displaying in enough colours. In Windows, go to Control Panel, open your Display function, click the Settings tab and select a higher setting in the Colour Palette (16 or 24 bit). This would be likely if the colours are displaying erratically.

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When using the Information function or clicking for warning information nothing happens

This is because Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher is not installed on your computer. The program uses Microsoft Internet Explorer to display reports and error messages. To fix this, please install Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.

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Everything is very small and/or I can't click on the item on the screen (Versions 4.1 and below)

It is likely that the screen calibration has been changed accidentally. To fix you will need a ruler that measures 10 cm:

1. Select Chart Work / Calibrate Display Scale. The cursor changes to a blue cross.
2. Click once on the screen and measure 10 cm from the first point. As you drag the mouse across you will see a blue line drawn on the screen.

The true scale of the chart displayed on screen displayed in the Cursor Status Bar.

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The program reports "No Dongle Attached" even though you have the dongle attached

If this message appears there are several likely answers to examine:

You may find that the dongle works sometimes, or after you reboot, but then the error message comes up. This may be:

  • The dongle and some other hardware or software is competing for the port.

  • Some USB ports (on cheaper no-brand hardware) do not respond to Endeavour within the 60 second time period. This cannot be adjusted and is the maximum period allowed for by the chart licencing specifications. Consult your hardware supplier for alternative solutions.

Printers connected to a parallel port dongle may be competing. To test this option:

  • Reboot your machine. Open Endeavour. Will it now recognise your dongle?
  • Disable the printer. To do this, first check that you still have the drivers (on CD or diskette or saved elsewhere on your hard drive) for the printer. If you cannot find the original disks for the printer, most companies have the drivers for your printer available to download from their web site. To disable the printer, delete the printer drivers. Go to Start button for Windows, select Settings, then Printers. This will bring up a window with a link to all the printers that you have installed. Click on your printer with the right mouse button and select 'Delete'. If you have no other printers installed, there will be a Windows message telling you that you are deleting your default printer. Click OK.
  • Turn off your printer (you do not need to disconnect the printer). To update your system you next need to close all your programs and reboot the PC.
  • After rebooting your PC, open Endeavour.
    If this solution does not work, then there are port conflicts with the dongle or other accessories. The best solution is to use separate ports for each accessory or an alternative printer. We have had several customers contact us with problems sharing with Canon Bubblejet printers. We have not records of problems with any other brands.

If the above tests do not fix the problem, refer to I think my dongle is damaged/not working


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I think my dongle is damaged/not working

The dongle is a computer hardware device. It consists of two pieces:

Dongle case - There are four kinds of dongle cases that have been released since Endeavour first came out in 1997: DS1410D, DS1410E and DS1410E-001 parallel cases and the DS9490b USB case. As technology has changed, we have found that we have had to change the dongle case to be compatible with new hardware. You may find that if you upgrade your PC/laptop, your new PC may not have a suitable port or compatible motherboard. You can obtain a new dongle case through HSA, by contacting us at support@hsa.com.au

Dongle button - This is often mistaken for a battery, but in fact it is the part with all the programming for the permits and user identification. It does not go flat or expire.

Due care must be taken with the dongle. It is not weatherproof, waterproof or shockproof. Salt water can cause corrosion.

It is not intended to be exposed to the elements.

If your dongle appears to be damaged or faulty, contact your Endeavour agent or use the Support Form on our website.

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I cannot print through the dongle on the parallel port

Check the type of dongle you are using. It should be either a DS1410D or a DS1410E, which will be printed on the dongle. The DS1410D dongle does not handle bi-directional printing. To solve this problem you must contact your distributor about upgrading your dongle. All dongles issued since December 1997 (number 166 onwards) have been issued as "E" type.

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What is an access code?

There are several codes associated with your system:

  • A System ID or Dongle Number is the number on your dongle that we identify your system with (also your number in our database). When you call us, this is the reference number we have for your system in our database.
  • A Hardware ID is the serial number of the dongle button. In our early systems we did not record this number, but it is now used for later versions of Endeavour. When upgrading to Version 5, you need to supply this number to HSA so we can update our database and generate your access code.
  • An Access Code is the key to opening a new version, particularly an upgrade. In early Versions 3 & 4 this was a 4 digit code. In version 5 it is a 16 character (letter and numbers) code.
  • The RNC or HCRF PIN and User Permit are the 'keys' to your RNC charts. You also need to supply these numbers when ordering charts. To 'permanently install' your system, you need to go to "Menus > Chart > Enter HCRF Pin... "
  • The S63 User Permit is the 'key' to S63 (encrypted ENC cell charts). This number is issued by HSA if you have purchased the S63 option for your Endeavour®5 Navigator.

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Where do I find my access code?

When you purchase your upgrade, you will receive a CD cover with all your system information. Keep this information for any time you need to re-install, upgrade or order charts.

If you cannot find the details of your access code you will need to contact HSA with your details (including dongle number and/or user permit number) for further help.

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When I zoom in and then out again, Endeavour changes the chart I selected

Endeavour®5 Navigator has defaults set for the optimum chart for viewing the area selected. When you zoom in, the best chart is selected, when you zoom out again, the chart with the best coverage for that area comes up. This may not necessarily be the original chart selected. You can still see the chart of your preference by selecting it from the “Open” dialog (MENUS button – Chart menu – “Open Chart” dialog OR "Right Mouse Click Pop up" menu – Other charts option - “Open Chart” dialog).

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Why does Endeavour change the scale of chart that I'm using? (or, How can a user tell the system to always use the user defined chart?)

Endeavour Versions 3 & 4 were designed to give the user the opportunity to specify the preferred scale at which the vessel to be monitored / tracked along the selected route. In another words, if there are more than one raster chart or ENC cell available at the vessel location and the "Go to vessel" option is selected the application will zoom to the preset scale for monitoring the vessel.

When using ENC cells independent on the default vessel scale all the alarms and warnings are triggered based on the larger scale cell available for the location of the vessel and the vessel's look ahead cone.

In version 5 of Endeavour, the mariner is only warned that there is a larger scale cell available at vessel's location. The application maintains the current display scale and uses the larger scale cell to trigger the warnings even if the cell is not displayed.

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HCRF01 to HCRF18 error messages

These error messages are the standard statements required for Chart errors. Read the error carefully. Some indicate that your licence has expired - or will shortly. These messages are mandatory safety warnings and cannot be disabled.

If the message says that licence or permits are too old or not valid, you need to check the following:

  • Have you just installed new updates? New updates only work on the current Chart CD.
  • Have you installed the correct permits for the chart? The date of the permits must match the Update CD month.

If you find that your charts and permits are in a muddle, you can start afresh:

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Go to the drive where your charts are installed, usually C Drive (the default for installation)
3. You need the folder marked HRCFDATA. Highlight (click on it once) and delete.

This will remove all the charts and chart permits from your system. You can then make a fresh installation by opening Endeavour and using the Chart Wizard (CHART / Manage Charts and Permits). Select the "I have never installed....." option. This will not delete any of your mariner's objects (routes waypoints and other notations you have made), which are kept in a separate file.

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How can I print charts?

Electronic charts such as ARCS are designed to be used with navigation software, such as our product Endeavour®5 Navigator, for real-time navigation, usually incorporated with a GPS and Autopilot.

The ARCS data (charts) is copyright of the Admiralty (Navy) and as such they are protected by licence codes and proprietary formatting/encoding (it cannot just be exported as a picture file for example). Navigation software must be approved and endorsed by the appropriate authority: Endeavour is authorised for ARCS (UK), Seafarer (Australian) and NZMariner (LINZ) data. Users cannot print off whole charts. This printing facility is still the responsibility of the Navy.

Small sections (screen dumps) of what is displayed on the screen can be printed on a normal office/home printer.

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Can I load "Western Australian RNC"?

The "Western Australian RNC" chart product is manufactured according to the Hydrographic Chart Raster Format (HCRF) standard, Version 2.00, 1995. "Western Australian RNC" is another product similar to Seafarer & ARCS chart products.

To install "Western Australian RNC" in Endeavour®5 Navigator use the CHART menu - Manage RNC Charts option. On the selection page of the "Manage RNC Charts" dialog select the Seafarer / ARCS option, then use the available options to install the permits (supplied floppy disk) and charts (supplied Chart CD).

Note: Endeavour Versions 3 & 4 do not accept WARNC.

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Why are there two images for each chart?

Seafarer and ARCS data provides a High and a Low Resolution images for each hydrographic chart.

The Low Resolution image is captured in such way to allow the entire chart to be displayed on the screen. The Low Resolution image is to be used as a reference when the user wants to overview the chart or for general voyage/route planning.

The High Resolution image is captured in way to give the user the greatest possible chart detail to allow correct positioning.

As charts undergo continues update for Notices to Mariners corrections, only the High Resolution image is altered to reflect the changes outlined by the permanent NtM corrections.

The High Resolution image is the chart view which should be used during navigation as well as when planning routes which should always be checked on the High Resolution chart view.

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What is the orange bar at the side of a chart?

This is a scale bar that is part of the S-52 (International Standard) display requirement.

  • If the scale of the display is larger than 1:80,000 (eg 1:50,000), the bar is Orange/Grey and shows 1 nautical mile.
  • If the scale of the display is smaller than 1:80,000 (eg 1:250,000) the bar is Grey/Black and shows 10 nautical miles.

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How do I load new charts from the UPDATE CD?

An update CD has all new update information for each chart. When a new update CD is released, it overwrites the previous one to prevent filling the hard drive with old files.

There may be a new chart added on rare occasions. It is included as an update until the new Chart CD is released (eg. ED97-1 and then ED99-1). There is an option to load all updates or just those for which you have permits, and loading the chart is the same procedure. Until the new Chart CD is released that new chart will appear in the system as an update.

There are no special requirements for loading the new chart.

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I have several sets of ARCS Skipper permits and I can not view the previous sets of permits (version 3.1 and below)

The ARCS Skipper licence agreement allows a user to view a chart which was current at the time the permits were purchased, but does not allow the user to use any updates for that chart after the purchase date. Since Endeavour only keeps a copy of the most recent chart data it has available, only the most recent set of Skipper permits will be able to be used. This problem was fixed with the release of Endeavour 4.0 in May 1999. Upgrading your copy of Endeavour will fix this problem.

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Specification required by Endeavour for interfacing with Autopilot

Endeavour is designed to interface with any Autopilot as long it can accept NMEA 0183 sentences.

Endeavour sends the following information to Autopilot:

APA
Autopilot Sentence “A”
APB
Autopilot Sentence “B”
BEC

Bearing & Distance to Waypoint – Dead Reckoning

BOD

Bearing – Origin to Destination

BWC
Bearing & Distance to Waypoint
BWR
Bearing & Distance to Waypoint – Rhumb Line
BWW
Bearing – Waypoint to Waypoint
GLL
Geographic Position – Latitude / Longitude
HSC
Heading Steering
RMB
Recommended Minimum Navigation Information
VTG
Course Over Ground and Ground Speed
WCV
Waypoint Closure Velocity
WNC
Distance – Waypoint to Waypoint
WPL
Waypoint Location
XTE
Cross-Track Error, Measured
XTR
Cross-Track Error – Dead Reckoning


The following talker types are available as well:

EC

Electronic Chart System
II

Integrated Instrumentation
GP

Global Positioning System

SN

Electronic Positioning System
TR

TRANSIT Navigation System


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How many sensor devices can be connected to the serial COM port?

Only one physical device may be connected to each COM port at any time. This device may have the capabilities to feed several sensors simultaneously. In this case, you may add all the sensors your device provides in the "Configuration" dialog on the same port.

Note: This does not include your autopilot. An autopilot may safely be combined with any other device on any COM port.

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My autopilot is not receiving data from Endeavour

Check that Endeavour®5 Navigator is set up correctly for the autopilot. If you are using the serial cable supplied with Endeavour to run a GPS and an autopilot off the same port, ensure that it is wired up correctly.

Also, check that Endeavour®5 Navigator is set up to send the correct NMEA sentences, look in your autopilot manual to see what NMEA sentences your autopilot needs.

Please note that Endeavour will only sent autopilot data if route has been Selected and Monitored.

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I cannot connect ARPA (Versions 4.1)

ARPA uses TTM or TLL NMEA 0183 string. In the NMEA TTM string, the first digit is a target number. If the sensor leaves the field blank it is not recognised. Some makes do not include the target number in the string and leave the field blank.

If possible change the settings from TTM to TLL. This has been updated in Version 5.0.

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My mouse arrow moves around by itself

This problem is usually experienced when you have connected multiple sensors to multiple COM ports available on your PC. We have reports for such mouse behaviour only occurring on computers running Windows XP. We have put together instructions for fixing this problem.

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My mouse has delayed reaction when moved around

When trying to move the mouse to a particular location the mouse gets stuck every second for couple of seconds.
To solve this problem please change the setting for your monitor's display properties. To do this select the START - Settings - Control Panel - Display option. On the "Display Properties" dialog / Settings tab select the next available setting in the "Colour quality" section.

Note: For some video cards it could be the next highest and for other the next lowest setting.

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My system gets the "Blue Screen of Death" when using Endeavour

This problem occurs when you are using “USB to Serial converter” to connect your NMEA sensor(s), eg. GPS, to the computer. This problem relates to the Driver DLL you have installed in order to use the “USB to Serial converter”.

Boat Books - Sydney clients had success using Wiretech USB to RS232 for serial ports.
Another USB to RS232 Converter recommended by Endeavour®5 Navigator users can be obtained from FTDI Chip

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My GPS is on and receiving, but I still get a 'GPS Failure' warning

The “GPS Failure” warning was reported incorrectly by Endeavour®5 Navigator v 5.2.1.

This problem was rectified in later versions we recommend upgrading to the current version of Endeavour®5. Contact our sales team through Sales or call our Sydney office.

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Why is the Radar Settings Toolbar icon on my Endeavour®5 Navigator not available?

The Radar Overlay module is not currently available, therefore this option appears "greyed out".

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What will the Radar Overlay module offer?

The Radar Overlay module is in development. When this module is available, it will provide Endeavour®5 Navigator with the ability to receive radar image from radar connected to the "Endeavour®5 Navigator PC" via a "Radar Server PC". The received image can be overlay over the displayed chart data allowing the navigator to confirm that electronic chart data and the radar image are co-located, thereby allowing the vessel to be navigated under blind pilotage.

Click here to see a snapshot of radar image overlayed in Endeavour®5 Navigator.

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What is the current status of the Radar Overlay module?

Initial development has been undertaken using Furuno1942 radar and RS1000 BARCO interface card. We are in the process of investigating interfacing the rest of the available radars.

If you are interested in connecting your radar with Endeavour®5 Navigator please Email Us your details and we will provide you with a quote.

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Can I display radar targets in Endeavour®5 Navigator?

Yes, Endeavour®5 Navigator will display the targets you have nominated to be transferred from your radar. Do not forget that you have to set up Endeavour®5 Navigator to receive either TTM (Tracked Target Message) or TLL (Target Latitude and Longitude) NMEA 0183 data (use the VESSEL menu – “I/O Configuration” dialog – Sensors tab).

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Why does the application restrict waypoint's names?

Endeavour®5 Navigator has been developed to satisfy a variety of international standards related to safety at sea.

The IEC 61174, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) standard requires that when a waypoint is labeled, “the first character shall be a letter but not ‘O’, ‘I’ or ‘Z’.”.

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Why does night vision does not dim scroll bars?

This problem occurs on computers using Windows XP. To rectify, select START button / Settings option / Control Panel sub-option / Display function. On the "Display Properties" dialog select the Appearance tab and in the Colour scheme field select the Windows Classic option.

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My PC does not have a floppy disk drive

Many computers no longer have 3.5" floppy drives, however some chart permits are still issued on floppy disk. These permit files are not protected (as they only work with the registered dongle) and so they can be copied to a CD, USB drive etc. for ease of use. If you do not have the facilities to read or copy the floppy disk, ask your Chart Supplier for assistance.

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I haven't found the answers here, now what do I do?

HSA has a support structure to help our users, click support for more information.