Real Time Import into Greensea Workspace

Real Time Import requires an application that can export NMEA sentences in real time via a computer port, and the use of gss_nmea2gss.

Real Time Import Example

If your application can export NMEA sentences in real time to a computer port, you will need to know how to configure it. The application's documentation should provide the information you need. For example, if your application can export an NMEA GGA sentence (LAT/LON coordinate data) using TCP/IP address 192.168.1.34, port 16720, you would execute the following command in a terminal window before starting Greensea Workspace (this command should be entered on one line):

  • gss_nmea2gss transport=tcp hostname=192.168.1.34 ip_port=16720 gps_channel=TS_SHIPS_POS_STAT

Where:

  • gss_nmea2gss is the helper program
  • transport=tcp tells the program to use the TCP protocol for communication
  • hostname=192.168.1.34 is the TCP/IP address that the application uses for export
  • ip_port=16720 is the TCP/IP port that the application uses for export
  • gps_channel=TS_SHIPS_POS_STAT is the Greensea Workspace Channel for receiving the data - in this example the data will be treated as a topside GPS

Using a Shell Script to Start the Helper Program

To create a shell script, the above command can be entered into a .sh file as follows (using the "\" to indicate more data for the command follows on the next line, which makes the file easier to read):

#!/bin/bash
 
gss_nmea2gss \
transport=tcp \
hostname=192.168.1.34 \
ip_port=16720 \
gps_channel=TS_SHIPS_POS_STAT

A desktop shortcut can be created for this .sh file to make it easier to execute. Information about creating a shortcut can be found online.

Options for gss_nmea2gss

You can add the help=true option to the gss_nmea2gss command to display a complete list of supported channels and input parameters.

gss_nmea2gss help=true

View the gss_nmea2gss help information.

Modifying Greensea's Workspace Configuration for Import

Here is a sample excerpt of the modification required to be added to the process_server_config.yml file.

    - client_name: videoray
      uuid: USER_CREATED_NAME
      process_name: /home/videoray/USER_CREATED_SHELL_SCRIPT_NAME.sh
      arguments:
        - ~
      process_cmd: keep_alive
      publish_console: 0
      keep_alive_ms: 1000

USER_CREATED_NAME and USER_CREATED_SHELL_SCRIPT_NAME should be replaced with the names based on your preference and the filename of your shell script.

For assistance modifying the Greensea Workspace configuration or managing processes, please contact VideoRay Support at support@videoray.com.

Greensea Import/Export How to Guide, Version: 1.00.00
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