FURUNO DS-80 Doppler Speed Log

Complete Marine Technical Guide for Accurate Vessel Speed Measurement

Product Identification

The FURUNO DS-80 Doppler Speed Log is a highly accurate marine navigation instrument designed to measure vessel speed through water and distance traveled using advanced Doppler ultrasonic technology. The system supplies critical speed information to ECDIS, AIS, Radar, Autopilot, VDR, and Integrated Bridge Systems.

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Product Introduction

Accurate vessel speed information is essential for navigation safety, voyage planning, fuel optimization, and autopilot performance.

The FURUNO DS-80 utilizes Doppler frequency shift technology to determine vessel speed relative to the surrounding water. The system is designed for commercial shipping, offshore vessels, tankers, passenger ships, and specialized marine applications where precise speed data is required.

The equipment shown in the image consists of:

• DS-80 Display Unit
• Signal Processor Unit
• Junction/Interface Unit
• Hull-Mounted Doppler Transducer
• Communication Cables

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Main Product Image

The image above illustrates a complete DS-80 Doppler Speed Log system including display, processing units, and transducer assembly.

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What Is the FURUNO DS-80?

The DS-80 is a Doppler Speed Log that measures Speed Through Water (STW) by transmitting ultrasonic signals into the water and analyzing the frequency changes of reflected signals.

Unlike GPS speed measurements, which provide Speed Over Ground (SOG), the DS-80 provides:

• Speed Through Water (STW)
• Trip Distance
• Total Distance
• Longitudinal Vessel Speed
• Navigation Speed Data for Integrated Systems

This information is vital for accurate navigation and vessel control.

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Doppler Speed Measurement Principle

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Main Features

High Precision Speed Measurement

Provides accurate Speed Through Water data under varying sea conditions.

Ultrasonic Doppler Technology

Advanced Doppler processing ensures reliable performance.

Distance Calculation

Automatically records:

• Trip Distance
• Total Distance

Digital Display Interface

Clear presentation of navigation information.

Self-Diagnostic System

Monitors equipment status continuously.

Multi-System Integration

Interfaces with:

• ECDIS
• AIS
• Radar
• VDR
• Autopilot
• Integrated Bridge Systems

Compact Bridge Display

Easy-to-read display designed for marine operations.

Reliable Commercial Vessel Operation

Proven performance on vessels worldwide.

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DS-80 Display Unit

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Main Components

1. Display Unit

Installed on the bridge.

Functions

• Speed Display
• Distance Display
• Alarm Monitoring
• System Configuration

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2. Processor Unit

Processes signals received from the transducer.

Functions

• Doppler Signal Analysis
• Speed Calculations
• Data Distribution

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3. Hull-Mounted Transducer

Installed below the vessel's waterline.

Functions

• Ultrasonic Signal Transmission
• Echo Reception
• Doppler Frequency Detection

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4. Interface Unit

Distributes speed information to navigation systems.

Supports

• ECDIS
• AIS
• Radar
• VDR
• Autopilot

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5. Power Supply Circuit

Provides stable power to the complete system.

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System Components & Installation

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Marine Applications

The DS-80 is widely used aboard:

Container Ships

Provides speed information for voyage optimization.

Tankers

Supports safe navigation and cargo operations.

Bulk Carriers

Enhances route monitoring accuracy.

LNG & LPG Carriers

Provides reliable navigation speed data.

Passenger Vessels

Supports safe route management.

Offshore Support Vessels

Assists with positioning and maneuvering.

Research Vessels

Provides precise speed measurement data.

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Common Problems & Troubleshooting

1. No Speed Indication

Possible Causes

• Transducer failure
• Power supply problem
• Processor malfunction

Corrective Actions

• Verify power supply
• Inspect transducer wiring
• Check processor diagnostics

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2. Unstable Speed Reading

Possible Causes

• Air bubbles under hull
• Heavy turbulence
• Marine growth on transducer

Solution

• Inspect transducer installation
• Clean transducer surface
• Verify operating conditions

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3. Incorrect Speed Display

Causes

• Calibration issue
• Signal interference
• Sensor malfunction

Solution

• Verify calibration settings
• Inspect processor unit
• Check signal quality

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4. No Data to ECDIS

Causes

• Communication failure
• Interface configuration issue

Solution

• Verify output settings
• Check communication cables

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5. Distance Counter Failure

Causes

• Software error
• Processor fault

Solution

• Restart system
• Review diagnostics
• Verify configuration

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Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance ensures long-term reliability.

Daily Checks

• Verify speed indication
• Review alarm status
• Confirm display operation

Weekly Checks

• Inspect communication interfaces
• Verify navigation outputs
• Check system logs

Monthly Checks

• Test speed accuracy
• Verify interface performance
• Inspect processor condition

Dry Dock Maintenance

During dry docking:

• Clean transducer face
• Inspect transducer housing
• Verify mounting integrity
• Check cable condition

Annual Maintenance

Recommended:

• Performance verification
• Calibration check
• Interface testing
• Complete system diagnostics

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Why Ships Still Use Doppler Speed Logs

Even with GPS navigation systems, Doppler Logs remain essential because:

Measures Speed Through Water

Unlike GPS, which measures Speed Over Ground.

Supports Accurate Navigation

Provides critical information for route monitoring.

Improves Autopilot Performance

Allows more accurate steering control.

Provides Independent Speed Source

Acts as a backup to satellite navigation systems.

Supports SOLAS Compliance

Required for many commercial vessels.

Reliable in Challenging Conditions

Maintains performance even when GPS data is compromised.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the DS-80 measure?

It measures Speed Through Water (STW) and vessel distance traveled using Doppler ultrasonic technology.

Is DS-80 different from GPS speed?

Yes. GPS provides Speed Over Ground (SOG), while DS-80 provides Speed Through Water (STW).

Can DS-80 connect to ECDIS?

Yes. It supplies navigation speed data to ECDIS and Integrated Bridge Systems.

Does the transducer require maintenance?

Yes. Periodic inspection and cleaning are recommended.

Is calibration necessary?

Periodic performance verification and calibration checks are recommended for optimum accuracy.

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Short Product Description

The FURUNO DS-80 Doppler Speed Log is a professional marine navigation instrument designed to provide highly accurate Speed Through Water and distance measurement using Doppler ultrasonic technology. Featuring advanced signal processing, self-diagnostics, navigation system integration, and reliable performance, the DS-80 remains a trusted solution for commercial vessels worldwide.

SM MARINE SERVICE™

Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier

Available Condition:

• New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment

Stock Location:

• Bangladesh • China

Services:

• Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing

Contact Information

SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292

Email: info@smmarineservice.com

Website: www.smmarineservice.com

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