Orca Core

Overview

The Orca Core is a Smart Navigation Hub that turns your tablet and phone into true chartplotters.

The Orca Core device, a compact white rectangular unit with rounded edges and the 'ORCA' logo, is shown alongside a tablet. The tablet displays a detailed nautical chart with a vessel's route, speed, depth, and other navigation data, illustrating the Orca Core's function as a chartplotter hub.

In Brief

• The Smart Navigation Hub: Orca Core connects wirelessly to your Orca App and upgrades it to a true chartplotter.
• High-precision navigation: The built-in GPS and Motion Processor makes for an accurate and reliable navigation experience.
• Boat Connected: Compatible with thousands of NMEA 2000 devices, from transducers to wind sensors and engine gateways.
• Wireless Autopilot: Control autopilots from all major manufacturers.
• Multiscreen Experience: Use it with all your devices, seamlessly synced and ready for your next adventure.

Product Description

Orca Technologies AS is building a navigation device for recreational boaters. It consists of software and three individual hardware components: A tablet, docking station, and a sensor hub - Orca Core.

• The Orca Core is a proprietary hardware module that runs on a Variscite SOM and has a built-in GPS receiver, 9-axis IMU with an integrated compass.
• The Orca Core integrates with other boat sensors such as a GPS antenna, AIS receiver, transducers, autopilots, and wind sensors over a CANBUS interface called NMEA 2000.
• The Orca Core broadcasts the sensor data via WiFi or Bluetooth to connected devices; either the Orca Tablet or a personal mobile or tablet device running the Orca Application.
• The Orca Core has an Ethernet interface for future use cases - connecting with the radar system aboard.
• The Orca Core also has internal processing and storage capabilities that allow it to record, process, and package sensor data for transfer to a client device so it can be uploaded to the Orca Cloud.

The Orca Sensor Hub has no batteries. It needs to be always powered by the boat network. The input power to the sensor hubs comes from the general boat electric network. It typically consists of a 12V or 24V network controlled by the main switch.

Functionality

GPS

Orca Core is precision-engineered for accurate and reliable navigation. With a location accuracy of less than 3 meters, the Core is twice as accurate as a traditional chartplotter, and four times more accurate than a phone and tablet.

Integration with boat devices

The Core connects to thousands of devices, from transducers to wind sensors and engine gateways via NMEA 2000. Users can set up flexible instrument panels on their phone and tablet, tailoring each instrument for perfect legibility day and night.

Sailing Intelligence

Orca Core's built-in motion processor powers advanced sailing instrumentation and next-generation sailing intelligence. Motion Compensated Instruments, Dynamic Filtering, and Adaptive Laylines help users make better decisions in demanding conditions.

Autopilot remote control

Users can utilize their phone and tablet as an autopilot remote to control their boat wirelessly. Orca supports full autopilot control for all major autopilot manufacturers.

Additional Features

• Multiscreen support: The Core supports up to five simultaneously connected devices, offering freedom to navigate as desired. All devices are seamlessly synced, even when offshore and outside internet coverage.
• Easy installation: The Core is designed for straightforward installation and integration with existing electronics. Orca's installation team is available for assistance via chat and video.
• Hybrid AIS: Orca is the world's first navigation system with Hybrid AIS. Hybrid AIS augments AIS data from onboard AIS receivers with internet-based AIS to provide extended range, photos, and detailed voyage information for target vessels.

Tech Information

• Size: 118 x 118 mm footprint; 35 mm height + 15 mm with mounting bracket.
• Mounting options: Drill-through mounting bracket and industrial grade 3M bonding tape.
• Internal sensors: 9-axis inertial motion unit, compass & 10Hz GNSS receiver.
• Wireless connectivity: WiFi 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 4.2.
• Physical connectors: 1x NMEA2000 Micro-C port (1 LEN), 1 x M12 Ethernet connector.
• Processor: 800MHz single core ARM.
• Storage and RAM: 8 GB internal storage, 512 MB SDRAM.
• Power: 9-32.2 V DC supply voltage; approximately 200mA consumption.
• Operating temperature: -15 to 60 °C.
• Waterproofing: IPX6.

Electrical & Block Diagram Description

The electrical and block diagram illustrates the internal architecture of the Orca Core. It details the connections and components, including:

• NMEA 2000 Connector: Provides connection for the NMEA 2000 network with bus fault protection (±40 V) and CAN bus interface (CANH, CANL).
• CAN Driver & Transceiver: An ADM3058E chip handles CAN bus communication, including thermal shutdown and digital isolation.
• GNSS Module: An L80-M39 module provides GPS functionality with a 10Hz GNSS receiver and motion tracking via an ICM-20948 sensor.
• System on Module (SoM): A VAR-SOM-6UL processor runs the core functions, featuring various GPIO pins, UARTs, and I2C interfaces.
• Connectivity: Includes WiFi/BLE antenna, U.FL connectors, and a 5-pin connector for components like the FTDI Komp.
• Power Management: Features DC connectors for 12V and 5V input, voltage regulators (LDOs), a fuse for overcurrent protection, and a USB charge controller (TPS2511).
• Indicators: Includes LEDs for system status (Green, Orange, Red) controlled by a PIC16F15323 microcontroller.
• User Interface: A push button is included for user interaction.

FCC Warning Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution: Any changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by the manufacturer could void your authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

RF Exposure Information

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. It should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and the user's body.

Product Guide

This is an online document. Check here: https://getorca.com/overview