Description
Product Introduction (Non-Templated)
When a vessel’s DP reference starts drifting or dropping out, replacing the receiver immediately can be the wrong first move. Antenna condition, correction data and RF interference deserve attention. The Kongsberg DPS116 is a dedicated DGPS position-reference system designed for marine DP, using a 14-channel L1 GPS receiver with SBAS and additional differential-correction capabilities.
The architecture is older, but technically purposeful: DPS116 can combine independent correction links and includes autonomous position-quality monitoring. For legacy DP system maintenance, vessel navigation upgrades, or replacement of an installed Seatex reference, the exact antenna, correction inputs, output configuration and software revision should be matched before procurement.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | DPS 116 |
| Manufacturer / Brand | Kongsberg Seatex |
| Product Type | DGPS / Differential Positioning System |
| Primary Application | Marine Dynamic Positioning |
| GPS Receiver | 14-channel, all-in-view L1 GPS |
| SBAS | WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS |
| Differential Correction | Multi-reference station / Multiref supported |
| Internal Beacon Receiver | IALA DGPS beacon receiver |
| Output Rate | 1 Hz |
| DGPS Accuracy — SBAS | <1.5 m, 95% CEP |
| DGPS Accuracy — Multiref | <1 m, 95% CEP |
| Velocity Accuracy | 0.05 m/s, 95% CEP |
| Unit Dimensions | 482 × 132 × 430 mm |
| Rack Format | 19-inch, 3U |
| Unit Weight | Approximately 12 kg |
| GPS Antenna Supply | 5 VDC from main unit |
| GPS Antenna | GPS L1, marine L-band antenna |
The published specifications identify DPS116 as a 14-channel, all-in-view L1 GPS receiver with WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS SBAS capability. Multiref operation can use corrections from multiple reference stations simultaneously. The documented accuracy figures are test-condition specifications, not a guarantee of performance on every vessel.
The installation manual describes the DPS116 unit as a 19-inch, 3U rack assembly, measuring 482 mm wide, 132 mm high and 430 mm deep, with an approximate weight of 12 kg.
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
A marine DGPS reference can look perfectly normal at the rack while delivering poor position quality. The uncomfortable part is that the fault may be several meters away—in the antenna, coaxial cable, correction receiver or external interface.
- Dynamic positioning: DPS116 was specifically developed as a GPS position sensor for DP systems, where position-reference integrity directly affects the information available to the DP controller.
- Offshore vessel navigation: The receiver can provide position information for vessel navigation equipment. Published field documentation shows DPS116 used as a DP-related GPS reference on research vessels.
- SBAS-based positioning: WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS can provide free satellite-based differential corrections where coverage is available.
- Multi-reference DGPS: Where additional correction services are available, the Multiref function can use several reference stations simultaneously to improve position quality. This is particularly relevant to demanding marine positioning applications.
Field note: The installation manual specifically warns about antenna placement and RF exposure. GPS and IALA antennas should have clear surroundings and should be protected from direct radiation from radar and other transmitting antennas. On a working vessel, that is not a theoretical concern.
DPS 116
Related Products
- Kongsberg DPS114 — A later compact DPS-family unit supporting GPS/GLONASS, SBAS and correction services. Its 100–240 VAC supply, Ethernet and modern interface set make it a potential modernization reference, but not automatically a drop-in replacement.
- Kongsberg DPS122 — Another legacy Seatex DPS position-reference model. It belongs to the same general product family, but the exact receiver, software and interface configuration must be compared before substitution.
- Kongsberg DPS132 — Legacy DPS-family positioning equipment. Useful when identifying older vessel architectures, although the model should be matched against the installed configuration rather than treated as interchangeable with .
- Kongsberg DPS200 — Another historical Differential Positioning System used in marine applications. It can be relevant when tracing the evolution of an existing vessel’s position-reference equipment.
- Kongsberg DPS232 — Later DPS-family equipment with expanded GPS/GLONASS capabilities. It represents a different receiver generation and should be evaluated as a system-level replacement rather than a simple part-number swap.
- Kongsberg DPS432 — Multi-GNSS DPS equipment supporting substantially more satellite constellations and frequencies than . It is more relevant to modernization projects than like-for-like maintenance.
- Kongsberg DPS i1 — Newer DPS architecture combining multi-constellation GNSS with inertial technology. It offers capabilities beyond the older GPS-only design and requires an interface/configuration review before migration.
- Kongsberg Seapath series — Sensor-based navigation systems combining GNSS/DGPS with inertial measurements. These are functionally broader than and are relevant where position, heading and attitude are required from one navigation architecture.
The Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls to Avoid
⚠️ Do not confuse with a generic GPS receiver.
was built specifically around marine DGPS and DP requirements. Its Multiref capability, SBAS processing, internal IALA beacon receiver and quality-control functions are part of the overall system architecture.
How to avoid it: Match the complete system: receiver, GPS antenna, IALA antenna, correction inputs, external interfaces and DP equipment.
⚠️ Do not overlook the antenna environment.
The installation documentation recommends keeping the GPS antenna clear of obstructions and protecting both antenna and cable from radar and other transmitting equipment.
How to avoid it: Before replacing the receiver, inspect the antenna location, coaxial connectors, cable routing and nearby transmitting antennas. Look for water ingress and oxidation at deck-level connections.
⚠️ Do not assume the published accuracy will occur automatically.
The documented <1.5 m SBAS and <1 m Multiref figures were obtained under stated test conditions, including open-sky and low-multipath environments. Vessel structures, interference, antenna placement and correction availability can change the result.
How to avoid it: Test the complete installed chain, not just the receiver. Record satellite visibility, correction status, position quality and output data during commissioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kongsberg used for?
The is a marine DGPS position-reference system developed specifically for dynamic positioning applications. It calculates vessel position from GPS and differential corrections and provides the resulting position data to external equipment.
Does support WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS?
Yes. The documented receiver supports WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS satellite-based augmentation systems. It can also use additional differential correction sources through its Multiref architecture.
What is the positioning accuracy of ?
Published specifications give:
- SBAS: less than 1.5 m, 95% CEP
- Multiref: less than 1 m, 95% CEP
- Velocity: 0.05 m/s, 95% CEP
These figures were obtained under specified test conditions, so they should not be treated as guaranteed vessel-wide performance.
Can be replaced with DPS122, DPS132 or DPS232?
Not without a compatibility assessment. They are related Kongsberg Seatex DPS products, but their receiver architectures, interfaces, software and correction capabilities can differ.
Before approving a replacement, compare:
- GPS/GNSS capability
- Correction-source requirements
- Antenna type and supply
- Serial/network interfaces
- Output message formats
- Software configuration
- DP-system compatibility
A matching family name is not enough.
What should I check when buying a used or refurbished ?
Ask for evidence of an actual operational test. At minimum, verify:
- Exact identification
- Hardware revision
- Software/configuration version
- GPS satellite acquisition
- SBAS or external correction reception
- IALA beacon reception where applicable
- Position-output test
- Connector and enclosure condition
- GPS antenna compatibility
- Repair history
- Warranty and dispatch lead time
A front-panel power-up photograph is weak evidence for a navigation-critical component. The receiver should be tested with an antenna and appropriate correction source.
Does have an internal DGPS beacon receiver?
Yes. The installation documentation states that incorporates an internal IALA beacon receiver for receiving DGPS correction data. The standard system configuration also included a GPS antenna and DGPS beacon antenna.
Is the suitable for a modern DP system?
That depends on the vessel’s existing DP architecture. is an older L1 GPS/SBAS design, while newer Kongsberg DPS equipment supports broader GNSS capabilities. For an existing vessel, a tested can make sense as a maintenance spare when the installed system is built around it. For a major modernization, the engineering question becomes interface compatibility, correction services, software, certification and commissioning—not simply whether the newer receiver can calculate a position.
