Virtual Sailing Support & FAQ
Start up procedure: (1) Check the stabiliser bars are securely fastened to the simulator FWD and AFT (i.e. check the wing nuts are tight)
(2) Check the Toestrap is firmly anchored at the AFT end
(3) Close the red slide valve on the airline
(4) Check the emergency stop buttons are in the Armed (UP) position
(5) Switch on the air compressor
(6) Supply mains power to the simulator
(7) Check that red lights are visible in both the FWD pillar and the AFT pillar. Move the Tiller back and forth and check that the red lights in the FWD pillar flicker
(8) When the compressor is up to pressure open the red slide valve to allow air in to the ram and check the pressure reading on the regulator in the AFT pillar.
(9) Boot the computer and run the Virtual Sailing Simulator Program (NOT the Demo version)
(10) When prompted, make sure the boat is level, the Tiller is centred and the Mainsheet is pulled fully in and click OK to continue.
(11) Select the boat type, sailing conditions and course configuration required
(12) Make sure the RAM ENABLED option is selected
Simulator does not heel when in operation
(1) Make sure you are NOT using the DEMO version of the software.
(2) Check that the "Ram Enabled" option is selected from the software pull-down menu.
(3) check that both emergency stop buttons (red buttons on the side decks) are in the armed position (rotate and allow to spring up).
(4) check that there is air pressure (80-100 psi) showing on the regulator in the Aft pillar. If not, check the airline is connected, the red slide valve is open, the compressor has pressure and the outlet from the compressor is open.
(5) check that there are red lights visible on the control units inside the Aft pillar. If not, check the emergency stop buttons, check the cables are securely seated in their sockets at the back of the Aft pillar and check the AC adapter in the Fwd pillar is working.
Re-installing or Updating Software
(1) Download the latest version of the software from the links on this website (below).
(2) Email Virtual Sailing to get an updated software key to allow you to install the software.
(3) You may need to rename the file extension of the downloaded file to .EXE
(4) Double click on the downloaded self-extracting zip file to unpack the Virtual Sailing Installer
(5) Run the Virtual Sailing Installer
Time Out Error
A "Time Out Error" occurs when there is a communication problem between the computer software and the simulator hardware (PLC unit). The PLC communicates with the software via a 9-pin serial cable between the PLC unit in the FWD pillar and a COM port on the computer.
(1) Check that there are red lights showing on the PLC unit in the FWD pillar. If not check that mains power is connected and with the mains supply disconnected, check the fuse in the white junction box (1A Fast Blow) is good.
(2) Check the small silver switch on the PLC unit (lower right corner) is in the RUN position
(3) Check the serial cable between the back of the FWD pillar and the computer is securely seated at both ends
(4) Close any software that is running and run the "Virtual Sailing RAM TESTER" program
(5) Click on the "CHECK COMS" button and select one of the available COM ports listed (return using selected)
(6) Try to Read the Transducer Values. If you get more Time-Out Errors, repeat step 5 and select a different COM port.
(7) When you are able to Read the Transducer Values, communication is working. Close the Ram tester program and then run the Simulator Software.
Technical Support Email: mhabgood@unimelb.edu.au
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