Onboard automation and systems integration
Fault diagnosis, configuration support and integration of existing installations. R3D LINK helps owners, captains and technicians manage the systems controlling lighting, climate, shading and audio-video on board.
Onboard visits in Porto Cervo, Olbia and marinas across Costa Smeralda and Northern Sardinia. Projects elsewhere in Italy arranged individually.
Following a command
Status feedback to the interface
Illustrative diagram. The actual path depends on the installed architecture.
System assessment
We examine the installed architecture, device communications and project files to define targeted work, from resolving a fault to updating an installation during a refit.
On board, a single function can involve several systems: a command starts at a touch panel, crosses the network, is processed by a controller and reaches an actuator. Diagnosing a fault means tracing this path and checking the status information returned to the interface.
We begin with the installation: equipment, control logic, connections and available documentation. We distinguish configuration issues from communication faults and components that need investigation, then agree the work and priorities with the technical contact.
Diagnostics · support · integration
We check the system structure, group addresses and associations between controls and actuators. The assessment covers bus communication, device parameters and consistency with the available ETS project.
We investigate intermittent faults, incomplete scenes, missing commands and differences between a device’s actual state and the status shown on the control interface.
We analyse communication between processors, touch panels, interfaces and connected equipment. We check the affected functions and their dependencies, from the IP network to KNX gateways.
Changes to logic, scenes and interfaces are scoped around the installed platform, available project files and authorised access.
We define which commands to exchange, which states to display and which interfaces are needed to connect the systems. The work considers both function execution and accurate status updates on control panels.
Lighting, climate, blinds and audio-video are assessed within the existing architecture, with a clear role for each system.
We assess replacements and new functions planned during a vessel upgrade. We identify configurations to preserve, integrations to adapt and tests required after the changes.
Work is coordinated with the shipyard and the technicians involved, taking system dependencies and available work windows into account.
Technologies and roles
High-end installations can combine technologies with different roles. Understanding the architecture is the first step in defining appropriate work.
A standard for distributed control of functions including lighting, climate and shading. Assessment covers devices, bus communication and the ETS configuration.
A control platform that can coordinate user interfaces, audio-video and communication with other installations. Processors, programs and touch panels need to be assessed as parts of the same architecture.
A system for lighting and shading control. Where installed on board, its scenes, local controls and connections to the main control system need to be considered.
Platforms for integrated entertainment, lighting and comfort control. Assessment identifies controllers, interfaces, connected equipment and communication with other systems.
The scope of support and programming for each platform is defined during the technical assessment, in coordination with the system’s technical contacts. Models, software versions, source files and available interfaces determine the work that can be carried out.
Infrastructure and alerts
The network connects processors, panels, audio-video equipment and remote services. When a fault involves this infrastructure, we examine addressing, connections, Wi-Fi distribution and separation of guest, crew and control networks.
Starlink is considered as part of connectivity and its connection to onboard routers and Wi-Fi. Equipment and service plans are assessed against the intended use, operating areas and applicable terms.
We assess dedicated intrusion alarms and smoke detection systems and potential integration of their alerts with the control interface alongside the onboard technical contact. We define which events to display and which notifications to send to nominated contacts.
Displaying events on the automation interface and sending remote notifications are separate from local detection and alarm functions. Their dependencies are documented as part of the project.
Our process
We collect diagrams, device lists, the ETS project, Crestron configuration files and details of previous changes. We identify the reported issue, affected areas and technical contacts.
We trace the affected functions and identify the checks required. Before proceeding, we present the proposed work, dependencies on other systems, costs and arrangements.
We carry out the agreed changes and check commands, device responses and status updates. Tests are organised with the onboard contact around the functions involved.
We share a summary of the work, test results and any outstanding issues. Handover includes files and backups created during the work, operating notes and documentation updates covered by the agreed scope.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The initial assessment establishes the architecture and checks the availability of project files, documentation and access. The previous integrator or onboard technician may need to help recover information and define changes.
It depends on the work required. Diagrams and configuration files are essential for many changes. Without them, we identify which checks are possible and which information needs to be recovered; not every configuration can be reconstructed from installed devices.
We assess the integration around the functions to control and the available interfaces. The project identifies commands, status data and logic to share, as well as any gateways required.
Where these platforms are installed, we include them in the architecture and integration assessment. Work on proprietary configurations is scoped after checking the systems, available files and coordination with the relevant technical contacts.
Some analysis and configuration checks can be performed remotely with authorised access and a suitable connection. Physical checks, cabling and replacements require an on-site visit. The approach depends on the fault.
We help the technical contact assess changes to the automation system and affected integrations. We agree the work with the shipyard and organise tests around the progress of the refit.
The port, vessel type, installed systems and a description of the problem. Device models, error messages, diagrams and available project files are also useful. Tell us if the fault appeared after a replacement, update or system change.
Yes. We arrange onboard assessments in Porto Cervo, Olbia and other marinas in the area we serve, coordinating access with the owner, captain or technical contact. Tell us the port, installed systems and reported issue so we can arrange the survey.
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Describe the fault, required integration or planned refit changes. Tell us which systems are on board and what documentation is available: we will arrange an initial technical discussion and define the checks needed.
