ShipmoPC FAQ

1. What kind of hardware do I need to run ShipmoPC ?
ShipmoPC will run on any system configured to run Microsoft WINDOWSTM 9x, and WINDOWS NT (v.4.0 Service Pack 2 or greater) and WINDOWS 2000.

The recommended minimum hardware configuration to run ShipmoPC is:
1. Pentium 200 MHZ Procesor with 32 MB of RAM
2. Microsoft or Equivalent Mouse
3. Minimum 10 MB Disk Storage

2. Does ShipmoPC require the use of a "dongle" security device ?
Our software does use hardware protection. ShipmoPC and other selected Sable Software products use a hardware lock that permits greater flexibility including the leasing of our software. We have found that a hardware lock is more convienent and easy to use for most users than a software lock.

3. For what types of ships is ShipmoPC valid ?
ShipmoPC can be used for monohull ships of all sizes. Because the program is based on linear strip theory, the accuracy of motions predictions will tend to decrease for ships having a length-to-beam ratio less than four (4). ShipmoPC has been validated against a large number of ships ranging from coastal defence vessels to cargo ships as well as barges, icebreakers and naval ships.

4. Is the program valid for low and/or zero forward speeds ?
Yes, ShipmoPC motions predictions are valid for Froude numbers ranging from 0 to 0.35. For Fr > 0.35, predictions are expected to be less accurate.
 
5. Is the program based on strip theory or 3D diffraction ?
ShipmoPC is a strip theory-based, frequency domain seakeeping code capable of computing the six degree-of-freedom motions of a monohull with forward speeds in regular as well as irregular seas of arbitrary headings.

6. How is the ship hull defined ?
ShipmoPC permits the user to define the hull in one of two ways; by defining the hull offsets or by defining the sectional area curve. If the former method is selected, the user can view the shape of each station (from keel to deck edge) as the offset points are entered In the latter case, once the hull sectional areas are defined, ShipmoPC generates offsets using either Lewis Forms or M.I.T. Forms. The locations of the stations are also graphically indexed using a hull profile.

7. Can I produce Polar Plots of my results?
Yes. ShipmoPC can generate speed-referenced polar plots of any of the motion response parameters. The program also produces formatted text output, and X-Y plots of results.

8. Is it possible to model the influence of bilge keels, roll fins and passive roll stabilization ?
ShipmoPC permits the user to specify any combination of the following appendages: bilge keels, skegs, fin stabilizers, anti-rolling tanks (controlled passive or purely passive), propeller shaft brackets and rudders. The user may also specify the use of an autopilot for use with rudder roll stabilization. All of these features are accounted for in the prediction of motions.

9. Does ShipmoPC use Lewis Forms or Close-Fit Method? Is it possible to specify some Lewis and some Close-Fit sections ?
ShipmoPC allows the user to choose either the Frank Close-Fit Method or the Lewis Forms (aka. conformal mapping) Method to determine the hydrodynamic properties of the hull. . We do not offer the option to specify a mix of Boundary Element and Lewis Forms methods. Earlier versions of ShipmoPC offered the Frank Close-Fit method. Version 3.x replaces this method with the Boundary Element method.
 
10. How is the wave data defined?
The wave data can be defined using standard Wave Spectra, such as Bretschneider, JONSWAP, six-parameter, or ten-parameter spectra. Alternatively, the user can specify an external file defining the wave spectrum.

11. Can I produce response predictions for local areas away from the C.G.?
Yes. ShipmoPC calculates motions, speed, and accelerations for local positions, including off-centerline points. The program also will predict frequencies of deck wetness, keel emergence, and slamming. Finally, the program will produce habitability indices such as motion-induced interruptions (MIIs).

12. What are the differences between ShipmoPC v2.x and ShipmoPC v3.x?
The new version of ShipmoPC has a number of changes from version 2.x. The new version uses the most recent version (version 7) of the DREA program SHIPMO. This calculation engine has a number of changes from the older versions. The Frank Close-fit method of computation has been replaced by the Boundary Element method, and loads at designated longitudinal locations can now be calculated. Older ShipmoPC version 2.x files can still be used with the new version.

13. Does ShipmoPC come with any documentation ?
Yes, ShipmoPC is packaged with a comprehensive User Manual.

14. What kind of printers does ShipmoPC support ?
ShipmoPC prints using the standard WINDOWS printer drivers.

15. Are there special prices for certified educational institutions ?
Yes, we offer a special price schedule for educational institutions. The discount is 50%.

16. We purchased a former version of ShipmoPC. What about upgrading to ShipmoPC?
We offer a special price schedule for past purchasers of ShipmoPC. Consult our price list for the applicable upgrade cost.

17. What about training?
It is our experience that with the guidance of the user manual, the directions in the program interface are comprehensive enough that a new user can operate the program with relative ease. Training sessions for user groups can be organized by special arrangement.

18. Can input data from previous versions be converted and/or imported into the new version?
Yes, input data from previous versions is compatible with upgrade versions of ShipmoPC.

19. Is a demo disk available ?
Yes, contact us to receive a demo of ShipmoPC at no charge, or download a demo version from this website