DFT Water level datagram format
The proprietary DFT datagram contains the current water level (draft). The information is required to establish the offset of the transducer face relative to the vessel origin. A custom-built sensor may be required for this measurement.
Many factors can cause the ship's draft to change. The amount of fuel, cargo or ballast may greatly influence the draft. Varying water temperatures and salinity will also have an effect. Draft changes will make any sensor move vertically on the X-axis when referenced to the sea surface. To keep measurements accurate, the location of the water line must therefore be monitored.
Format
$KMDFT,xx.xx,*hh
Description
The depth is measured relative to the vessel’s origin.
•  KM: Talker identifier
•  DFT: Datagram identifier
•  xx.xx: Water level (Metres)
•  *hh: Checksum
Related topics
Proprietary datagram formats
I/O Datagram formats