Setting Up The Interface From A Fixed Sound Speed Sensor - Simrad ME70 Installation Manual

Setting up the interface from a fixed sound speed sensor

In order to ensure accurate measurements, a dedicated sound speed sensor is positioned
close to the transducer. The sound speed sensor connects to the Processor Unit. This is
normally done with a serial line.
Prerequisites
A sound speed sensor is available. The sound speed sensor is connected to the ME70
Processor Unit. For connections and communication parameters, see the relevant end user
documentation from the sensor manufacturer.
This procedure assumes that:
• The vessel is berthed or at sea.
• You have a vacant interface port on your Processor Unit.
• You are familiar with NMEA and other relevant datagram formats.
• You know how to set up the parameters for serial and local area network (LAN)
communication.
You must be equipped with a standard set of tools. This tool set must comprise the normal
tools for electronic and electromechanical tasks, such as screwdrivers, pliers, spanners, a
cable stripper etc. Each tool must be provided in various sizes. We recommend that all tools
are demagnetized to protect your equipment.
Context
A dedicated sensor is used to measure the sound speed in the water. The sensor measures the
temperature and/or the salinity, and this information is used to calculate the sound speed.
Sound speed sensors may be used in two different ways; fixed or deployed.
• A fixed sound speed sensor is positioned close to the transducer.
The sensor is normally a permanent installation, but many vessels have designed a
method to lower and hoist the sensor. This allows it to be "installed" only when required
for measurements. The sound speed sensor connects to the Processor Unit. This is
normally done with a serial line. In the ME70 user interface, the sound speed sensor if
often referred to as a probe.
• The deployed sound speed sensor, frequently referred to as a CTD (conductivity,
temperature and depth) sensor, is lowered into the water to make measurements at
certain depth intervals.
After use, the sensor is connected to a computer, and the measurements are transferred
to a data file. Once the information has been collected, it is transferred to the Processor
Unit on a suitable medium. The information from a CTD (conductivity, temperature and
depth) sensor is normally referred to as a profile.
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Setting to work
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