Interphase PC/180 Operation Manual

Forward scanning sonar
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INTERPHASE
INTERPHASE
PC/180
O
PERATION
M
ANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Interphase PC/180

  • Page 1 INTERPHASE INTERPHASE ™ PC/180 PERATION ANUAL...
  • Page 2 Selection of features, ease of use, superior performance and outstanding reliability were the benchmarks upon which all important design decisions were made. We are proud of the PC/180 Forward Scanning Sonar and your satisfaction is very important to us. We welcome any comments or suggestions that you might have about this equipment.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1 Introduction General Information Warranty Information Unpacking and Inspection 2 Installing PC/180 Transducer Installation The Transducers Forward Direction Selecting the Best Location Using the Fairing Blocks Thru-hull Mounting Acoustic Interface Module Installation Software Installation 3 Quick Start Running PC/180...
  • Page 4 Adjusting the Depth Tracker Surface Masking Threshold Saving Data with Screen Capture 5 Advanced Operation Working with NMEA Navigation Logging Depth Using PC/180 Diagnostics 6 Interpreting Displays Principles Interpreting the Vertical Display Forward Imaging Capabilities Transducer Sidelobe Effects Interpreting the Horizontal Display...
  • Page 5 7 Reference Theory of Operation Sonar Basics Phased Array Technology Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide Interference Problems Specifications How To Obtain Service Index Warranty...
  • Page 6: Introduction

    In addition, the Quick Start chapter gives you the necessary information to get PC/180 software up and running as quickly as possi- ble. Please read the Installation chapter carefully before attempting to install PC/180 on your vessel.
  • Page 7: Unpacking And Inspection

    PC/180 for re- pair, it can be fully protected. Should you experience a problem with your PC/180, first refer to the Troubleshooting section manual.
  • Page 8: Installing Pc/180

    (HORZ) STBD Transducer with TWO cables. (HORZ AND VERT) Intsallation of the PC/180 can be divided into three separate tasks, described in three sections in this chapter: Location and Installation of the Transducers Installation of the Acoustic Interface Module Installation of the PC/180 Software.
  • Page 9: Transducer Installation

    DO NOT allow any solvents (i.e. gasoline, acetone) to come in contact with the transducers as this may dissolve the plastic housing. Proper performance of your PC/180 is very depen- dent on a good transducer installation and normally, thru-hull installations are performed by a profes- sional in a boat haul-out facility.
  • Page 10: Forward Direction

    Transducers Forward Direction The orientation of the mounted transducers is critical to the performance of the PC/180. Note that the more blunt, rounded end of each transducer should be pointed forward. The angled, more narrow ends should be pointed aft as shown in the figure at left.
  • Page 11: Using The Fairing Blocks

    Two custom-molded fairing blocks for the PC/180 transducers have been included with your system to make installation as simple as possible.
  • Page 12: Thru-Hull Mounting

    **WARNING** Do not cut or splice your phased-array transducer cables or remove the 9-pin connectors. Doing so will seriously degrade the performance of your PC/180 and VOID YOUR WARRANTY. Thru-hull Mounting Take the following steps to mount each thru-hull transducer: Drill a 1/8”...
  • Page 13 Remove excess sealant from the outside to as- sure smooth water flow over the transducer. Route the cables back to the PC/180 Acoustic Interface Box. If possible, avoid running the cables alongside of antenna cables or other sen- sitive wiring.
  • Page 14: Acoustic Interface Module Installation

    Acoustic Interface Module Installation The black box that came with your PC/180 is called the Acoustic Interface Module. It houses the trans- mitters and receivers that communicate with the transducers. The Acoustic Interface Module must be...
  • Page 15 Connect the three transducer cables to the matching ports on the back panel of the Acous- tic Interface Module: Cable label Panel label PORT HORZ PORT STBD HORZ STARBOARD STBD VERT VERTICAL...
  • Page 16: Software Installation

    20 MegaBytes of free space. PC/180 will run only on a computer with Microsoft Windows 95, 98 or NT. This is because PC/180 is a 32-bit program which uses true multi-tasking and, thus, requires a 32-bit operating system.
  • Page 17 Disk 2. The Setup program will prompt you to restart your computer after it has completed the instal- lation. You do not have to restart your computer immediately but you must restart it before you can run PC/180.
  • Page 18: Quick Start

    Run... and type in the path and name of the PC/180 program (C:\Program Files\Interphase\Pc180\Pc180.exe). Each time you run PC/180, you will be prompted to agree with the Warranty Terms and acknowledge that you have read the Navigation Warning. After...
  • Page 19: Demo Mode

    Soft defaults are recommended settings for general operation. If you are running PC/180 for the first time, it will start with the default settings as shown at left. Change the settings by selecting the appropriate com- mand from the specified menu.
  • Page 20: Basic Operation

    Getting Started This chapter will help you to learn the modes of opera- tion and the basic features of the PC/180 system. For more experienced users, this chapter can be used as a reference. Read Chapter 3 Quick Start to learn how to start the PC/180 software.
  • Page 21: The Status Bar

    Real-time. If all components have been installed, all cables are connected and the Acoustic Interface Mod- ule is on when you start the software, PC/180 will immediately begin to collect and display data in Real-time Mode. If PC/180 does not find the Acous- tic Interface Module, the software will initiate Demo Mode.
  • Page 22: Setting System Parameters

    Parallel Port and Mount commands on the Setup menu. Parallel Port Address PC/180 must know the address of the parallel port on your computer to which you will connect the Acous- tic Interface Module. The default parallel port ad- dress is 0x378.
  • Page 23: Align Adjustment

    Align Adjustment PC/180 can compensate for up to 14 degrees of mounting misalignment in either the port or star- board direction for each of the two transducers. To set the Transducer Align corrections, point the boat directly toward a known target (such as a piling) De-...
  • Page 24: Displays

    Each display fills the current PC/180 window. Change the size and/or aspect ratio of the PC/180 window by dragging the sides or corners of the win- dow. Setting Color and Units The color scheme and distance units can be changed to suit your operating conditions and preferences.
  • Page 25 Vertical Display Horizontal Display Downlooker Display Vertical Split-Screen Display Horizontal Split-Screen Display...
  • Page 26: Vert: Vertical Scan Display

    The right edge of the display always shows the most recent ping. Since PC/180 does not know boat speed, the down- looker display cannot be used to determine horizontal distances. Thus, there is no horizontal scale bar in the downlooker display.
  • Page 27: Vsplit: Vertical Split-Screen Display

    Both portions of the display are equivalent in func- tion to the individual DOWN and VERT displays. However, PC/180 will always use the Gain, Range and Alarm settings that are associated with the ver- tical scan.
  • Page 28: Depth Window

    Gain and Range can be set manually or, alterna- tively, PC/180 can set and vary the Gain and Range settings automatically. It is important to note that each scanning direction has its own Gain and Range settings.
  • Page 29: Range Adjustment

    In addition, Range changes may also require changes in Gain. In the Auto Gain mode, PC/180 will adjust the gain level automatically depending on the strength of the sonar signal returns. Note that it is still possible to...
  • Page 30: Using The Alarm

    Zoom feature is available for the DOWN display. Sector Width and Steer PC/180 allows you to limit your field of view by ad- justing both the width and the steering direction of the scanning sector. This allows for a faster update...
  • Page 31: Scan Mode And Method

    To adjust the scanning Mode and Method, select Scan from the Adjust menu. Vertical Scan PC/180 can operate in one of three resolutions for the vertical scan. In the Normal scanning mode, PC/180 will send out 30 forward beams and give medium resolution.
  • Page 32: Horizontal Scan

    Horizontal Scan PC/180 operates in one of three resolutions for the horizontal scan. In the Normal scanning mode, PC/ 180 will send out 60 forward beams and give medium resolution. Detail mode offers the maxi- mum resolution with 180 beams. Fast mode uses 30 forward beams and provides the fastest update but the lowest resolution.
  • Page 33: Adjusting The Depth Tracker

    Refer to Chapter 5 for a discussion of this utility. If Auto Range is on, PC/180 will use the tracked depth to adjust the range (see p.29 for a description of Auto Range).
  • Page 34 NOTE Depth Tracker settings always return to the defaults when you exit PC/View. However, if the gain is set so that the screen is dark, revealing only obstacles and very bright mid-water targets, the Low threshold setting may be required in order to continue to track the depth.
  • Page 35: Saving Data With Screen Capture

    Saving Data with Screen Capture Images displayed in PC/180 can be saved using the Screen Capture feature. There are four ways to cap- ture an image: Select Capture Screen Now from the File Menu. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shft+C. Click on the Screen Capture button of the Tool- bar.
  • Page 36: Advanced Operation

    NMEA strings are successfully parsed, PC/180 will display the most recent latitude and longitude in the navigation box on the toolbar. If PC/180 does not find data or is unable to parse the data coming from the serial port, a series of dashes will be displayed in the navigation box.
  • Page 37: Logging Depth

    Logging Depth PC/180 can log the tracked depth in a file and send it out over a serial port. To activate this feature, select Depth Log Schedule… from the File menu and click in the check box labeled Enable Auto- matic Depth Log.
  • Page 38 Once you have selected the depth log format, select a depth log frequency interval in seconds. If the frequency is set at 5, PC/180 will log the depth every 5 seconds. PC/180 will always log the depth to a file named with the current local date (year month day) and a file extension of .dep (e.g.
  • Page 39: Using Pc/180 Diagnostics

    Technical Support staff to troubleshoot any prob- lem that you might have with your PC/180. To gain the most information about your system, be sure that the PC/180 hardware is connected to your computer and turned on before selecting Run Diag- nostics… from the File menu.
  • Page 40: Interpreting Displays

    6 to 90 degrees width in the vertical direction and from 6 to 180 degrees width in the horizontal direction. As the PC/180 steers the beam to different positions, it transmits a pulse of energy and then waits a defined period of time (depending on the range selected) to receive returning echoes.
  • Page 41: Transducer Sidelobe Effects

    As the PC/180 sends off its acoustic beam in a specific direction, it assumes that any return echoes are within the main beam. However, if the sidelobe...
  • Page 42: Interpreting The Horizontal Display

    In general, PC/180’s adjustable gain settings help to minimize the sidelobe effect. This is because each gain setting represents a time-varied-gain (TVG) curve.
  • Page 43: Special Situations

    It is important to understand that the PC/180 will often see the bottom and will show it on the forward display. This display information can be used to help understand the structure of the bottom ahead of the boat, but the bottom echoes can also mask or be confused with other desired targets.
  • Page 44: Reference

    7 Reference Cable Display Transducer Housing Ceramic Element Acoustic Beam Echo Bottom Beam Angle Objects at Same Depth Will Appear as Theory of Operation Sonar Basics Most existing depthsounders and fishfinders in the marine market use a standard “fixed beam” technology which was originally developed during W.W.
  • Page 45: Phased Array Technology

    For the future, Interphase believes that this multiple fixed-beam approach has serious limitations, especially for use in more advan ced products where maximum underwater coverage and resolution are important.
  • Page 46 Depending on the signal phasing to the array, acoustic beams can be directed in an almost unlimited number of directions. For example, using an 8 element phased array, the PC/180 is capable of steering the acoustic beam in over 90 different directions. Conventional fixed-beam technology would have required the use of at least 90 transducer elements, each pointed in a different direction.
  • Page 47: Maintenance

    Maintenance The PC/180 Forward Scanning Sonar has been designed to provide reliable, trouble-free performance for years. Follow the maintenance tips below to ensure that your PC/180 remains problem-free. Keep your PC/180 Acoustic Interface Module clean and dry. If the power cord in-line fuse is blown, replace it with a 2 amp fuse. NEVER REPLACE WITH A HIGHER AMP RATING ! If the fuse continues to blow, check the polarity of your 12 VDC power source.
  • Page 48: Troubleshooting Guide

    Troubleshooting Guide If you are experiencing trouble with your PC/180, please refer to the following checklist: PROBLEM Acoustic Interface Module will not turn on. Power cord in-line fuse blows repeat- edly. Will not run in Real-time Mode. Screen remains blank in Demo Mode.
  • Page 49: Interference Problems

    Conducted interference usually occurs when the PC/180 shares a 12VDC power lead with other noisy equipment (i.e.; bilge pumps, motors, refrigeration systems, autopilots, etc.) Interference caused by nearby depth sounders operating on or near the same frequency as the PC/ 180 will typically appear as “rabbit tracks”...
  • Page 50: Specifications

    10.5 to 16 VDC, less than 0.5 Amp. Standard Equipment: Port Horizontal Scanning Transducer, Starboard Horizontal/Vertical Scanning Transducer, Acoustic Interface Module, PC/180 Software on 3.5” disk, 12 VDC power cable with in-line fuse, 10’-long computer parallel cable, and operation manual.
  • Page 51: How To Obtain Service

    If you feel your set is not operating properly, first refer to the sections of this manual on Troubleshooting and Interference Problems. This information solves the most common problems. If problems persist, please call Interphase Technical Service at (831) 477-4944 or send your unit in with the information below filled out.
  • Page 52: Index

    About PC/View, 20 Acoustic Interface Module, 7, 49, 50 installation, 14 maintenance, 47 Advanced Operation, 36-39 alarm reset, 20, 30 setting parameters, 30 auto gain, 28 auto range, 29, 33 Basic Operation, 20-35 Beam Width, 19 bottom imaging, 42 cables, 7, 14, 49 color, 24 computer requirements, 16, 50 cursor position, 21...
  • Page 53 Navigation Warning, 6, 18 NMEA navigation, 36 parallel port address, 22 cable, 7, 50 Phased Array Technology, 45-46 position cursor, 22 vessel, 22, 36 power cable, 7, 49 Quick Start, 18-19 range adjustment, 29 automatic, 29 in Demo Mode, 21 Real-Time Mode, 21 scale bars, 24 Scan Mode and Method, 31-32...
  • Page 54 Warranty, 6-7, 55 Zoom, 32...
  • Page 55: Warranty

    Repair or replacement during the warranty period will not extend the basic warranty period. This warranty does not apply to an Interphase product that has failed due to improper installation, misuse, or accident, nor does it apply to products which have been repaired or altered outside the Interphase factory.

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