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C-Max CM2 User Manual

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USER
MANUAL
The CM2
SIDESCAN
SONAR
SYSTEM
(All configurations except
those using MaxPro software)
Issue 3.6
© C-MAX Ltd 2008

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Summary of Contents for C-Max CM2

  • Page 1 USER MANUAL The CM2 SIDESCAN SONAR SYSTEM (All configurations except those using MaxPro software) Issue 3.6 © C-MAX Ltd 2008...
  • Page 2 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual Version 3.6 (2008)

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual Contents CONTENTS (also see Bookmarks if viewing PDF version) 1. Summary of Warnings ………… 2. System Components ………… Towfish Sonar Transceiver (STR) C-Shell C-Case 2 C-Case SE Tow Cables Accessories Specifications 3. Installing the System …………...
  • Page 4 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual Contents 12. Repair and Replacement ………… Replacing the Towfish PCB Replacing a Transducer Repairing the Tow Cable Replacing the Safety Lanyard Servicing the Surface Electronics Servicing the STR Servicing the C-Shell Servicing the C-Case 2 Servicing the C-Case SE 13.

  • Page 5: Summary Of Warnings

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 1. Summary of Warnings 1. SUMMARY OF WARNINGS The warnings summarised here are intended to prevent injury to personnel and equipment in what can be a hazardous environment. OPERATORS OF THIS EQUIPMENT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR...

  • Page 6: System Components

    The primary type of top end unit for the CM2 system is the Sonar Transceiver (or STR). As well as communicating with the towfish, the STR communicates with the PC that acquires, records and displays the sonar image.

  • Page 7: C-Shell

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 2. System Components C-Shell The C-Shell is an optional polypropylene clamshell enclosure for the STR. The C-Shell converts an STR into a fully waterproof (IP67) unit, complete with waterproof connectors. The STR can be quickly fitted or removed.

  • Page 8: C-Case 2

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 2. System Components C-Case 2 C-Case 2 is the first successor to the earlier version that ran MaxPro (under DOS). It is an all-in-one data acquisition unit with an integral PC, designed for use in the exposed environment of an open boat. It uses MaxView or third-party acquisition software running under Windows.

  • Page 9: C-Case Se

    Tow Cables The CM2 tow cables use a single pair of electrical conductors to carry both data and power. There are two types of tow cable offered with the CM2. “Soft” cable is intended for shallow work, where the cable can be hauled and veered manually.

  • Page 10: Installing The System

    PC. To install the acquisition software on this PC see the MaxView Installation Guide. For third-party acquisition software see the supplier's manual. If the CM2 system uses a Sonar Transceiver (STR) or an STR housed in a C-Shell, link it to the acquisition PC via the USB cable supplied.

  • Page 11: Tow Cable

    The winch mounting must be able to withstand the shock of the towfish striking the bottom. The mounting “footprint” of the CM2-WIN-300 winch is shown in Section 16. Securing a “soft” Tow Cable (if used) Make sure that enough cable is flaked out on the deck so that the towfish can reach its operating depth without the need to disconnect the inboard end of the tow cable.
  • Page 12 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 3. Installing the System Attaching the Safety Lanyard and Tow Cable Extension First remove the drop-nose pin from the rear of the keel, feed the loop of the safety lanyard into the end of the keel, and replace the pin to secure the loop. Drop the nose of the pin, to 90 degrees, to ensure that the pin cannot fall out.

  • Page 13: Checking System Operation

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 3. Installing the System Attaching the Towing Bail Checking system operation With the whole system now connected as described earlier in this Section, apply power to the STR, C-Shell or C-Case. The red Power indicator should light.

  • Page 14: Spares And Tools

    24V.) Spares and Tools Always carry spare breakable washers. A 5mm hex key is the only tool required in normal operation. Every towfish is supplied with a kit (CM2-TSK) containing minor spares and consumables. Version 3.6 (2008)

  • Page 15: Planning The Survey

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 4. Planning the Survey 4. PLANNING THE SURVEY Survey Plan Every survey or search needs to be planned in advance. Survey planning and post-processing are topics that are wider than can be covered here. Most sonar acquisition software packages, including MaxView, include the facility to plan survey lines for guiding the helmsman.
  • Page 16 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 4. Planning the Survey In order to identify a target, or to provide extra assurance of coverage, it may also be necessary to follow the along-current lines with a set of perpendicular, cross-current, lines. Sometimes the major consideration in planning lines is not the direction of the current but the bathymetry. It is easier to survey along lines of approximately constant depth rather than to be constantly heaving and veering tow cable to keep the towfish at a suitable altitude.

  • Page 17: Operating The Towfish

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 5. Operating the Towfish 5. OPERATING THE TOWFISH Pre-launch Check Check that the towfish transducers are angled high or low, as required, as indicated by the yellow dots on the depression adjuster cam. Adjusting the Transducer Depression Angle Check that the tow cable connector is firmly home, and that the bail is correctly attached to the towfish.

  • Page 18: Launch

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 5. Operating the Towfish Using the Wing Depressor If the optional wing depressor is used, refer to Section 18 for advice and important warnings. Launch Launch the towfish astern with the vessel preferably at slow speed.

  • Page 19: Recovering The Towfish

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 5. Operating the Towfish As soon as the altimeter has locked to the bottom and the image is normal, wind the cable in or out, or adjust speed, until the towfish flies at an altitude equivalent to 5 -10% of the range limit.

  • Page 20: Operating Guidelines

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 6. Operating Guidelines 6. OPERATING GUIDELINES Do not allow the towfish to hit the bottom – be very careful when turning Fly the towfish on as straight a course as possible, to prevent distortion and...

  • Page 21: Notes For The Helmsman

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 7. Notes for the Helmsman 7. NOTES FOR THE HELMSMAN Navigation Use the sonar's plotter window to show waypoints, the track and the swept ground. Steering The quality of the sonar images depends on the skill of the helmsman. This applies especially to the HF and EF operation.

  • Page 22: Towfish Commands

    8. TOWFISH COMMANDS Towfish Command Set The CM2 towfish uses the same set of commands regardless of what acquisition software is being used. Towfish start, stop, range selection and bottom-tracking control must be supported by all acquisition software; other commands may or may not be supported. MaxView offers short-cut keys for range selection and bottom-tracking control, as well as for towfish start and stop.

  • Page 23: Interpreting The Sonar Image

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 9. Interpreting the Sonar Image 9. INTERPRETING THE SONAR IMAGE (This topic may be covered in additional detail in help text associated with MaxView or with third-party acquisition software.) Typical Sonar Image (780kHz) Water Column and Bottom Image At the very centre of the image is a line that corresponds to the track of the towfish.

  • Page 24: Image Corrections

    This 'multi-path' effect shows up in the image as ghosting. The CM2 HF towfish has a sharper surface cut-off than most sidescan sonars and is inherently more resistant to both the above effects.

  • Page 25: Routine Maintenance

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 10. Routine Maintenance 10. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE Routine Maintenance Maintenance is simple and is normally limited to the following tasks: - (a) Immediately after use, thoroughly wash the towfish with fresh water if it has been exposed to seawater:...

  • Page 26: Storage And Transit

    The system should be stored and transported in purpose-designed containers. Internally padded shipping/storage cases can be supplied for all the system components. On the optional CM2 or SK172 winches, tape or strap the tow cable to prevent it unreeling from the winch drum.

  • Page 27: Repair And Replacement

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 12. Repair and Replacement 12. REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT Replacing the Towfish PCB The towfish internally contains only lead ballast and a single printed circuit board (PCB). This PCB can be replaced as a unit by the user. Note that this PCB is complex and is not user-serviceable. Any attempted repair of this PCB by the user will invalidate the warranty and may cause permanent damage.

  • Page 28: Replacing A Transducer

    In these circumstances, or if the cable is to be completely replaced, consult Section 16 or 17 for guidance on removing and replacing a tow cable on the CM2-WIN-300 or SK172 winches. The guidance for these winches may also be applied, where appropriate, to larger winches.

  • Page 29: Servicing The Surface Electronics

    Note that the monitor panel is a sealed unit. Do not attempt to remove the screws on its upper edge. A defective monitor must be returned to C-MAX for repair. An external monitor can be used in the absence of the normal unit.

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 13. Troubleshooting 13. TROUBLESHOOTING STR or C-Case will not power up Check the supply voltage. Towfish will not start Wait 30 seconds before trying again. Check all connectors. Use a DC voltmeter on pins 1 and 2 of the underwater tow cable connector (disconnected from the towfish) to check that approximately 42V appears for a period when the towfish is commanded to start.
  • Page 31 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 13. Troubleshooting Winch does not operate Check the supply voltage and polarity. Check the operation of the remote control pendant using an ohmmeter between the COMMON and IN and OUT contacts. Other troubleshooting advice If further advice is required, consult your local representative or the Factory.

  • Page 32: Interfaces

    Towfish/Tow Cable Interface Wet end interface Mechanical: CM2 terminator, bail arm assembly and tow cable extension Electrical: SubConn Micro 3 female (or equivalent) Data = pins 2 and 3, polarity not significant; balancing signal (in tow cable extension only) = pin 1...

  • Page 33: C-Case Se

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 14. Interfaces C-Case SE Interface Tow cable or winch deck cable MIL-C-5015, size 14, threaded, 4-way bulkhead connector Sockets A and B; polarity not significant Power input input (see C-Case SE Specifications for power requirements)

  • Page 34: Specifications

    It makes the sonar appear to the computer as a USB peripheral. The STR also powers the towfish. USB1 interface Digital echo data plus control and status (contact C-MAX for protocol) Analog interface (early units only) L, R and TRIG phono outputs (outputs in real time and in replay) Dimensions (mm) and weight 297W x 204D x 62H, 2.2kg...

  • Page 35: C-Case

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 15. Specifications C-Shell Specifications The C-Shell provides a waterproof housing for an operating STR, with waterproof external connectors. It also has an internal location for a dongle for the acquisition software. Interfaces Tow cable, USB, DC power Dimensions (mm) and weight, including STR 406W x 330D x 174H, 6.4kg...

  • Page 36: Tow Cables

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 15. Specifications Tow Cable Specifications Tow cable, types available Coaxial or twisted pair; circuit resistance 200ohm max. Tow cable diameter options 11.4, 8.2, 6.4 or 4.7mm, stainless steel armoured 8mm "soft", polyamide reinforced, PU sheathed Custom cables also available;...

  • Page 37: Cm2-Win-300 Winch

    16. CM2-WIN-300 WINCH Introduction The purpose of the optional CM2-WIN-300 portable winch is to handle 4.7mm diameter, steel-armoured tow cable. This type of cable cannot be handled manually. The CM2-WIN-300 portable winch was introduced in 2006, superseding the SK172/SK172E series.
  • Page 38 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 16. CM2-WIN-300 Winch Temperature Alarm Later units are fitted with an audible temperature alarm. The alarm is intended to protect the winch motor from excessive temperatures, particularly when recovering cable with the towfish fitted with the optional wing depressor.
  • Page 39 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 16. CM2-WIN-300 Winch recess; some force may be required. If the slip ring unit is accidentally pulled out of its recess during this process, secure it again afterwards with flexible silicone sealant. Remove the 4 M6 fasteners holding the bearing support assembly to the two cross braces.
  • Page 40 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 16. CM2-WIN-300 Winch Accessing the Winch Drive Components The winch drive components include the integrated motor-gearbox unit, pair of switching relays, soft-start module and its power transistor, cooling fan, and motor temperature alarm. These are all accessible beneath the motor cover.

  • Page 41: Sk172 And Sk172E Winches

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 17. SK172 & SK172E Winches 17. SK172 AND SK172E WINCHES Freeing the Drum in an Emergency On the optional SK172 and SK172E portable winches, an extended 5mm A/F key can be used to release the winch drum for hand rotation in an emergency, by unscrewing the two locking screws in the bronze drive bush.
  • Page 42 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 17. SK172 & SK172E Winches Replace the flange in the end of the drum, and fit the end bearing plate. Rotate the winch several times to position the cable firmly around the drum. Then seal the cable exit slot using silicone rubber compound.

  • Page 43: Wing Depressor

    CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 18. Wing Depressor 18. WING DEPRESSOR Introduction The tow cable of a sidescan sonar is subjected to significant drag forces at normal survey speeds, causing the towfish to rise. Therefore more cable must be veered or the tow speed must be lowered in order to keep the towfish at the desired depth.
  • Page 44 CM2 Sidescan Sonar User Manual 18. Wing Depressor Launching the Towfish and Wing Use the handle at the end of the wing when initially lowering the towfish. The wing handles can also be used when reaching for the towfish to recover it.

  • Page 45: Pulleys And Counting Pulleys

    Pulley Types There are two sizes of the pulley designed for use with CM2 tow cables. These are snatch-block types; the pulley does not need to be disassembled to fit or remove the cable. There are also two versions of the smaller sized pulley.
  • Page 46 Installing the Counting Pulley The counting pulley consists of a CM2 pulley fitted with a pulley sensor. All CM2 pulleys are all fitted with one magnet (Types O and S) or two magnets (Type L) so the rotation can be detected at intervals equivalent to half-metre intervals at the circumference.

  • Page 47: Polemount Bracket

    The positioning of the overside pole and its mounting to the hull is outside the scope of this manual. Fit the CM2 polemount bracket to the lower end of the pole as shown in the illustration, tightening the U-bolts and ensuring that shakeproof washers are fitted under the M8 nuts.

  • Page 48: Usbl Transponder Bracket

    CM2 system. These systems require the use of transponder on or near the towfish.

  • Page 49: Towfish Sensors

    Towfish altitude measurement (bottom tracking) is standard in the CM2 towfish. Towfish depth is generally of secondary importance and can usually be estimated by subtracting towfish altitude from water depth measured by the ship’s echo sounder.
  • Page 50 The sensor is moulded into the rear bulkhead, so retrofitting requires the bulkhead to be replaced. The bulkhead and towfish PCB should be returned to C-MAX for modification. See the section on Replacing the Towfish PCB for advice on opening the towfish.

  • Page 51: Rov And Auv Configurations

    23. ROV AND AUV CONFIGURATIONS ROV Configurations The CM2 system is suitable for use on remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs). In place of the towfish in a towed system, the “sonar head” consists of the acoustic transducers and an ROV bottle containing the towfish electronics.

  • Page 52: Warranty

    In particular, if it is apparent from the condition of the CM2-WIN-300 winch that it has been abused or overheated, then repair or replacement of winch components will not be covered under this warranty.

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