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FarSounder -500 Operation Manual

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FarSounder-500, FarSounder-1000 and FS-3DT Sonar Systems
FarSounder is committed to providing the best quality and performance possible with our
products. As part of this policy, all information herein is subject to change as new and
improved versions of our software and hardware are released.
FarSounder, the FarSounder logo, Power Module, Transducer Module, and SonaSoft are
trademarks of FarSounder, Inc.
"Jeppesen", "Jeppesen Marine", "Jeppesen OnBoard", and "C-Map" are trademarks of
Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc.
FarSounder, Inc.
Operation Manual
Copyright © 2006-2012 FarSounder, Inc.
F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1)
FarSounder, Inc.
43 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, RI 02888
United States
phone: +1 401 784 6700
fax: +1 401 784 6708
info@farsounder.com
www.farsounder.com
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Summary of Contents for FarSounder FarSounder-500

  • Page 1 Copyright © 2006-2012 FarSounder, Inc. FarSounder is committed to providing the best quality and performance possible with our products. As part of this policy, all information herein is subject to change as new and improved versions of our software and hardware are released.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    1.7. Operating the Sonar ......................14 2. SonaSoft™ User Interface Computer Requirements ..............16 2.1. Overview ........................16 2.2. Minimum Requirements for FS-3DT, FarSounder-500, and FarSounder-1000 systems ..16 3. The User Interface Workspace ....................17 3.1. Overview ........................17 3.2.
  • Page 3 2. Every 3 Months ......................... 53 3. Every 6 Months ......................... 53 D. Troubleshooting ......................... 54 1. Overview ........................... 54 2. Power Module LED Descriptions ..................54 3. Power Module LED Diagnostics ..................54 FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 3 of 56...

  • Page 4: Installation Of Shipboard Equipment

    1.1. Transducer Module The most obvious component in your sonar system is the Transducer Module. Though different models are supplied with the FarSounder-500 and FarSounder-1000, the installation concepts discussed here are the same for all Transducer Modules. Figure 1. FarSounder-500 Transducer Module Figure 2.
  • Page 5 The Transducer Module has a single underwater matable connection. This connector is used to connect the Transducer Module to the Power Module via FarSounder's Transducer Module Connection Cable. When properly installed, the face protrusion and the rear connector should be at the 12 o'clock position.
  • Page 6 Do not put caulking (such as Sikaflex) around the Transducer Module. It is important that water be able to flow through the small slits in the installation collar in order to help with system cooling. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1)

  • Page 7: Power Module

    1.2. Power Module FarSounder's Power Module is offered in a bulkhead mounted enclosure or a standard 19" 2U rack-mount component. Both are designed to be mounted in a dry location. The Power Module houses the sonar system's power supplies, transmit signal generator, and power amplifier.
  • Page 8 Power Module. The recommended minimum cable bend radius is 6 inches (15 cm). Therefore, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) minimum clearance behind the Power Module is recommended. FarSounder is not responsible for damage to the cable due to excessive bending. Standard cable/wire anchors or ties can be used to support/secure the cable to any bulkheads or mounting hardware as necessary.

  • Page 9: Transducer Module Connection Cable

    FarSounder's Transducer Module Connection Cable is a custom made cable designed to connect a FarSounder Transducer Module to a FarSounder Power Module. The wet end connector can be connected dry or under water. Before connecting the wet end connector, a small amount of silicon o-ring grease should be put around the black rubber portion of the pins on the Transducer Module's mating connector.
  • Page 10 These connectors are not supplied by FarSounder. Terminating the Coax Cable The coax cable is terminated with a standard BNC crimp style connector. There are many varieties of these connectors depending upon the particular cable specifications. FarSounder supplies a BNC connector FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1)
  • Page 11 A standard BNC crimping tool can be used to install the connector. Figure 9. Crimp terminating the coax cable Recommended Tools Listed below are the tools that FarSounder uses though many equivalent tools exist. Description Manufacturer...

  • Page 12: Network Connections

    Connection Cable End Cap. Figure 11. Remove connector cap from cable 1.4. Network Connections FarSounder's sonar systems operate on a standard Ethernet network using TCP/IP protocol layers. It is recommended that 1Gb Ethernet network hardware be used. FarSounder, Inc.

  • Page 13: Installing The Sonasoft™ Software

    Operation Manual Due to the high bandwidth needs of the FarSounder systems, it is also recommended that the Ethernet network be private. That is to say that for best performance results, the network should not be shared with other non-FarSounder network traffic. A private network can be established by keeping the network used to connect the user interface computers to the Power Module physically separate from any other Ethernet networks on the vessel.

  • Page 14: External Sensor Connections

    In order to avoid interference with one another, it is recommended that the echosounders be located as far from the FarSounder sonar as possible. To ensure that there is no interference (particularly if the Echosounders must be located near the FarSounder system) 200 kHz echo sounders should be used.
  • Page 15 The slider switch on the front panel of the Power Module controls this feature. The two Ctrl LEDs indicate internal Power Module logic states. These are used for FarSounder testing purposes only, and have no user application. The state of these LED's may change from time to time depending upon the particular mode setting of the sonar system.

  • Page 16: Sonasoft™ User Interface Computer Requirements

    SonaSoft™ is run on a platform that does not meet these requirements. It is recommended that no other software applications are run during SonaSoft™ operation. As with any shipboard electronic systems, it is highly recommended that both the user interface computer and the FarSounder Power Module be powered through a UPS.

  • Page 17: The User Interface Workspace

    This way more display real estate is used for displaying pertinent navigation information. Note that when moved to the main workspace, no arrow buttons are ever displayed and menu bars are always visible. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 17 of 56...

  • Page 18: Using The Application Buttons

    At the very top left of SonaSoft™, are two buttons. These buttons are used to access menus and options for advanced controls and features. System Menu The system menu button is shaped like a gear. Clicking this button displays the system menu. This menu provides access to: FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 18 of 56...
  • Page 19 SonaSoft™. Some components include a status indicator icon. This icon is a circle colored either Green, Yellow, or Red. Green indicates all systems are functioning properly. Yellow indicates there is a system warning. Red indicates there is a serious problem with part of the system. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 19 of 56...
  • Page 20 Note that the four corner channels are always blank. SonaSoft™ Help The help button icon is a circle with a question mark in the middle. Clicking this button brings up the SonaSoft documentation. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 20 of 56...
  • Page 21 Each theme is a set of colors that facilitates the use of the software in various lighting conditions. Currently, the software supports Day, Dusk, Night, and Red color themes. A theme may be selected by clicking on a theme from the list. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 21 of 56...

  • Page 22: First Time Configuration

    COM port number, a baud rate selection drop down box, and a Show Trace button. SonaSoft™ can read all standard NMEA-0183 messages on any COM port in the list. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 22 of 56...
  • Page 23 Message selection is independent of COM port selection. This means that if a particular message is selected for a given data type, it does not matter on which COM port it is received. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 23 of 56...
  • Page 24 Operation Manual FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 24 of 56...

  • Page 25: System Settings Options

    Positive values indicate that the transducer is above the keel. Negative values indicate the transducer is below the keel. This value is generally set once at installation, and does not need to be updated unless the installation is modified. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 25 of 56...

  • Page 26: Chart Set Up

    C-Map chart data. Please follow the C-Map Chart Manager documentation for assistance in running this tool. After the initial installation, the C-Map Chart Manager tool can be launched directly from SonaSoft™'s Configuration Manager menu. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 26 of 56...

  • Page 27: The 3D Sonar Display

    3D location. All FarSounder sonars are specified as 8 water depth sonars. This means that they can map the sea floor out to a distance of at least 8 times the depth of water in which the sonar is operating.

  • Page 28: Profile View

    This looks much like a common radar display. However, where radar gives a picture of what is above the water, FarSounder’s sonar displays a picture of what is below the water. As with the 3D volumetric mode, the standard mode has color mapped to depth and zoom capabilities.

  • Page 29: Forward Looking Alarm Use

    The Min Range setting specifies the minimum range extent of the alarm trigger volume. The Max Range setting specifies the maximum range extent of FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 29 of 56...

  • Page 30: Menu Bar Controls

    Configuration Manager's System Settings. Like any marine sensor (radar, echo sounder, etc) the FarSounder sonar systems may detect spurious noises. These "noises" include reflections from bubbles in the water column and small bits of debris in the water.

  • Page 31: Mouse Controls

    5.7. 3D Sonar Processing Options Like other marine electronics sensors, there are processing control settings for the FarSounder sonars. FarSounder has developed autonomous processing algorithms that intelligently control various stages of the processing routines and automatically remove most of the "noise"...
  • Page 32 Squelch level. Squelch Control The 3D sonar processing technology that FarSounder has developed and integrated into the sonar systems utilizes spatial classification and correlation techniques to identify particular targets as either part of the sea floor/river bed or as an in-water target.

  • Page 33: Control Settings Examples

    By exploiting these and other differences, FarSounder's products are able to operate effectively in shallow water and at navigationally significant ranges.
  • Page 34 These targets may be shown as in-water targets rather than the sea floor. Figure 24. Bridge piling used in control setting images FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 34 of 56...
  • Page 35 The control settings used to generate this image are shown at the top of the screen shot. In this image, the Squelch is set to 170 dB. Let us now discuss how it was determined that these are "good" settings. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 35 of 56...
  • Page 36 From this single image, it is clear that the in-water target cutoff needs to be increased. Hint: Map color to signal strength in order to identify a single target against noise blips FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 36 of 56...
  • Page 37 This slight increase was enough to raise the in-water target cutoff slightly and clean up the image. During the rest of the cruise, these settings did not need to change. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 37 of 56...

  • Page 38: Chart Display

    Sometimes such features are not well located on the chart (such as marking of simply "rocks" or "reef"). The sonar is able to locate the actual positions of these features as indicated by the overlay. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 38 of 56...

  • Page 39: Menu Bar Controls

    6.5. Configuration Manager Options In order for this component to work properly, NMEA compatible heading and location sensors must be connected to the SonaSoft™ User Interface computer. These sensors include: gps, loran, compass, etc. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 39 of 56...
  • Page 40 Manipulates the databases shown in the map view area. To have the option to view a database, it must first be added to the system using the C-Map Chart Manager. Figure 30. Add/Remove Databases Dialog FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 40 of 56...

  • Page 41: Requirements

    • C-Map chart database must be installed • C-Map USB dongle must be installed. These can be acquired from FarSounder for a nominal fee. • C-Map license must be installed. This can be purchased through a Jeppesen Marine dealer or directly from Jeppensen Marine.

  • Page 42: Nav Info Display

    • HDG: Heading, Deviation, and Variation. • HDT: Heading True. • RMC: Recommended minimum Specific GNSS data. • VHW: Water Speed and Heading. • VTG: Course over ground and ground speed. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 42 of 56...
  • Page 43 • VHW: Water Speed and Heading. • VTG: Course over ground and ground speed. Some messages provide speed in either knots or km/h. When available, the user can select the units they prefer. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 43 of 56...

  • Page 44: Using The Export Option

    One of the options under the Configuration Menu is "Export". The export feature is used for sharing system data with FarSounder. When this feature is activated, a .zip file will be saved to the desktop containing: • raw sonar data for the last few pings, •...

  • Page 45: Understanding Interference And Other Limitations

    FarSounder is pointed towards the other ship. Such interference appears on the FarSounder display as a “ring” of echoes all at the same range as shown in Figure A.1, “Echo sounder interference”. Usually, they appear as in-water targets, but sometimes they can also appear as a raised mound or sharp dip in the sea bottom at all angles.
  • Page 46 "NOAA's Ocean Acoustics Program (NMFS Office of Science and Technology) has assessed the technical specifications of the current version of the FarSounder sonar technology and concurs that, based on the sound source level, signal duration, directionality, and operational frequency band, there are no anticipated injurious effects on marine mammals or other marine species from it's deployment."...

  • Page 47: Bubble Cloud/Wake Interference

    This effect is not unique to FarSounder sonars. Rather this effect is true for all sonar technologies. Bubble clouds consisting of large bubbles tend to reflect echos back to the sonar and prevent sound energy from continuing beyond the bubble cloud.

  • Page 48: Sea State Limitations

    20 degrees. Though the Transducer Module should stay submerged, should heavy pitching bring the unit out of the water occasionally, the unit will not be damaged. However, should the unit be transmitting or FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1)

  • Page 49: Vessel Speed Limitations

    5. Vessel Speed Limitations The FarSounder-500 and FarSounder-1000 sonars are designed for use at vessel speeds up to 20 and 25 knots respectively. This rating is based upon an ideal installation where vessel induced mechanical vibration noise is not present.

  • Page 50: Understanding Water Depth Performance

    To best understand how FarSounder's technology is able to operate so well in shallow water it is first necessary to understand the metrics used in shallow water sonars.
  • Page 51 At some angle, not enough energy is reflected back to the receiver to allow for sea bottom detection and mapping. The FarSounder-500 and FarSounder-1000 products are specified as 8 water depth sonars. This means they can map the sea floor out to a range equal to 8 times the depth below the transducer.
  • Page 52 However, even beyond their water depth capability, FarSounder sonars are still able to detect objects out to farther ranges. This seems obvious for objects floating in the middle of the water column. However, even obstacles laying on the sea floor can reflect well beyond the bottom mapping limit.

  • Page 53: Maintenance

    C. Maintenance 1. Overview Your FarSounder sonar system has been designed with minimum maintenance requirements. However, like any shipboard system, it is important to periodically check the status of the system. This section of the manual outlines the recommended maintenance procedures and schedule for FarSounder's sonar systems.
  • Page 54 D. Troubleshooting 1. Overview The development team at FarSounder has worked hard to create robust, reliable products. However, as with any piece of complex marine equipment, there is always the chance of something unexpected happening. FarSounder technicians and and engineers are always willing to work directly with our customers and dealers to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
  • Page 55 Power Module has an internal fault After powering on the Check RED, WHITE, and BLUE Power Module while wires at the cable to Power Module waiting for a connection connection. to SonaSoft Table D.1. FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 55 of 56...
  • Page 56 Operation Manual FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1) Page 56 of 56...

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