Summary of Contents for Marine Magnetics SeaQuest2
- Page 1 SeaQuest2 Operation Manual Revision 1 Marine Magnetics Corporation Tel: 1-905 479-9727 135 SPY Court fax: 1-905 479-9484 Markham, Ontario support@marinemagnetics.com L3R 5H6 www.marinemagnetics.com Canada...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
ERIAL INTERFACE ........................12 RANSCEIVER NTERNAL LOCK ..........................12 RANSCEIVER UTPUT OLTAGE ............................13 RANSCEIVER TATUS ASSEMBLING THE SEAQUEST2 PLATFORM ......................14 ............................14 UEST OMPONENTS ................................... 15 OOLS ........................16 ASTENER AND RING SIZES PARE PARTS ............................17 SSEMBLY NSTRUCTIONS 3.4.1... - Page 3 ......................... 29 SOLATION RANSCEIVER OMMANDS SEAQUEST DATA FORMAT ........................... 30 ..........................30 UEST ORMAT ........................31 ALCULATING THE AGNETIC RADIENTS INTERFACING TO A SIDE SCAN SONAR ........................ 32 ..............................32 NALOG YSTEMS ..............................32 IGITAL YSTEMS ..............................33 OMMUNICATION ................................33 ..............................
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Page 4: Introduction
IMU. The twin floats enable the SeaQuest2 to remain near the surface when not being towed. The floats are movable, which allows the user to set the pitch angle of the frame, thus offering control over the desired towing depth. -
Page 5: Seaquest2 System Components
The GPS can be connected to the isolation transceiver to ensure best possible time synchronization accuracy between the SeaQuest readings and positions during the survey. Figure 1-1 - SeaQuest2 System components with a GPS-enabled Isolation Transceiver. A y-adapter branch of GPS cable connects to the Transceiver for ideal time synchronization with the towfish. - Page 6 SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Introduction Figure 1-2 - SeaQuest2 System components with a standard Isolation Transceiver GPS connects to a separate port on the PC. Data logging software pairs GPS data with magnetometer readings based on time, and maintains clock synchronization with the towfish.
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Page 7: Important Notes On Operation
Similarly to all high performance geophysical instrumentation, there are a few simple rules to ensure optimum operation of the SeaQuest: The SeaQuest2 should never be submerged unless all sensor cables are plugged in. Failing to ensure this may result in leaks and damage to the electronics. ... -
Page 8: Performance Characteristics
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Introduction Performance Characteristics The SeaQuest’s most important characteristic is the superb absolute accuracy of its Overhauser sensors. A magnetic gradiometer must be able to reliably report an accurate zero-gradient to be useful. The only way this can be achieved is by having extremely accurate repeatability between sensors. -
Page 9: Understanding The System Components
All SeaQuest gradiometers are supplied with omnidirectional sensors that are completely isotropic with respect to magnetic field direction. The only restriction that must be observed is that SeaQuest2 must not be oriented vertically with the nose facing upwards. This is a restriction with respect to the direction of gravity, not magnetic field. -
Page 10: Pressure Sensors
The pressure sensor will not suffer serious mechanical damage (i.e. will not rupture and cause a leak) until exposed to twice its rated operating pressure. Note that the SeaQuest2 housing is available with a single depth rating of 300m. Take care not to exceed this depth to prevent damage to the housing. -
Page 11: Imu (Inertial Measurement Unit)
1.4.7 Frame The SeaQuest2 frame is a rigid streamlined structure consisting of two wings, one keel, and one tail boom, all connected to a central core. The wings and keel feature the same streamlined design of rigid hard-anodized aluminum that provides strength and rigidity. Sacrificial anodes are attached to aluminum parts to reduce corrosion. The keel and wings are identical, except for their weight –... -
Page 12: Isolation Transceiver
1.4.8 Isolation Transceiver The SeaQuest2 Isolation Transceiver consists of power-conditioning electronics that supplies clean constant power to the SeaQuest, as well as a microprocessor to bridge the communication between the SeaQuest’s FSK protocol and the PC’s RS232 interface. Power and RS232 are both fully isolated from the supply ground, providing extremely high immunity to noisy power supplies at all frequencies. -
Page 13: Tow Cable
USB cable, using an external RS232-USB adapter makes the virtual COM port available even when the transceiver is not powered. 1.4.14 Adjustable Floats SeaQuest2 has two floats above the electronics pod, which can be adjusted by sliding them forward of aft. -
Page 14: Bob Software
Moving the floats forward will reduce the pitch angle, and allow the SeaQuest to remain at or near the surface when under tow. Moving the floats aft will increase the pitch angle, and force the SeaQuest2 to dive when under tow. -
Page 15: Communication Via The Isolation Transceiver
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Communication via the Isolation Transceiver 2 Communication via the Isolation Transceiver By default, all communication with the SeaQuest is via the Isolation Transceiver, which inserts an intelligent layer between data logging software and the towfish. The transceiver assumes complete control over the tow cable communication link, and time synchronization with the GPS, as well as supplies optimal power to the towfish for a wide variety of cable lengths and specifications. -
Page 16: Transceiver Status Leds
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Communication via the Isolation Transceiver Transceiver Status LEDs The Isolation Transceiver has two status LEDs, one for power and one for communication. The LED modes indicate the following states: SeaQuest not Orange connected/maidetected. SeaQuest is detected and... -
Page 17: Assembling The Seaquest2 Platform
Assembling the SeaQuest2 Platform 3 Assembling the SeaQuest2 Platform SeaQuest2 Components Figure 3-1 - SeaQuest2 assembly showing individual components Core with the electronics pod and floats Tail with sensor pod and stabilizer fins. Note the correct orientation, for optimal stability when... -
Page 18: Tools
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Assembling the SeaQuest2 Platform Two wings with sensor pods Keel with sensor pod Note the distinct color of anodizing, and an additional drainage hole on the keel Hardware required for assembly: Tail tube screw Wing anchor bushing –... -
Page 19: Fastener And O-Ring Sizes. Spare Parts
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Assembling the SeaQuest2 Platform Fastener and O-ring sizes. Spare parts Tail connection detail Tail sensor cable connector O-ring and screw sizes O-ring size Wing fastener detail Wing sensor cable connector O-ring and screw sizes O-ring size... -
Page 20: Assembly Instructions
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Assembling the SeaQuest2 Platform Assembly Instructions 3.4.1 General assembly precautions Always ensure you have a clean surface to work on, free of debris and sand, to prevent contaminating the seals on the tail tube flange, and inside the sensor cable connectors. -
Page 21: Wing Assembly Procedure
The keel and wings are identical except for their weight in water: the keel is made to be heavier in water to help maintain the SeaQuest2 stability and horizontality when under tow. Both the wings and the keel contain openings for water drainage. Do not allow sand or debris to accumulate inside the wings, as it may lead to magnetic interference or corrosion. -
Page 22: Float Adjustment Procedure
Always begin with a conservative position of the floats that allows the SeaQuest2 to remain close to the surface, which exposes approximately 7” (17 cm) of the forward end of the float. -
Page 23: Connecting The Equipment
Connecting the Equipment 4 Connecting the Equipment The following diagram shows how to properly connect the SeaQuest2 system. If you are using a side scan sonar with your magnetometer, refer to Section 8 (page 32) for further instructions. Figure 4-1 – SeaQuest2 system connection diagram... - Page 24 SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Connecting the Equipment Connect the Isolation Transceiver to a PC or other type of host computer using either the USB or the RS232 cable provided with the system. Plug the circular 8-pin female connector into the transceiver and the female DB9 connector into the serial port of the PC.
- Page 25 If you have used shackle connections on other marine instruments in the past, you will notice a great benefit to the ruggedness and longevity of the SeaQuest2 connection system. Keeping the connector in operational order requires very little effort. Refer to Section 9 (page 34) for maintenance tips.
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Page 26: Main Tow Connector Deployment
Recommended deployment sequence The following sequence of steps is recommended when deploying the SeaQuest2: Connect all the equipment with the SeaQuest2 still on deck of the vessel Power up the system and verify that the communication works properly ... -
Page 27: Hoisting Points
SeaQuest frame when out of the water. Never allow the frame or sensor pods to swing out of control while hoisted, or hit any hard surfaces. Figure 5-1 - SeaQuest2 hoisting points... -
Page 28: Deploying The Platform
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Deployment Deploying the Platform The vessel should be stationary when deploying the SeaQuest. Once the platform is in the water, have the captain begin a straight line course at a very slow speed (<2kts). Disconnect the platform from the crane and slowly pay out the tow cable. SeaQuest may plane on its wings as you let out the first 10m or so of cable. -
Page 29: Seaquest Commands
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual SeaQuest Commands 6 SeaQuest Commands Interaction with the SeaQuest system is done using single-character commands. These commands can be sent by the SeaQuest software by typing in the terminal window or by selecting a menu option using the COMMAND menu. - Page 30 SeaQuest2 Operating Manual SeaQuest Commands Input time manually. The magnetometer will respond with a prompt to enter eleven digits that represent a date and a time. There is no carriage return necessary. As soon as the eleventh digit is received, time will start from the entered value. The first three digits are Julian day, followed by two digits for year, and six digits for time in HHMMSS format.
- Page 31 SeaQuest2 Operating Manual SeaQuest Commands Toggle RF Power. R: Enable r: Disable R or r This command may be used to turn the RF polarization circuit on or off manually. If you are measuring the unit’s power consumption, you will see the current draw increase in response to this command. The RF is turned on automatically when the magnetometer is taking readings.
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Page 32: Isolation Transceiver Commands
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual SeaQuest Commands Isolation Transceiver Commands The Isolation Transceiver (IT) inserts an intelligent layer between the host PC and the SeaQuest platform, allowing it to optimize the telemetry system parameters for a wide variety of tow cable specifications and lengths. -
Page 33: Seaquest Data Format
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual SeaQuest Data Format 7 SeaQuest Data Format SeaQuest Raw Data Format The SeaQuest data is in ASCII text format and appears as follows, always beginning with *: *YY.JJJ/HH:MM:SS.S V[FFFFFF.FFF SSS TTTT G] P[FFFFFF.FFF SSS TTTT G] S[FFFFFF.FFF SSS TTTT G] R[FFFFFF.FFF SSS TTTT G] A[AAA.AAm aaaa] D+DDDD.Dm p+PP.P rRRR.R hHHH.HH*CS... -
Page 34: Calculating The Magnetic Gradients
���� sensors, and x is the distance between the sensors in meters. In S.I. units, magnetic gradient is expressed as nT/m. Marine Magnetics BOB software computes the magnetic gradients as follows: ���� ��... -
Page 35: Interfacing To A Side Scan Sonar
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Interfacing to a Side Scan Sonar 8 Interfacing to a Side Scan Sonar A SeaQuest can be towed simultaneously with a multitude of different side scan sonar units. A variety of factors, including connection details, deployment method, and operating parameters will vary depending on the type of side scan you are working with. -
Page 36: Communication
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Interfacing to a Side Scan Sonar Communication The SeaQuest will only work with side scan systems that provide bidirectional communication with the SeaQuest. With these systems, the SeaQuest is controlled the same as in stand-alone mode. Only the baud rate has to be programmed correctly before deployment. -
Page 37: Maintenance
A SeaQuest system is designed to withstand years of use in harsh marine environmental conditions. If some simple procedures are observed when deploying and storing the instrumentation, your SeaQuest system will continue to deliver high quality performance with no need for service at the Marine Magnetics facility. ... -
Page 38: Troubleshooting
The Comm LED should be off if no towfish is connected. If the Comm LED flashes blue without a towfish connected, the transceiver may be malfunctioning. Contact Marine Magnetics directly for assistance. Connect the transceiver to your PC using the RS232 or USB cable Identify which COM port the transceiver is connected to. -
Page 39: Seaquest Test Procedure
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Troubleshooting 10.2 SeaQuest Test Procedure If the SeaQuest is communicating properly, then the following procedure will verify that the magnetometer is operating correctly and is ready for a survey. Check the clock in the magnetometer and transceiver Issue the SPC command twice to check the clock. -
Page 40: Side Scan Integration Test Procedure
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Troubleshooting Start Sampling In order to test the SeaQuest magnetometer sensors, the unit needs to be far from any magnetic material. If you are testing on land then ensure that the SeaQuest is far from any buildings or other ferrous material. If you are on a vessel then deploy the platform from the stern at a distance of at least 3 times the length of the vessel. - Page 41 SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Troubleshooting Follow the side scan manufacturer’s instructions for operating with a magnetometer. Table 8-1 shows the electrical requirements for operation with a side scan sonar unit. Repeat the SeaQuest test procedure outlined in Section 10.2 (page 36) to ensure that the system is still working properly.
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Page 42: Troubleshooting
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Troubleshooting 10.4 Troubleshooting The following table addresses specific issues that may occur. For more details or other issues please contact Marine Magnetics technical support. Symptom Possible causes Solution Transceiver Power LED is off Insufficient power is being... - Page 43 SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Troubleshooting Towfish Leak Core Body housing damaged Shutdown towfish from impact Retrieve towfish immediately Damaged O-ring Unscrew nose bulkhead Maximum depth rating Check for water exceeded for SeaQuest If water is present then examine housing and O-rings for damage ...
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Page 44: Electrical Specifications
SeaQuest2 Operating Manual Troubleshooting 10.5 Electrical Specifications The following table shows the expected measurements under working conditions. If you are experiencing abnormal results then consult table Table 10-1 - Troubleshooting specific issues. Location Parameter Typ. Units Transceiver Input Voltage @ 24V... -
Page 45: How To Reach Us
During the warranty period, replacement or repairs to items as described in 1 and 2 will be made free of charge. However, Marine Magnetics’ liability in such cases will not extend to transportation charges for any item to or from the buyer, or to any lost time or to other costs that the buyer may incur.
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