Summary of Contents for Edgetech PORT LF SD POP-UP
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PACS ACOUSTIC DECK UNIT U S E R H A R D W A R E M A N U A L 0010996_REV_E 10/8/2024 EdgeTech 4 Little Brook Road West Wareham, MA 02576 Tel: (508) 291-0057 : (508) 291-2491 www.EdgeTech.com...
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The information, figures, and specifications in this manual are proprietary and are issued in strict confidence on condition that they not be copied, reprinted, or disclosed to a third party, either wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of EdgeTech. Any reproduction of EdgeTech-supplied software or file sharing is strictly prohibited.
AT TEN TION— READ TH IS F IRST! All personnel involved with installing, operating, or maintaining the equipment described in this manual should read and understand the warnings and recommendations provided below. CAUTION! This equipment contains devices that are extremely sensitive to static electricity.
EdgeTech will make every effort to see that replacement components are interchangeable and use the same software drivers (if applicable). At times, however, direct replacements may not exist. EdgeTech will provide the necessary drivers with the replacement part when this happens.
ABO U T THI S DOC UMEN T We, the employees at EdgeTech, would like to thank you for purchasing a PACS Acoustic Deck Unit. Our policy is to provide high-quality, cost-effective products and support services that meet or exceed your requirements.
All equipment manufactured by EdgeTech is warranted against defective components and workmanship for a period of one year after shipment. Warranty repair will be done by EdgeTech free of charge. Shipping costs are to be borne by the customer. Malfunction due to improper use is not covered in the warranty, and EdgeTech disclaims any liability for consequential damage resulting from defects in the performance of the equipment.
Refer to the RMA number on all documentation and correspondences. All returned materials must be shipped prepaid. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted. All equipment should be adequately insured for shipping, but equipment belonging to EdgeTech must be insured for full value.
EdgeTech provides software services free of charge. This software agreement does not address customer- specified modifications or enhancements. These services may be ordered separately. Furthermore, EdgeTech software upgrades are meant for the sole use of EdgeTech customers. Any reproduction of EdgeTech-supplied software or file sharing is strictly prohibited.
C USTO MER SE RV I CE Customer service personnel at EdgeTech are always eager to hear from users of our products. Your feedback is welcome and is a valuable source of information that we use to improve these products continually.
— for the acquisition of underwater data, including marine, estuarine, and coastal applications — for over 50 years. EdgeTech responds to the needs of the scientific, naval, and offshore communities by providing industry- leading equipment — such as sub-bottom profilers, side scan sonar, acoustic releases, USBL positioning systems, and bathymetric systems —...
L I ST OF FI GU RES Figure 1-1: PACS Acoustic Deck Unit ......................1-1 Figure 1-2: PACS In Closed Splashproof Case ..................... 1-1 Figure 1-3: PACS with LF Transducer and Manual on Thumb Drive ............1-2 Figure 2-1: The PACS with the LF Dunking Transducer ................2-5 Figure 2-2: The PACS with the MF Dunking Transducer ................
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L I ST OF TA BL ES Table 1-1: Compatible EdgeTech Transponding Releases ................1-2 Table 2-1: PACS Acoustic and Mechanical Specifications ................2-3 Table 2-2: PACS Power Specifications ......................2-3 Table 2-3: Allowed BACS Tone Pair Breakdown..................2-4 Table 2-4: Low-Frequency Transducer Mechanical Specifications ............. 2-5 Table 2-5: Medium-Frequency Transducer Mechanical Specifications ............
OVE RV IEW The PACS, Portable Acoustic Command System, is a highly versatile deck unit used to control and range on EdgeTech’s (formerly ORE Offshore) low frequency (LF) or medium frequency (MF) acoustic releases, transponders, and board sets using EdgeTech’s proven EBACS and BACS command code systems.
PACS supports low to medium transponder frequencies and EdgeTech EBACS and BACS command coding. 1.1.2 PACS Components A typical PACS plus transducer order comes with: PACS Deck Unit •...
S PECI FI CATION S 2.1 PACS Acoustic Deck Unit 2.1.1 PACS Acoustic and Mechanical Specifications SPECIFICATION VALUE Source level Variable, High/Low, 192 / 195 dB re 1 uPascal at 1 meter Pulse widths 5 mS, 10 mS Interrogate tones 9.0, 11.0, 17.0 &...
NOTE: The PACS LF deck box firmware must be up to date to send these commands. PACS LF firmware should be 2.01 or later. Contact EdgeTech CUSTOMER SERVICE for details on updating the firmware on your deck box.
2.2 Dunking Transducers There are two Dunking Transducer Options for the PACS: The LF Transducer and the MF Transducer. 2.2.1 Low-Frequency (LF)Transducer Figure 2-1: The PACS with the LF Dunking Transducer SPECIFICATION VALUE Transducer Size LF Hydrophone LxW: 4” (10.2 cm) x 4” (10.2 cm) Table 2-4: Low-Frequency Transducer Mechanical Specifications 2.2.2 Medium-Frequency (MF) Transducer Figure 2-2: The PACS with the MF Dunking Transducer...
SE T-U P AND AC TI VATION The following section explains how to setup and activate the PACS system for use. 3.1 Internal Battery Considerations The PACS Acoustic Deck Unit has been thoroughly tested and shipped from the factory, and a lithium-ion battery pack has been installed.
Figure 3-3: Connect Power/RS 232 Cable Figure 3-2: Remove Cap from POWER/RS 232 Connector Tabs and POWER/RS 232 Connector Bulkhead Connector Inserts Figure 3-4: Thread Power/RS 232 Cable Connector Figure 3-5: Turn PACS Power Switch To the On Position To Charge...
3-pin plug into the 3-socket XDCP connector. Preparation: Before mating the transducer connector to the PACS connector, ensure it is clean and lubricated with silicon grease. EdgeTech recommends Novagard G624. Instructions: Figure 3-7: Transducer Cable 3- Pin Plug and 3-Socket PACS...
3-10 3.3 Keypad Descriptions Figure 3-9: Image of Keypad NAME FUNCTION Command Enter command mode Ranging Enter ranging mode MENU Menu Enter the menu for set up Guard Press and hold during guarded commands Also used as “shift” for entering letters Clear Clear number from the display Enter...
3-11 3.4 Activating the PACS Unit The PACS is activated by toggling the power switch to the ON position. Saved configurations will be loaded if the save settings feature found in was used. New configurations and settings can be YSTEM accomplished by using the Menu button on the keypad.
(if the underwater unit has transponder capability). Commands are entered as EdgeTech standard BACS six-digit or EBACS 10-digit codes. Both are used to control and initiate various functions in underwater equipment. Refer to the command configuration sheet and hardware manual shipped with the equipment you wish to communicate with for the commands used and the anticipated result of sending these commands.
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3-13 Press the red CMD button on the keypad to enter and send a command. The display on the PACS will change to one of the following: EdgeTech LFBACS Mode Enter Code: EdgeTech MFE Mode Enter Code: EdgeTech MF Mode...
3-14 Sending command now After the command has been sent, the PACS will listen for a response, and the display will change to: Waiting for a reply After the first reply is detected, a bar will be placed at the display home position, and the cursor will then begin moving across the display at a ½...
3.4.2.3 Encoded Interrogate Ranging The PACS Deck Unit can range using the encoded interrogation method of ranging. This method is used for ranging to EdgeTech’s MFE series release and is also compatible with EdgeTech’s MF series release and transponders. PACS Acoustic Deck Unit...
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3-16 NOTE: MF series releases and transponders support CW and encoded interrogation methods. This ranging method is a secure interrogation method that uses an address for each transponder. The encoded interrogate is a 4-digit Octal code, similar to a BACS command. It is actually an 8-bit pulse string that is transmitted, followed by an interrogation pulse.
3-17 Pressing the ENT key once allows the Interrogation Code to be changed. Pressing ENT a second time can re-send the same Interrogation Code. 3.4.3 Serial Port Operation The PACS Deck Unit comes with a serial port connection that can be used to either log activity or remotely control the PACS.
3-18 The PACS will respond with an asterisk ( * ) when it receives a valid command. The PACS will reply with a pound sign ( # ) if it does not recognize the command. After sending a command using Host Mode, the PACS will begin listening for the status reply.
3-19 COMMAND DESCRIPTION Return ranges automatically after receipt of IN Set LF-BACS command mode Set MF command mode Set MFE command mode Do not return ranges after receipt of IN Get the last range value UGxxxxx Set the upper range gate to xxxxx mS. LGxxxxx Set the lower range gate to xxxxx mS.
3-20 3.5.1 Command Menu <CMD> When the Menu key is pressed, the first menu option is the Command Menu, which is used to set the Command Type. When the display reads “Go to Command Menu?”, pressing ENT takes the user to the command selection menu.
3-21 3.5.3 System Menu The system menu enables control of some basic functions of the PACS Deck Unit. These functions include: MENU ITEM DESCRIPTION High and low receiver sensitivity settings are available in the PACS. The difference in sensitivity is approximately 6 dB in the detection threshold. High sensitivity is recommended in deep open water, where ranges are expected to Receiver Sensitivity: be long.
Configuring PACS to Operate With Edgetech Products The PACS Deck Unit is designed to work with EdgeTech’s LF, MF, and MFE, series releases and transponders. The following procedures outline how to configure the PACS for each. 4.1 LF-BACS Operation Configuration This procedure describes how to configure the PACS for operation with EdgeTech’s LF Releases and...
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Press the yellow ENT key to set the lower range gate. 17. With EdgeTech LF acoustic releases, because the standard TAT is 13mS, a lower range gate of less than 35 meters is not attainable. To select a lower range gate, use the left and right arrows. With each keystroke, the lower range gate will increase or decrease by 25 meters, and holding an arrow key in will cause the value to scroll up or down.
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4-24 yellow ENT key to set it. Sound speed can be set in 1 meter per second increments. Holding an arrow key in will cause the value to scroll up or down. 20. After setting the sound speed, the next Ranging Menu item will ask if the user wants to set either manual Ranging Mode or repetitive Ranging Mode.
4-25 4.2 MF Operation Configuration This procedure explains how to configure the PACS for operation with EdgeTech’s MF series Releases and Transponders: 1. Turn the Deck Unit on without connecting the transducer. It takes approximately two seconds for the PACS to power up. It will beep twice, and the display will become legible when ready.
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Press the yellow ENT key to set the lower range gate. 19. With EdgeTech MF Acoustic Releases, because the standard TAT is 100mS, a lower range gate of zero meters is achievable. To select a lower range gate, use the left and right arrows. The lower range gate will increment or decrement 25 meters with each keystroke and holding an arrow key in will cause it to scroll.
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4-27 left and right arrows to select a value of sound speed and the yellow ENT key to set it. Sound speed can be set in 1 meter per second increments. Holding an arrow key in will cause the value to scroll up or down.
REPLY frequency. Press the yellow ENT key to set a reply frequency. 9. Standard EdgeTech MFE releases have two available reply frequencies: 24.0 kHz or 25.0 kHz. Use the left and right arrows to select the frequency desired. Press the yellow ENT key to set the selection.
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Press the yellow ENT key to set the lower range gate. 17. With EdgeTech MFE acoustic releases, because the standard TAT is 100mS, a lower range gate of zero meters is achievable. To select a lower range gate, use the left and right arrows. The lower range gate will increase or decrease 25 meters with each keystroke, and holding an arrow key in will cause the value to scroll up or down.
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4-30 23. Unless the user has a special underwater unit equipped with telemetry, disable telemetry. Use the left and right arrows to select it, and use the yellow ENT key to disable telemetry. 24. After telemetry is disabled, the Ranging Menu will return to the start of the range menu. 25.
If the PACS is going to be stored for a prolonged period of time (over 6 months), the battery pack should at least be unplugged. However, EdgeTech recommends removing the battery from the unit and stored separately. The Battery should be discharged to approximately 15.0 volts before storage.
5-32 To remove the Battery Pack: 1. Remove the ten screws from the front panel with a Philips head screwdriver. Figure 5-1: The Front Panel with the Screws Highlighted 2. Carefully lift the Front Panel from the Pelican Case, flip it over, and rest the top of the Front Panel on the Pelican Case.
5-33 3. Unplug the two battery connections from JP10 BT1 and JP11 BT2 on the PCB. NOTE: When the Battery is reinstalled, it does not matter which Battery connection is plugged into JP10 BT1 and JP11 BT2. Figure 5-3: The PACS Battery Connection 4.
5-34 5. Remove the Battery Pack. Figure 5-5: The Battery with the Retainer Plate Removed Figure 5-6: The PCB Without the Battery Pack 5.1.3.1 Battery Pack Storage Guidelines: The Deck Unit/Battery Packs should be stored at a temperature of approximately 20°C (68°F).
A-35 A PPE N DIX A: I nte rro gat ion Codes The table below displays all of the possible Interrogation Codes for the PACS. DECIMAL BINARY DECIMAL BINARY 00000011 00110111 00000101 00111000 00000110 00111001 00000111 00111010 00001001 00111011 00001010 00111100 00001011 00111101...
10 KHz. The total command duration for LF-BACS is nine seconds. This command type is the original BACS format and is used in EdgeTech’s 8000 series releases, CART releases, SWR releases, PORT L, AA100 actuators, to name a few.
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B-39 Slant Range: Length of the straight-line path between the deck unit’s hydrophone and the transponders transducer. It can be converted to Azimuth distance if the transponder and deck unit’s hydrophone depths are known. Sound Speed: The rate at which an acoustic wave travels through a specific medium. In PACS, it is meters per second.
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