Instruction_Manual_Simrad_EK60_Scientific_Echo_Sounder_System_850-164696_Rev._A.pdf

Simrad EK60 Scientific echo sounder system

Instruction manual

M A X I M I Z I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A www.simrad.com

Scientific echo sounder system

850--164696 / Rev.A

Note Simrad AS makes every effort to ensure that the information contained within this document is correct. However, our equipment is continuously being improved and updated, so we cannot assume liability for any errors which may occur.

Warning The equipment to which this manual applies must only be used for the purpose for which it was designed. Improper use or maintenance may cause damage to the equipment or injury to personnel. The user must be familiar with the contents of the appropriate manuals before attempting to operate or work on the equipment.

Simrad AS disclaims any responsibility for damage or injury caused by improper installation, use or maintenance of the equipment.

Copyright E 2003 Simrad AS

ISBN 82-8066-012-7

The information contained within this document remains the sole property of Simrad AS. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means, and the information contained within is not to be communicated to a third party, without the prior written consent of Simrad AS.

Simrad AS Strandpromenaden 50 Box 111 N-3191 Horten

Telephone: +47 33 03 40 00 Facsimile: +47 33 04 29 87

A L W A Y S A T T H E F O R E F R O N T O F T E C H N O L O G Y

Instruction manual

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Sections

1 System description

2 Hardware installation

3 Transducer installation

4 Cable layout

Note!

For information on how to use the ER60 and BI60 applications, refer to the respective operator manuals.

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Remarks

References Further information about the EK60 scientific echo sounder system, refer to the following manuals:

• ER60 Operator manual

• BI60 Operator manual

The reader This instruction manual is intended for the design and installation engineers at the shipyard performing the installation, and for readers in need of the basic echo sounder theory. The information is supplied as the basis for the shipyard’s own installation drawings applicable to the vessel. On completion of the installation, this manual must be kept on the vessel for reference purposes during system maintenance.

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Table of contents

1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Overview 2

1.3 Main units 3

1.4 System drawing 4

1.5 Technical specifications 5

Operational specifications 5 Physical specifications 7 Environmental specifications 8

2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION 9

General 9

2.1 Basic procedure 10

2.2 Parts and configurations 12

Overview 12 Transducer 12 Transceiver 12 Computer and display 12 Printer 13

2.3 General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) 14

Overview 14 Procedure 14

2.4 GPT Cabinet 15

Overview 15 Procedure 15 Cabling 15

2.5 Processing Unit (computer) 16

Power supply 16 Computer requirements 16 Computer location 16 Simrad Processing Unit 16

2.6 Display 17

2.7 Printer 18

Introduction 18 Hardware installation 18 Driver installation 18

2.8 Ethernet Data Network 19

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3 TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION 21

3.1 Transducer location 21

General 21 Go deep 21 Boundary water layer 21 Propeller noise 22 Vessel heave 23 Noises from protruding objects on the hull 23 Summary 24

3.2 Ways of mounting the transducer 25

Inclination of the transducer face 25 External mount 26 Transducer blister 28 In a box keel 30 Retractable transducer 31 Centre board 32 Flush mounting in a steel tank 33 Behind a protective acoustic window 34 Inside the hull 35

3.3 Cable in steel conduit 36

3.4 Handling and maintenance 38

3.5 Approved anti--fouling paints 39

4 CABLE LAYOUT 40

4.1 Introduction 40

4.2 Cable plans and specifications 41

Configurations 41 Computer and display cables 42 Single GPT cables 45 Multiple GPT cables 49 GPT Cabinet 52

4.3 External interfaces 55

Overview 55 NMEA instruments 55 Trawl system 55 Heave sensor 56 Purse seine 56 Colour printer 56

4.4 External triggering 57

Overview 57

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Master system using the Auxiliary plug 57 Slave system using the Auxiliary plug 57 Synchronization using a serial port 58

4.5 Cable terminations and details 59

Generic RS-232 Serial line 60 Generic RS-232 with CTS and RTS 61 Standard AC power cable 62 EMC ground 63 Battery 64 Ethernet with RJ45 65 Keyboard cable 66 Mouse or pointing device cable 67 Centronics printer cable 68 VGA display cable 69 GPT Cabinet interface cables 70 Remote on/off 72 GPT Remote synchronisation 73 Heave and Temperature sensors 74 New Event and Line number 75 Transducer(s) 76

4.6 Basic cabling requirements 80

4.7 Cable gland assembly procedure 83

Purpose 83 General procedure 83 Securing and terminating the cables 84 Multi-diameter modules 84 Standard type 86 Additional type 1 (842-093878) 88 Additional type 2 (541-093642) 89

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Document logistics

Rev Date Written Checked Approved

A 08.07.03 RBR/LEA AJ LNA

B

C

D

E

F

(The original signatures are recorded in the company’s logistic database.)

Rev Comments

A Original issue.

B

C

D

To assist us in making improvements to the product and to this manual, we would welcome comments and constructive criticism. Please send all such - in writing or by e-mail - to:

Simrad AS Documentation Department

P.O.Box 111 N-3191 Horten

Norway or e-mail:

simrad.documentation@simrad.com

System description

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1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1.1 Introduction

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the Simrad EK60 scientific echo sounder.

→ Overview, page 2.

→ Main units, page 3.

→ System drawing, page 4.

→ Technical specifications, page 5.

Important notice

Windows 2000 and Windows XP are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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1.2 Overview

The Simrad EK60 scientific echo sounder system is designed for fishery research and incorporates the following primary features:

• The system is flexible and easy to configure due to its modular design.

• User menus, dialogue boxes and system functions are manipulated using a standard mouse or roller ball. User input is provided using a standard keyboard.

• Raw sample data and/or data for further processing can be stored on the system’s hard disk (or other recordable media).

• The EK60’s display has been designed with the standard Microsoft Windows interface in mind and operation is to a large extent very similar. Getting started should be relatively simple for users familiar with Microsoft Windows programs with basic system operation being intuitive.

• The store/replay function reduces the need for echogram printout on paper. Unprocessed transducer signals are recorded directly to the system’s harddisk. During replay, signals are input into the echo sounder software as if it they where received directly from a transceiver.

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1.3 Main units

The system can be expanded to include additional frequency channels by adding General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) units as required. Normally a EK60 scientific echo sounder system consists of:

• One or more transducers

• One or more General Purpose Transceivers (GPT)

• A Processing Unit (computer) with ER60 and BI60 software

• A network to transmit data A more detailed description of these main units include:

• Split beam transducers are available at frequencies ranging from 18 to 400 kHz.

• Communication with peripheral sensors and systems include

Navigation, Motion, Trawl sensor inputs, Datagram output and Remote control.

• The General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) contains transmitter and receiver electronics. The receivers are designed for low noise, and they can handle input signals spanning a very large instantaneous dynamic amplitude range of 160 dB. All targets are correctly measured and displayed.

• A twisted pair Ethernet cable connects the General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) with the computer. The distance between the computer and the GPT can extend up to 100 meters.

• If more than one transceiver is used, a small Ethernet switch is required to connect the General Purpose Transceivers to the computer.

• The majority of the echo sounder functions are implemented in software. The bottom detection algorithm is implemented solely in software with separate computation for each frequency channel.

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1.4 System drawing

This drawing shows the basic components of a EK60 system.

For additional configurations, refer to the Cable layout chapter.

Figure 1 EK60 Basic system diagram

(C D

A)

Legend: (1) = Colour LCD display, (2) = Processor Unit (computer), (3) = Keyboard, (4) = Mouse or pointing device,

(5) = General Purpose Transceiver (GPT), (6) = Transducer.

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1.5 Technical specifications

The following is a summary of the technical specifications for the EK60 scientific echo sounder system. Note that the specifications may be changed without prior warning.

Operational specifications

EK60 Echo sounder system

• Operating frequencies: 18, 38, 70, 120, 200 kHz

• Operational modes: Active, Passive and Tes

• Transmission power: Adjustable in steps

• Ping rate: adjustable

• Maximum ping rate: 20 pings / sec

• Data collection range: 0 to 15.000 m

• Receiver instantaneous dynamic range: 150 dB

• Receiver filtering: Matched digital filters

• Receiver noise figure: 4 dB

• Split beam: Complex digital demodulation

• Synchronization: Internal and external

ER60 Echo sounder application

• Operating system:

- MicrosoftR Windows XPR

- Windows 2000R (Service pack 4)

• Transceiver control:

- Maximum seven transceivers controlled simultanously

- Operation, Transmit power, Pulse duration, Ping rate, Data collection range

• Calibration: Built-in application

• Sensor inputs:

- GPS

- Heave

- Roll

- Pitch

- Trawl

- Purse seine

- Others

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• Manual input:

- CTD data

- Speed

• Views:

- Echogram

- Target position

- Target strength distribution

- Colour scale

- Numerical

- Bottom depth

- Chart views

• Echogram view:

- Volume backscattering strenght

- Target strength

- Single target

- Virtually unlimited number of simultanously echogram views with individual settings

• Vertical range. Adjustable 5 to 15.000 m

• Horizontal time span: Ping, Time or Distance based

• Layers: Virtually unlimited number of configurable layers

• Calulation interval: Ping, Time or Distance based

• Single target detection settings: Adjustable

• Bottom detection settings. Adjustable

• Access control: Identified users with password protection

• User configuration: Save and load personal settings

• Data server: Ethernet datagram based system for remote subscription of data

• Raw data storage: Storage of complex sample data

• Processed output: To serial line or Ethernet

• Printer output: On-line printing

• Replay: Replay of previously recorded data

Processing Unit (computer)

These are the minimum requirements for a third-party computer.

• Operating system:

- MicrosoftR Windows XPR

- Windows 2000R (Service pack 4)

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• Additional software required:

- Internet Explorer 5.0 (or later)

- Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 (or later)

Physical specifications

General Purpose Transceiver (GPT)

• Transmit power: maximum 4 kW

• Output protection: Short circuit and open circuit protection

• Connectors:

- Transducer: 12-pin female Amphenol, Shell MS3102A-24, Insert 24-19S

- AUI: 15-pin female Delta

- Network: 8-pin RJ-45 socket

- Auxiliary: 25-pin female Delta

• Physical dimensions

- Width: 284 mm

- Height: 112 mm

- Depth: 246 mm

• Weight: Approximately 4.5 kg depending on configuration

• Supply power and fuses:

- AC: 115 to 230 Vac, 50-60 Hz, 50-100 W

- DC: 11 to 15 Vdc, 50-100 W

• Fuses

- AC fuse: Ø5x20 mm, 2 A slow

- DC fuse: Ø5x20 mm, 10 A slow or fast

GPT Cabinet (IP55)

• Contents:

- One or two General Purpose Transceivers (GPT)

- Ethernet switch

• Physical dimensions:

- Width: 400 mm

- Height: 425 mm

- Depth: 420 mm

• Weights:

- With one GPT: Approximately 30.5 kg

- With two GPTs: Approximately 34.5 kg

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Processing Unit (computer)

These are the minimum requirements for a third-party computer.

• Processor: 500 MHz

• Memory capacity: 128 Mbyte

• Hard disk capacity: 10 GB

• Graphic adapter: 32 Mb graphic RAM, 1600 x 1200 true colours, 32-bit, Dual head

• Disk drives:

- CD-ROM Recorder

• External interfaces:

- 2 x RS232 serial

- Centronics parallel

- Ethernet

• Optional devices for backup and data storage:

- Tape streamer

- ZIP disk

- External FireWire harddisk

• Optional devices for network operation:

- Secondary network adapter

Environmental specifications

General Purpose Transceiver (GPT)

• Operational temperature: 0 to +55 deg C

• Storage temperature: -40 to +70 deg C

• Humidity: 5 to 95% relative non-condensing

GPT Cabinet (IP55)

• Operational temperature: 0 to +55 deg C

• Storage temperature: -40 to +70 deg C

• Humidity: 5 to 95% relative non-condensing

Processing Unit (computer)

• Operational temperature: 0 to +40 deg C

• Storage temperature: -40 to +70 deg C

• Humidity: 5 to 95% relative non-condensing

Hardware installation

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2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION

General Before installation of the EK60, various technical aspects must be surveyed and documented. The following information describes the areas which must to be addressed.

Topics

→ Basic procedures, page 10.

→ Parts and configuration, page 12.

→ General Purpose Transceiver (GPT), page 14.

→ GPT Cabinet, page 15.

→ Processing Unit (Computer), page 16.

→ Display, page 17.

→ Printer, page 18 → Data network, page 19

Related topics

None.

Definitions

The following abbreviations are used in this section:

UTC - Universal time (Greenwich Mean Time, GMT) UPS - Uninterrupted Power Supply NMEA 0183 - Standardised serial communication protocol GPS - Global Positioning System

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2.1 Basic procedure

The basic installation procedure is presented here. Detailed technical information can be found in the next chapters. The applicable page references are made in the procedure.

1) Parts configuration

Check that you have received all the parts required for the installation; cables, connectors, brackets etc.

2) Transducer(s)

Install the transducer(s) and the transducer cables according to the guidelines in this manual and the drawings provided with the transducer.

3) Computer and display

Set up and install the computer and display. Several configurations are available, mainly because you can either order this equipment from Simrad, buy it elsewhere, or use existing hardware. Note that minimum requirements must be met.

Note Make sure that there is a reliable ground connection between the computer and the ship’s ground.

4) Processor Unit and display

Mount the Processor Unit (computer) and the display using the appropriate brackets. Connect the pointing device. Note that a keyboard and a mouse (or other pointing device) is required.

5) General Purpose Transceiver (GPT)

One or more General Purpose Transceivers (GPT) are required with the EK60 echo sounder. Mount the General Purpose Transceiver using the appropriate brackets. Connect the transducer cable and the power cable.

If required, install a two-wire cable to provide remote on/off control of the of the GPT(s). The “remote” end of this cable must be terminated in an on/off toggle switch.

5) Ethernet

A dedicated Ethernet connection must be used between the General Purpose Transceiver(s) and the computer.

Using one GPT: If only one transceiver is used, you need a twisted pair cable with swapped receive and transmit wires. This cable is connected directly between the transceiver and the computer.

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Using two or more GPTs: An Ethernet switch is required if your system includes more than one General Purpose Transceiver. in this case, use “straight” ethernet cables between the computer and the switch, and between the switch and each transceiver.

Ethernet connection to sensors and other peripheral devices must be made with a second network adapter in the computer.

5) Interfaces

Connect navigation receiver, trawl system, heave sensor and other peripherals with serial line output to the rear of the echo sounder computer using RS-232 cables. The same information may also be accessed on the ship’s network, but your echo sounder computer must then be equipped with a second ethernet adapter.

Heave sensors with an analogue output are connected directly to the Auxiliary connector of the nearest General Purpose Transceiver (GPT). If you have more than on GPT, the sensor shall only be connected to one of them.

5) Synchronization

Synchronous transmission is desirable if there are several echo sounders onboard the vessel. For every echo sounder and every transceiver onboard the ship, connect the appropriate pins at the Auxiliary connectors together using a two-wire cable. A serial port may also be used to allow synchronization.

Related topics

→ Parts and configuration, page 12.

→ Transducer installation, page 21.

→ The transducer cables, page 76.

→ The remote control connection is described on page 72.

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2.2 Parts and configurations

Overview The Simrad EK60 echo sounders is designed as a modular system. It supports a variety of configurations and frequency options.

While the software, the General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) and the transducer(s) must be supplied by Simrad, the computer, display, network components and peripherals may be commercial items from other manufacturers.

Transducer One or more transducers are included.

A large number of transducers are available from Simrad. There are several transducer alternatives for each operating frequency with different beam widths, power rating and mounting arrangements.

Refer to the data sheet and drawings deliveried with each transducer for technical specificaitons.

Transceiver The General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) is a small self-contained unit containing its own power supply. It operates from +12 Vdc or 115-230 Vac. The unit can be mounted anywhere on board the ship, provided that the location is dry and ventilated. Power cable and mounting brackets are enclosed.

We recommend that the GPT is mounted as close to the transducer(s) as possible.

An Ethernet link connects the General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) to the echo sounder computer. The GPT includes its own Ethernet interface, and a network interface board must be included in the computer.

Computer and display The EK60 computer can be any personal computer provided that the minimum specifications are met. It must run Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP operating systems.

Any standard computer display can be used with the computer.

In a standard EK60 delivery, a customized personal computer and a LCD unit is provided.

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Printer A printer can be supplied. Most standard off-the-shelf colour printers can be used. A standard Windows drivers is required.

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2.3 General Purpose Transceiver (GPT)

Overview The GPT transceiver is a self-contained unit. It can be mounted anywhere onboard the vessel. It is recommended to mount the GPT as close to the transducer(s) as possible in order to minimise the electrical interference into the transducer cable.

General Purpose Transceiver

Transducer

DSP-6X IO

+5V +12V -12V

HV1

HV2

TX

RX

Fuse 10A

115-230 VAC

Fuse 2A

S1 S2

POWER

V

D C

A ux ilia ry

E th er ne t E th er ne t

(CD5467C / 820-201035/C)

Figure 2 General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) - front panel

The General Purpose Transceiver is easily mounted with the brackets supplied with the unit.

Procedure Two brackets and four pan head screws are enclosed. The side walls of the unit each hold six screws; three screws along the bottom edge and three screws along the top edge.

The brackets can be vertically mounted in three different positions;

• Use the two rear holes, or

• Use the two center holes, or

• Use the two front holes.

The brackets can be horizontally mounted in four different ways using either the bottom edge holes or the top edge holes.

1 Unscrew two screws from each side wall.

2 Mount the brackets using the pan head screws.

3 Position the unit on the surface and mark the four mounting holes.

4 Remove the unit, and drill mounting holes.

5 Mount the unit to the surface using 5 mm bolts.

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2.4 GPT Cabinet

Overview The GPT Cabinet is a steel enclosure used to house one or two General Purpose Transceivers (GPT). The cabinet provides IP55 protection.

All electrical connections made to the cabinet are carried out on tag blocks inside the unit.

The cabinet is easily mounted with the four brackets supplied.

Procedure The cabinet is fixed to the bulkhead with four bolts. Make sure that the cables exiting from the cabinet are well supported, and that enough slack is provided for maintenance.

Cabling All cables to the GPT Cabinet are connected through the cable glands at the bottom. The transducer cables are connected directly to the sockets on the General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) units. This means that the transducer plugs must be soldered onto the cable after the cable has been pulled through the glands.

The ethernet cable to the combined display and processor unit is terminated in a socket located on a small junction box.

All other cables are terminated onto the two tagblocks inside the cabinet.

Figure 3 GPT Cabinet

(CD5982 / GIF)

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2.5 Processing Unit (computer)

Power supply A stable power supply is necessary to provide power to the system’s computer(s) and other components. An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is recommended to supply power to the computer(s) to protect against power spikes or failure which can damage their electronic components and ability to retrieve valuable stored data.

Computer requirements The following information is subject to change:

• Operative System -Windows 2000 (SP4), Windows XP

• Processor - 500 MHz or better

• Memory - 128 MB or better

• Hard Disk - 10 GB or better

• CD Station - for software installation

• Optional - Tape Streamer/Zip drive/additional hard disks for backup purposes

• Network - Net adapter card(s) and appropriate cabling is required if computers are to be connected to a network.

Computer location The EK60 computer must be loacted in a dry and well ventilated room. The use of shock absorbers is strongly recommended.

Note that the maximum lenght of RS-232 cables is less than 10 meters.

Simrad Processing Unit A customized EK60 Processing Unit computer may be provided by Simrad. This is a ruggedized computer in a specially designed casing with solid shock absorbers.

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2.6 Display

Any standard computer display may be used on the echo sounder computer. However, the standard delivery comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit, which is available in different sizes.

A separate manual is included with each display delivery. Refer to this manual for more information about installation and use of the display unit.

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2.7 Printer

Introduction Any Microsoft Windows compatible printer may be connected to the EK60 Processor Unit. The connection is made with a standard Centronics type parallel cable.

Hardware installation Refer to the applicable printer documentation for hardware installation. Make sure that the printer is securely mounted to withstand the shock, vibrations and movements experienced on a ship.

Driver installation In order to use the printer, you must install the necessary driver(s) and set up the EK60 Processor Unit so that the presence of the printer is known. To do this, you will need to use the standard Microsoft Windows tools on the computer.

Observe this procedure on a Windows XP computer.

1 Terminate the echo sounder program.

2 Press the Start button in the lower left corner, and activate the Settings option on the menu.

3 On the Settings sub-menu select Printers and Faxes.

4 On the next submenu, select Add Printer.

5 Allow the wizard to guide you through the rest of the installation process.

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2.8 Ethernet Data Network

The echo sounder computer and the GPT transceiver communicate via a local area network interface of the Ethernet type.

The original Ethernet version was standardised in 1978 by Xerox Corporation, Intel Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation.

A 1/2-inch 50-ohm coax cable is used as the communication backbone medium, and a number of computers are connected to this backbone cable via a transceiver cable (15-pin Delta connector in each end) and a ”vampire” transceiver clamped onto the Ethernet coax. The communication rate is 10 Mbit/s.

Today this original Ethernet version is denoted the IEEE 802.3 10Base5 standard. The original 1/2-inch coax is typically referred to as thick Ethernet, and the 15-pin Delta connector is referred to as the AUI (Attachment Unit Interface). A number of variations of this technology have emerged in recent years.

By replacing the 1/2-inch coax with a thinner BNC type 50-ohm coax we arrive at the IEEE 802.3 10Base2 standard which is commonly referred to as thin Ethernet.

Yet another variation is to replace the coax with fibre-optic cable.

The last variation to be described here is the IEEE 802.3 10BaseT standard which uses twisted pairs of wire in a star topology. This variation is commonly referred to as a twisted pair (TP) system. For small local area networks it is usually possible to use just one type of Ethernet, though for larger networks one often ends up with a mixed system. Transition units from one type of system to another are available from numerous suppliers.

Both AUI and TP connectors are available on the EK60 General Purpose Transceiver (GPT). A standard Ethernet adapter (plug-in board) is required on the Processing Unit computer.

Typically, this board also has both the AUI and the TP connectors available.

An EK60 echo sounder system can contain more than one GPT connected to the same network cable. The echo sounder and other computer devices can co-exist on the data network without disturbing each other. If you wishto connect only one GPT to the echo sounder computer, you do not need to install a complete data network cabling system. For a minimum point-to-point link you only need a twisted pair cable where the receive and transmit wires have been swapped.

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Pairs

RJ45 plugRJ45 plug

(1) TX Data + to (3) Recv Data +

(2) Tx Data - to (6) Recv Data -

(3) Recv Data + to (1) Tx Data +

(6) Recv Data - to (2) Tx Data -

(CD7002)

Figure 4 IEEE 802.3 10BaseT “cross-over” cable with receive and transmit wires swapped

• Thick Ethernet coax is durable and can be run through conduit and thin walls. It is relatively immune to electromagnetic interference and cross-talk. Thick coax is somewhat difficult to install, and the maximum cable length is 500 meter. A maximum of 100 Ethernet transceivers can be connected to the backbone coax.

• Thin Ethernet coax is cheaper than thick coax, the maximum cable length is 200 meters and a maximum of 30 Ethernet transceivers can be connected. The cable must be cut at each transceiver and a BNC T-unit used for tapping the signal. Some computers have a built-in transceiver with a BNC connector at their rear allowing the computer to be connected directly to the thin coax cable.

• Fibre-optic Ethernet cable is resistant to electromagnetic interference, radio interference, lightning and high voltages.

It is also difficult to tap making it very secure. Attenuation is extremely low allowing data to be transmitted a distance of 2000 meters. Fibre transmission is used mostly for point-to-point connections.

• Twisted-pair wire is similar to ordinary telephone wire. It is inexpensive and easy to install, but is not as durable as coax.

An Ethernet HUB unit is required at the central point.

Available units typically contain from 8 to 32 ports.

Transducer installation

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3 TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION

3.1 Transducer location

General A single answer to the question where to locate the transducer cannot be given. It depends very much on the vessel’s construction. However, there are some important guide lines.

Go deep The upper water layers of the sea contain a myriad of small air bubbles created by the breaking waves. In heavy seas the uppermost 5 to 10 metres may be air-filled, with the highest concentrations near the surface. Air bubbles absorb and reflect the sound energy, and may in worst cases block the sound transmission totally. Therefore, mount the transducer at a deep position on the hull.

Consider the situation when the vessel is unloaded, and when it is pitching in heavy seas. The transducer must never be lifted free of the water surface. Not only will the sound transmission be blocked, but the transducer may be damaged by slamming against the sea surface.

Another reason to go deep is cavitation in front of high power transducers. Cavitation is the formation of small bubbles in the water due to the resulting local pressure becoming negative during parts of the acoustic pressure cycles. The cavitation threshold increases with the hydrostatic pressure.

Boundary water layer When the vessel forces its way through the sea, the friction between the hull and the water creates a boundary layer. The thickness of the boundary layer depends upon vessel speed and the roughness of the hull. Objects protruding from the hull, and dents in the hull, disturb the flow and increase the thickness of the boundary layer. The flow in this boundary layer may be laminar or turbulent. A laminar flow is a nicely ordered, parallel movement of the water. A turbulent flow has a disorderly pattern, full of eddies. The boundary layer increases in thickness when the flow goes from laminar to turbulent. Figure 5 (next page) sketches the boundary layer of a vessel moving through the water.

Furthermore, air bubbles in the sea water are pressed down below the hull and mixed into the boundary layer. The boundary

22 850-164696 / A layer is thin underneath the forward part of the vessel, and increases in thickness as it moves towards aft. If the sides of the hull are steep, some of the air bubbles in the boundary layer may escape to the sea surface along the vessel sides. It is our experience that a wide and flat bottom, with a rising angle less than around 13 degrees, is prone to giving air problems for the transducer. In any case a transducer location in the forward part of the hull is preferred in order to minimise the influence of the boundary layer.

Figure 5 Sketch of the boundary layer underneath the vessel.

(CD3002)

Turbulent flow Laminar flow Aerated water

Propeller noise The propulsion propeller is the dominant noise source on most fishing vessels, research vessels, merchant vessels and pleasure crafts. The noise is transmitted through the sea water. Therefore the transducer should be placed far away from the propeller, which means on the fore part of the hull. Positions outside the direct line of sight from the propeller are favourable. On small vessels with short distances it is advised to mount the transducer on that side of the keel where the propeller blades move upwards, because the propeller cavitation is strongest on the other side. The cavitation starts most easily when the water flows in the same direction as the propeller blade, and that is to some degree the case at that side of the keel where the propeller blades move downwards.

Bow thruster propellers are awful machines. When they are in operation, the noise and cavitation bubbles make the echo

23850-164696 / A sounder useless, almost no matter where the transducer is installed. And when not in operation, the tunnel creates turbulence, and if the vessel is pitching, the tunnel may be filled with air or aerated water in the upper position and release this in the lower position. Therefore, an echo sounder transducer should be placed well away from the bow thruster.

Vessel heave

Heave is the up and down movement of the vessel. It disturbs the echo traces in the echogram, so that a flat bottom is displayed as a wave. A transducer location in the middle of the vessel minimises the influence of vessel roll and pitch.

Noises from protruding objects on the hull

Objects protruding from the hull, such as zinc anodes, sonar transducers or even the vessel’s keel, generate turbulence and flow noise. Also holes and pipe outlets are noise sources. They may act as resonant cavities amplifying the flow noise at certain frequencies. Do not place an echo sounder transducer in the vicinity of such objects, and especially not close behind them.

Figure 6 Recommended location of the transducer on the hull

(CD1997C)

L

Max 1/3 L

Approximately 3 degrees tilt

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Summary Some of the above guide lines are conflicting, and each case has to be treated individually in order to find the best compromise.

Generally the propeller noise is the dominant factor, and a recommended transducer location is in the fore part of the hull, with maximum distance from the bow equal to one third of the total length of the hull at the water line.

→ See figure 6.

If the vessel hull has a bulbous bow, this may well be a good transducer location, but also here must be taken into consideration the flow pattern of the aerated water. Often the foremost part of the bulb is preferable.

→ See figure 7.

Figure 7 Transducer location on a bulbous bow

Transducer

(C D

Thruster

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3.2 Ways of mounting the transducer

Inclination of the transducer face Incline the transducer face approximately 3 degrees, so that the flowing water meets it directly. This assures laminar water flow.

Mounting screws should not be extruding from the transducer, and the space around the screws could be filled with a compound or a locking ring.

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External mount Some transducers have a streamlined housing, designed for installation outside the hull.

Figure 8 External mounting on steel hulls

Cable service loop

Fairing

Packing nipple

Rubber gasket Washer

Stuffing tube

Steel tube

(C D

Air outlet

Transducer

3°

Bedding compound

A fairing, made by the shipyard, is placed between the transducer and the hull, to adapt for the deadrise angle of the hull. The fairing can be made of wood or steel, and should have the same outline dimensions as the transducer. These transducers are mainly used on smaller vessels. A location approximately 0.5 m aside from the keel may be adequate for the passage of water between the keel and the transducer. The figures above and below illustrate external mounting of transducers on steel hulls and on wood or polyester hulls respectively.

→ Refer to figure 8 and 9.

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Figure 9 External mounting on wood or polyester hulls

Cable protecting pipe

Packing nipple

Rubber gasket Washer

Washer

Rubber gasket

Fairing block

Air outlet

Shim (wood)

Threaded rod with nuts and washers

Cable service loop

Transducer

(C D

Bedding compound

3°

Tarred felt

Stuffing tube

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Transducer blister Other transducers are designed for installation into the hull or in a blister. In general, a blister installation is the recommended method. It brings the transducer below the boundary layer. A blister is illustrated below.

Figure 10 Transducer blister

Air outlet

Round off corners

Drainage holes

Stiffening rib

Transducer

Cable service loop

3°

Water flow

(CD1998)

Stuffing tube

Streamlined blister

M in

. 4

The best performance is obtained with a blister height of 40 cm or more. A streamlined shape and rounded edges reduce the flow noise. A vertical leading edge or front will guide the aerated water to the sides of the blister. The orientation of the blister should follow the water flow. On a conventional hull shape, without a bulb, the front of the blister should have a few degrees toe-in towards the bow.

→ See figure 11.

The blister is placed on one of the sides of the hull, and the distance from the keel is a trade off between a close distance giving a turbulent flow of water in a narrow passage, and a large distance bringing the transducer higher up and also more affected by vessel roll. Normally a distance of approximately 1 m is a good compromise.

→ See figure 12.

The interior of the blister must be filled with sea water. Use drainage holes in the bottom and an air outlet on the top. The water pressure behind the transducer will then compensate for the outside pressure during vessel movements in rough sea.

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The transducer cable penetrates the hull in a stuffing tube, see the figure above. Leave an adequate loop of the cable behind the transducer for easy mounting or removal of the transducer.

Figure 11 Blister toe-in towards the keel

5-8°

Blister

Keel

(CD3018)

Transducer blisterKeel

Approx 1 m

(CD1996)

Figure 12 Location of blister relative to the keel

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In a box keel Vessels with a box keel may use this for transducer installation.

The box keel is already the deepest part of the vessel. If the box keel is too narrow to accommodate the transducer, it can be widened, either symmetrically or to one side only. In the last case the installation could also be described as a blister merged into the keel. The figure below illustrates a symmetrical box keel installation.

Transducer

(C D

Box keel

Figure 13 Symmetrical box keel installation

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Retractable transducer Retractable hull units are commonly used for horizontal looking sonars. When not in use, the transducer is retracted into a trunk.

The retractable hull unit is more expensive than a blister, but on vessels having a hull where it is difficult or impossible to install a blister, it may be worth-while. A retractable hull unit with transducer is shown below.

Vessels without a keel and with a wide, flat bottom is an example where a retractable hull unit can be the only acceptable method for bringing the echo sounder transducer below the boundary layer.

Transducer

(C D

Keel

Hull unitFigure 14 Retractable hull unit with transducer

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Centre board The use of a centre board with the purpose of stabilising the vessel is well known. A centre board is also a superior platform for transducers. Such instrument keels have been built, mainly on research vessels, with a length of 3 m, protruding also 3 m below the hull, see the figure below. At that depth, the water is free of air bubbles up to very high sea states. The vessel is then able to perform reliable acoustic measurements in open sea a larger part of the year.

(CD3003)

Instrument keel shaft

Lower position

Bottom view

Figure 15 Deep centre board/instrument keel

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Flush mounting in a steel tank Flush mounting is used on very large vessels with a hull so deep that no air bubbles are found below the hull, and on vessels operating in shallow harbours or waters, where a protruding blister can not be accepted.

The standard procedure for flush mounting on a steel vessel is to weld a steel tank inside the hull, and mount the transducer into this tank. As for a blister, the interior of the tank must be filled with water. This can be accomplished by air release through a steel tube, which is extended either to open air 1.5 m above the water line or to the water outside the hull at a point higher than the tank interior. If the tube is extended to open air, drainage must be provided with leakage at the transducer flange or a separate hole in the tank bottom. Transducer mounting in a steel tank is shown in the figure below.

Figure 16 Flush mounting of transducer in steel tank

Transducer

Steel tube for air outlet

Steel tank

Stuffing tube

Water

Drainage hole

(CD3000)

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Behind a protective acoustic window Vessels operating in arctic waters need special attention on transducer installation. Floating blocks of ice may damage even a flush mounted transducer face. For this situation Simrad offers ‘’arctic tanks’’ in different sizes.

The transducer shown in the figure below is mounted inside the tank behind a strong acoustic window which could be made of polycarbonate. The tank is oil filled.

Oil inlet

Steel tank

Oil

Acoustic window

(CD3006)

Transducer

Figure 17 Arctic tank with a protective acoustic window

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Inside the hull An installation of the transducer inside the hull, and sounding through the hull, requires a good acoustic contact between the transducer face and the hull. Build a tank around the transducer and fill it with a liquid. Oil used in hydraulic systems is a well suited liquid for this purpose. It contains no gas bubbles and is non-corrosive.

The tarnsducer can be mounted inside the hull. A substantial loss must be expected when the sound passes through the hull.

→ Refer to figure 18.

Typical values of the two way loss are 3 dB for polyester, 6 dB for aluminium and 10 dB for steel. Hulls made of wood or a sandwich type with foam in the middle, attenuate the sound so much that through hull sounding must be regarded as impossible. The loss varies with the distance between transducer face and the hull. The best result is obtained when the distance is half a wavelength. Consult Simrad for advice. In addition to the loss, the beam pattern is degraded, because a larger area of the hull is set into vibrations.

Figure 18 Transducer mounting inside the hull

Stuffing tube

Transducer

(CD3001)

Air outletHole for oil filling

Oil

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3.3 Cable in steel conduit

It is strongly recommended to lay a steel conduit from the transducer to the echo sounder transceiver, and draw the transducer cable through the conduit. There are two reasons for this procedure.

• First, it will make it easier at a later stage to replace the transducer.

• Second, noise and interference from other electrical equipment is greatly reduced.

With a steel conduit the installation satisfies the EU regulations for EMC interference. Without a steel conduit, there is a risk of reduced echo sounder performance.

Packing nipple

(CD1995)

Ø35

Ø65

Rubber gasket

Stuffing tube

Steel tube

Washers

Echo sounder

Figure 19 Example steel tube arrangement

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The tube should be unbroken and watertight from the transducer to above the water line. From there, openings or a junction box can be installed to facilitate drawing of the cable, or to add a cable extension. However, the tube should act as a continuous electrical screen all the way and be connected to the transceiver chassis.

Tube dimensions:

• minimum 35 mm inner diameter

• minimum 6 mm wall thickness (4.5 mm if galvanised).

If two or more transducers are installed close to each other it is possible to pull their cables in the same steel tube, provided the tube diameter is increased accordingly. However, for easy replacement it is recommended that each transducer has its own steel tube.

Most Simrad transducers are delivered with 20 m cable. Excess cable can be cut off, or an extension cable can be added. This is possible because all Simrad transducers have a built-in transformer for tuning and matching to the cable impedance of 75 Ohms.

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3.4 Handling and maintenance

Do not lift the transducer by the cable.

Some transducers are delivered with a cover plate on the face for protection during transport. Let this plate stay on as long as possible, but do not forget to remove it before the vessel goes into the sea.

An anti-fouling paint may be applied to the transducer face.

Because some paint types may be aggressive to the polyurethane in the transducer face, please consult Simrad’s list of approved paints on the next page.

Note Arctic tanks have acoustic windows made of polycarbonate.

These must neither be painted nor cleaned with chemicals.

During dry docking of the vessel, the transducer face may be cleaned for shells and other marine fouling. Be careful not to make cuts in the transducer face. Use a piece of wood or a very fine grade emery paper.

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3.5 Approved anti-fouling paints

This is Simrad’s list of approved antifouling paints on polyurethane transducer housing.

From Jotun Paints, Sandefjord Norway:

• Antifouling Seamate HB 33

• Antifouling Seamate HB 66

• Antifouling Seamate HB 99

• Racing

• Non-stop

From International Paints:

• Intersleek tie coat + 425 FCS

- BXA386/BXA390/BXA391 Grey

- HKA563/HKA570/HKA571 Yellow

Mix BXA386, BXA390 and BXA391 first, then apply. When dry, mix HKA563, HKA570 and HKA571, apply.

From Hempel IFA Coatings AS:

• Hempel A/F Classic 76550

From Jotun-Henry Clark Ltd:

• Anti-fouling Seaguardian

Note Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation and data sheets for a complete procedure.

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4 CABLE LAYOUT

4.1 Introduction

This chapter details the interconnection cables used on the EK60 system.

All cables are identified with an identification number.

References are then made to the cable type, which specifies the connections to be made and the physical properties of the cable.

As several cables types are common for the various products, each type is only presented once.

Topics

→ Cable plans and specifications, page 41.

→ Cable plan, computer and display, page 42.

→ Cable plan, single GPT, page 45.

→ Cable plan. multiple GPTs, page 49.

→ Cable plan. GPT Cabinet, page 52.

→ External interfaces, page 55.

→ External triggering, page 57.

→ Cable terminations and details, page 59.

→ Basic cabling requirements, page 80.

→ Cable glands, page 83.

Cable layout

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4.2 Cable plans and specifications

Configurations The system cables are identified in following cable plans. Each cable is identified with a cable number (Cx). Further information about the cable (connections and specifications) may be found on the referenced page(s).

The following main configurations are available:

• Basic configuration with standard Processing Unit

• General Purpose Transceiver (GPT)

• GPT Cabinet Several variations may be built based on these main configurations.

Basic configuration

The basic configuration comprises a single General Purpose Transceiver (GPT), a Processor Unit (computer) and a display.

An optional ethernet switch is added for interface purposes.

More than one GPT

More than one GPT may be used. An ethernet switch is then required for interface purposes.

GPT Cabinet

The GPT Cabinet configuration uses a steel cabinet to provide IP55 protection. One or two GPT units may be installed in the cabinet, as well as an ethernet switch if required.

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Computer and display cables The cables shown and specified here are those used when the EK60 is implemented with a standard separate Processing Unit.

Since the computer may be supplied by a third party vendor, the interface availability will change. The most common interfaces are included in this cable layout, and those not required by the EK60 system are identified accordingly.

Figure 20 Cable layout with standard Processor Unit

C3 Display cable

C5 AC power

C11 Serial line 1 (COM1) C12 Serial line 2 (COM2) C9 Secondary ethernet

C16 USB1 (not used)

C17 USB2 (not used)

C18 Firewire (not used)

C4 Printer

C6 AC power

C10 Ethernet to GPT(s)

C20 Remote

C2 Mouse

C1 Keyboard

C7 Ship's GND

C8 Ship's GND

(CD6939A)

(Optional item)

GPT Remote control

C1 - Keyboard This is a standard computer keyboard cable. In most cases it is physically attached to the keyboard.

→ Cable details on page 66.

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C2 - Mouse

This is a standard computer mouse or other pointing device cable. It is physically attached to the mouse.

→ Cable details on page 67.

C3 - Display

This is a standard display cable. It is often attached to the display, and terminated in the computer end with a male 15-pin Delta connector. The cable is normally supplied by the display manufacturer.

→ Cable details on page 69.

C4 - Printer

The optional printer is connected to the parallel Centronics port.

The cable is normally supplied by the printer manufacturer.

→ Cable details on page 68.

C5 / C6 - AC Power

These are the AC power cables for the computer and the display.

Before applying power, make sure to check the power rating on the units!

→ Cable details on page 62.

C7 / C8 - EMC ground

Both the display and the computer must be connected to the ship’s ground.

→ Cable details on page 63.

C9 / C10 - Ethernet

As previously described, it is strongly recommended to equip the computer with two network adapters. One will be used to communicate with the General Purpose Transceiver/s), while the other is used to connect the EK60 system to the ship’s common network.

Failure to use separate network adapters will cause a heavy traffic load on the common network. This will inhibit normal traffic on this network, and degrade the operational capabilities of the EK60 system.

With only a single GPT in use, use a “cross-over” ethernet cable between the computer and the GPT. With more than one GPT, insert an ethernet switch and use “straight” cables.

Note Screened ethernet (CAT5 STP) must be used.

→ Cable details on page 65.

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C11 / C12 - Serial lines (RS-232)

The computer must be provided with minimum two serial lines for communication with external sensors. Additional serial lines may be added if required.

The serial lines are identified as COM1 and COM2.

→ Cable details on page 61.

C13 / C14 / C15 - Future expansion

These cables are presently not in use.

C16 / C17 - USB interfaces

Most current computers have one or more USB interfaces.

These are not required by the EK60 system.

C18 - FireWire interface

Most current computers have a FireWire interface. This is not required by the EK60 system.

C20 - Remote

This is the remote power control cable from the GPT. It is often terminated in a small on/off switch box close to the computer and display. This box is not supplied by Simrad.

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Single GPT cables

The cables shown and specified here are those used when the EK60 is implemented with a stand-alone General Purpose Transceiver (GPT) unit.

Note that the Auxiliary plug on the GPT provides several interfaces that are not used with the EK60.

Figure 21 EK60 cable plan - Single GPT

SIMRAD GPT

C20 - Remote on/off

C23 - Synchronisation

C22 - Event*

C21 - New line*

C24 - Motion sensor

C25 - Temperature sensor*

C10 - Ethernet to Processing Unit

C30 Transducer

C28 AC power

C29 +12 Vdc

C27 Ship's GND

(CD6939C)

Connections identified with an asterix (*) in the drawing have not been implemented in the EK60 software.

C10 - Ethernet

This is the dedicated ethernet cable which connects the GPT with the Processing Unit computer. With only a single GPT in use, use a “cross-over” ethernet cable between the units.

Note Screened ethernet (CAT5 STP) must be used.

→ Cable details on page 65.

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C20 - Remote

This is the remote power control cable from the GPT. It is often terminated in a small on/off switch box close to the computer and display. This box is not supplied by Simrad.

→ Cable details on page 72.

C21 - New line

This is an input to provide manual count of survey lines. This functionality is however not currently supported by the EK60 software.

C22 - Event

This is an input to provide a manual vertical line annotation on the echogram.