SDE-28 Echo Sounder

Operation Manual

SOUTH SURVEYING & MAPPING INSTRUMENT CO.,LTD.

4/F Hai Wang Building, No.8 Jian Gong Rd,
Tian He New & High Technology Industry Development Division, Guangzhou 510665, China
TEL: +86(20)85524990 / FAX: +86(20)85524889
southgps@southsurvey.com www.southsurvey.com

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 SOUTH SURVEYING & MAPPING
INSTRUMENT CO, LTD.

WARRANTY/LIABILITY
WARRANTY:
Seller warrants that all of its products sold hereunder, will at the time of delivery, be free
from defects in materials and workmanship and will conform to Seller’s applicable specifications.
Seller’s obligation hereunder shall be limited to, at Seller’s option, either correcting, refunding the
purchase price of or replacing any product for which written notice of nonconformance hereunder
is received by Seller within one year following date of shipment. Seller’s written authorization is
required for return of non-conforming products. Shipping charges to and from Seller’s plant are at
Buyer’s expense. In no event will Seller be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.
This warranty shall not apply to any products which Seller determines have, by Buyer or
otherwise, been subjected to operating and/or environmental conditions in excess of the maximum
values in the applicable specifications, or operating instructions, or otherwise have been the
subject of misuse, neglect, improper installation, repair, alteration or damage.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY:
It is expressly understood and agreed that SOUTH is not an ensurer that the products or
services sold hereunder will perform functions or prevent occurrences ,or the consequences
therefrom, which the products or services are designed to perform or prevent; that SOUTH shall
be exempt from liability for all loss or damage therefrom. All sums payable to hereunder are based
upon the fair market value of the goods, services, and equipment. Buyer further agrees that, if
SOUTH should be held liable for any loss or damage in any respect and from whatever cause,
including, but not limited by tort law for injury or harm to Buyer or other persons, and/or for
economic loss to their property arising from or caused by any inherently dangerous or
undiscoverable defect in the products or services sold hereunder due to any act or omission of
SSMICL, its agents, or employees, in manufacturing, installing, or servicing said products or
services, SOUTH’s liability shall be limited to an amount equal to the consideration paid by buyer
for such products or services as the buyer’s exclusive remedy.

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 TO OUR VALUSE CUSTOMERS
z It is our continuing interest to remain in contact with our customers and assist them in any
way we can.
z To this end we avail our firm to your electronics personnel via telephone, letter or fax provide
information pertaining to the operation of the SDE-28.
z We believe that the SDE-28 is the most advanced survey depth sounder on the market, and
once an operator is familiar with its features, excellent data will be gathered and many years
of trouble free performance will be provided.
z Please feel free to contact us at anytime.

SOUTH SURVEYING & MAPPING INSTRUMENT CO, LTD.

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 SDE-28 Package Check List
Part Number Item Quantity
1 SDE-28 Echo Sounder 1
2 Alnico Instrument Box 1
3 Transducer 1
4 Transducer Junction Pole 1
5 Transducer Kit 1
6 COM Wiring 1
7 220V AC Power Cord 1
8 12V DC Power Cord 1
9 Keyboard 1
10 Mouse 1
11 Keyboard/Mouse Wiring 1
12 POWER NAV Software Hardlock Key 1
13 Software CD 1
14 Packing List 1
15 Certificate 1
16 Echo Sounder Manual 1
17 POWER NAV Manual 1
18 265M USB Storage 1
NOTE：Check list may be changed along with the produce developing and becoming perfect. User can refer to
receiving goods list in the condition of not getting notice of this list changes from manufacturer.

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 CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................7
1.1 General Information......................................................................................................7
1.2 About This Manual ..............................................................................................................7
1.3 Echo Sounding Principles .............................................................................................8
1.3.1 Underwater Acoustics .......................................................................................8
1.3.2 Transducer Properties......................................................................................11
1.4 SDE-28 Specifications.................................................................................................13
Chapter 2 Installation ......................................................................................................................14
2.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................14
2.2 Installation ........................................................................................................................16
2.2.1 Planning the Installation.........................................................................................16
2.2.2 Junction Pole Installation .......................................................................................16
2.2.3 Transducer Installation...........................................................................................17
2.3 Electrical Connections ......................................................................................................18
2.3.1 AC Power...............................................................................................................19
2.3.2 DC Power...............................................................................................................21
2.3.3 Transducer Electrical Wiring .................................................................................21
2.3.4 NMEA 0183 Serial Lines.......................................................................................22
2.3.5 Printer Connection .................................................................................................22
2.3.6 Keyboard/Mouse Connection.................................................................................22
2.4 Software Setup...................................................................................................................23
Chapter 3 Operation ........................................................................................................................23
3.1 Screen Description ............................................................................................................23
3.2 Toolbar ..............................................................................................................................25
3.3 Menu .................................................................................................................................27
3.3.1 Settings...................................................................................................................28
3.3.2 Help........................................................................................................................35
3.4 Replay ...............................................................................................................................37
3.5 Connect with POWER NAV...............................................................................................38
3.6 Typical Operation..............................................................................................................41
3.6.1 Normal Operation...................................................................................................41
3.6.2 Shallow Water Operation .......................................................................................43
Appendix - Sound Velocity Calculations ........................................................................................44

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6
Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 General Information

The SDE-28 Echo Sounder uses advanced technology to provide survey quality depth
information on a high resolution, variable contrast, color LCD display. A user-friendly
graphical interface with keyboard and mouse operation provides a simple method for
modifying operator parameters and utilizing advanced performance capabilities. Features
include: variable format serial input/output, heave input/correction, non-volatile and/or mass
storage of acoustic return and log data, adjustable sound velocity, and advanced digital signal
processing. A compact, splash proof, low power hardware design provides a system that is
simple to install and requires no planned periodic maintenance.

The LCD display area gives continually updated view of acoustic graphical data, digitized
depth, system status, and navigation position. System setup and parameter changes are
performed through keyboard and mouse. Once a parameter has been changed, it is saved in
non-volatile memory for recall upon system power up. A real-time clock provides accurate
time and date stamps on stored data. Optionally, acoustic return or log data can be stored in
non-volatile memory. Non-volatile data can be recalled or output to a printer. Log data can be
uploaded via the serial port to a remote computer. Depth information is transmitted via a
RS-232 serial data port for external logging in variety of formats designed for compatibility
with existing navigation surveying software/data acquisition systems. Other advanced
functionality includes: a wide dynamic range auto gain function, digital bottom tracking
algorithm, and interference rejection filtering.

The SDE-28 Echo Sounder hardware is designed for ease of installation and maintenance.
Display is housed within a rugged rack-mount. Main CPU board utilizes the latest in
microprocessor technology. Power supply provides all necessary voltages for electronics and
acoustic transmission. These modular electronic components provide for simple installation
and maintenance. Transducer with frequency 200 kHz is compatible with the SDE-28 Echo
Sounder. Transducer can be selected for over-the-side mounting.

1.2 About This Manual

This manual contains important information regarding acoustic theory, installation, operation
and maintenance of your new equipment. The user should take sufficient time to read the
entire manual and to understand the full functionality of the SDE-28 Echo Sounder.

The manual is organized into three chapters: 1) An introduction (this section), which provides
a system overview and basic theory; 2) Installation, which provides details on how to properly
mount and connect wiring to the system; and 3) Operation instructions describing how to
operate the unit. A reference section is provided at the end of the manual- Appendix provides

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information on calculating sound velocity to use in surveying
.
The user should pay attention to notes that are displayed in a gray box. These notes contain
important information regarding installation and use of the echo sounder. An example is
given below:

NOTE: Important operation and installation information is provided in gray

boxes throughout the manual.

1.3 Echo Sounding Principles

Basic echo sounding principles that should be understood by all operators of hydrographic
equipment are provided in this section. Also, suggestions are given on how the user can
optimize performance in certain operating or environmental conditions using the SDE-28
Echo Sounder.

1.3.1 Underwater Acoustics

1.3.1.1 Sound Velocity

For accurate surveying, sound velocity (more correctly referred to as velocity of sound since
it is a scalar value) must be determined and entered into the echo sounder. Echo sounders
measure time intervals required for ultrasonic sound waves to travel at a known velocity
through the water column, from the time the sound is transmitted from the ship until it is
received after reflecting off the seafloor. In order to relate travel time to distance, some
assumption must be made of the velocity of sound as it travels through the medium.
Parameters that affect the true velocity of sound in water are temperature, salinity, and
pressure- all of which modify the density of the water.

Temperature is the most important factor. In shallow water, or near the surface in deeper
water, a temperature profile might show a substantial increase in water temperature due to
solar heating. The warmer surface water is lighter and remains on the top which may cause a
change in the sound velocity profile.

1.3.1.2 Sound Propagation

The sea, together with its boundaries, forms a remarkably complex medium for the
propagation of sound. Both signal loss and interference result from interactions with
boundaries and components within the water column, causing the source to be delayed,
distorted and weakened. The main components affecting sound propagation are spreading loss
and attenuation loss.

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Spreading Loss

As a transmitted pulse of sound leaves the transducer, it spreads out in all directions. At the
transmission point, the sonar puts a fixed amount of energy into the water. As the pulse
travels away from the transducer, it occupies a greater and greater volume. This effect is
called spherical spreading. The general rule is that the intensity of the sound falls off as the
square of the distance traveled. In respect to typical acoustic measurements, this
mathematically becomes a loss of 6 decibels for each doubling of the distance.

For echo sounders, the distance actually traveled is two times the distance to the seafloor from
the source transducer (from the transmission source, to the bottom and back again). This
results in a significant source of signal loss for the system receiving the sound pulse, which
must be compensated for at the receiver. Typically a Time Varied Gain (TVG) amplifier is
used to correct for spherical spreading loss in an acoustic receiver. A TVG amplifier works by
applying an increasing amount of gain to the return signal as time of travel increases.

Attenuation Loss

Attenuation of sound energy in the oceans comes from three factors: absorption, scattering (or
reverberation) and bottom loss. Sound absorption takes place at two levels; one, absorption in
the actual seawater medium, and two, absorption into the seafloor. Primary causes of
absorption are viscosity and thermal conductivity in the molecules of water as the sound
travels. At the molecular level, absorption is primarily related to frequency.

Sound reflected off the seafloor usually suffers a significant loss in intensity. Part of this loss
is due to scattering (reflection) but most of it results from the portion of sound entering the
new medium and traveling into the seafloor until it is completely absorbed. The amount of
energy lost by this effect varies greatly and depends on bottom type, sound frequency, and the
angle at which the sound intersects the seafloor. Total losses can vary from 10 dB to 40 dB,
with hard bottoms (packed sand, rock outcrops) causing little loss, and soft bottoms causing a
significant amount of energy loss (muddy, silty sediments). Therefore, it is necessary when
designing an echo sounder to compensate for this wide range in signal variation.

Another form of attenuation is scattering, also called reverberation, which results when sound
reflects off components in the water column. Some of these reflectors include boundaries (sea
surface and bottom), bubbles, biological material, suspended particulates and water type
boundaries such as thermo clines. As the sound pulse travels from the transducer, it will
reflect off these objects in many different directions. The larger the area of the reflector
compared to the wavelength of the transmitted sound, the more effective it is as a scatterer.
During the scattering process, part of the sound is reflected back to the surface, and the rest is
scattered in all directions. This will cause a reduction in the acoustic energy that can travel to
the seafloor and back to the transducer. For echosounding, this causes a reduced signal
strength, which complicates location of the bottom. In the extreme case, scatterers will cause
such a good reflection it looks like the bottom to the echo sounder and corrections must be

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made by the user to properly determine the digitized bottom value.

Bottom reverberation occurs whenever a sound pulse strikes the ocean bottom. In deep water
this condition normally does not cause serious problem, but in shallow water reverberation
can happen multiple times, causing high background signal levels (i.e. the sound travels from
the surface to the bottom and back again many times).

1.3.1.3 Noise Sources

Background noise can cause interference with the reception of the desired acoustic echo
return from the seafloor. Unlike reverberation, however, noise does not result from the
transmitted pulse but from active producers of noise located at the ship or in the water. Noise
can be classified as self produced or ambient noise.

Self-noise

Self-noise is produced by noisy ship components, electrical circuitry, and water turbulence
around the transducer, including noise caused by water flow and cavitation.

Machinery noise and other sonar systems are the main components of ship produced
self-noise. The dominant source of machinery noise is the ship power plant, including the
main engine, generators, and propellers. The only way to reduce the effect of these noise
makers is in proper selection of the transducer frequency for the echo sounder, and to locate
the transducer as far away as possible from the noise sources. Typically, these sources are of
lower frequencies than the echo sounder, but some mechanical and electrical equipment will
produce sound in the ultrasonic region (above 15 kHz) which can detrimentally affect the
performance of a system.

In general echosounding, flow noise, cavitation, and sonar circuitry are more important than
other noise sources. Flow noise results when there is a difference in the relative motion
between the transducer and water surrounding it. As flow increases, friction between an
object and water increases, resulting in increased turbulence and, thus, increasing noise due to
varying static pressure in the water. Flow noise is directly related to the speed of the ship and,
on an improperly mounted transducer, there is usually a certain speed threshold that will
cause the echo sounder to start picking up unwanted noise. Increased flow noise over time can
usually be attributed to growth of marine animals and plants on the bottom of the ship.

Cavitation is a result of the pressure on the face of the transducer reducing to a level that
permits the water to boil (i.e. turn from a liquid to a gas). This is directly related to the flow
around the transducer as described above. Cavitation is also related to the depth, source level,
and frequency of the transducer being used. As the depth of the transducer increases, static
pressure increases to levels that will prevent cavitation from occurring. If the transducer is
mounted properly, with flow noise and cavitation levels considered, this phenomenon should

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never affect an echo sounder.

Cavitation may also occur on a ship’s propeller. As the speed of the water increases over the
surface of the propeller, turbulence causes changes in the static pressure of the water. At this
point, if the pressure is low enough, boiling will occur. This process releases a large quantity
of bubbles into the water, causing noise that can affect the performance of an echo sounder.
Care should be taken to mount a transducer as far as possible from this noise source.

Ambient Noise

Ambient noise is always present in the ocean. This noise is caused by either natural or human
made events. For echosounding principles, ambient noise sources that are significant include
hydrodynamic boundaries, ocean traffic and biological transmitters.

Hydrodynamic noise results from natural phenomenon such as wind, waves, rain or currents.
The levels produced vary greatly, but are largely related to the sea state level. In severe
storms, hydrodynamic noise can reach levels that make reception of a transmitted signal very
difficult, if not impossible.

Ocean traffic noise is dependent on the number of ships, the distance from noise sources, and
the current propagation conditions due to thermoclines and sea state. Ocean traffic generally
produces acoustic noise that is not within the frequency bandwidth of most navigational echo
sounders, except when ships pass very near to the receiving transducer.

Biological noise producers include marine life such as shrimp, fish, and mammals.
Mechanical movements of crustaceans, with their hard shells, may produce significant noise
when in large schools. Likewise, certain fish species produce noise by reflecting noise off
their swim bladder.

1.3.2 Transducer Properties

Properties of a chosen transducer affect sonar performance which directly relates to depth
measurements. The source level and beam width of a transducer have a relationship with how
the sonar system performs under different conditions.

Source Level

Sound is created by a transducer from a mechanical vibration of the ceramic material of

which underwater transducers are made. The movement of the transducer face creates
alternating regions of high and low pressure, resulting in an acoustic wave. The amount of
energy transmitted into the water column is defined as the acoustic source level. A source
level is expressed in units of decibels that describe the intensity of sound relative to reference
intensity at one unit distance from the sound source. For the user, a source level is useful for

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selecting a transducer for a particular use.

The amount of movement on the face of the transducer is linearly related to the voltage
difference created across the ceramics of the transducer. Normally it would seem desirable to
put as much power into the water as possible to achieve maximum depth performance.
Cavitation, however, which results from high source levels and small transducer depths below
the sea surface, is generally the limiting factor when driving a transducer. The electrical and
mechanical design of the transducer, which has a maximum recommended input power level,
must also be considered.

Beam Width

The beam width of a transducer is described as the width of the main lobe of a transmit
pattern. The width is usually measured between the -3 dB points on either side of the beam
pattern. The shape of the transducer beam pattern is a result of the transducer design. The
spacing of the elements and the frequency being used can control the shape of the beam
pattern. At the center of the beam pattern is the main lobe of the transducer, with a width of 7
degrees (centered at zero degrees). The side lobes of this transducer are the smaller lobes,
approximately 18 dB below the level of the main lobe.

The width of a beam is important for calculating how small an object the system can detect. If
two objects fall within the main beam the object will appear as one object when it is received
by the system. Thus, a narrow beam width is required for navigational echo sounders so it is
capable of discriminating small objects.

The size of the transducer side lobes (smaller beams off to the side of the main lobe) is
important in determining how the system will behave on steep slopes. On steep slopes,
transmitted acoustic energy from the side lobes will be received first and reveal a signal that
looks like the actual bottom. In reality, the bottom is directly below the ship, and as seen by
the main lobe, is much deeper. For this reason, it is important to select a transducer which has
reduced side lobes.

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1.4 SDE-28 Specifications

Frequency： 200kHz
Beam Angle： 7°
Depth Display：12.1-inch color LCD
Output Power：up to 200w
Depth Resolution：1cm
Accuracy： +/-0.1% of water depth
Sound Velocity：1300-1650 m/s
Depth Range： 0.39-220 m
Draft：0-9.9 m
Pulse Length: Automatically selected, with operator override
Serial Ports: two RS-232 ports, baud rate 1200-115200
Connection: Pinter connection
USB connection (2x)
Keyboard and mouse connection
Power Supply: 9-18V DC, less than 25 W
110~230V AC(optionally)
Operating Conditions: -30°- 60°C non-condensing
Dimensions: 34cm x 30cm x 15cm
Weight: 11.5 kg

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Chapter 2 Installation

2.1 Overview

This section presents instructions for initial setup and operation of the SDE-28 Echo Sounder.
Physical and electrical installation details are provided for a bulkhead and rack-mount. A
summary is given of the software setup procedure.

Although the SDE-28 Echo Sounder is designed to deliver the highest levels of quality and
performance, it can best attain those standards when the equipment has been properly
installed. Because of the great variety of vessels that will employ the SDE-28 Echo Sounder,
it is not feasible to provide complete and detailed instructions that will fit all installation
possibilities. Therefore, this section will provide practical guidelines to assist in the planning
and typical installation of the transducers and the echo sounder units aboard the vessel.

Shown in Figure 2-1 is a system-interconnecting diagram. Optional items are shown with
dashed lines. A minimum operational system configuration requires AC power, transducer,
chassis ground connection, and software installation setup.

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Figure 2-1 System Interconnect Diagram

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2.2 Installation

Instructions are provided in this section regarding the physical installation of the unit.
Guidelines are provided for installing the main unit, the junction Pole and the transducer.

2.2.1 Planning the Installation

The SDE-28 Echo Sounder equipment is designed for permanent installation in almost any
convenient location aboard the vessel. There are several important considerations when
choosing an appropriate mounting location for the SDE-28 Main Unit. These include:

1. Choosing the best location for viewing and operation of the unit. The unit should be
positioned to provide the optimum viewing angle and within easy reach of the operator
whenever possible.

2. The location should have sufficient space available to mount the unit and yet permit
clearance to meet ventilation requirements, provide adequate access for cabling termination,
and allow suitable space for servicing the equipment. A minimum air gap of four inches
should be provided on each side of the unit.

3. The location chosen should provide clearance away from high temperature outlets such as
heaters, exhaust fans, etc., protection from excessive water spray or splash, from excessive
vibration, and from constant exposure to direct rays from the sun.

NOTE: A minimum air gap of four inches should be provided on all sides of the
unit to help maintain operational temperatures

2.2.2 Junction Pole Installation

Shown in Figure 2-2 is the sketch about the Junction Pole and transducer. Several important
installation considerations exist for the Junction Pole installation. These include:

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 Figure 2-2 Junction Pole and Transducer
z Screw off the Screw Cover, and then pull the Cable through the Junction Pole. There is a gap
at end of the Junction Pole, and the Gap is used for pulling the Cable out when the Screw
Cover is screwed on.

z The Screw Nick is used to screw the Setscrew into when fixing the Transducer on the
Junction Pole.

NOTE: After the Transducer is fixed, transducer should be screwed slightly to

make sure the Setscrew is screwed into the Screw Nick.

2.2.3 Transducer Installation

2.2.3.1 Choosing A Location

The location of the transducer is very important for maintaining reliable bottom tracking
performance of the equipment. Avoid installing transducers in locations where the transducer
will be subjected to turbulent water, air bubbles, or vibration. It is preferable to mount the
transducer on the side of the hull where the propeller blades are normally moving downwards.
The upward motion of the propeller can generate pressure waves, which push air bubbles up

17
against the hull. By mounting the transducer on the downward side, the hull will tend to
protect the transducer from this effect. The transducer should be mounted on, or adjacent to,
the ship’s centerline. Wherever practical, the transducer face should be parallel to the
waterline. In addition, there should be sufficient room to permit use of the necessary tools to
facilitate the installation-mounting requirements.

2.2.3.2 Handling Transducers

The transducer is the heart of the SDE-28 Echo Sounder and, in spite of its appearance and
size, is a delicate instrument. Although it is designed to be in contact with and survive tough
marine environments, it should not be dropped or manhandled during the installation. Caution
is advised when handling the transducer to prevent any damage to the transducer face.
The transducer elements are situated in molded resin or stainless steel housings covered with
a urethane window surface. The urethane “window” is the surface through which ultrasonic
pulses must travel. This surface must be kept as clean and smooth as possible so the path of
the ultrasonic energy is uninterrupted. The transducer face must not be painted with lead
based bottom paint.
Also, when handling the transducer, avoid lifting or pulling on the transducer cable. Although
the cable appears thick and substantial, the internal cable wiring could be damaged by stress
from the sheer weight of the transducer and cause a malfunction at the most inopportune time.

WARNING: Do not expose the transducer to any solvents when cleaning any
excess sealants. Strong solvents may damage the face of the transducer.

2.3 Electrical Connections

All electrical connections to the unit are to the bottom rear of the unit. Refer to the sections on
each individual connector for information on connector type, recommended cable and wiring
specifics. Figure 2-1 at the beginning of the chapter shows the overall systems interconnect
for the system.

Figure 2- 3 Back Panel Connections

Figure 2-3 shows the basic panel connections to the echo sounder unit. In a simple installation,
the connection at the left side of the unit (AC Power) and right side (Transducer) are used.
The user should make sure that, after wiring is complete, each plug is firmly attached to main
housing unit.

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2.3.1 AC Power

2.3.1.1 Fuse Holder

Before applying power to the unit, the user must first determine whether 220V.A.C. will be
used. The system is factory configured to operate with 220 V.A.C.

In addition to the spare fuse supplied with the unit, a fuse holder on the board contains an
extra fuse (shown in Figure 2-4).

Figure 2- 4 Fuse Holder

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2.3.1.2 AC Power Wiring

Figure 2- 5 AC Power Wiring

An AC Power cable assembly is supplied with the equipment. The 3 pin female connector
plugs into the panel receptacle in the rear left corner of the unit marked AC POWER
(Figure 2-5). The opposite end contains a conventional AC 2 flat pin plus and ground plug
which can be clipped and then stripped if wiring the power to a terminal strip.

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2.3.2 DC Power

Figure 2- 6 DC Power

The equipment supports 12V.D.C. Power. There are 2 pin (Shown in Figure 2-6) which are
anode and cathode in the DC Power cable assembly. The opposite end contains a
conventional DC two clamps. The red color clamp connects the Battery anode and the black
one connects the cathode.

NOTE: Before applying power to the unit, the user must first determine whether
between 10V.D.C. and 15V.D.C. will be used.

2.3.3 Transducer Electrical Wiring

In order to operate the SDE-28 Echo Sounder with a specific transducer, a cable must be built.
The Cable (Shown in Figure 2-7) is Main Unit to the transducer. To complete installation, the
system software must be set up to drive the settled frequency. Refer to a guide about software
installation.

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 Figure 2- 7 Transducer to Main Unit Wiring

2.3.4 NMEA 0183 Serial Lines

The SDE-28 Echo Sounder has two ports for performing various input/output serial functions.
Com 1 port is used for receiving NMEA 0183 Navigation from a GPS. Com 2 is used for
external control of the echo sounder. If a heave sensor is being used with the echo sounder, or
another GPS is being used with it, the data should also be sent to this port. After selection is
made for hardware, the ports can be wired to their respective devices.

2.3.5 Printer Connection

The SDE-28 Echo Sounder uses a standard printer interface to communicate with the
supported Grayscale printers. The standard cable supplied with the printer should be used. A
cable length of 10 feet (3 meters) or less is recommended for the printer.

Figure 2-8 gives the pin out of the printer port on the back panel of the SDE-28 Echo
Sounder.

Figure 2- 8 Printer Port

2.3.6 Keyboard/Mouse Connection

Software operation and information input are performed through Keyboard and Mouse. The
main unit connects Keyboard and Mouse through wiring. Figure 2-9 shows the connection

22
method.

Figure 2- 9 Keyboard/Mouse Connection

2.4 Software Setup

After hardware installation, the software must be configured properly for the system
transducer hardware. The user should completely read and understand the Configuration
section of the Operations chapter. Provided in this section is an overview of the software
setup. The user is referred to the proper section in the operations chapter for each step.

Step 1) Enter the transducer draft value and sound velocity.

Step 2) Select equipment parameters control mode. If manual control mode is selected,
equipment parameters must be set via clicking menu Settings->Advanced.

Step 3) Set units and choose Feet or Meters.

Step 4) If a printer is attached and hardcopy is wanted, perform software setup for the printer.

Step 5) Perform choice for COM1/COM2 baud rate and data output format, if necessary.

NOTE: Before using any serial ports, the user should read and fully understand
all serial port protocol.

Chapter 3 Operation

3.1 Screen Description

A sample screen display of the system is shown in Figure 3-2. The screen may be divided into
five areas. Each area is labeled on the figure. The areas are: 1) Main Menu, 2) Toolbar, 3)
Acoustic Graph Data and Depth, 4) Status Information, and 5) Pulse Window. A detailed
description is provided next for each display area.

23
 Menu
Toolbar
Alarm Marker
Transmitted Pulse
Depth
Event Mark

Range Markers

Graphical indication System Status

Received Pulse

Figure 3-2 Main Screen Areas

1. Main Menu- At the very top of the screen is an area reserved for menu to the user. All
operation can come true through the menu. Section 3.3 gives a detailed description of
each menu function that possible be used.
2. Toolbar- Some functions are used frequently, and the toolbar is very part which is
designed for convenient tools. Section 3.2 gives a detailed description of each button
function of the Toolbar.
3. Acoustic Graph Data and Depth- This area of the screen shows a moving representation
of the bottom below the transducer. When the system is in Record, the acoustic data is
shown for every indication. The display moves from right to left. Time marks line,
annotated with text data is place vertically on the screen at a one minute, 5 minute and 10
minute spacing. On the right side of the Acoustic Graph Data area are the range markers
and alarm markers, indicating the current range scale and shallow alarm settings. The area
of the upper left corner of the Acoustic Graph Data area shows the current digitized
depth.
4. System Status- This area shows the echo sounder ID, limit time, shallow water limit.
5. Pulse Window- At the right of the screen is an area reserved for showing pulse length and
intensity described with figure. At the top of the Pulse Window is transmitted pulse, and
received pulse is below it. The figure width of the transmitted / received pulse means the
pulse intensity, and the figure length of the transmitted / received pulse means the pulse
length.

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3.2 Toolbar

Shown below is the SDE-28 control software. All software control is performed through the
toolbar.

Figure 3-1 Toolbar

The following table provides a description of each toolbar button’s function.

Clicking the New button can bring up a System Save Dialog. Select the directory path,
and then input file name to create a new file for saving acoustic graph data.

Clicking the Open button can open an exist graph data file.

Clicking the Print button can bring up a Set Printer dialog. The SDE-28 can output
graph data to printer after finishing the settings.

Before printing out, viewing the graph may be necessary. And click this button to get
once-over.

When having loaded an exist Graph Data file, this button is used to replay the moving
representation of the bottom for viewing and searching, which contains digitized depth values ,
navigation information, and event marks.

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 After inputting correct basic information about the survey, such as draft and sound
velocity, this button can help new user to finish advanced settings about the equipment
automatically and drives the echo sounder to work.

This button is used to log depth according to user’s settings including basic information
and advanced settings. The difference between “Auto” and “Manual” is only on advanced settings.
“Manual” mode need to be set advanced parameters by user, and “Auto” mode not need to.

After choosing Auto or Manual, click this button to start recording the graph data. When
the button is clicked, a System Save Dialog may be brought up in the condition of Graph file not
being created.

The Mark button is used to mark the user Graph file with an event mark. This mark is
also generated on the printer output. The event is tagged with current depth, time and
geographic position (if available). After “Mark” button is clicked, a line, annotated with text
data is place vertically on the screen.

This button is used for checking the current software version to decide whether needing
to update it. The latest software can be downloaded from our company network server.

This button is used to stop the echo sounder working and exit this software. Before
exiting the software in any condition, the graph data has been saved into storage automatically, so
user doesn’t worry about the loss.

The button can bring up a help article for answering many problems from user.

When the depth is out of the Range, the graph may not be displayed in the view window,
and use can click the Deep button to extend the Range.

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 This button is used to shrink the Range.

This button is used to move the Range up.

This button is used to move the Range down.

This button is used to make the Range Markers denser.

This button is used to make the Range Markers sparser.

This button is used to get default Range.

Sometimes it has trouble in adjusting the Range such as Deep, Shallow, Up, Down,
Denser and Sparser, this button can help user adjust the Range automatically as an assistant when
it is clicked.

3.3 Menu

Some functions under the main menu can be found in toolbar, so it is not use to instruct them
again. This section presents instructions for some important functions except the toolbar
functions.

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3.3.1 Settings

Figure 3-3 Settings Menu

Under the Setting menu are five submenus: “Basic”, “Advanced”, “Units”, “Language”, and
“Option” (Shown in the figure 3-3). And a detailed description is provided next for each
submenu.

3.3.1.1 Basic Settings

Clicking the Basic submenu brings up the following dialog:

Figure 3-4 Basic Settings

When the Junction Pole and Transducer is installed, the transducer draft can be got form the
Junction Pole markers. The Draft is shown in the current units (either meter or feet).To modify
the draft, input the value into the “Draft “edit frame by hand and then click “Apply” button to
accept the new draft.

Sound velocity is a critical parameter when performing surveying work. The Figure 3-4
dialog provides a method for the user to enter a calibrated sound velocity into the system for
calculating an accurate depth measurement. A sound velocity of 1400 –1600 meters/second or
4595 to 5250 feet/second can be selected (depending on current units selection). The sound

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velocity is shown in the current units (either m/s or ft/s). To modify the sound velocity, input
the value into “Sound Velocity” edit frame and then click “Apply” button to accept the new
sound velocity. The different methods that may be used to obtain an accurate sound velocity
are described in Appendix.

After the Daft and the sound velocity are approbated, click “OK” button, or else click “Cancel”
button. If wanting to use the default values, click “Default” button.

NOTE: the default value may be not right in many conditions, the information
on obtaining an accurate sound velocity can be found in Appendix, and
the draft can be read from the Junction Pole.

3.3.1.2 Advanced Settings

Figure 3-5 Advanced Settings

The parameters are divided into two parts. One part controls the energy of
transmitted pulse such as Pulse Length and Power, and the other part controls the
acquirement of the return signal such as blanking pulse length, gain and threshold
value. The follows introduce the principle of each parameter.

Pulse length- It indicates the transmitted pulse duration with the

millisecond unit, and its value ranges from 0.01 to 1.2. The intensity of the

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 transmitted pulse becomes stronger along with longer pulse.

Power- It indicates the amplitude of the ultrasonic with two grades that are
low and high. Low power usually is used for shallow water, and high
power is used for deep water.

Blanking Pulse Length- The experiment proves that the ultrasonic lasts out
even if the Pulse Length time is over, and that is said remaining ultrasonic
signal. And this signal will affect the return signal from the bottom, and the
blanking pulse length can clear the remaining signal to get precise depth.
Blanking Pulse Length must be one millisecond longer than the Pulse
Length except extreme case.

Gain- The gain value means the enlargement factor of the return signal. It
is useful to increase the gain when the return signal is feeble, but the noise is
enlarged as the gain is increased. So the gain must is set considering the
vantage and disadvantage. The Gain should be increased or decreased until the
digitizer finds the correct bottom.

Threshold- The threshold value decides when the timer using for
accumulating the echo continuous time stops work, and to start picking up
return signal. When increasing the threshold value, feebler signal may be
picked up, but the signal is more possible unwanted.

3.3.1.3 Units

Figure 3-6 Units Setting

The Units menu is used to set the units of measurement for depth values. The Units menu is
under the Settings main menu (Shown in Figure 3-6). There are two submenus “Metric” and
“British” under the Units menu. Each submenu is described below.

Metric: Once “Metric” has been selected, all the values of the software use the “Meter” as
unit. The System Status area and the Depth will immediately be updated with the text “Meter”.
The Shallow Alarm and Draft values will be converted to the new units.

British: Once “British” has been selected, all the values of the software use the “Feet” as unit.
The System Status area and the Depth will immediately be updated with the text “Feet”. The

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Shallow Alarm and Draft values will be converted to the new units.

3.3.1.4 Language

Figure 3-7 Select Language

There are three submenus under the Language menu. Each time the language is changed, the
software must be restarted to finish the change. And each submenu is described below.

Auto: Once this menu is selected, the software’s language is kept same with the operation
system language next restarting the software.

English(U.S.): Once this menu is selected, the software’s language is transmuted into English
next restarting the software.

Chinese(P.R.C): Once this menu is selected, the software’s language is transmuted into
Chinese next restarting the software.

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3.3.1.5 Option

Figure 3-8 Option

In the option dialog, it is configuration about the software, including Output Depth, Tide,
Indication Color and Replay Settings. And the follows give detail about them.

1. Output Depth

(1) Port Settings

Two ports are available on the back of the SDE-28 Echo Sounder for utilizing a variety of
input/output choices. The ports are labeled “COM 1” and “COM 2”. And there are virtual
ports “COM10” and “COM20” within the system. Each status of the Port Setting is described
below.

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Table 3-1 Port Setting Status

Status Description
Closed Set virtual port “COM10” as depth output port
COM1 Set port “COM1” as depth output port
COM2 Set port “COM2” as depth output port

If wanting to modify the port, click the Port Setting and the Figure 3-9 dialog is brought up.

Figure 3-9 Port Setting

Refer to Table 3-1and select a right port from the Port list. Set the baud rate to 4800, 9600 or
else depending on the baud rate of the output data. All serial input strings must conform to
NMEA 0183 Standards for transmission protocol: Data Bits- 8, Parity- None, and Stop
Bits-1.Click Modify button to make the settings effectual.

(2) Data Format

Figure 3-10 Port Setting

None: the output string is null.

South Digital: GPSSS, depth, sound speed, draft, pulse length, logging cycle.

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$GPSSS, ddd.dd, ssss, rr.rr, p.pp, c.c, , *f<CR><LF>
ddd.dd=Depth, meter
ssss =Sound speed, meter/second
rr.rr=Draft, meter
p.pp=Pulse length, MSEL
c.c=Logging cycle, second
*f=Checksum

SDH-13D: DT, mark, depth.

DT<M>ddddd
<M>=<SPACE>,or B, or E
ddddd=depth, centimeter

The mark “<SPACE>” means depth is correct.

The mark “B” means depth error is acceptable.
The mark “E” means depth is incorrect.

DESO 25: D, mark, depth

D<M>ddddd.dd<SPACE>m<CR><LF>
<M>=A ,or B
ddddd.dd=depth, meter
m=meter

The mark “A” means high frequency.

The mark “B” means low frequency.

INNERSPACE: STX, ddddd

STX#####<CR>
##### =depth, centimeter

(3)Mark Basis

Figure 3-11 Port Setting

Making event mark can be controlled by three methods, and those are “Manual”, “Automatic”,
and “Timer”. The follows give detail of each method.

Manual- Make event mark through clicking toolbar button “Mark” or clicking menu
File->Mark.

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Automatic- Make an event mark when receiving an event command from the depth output
port.

Timer- Making event mark is controlled by timer. If this selection is chosen, the “Timer(Sec)”
edit frame is editable.

2. Tide

If a tide gauge is connected to SDE-28, the tide input port and the tide data format must be set.
The tide port setting is same to output depth port setting, and refer to the introduction above.
And the tide data format only supports South Standard at present, and other formats will be
supported along with the software developing according to users’ requirement.

3.3.2 Help

Figure 3-9 Help Menu

Under the Help main menu, there are five submenus. And user can read operation manual
through clicking the submenu Contents, register the SDE-28, and get the software and the
hardware information. The follows give the detail instruction.

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3.3.2.1 Register

Figure 3-10 Register Echo Sounder

When the limit time the factory gives is depleted, the SDE-28 does not log depth and a new
license code is needed. The Figure 3-10 dialog gives a method to register the equipment.

NOTE: User can get a license code to use the equipment without limit after
paying for the equipment.

ID- the equipment’s ID

Limited- the total time user can use the equipment for

Used- the total time user has used the equipment for

License Code- the code to get the right to use the equipment

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3.3.2.2 About Hardware

Figure 3-11 Hardware Information

User can get information including the hardware model, equipment ID, and firmware
version. The firmware version is named as date, for example, “061107” means November 7 ,
2006.

3.3.2.3 About Software

Figure 3-11 Software Information

User can get software version from the Figure 3-11 dialog. Take it for example: “2.5, 12, 7”
means 2.5 version at December 7, 2006.

3.4 Replay

Figure 3-12 Relay Control Buttons

Open a graph data file, and click Replay button to starts the playback of graph data, and the

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playback speed 2X/4X can be selected. If wanting to choose start time of playback, click the
Jump button and bring up a dialog (Shown in Figure 3-13). And the start time can be selected
from the list box in the dialog.

Figure 3-13 List Box Dialog

The content of list box includes the time record of Event Mark, Ruler Mark and Operations.
And “Include mark line”, “Include ruler line” and “Include settings” are optional.

3.5 Connect with POWER NAV

The SDE-28 provides depth for navigation software, and the navigation software can run in the
SDE-28 system. So it becomes true to connect with POWER NAV through virtual series ports,
those are COM10 and COM20. And COM 10 is set to output depth, and COM20 is set to receive
depth. User can refer to POWER NAV manual, and this section only introduces the connection
between SDE-28 and POWER NAV.

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 Figure 3-14 Equipment Settings

When creating a project in POWER NAV, equipment settings are necessary. And
configuration of echo sounder setting is set as follows:
Type- South Sounder
Use- Selected
Port- COM20
Baud Rate- 9600
Data Bit- 8
Stop Bit- 1
Checkout- None

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 Figure 3-15 Echo sounder Menu
When the project has been created, if it is needed to view/modify configuration of echo
sounder setting and test the connection, click Settings->Devices Setting->Echosounder
(Shown in Figure 3-15) to bring up the echo sounder settings dialog (Shown in Figure 3-16).
And it shows the RXD format information.

Figure 3-16 Echo sounder Settings

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 Select the Port Setting option to get Figure 3-17 interface, and it shows the configuration of
the port.

Figure 3-17 Echo sounder Port Settings

If wanting to test the connection between echo sounder and POWER NAV, click Start to
begin testing. If the connection is well, the received data is shown in the text box and RXD
byte is increasing.

NOTE: When testing the connection, the echo sounder must be working
normally and the SDE-28 software must is running.

3.6 Typical Operation

3.6.1 Normal Operation

During the power on sequence the most important parameters for successful acoustic
operation (i.e. Draft, Sound Velocity, and initial Depth) are initialized for AUTO mode
operation. The system will immediately go into a bottom search mode, and, after verifying
that it has found the bottom, will display the depth value in the screen. If no bottom is found,
the unit will remain in a search mode, and adjust Transmitted Pulse Length, Blanking Pulse
Length, Threshold, Gain and Depth Gate settings until a bottom has been found. The user can

41
override the search mode by manual stopping AUTO mode and starting the manual mode via
clicking Manual button.

Once successfully tracking the bottom, the acoustic parameters setting will be set to the best
value for viewing the data. The transmit rate for the system is adjusted based on the new
depth.

In most cases, the Transmitted Pulse Length, Blanking Pulse Length, Threshold, Gain and
Depth Gate should be left in AUTO mode for best performance. If a user has been adjusting
these settings, and the system is having a difficult time finding the correct bottom, each
should be set back in AUTO mode using the menu system or toolbar.

Except for the important acoustic parameters mentioned above, any change is stored in
non-volatile memory for recall the next time the system is turned on. The user should check
the date and time if the system is not connected to a navigation device that outputs time/date
strings.

Occasionally there might be an unusual amount of acoustic reverberation in the water column
(typically because of high sea state, thermoclines, or biological particulates) that makes it
difficult for the system to find the bottom. This is indicated to the user by the graph.
For more information on acoustic reverberation refer to the Echosounding Principles section
in Chapter One of this manual.

Both acoustic Graph can be stored to non-volatile ram. Graph storage option stores the data
shown in the Acoustic Graph Display Area, and the log data provides time, heave, position,
event mark, and depth data. The non-volatile data is stored at a one second interval, while the
mass storage device stores every ping worth of data. It is important for the operator to realize
that when in Replay Modes, the echo sounder is no longer transmitting, and the digitized
depth value shown in the screen is being updated with real time data.

This section gives an example to introduce the normal operation steps.

1. Connect the transducer cable to the rear panel connector labeled. Connect the power cable and
keyboard/mouse wiring. Connect the GPS data cable to the rear COM connector and connect
the Hardlock Key to USB connector.
2. Power on
3. Run the echo sounder software through clicking the icon which is named SDE-28 on the
desktop.
4. Click Auto button and then click Record button, and then select the directory path and input
the file name for saving the graph data.
5. Click the menu Settings->Basic to bring up the Basic Setting dialog (see Figure 3-4), and
input current draft and sound velocity.
6. Click the menu Settings->Option to bring up the Option dialog (see Figure 3-8). And the Mark

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 Basic is selected to be Automatic and the Ruler Increment is selected to be one of the options
by user.
7. Minimize the echo sounder software, and run POWER NAV navigation software and create a
new project referring to POWER NAV manual.
8. Connect echo sounder with POWER NAV referring to Section 3.5.

3.6.2 Shallow Water Operation

In most situations the user need not adjust the acoustic settings of the echo sounder
(Transmitted Pulse Length, Blanking Pulse Length, Threshold, Gain and Depth Gate). Each
parameter is fine-tuned to provide optimal performance in AUTO modes. Manual settings are
provided, however, for extreme cases in shallow water (less than 1 meter) operation, where it
may be necessary to adjust a setting to obtain the correct digitized depth. Normally, the user
can rely on the acoustic graph for estimating the true bottom when the digitized value may be
questionable.

User can minimize the Transmitted Pulse Length, Blanking Pulse Length, Threshold, Gain
and Power (see Figure 3-5) to obtain optimum performance in shallow water conditions.

This section gives an example to introduce the operation steps.

1. Connect the transducer cable to the rear panel connector labeled. Connect the power cable and
keyboard/mouse wiring. Connect the GPS data cable to the rear COM connector and connect
the Hardlock Key to USB connector.
2. Power on
3. Run the echo sounder software through clicking the icon which is named SDE-28 on the
desktop.
4. Click Manual button and then click Record button, and then select the directory path and
input the file name for saving the graph data.
5. Click the menu Settings->Basic to bring up the Basic Setting dialog (see Figure 3-4), and
input current draft and sound velocity. Click the menu Settings->Advanced to bring up the
parameter settings dialog (see Figure 3-5) and then adjust the parameters as the introduction
above.
6. Click the menu Settings->Option to bring up the Option dialog (see Figure 3-8). And the Mark
Basic is selected to be Automatic and the Ruler Increment is selected to be one of the options
by user.
7. Minimize the echo sounder software, and run POWER NAV navigation software and create a
new project referring to POWER NAV manual.
8. Connect echo sounder with POWER NAV referring to Section 3.5.

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Appendix - Sound Velocity Calculations

The user may determine the sound velocity applicable to a specific survey using two methods:
A) Obtaining the measured sound velocity value from an external sound velocimeter.
B) By estimating the sound velocity by considering the salinity and temperature of the given
survey area. The table below provides a matrix of sound velocity values for various
combinations of salinity and temperature.

Table 1 Sound Velocity

SAL 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
ppt. ppt. ppt. ppt. ppt. ppt. ppt. ppt. ppt.
TEMP
0 deg. C 1400 1407 1414 1421 1481 1435 1442 1449 1445
5 deg. C 1424 1431 1437 1444 1451 1457 1464 1470 1447
10 deg. C 1445 1452 1458 1464 1471 1477 1483 1490 1496
15 deg. C 1464 1470 1476 1482 1488 1495 1501 1507 1513
20 deg. C 1481 1487 1493 1498 1504 1510 1516 1521 1527
25 deg. C 1496 1502 1507 1513 1518 1523 1529 1534 1540
30 deg. C 1510 1515 1520 1525 1530 1535 1540 1546 1551
35 deg. C 1522 1526 1531 1536 1541 1546 1551 1555 1560
40 deg. C 1532 1537 1541 1546 1551 1555 1560 1564 1569
(Sound Velocity values are in meters per second)

44