Synchronization page
The purpose of the Synchronization parameters is to set up the ME70 system to operate alone, or as a master or slave in a synchronized system. Synchronization is required in order to avoid interference if the ME70 system is used simultaneously with other hydroacoustic instruments within the same frequency range.
Prerequisites
This page is not available when in Replay mode.
How to open
This page is located in the Installation dialog box. To open, select it on the Setup menu.
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Description
Whenever more than one hydroacoustic system is installed on a vessel, interference may occur. To avoid interference, you have these options:
•  The systems are all connected to a common synchronization system.
•  One of the acoustic systems is set up as "master", and controls the transmissions on the other systems.
The ME70 system offers functionality for remote transmit synchronization. It can be set up to operate in either Master or Slave mode.
Note
When you work in the Installation dialog box, you must always select Apply to save the changes made on a page. You must do this before you continue working on a different page.
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Details
Synchronization Port
This is the interface port currently used to transmit or receive synchronization signals. The interface port is a serial port.
Synchronization Delay
This delay parameter is used differently depending on the chosen synchronization mode.
•  Stand-alone
The Synchronization Delay setting is not applicable when synchronization is switched off.
•  Master
In Master mode, the ME70 system waits for the delay time after the external trigger signal has been sent to the slaves before transmitting the ping. This is often referred to as a pre-trigger.
Note
This delay will only work when the synchronization is set up using a serial port.
•  Slave
In Slave mode, the ME70 system waits for the delay time after the external trigger signal has arrived before transmitting the ping. This is often referred to as a post-trigger.
Synchronization Mode
Choose which synchronization mode to use.
•  Stand-alone
Synchronization is turned off.This synchronization mode is used if the ME70 system is working by itself and with no synchronization required. This is the default setting. The ME70 system operates using its internal ping interval parameters, independent of any trigger signals arriving at the synchronization port.
The Synchronization Delay setting is not applicable when synchronization is switched off.
•  Master
Master mode is used if the ME70 system is going to act as the controlling unit in a synchronized system. The peripheral hydroacoustic system(s) are only permitted to transmit when enabled by the ME70 system. When Master mode is selected, the ME70 system will run using its internal ping interval parameters and send trigger signals to the peripheral system(s). For "master" operation, a remote hydroacoustic system (sonar, echo sounder) is connected. This remote system must be set up in "slave" mode.
•  Slave
The Slave mode is used if the ME70 system shall transmit only when permitted by a peripheral system. When the Slave mode is selected, the ME70 system will not transmit ("ping") unless an external trigger appears on the chosen synchronization port. The peripheral system may be any other hydroacoustic product (for example an echo sounder or sonar), or even a dedicated synchronization system. For "slave" operation, a remote system (for example K-Sync or Simrad TU40) must be available to provide trigger pulses.
The synchronization mode is not fixed. It can be changed at any time during operation.
Note
Simultaneous transmission of more than one hydroacoustic system can take place if the systems operate with different frequencies but may cause interference.