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Functions and dialog boxes
Pages in the Installation dialog box
Before you use the MF90 system you must set it up to communicate with the relevant peripherals. Use the Installation dialog box to set up all interfaces with external devices, and to set up basic parameters related to installation and operation. In most cases, you only need to do this once.
Transceiver Upgrade page
The MF90 system offers a large number of transceiver channels. 16 identical transceiver boards are used. Certain functions offered by the MF90 system may require the firmware on these transceiver boards to be upgraded. For more information, refer to the relevant software release note.

About this manual
The purpose of this publication is to provide the descriptions, procedures and detailed parameter explanations required to allow for safe and efficient use of the MF90 system. The publication also provides you with a thorough understanding of the parameters and adjustments provided by the MF90 system.
Simrad MF90
Operating procedures
Maintenance procedures
User interface
Menu system
Functions and dialog boxes
- Main menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Main menu is located at the top of the menu structure. It offers the most common functions for efficient use of the MF90 system. Unless you hide the entire menu system, the Main menu is visible at all times, even if you close the secondary menus.
- Operation menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Operation menu allows you to control the operating mode, the recording functionality, and how the MF90 system transmits audio pulses ("ping") into the water.
- Display menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Display menu provides basic functions related to the screen behaviour and presentation of the echo data. Use the Display menu to control the visual aspects of the system, and to show or hide various elements in the presentation.
- Setup menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Setup menu provides basic functions related to the installation parameters and the communication with peripheral systems.
- Active menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Active menu offers parameters related to current views and data presentations provided by the MF90 system.
- Secondary functions and dialog boxes
- Pages in the Output dialog box
  A key function of the MF90 system is its ability to export data. The purpose of the Output dialog box is to collect all functionality related to data output in one easily accessible location.
- Pages in the Display Options dialog box
  The Display Options dialog box is used to specify basic settings for the sonar presentation.
- Pages in the Environment dialog box
  Environmental parameters such as salinity, sound speed and water temperature all play an important part to present accurate echo data. Use the Environment parameters to define these values. Depending on the current sea and weather conditions, you may need to change these values frequently.
- Pages in the Diagnostics dialog box
  The MF90 system is a computerized sonar. There are hardly any analogue circuitry, and the possibility of traditional troubleshooting is limited. In order to rectify this, a built-in software application is available to offer test and maintenance functionality. The Diagnostics dialog box controls the test and diagnose application that checks the performance of the MF90 system.
- Pages in the Installation dialog box
  Before you use the MF90 system you must set it up to communicate with the relevant peripherals. Use the Installation dialog box to set up all interfaces with external devices, and to set up basic parameters related to installation and operation. In most cases, you only need to do this once.
  - Sensor Installation page
    For the MF90 system to use and offer correct navigational information, one or more external sensors must be connected. Typical sensors are those providing navigational information (heading, speed or geographical position). Use the Sensor Installation page to define which external sensors your MF90 system will import information from. You must also specify which datagram formats to use. For each relevant sensor you must insert the offset values that define the its physical location relative to the vessel’s coordinate system.
  - Sensor Configuration page
    With multiple sensors connected to the MF90 system, many of them will provide the same datagrams. We cannot expect that these datagrams provide the same information. The Sensor Configuration page allows you to define a datagram priority, so that the information from the "most reliable" sensor is used by the MF90 system. You can also define manual values in case a sensor is unserviceable, or not installed.
  - Motion Reference Unit page
    The motion reference unit (MRU) measures the roll and pitch movements of the vessel. Some sensor models also measure heave. The information provided by the motion sensor is used by the MF90 system to stabilize the beams.
  - Installation Parameters page
    The Installation Parameters pages allow you to define the relationship between the physical locations of the various sensors and the transducer. All relevant system units and sensors must be defined with their physical offset values in relation to the defined Ship Origin in the vessel’s coordinate system. You will only need to define these installation parameters once.
  - Synchronization page
    The purpose of the Synchronization parameters is to set up the MF90 system to operate alone, or as a master or slave in a synchronized system. Synchronization is required in order to avoid interference if the MF90 system is used simultaneously with other hydroacoustic instruments within the same frequency range.
  - Units page
    The user interface presents many measurements. These measurements are for example related to depth, range and distance. From the Units page you control which units of measurements are used.
  - Operating Panel page
    The Operating Panel offers all necessary control functions for normal operation. It further allows you to assign certain functions to dedicated buttons and switches. The Operating Panel page is used to select which physical hardware panel you use, and to assign functionality to the programmable buttons.
  - Echogram Settings page
    The MF90 system offers several inspection beams. Each inspection beam is presented using an Inspection view. Use the Echogram Settings page to set up basic functionality for the Inspection views.
  - Hull Unit Configuration page
    The hull unit is used to lower the transducer down below the ship’s hull when the MF90 system shall be used. When the MF90 system is turned off, the transducer is hoisted for protection. Use Hull Unit Configuration to specify the type of hull unit your MF90 system is using.
  - System Protection page
    Safe operation of the MF90 system is made possible using multiple sensors that monitor the operation and the performance. Whenever a suspicious event takes place, a relevant message, warning or alarm is provided. The System Protection parameters allow you to define your own warning limits for the MF90 system.
  - Fishing Gear Setup page
    By defining the type of fishing gear you are using, the MF90 system may provide more accurate visual presentations. Use the Fishing Gear Setup page to change the fishing gear properties to match your own equipment.
  - User Settings Setup page
    The User Settings Setup page is established to offer generic settings that do not naturally belong elsewhere.
  - Software License page
    The MF90 system does not need any software licenses to operate. However, specific software license codes "unlocks" additional functionality. The Software License settings allow you to type a license code (text string) to unlock these optional functions.
  - Transceiver Upgrade page
    The MF90 system offers a large number of transceiver channels. 16 identical transceiver boards are used. Certain functions offered by the MF90 system may require the firmware on these transceiver boards to be upgraded. For more information, refer to the relevant software release note.
- Pages in the Echogram dialog box
  The Echogram dialog box allows you to control the echogram presentation in the Inspection views. Two pages control the horizontal lines and the echogram type with applied TVG (time variable gain). One page controls how fast the echogram travels horizontally across the presentation.
- Pages in the Information Pane Options dialog box
  The MF90 system offers several information panes to provide additional and detailed data from the presentations. The information panes are opened and closed from the top bar. Several of the information panes are fitted with a Setup button. Select Setup to open the Information Pane Options dialog box. Use the Information Pane Options dialog box to change the operating parameters for the data provided in the information panes.
Concept descriptions
Technical specifications
The technical specifications summarize the main functional and operational characteristics of the MF90 system. They also provide information related to power requirements, physical properties and environmental conditions.
Datagram formats
The MF90 system can send and receive information to and from several different peripherals. All transmissions take place as datagrams with data sentences. Each datagram has a defined format and length.
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Transceiver Upgrade page

The MF90 system offers a large number of transceiver channels. 16 identical transceiver boards are used. Certain functions offered by the MF90 system may require the firmware on these transceiver boards to be upgraded. For more information, refer to the relevant software release note.

The Installation dialog box is not available when your MF90 system is set to Replay mode.

This page is located in the Installation dialog box. To open the page, select Installation on the Setup menu.

If a firmware upgrade is required, the necessary software will be included with the operational software. Once the new MF90 system software has been installed, the Upgrade button will be available.

If the Upgrade button is unavailable, a firmware upgrade is not required.