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Functions and dialog boxes
Setup menu: functions and dialog boxes
The Setup menu provides basic functions related to the installation parameters and the communication with peripheral systems.
Beam Visualization dialog box
With the various beams provided by the MF90 system, it may be difficult to understand the concepts. How do these beams "behave" in the water? By means of a graphic presentation, the Beam Visualization dialog box attempts to give you a better understanding of how the acoustic beams are transmitted into the water.

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.
  - Tracking Area function
    Use the Tracking Area function to define the size of the area that you want to detect moving objects in. An invisible area - the tracking area - is created as an acquisition area. In order for the MF90 system to find and lock on the intended target, it needs to be kept within this tracking area. If the intended target falls outside the area, the tracking can not be started.
  - Fishing Gear function
    By defining the type of fishing gear you are using, the MF90 system may provide more accurate visual presentations.
  - Fish Select dialog box
    The Size Distribution information pane presents a histogram with the echoes from single fish. The calculations are based on the fact that different fish species have different echo strength. The echo strength also depends on the operating frequency you use. For various reasons, the fish sizes presented in the Size Distribution information pane may be inaccurate. The Fish Select dialog box allows you to select the fish species you expect to catch. You can then manually adjust the size distribution.
  - 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.
  - Language function
    You may prefer to use the MF90 system with the user interface in your own language. A selection of languages is provided. The Language function allows you to select the language to be used in the display presentations, menus and dialog boxes.
  - Dead Reckoning function
    The Dead Reckoning function is used to improve the position of the track line relative to the actual position of the drifting fishing gear. For this function to operate, the MF90 system requires input from a speed log.
  - Stabilization function
    The MF90 system is provided with a built-in motion sensor to provide electronic stabilization of the sonar beams. It is placed inside the Motor Control Unit. For improved operational accuracy, an external motion reference unit (MRU) can be used. If the sensor is malfunctioning the input can be disabled.
  - Screen Captures dialog box
    While using the MF90 system you may wish to make a screen capture to save an instantaneous copy of the current presentation. You can choose either a single screen capture or a sequence with multiple screen captures.
  - Beam Visualization dialog box
    With the various beams provided by the MF90 system, it may be difficult to understand the concepts. How do these beams "behave" in the water? By means of a graphic presentation, the Beam Visualization dialog box attempts to give you a better understanding of how the acoustic beams are transmitted into the water.
  - 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.
  - Export dialog box
    The Export dialog box allows you to export user settings, configuration files, message logs and information mainly related to hardware and software troubleshooting.
  - 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. The pages in the Installation dialog box are described in a separate structure.
  - About dialog box
    Each software release for the MF90 system is uniquely identified. The About dialog box identifies the current software version with its release date. The version described in this publication is 24.7.X.
- 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.
- 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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Beam Visualization dialog box

With the various beams provided by the MF90 system, it may be difficult to understand the concepts. How do these beams "behave" in the water? By means of a graphic presentation, the Beam Visualization dialog box attempts to give you a better understanding of how the acoustic beams are transmitted into the water.

This dialog box is opened from the Setup menu.

You must have a computer mouse with two control buttons and a scroll wheel. You can also use the Operating Panel.

The beam visualization feature simulates how the acoustic beams cover the seabed and the water column.

Spin the scroll wheel on the mouse to zoom in and out.
Press and hold the right mouse button, then move the mouse to change the angle.

Change the operating parameter while the Beam Visualization dialog is open. The change you make to the beams are reflected in the presentation.

Select Menu to access basic settings.

Select Show Tx Beams or Show Rx Beams to see the transmit or receiver beams.
Choose you own water depth in the presentation, or allow an automatic depth to be used.