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Functions and dialog boxes
Secondary functions and dialog boxes
New Marker dialog box
The New Marker dialog box allows you to create a new marker based on the known depth and geographical position of a new target.

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
  - Replay File dialog box
    The Replay File dialog box allows you to choose which file(s) to be used for playback. The files listed were generated automatically during recording. Each file is identified with the time and date it was made.
  - Recording dialog box
    Record RAW allows you to record the unprocessed echo data received by the transducer. You can save the data to the hard disk, or onto an external storage device. When the recording is stopped, the Recording dialog box opens automatically. Use the Recording dialog box to add metadata to your recording.
  - LAN Port Setup dialog box
    The LAN Port Setup dialog box allows you to define the parameters for Ethernet (Local Area Network (LAN)) communication with external devices. External devices may for example be navigation sensors (speed, position, etc.) or peripheral systems.
  - Serial Port Setup dialog box
    Serial line communication with external devices is important for the MF90 system. The communication between the MF90 system and peripheral devices takes place using "datagrams". For most commercial devices, the formats of the datagrams are defined by NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association). Use the Serial Port Setup dialog box to define the communication parameters for serial line ports. These ports are typically used to interface external devices, such as navigation sensors.
  - Add Serial Port dialog box
    Serial line communication with external devices is important for the MF90 system. The communication between the MF90 system and peripheral devices takes place using "datagrams". For most commercial devices, the formats of the datagrams are defined by NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association). The Add Serial Port dialog box allows you to put a free serial port (COM port) on the Processor Unit to use for interface purposes.
  - Port Monitor dialog box
    Communication with external devices is important for the MF90 system. The communication between the MF90 system and peripheral devices takes place using "datagrams". These datagrams are self-contained and independent entities of data carrying information. When setting up or maintaining the MF90 system, it is always useful to verify that the communication lines with external devices are operational. The Port Monitor dialog box allows you to study the communication stream on the chosen serial line or local area network (LAN) port.
  - Messages dialog box
    The Messages dialog box allows you to read and acknowledge the messages.
  - Tracking Area Setup dialog box
    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. Use the Tracking Area Setup dialog box to define or change the physical size of the tracking area.
  - Add Fishing Gear dialog box
    By defining the type of fishing gear you are using, the MF90 system may provide more accurate visual presentations. Use the Fishing Gear Setup dialog box to change the fishing gear properties to match your own equipment. Use the Add Fishing Gear to add new equipment to your fishing gear list.
  - Auto Configuration dialog box
    The Vertical Tx Sector function is used to change the vertical opening angle in horizontal and vertical swaths. If you select Auto, the sector is defined by the current range. Use the Auto Configuration dialog box to define for which ranges the Vertical TX sector is set to Narrow, Normal or Wide.
  - Hull Unit Control dialog box
    The Hull Unit Control dialog box allows you to lower and hoist the transducer. The dialog box also provides status information about the transducer position. You can monitor the current position of the transducer and make changes to the position defaults.
  - New Marker dialog box
    The New Marker dialog box allows you to create a new marker based on the known depth and geographical position of a new target.
  - Power Off dialog box
    The operating system functions are located on the right side of the top bar. Minimize, Maximize/Normalize and Power Off are provided. You must always close the MF90 program by selecting Power Off on the top bar.
  - Transceiver On/Off dialog box
    The Transceiver On/Off dialog box permits you to start, stop and restart the Transceiver Unit. You can also use this dialog box to monitor the start-up sequence.
- 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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New Marker dialog box

The New Marker dialog box allows you to create a new marker based on the known depth and geographical position of a new target.

The New Marker dialog box is opened from the New button in the Objects menu.

Use this functionality if you need to create a marker based on geographical information from an external source. You can place markers on for example wrecks, obstacles on the seabed or coral reefs. For each new marker you must provide:

Longitude
Latitude
Depth
Position Input Format

When the new marker is created, it is automatically assigned a unique identifier (UID) by the MF90 system.

Related functionality

Objects menu: The Objects menu is - in spite of its name and location - not a menu at all. This "menu" opens a small view to monitor and control the objects you have defined in the sonar views. Each object is identified with a visual marker.