Setting up the MS70 in a synchronized system
If you wish to use the MS70 as a master or slave in a synchronized system, you must set it up for such operation. To do this, you must select which communication port to use for the synchronization interface, and you must select the requested synchronization mode.
Prerequisites
This procedure assumes that:
•  The vessel is berthed or at sea.
•  You have a vacant interface port on your Processor Unit.
•  You are familiar with NMEA and other relevant datagram formats.
•  You know how to set up the parameters for serial and local area network (LAN) communication.
For "slave" operation, a remote system (for example K-Sync) must be available to provide trigger pulses. For "master" operation, a remote system must be connected. This remote system must be set up in "slave" mode.
Context
Whenever more than one hydroacoustic system is installed on a vessel, interference may occur. To avoid this, 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 MS70 offers functionality for remote transmit synchronisation. It can be set up to operate in either Master or Slave mode.
Procedure
1 Connect the synchronisation cable from the remote system to an available communication port on your Processor Unit.
This is described in the Cable layout and interconnections chapter.
•  Observe the applicable requirements related to cabling.
•  Ensure that the total length of the serial line cable does not exceed approximately 50 meters. If a longer cable is required, you may need to use buffer amplifiers.
•  If the Processor Unit is not fitted with a suitable serial line connector, use a USB-to-serial converter. Several types are commercially available.
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A Local connection on the Processor Unit
B Connection on remote device
2 Open the Setup menu.
3 On the Setup menu, select Install.
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Observe that the Install submenu opens.
4 Select Synchronization Port to open the dialog box.
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5 Choose which serial port you have used to connect the external synchronization system.
This is the interface port currently used to transmit or receive synchronization signals. It must be a serial port. Since the synchronization function only use the Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) signals, you can use a serial port that is already used for other purposes. For the same reason, you do not need to define any baud rate.
6 Select OK to save the chosen settings and close the dialog box.
7 Open the Setup menu.
8 Select Synchronization.
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The purpose of the Synchronization dialog box is to set up the MS70 to operate alone, or as a master or slave in a synchronized system. Synchronization is required in order to avoid interference if the MS70 is used simultaneously with other hydroacoustic instruments within the same frequency range.
9 Select Synchronization Mode.
•  Standalone
Synchronization is switched off.This synchronization mode is used if the MS70 is working by itself, and with no synchronization required. This is the default setting. The MS70 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
The Master mode is used if the MS70 shall act as the "controlling" unit in a synchronized system. The peripheral hydroacoustic system(s) are only permitted to transmit when enabled by the MS70. When the Master mode is chosen, the MS70 will run using its internal ping interval parameters, and send trigger signals to the peripheral system(s).
•  Slave
The Slave mode is used if the MS70 shall transmit only when permitted by a peripheral system. When the Slave mode is chosen, the MS70 does 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 synchronisation system.
10 Select Synchronization Delay.
This delay parameter is used differently depending on the chosen synchronization mode.
•  Standalone
The Synchronization Delay setting is not applicable when synchronization is switched off.
•  Master
In Master mode, the MS70 will wait 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 Pre-trigger.
Note
This delay will only work when the synchronization is set up using a serial port.
•  Slave
In Slave mode, the MS70 waits for the delay time after the external trigger signal has arrived before transmitting the ping. This is often referred to as Post-trigger.
11 Select OK to save the chosen settings and close the dialog box.