Transducer installation summary
The installation of the MS70 transducer requires careful planning and preparations. It is a key task for successful use of the MS70 Multibeam scientific sonar. An overall installation procedure is provided below. The procedure does not describe any detailed tasks, but refers to the relevant procedures in this chapter.
Prerequisites
In order to prepare the installation of the MS70 transducer, the following prerequisites must be met:
•  All relevant literature is available.
•  All relevant vessel drawings are available.
•  Detailed information is available about other systems on the vessel that may cause noise or interference.
•  You have good knowledge about hydroacoustic systems and the challenges related to physical installation of these.
Context
The installation shipyard must provide all necessary design and installation drawings, as well as the relevant work standards and mounting procedures.
Note
In order to obtain maximum safety and MS70 performance, it is very important that the installation procedures in this manual are complied to. You must do the tasks in the order they are described.
The vessel owner must make sure that the installation shipyard holds the applicable competence to perform the installation, and that the applicable maritime authorities are available to verify and certify the installation.
If required, all documents provided by the shipyard for the physical installation of the MS70 must be approved by the vessel’s national registry and corresponding maritime authority and/or classification society. Such approval must be obtained before the installation can begin. The shipowner and shipyard doing the installation are responsible for obtaining and paying for such approval.
The outline dimensions of the MS70 transducer and the relevant installation items are found in the Drawing file chapter in this manual. The source drawings (normally in AutoCad format) can be downloaded from our website.
Procedure
1 Determine the physical location of the transducer.
The decision must be based on:
•  The vessel drawings
•  Best practice
•  Relevant literature
•  The shape and properties of the hull
Make sure that all possible considerations are made to reduce noise.
2 Determine the installation method.
The transducer can be installed using one of the following methods:
•  Through the hull
•  Installation blister (or a keel box) under the hull
•  Drop keel
3 Based on the chosen installation method, design the mounting hardware.
4 Prepare a suitable hole in the vessel’s hull.
•  If the transducer will be mounted through the vessel’s hull, the hole must be large enough to fit the mounting ring.
•  If the transducer will be mounted in a blister below the hull, the hole must be large enough to fit the cables.
•  If you use a drop keel, the top of the keel assembly must contain a hole large enough for the cables.
5 Prepare and install the necessary cable conduit from the top of the transducer to the sonar room.
Start the conduit immediately above the transducer, and terminate it well above the water line. Observe relevant requirements and guidelines from the maritime classification society.
Important
If you use a drop keel, the transducer cables must be properly fastened at the bottom, and fully supported while lowering and hoisting the drop keel. The cables must be permitted to move freely when the drop keel is lowered and hoisted. It is important to avoid sharp edges or protruding elements, as these may cause damage to the cables.
6 Unpack the transducer from its transport crate.
7 Position the mounting ring in the hole prepared for it, and weld it in place.
8 Position the transducer under the mounting location.
9 Pull the transducer cables up through the steel conduit.
10 Mount the transducer.
11 Consider applying a thin layer of anti-fouling paint to the transducer face.
This is recommended if your vessel will operate in waters with a lot of marine growth.
12 Connect the transducer cables to the Transceiver Unit.
13 Record the location and installation angles of the transducer.
The physical location and the installation angles of the MS70 transducer are important for the MS70 data accuracy.