Transducer description
The rectangular sonar transducer allows the sonar beam to provide the swath coverage of the water volume with electronic tilt.
The transducer converts the electric energy generated by the transmitter circuitry to physical vibrations. These vibrations alter the water pressure, and create an acoustic pulse that is sent into the water. The acoustic signal is transmitted as a beam. The duration of the acoustic pulse, as well as its frequency and shape, are controlled by the system software. The direction and opening angle of the beam is controlled by the transmitter circuitry and the physical properties of the transducer. After the transmission, the transducer works as a "microphone". It converts the water pressure created by the acoustic echoes to electric energy. These weak echo signals are sent to the amplifiers in the receiver circuitry.
Note
The transducer is covered with a thick red or black protective coating made of a special plastic type. The protective coating is a vital part of the transducer. It is very important that neither this coating nor the internal parts of the transducer are damaged during the handling, installation or cleaning. Any holes and/or scratches in the transducer surface will allow water to penetrate the transducer. If a leak occurs, the transducer must be replaced.
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For installation, the transducer is mounted in a metal mounting house, which is placed inside a blister. From this blister, a watertight metal pipe must be designed to reach well above the water line. The transducer cables penetrate through the rear side of the mounting house, and must be pulled through this pipe.
A hull unit may be provided as an option. It allows you to lower and hoist the transducer. The hull unit must be mounted on a suitable installation trunk. When this option is selected, the transducer is delivered readily mounted at the lower end of the transducer shaft.
The transducer face measures 184 x 184 mm, and the total weight (with cables) is approximately 60 kg. It contains 256 individual elements.
Rules for transducer handling
A transducer must always be handled as a delicate instrument. Incorrect actions may damage the transducer beyond repair. A physical blow to the transducer face may easily damage one or more elements. Observe these transducer handling rules:
•  Do not activate the transducer when it is out of the water.
•  Do not handle the transducer roughly. Avoid impacts.
•  Do not expose the transducer to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
•  Do not use high-pressure water, sandblasting, metal tools or strong solvents to clean the transducer.
•  Do not damage the outer protective skin of the transducer.
•  Do not step on the transducer cables.
•  Do not damage the transducer cables. Avoid exposure to sharp objects.