Checking the status of the transceiver boards

The purpose of the Diagnostics dialog box is to allow on-line testing and verification of the hardware components in the ST90 system.The Transceiver page offers key information about each transceiver board in the Transceiver Unit.

Neither tools nor instruments are required.

  • The ST90 system is turned on and operates normally.

  • The ST90 system is in Normal mode, but TX Power is set to Off to prevent transmissions.

  • The transducer is retracted to its upper position.

  • The vessel is berthed or at sea. We recommend that the test is done with the vessel at sea.

CAUTION:

You must never set the ST90 system to ping unless the transducer is submerged in water. The transducer can be damaged if it transmits in the open air.

By means of the Diagnostics functionality, you can easily determine if the hardware components in the ST90 system are operational. And most important, you can make sure that all the transceivers channels and transducer elements are functional. Each button provides a small colour coded indicator.

  • No indicator: Status is OK. No actions are necessary.
  • Yellow: This is a warning. A closer investigation is recommended.
  • Red: This is an alarm. A closer investigation is required.
  • Blue: A device monitored by the diagnostic system is disabled.
  • Grey: No information is available.

The Diagnostics dialog box and functionality is only provided for performance monitoring. The functionality offered by the dialog box is not required for normal use of the ST90 system. The dialog box does not permit you to change any operational settings.

Procedure

  1. Make sure that you have sufficient water depth below the keel before you lower the transducer.
  2. Lower the transducer to its bottom position.
  3. Select the default settings.
    1. On the Main menu, select User Settings.
    2. Observe the Factory Settings list.
    3. Select the setting you want to use.
    4. Select Activate Selected Setting.
    5. Select OK to apply your changes and close the User Settings dialog box.
  4. Make the following preparations.
    1. On the Main menu: Set Range to 1500 m.
    2. On the Operation menu: Set Tx Power to Maximum (or any other power rating) to start pinging.
    3. On the Setup menu: Select Diagnostics to open the dialog box.
  5. Select Transceiver to open the page.

    The Transceiver page provides a graphic presentation of the transceiver boards. The visual presentation reflects the physical location of the boards in the Transceiver Unit. Only static information is provided. The Board Information parameters offer key information about the supply power to the selected transceiver board, as well as the environmental conditions.

    To select a transceiver board, click the "button". Relevant information about the selected transceiver board is provided under Board Information.

    To disable or enable a transceiver board, right-click the "button" and use the short-cut menu.

    Each button provides a small colour coded indicator.

    • No indicator:Status is OK. No actions are necessary.
    • Yellow:This is a warning. A closer investigation is recommended.
    • Red:This is an alarm. A closer investigation is required.
    • Blue:A device monitored by the diagnostic system is disabled.
    • Grey:No information is available.
  6. Make sure that all the transceiver boards are fully functional.
  7. Finish the test.
    1. Close the Diagnostics dialog box.
    2. Set Tx Power to Off.
    3. Hoist the transducer back up to its upper position.