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 ST90 system. The publication also provides you with a thorough understanding of the parameters and adjustments provided by the ST90 system.
The Main menu is located at the top of the menu structure. It offers the most common functions for efficient use of the ST90 system. Unless you hide the entire menu system, the Main menu is visible at all times, even if you close the secondary menus.
The Operation menu allows you to control the operating mode, the recording functionality, and how the ST90 system transmits audio pulses ("ping") into the water.
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.
The Setup menu provides basic functions related to the installation parameters and the communication with peripheral systems.
The Active menu offers parameters related to current views and data presentations provided by the ST90 system.
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.
With the Audio Sector function, you can listen to the audio from all the beams in a user-defined sector.
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.
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 line communication with external devices is important for the ST90 system. The communication between the ST90 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.
Serial line communication with external devices is important for the ST90 system. The communication between the ST90 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.
Communication with external devices is important for the ST90 system. The communication between the ST90 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 ST90 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.
The Messages dialog box allows you to read and acknowledge the messages.
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 ST90 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.
By defining the type of fishing gear you are using, the ST90 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.
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.
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.
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 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 ST90 program by selecting Power Off on the top bar.
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.
A key function of the ST90 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.
The Display Options dialog box is used to specify basic settings for the sonar presentation.
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.
The ST90 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 ST90 system.
Before you use the ST90 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.
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.
The ST90 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.
The technical specifications summarize the main functional and operational characteristics of the ST90 system. They also provide information related to power requirements, physical properties and environmental conditions.
The ST90 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.
