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Functions and dialog boxes
Pages in the Diagnostics dialog box
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.
Sensors page
The Sensors page presents a table with all the sensors currently connected to the ST90 system. For each sensor, the status is provided.

About this manual
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.
Simrad ST90
Operating procedures
Maintenance procedures
User interface
Menu system
Functions and dialog boxes
- Main menu: functions and dialog boxes
  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.
- Operation menu: functions and dialog boxes
  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.
- Display menu: functions and dialog boxes
  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.
- Setup menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Setup menu provides basic functions related to the installation parameters and the communication with peripheral systems.
- Active menu: functions and dialog boxes
  The Active menu offers parameters related to current views and data presentations provided by the ST90 system.
- Secondary functions and dialog boxes
- Pages in the Output dialog box
  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.
- Pages in the Display Options dialog box
  The Display Options dialog box is used to specify basic settings for the sonar presentation.
- Pages in the Environment dialog box
  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.
- Pages in the Diagnostics dialog box
  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.
  - Processor page
    The Processor page offers an overview of the parameters related to software version, operation and network.
  - Sensors page
    The Sensors page presents a table with all the sensors currently connected to the ST90 system. For each sensor, the status is provided.
  - Transceiver page
    The Transceiver page offers key information about each transceiver board in the Transceiver Unit.
  - Transducer page
    Use the Transducer page to do a reception test to check the individual transducer elements. Any errors are then easily detected.
  - Noise page
    The operational performance of the ST90 system depends on the noise conditions. It is essential that the noise signature is as low as possible. Use the Noise page to test the current noise conditions.
  - Hull Unit page
    Use the Hull Unit page to read the software and firmware versions from the Hull Unit Control board.
  - Element BITE dialog box
    The purpose of the Element BITE (Element Built-In Test Equipment) dialog box is to allow on-line test and verification of the individual elements in the transducer.
  - B-Scan page
    The B-Scan page allows you to monitor the data received from each of the elements in the transducer. The start sample and the number of samples to be displayed are selectable.
  - Matrix page
    The Matrix page allows you to monitor the average signal values or signal phases from each of the channels and transducer elements in the ST90 system. The presentation is provided on a matrix corresponding to the element locations in the transducer.
- Pages in the Installation dialog box
  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.
- Pages in the Echogram dialog box
  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.
- Pages in the Information Pane Options dialog box
  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.
Concept descriptions
Technical specifications
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.
Datagram formats
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.
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Sensors page

The Sensors page presents a table with all the sensors currently connected to the ST90 system. For each sensor, the status is provided.

How to open

This page is located in the Diagnostics dialog box.

Open the Diagnostics dialog box from the Setup menu.

Description

For the ST90 system to use and offer correct navigational information, one or more external sensors must be connected. Typical sensors are those providing navigational information (heading, speed or geographical position). A motion sensor (motion reference unit) can also be connected.

Each sensor connected to the ST90 system for input or output purposes is listed. All relevant status information is provided.

Tip:

Use the Sensor Installation page to define which external sensors your ST90 system will import information from. The Sensor Installation page is located in the Installation dialog box. The Installation dialog box is located on the Setup menu.

The Sensor Configuration page allows you to define a datagram priority, so that the information from the "most reliable" sensor is used by the ST90 system. You can also define manual values in case a sensor is unserviceable, or not installed. The Sensor Configuration page is located in the Installation dialog box.

The I/O Setup settings allow you to control the properties of each of the available communication ports. The I/O Setup page is located in the Installation and Output dialog boxes.