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Functions and dialog boxes
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.
Operation function
The Operation function controls the operating mode of the ST90 system. You can set it to Normal, Replay or Inactive.

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.
  - Operation function
    The Operation function controls the operating mode of the ST90 system. You can set it to Normal, Replay or Inactive.
  - Transmission Mode function
    Transmission Mode lets you to control how often the ST90 system shall transmit acoustic energy (ping) into the water. For normal use, choose Maximum. If you choose Maximum, the ST90 system will transmit (ping) continuously and as often as possible. This gives you the maximum refresh rate.
  - Tx Power function
    Use Tx Power to increase or decrease the output power. The output power is selected from predefined steps.
  - Record RAW function
    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. The data files can be played back on the ST90 system. You can keep the recorded files for future reference, training purposes and calibration.
  - Record Processed function
    The Record Processed function allows you to record the processed echo data received by the transducer. Which processing to apply is controlled by the settings on the Processed Data to File page. Processed Data to File is located in the Output dialog box.
  - 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. The pages in the Output dialog box are described in a separate structure.
  - Audio function
    Select Audio to turn the audio output on or off.
- 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.
- 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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Operation function

The Operation function controls the operating mode of the ST90 system. You can set it to Normal, Replay or Inactive.

How to open

This function is opened from the Operation menu.

Description

The ST90 system offers several operating modes.

Inactive mode is provided to pause the operation temporarily.
Normal mode allows the ST90 system to transmit ("ping") through the water, and to receive the echoes.
The Replay mode allows you to play back previously recorded data.

Select the middle of the button to open a small menu with the available options.

Tip:

When you set the ST90 system to Replay mode, select Replay File. The Replay File dialog box allows you to choose which file(s) to be used for playback. To control the actual playback, use the replay bar. The replay bar opens automatically at the top of the display presentation when you choose Replay mode.

Details

Inactive: Select this option to pause the operation. Neither transmission nor reception takes place. When the ST90 system is disabled with this function, it will stop. The current echoes are removed from the display presentation.
Normal: Select this option to start normal operation. The ST90 system will transmit ("ping") the acoustic pulses into the water and receive the resulting echoes. The information is processed by the Processor Unit, and the resulting data are shown in the display presentation.
Replay: This mode allows you to play back previously recorded data. In Replay mode the ST90 system is not able to operate normally. Neither transmission nor reception takes place. For this reason, the ST90 system is inactive during playback.
Replay File: The Replay File dialog box allows you to choose the echo data file(s) you wish to play back.