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Kongsberg EM2040 (Single) Multibeam Controller - 23

Description

This driver replaces SIS as the controlling software of the Kongsberg EM3002, EM2040 and EM2040C (Compact) multibeam systems in combination with Qinsy software.
The driver can be used to start / stop pinging, to monitor the clock synchronization, to set up operational parameters of the EM3002/EM2040(C) and to execute the internal BIST Tests of the EM3002/EM2040(C).

The topside 19 inch console is better known as the PU (Processing Unit). The term PU is used frequently throughout this document.

SystemDriver type
EM 3002
  • Kongsberg EM3002 (Single) Multibeam Controller
  • Kongsberg EM3002D (Dual) Multibeam Controller
  • Kongsberg EM3002D (Dual) Multibeam Controller (Second PU)
EM 2040
  • Kongsberg EM2040 (Single) Multibeam Controller
  • Kongsberg EM2040D (Dual) Multibeam Controller
EM 2040-C
  • Kongsberg EM2040 Compact (Single) Multibeam Controller
  • Kongsberg EM2040 Compact (Dual) Multibeam Controller
EM 2040-P
  • Kongsberg EM2040 (Single) Multibeam Controller
  • Kongsberg EM2040D (Dual) Multibeam Controller

Driver Information

Driver 

Kongsberg EM2040 Controller

Kongsberg EM3002 Controller
Interface TypeSerialDriver Class TypeTerminated
UTC Driver (question) NoInput / OutputInput and outputExecutableDrvKongsbergEMCtrl.exe 
Related Systems
Related Pages


Interfacing Notes

This chapter describes the interfacing to and from the EM3002/EM2040(C). The EM3002/EM2040(C) needs attitude data from a motion sensor for its beam steering.
Furthermore it requires an NMEA ZDA serial input and a 1PPS Time Synchronization signal. Optionally it can also use an NMEA GGA serial message for automatic ping rate reduction.
The PU outputs its data on a network connection to/from the Qinsy computer.
The EM2040(C) can optionally use Chirp (FM) transmit pulses and in that case requires interfacing of an Attitude Velocity sensor message.

Time Synchronization (previously PPS) and Time message

The EM3002/EM2040(C) requires input of a Time Synchronization signal and a ZDA time message at all times in order to synchronize its clock to the UTC clock.

Time Synchronization

Interface on PU: Time Synchronization cable from GPS to "1PPS" connector at the back of the PU.
The default active edge of the PPS signal is the falling edge, as of March 2013 this is selectable in the driver's Options dialog. 
So make sure you know the PPS flank setting that the PU uses and set this correctly.

Time message

Interface on PU: Com1(default) or Com3 or Com4.
Format: NMEA ZDA
The baud rate is selectable 1200/2400/4800/9600/19K2/38K4/57K6/115K2 (see Options).
Other communication parameters must be Parity: None, Databits: 8, Stopbits: 1.

Motion

The EM3002/EM2040(C) requires input from an external motion at all times (@100Hz).
Interface on PU: Com2 (default) or Com3.
Format: Kongsberg Simrad EMxxxx binary format.
The baud rate is selectable: 1200/2400/4800/9600/19K2/38K4/57K6/115K2 (See Options).
Other communication parameters must be Parity: None, Databits: 8, Stopbits: 1.
The motion port can not contain and handle data from other systems (ZDA, Position).

Position

The EM3002/EM2040(C) can adjust its ping rates based on the vessel speed when set up correctly. In order to use this function it is necessary to feed an NMEA GGA Message into the PU on the same port as the Time Message.
Note that in the Option Dialog the GGA Usage should also be set to On.

Attitude Velocity

When the EM2040(C) is operated in 100m+ water depths it may be useful to use chirp TX pulses. In order to compensate for Doppler shifts the PU should be fed with an Attitude Velocity datagram from the motion sensor (via a network port).
The settings should be entered in the Options dialog of the driver (see below).

Control and Data output

The EM3002/EM2040(C) is controlled via the network by the EM Controller driver. The commands are issued over the network.
Preferably the EM3002/EM2040(C) is connected directly to the Qinsy PC via a network cross cable and NOT via a hub or switch.
Make sure The TCP/IP Settings of the:

  1. Qinsy PC network card is set to:
      • IP 157.237.2.1 (last number may vary),
      • mask 255.255.0.0.
  2. Kongsberg PU is usually set to
    • EM3002 -
      • IP: 157.237.2.61
    • EM2040(C)
      • IP: 157.237.20.40
        No further programs like Kongsberg's Datadistrib are required.


Real Time - Sound Velocity Sensor

If your multibeam system utilizes a real time sound velocity sensor to correct the multibeam data then it should be interfaced straight into Qinsy because the sensor can not be interfaced to the PU directly.
Add New System of type "Underwater Sensor".
Add observation type "Sound Velocity' and set correct units, C-O's etc.

Data Ports

The data ports on which the PU sends out its bathymetry packets to Qinsy are by default set to 2001, 2002, 2003.
Any Qinsy driver that decodes bathymetry or sidescan data may use these port numbers.
The EM Controller driver uses port 2000 by default to communicate with the PU. Note that all mentioned port numbers are user definable.
Reserved port number are 2012, 2022, 2032, 2042, 1999. Please do not use these since they are used by the PU.


Database Setup

Make sure to use a Time Synchronization system in your setup otherwise the resulting bathymetry will contain artifacts caused by the PC clock not running synchronized.
Add New System of type "Miscellaneous". Select one of the "Kongsberg EM Multibeam Controller" variants depending on the system you are using. (See table above for details on the driver to select.)
Press the Finish button. No further settings are necessary; all other options are set online in the driver.

The multibeam system should be interfaced separately to Qinsy using the appropriate Multibeam driver.

Now don't forget to assign the sound velocity probe to the multibeam system(s). This is required for the refraction correction.
In Database Setup change the parameters of the multibeam system by going through the system's setup wizard.
The last page of the wizard contains a selection for the sound velocity correction:

Real Time - Sound Velocity Sensor

If your multibeam system utilizes a real time sound velocity sensor to correct the multibeam data then it should be interfaced straight into Qinsy because the sensor can not be interfaced to the PU directly.
Add New System of type "Underwater Sensor".
Add observation type "Sound Velocity' and set correct units, C-O's etc.

Select your probe's observation here; make sure to do this for both heads if a dual head system is used.

Note: Since July 2011 it is possible to let this control driver send the sound velocity observation to the PU directly. In that case the beam angle corrections which are applied will be very small.


Online

The driver's main dialog looks as follows:

EM 3002DEM 2040C Dual

For the EM system to work properly you should set up the driver options.

When online first make sure the EM controller driver is visible. Press the "Options" button in the driver. See Tab below:


This is divided into the following parts:

  • PU Setup
  • Program Options
  • Installation Parameters

PU Setup

PU SetupInfo

System Type

Shows the kind of multibeam system; currently supports EM3002, EM3002D, EM2040, EM2040D, EM2040C, EM2040C Dual. If the system type is not correct then go offline, start Database Setup and change the driver type.

PU IP Address

This is the IP address of the topside EM3002 Processor Unit (PU). The default value is 157.237.2.61 for EM3002 and 157.237.20.40 for EM2040(C) but this may be different for you unit. If the IP number is incorrect then the driver will not have a connection with the PU.

Kongsberg ModelPU IP Address
EM 120157.237.14.60
EM 122157.237.14.60
EM 300157.237.14.60
EM 302157.237.14.60
EM 710157.237.2.71
EM 1002157.237.15.60
EM 2000157.237.2.58
EM 3000157.237.2.58
EM 3002157.237.2.61
EM 2040157.237.20.40
EM 2040C157.237.20.40
EM 2040M157.237.20.40
EM 2040P157.237.20.40

Simulation ModeSet to 'On' if you want to run the PU in simulation mode. Normally this is set to 'Off'.
Control portThis port number is used by the PU driver to send information to the Controller driver over the Network. This may be changed to any free port number. Default value is 2000.

Enable Output Ports

These UDP port numbers are used by the PU to send data to the Qinsy drivers, default values: 2001, 2002, 2003. For example use multibeam driver for the port head to decode on port 2001, the multibeam driver for the starboard head on 2002 and the sidescan data on 2003. Use as few UDP ports as you can to transfer the required data to minimize the network traffic.

Note on UDP output

For the EM2040 and EM2040C (single and dual head) a single UDP output port should be used to transfer the data. This is to limit the number of Water column data packets.
If more than one UDP output port is defined for an EM2040C it may drop its water column (k) datagrams and Qinsy will no longer receive these.

We have also seen that Imagery data (Y) was not decoded. So if you run into one of these issues (or maybe something similar), please try the following setting:

ZDA/GGA Serial PortSelect on which physical port the ZDA/GGA is interfaced to the PU. Select port 1 (default) or port 3 or 4. Preferably use port 1; if it is not available use one of the others.
Use GGAIn order to use some of the advanced pinging options make sure to interface a GGA string to the Time port as well and enable this option.
Baudrate ZDA/GGASelect baud rate of ZDA/GGA message that is going into the PU. Other comm. parameters are: N,8,1.
Interface ZDA/GGA

You can either select RS232 or RS422. Select the one that is defined by the output system.

Known Bug

If you interface an RS232 signal and select it in the Options menu, it does not work.
For now you can select RS422 and then it should work.

Affects versions: 8.18.1, 8.18.2 and 8.18.3
Fixed version: 9.0.0

Motion Serial PortSelect on which physical port the Motion is interfaced to the PU. Select port 2 (default) or port 3. Motion should be exclusively on one port so do not share it with ZDA. Preferably use port 2; if it is not available you can try port 3.
Baudrate MotionSelect baud rate of Motion message that is going into the PU. Other comm. parameters are: N,8,1.
Interface Motion

You can either select RS232 or RS422. Select the one that is defined by the output system.

Known Bug

If you interface an RS232 signal and select it in the Options menu, it does not work.
For now you can select RS422 and then it should work.

Affects versions: 8.18.1, 8.18.2 and 8.18.3
Fixed version: 9.0.0

PPS Active Edge

Select the flank of the Time Synchronization TTL pulse on which the exact second turnover is valid, select either Falling Edge (Kongsberg Default) or Rising Edge.

Program options

Program OptionsInfo
Start Pinging when Qinsy Starts

Depending on this option the driver can order the PU to start pinging immediately on start-up of the Controller or not. For user convenience it may be handy to start pinging automatically.
If the transducers are sometimes redrawn from the water this is undesirable as prolonged pinging in the air may damage the transducer electronics.

Synchronize Clock Interval(min.)Time in minutes how often the driver orders the PU to carry out a clock synchronization procedure, default is 60 minutes. The driver will never carry out the synchronization procedure when Qinsy is logging as it may affect the operation of the sounder shortly, so the procedure will be carried out when the interval expires and the user stops the recording.
Sound velocity Mode
  • From Profile
    Select this if you want the EM Multibeam system to use a sound velocity value from the selected sound velocity profile. If the profile is changed in the controller then a new velocity is automatically sent to the Multibeam system. The Z-offset of the Node selected at "Head Installation angles from" is used to look up the sound velocity at the correct depth.
  • Manual Sound Velocity
    Select this option if you want a user defined value to be used as the Sound velocity at the transducer. Enter the user defined velocity in the next line. 
  • From Sound Velocity Observation - Preferred method
    Select this option to send the actual sound velocity as measured by a sensor to the PU. This is the preferred method. The driver will automatically tell the PU to use a new sound velocity when it changes. The driver collects sound velocity observations over a fixed period (currently hard coded 3 seconds). These observation will be run through a median filter and if the median value changes more than 0.5 m/s compared to the previously sent value it will be sent to the PU.
Sound Velocity ObservationSelect the sound velocity observation here (only in combination with mode "From Sound Velocity Observation").
Popup window when error occursIf this option is activated then the driver dialog pops up when it is minimized and an error occurs (by default on). For debugging purposes it can be switched off.

Allow HD beamspacing with Water Column Data

Only relevant if the watercolumn option is enabled in Database Setup for the multibeam driver. For water column processing in the Qinsy Watercolumn Inspector High Density beam spacing should not be used as the raw beam data can not be related anymore to the watercolumn data. If this options is set to "Allowed" then the high density mode can still be used (e.g. if you are only interested in viewing the watercolumn data in the Raw Multibeam Display).

Installation parameters

Installation ParametersInfo
RX1 Gain OffsetGain offset of Transducer Head 1 (-10 to +10 dB, default 0 Db). Refer to Kongsberg documentation for more information.
RX2 Gain OffsetGain offset of Transducer Head 2 (-10 to +10 dB, default 0 Db). Refer to Kongsberg documentation for more information.
Head1 Installation angles from

Select the Port multibeam system here as defined in the Qinsy template. This is VERY IMPORTANT  because the installation angles (pitch/roll/heading offset of the transducer) are needed by the PU and derived from the selected system. Make sure that the installation angles that are entered in Database Setup are at least approximately correct.

EM2040(C) Only: Make sure the heading offset is correct, either around 0 (normal)  or around 180 (reversed).

For the TX transducer the heading offset should be approximately 0 degrees when the connector points to port side or  180 degrees when the connector points to starboard.

For the RX transducer the heading offset should be approximately 0 degrees when the connector points to the bow or 180 degrees when the connector  points to stern.

Head2 Installation angles from

Same as for Head1 but now for the starboard transducer. Leave to "Not Used" for a single head system.

Note

Failure to select the correct Multibeam System(s) here will result in wrong bottom detection on the echosounder for dual head systems.

Velocity Sensor NumberIn case FM chirp pulses are used a motion sensor will need to supply Attitude Velocity data over the network to the PU for the Doppler correction. Select here either None if not used, or Motion 1 or Motion 2. Refer to Kongsberg documentation for more info.
Velocity Sensor UDP PortPort number of which velocity attitude data is received on the PU.
Velocity Sensor Ethernet PortWhich physical Ethernet connector is used to receive velocity attitude data can be selected here. Newer PU models may have two network connectors. Select "Same as Qinsy is using" or "Ethernet Port2".
Ethernet Port 2 IP AddressIP Address of the PU's second Ethernet port.
Ethernet Port 2 IP MaskIP Mask of the PU's second Ethernet port.

Settings file

When the Qinsy Controller closes then all the selected options are stored in an *.xml file (Ks_EmCtrl_Options.xml), located in the MSWindows user application data local folder.

When the Qinsy Controller is restarted then the settings will be restored from this *.xml file. If the *.xml file is not found then default options will be used.

Absorption

Absorption Table (EM2040(C)) : The driver sends a default absorption table to the PU. These are currently hard coded.


PU Status

The PU Status view is used to monitor the current state of the echosounder.

  • Status

    Status field can either be "Stopped" when echosounder is not pinging, "Active" when pinging normally and "Simulator" when pinging in simulation mode.
  • Pinging

    Shows last ping number and the ping frequency as reported by the echosounder.

Clock Status

Shows information about the echosounder clock and how well it is synchronized to the Qinsy clock.

The field can contain the following values:

StatusInfo

Ok

No errors occurred

NO ZDA

NMEA ZDA is not decoded properly or not interfaced correctly

PPS PULSE ERROR

Time Synchronization Signal (PPS) is not detected by the PU

PPS TIME ERROR

PU clock is deviating from the ZDA more than 750 msec

CLOCK ERROR

PU reports a clock failure in status message

BAD SYNC

PC clock deviating more than 50 msec from PU clock

Errors

If an error is reported by the PU then it is shown here.


Current Kongsberg Multibeam settings are displayed here. If one or more settings are changed, user should press the "Apply" button to actually send the settings to the PU. Only the changed settings are sent to the sounder. For more information on the meaning of the settings please refer to the Kongsberg SIS manual.

Echosounder settings are stored in an *.xml file. The current settings can be saved to an *.xml file with a user defined name. These settings can also be restored. This can be useful if you repeatedly survey in different areas that require different settings. When the Set Default option is chosen then for every setting the default value is restored.

XML naming convention for saved settings files:

Ks_EmCtrl_User_AAA.xml               AAA is the user defined name.

A help description is available in a tooltip when the mouse is placed over the setting label.

SettingInfo
Head1 Port AnglePort side maximum swath angle in degrees, angle are ref the vertical.
This will determine the maximum coverage of the swath.
Head1 Starboard AngleOn a single transducer system this is the starboard side maximum swath angle, angle in degrees, ref the vertical.
This will determine the maximum coverage of the swath.
On a Dual head system this is the starboard max. angle of the port transducer and will determine the swath overlap between the two heads around nadir.
Head2 Port AngleDual Head system, starboard transducer, port side maximum swath angle in degrees, angle are ref the vertical.
This will determine the overlap of the two heads around nadir.
Head2 Starboard AngleDual Head system, starboard transducer, starboard side maximum swath angle in degrees, angle are ref the vertical.
This will determine the maximum coverage of the swath.
Max. Port CoverageThis parameter allow you to define the maximum swath width to port side by selecting values in meters.
The port and starboard angles (as defined above) will then be adjusted accordingly by the system.
To make use of these settings, you must set Angular Coverage mode to Auto.
Max. Starboard CoverageThis parameter allow you to define the maximum swath width to starboard side by selecting values in meters.
The port and starboard angles (as defined above) will then be adjusted accordingly by the system.
To make use of these settings, you must set Angular Coverage mode to Auto.
Angular Coverage

Manual: If Angular Coverage is set to manual, the values defined as Max port and starboard angle above (in degrees) are used directly.
The Max coverage port and starboard settings (in meters) are not used in this case.
Be aware that the outermost beams may be lost if the angular coverage set is larger than the coverage capability at the current depth.\n";

Auto: If Angular Coverage is set to Auto, the maximum coverage (in meters) and the maximum angles will set the swath width limit.
The most limiting of the two criteria will be used.
If the system is not able to fulfill the above, it will reduce the swath width further and as a consequence nearly all the beams will be valid.

Beam Spacing

Depending on the purpose of the survey, you may define the distribution of the beams on the seafloor.

Equidistant: This setting gives a uniform distribution of soundings on the seafloor,
and it is the normal mode for a bathymetric survey.
Equiangle: The beams are distributed with an equal angular spacing based on the angular coverage used.
This gives many soundings close to the center of the survey line, and few on the edge of the swath.\n";

High density (Equidistant): In this mode the number of soundings are increased.
This is achieved by directing some of the beams closer to the center of the survey line and performing several soundings per beam on the edge of the swath.
This results in an equidistant distribution of the soundings.

Pitch StabilizationAt open sea, the swath area on the bottom will move back and forth following the vessel pitch.
This will lead to loss of sampling regularity, and thus also limit the vessel speed at which 100% bottom coverage is possible.
To account for this effect the system’s transmit angle may be set to vary with the pitch in order to stabilize the direction of the emitted vertical transmit fan.
This option should thus normally be ON.
Max. Ping Freq.(Hz)The ping rate is normally limited by the acquisition time (two way travel time) of the receive data plus a little overhead.
Dual swath (if installed) can be enabled to increase the along ship sampling rate.
With the Max. ping freq setting is possible to limit the maximum ping rate.
This can be used to lower the amount of logged data, for example when running at slow speed, or if 100% along ship coverage is not required.
Transmit Angle (deg)This function can be used to tilt the transmit sector forward and backwards.
This can be used to avoid a too strong echo at the normal incidence
Minimum DepthThese parameters define the operational depth range.
This range should normally be wide enough to cover all depths encountered during the survey, as only depths within this range will be accepted by the system.
A narrow range will help the system in bottom tracking under difficult conditions.
In some cases it may be necessary to temporarily narrow the range to assist the system in bottom tracking.
However, you must then monitor the actual depth closely, and adjust the depth window as often as required.
Maximum DepthThese parameters define the operational depth range.
This range should normally be wide enough to cover all depths encountered during the survey, as only depths within this range will be accepted by the system.
A narrow range will help the system in bottom tracking under difficult conditions. In some cases it may be necessary to temporarily narrow the range to assist the system in bottom tracking.
However, you must then monitor the actual depth closely, and adjust the depth window as often as required.
Detector ModeSelect detector mode to optimize the systems ability to recognize the bottom, wreck, structures, etc., depending on water condition.
Select from:
Normal: The normal bottom detection mode
Waterway: Suitable for shallow channels and rivers
Tracking: A general shallow water mode for tracking of targets and sudden depth changes
Minimum depth: Designed for detecting wrecks etc.
Slope FilterWith this filter enabled, the system checks for bottom slopes that tilt inwards.
These slant towards the vessel, and they are removed because the filter requires that the athwartships distance increases for every beam from the center.
Such detections are normally false, and after removal a new bottom detection is performed searching for a value with increased range.\n The slope filter should normally be enabled.
Aeration FilterIf the transducer installation suffers from air bubbles close to the transducer, the system may have problems with bottom tracking.
Activating this filter will force the system to keep tracking the same depth for a longer period.
If you have aeration problems in areas with relatively constant depths, this filter will increase the performance of the system.
However, if the bottom depth varies considerably, the filter may have an adverse effect.

Sector Tracking Filter

(EM 2040 only)

The transmitter operates with one, three or nine pulses within each ping.
Each pulse covers different sectors of the total swath.
This setting will turn on an automatic gain compensation to avoid amplitude offsets between these sectors.
During normal operations, the Sector Tracking should be on.
However, if the survey specifications demand a fully calibrated system for sidescan image, this function should be turned off.
This setting does not affect the depth measurements, only the backscatter strengths.
Interference FilterIf the vessel is equipped with other echo sounders on sonars operating on frequencies close to the echo sounder, you may experience interference.
The best solution is to synchronize the operation of the different systems.
If synchronization is not possible, this filter may reduce interference problems.
Penetration FilterPenetration Filter
Range Gate SizeChoose between SMALL, NORMAL and LARGE.
When the system detects the bottom, it will perform the search within a predefined depth window, where the depth limits are based on the information from the previous pings.
The range gate setting is used to determine the size of this window.
If the depth varies considerably (more than 10%) it may be useful to select a large range gate,
but this may also increase the chance for false echoes from side lobes, interference or other noise sources.
Selecting a large range gate may reduce the ping rate slightly when operating in shallow waters.
Spike Filter StrengthChoose between OFF, WEAK, MEDIUM and STRONG.
This is used to define to what degree a non-smooth bottom is to be accepted.
The filter remove beams with depths that deviate too much from a smoothed bottom profile as derived from the detected beams.
The stronger filtering, the less deviation is accepted.
If you select OFF, no filtering will take place.
Phase Ramp

Choose between SHORT, NORMAL and LONG.
This parameter is used to specify the amount of range overlap between the detections.
When set to SHORT, the number of samples used for phase detection will be equal to the range distance between the beam and it’s neighbours.
As a result, there will be no averaging of phase detections between beams.
(Note that this is provided that a minimum number of phase samples are available to do proper phase detection.)

When set to NORMAL, the number of samples used for phase detection will normally be equal to twice the range distance between the beam and it’s neighbours.
As a result, there will be a slight averaging of phase detections between beams.
When set to LONG, a fixed portion of the phase curve, corresponding to ± 40 degrees phase angle, is used for the phase detection.
This will result in an increasing averaging of phase detections between beams with increasing beam angle.

SHORT phase ramp gives the best resolution, but a side effect can be that the detected bottom will have increased noise.
Recommended setting is NORMAL.

Special Amp DetectUse for soft sediments
Special TVGThe EM 2040 does not use TVG, but in the bottom detection process a TVG function may be applied.
A normal TVG assumes a flat bottom, and will work well almost anywhere.
However, with bottoms with two distinct depths such as around manmade trenches, better results may be obtained by enabling the special TVG.
The special TVG is similar to the TVG for single beam echo sounders (20 log R).
Normally set to OFF.
Transmit Pulse LengthSet the Length of transmit pulse, it is advised to leave this on Auto
Normal Inci. Sector AngleThis value is used to define the angle (in degrees) at which the bottom backscatter can be assumed not to be affected by the strong increase at normal incidence.
The optimum crossover angle will vary with the bottom type.
For seabed imaging, it is important to adjust this angle so that a minimum of angle dependent amplitude variation is seen.
This is to give best use of its dynamic range.
Lambert's law for intensityEnable to have the unit use Lambert's law to calculate beam intensity. Together with the 'normal incidence sector angle' this will help to provide a more uniform beam intensity across the swath

TVG Gain Offset(dB)

(EM3002 only)

Gain Offset, Default 0, min -8, max 8.

TVG Ramp Level (db)

(EM3002 only)

Ramp Level, Default 0, min -8, max 8.

Multi Path Suppression

(EM3002 only)

Multipath Suppression

Absorption Coefficient

(EM3002 only)

The absorption coefficient depends upon depth, water temperature, salinity and frequency.
A correct value is important with respect to the validity.
The default of 80 will do in most cases.
Simulation Min. DepthMinimum depth in simulation mode.
Simulation Max. DepthMaximum depth in simulation mode.
Simulation Step Along (%)
Simulation Slant Across (deg.)
RX Unit UsageToggle individual transducers on or off
Ping ModeThis parameter defines the operational frequency of the multibeam echo sounder.
Depending on your application you can select frequencies:
200 kHz – for deeper waters
300 kHz– for normal operation (Using 3 sectors)
400 kHz – for very high resolution inspection.
Pulse TypeThe pulse can be set to be of the following types:
Auto: When selected the system will automatically use a pulse length according to current depth
Short CW: Shortest CW (Continuous Wave) pulse length for set frequency
Medium CW: Medium CW (Continuous Wave) pulse length for set frequency
Long CW: Longest CW (Continuous Wave) pulse length for set frequency
FM: Frequency modulated pulses for deeper waters
Transmit Power LevelTX power can be lowered 10 or 20 dB to avoid saturation in shallow water.
The echo sounder will automatically reduce power level at shallow depths.
You may reduce the maximum power level by this setting. Recommended setting is Max.
Using -10 or -20 dB the max coverage will be limited.
FM EnableThis can be used to turn off the use of FM pulses.
The FM pulses are used to extend the detection range capability without losing range resolution.
For the 400 kHz mode the FM disable control has no effect.
Note: FM mode requires a 3D velocity input to compensate for a range shift caused by the Doppler effect.

Sector Mode

(EM 2040 only)

This parameter controls the use of transmit sectors.
The sector mode parameter may have one of the following values:
Normal: All sectors are transmitted simultaneously.
Scanning: One sector is transmitted per ping. This can reduce multipath problems in areas with soft sediments together with strong reflectors.
The negative effect is a reduced ping rate.
Single sector: In single sector mode only the respective sector is used.
Note: Single sector and Scanning mode may used shorter pulse length to increase resolution.
3D Scanning - Scan StepFore Aft Scanning - Step of Scanning in Degrees, OFF = 0
3D Scanning - Min AngleFore Aft Scanning - Minimum Angle
3D Scanning - Max AngleFore Aft Scanning - Maximum Angle
Dual Swath Mode

Using dual swath implies that two fans are transmitted, one in front of the other.
The intention is to obtain a better coverage of the seafloor, for example when the highest pingrate is already used and without decreasing vessel speed.
The following settings are available:

OFF: Dual swath is disabled (i.e. standard single swath).
FIXED: The along ship angle between the two transmit fans is equal to the along ship opening angle of each fan.
DYNAMIC: The along ship angle between the two transmit fans is determined based on vessel speed,
ping rate and depth in order to provide uniform along ship sampling of the seafloor.
For this a GGA string must be interfaced!

Min. Swath DistanceSet minimum along distance in meter between swaths (in along ship direction).
Maximum possible ping rate will hinder this feature if the boats speed is too high.
The minimum boat speed is recommended to be at least 1 knot.
Minimum ping rate when the boat is at rest will be 1 Hz.
0 = not in use
0.1 – 1000.0 = distance between swaths in meter
Yaw Stabilization Mode

Three stabilization modes are available:
OFF: No heading stabilization takes place.
The transmitter sector follows the current heading of the vessel.
Unless the vessel’s heading is 100% straight you may experience blind zones on the survey coverage when you operate in deeper waters (exceeding 300 to 500 meters).
Manual: The transmit fan is placed perpendicular to a manually selected course.
This course is selected with the Yaw Compensation parameter described above.
The setting should only be used on long and straight survey lines, but it is also useful if you need to compensate for a crab angle caused by current or wind.

REL. MEAN HEADING: This setting places the transmitter sector perpendicular to a filtered course corresponding to the vessel’s current mean heading.
The course input is then taken from the gyro, and filtered with the Heading Filter parameter described below.
Rel. mean heading is the recommended yaw stabilization mode.
With this setting the average yaw steering will be close to zero, avoiding an offset caused by e.g. a crab angle.

Yaw Manual AngleOnly used with manual Yaw Stabilization Mode, Allows you to enter the vessel’s heading manually.
Heading FilterThis parameter specifies the level of filtering of the heading.
Applying this filter will even out minor course adjustments due to wind, sea or current.
The filter strength required depends upon the vessel properties, and how well the vessel is steered.
The heading filter controls how fast the filtered heading used during logging will follow the actual heading of the vessel.
WCD Sonar ModeWhen enabled, this shows a larger wedge of Water column Data.
When disabled the WCD data is cut off beyond the maximum depth
WCD Passive ModeWhen enabled, no Tx pulses are emitted. This functionality can be used to identify sources of noise
WC TVG LOG RLogarithmic parameter of the water column TVG function
WC TVG dBOffset parameter of the water column TVG function
Special amplitude detectionSpecial amplitude detection
Sound Velocity Update RateThis allows the user to change when a sound velocity update is sent.
Value is in seconds.
Recommended settings is at 3.0
Sound Velocity Min ChangeThis allows the user to lower the threshold of when a sound velocity update is sent.
Value is in meters.
Recommended settings is at 0.5

PU Information

This dialog shows the Identification information of the echosounder, the contents of the last status datagram and the contents of the last received runtime datagram.

Reviewing these pages may be useful to debug the echosounder or to retrieve information on the current software version running in the PU and head(s).

  
 

BIST Tests

The BIST Test dialog is used to command the PU to perform some internal tests inside the echosounder. To start a test press one of the test buttons.
The result of the test is stated behind the button.

Results of the tests are shown in the lower part of the dialog and can be saved to a file.

Notes:

Some tests take a while to execute especially if errors are detected, e.g. the BSP test can take up to 30 seconds if errors occur.

Each test can be performed for both heads. So for a dual head system execute all tests for Head 1 and then all tests for Head 2.

Test 31 is not a real test but actually a command to update the HCT software, please contact Kongsberg for more details.

Initiating a BIST test stops the pinging of the sounder, so pinging should be restarted when BIST testing is finished.


This is a menu option that contains several options:

Swap port/starboard angles
This will swap over the port /starboard transducer opening angles (similar to SIS).

Show/Hide Settings...
Launches the dialog that allows you to customize which settings are presented to the user.

Save As...
Takes current settings and stores them into an *.xml.

Load Defaults...
Loads default settings into the settings grid.

Load..
Allows you to load a previously stored settings file.


This is the Kongsberg Force Depth option.

If the bottom tracking of the sounder is lost you can try to force it to the correct depth again.


Overview of events occurred in the connection to the PU.


Naming and storage location.

The following XML files are used by the driver:

Ks_EmCtrl_Options.xml                 Driver Options

Ks_EmCtrl_Settings.xml                 Last used settings

Ks_EmCtrl_User_*.xml                  User defined settings files

All xml files reside in a subfolder called DrvKongsbergEMCtrl of the local App data folder.
This folder can be found in the Tools menu in the Console using the option Explore Application data folder / local.
If user settings are saved then this file is also saved in this folder.


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