Echotrac MKIII Operator's Manual 4.06
Page 31 of 48
January 21, 2019
6 OPERATING PROCEDURES
The following sequences are typical operating procedures for Echotrac MKIII. The procedures may vary according
to survey requirements and are intended only as a guide. It is assumed that the operator is familiar with the
various controls and their associated functions as detailed in the preceding sections of this manual.
6.1 Shallow Water Operation
Ensure that the unit has sufficient paper loaded for the survey task.
Set the
POWER
switch to
STBY
and monitor that the unit displays valid software versions for all the modules.
Note that the proper "sign-on" takes place. The sign-on message should include Teledyne Odom Hydrographic
address, key parameters, and software version.
Enter the parameters required for the survey task using the Keypad. In the event that any of the stored
parameters seem out of range or the unit cannot be made to accept a valid parameter value, a DEFAULT RESET
may be called for (see section
). This procedure restores all parameter values to default
norms (the values stored in the system memory).
Set the
TXPOWER
switch to midrange; adjust the
RXGAIN
controls to approximately midrange (this applies to
both high and low frequencies in dual mode) or Auto.
Turn the
POWER
switch to
ON
. Ensure that the key parameters velocity, channel, draft, and index are printed on the
chart as the unit is turned from
STBY
to
ON
and that they are correct. Amend any of these parameters as required.
If necessary, slowly adjust the
RXGAIN
controls until the desired chart quality is obtained and no digitizer alarms
are displayed. Adjustment of the
Tx Power
control may be called for at this point. A balance between
RXGAIN
and
Tx Power
is generally desired. In many situations, AUTO power will satisfy record quality requirements while
at other times, where local bottom conditions dictate some variation of the
Tx Power/RXGAIN
ratio, a manual
position may work best.
The MAX setting on any of the above controls is seldom required.
Should the record show evidence of sporadic noise, which cannot be overcome using the
RXGAIN
controls, and
should the digitizer lose lock due to this noise, then several alternatives are available. First, determine whether the
digitizer is attempting to lock to a false echo or to the end of the Transmit Pulse. In either of these cases, enter a value
for
Blanking
that is deeper than the false return. This will force the digitizer to lock to the bottom. If the Echotrac is
connected to an external computer/data logger, confirm that correct digitized depths are being transferred.
6.2 Deep Water Operation
Please note that deep water operations require a bit more time to accomplish, as returns from the bottom are
received less frequently in deep water.
In the
CHART
menu, select either the
Auto
or
Manual
scale change.
Change the
Frequency
selected to
LOW
.
Set the
Chart Speed
to
AUTO
. Setting the chart to advance one dot row per sounding will improve the appearance
of the chart and eliminate the “blocky” appearance of records produced with low ping rates but high chart speeds.
Set the
RANGE
value to encompass the greatest depth likely to be encountered. For example, if working in 2,000
meters of water, enter a
RANGE
value of at least 2,500.
Summary of Contents for Echotrac MKIII
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