Edgetech 3400 User manual

EdgeTech
4 Little Brook Road
West Wareham, MA 02576
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.EdgeTech.com
3400 PORTABLE SUB-BOTTOM SYSTEM
USER HARDWARE MANUAL
0021270_REV_A 1/23/2020

ii
3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
The information, figures, and specifications in this manual are proprietary and are issued in strict
confidence on condition that they not be copied, reprinted, or disclosed to a third party, either wholly or
in part, without the prior, written consent of EdgeTech. Any reproduction of EdgeTech supplied software
or file sharing is strictly prohibited.
Copyright © 2020 EdgeTech. All rights reserved.
Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Kevlar® is a registered trademark of the DuPont Company.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Novagard G624® is a registered trademark of Novagard Solutions, Inc.
Storm Case™ is a registered trademark of Pelican.

iii
ATTENTION – READ THIS FIRST!
All personnel involved with the installation, operation, or maintenance of the equipment described in this
manual should read and understand the warnings and cautions provided below.
CAUTION!This equipment contains devices that are extremely sensitive
to static electricity. Therefore, extreme care should be taken when
handling them. Normal handling precautions involve the use of anti-static
protection materials and grounding straps for personnel.
WARNING!High Voltage may be present in all parts of the system.
Therefore, use caution when the electronics are removed from their
containers for servicing.
CAUTION!Operation with improper line voltage may cause serious
damage to the equipment. Always ensure the proper line voltage is used.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Where applicable, warnings, cautions, and notes are provided in this manual as follows:
WARNING! Identifies a potential hazard that could cause injury or death.
CAUTION! Identifies a potential hazard that could damage equipment or
data.
NOTE: Recommendations or general information that is particular to the
material being presented.

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
HARDWARE VARIATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY
The 3400 Portable Sub-bottom System contains both standard and proprietary hardware. At times,
EdgeTech may change the standard components due to their availability or performance improvements.
Although the component manufacturers—along with their models and styles—may change from unit to
unit, replacement parts will generally be interchangeable.
EdgeTech will make every effort to see that replacement components are interchangeable and use the
same software drivers (if applicable). At times, however, direct replacements may not exist. When this
happens, EdgeTech will provide the necessary drivers with the replacement part, if applicable.
EdgeTech may also change certain hardware per customer requirements. Therefore, portions of this
manual, such as parts lists and test features, are subject to change. These sections should be used for
reference only. When changes are made that affect system operation, they will be explicitly noted. Also,
some options and features may not be active in the customer’s unit at the time of delivery. Upgrades will
be made available when these features are implemented.
Contact EDGETECH CUSTOMER SERVICE with any questions relating to compatibility.

v
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
We, the employees at EdgeTech, would like to thank you for purchasing 3400. At EdgeTech, it is our policy
to provide high-quality, cost-effective products and support services that meet or exceed your
requirements. We also strive to deliver them on-time and to look for ways to improve them. We take
pride in the products we manufacture and want you to be entirely satisfied with your equipment.
Purpose of this Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide the user with information on the setup and use of EdgeTech’s
3400. Although this manual encompasses the latest operational features of the 3400, some features may
be periodically upgraded. Therefore, the information in this manual is subject to change and should be
used for reference only.
Liability
EdgeTech has made every effort to document the 3400 in this manual accurately and completely.
However, EdgeTech assumes no liability for errors or for any damages that result from the use of this
manual or the equipment it documents. EdgeTech reserves the right to upgrade features of this
equipment, and to make changes to this manual, without notice at any time.
Revision History
REVISION
DESCRIPTION
DATE
APPROVAL
A
Release to Production
1/23/2020
TS

vi
3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
WARRANTY STATEMENT
All equipment manufactured by EdgeTech is warranted against defective components and workmanship
for a period of one year after shipment. Warranty repair will be done by EdgeTech free of charge.
Shipping costs are to be borne by the customer. Malfunction due to improper use is not covered in the
warranty, and EdgeTech disclaims any liability for consequential damage resulting from defects in the
performance of the equipment. No product is warranted as being fit for a particular purpose, and there is
no warranty of merchantability. This warranty applies only if:
i. The items are used solely under the operating conditions and in the manner recommended in
Seller's instruction manual, specifications, or other literature.
ii. The items have not been misused or abused in any manner, nor have repairs been attempted
thereon without the approval of EdgeTech Customer Service.
iii. Written notice of the failure within the warranty period is forwarded to Seller, and the directions
received for properly identifying items returned under warranty are followed.
iv. The return notice authorizes Seller to examine and disassemble returned products to the extent
Seller deems necessary to ascertain the cause for failure.
The warranties expressed herein are exclusive. There are no other warranties, either expressed or implied,
beyond those set forth herein, and Seller does not assume any other obligation or liability in connection
with the sale or use of said products. Any product or service repaired under this warranty shall be
warranted for the remaining portion of the original warranty period only.
Equipment not manufactured by EdgeTech is supported only to the extent of the original manufacturer's
warranties.

vii
SOFTWARE SERVICE OVERVIEW
EdgeTech provides software services free of charge. This software agreement does not address customer-
specified modifications or enhancements. These services may be ordered separately. Furthermore,
EdgeTech software upgrades are meant for the sole use of EdgeTech customers. Any reproduction of
EdgeTech-supplied software or file sharing is strictly prohibited.
Software Updates and Enhancements
EdgeTech customers can download new software releases with all modifications and enhancements from
the EdgeTech FTP site. Major software issues, should they occur, will be reported directly to the customer.
New software releases consist of the following:
•Software enhancements that are not on the price list
•Software fixes and changes
•Product integration
•Documentation updates to on-line help
•Tests for compatibility with other modules
Software patches consist of software that has undergone the following:
•Minor software enhancements
•Software fixes and changes
•Software Telephone, Facsimile, and E-mail Support
EdgeTech customers are entitled to contact EDGETECH CUSTOMER SERVICE to report a difficulty, to discuss a
problem, or to receive advice on the best way to perform a task. When contacted, EdgeTech Customer
Service will do the following:
•Respond within 24 hours by telephone, facsimile, or e-mail
•Immediately attend to serious problems affecting operations
•Attempt to find an immediate workaround

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
RETURNED MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION
Prior to returning any equipment to EdgeTech, a Returned Material
Authorization (RMA) Number must be obtained from CUSTOMER SERVICE.
RMA Purpose
The RMA Number identifies returned equipment when it arrives at our receiving dock and enables tracking
while at our facility. Refer to the RMA number on all documentation and correspondences.
All returned materials must be shipped prepaid. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted. All
equipment should be adequately insured for shipping, but equipment belonging to EdgeTech must be
insured for full value.
If there is more than one item per consignment, include a packing with the shipment. An invoice can
double as a packing slip only when the contents are clearly numbered and identified on the invoice.
CAUTION!
Never attempt to ship a Portable Topside in its Storm CaseTM alone.
Although rugged, these cases are not intended to be used as shipping
containers, and the delicate internal components could be damaged.
Shipping in this manner will void any warranties.
NOTE: All shipping charges shall be the responsibility of the customer,
unless under warranty, as EdgeTech will pay for return shipping.
NOTE: For International Shipments valued over $1000, the following
Shipper's oath must be sent with the invoice.
Shipper’s Oath:
"I, ______________________________, declare that the articles herein specified are the growth,
produce, or manufacture of the United States; that they were exported from the
United States from the port of _____________________, on or about _______________; that they
are returned without having been advanced in value or improved in condition by any
process of manufacture or any other means; and that no drawback, or allowance has
been paid or admitted hereof."
Signed ______________________________

ix
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer service personnel at EdgeTech are always eager to hear from users of our products. Your
feedback is welcome and a valuable source of information that we use to improve these products.
Therefore, we encourage you to contact EdgeTech Customer Service to offer any suggestions or to request
technical support:
E-mail: [email protected]m
Mail: 4 Little Brook Road
West Wareham, MA 02576
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
24-Hour Emergency
Technical Support Line: [phone]
NOTE: Please have your system Serial Number available when contacting
Customer Service.
For more information, please go to www.EdgeTech.com.

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
COMPANY BACKGROUND
EdgeTech (formerly EG&G Marine Instruments) traces its history in Underwater Data Acquisition and
Processing back to 1966. EdgeTech has designed, developed, and manufactured products, instruments,
and systems — for the acquisition of underwater data, including marine, estuarine, and coastal
applications — for over 50 years.
EdgeTech responds to the needs of the Scientific, Naval, and Offshore communities by providing industry-
leading equipment — such as Sub-Bottom Profilers, Side Scan Sonar, Acoustic Releases, USBL Positioning
Systems, and Bathymetric Systems — that have become standards in the industry.
EdgeTech consistently anticipates and responds to future needs with an active Research and Development
Program. Current efforts are focused on adopting new cutting-edge acoustic technology.

xi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ATTENTION – READ THIS FIRST! .......................................................................................................... iii
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes................................................................................................................ iii
HARDWARE VARIATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY ................................................................................... iv
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT ..................................................................................................................... v
Purpose of this Manual ............................................................................................................................. v
Liability ...................................................................................................................................................... v
Revision History ........................................................................................................................................ v
WARRANTY STATEMENT..................................................................................................................... vi
SOFTWARE SERVICE OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... vii
Software Updates and Enhancements.................................................................................................... vii
RETURNED MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION............................................................................................ viii
RMA Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... viii
CUSTOMER SERVICE............................................................................................................................ ix
COMPANY BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................... x
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................... xi
LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................................xv
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................xviii
1.0 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Key Features of the 3400 Sub-Bottom Profiling System ...........................................................1-1
1.1.1 CHIRP Transmission ..............................................................................................................1-1
1.1.1.1 Advantages of Full Spectrum CHIRP Technology..........................................................1-2
1.1.2 Dual Wideband Transmitters................................................................................................1-4
1.1.3 Dual Frequency Transmission...............................................................................................1-4
1.1.4 Enhanced Sub-Bottom Multi-Channel PVDF Receiver..........................................................1-5
1.1.5 Sub-Bottom of “Pipeliner” Mode .........................................................................................1-8
1.1.6 Surface Echo Attenuation .....................................................................................................1-9
1.1.7 Pulse Library Tailored for Most Survey Applications............................................................1-9
1.1.8 Built-in Motion, Pitch, Roll, Heave and Depth Sensors ........................................................1-9
1.2 3400 Applications ....................................................................................................................1-10
1.3 Main System Components.......................................................................................................1-10

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
1.3.1 3400 Rack Mounted Topside in Case and Ruggedized Laptop ...........................................1-10
1.3.2 3400 Cable ..........................................................................................................................1-11
1.3.3 3400 Towfish.......................................................................................................................1-11
1.3.4 3400 Pole Mounting Kit ......................................................................................................1-12
1.3.5 3400 Options.......................................................................................................................1-13
1.3.5.1 Amplifier Option .........................................................................................................1-13
2.0 SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................... 2-14
2.1 Towfish Specifications .............................................................................................................2-14
2.1.1 3400 Sonar Specifications...................................................................................................2-14
2.1.2 3400 Towfish Physical Specifications..................................................................................2-14
2.2 3400 Topside Specifications ....................................................................................................2-15
2.2.1.1 3400 Topside Physical Specifications .........................................................................2-15
2.2.1.2 3400 Topside Electrical Specifications........................................................................2-15
2.2.1.3 Edgetech Laptop Computer Specifications.................................................................2-16
2.2.1.4 Amplifier Option Physical Specifications ....................................................................2-16
2.2.1.5 Amplifier Option Electrical Specifications ..................................................................2-16
2.2.2 3400 Kevlar Tow Cable Specifications ................................................................................2-17
2.2.3 Mechanical Drawings..........................................................................................................2-18
2.2.3.1 3400 Towfish ICD........................................................................................................2-18
2.2.3.2 3400 Topside ICD........................................................................................................2-19
2.2.3.3 3400 Topside Case ICD ...............................................................................................2-20
2.2.3.4 3400 Pole Mount Flange ICD ......................................................................................2-21
3.0 3400 Technical Descriptions................................................................................................... 3-22
3.1 Towfish Technical Description.................................................................................................3-22
3.1.1 3400 System Connection Diagram......................................................................................3-23
3.1.2 Electronics Bottle and End Cap Diagrams...........................................................................3-24
3.1.3 Cable and Connector Diagrams ..........................................................................................3-27
3.2 3400 Portable Topside Technical Description .........................................................................3-30
3.2.1 3400 Topside Controls, Indicators, and Connectors...........................................................3-30
3.3 3400 Amplifier Option Technical Description..........................................................................3-31
3.3.1 Amplifier Rack Mount.........................................................................................................3-33
3.3.2 Amplifier Connection Diagram ...........................................................................................3-35

xiii
3.3.3 Amplifier Cable Diagram.....................................................................................................3-36
4.0 SETUP AND ACTIVATION........................................................................................................ 4-37
4.1 Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................................................4-37
4.2 Power Requirements ...............................................................................................................4-38
4.2.1 Use of an Uninterruptable Power Supply...........................................................................4-38
4.2.2 Changing to a Non-US Power Plug......................................................................................4-38
4.3 Navigation Interface ................................................................................................................4-38
4.4 3400 Portable Topside Placement...........................................................................................4-39
4.5 Connecting the System Components ......................................................................................4-39
4.5.1 Connecting and Attaching the Tow Cable to the Tow Vehicle ...........................................4-39
4.5.2 3400 Portable Topside Connection and Activation ............................................................4-40
4.5.2.1 Connecting 3400 System Components.......................................................................4-40
4.5.2.2 Connecting 3400 Systems Components and Optional Amplifier. ..............................4-41
4.5.2.3 Making an Ethernet Connection.................................................................................4-41
4.5.2.4 Activating the System .................................................................................................4-42
4.5.3 Performing Sub Bottom Pre-Deployment Checks ..............................................................4-43
4.6 Tow Vehicle Deployment.........................................................................................................4-46
4.6.1 Obtaining the Best Sonar Imagery When Towing...............................................................4-48
4.6.2 Conducting Sediment Classification Surveys When Towing...............................................4-49
4.7 Towfish Layback Charts ...........................................................................................................4-49
4.8 U-Hinge Tow Bridle..................................................................................................................4-51
4.8.1 U-Hinge Tow Bridle Adjustment .........................................................................................4-51
4.8.2 U-Hinge Tow Bridle Removal Instructions:.........................................................................4-52
4.9 Pole Mounting .........................................................................................................................4-57
4.10 Utilizing the Forward and Aft Eye Bolts ...................................................................................4-70
5.0 MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................... 5-71
5.1 Portable Topside......................................................................................................................5-71
5.2 Cleaning the Tow Vehicle and Tow Cable After Use................................................................5-71
5.3 Inspecting and Cleaning the Underwater Connectors ............................................................5-71
5.4 Storage.....................................................................................................................................5-72
5.5 Altering the 3400 Towfish Configuration ................................................................................5-72
5.5.1 Adjusting the Rear Elevator ................................................................................................5-72

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
5.5.2 Removing the Sonar Processor Bottle ................................................................................5-73
5.5.3 Adding or Removing Weights .............................................................................................5-75
5.6 Computer System Restoration ................................................................................................5-79
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................... 6-80
7.0 KITS ....................................................................................................................................... 7-81

xv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: 3400 Sub-Bottom Transducers ................................................................................................1-4
Figure 1-2: Discover 3400 High (Yellow) and Low (Blue) Sub-Bottom Displays.........................................1-5
Figure 1-3 3400 PVDF Receiver..................................................................................................................1-6
Figure 1-4: Traditional Hydrophone with Side-Lob Echoes .......................................................................1-6
Figure 1-5: 3400 PVDF Imagery Side Lobes with reduces Echoes .............................................................1-7
Figure 1-6: Comparison of 3400 Vs. Traditional Line Arrays Over Same Survey Line................................1-7
Figure 1-7: Pipeliner Mode Diffraction ......................................................................................................1-8
Figure 1-8: Diffraction Hyperbolas in the Echo Data .................................................................................1-9
Figure 1-9: Deployed 3400 Rackmount System.......................................................................................1-10
Figure 1-10: Tow Cable ............................................................................................................................1-11
Figure 1-11: 3400 Forward View..............................................................................................................1-11
Figure 1-12: 3400 Aft View ......................................................................................................................1-11
Figure 1-13: 3400 Starboard View ...........................................................................................................1-12
Figure 1-14: 3400 Towfish with Pole Mounting Flange Installed ............................................................1-12
Figure 1-15: 3400 Pole Mounting Flange.................................................................................................1-13
Figure 1-16: 3400 System with Amplifier in Cases...................................................................................1-13
Figure 1-17: Amplifier in Case..................................................................................................................1-13
Figure 2-1: 3400 Towfish ICD ...................................................................................................................2-18
Figure 2-2: 3400 Topside ICD ...................................................................................................................2-19
Figure 2-3 3400 Topside Case ICD............................................................................................................2-20
Figure 2-4: Pole Mount Flange.................................................................................................................2-21
Figure 3-1: Bottom of Standard 3400 System..........................................................................................3-22
Figure 3-2: 3400 System Connection Diagram.........................................................................................3-23
Figure 3-3: 3400 Electronics Bottle ICD ...................................................................................................3-24
Figure 3-4: Sonar Processor Endcap Diagram..........................................................................................3-25
Figure 3-5: 3400 Electronics Bottle Pinouts.............................................................................................3-26
Figure 3-6: Sub Cable T Splice 3400 SBP Tow Cable to Bottle, Transformer, and Tow Cable..................3-27
Figure 3-7: 3400 SBP 50 Meter Tow Cable...............................................................................................3-28
Figure 3-8: Tow Cable Connector Pinouts................................................................................................3-29

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
Figure 3-9: 3400 Topside Front Panel ......................................................................................................3-30
Figure 3-10: 3400 Topside Rear Panel .....................................................................................................3-31
Figure 3-11: Amplifier Front Panel...........................................................................................................3-31
Figure 3-12: Back Panel Amplifier and Connector Panel .........................................................................3-32
Figure 3-13: Amplifier Rack Mount ICD ...................................................................................................3-33
Figure 3-14: Amplifier Back Panel Interface to 3400 ...............................................................................3-34
Figure 3-15: Amplifier Connection Diagram (3400 OTS Towfish Variant Depicted- Connections Are The
Same Regardless of Variant) ....................................................................................................................3-35
Figure 3-16: Amplifier to 3400 Topside Interface Cable..........................................................................3-36
Figure 4-1: 3400 Topside Serial Port Navigation Connection ..................................................................4-38
Figure 4-2: 3400 System Connections......................................................................................................4-40
Figure 4-3: 3400 Network Configuration Diagram...................................................................................4-42
Figure 4-4: 3400 Topside Front Panel-LED Indicator Lights .....................................................................4-43
Figure 4-5: Discover 3400 Application Window.......................................................................................4-44
Figure 4-6: The Towfish Control Tab........................................................................................................4-44
Figure 4-7: Towfish Control Tab-Pulse and Transmit Level Called Out....................................................4-45
Figure 4-8: Discover Shortcut Toolbar- Range Text Field and Normalize Gain Button Called Out..........4-45
Figure 4-9: Tap Test Results .....................................................................................................................4-46
Figure 4-10: 3400 Tow Cable Grip Bridle Shackle Attachment................................................................4-47
Figure 4-11: Towfish Deployment............................................................................................................4-47
Figure 4-12: Loosening Bridle Elbow........................................................................................................4-52
Figure 4-13: Bridle Stowed Against Vehicle. ............................................................................................4-52
Figure 4-14: Nut and Bolt Location Looking Through Handhold Hole .....................................................4-53
Figure 4-15: Bridle Arm Bolt Locations- 2 Bolts Port and Starboard Sides ..............................................4-54
Figure 4-16: Bridle Removal Tool Orientation .........................................................................................4-55
Figure 4-17: Bridle Removal: Cotter Ring Removal..................................................................................4-56
Figure 4-18: Bridle Removal-Elbow Hardware Removal..........................................................................4-57
Figure 4-19: Tow Cable Dummy Plug Removal........................................................................................4-59
Figure 4-20: Pole Mount Installation-Flange Hardware Staging..............................................................4-60
Figure 4-21: Pole Mount Installation- Pole Mount Flange.......................................................................4-60
Figure 4-22: Pole Mount Installation: Flange Threading .........................................................................4-61

xvii
Figure 4-23: Pole Mount Installation-Flange Positioning.........................................................................4-61
Figure 4-24: Pole Mount Installation-Hex Bolt Tightening ......................................................................4-62
Figure 4-25: Pole Mount Installation-Fish to Flange Corner Bolt Hardware Installation ........................4-63
Figure 4-26: Pole Mount Installation-Center Bolt Hardware Installation 1.............................................4-64
Figure 4-27: Pole Mount Installation-Center Bolt Hardware Installation 2.............................................4-65
Figure 4-28: Pole Mount Installation-Center Bolt Hardware Installation 3.............................................4-66
Figure 4-29: Pole Mount Installation-Center Bolt Cotter Ring Installation..............................................4-67
Figure 4-30: Pole Mount Installation-Dummy Plug Installation ..............................................................4-67
Figure 4-31: Pole Mount Installation-Dummy Plug Cable Tied to Hook..................................................4-68
Figure 4-32: Pole Mount Installation-Flange to Pole Mount Corner Bolt Hardware Installation............4-69
Figure 4-33: Pole Mount Installation-Corner Clevis Pin and Cotter Ring Installation..............................4-69
Figure 4-34: Forward Eye Bolt..................................................................................................................4-70
Figure 4-35: Aft Eye Bolt ..........................................................................................................................4-70
Figure 5-1: Electronics Bottle Cotter Pin Removal...................................................................................5-73
Figure 5-2: Electronic Bottle Latch and Rubber Strip Locations ..............................................................5-74
Figure 5-3: 3400 Front Panel Removal With Screws To Be Removed Called Out (12) ............................5-75
Figure 5-4: 3400 Weight Removal-Location of Bolt Hardware Top of Vehicle ........................................5-76
Figure 5-5: 3400 Weight Removal-Location of Bolt Heads on Bottom of Vehicle...................................5-76
Figure 5-6: The Deployed Pole Mounted 3400 System ...........................................................................5-77
Figure 5-7: The Deployed Pole Mounted 3400 System ...........................................................................5-78

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3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Sonar Specifications ................................................................................................................2-14
Table 2-2: Towfish Specifications.............................................................................................................2-14
Table 2-3: 2300 Rackmount General Specifications ................................................................................2-15
Table 2-4 3400 Topside Specifications.....................................................................................................2-15
Table 2-5: Topside Computer Specifications ...........................................................................................2-16
Table 2-6: Amplifier Option Physical Specifications ................................................................................2-16
Table 2-7: Amplifier Option Electrical Specifications...............................................................................2-16
Table 2-8: 50-Meter Tow Cable Specification..........................................................................................2-17
Table 3-1: 3400 Topside Front Panel Indicator Light and Switch Descriptions .......................................3-30
Table 3-2: 3400 Topside Back Panel Switches and Connections .............................................................3-31
Table 3-3: Amplifier Front Panel Controls and Indicator Lights...............................................................3-32
Table 3-4: Amplifier Connector Panel Connections.................................................................................3-32
Table 3-5: Back Panel Amplifier Connections ..........................................................................................3-32
Table 4-1: AC Power Cord Wiring ............................................................................................................4-38
Table 4-2: 3400 LED Indicator Light Type, Color and Status ....................................................................4-43
Table 4-3: 3400 25-Meter with Lead Pack Installed Layback Chart.........................................................4-50
Table 4-4 3400 40-Meter with Lead Pack Installed Layback Chart..........................................................4-50
Table 4-5: 3400 50-Meter with Lead Pack Installed Layback Chart.........................................................4-51

1-1
1.0 OVERVIEW
Building on the long-running success of the EdgeTech sub-bottom profiler product line, the EdgeTech 3400
provides users many enhancements to current sub-bottom profiler systems. The 3400 is a wideband
Frequency Modulated (FM) sub-bottom profiler utilizing EdgeTech’s proprietary Full Spectrum CHIRP
technology. The system generates high-resolution images of the sub-bottom stratigraphy in oceans, lakes,
and rivers and provides excellent penetration in various bottom types. The EdgeTech 3400 comes in a dual
2-16 kHz transducer configuration. The towfish is configured with new PVDF receiver arrays segmented
for standard sub-bottom profiling operations or a unique “pipeliner” mode for optimal location and
imaging of buried pipelines. The system offers real-time reflection coefficient measurement. This unique
ability of the EdgeTech Sub-Bottom Profiler system allows users the ability to collect complex analytic data
using linear system architecture to measure sediment reflection and analyze sediment type
determination. Additionally, the system has discrete transmit and receive channels allowing for
continuous data collection resulting in a high ping rate particularly important for construction and pipeline
surveys. The topside configuration can support higher power configurations using an external amplifier.
The newly designed towfish can either be towed behind a vessel or pole mounted over the side of the
vessel. The EdgeTech 3400 Sub-bottom Profiling System comes as a complete package and includes a
towfish, cable, and a topside processor (configurable as a portable or rackmount topside) running
EdgeTech’s Discover 2300 sub-bottom acquisition & processing software. The 3400 can also be interfaced
to 3rd party software.
1.1 Key Features of the 3400 Sub-Bottom Profiling System
•CHIRP Transmission
•Dual (Wideband) Transmitters
•Dual Frequency Transmission
•Enhanced Sub-Bottom Multi-Channel PVDF Receivers
•Sub-Bottom Pipeliner Mode
•Surface Echo Attenuation
•Pulse Library Tailored For Different Survey Applications
•Built-in Motion, Pitch, Roll, Heave and Depth Sensors
All of these advantages are discussed in detail below.
1.1.1 CHIRP Transmission
The 3400 leverages Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) transmission technology to process
and display detailed sub-bottom sonar imagery. CHIRP technology accomplishes this by transmitting wide-
band sound pulses that are linearly swept over a full spectrum frequency range. The use of different
frequencies compensates for the inconsistencies in the way different layers, objects, and materials reflect
sonar pulses providing more penetration and more detailed data.

1-2
3400 Portable Sub-bottom System 0021270_REV_A
1.1.1.1 Advantages of Full Spectrum CHIRP Technology
EdgeTech's Full Spectrum CHIRP technology has several distinct advantages over conventional sub-
bottom profiling systems:
•Separate acoustic projectors and receivers
oSimultaneous transmission and reception of acoustic signals
•High repeatability of the transmitted signals to enable sediment classification,
•High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for improved acoustic imagery
•High resolution for measurement of fine sediment layering
•Additional processing gain for energy efficiency
•Gaussian-shaped amplitude spectrum of the outgoing pulse to preserve resolution with sediment
penetration
•Reduction of side lobes for minimal destructive signal scattering caused by the sediment when
profiling near the bottom
All these advantages are discussed in detail below.
Separate Acoustic Projectors and Receivers
The 3400 Sub-Bottom Profiling System uses acoustic projectors and receivers mounted in a towed vehicle
to transmit and receive acoustic FM pulse signals. The projectors are wideband piston-type transducers,
and the receivers are hydrophone arrays composed of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) hydrophones. The
transducers are mounted in the forward section of the tow vehicle, and the hydrophone arrays mounted
aft, which are designed for profiling at ship speeds up to seven knots.
The use of separate transmitting transducers and receiving hydrophone arrays preserves linearity and
allows the simultaneous transmission and reception of the acoustic signals. The transducers and
hydrophone arrays are mounted beneath acoustic baffles, which minimize direct path, tow vehicle, and
surface reflections. A digital preamplifier in the tow vehicle amplifies and converts the analog signal into
a digital bitstream. The digital received signals are transmitted through a tow cable to the surface.
High Repeatability
The FM pulses are generated by a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter with a wide dynamic range and a
transmitter with linear components. This allows the energy, amplitude, and phase characteristics of the
acoustic pulses to be precisely controlled. This precision produces the high repeatability and signal
definition required for sediment classification.
The frequency range of operation is determined by the acoustic characteristics of the transmitter
transducers and receiving hydrophone arrays mounted on the tow vehicle. Each tow vehicle transmits
acoustic pulses with different center frequencies and bandwidths.