FarSounder 500 User manual

FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 3.8.0) Page 1 of 69
Operation Manual
FarSounder-500, FarSounder-1000 and FS-3DT Navigation Sonars
FarSounder, Inc.
151 Lavan Street
Warwick, RI 02888
United States
phone: [phone]
[email protected]
www.farsounder.com
Copyright ©2002-2017 FarSounder, Inc.
FarSounder is committed to providing the best quality and performance possible with our
products. As part of this policy, all information herein is subject to change as new and
improved versions of our software and hardware are released.
FarSounder, the FarSounder logo, Power Module, Transducer Module, and SonaSoft are
trademarks of FarSounder, Inc.

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Table of Contents
1. Installation of Shipboard Equipment .............................................................................................. 4
1.1. Transducer Module Connection Cable ................................................................................ 4
1.2. Transducer Module .......................................................................................................... 11
1.3. Power Module ................................................................................................................. 15
1.4. Network Connections ....................................................................................................... 17
1.5. SonaSoft™ Software ........................................................................................................ 19
1.6. External Sensor Connections ........................................................................................... 26
1.7. Operating the Sonar ........................................................................................................ 27
2. SonaSoft™ User Interface Computer Requirements ..................................................................... 28
2.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 28
2.2. Minimum Requirements for FS-3DT, FarSounder-500, and FarSounder-1000 systems ......... 28
3. The User Interface Workspace .................................................................................................... 29
3.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 29
3.2. Managing the Sidebar Workspace .................................................................................... 29
3.3. Using The Application Buttons .......................................................................................... 30
3.4. System Status ................................................................................................................. 32
3.5. Customizable Hotkey Support .......................................................................................... 33
4. First Time Configuration .............................................................................................................. 35
4.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 35
4.2. Connecting NMEA Devices .............................................................................................. 35
4.3. System Settings Options .................................................................................................. 37
4.4. Chart Setup ..................................................................................................................... 38
5. The 3D Sonar Display ................................................................................................................ 39
5.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 39
5.2. 3D Volumetric/Standard View ........................................................................................... 39
5.3. Profile View ..................................................................................................................... 40
5.4. Forward Looking Alarm Use ............................................................................................. 41
5.5. Additional Configuration Manager Options ......................................................................... 42
5.6. Menu Bar Controls ........................................................................................................... 43
5.7. Mouse Controls ............................................................................................................... 44
5.8. 3D Sonar Processing Options .......................................................................................... 45
6. Chart Display ............................................................................................................................. 47
6.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 47
6.2. Chart Overlay Explained .................................................................................................. 48
6.3. Menu Bar Controls ........................................................................................................... 48
6.4. Mouse Controls ............................................................................................................... 48
6.5. Configuration Manager Options ........................................................................................ 49
6.6. Local History Mapping™ .................................................................................................. 52
6.7. Requirements .................................................................................................................. 52
7. Nav Info Display ......................................................................................................................... 54
7.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 54
7.2. Configuration Manager Options ........................................................................................ 54
8. Using the Export Option ............................................................................................................. 55
9. Toggling Between Bow and Stern Nodes ..................................................................................... 55
A. Understanding Water Depth Performance .................................................................................... 56
B. Ping-to-Ping Target Stabilization ................................................................................................. 59
1. Overview ............................................................................................................................ 59
2. Noise Filtering .................................................................................................................... 59
3. Gap Filling ......................................................................................................................... 59
C. Understanding Interference and Other Limitations ........................................................................ 60
1. Overview ............................................................................................................................ 60

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2. Other Sonar Interference .................................................................................................... 60
3. Bubble Cloud/Wake Interference ......................................................................................... 62
4. Sea State Limitations .......................................................................................................... 63
5. Vessel Speed Limitations .................................................................................................... 64
D. Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 65
1. Overview ............................................................................................................................ 65
2. Every 3 Months .................................................................................................................. 65
3. Every 6 Months .................................................................................................................. 65
E. Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 66
1. Overview ............................................................................................................................ 66
2. Power Module LED Descriptions ......................................................................................... 66
3. Power Module LED Diagnostics .......................................................................................... 66
4. C-MAP Chart Display Missing Data Around Border .............................................................. 69

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1. Installation of Shipboard Equipment
Before running the software, it is important that the equipment has been properly installed by the shipyard
or electronics integrator. This chapter summarizes the installation process and serves as a guide for the
ship operator for confirming proper installation.
Important
To qualify for warranty coverage, the system must be commissioned by a certified FarSounder
technician. Installation and Commissioning must follow the guidelines in the latest version of
FarSounder's F31563 Navigation Sonar Commissioning Checklist.
Your sonar system consists of:
• Transducer Module
• Power Module
• Transducer Module Connection Cable
• SonaSoft™ software
Generally, the equipment is installed by the shipyard and/or electronics integrator.
1.1. Transducer Module Connection Cable
System installation begins with the Transducer Module Connection Cable. This cable is a custom designed
to connect a FarSounder Transducer Module to a FarSounder Power Module. The wet end connector can
be connected dry or underwater.
The wet end connector should not be left unconnected while wet or underwater for extended periods of
time. A wet end connector cap is shipped with the cable for use during extended periods of unconnected
wet or underwater use.
This documentation is given as a reference only. This cable is supplied by the Manufacturer and should
not be serviced by the end user.
Cable Specification
• Maximum Length: 100 feet (33 meters)
• Approximate OD: 0.8" (2 cm)
• Jacket Material: Water-proof, Low Temperature Polyurethane
• Minimum Bend Radius: 6" (15 cm)
Cable can be cut to length on location. It is recommended that at least 3 feet (1 meter) extra cable length
be coiled at the Power Module if cutting to length.
Running the Cable
The Transducer Module Cable should be run through a conduit from the Transducer Module to the Power
Module. Because the connector at the Transducer Module is molded onto the cable, it must be pulled

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from that location up to the Power Module location. This is best done while the vessel is in dry-dock, but
FarSounder can prepare a cable for submersion if requested. A cable puller is useful for this operation.
Figure 1. Cable with puller attached
Preparing the Dry End of the Cable
FarSounder's most current Power Module is a bulkhead mounted enclosure and the connections to the
dry end of the Transducer Module Connection Cable are made inside this enclosure. Earlier models had
2U rack mount enclosures. The latest of these models also has internal connections. Older, legacy rack
mount Power Modules have a soldered connector. See Preparing the Dry End of the Cable (Legacy Power
Modules) for preparation details for legacy Power Modules with soldered connectors.
• Remove about 7.5" (19 cm) of the urethane jacket and braided shield from the end of the cable. This
will expose the bundled wires. Be sure not to damage the internal conductors.
• RemovethePowerModulecovertoaccesstheinside.Thecurrentmodelhasfourscrewsatthecorners
of the access panel. Disconnect the ribbon cable attached to the Power Module LEDs on the cover
panel. The later rack mount enclosure has a removable access panel on the top of the chassis towards
the rear of the unit.
• Terminate the cable's cat-5e with a standard RJ-45 as described in the following subsections.
• Terminate the cable's coax cable with the supplied BNC connector as described in the following
subsections.
• Prepare the remaining conductors for connecting to a terminal strip by stripping the end of the wires.
• Feedthe Transducer ModuleCable through thelarger of thetwo cable glands.Inside the PowerModule
the cable connects to the Power Module electronics via standard RJ-45, BNC, and terminal block
connections described below.
• Mate the connections as described in the following subsections.
• The ethernet cable to the bridge can also be installed at this time. This connection should be tested
for 1 Gbps connection between the Power Module to the bridge computer. Industrial Cat-6 or better
is recommended.

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Figure 2. Example termination inside bulkhead mount Power Module
Figure 3. Example termination inside rack mount Power Module
Terminating the Cat-5e Cable
Standard T568B wiring should be used for the Cat-5e cable coming out of the Transducer Module
Connection Cable bundle. It is recommended that the Ethernet cable used to connect the Power Module to

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the bridge be a standard straight-through cable also using T568B wiring. Use standard RJ-45 connectors
on this cable. These connectors are not supplied by FarSounder.
Terminating the Coax Cable
The coax cable is terminated with a standard BNC crimp style connector. There are many varieties of
theseconnectorsdependingupontheparticular cable specifications. FarSounder supplies aBNCconnector
suitable for the supplied cable with the Power Module. Standard coax preparation tools can be used to strip
the coax jacket and conductor. A standard BNC crimping tool can be used to install the connector.
Figure 4. Crimp terminating the coax cable
Recommended Tools
Listed below are the tools that FarSounder uses though many equivalent tools exist.
Description Use Manufacturer MFR Part Number
Rotary Cable Stripper Removing outer jacket of sonar
cable Tyco 606700-1
Coax Cable Stripper Prepping Transmit Coax in sonar
cable Paladin Tools LC CST 1255
BNC Ratchet Crimper Terminating Transmit Cable BNC Tyco 58433-2
BNC Connector BNC crimp-on connector for
RG-59 with 20 AWG stranded
center conductor
Amphenol 68175-5RFX
Table 1. Recommended Cable Termination Tools
Connecting the Terminal Strips
Bulkhead Mount Power Module Specific
The six individual conductors are connected to the Power Module using the provided terminal block
connectors. Strip 0.25 inches (7mm) from the end of each of these wires, then secure them to the mating
connectors per the color codes specified on the circuit board.

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Figure 5. Connecting to the terminal strip connectors
Rack Mount Power Module Specific
Connect the remaining conductors to the circuit board via the terminal strips. The four 16 gauge conductors
fit into one terminal strip block. The two 12 gauge conductors fit into another terminal strip block. Follow the
color codes on the circuit board to ensure that each conductor fits into the correct receptacle. Note that the
12 gauge conductors fit very snug into the terminal strip block. Make sure that the strands of the conductor
are not separated. Otherwise it will be difficult to ensure a proper connection.
Mating the Connections
Connect the BNC and RJ-45 to their respective receptacles on the Power Module's circuit board. Follow the
labels on the pcb to ensure that each RJ-45 is connected to the correct receptacle. Prior to mating to the
circuit board, allow the cables to be coiled once to remove any strain as they come from the gland.
Figure 6. Minimize strain on wires - bulkhead mount Power Module

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Figure 7. Minimize strain on wires - rack mount Power Module
Preparing the Dry End of the Cable (Legacy Power Modules)
Legacy rack mount Power Modules connect to the dry end of the cable using an Amphenol 97-3106A-24-7P
Circular Connector. The cable is supplied with this connector unterminated so that the cable can be run
through a conduit that has a smaller diameter than the connector. The connector may be assembled and
soldered by a qualified electrician. The wiring diagram for this is shown in table 2. The dry end connector
is approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Figure 8. Legacy dry end connector

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Amphenol Plug
(97-3106A-24-7P) Cable Subconn (BH16FSS)
A RG59 Center 1
B RG59 SHIELD 2
N 12 AWG YELLOW 3
P 12 AWG ORANGE 4
C 16 AWG BLACK 5
D 12 AWG BLUE 6
E 16 AWG WHITE 7
F 16 AWG RED 8
G CAT5 GREEN 9
H CAT5 WHITE/GREEN 10
I CAT5 ORANGE 11
J CAT5 WHITE/ORANGE 12
K CAT5 BLUE 13
L CAT5 WHITE/BLUE 14
M CAT5 BROWN 15
O CAT5 WHITE/BROWN 16
Table 2. FarSounder Cable Pin Mapping
Important
The outer braded shield of the cable is a structural component only. There is no need to connect
it to ground.
Wet End Preparation
The wet end of the cable is terminated with a Subconn BH16MSS connector. This connector is molded
onto the cable at the factory and cannot be serviced by the user. This connection can be mated in a wet
environment or underwater. The wet end connector is approximately 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter.
Warning
This connector can be mated and un-mated underwater as long as the Power Module is
switched off. If this connector is to be left un-mated in a wet environment or underwater, it is
necessary to protect it using the supplied Connection Cable End Cap.
Figure 9. Remove connector cap from cable

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Handling
• Always apply grease before mating.
• Disconnect by pulling straight, not at an angle.
• Do not pull on the cable and avoid sharp bends at cable entry.
• SubConn connectors should not be exposed to extended periods of heat or direct sunlight. If a
connector becomes very dry, it should be soaked in fresh water before use.
Greasing and Mating
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Follow these directions when mating the wet end of the cable:
• Connectors must be greased with Molykote 44 Medium before every mating.
• All sockets should be completely covered, and a thin transparent layer of grease left visible on the face
of the connector.
• After greasing, fully mate the male and female connector in order to secure optimal distribution of
grease on pins and in sockets.
• To confirm that grease has been sufficiently applied, de-mate and check for grease on every male pin.
Then re-mate the connector.
1.2. Transducer Module
The most obvious component in your sonar system is the Transducer Module. Though different models
are supplied with the FarSounder-500 and FarSounder-1000, the installation concepts discussed here are
the same for all Transducer Modules. Transducer Modules for legacy FS-3DT products have the same
mechanical footprint and installation process as the FarSounder-500.
For typical forward-looking navigation applications, the sonar system consists of a single node installed
on the bow of the vessel. Some vessels require navigation sonar capabilities for both forward and astern

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navigation. For this application, the sonar system consists of two nodes: bow and stern. In this case, the
operator can switch between the two nodes via the user interface software.
Figure 12. FarSounder-500 Transducer Module
Figure 13. FarSounder-1000 Flat Faced Transducer Module
Figure 14. Legacy FarSounder-1000 Curved Transducer Module
Bow mounted Transducer Modules should be installed as far forward and as far below the water as possible
on the vessel. The black urethane array face should face forward with a clear view of the water ahead of the
vessel. Stern mounted Transducer Modules should be installed such that their field-of-view is not blocked
by the vessel's propulsion system. On the face of the unit there is a small protrusion to indicate the 12
o'clock position of the unit. The Transducer Module must be installed with this marking at the 12 o'clock
position for proper operation.

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Warning
Do not open the transducer module. Injury or death may result. There are no user serviceable
parts inside.
The Transducer Module has a single underwater matable connection. This connector is used to connect the
Transducer Module to the Power Module via FarSounder's Transducer Module Connection Cable. When
properly installed, the face protrusion and the rear connector should be at the 12 o'clock position.
Figure 15. Rear view of Transducer Module
The connector can be connected dry or underwater. Before connecting, sure that the wet end connector
on the cable is lubricated as described in Greasing and Mating. If connecting underwater, lubricant may
not be necessary.
The wet end connector should not be left unconnected while wet or underwater for extended periods of
time. A Connection Cable End Cap (F24557) is supplied as standard for use during transport/installation
and extended periods of unconnected wet or underwater use.
Installation
The Transducer Module has been designed to allow for a simple, one cable connection to the rest of the
sonar hardware. Twelve holes are located around the Transducer Module's flange to allow for mechanical
attachment to the vessel. The connector on the rear of the Transducer Module is capable of a wet mating
and un-mating. If necessary, this allows the Transducer Module to be installed and removed from the vessel
by a diver underwater, rather than dry docking or hauling the vessel. Here are the primary steps for installing
the Transducer Module into a pre-installed fairing mount.
1. Unpack the Transducer Module. Ensure that there is no debris caught in the connector pins.

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2. If the installation is done underwater, a blank connector cover should have been used on the
Transducer Module Connection Cable's wet end connector. Remove the blank connector cover from
the cable.
Figure 16. Remove connector cap from cable
3. Connect the Transducer Module Connection Cable to Transducer Module. Be sure that the connector
is fully connected. The black rubber on the cable and the Transducer Module connectors should be
flush with each other.
4. Hand tighten the red connector locking collar on the cable and Transducer Module.
Figure 17. Connect cable and locking ring
5. FixtheTransducerModuleintotheinstallation mount.Useall12bolts ifpossible.Boltsarenot included.
When installing the Transducer Module into your mount, the orientation of the Transducer Module is very
important. There is a protrusion on the black urethane face on the front of the unit that should be at the
12 o'clock position. The connector on the rear of the Transducer Module should also be at the 12 o'clock
position. As with any piece of bolted hardware, the use of washers and lock washers is recommended.
Important
Do not put caulking (such as Sikaflex) around the Transducer Module. It is important that water
beable toflowthroughthesmall slitsintheinstallationcollar inordertohelpwith systemcooling.
Important
Forvesselswithbothbow and stern sonar nodes, the specific Transducer Module to be installed
each location are specified by the factory before shipment. This allows the software to be pre-
configured for the specific node locations.
Corrosion Protection
The standard material for the Transducer Module pressure case is SS 316. To ensure the longest
operational life of the unit, it is recommended that the Transducer Module is not electrically isolated from

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the rest of the vessel and that zincs are closely located to the Transducer Module. As with any other piece
of marine electronics, it is important to ensure that the Transducer Module does not become anodic (active)
relative to closely located materials.
For composite hulls, it is important that the Transducer Module is connected to the ship's ground. This is
mosteasilyattainedbyconnectingthefairing'sinnermountingring(generallythisisasteelflangeembedded
into a composite fairing) to the ship's ground.
Additionally, it is recommended that the Transducer Module be electrically connected to zincs. The simplest
way to do this on a composite hull is to weld a ground strap from the fairing's mounting flange to a hull
mounted zinc plate.
Important
If painting the Transducer Module, be certain NOT to paint the urethane array face. Also, be
certain that the paint used will not dissolve, destroy, or otherwise harm the urethane since it is
likely that some paint will touch the edge of the urethane array face.
1.3. Power Module
The Power Module for FarSounder's current products is offered in a bulkhead mounted enclosure designed
to be mounted in a dry location. Previous products were offered with a 2U rack mount enclosure. The Power
Module houses the sonar system's power supplies, transmit signal generator, and power amplifier. As with
other shipboard electronics, the unit should be shock mounted where appropriate. Shock mounting will
generally improve the lifespan of the unit and should be considered for installation locations that experience
extreme shock or vibration. However, this is not a standard requirement.
Figure 18. Power Module (current bulkhead mount configuration)
Figure 19. Power Module (previous rack mount configuration)
The Power Module should be located in a dry location. There are no user interface components on the
Power Module other than a power switch. For installation in inaccessible locations, the power input can be
put on a circuit breaker line with the switch in a convenient location.

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Warning
Do not open the Power Module or allow it to get wet. Injury or death may result. There are no
user serviceable parts inside.
Plugs and Connections
The Power Module has three connections that are necessary for operation: a Transducer Module
Connection Cable, a network connection, and a power connection.
The Transducer Module Connection Cable enters the chassis via the large circular cable gland on the side
of the Power Module's chassis. The Transducer Module Connection cable is the largest of the cables and
requires the most clearance. The Transducer Module Connection cable should have a soft layup entering
the Power Module. The minimum cable bend radius is 6 inches (15 cm). Therefore, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25
cm) minimum clearance at the cable gland outside the Power Module is recommended. FarSounder is not
responsible for damage to the cable due to excessive bending. Standard cable/wire anchors or ties can be
used to support/secure the cable to any bulkheads or mounting hardware as necessary.
Figure 20. Transducer Module Connection Cable entry into rack mount Power Module
The Power Module is powered by either 110-120 or 220-240 VAC. Total power consumption for the unit is
approximately 100 watts continuous. A power receptacle (IEC-320-C14 inlet socket) is used to connect AC
mains power to the Power Module. The recptical includes a replaceable fuse, line filter and a master power
switch.Itis recommended that anUninterpretablePower Supply (UPS) beusedto power the PowerModule.
Important
If a replacement fuse if ever needed, the reason for the blown fuse should first be investigated.
The replacement fuse specification is: Fast Acting; 6.3A; Dims 5x20mm; Glass; Cartridge;
250VAC; 0.009Ohms.
Important
If the Power Module is located in a location that is not easy to access, it is recommended that
a dedicated circuit (with circuit breaker in the main bridge circuit breaker panel) be used for the
Power Module. This will allow the user to turn off the Power Module remotely.
The Power Module has a standard RJ-45 plug for connecting to the user interface computer. The Ethernet
cable enters the chassis via the smaller circular cable gland. When connecting the Power Module directly
to the user interface computer, an Ethernet cross-over cable should be used. If the Power Module is going

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to connect to a network switch before connecting to the user interface computer, a standard Ethernet patch
cable may be used. It is not recommended that the Power Module share a network switch with other high-
bandwidth network devices. See section on Network Connections for more information.
Connection Type On Power Module Mating Connectors
Power IEC-320-C14 inlet socket IEC-320-C13 connector plug
Transducer Module BNC, RJ-45, terminal blocks for stranded
wire BNC, RJ-45, discrete wires
Network RJ-45 socket RJ-45 plug
Table 3. External Connections to Power Module
Indicator Lights
There are seven indicator LED's on the front of the Power Module casing. From left to right they are: TX
Off, Fault, Ctrl A, Ctrl B, Ping, Bank 1, Bank 2. (Older versions of the Power Module may not include the
TX Off or Fault indicators.)
1. TX Off - Indicates that the power amplifier is deactivated. This can be set by the slider switch on the
front panel (rack mount version) or internally (bulkhead mount version) and used for testing the unit
while in dry-dock.
2. FAULT - Indicates that a transmit signal triggering error occurred. Triggering errors are generally
introduced by electrical interference along the cable. Such errors are generally handled by the Power
Module and do not indicate a problem. This LED is used for troubleshooting purposes.
3. CTRL A, CTRL B - Indicates internal Power Module logic states. These are used for debugging
purposes only and have no user application. The state of these LED's may change from time to time
depending upon the particular mode setting of the sonar system. Once the Transducer Module has
booted, these indicators will blink until the user interface communicates with the Transducer Module.
4. PING - Flashes every time the sonar transmits a ping.
5. BANK 1, BANK 2 - Indicates power amplifier capacitor banks are changed. These indicators may
remain lighted for a short period of time after the unit is powered down.
Installation
The Power Module can be installed in any dry location within 100 feet of the Transducer Module. There
are no user interface components on the Power Module other than a power switch. This means that even
though it has blinking lights, it does not need to be located in a convenient to access location.
Warning
Make sure the Power Module is switched off before connecting to the Transducer Module.
Warning
The Power Module is not water tight and should not be located in an area with condensation.
1.4. Network Connections
FarSounder's sonar systems operate on a standard Ethernet network using TCP/IP protocol layers. Due to
the high bandwidth needs of the FarSounder systems, the network must be capable of 1 Gbps connectivity.

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It is also strongly recommended that the Ethernet network be private. For best performance results,
the network should not be shared with other non-FarSounder network traffic. A private network can be
established by keeping the network used to connect the user interface computers to the Power Module
physically separate from any other Ethernet networks on the vessel. If the Power Module and user interface
computer are connected to a network that has other devices connected to it, high network traffic generated
by these other devices may reduce the update rate of the FarSounder sonar.
All sonar data from the Transducer Module is transmitted to the SonaSoft™ user interface via the Power
Module. The Power Module connects to the network via a standard Ethernet cable and RJ-45 plug. All
Ethernet cables should be capable of 1 Gbps data rates. Cat-5e is the minimum Ethernet cable requirement.
Ruggedized Cat-6 or better is recommended.
When connecting to a single user interface, the Power Module can be connected directly to the user
interface's network adapter using a standard Ethernet crossover cable. When connecting the sonar to
multiple user interfaces, the Power Module should be connected a network switch. Each of the user
interfaces then connect to the network switch with a standard Ethernet patch cable. The switch should be
1 Gbps capable.
Note
FarSounderrecommendsunmanagedswitchesasincorrectconfigurationofmanagedswitches
may cause performance issues.
Network Configuration
By default, FarSounder's current products are configured to operate on the 192.168.0.xxx subnet. Each
Transducer Module is built upon multiple sonar data acquisition boards. Each board uses its own IP address
on the network. An additional IP address is used for system maintenance. An internal gigabit network switch
bundles the data from all cards into a single Ethernet connection accessed via the sonar's connection cable.
FarSounder's legacy products operate on the 192.168.95.x subnet. IP addresses for FarSounder's products
are shown in table 4.
Product IP Addresses
FarSounder-500 192.168.0.2
192.168.0.3
192.168.0.254
FarSounder-1000 192.168.0.2
192.168.0.3
192.168.0.4
192.168.0.5
192.168.0.254
Legacy Sonars: FS-3DT 192.168.95.6
Table 4. Transducer Module IP Addresses
For installations with bow and stern navigation sonars, the IP addresses of the stern node are offset by 12.

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Product IP Addresses
FarSounder-500 (Bow Installation) 192.168.0.2
192.168.0.3
192.168.0.254
FarSounder-1000 (Bow Installation) 192.168.0.2
192.168.0.3
192.168.0.4
192.168.0.5
192.168.0.254
FarSounder-500 (Stern Installation) 192.168.0.14
192.168.0.15
192.168.0.254
FarSounder-1000 (Stern Installation) 192.168.0.14
192.168.0.15
192.168.0.16
192.168.0.17
192.168.0.254
Table 5. Transducer Module IP Addresses for Dual Sonar Installations
Duringthe software installation process, the user willbe prompted to let the software automaticallyconfigure
thehost computer's network settings. If this option is selected, the user will be prompted simply for a network
address number. This is the last set of numbers in the IP address (i.e. 192.168.0.xxx). Each computer
should have a unique network address number.
All computers running SonaSoft™ should be configured with the following network values:
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• IP Address: 192.168.0.xxx (where xxx is an unused, unreserved IP. DHCP services may be used)1
• Gateway: not needed for FarSounder operation
• DNS: not needed for FarSounder operation
1.5. SonaSoft™ Software
SonaSoft™ is FarSounder's processing and display software. This software communicates directly with the
sonar hardware, receiving all the raw data from the Transducer Module. All the processing takes place
inside the SonaSoft™ computer.
Base Software Installation
In order to use the SonaSoft™ software, a system-specific installer is needed. This contains factory
calibration information specific to the Transducer and Power Modules.
The sonar's software is pre-installed on computers purchased from FarSounder. The installer software can
also be downloaded from FarSounder directly. Contact [email protected] with the vessel's name
and/or Transducer Module serial number to receive a download link.
The software installation process is simple. The installer program guides the user through each step. The
installer also has options to configure the host computer's network settings and install the C-MAP USB
dongle drivers, chart database and chart license. SonaSoft™ may be installed on more than one computer.
However, the sonar systems are designed to allow one connection to the hardware at a time.
1Computers connecting to legacy sonars must have an IP address on the 192.168.95.x subnet.

Operation Manual
FarSounder, Inc. F31552 (Rev. 3.8.0) Page 20 of 69
Note
It is recommended that the host computer be dedicated to SonaSoft™. Running other software
packages on the same computer may significantly reduce the system's update rate.
C-MAP Chart License and Data Installation
FarSounder's display software includes chart overlay capabilities using C-MAP Professional+, ENC data
from C-MAP, or S-57/63 charts. The chart data, however, must be licensed separately. In order to use the
C-MAP or S-57/63 charts, the SonaSoft™ computer must also have a C-MAP eToken USB dongle (and its
required drivers) installed. Each C-MAP license is tied to a particular eToken USB dongle.
Duringthesoftwareinstallation process, the user isofferedtheoption to run the"C-MAPSetupWizard".This
includes installation of the eToken drivers, chart database and chart data license. This process is handled
by the C-MAP Chart Manager utility provided by C-MAP and included in the SonaSoft™ installer. For future
chart maintenance after SonaSoft™ installation, the C-MAP Chart Manager can be run from the Window's
Start Menu or launched directly from SonaSoft™.
If the C-MAP eToken drivers are not installed, SonaSoft™ will not load the chart display at run time.
Initial Launch
When the C-MAP Chart Manager is initially launched, the user will be presented with the databases display
panel as shown in Figure 21. Any databases that are already registered on the computer will be listed in
this panel.
Figure 21. C-MAP "Databases" display panel