16JUL15
Model 853 Serial Interface Specification Page 1 of 13
IMAGENEX TECHNOLOGY CORP.
MODEL 853 SCIENTIFIC ECHO SOUNDER WITH DATA LOGGER
SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATION (v1.03)
OVERVIEW
The Model 853 Scientific Echo Sounder is a self contained, programmable digital echo
sounder with built in flash memory data storage. Programmable parameters include
operating mode, acoustic range scale, receiver gain, dive number, dive type and ping
timestamp. The unit is powered from 24VDC and is programmed using an RS-232 serial
communications port connected to the power/data connector. Recorded echo sounder data
can be downloaded from the internal SD flash memory card via the self powered USB
connector.
The 853 has three operating modes, “Normal”, “Glider” and “Stand Alone”:
In Normal mode, the echo sounder pings when requested by the serial interface. The
settings for each ping are based on the current programmable range and gain settings. The
ping rate is dependent on the interrogation rate of the serial interface.
In Glider mode, the programmable settings for range and gain are used, in addition, the
echo data can be sampled periodically via the serial interface. Echo data from each ping is
stored to the internal flash memory. The ping rate is once every four seconds.
In Stand Alone mode, the echo sounder runs unattended using the programmable range
and gain settings. Echo data is stored on a ping by ping basis to the internal flash
memory. The ping rate is once per second.
The Switch Data Command (described below) is used for programming the unit and
requesting echo data. To program the unit or request echo data, the Switch Data
Command string is sent via a serial command program at a baud rate of 9600 bps, No
Parity, 8 Data Bits and 1 Stop Bit (other baud rates are available).
When the Switch Data command is accepted, the 853 responds with a 256 byte IKX
Return Data packet or an 18 byte ILX Return Data packet. A message type of IKX must
be selected to change any of the programmable settings.
