Marport M4 User manual
M4 System
with Mx Computer
and Mac Mini
User Manual
Contents | ii
Contents
Legal.................................................................................................4
History...........................................................................................................................................................................4
Copyright......................................................................................................................................................................5
Disclaimer.................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction and Presentation..........................................................6
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................6
Safety Guidelines...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Description.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
System Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Equipment List..............................................................................................................................................8
Technical Specifications........................................................................................................................... 11
Compatibility with Apple Operating Systems..................................................................................11
Computer Configuration..................................................................13
Adding a Virtual Keyboard.................................................................................................................................. 13
Installation......................................................................................15
Installing the System............................................................................................................................................ 15
System Cabling........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Powering the Mx computer................................................................................................................................18
Configuring Mac Mini Network........................................................................................................................ 18
Installing Hydrophones.......................................................................................................................................20
List of Marport Hydrophones...............................................................................................................20
Connecting the Hydrophone to the Receiver..................................................................................22
Adding Temperature Data from the Hydrophones to the System.......................................... 23
Understanding Receiver LEDs...........................................................................................................................24
Maintenance and Troubleshooting................................................. 25
Checking Noise Interference............................................................................................................................ 25
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................................................27
The Mx receiver does not appear on Mosa2 discovery page and the system is not
displayed in Scala2.............................................................................................................................. 27
No Internet Access.................................................................................................................................... 27
Antifouling system causes interferences..........................................................................................28
The Mx computer does not power off immediately.................................................................... 28
Giving Remote Access to the Computer....................................................................................................... 29
Recording Audio Files.......................................................................................................................................... 29
Support Contact......................................................................................................................................................29
Appendix......................................................................................... 31
Contents | iii
Frequency Plan.........................................................................................................................................................31
Index.................................................................................................................36
M4 | V6 | Legal
Legal
History
V1 04/08/19 First release
V2 07/16/20
Now documents Mosa2 version 02.03, Scala version
01.06.34 and Scala2 version 02.02.
TE SC sensor is no longer documented in this guide.
V3 03/08/21
• Now documents Mosa2 version 02.09.x.
• Added guidance on how to prevent computer and
receiver from being damaged by water in Installing the
System on page 15.
• Added contact details for the sales offices in South
Africa and Norway in Support Contact on page 29.
V4 01/06/22
• Added list of supported Apple operating systems for
Scala and Mosa2 in Compatibility with Apple Operating
Systems on page 11.
V5 08/04/22 • Now documents Scala2 version 02.10.x .
V6 01/13/23
• Added product numbers of the two models of the Mx
computers in Equipment List on page 8.
• Updated Mx computer pictures to the latest model
SDS-0-02.
• Added guidelines to format Mx computer SDS-0-02.
• Updated Ethernet network IP address settings in
Configuring Mac Mini Network on page 18.
• Added troubleshooting topics:
•The Mx receiver does not appear on Mosa2 discovery
page and the system is not displayed in Scala2 on
page 27.
•The Mx computer does not power off immediately
on page 28
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M4 | V6 | Legal
Copyright
© 2023 Marport. All Rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any
form by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the express
written permission from Marport. “Marport”, the Marport logo and Software Defined Sonar are
registered trademarks of Marport. All other brands, products and company names mentioned
are the trademark and property of its respective owners only. Marport is a division of Airmar
Technology Corporation.
Disclaimer
Marport endeavors to ensure that all information in this document is correct and fairly stated, but
does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.
U.S. Patent 9,091,790
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M4 | V6 | Introduction and Presentation
Introduction and Presentation
Read this section to get a basic knowledge of your M4 system.
Introduction
The M4 is our heavyweight acoustic receiver, combining the latest digital signal processing with
the smartest software. This means that true multifunction channel operation is available and there
is no compromise between transmission range and signal detection. We have designed the M4’s
multifunctional capacity to accommodate a series of full-function channels allowing simultaneous
use of standard sensors, net sounders – including narrow band – and high resolution net sounders.
All of these are available over an extended frequency range and with selectable configurations for
ultramodern net monitoring systems.
The M4 incorporates a host of features that are ready to be implemented, including sensor cross-
referencing for positioning and distance, and sensor remote control.
The M4 system works with an Apple Mac mini, an Mx computer and one M4 receiver. The Mx
computer processes the signal and displays the data on a screen connected to the Mac. You can
configure the sensors and display data to suit your needs.
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M4 | V6 | Introduction and Presentation
Description
System Overview
Ethernet cable
Marport junction box
extension cable & hydrophone
cable
Manufacturer standard
cable
(Blurred) Optional
elements
1Screens 8Mx computer (ref. SDS-0-01/SDS-0-02)
2Mac computer 9Power supply (recommended power supply: MEAN WELL
HEP-150-24 A)
3Wireless trackball mouse 10 M4 receiver (ref. M4REC)
4Scala2 software dongle 11 Junction boxes (x2) (ref. 46-055-01)
5Ethernet switch 12 Thru-hull penetration (ref. TH-1-XX)
6Internet 13 Hydrophones (ref. NC-1-XX)
7NMEA multiplexer
Equipment List
Here are the hardware and software you need to install a system with a Mx computer.
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M4 | V6 | Introduction and Presentation
Computer
• 1 Mac mini
• 1 wireless trackball mouse
• 1 Mac mini power cord
• 2 Thunderbolt to HDMI/VGA/DVI adapters
• 1 Ethernet cable for connection with Mx computer
• 1 Scala2 software dongle
Receiver
• 1 M4 receiver
Mx computer
Note: The Mx computer is delivered with two front plates, with Marport Compact plate
already in place. You need to remove it and replace it by the Mx computer plate.
• Mx computer product numbers:
Marport P/N Airmar P/N Manufacturer P/
N*
Computer front
CMPTR-
MX-011222 SDS-0-02 PO boxer-6641
CMPTR-
MX-010419 SDS-0-01 PO boxer-6639M
*The manufacturer product number is written on a sticker under the computer.
• Power supply: MEAN WELL HEP-150-24 A
Optional Equipment (not included)
• 1 to 3 monitors
• 1 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to prevent problems if the mains power fails
(recommended). Size: 500VA.
• Additional hydrophone junction boxes
• 1 test hydrophone that you can keep on board and connect to the receiver to do functional tests.
• 1 NMEA converter junction box (ref. NC-2-TEMP) to receive temperature data from
hydrophones
• 1 NMEA multiplexer to receive NMEA data and display them in Scala2: ShipModul MiniPlex-3E-
N2K if using NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 or Miniplex-3E if using only NMEA0183.
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M4 | V6 | Introduction and Presentation
• If using Mosa2 on a tablet computer: refer to Marport sales offices to know the recommended
model.
Software
Software Application Name Definition
Marport validated MacOS Operating system on computer
Scala2 Marport software application collecting, processing, storing
and displaying data received from sensors, sounders and other
connected devices.
ScalaReplay2 Marport software application replaying data recorded in Scala2.
Mosa2 Marport software application used to configure sensors. Can be
used on desktop or tablet computers.
Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Allows to display the system web page (access to Mx
receiver and processor configuration).
Note: Use version 34 available on MASP if you need to
import or export the receiver configuration using M4F files.
Java (version 7 or lower) Only if you need to import or export the receiver configuration
using M4F files, via the system web page open in Mozilla Firefox
version 34.
FileZilla File management tool.
TeamViewer To give remote access of your computer to support service
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M4 | V6 | Introduction and Presentation
Technical Specifications
Frequency range 30-60 kHz
Active bandwidth 24 kHz
Number of Rx/Tx channels 6 Rx / 1 Tx
Hydrophones Up to 6
Bearing to sensor measurement Yes
Distance to sensor measurement Yes
Number of simultaneous data reception 100
Number of high resolution sounders (NBTE,
HDTE)
10
Temperature input 2 NMEA
Network cables CAT5e, 100 meters max., U/FTP shielding*
Important: *Make sure to respect these specifications if installing a new Ethernet network
cable.
Mx computer
Product reference PO boxer-6639M
Dimension (W x H x D) 264.2 mm x 186.2 mm x 96.4 mm (10.4” x 3.8” x 6.1”)
Weight 4.5 kg (8.8 lb)
Operating temperature Ambient with Airflow
-20°C ~ 50°C
Storage temperature -45°C ~ 70°C (-49°F ~ 185°F)
Storage humidity 5~95% @ 40°C, non-condensing
Power supply 9 – 36V with 3-pin terminal block
Compatibility with Apple Operating Systems
This topic lists the supported Apple operating systems for Scala2 and Mosa2.
Scala2
OS name OS release Scala 1.x Scala 2.0.x Scala 2.2.x Scala 2.4.x Scala 2.6.x Scala
2.10.x
Monterey macOS
12.4
Yes Yes Yes
Big Sur macOS 11.0 Yes Yes Yes
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M4 | V6 | Introduction and Presentation
OS name OS release Scala 1.x Scala 2.0.x Scala 2.2.x Scala 2.4.x Scala 2.6.x Scala
2.10.x
Catalina macOS
10.15
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mojave macOS
10.14
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
High
Sierra
macOS
10.13
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sierra macOS
10.12
Yes Yes Yes Yes
El Capitan OS X 10.11 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yosemite OS X 10.10 Yes
Mavericks OS X 10.9 Yes
Mosa2
OS name OS release Mosa
2.0.x
Mosa 2.3.x Mosa
2.5.x
Mosa 2.7.x Mosa
2.9.x
Mosa
2.11.x
Monterey macOS
12.4
Yes Yes Yes*
Big Sur macOS 11.0 Yes Yes Yes
Catalina macOS
10.15
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mojave macOS
10.14
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
High
Sierra
macOS
10.13
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sierra macOS
10.12
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
El Capitan OS X 10.11 Yes Yes
Yosemite OS X 10.10 Yes Yes
Mavericks OS X 10.9 Yes Yes
*Mosa 2.11 compatibility with Monterey: A1 sensors cannot connect by short range wireless signal.
You must use a Configuration Cable.
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M4 | V6 | Computer Configuration
Computer Configuration
Read this section to learn how to configure the Mac computer.
Adding a Virtual Keyboard
If you do not have a keyboard, you can add a virtual keyboard to the screen and type words using
the mouse.
Procedure
1. From the top left corner of the screen, click Apple Menu > System Preferences > Keyboard.
2. macOS Big Sur or later: Click the tab Input Sources and select Show Input menu in menu bar.
3. macOS Catalina or earlier: Select Show Keyboard, Emoji, & Symbol Viewers in menu bar.
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M4 | V6 | Computer Configuration
4. Close the window.
5. From the top right corner of the screen, click the flag corresponding to the keyboard language
preferences, then select Show Keyboard Viewer.
Results
A virtual keyboard is displayed on the screen. You can change its size by dragging its corners.
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M4 | V6 | Installation
Installation
Read this section to learn how to connect and configure the equipment of the M4 system.
Installing the System
Marport technicians or dealers need to connect the different components of the system.
About this task
Note: The system is installed by Marport or by a dealer. If there is a problem, you can read
these installation steps to check the system installation.
Procedure
1. Check that you have all the items needed for the installation (See Equipment List on page 8)
2. Install the hydrophones and their cables, or find the cables from hydrophones that have already
been installed.
3. Route the hydrophone cables toward the junction boxes.
4. Put the receiver elevated in a dry and clean area, as close as possible to the hydrophones. If the
receivers are in a closed environment, make sure it is enough ventilated and that the ambient
temperature does not exceed 55 °C (131 °F).
Note: Make sure that the cables from the junction boxes are long enough to reach the
receiver.
5. Install the Mac computer and Mx computer elevated and/or fixed vertically on a wall, in a dry
and ventilated area, without dust, in the wheelhouse.
CAUTION: The receivers are water resistant but not waterproof. The computers are not
water resistant. In order to prevent the equipment from being damaged by water:
• Do not install the receiver and computer directly on the floor.
• The cable connectors must not point upwards.
6. Install the monitor(s).
7. Install the loudspeakers, if applicable.
8. Connect the Mac, Mx computer and receiver according to System Cabling on page 15.
9. You can switch on the computer.
10. Configure the networks and the receiver.
11. Connect the hydrophone cables to the junction boxes and connect the junction boxes to the
hydrophone connectors on the receiver. Refer to Hydrophone installation manual for detailed
guidelines.
12. When adding sensors to the system, refer to the Frequency Plan on page 31 to help you
allocating frequencies.
System Cabling
Connect the components of the system according to the following cabling.
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M4 | V6 | Installation
1 Power cable, connected to 100-240V AC power supply*
2 Up to 3 screens (HDMI or thunderbolt cable)
3 Loudspeakers (if applicable)
4 Connection to an Ethernet switch if you need to be connected to both an Internet
connection and external devices. Use a USB to Ethernet adapter.
5 USB splitter
6 Scala2 software dongle
7 USB trackball transmitter of the wireless trackball mouse
8 Connection to Mx computer using CAT5e network cable
9 Connection to M4 receiver using CAT5e network cables
10 Power supply (recommended power supply: MEAN WELL HEP-150-24 A)
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M4 | V6 | Installation
Powering the Mx computer
About this task
Important: Only use recommended power supply MEAN WELL HEP-150-24 A. Marport
cannot not be held responsible for dysfunction of the system if recommended equipment is
not used.
Procedure
1. Connect the power cable to the Mx computer.
2. Connect MEAN WELL power supply to a power socket.
3. Press on the Mx computer to switch it on.
Configuring Mac Mini Network
By default, the IP address of the Mx computer is 192.168.1.170. You need to change the IP address of
the Ethernet port connected to the Mx computer so the Mac computer can communicate with it.
About this task
Note: If you are moving from a system without the Mx computer, you need to switch off the
virtual machine:
•Open VMware Fusion, then click Virtual Machine > Shut Down in the toolbar.
•Cancel the automatic opening of VMware Fusion: Apple Menu > System Preferences >
Users & Groups > Login Items and remove VMware from the list.
Procedure
1. From the top left corner of the screen, click Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network.
2. If using an internet router, it must be connected to the port named Apple USB Ethernet
Adapter. In order to connect to the internet, make sure that Apple USB Ethernet Adapter
network is at the top of the list of networks, then is followed by Ethernet. If it is not at the top
of the list, click the tooth wheel icon at the bottom of the list and select Set Service Order.
| 18
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