Simrad SP90 - REV E User manual

Simrad SP90
Low frequency long range fishery sonar
Operator manual
M A X I M I Z I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A
www.simrad.com

850-164511 / Rev.E
SP90
Low frequency long range
fishery sonar
Operator manual
WARNING
The sonar must never be powered up when the ship is
in dry dock. The transducer will be damaged if it
transmits in open air. To prevent inadvertent use of the
sonar, pull out the mains plug on the Sonar Processor
Unit whenever the vessel is in dry dock.

About this document
Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by
Rev.E 17.12.04 RBr OBG OBG
Complies to software version 1.2.X Added and changed parameter and
maintenance details.
© 2004 Simrad AS
ISBN 82-8066-003-8
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be
reproduced or otherwise copied without prior permission from Simrad AS.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
Simrad AS shall not be liable for errors contained herein, or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this
document.
Simrad AS
Strandpromenaden 50
Box 111
N-3191 Horten
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
M A X I M I Z I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A

Operator manual
I
850-164511 / Rev.E
Sections
1. System description
This chapter provides a brief introduction to the SP90, and defines the main
units. Refer to page 1.
2. Display modes
This chapter defines the available operational display modes. Refer to page
13.
3. Sonar Operating Panel
The main functions of the SP90 is controlled by a dedicated keyboard; the
operating panel. The controls and functions of this unit is described. Refer
to page 25.
4. Operation
This chapter provides the basic knowledge on how to operate the SP90
sonar. Refer to page 38.
5. Menu description
Operation of the SP90 sonar is also menu based. and the menus will
automatically adjust to your current operational modes. This chapter
explains all the menus, and referes directly to the relevant parameters. Refer
to page 58.
6. Parameters
All the operational functions of the SP90 sonar are controlled by the
parameters accessed from the menu system. In this chapter, all the
parameters are described and explaind. They are listed in alphabetical
order. Refer to page 85.
7. Maintenance
This chapter explains how to perform the on-board maintenance on the
SP90 sonar. Refer to page 155.

Simrad SP90
II 850-164511 / Rev.E
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 1......................................
Introduction 1..................................................
System overview 2..............................................
Main units 2..............................................
Wheelhouse units 2........................................
Sonar room units 3.........................................
System diagram 4...............................................
Options 6......................................................
General 6................................................
Triple- or multiple-frequency 6...............................
Scientific output 6.........................................
Functional description 7..........................................
Introduction 7.............................................
Functional principles 7......................................
Stabilization system 9......................................
Reception 9...............................................
Transmission 10............................................
Peripheral equipment 12...........................................
DISPLAY MODES 13.............................................
Introduction 13..................................................
Bow Up 14......................................................
North Up 15.....................................................
True Motion 16..................................................
180°/Audio 17...................................................
270°/Vertical 18..................................................
Bow Up / Vertical 19..............................................
True Motion/Vertical 20...........................................
Bow Up / Dual Vertical 21.........................................
Bow Up / 180° Vertical 22.........................................
Dual 1 23.......................................................
Dual 2 24.......................................................
SONAR OPERATING PANEL 25..................................
Introduction 25.............................................
Main switch 26.............................................
Symbol 27................................................
Mode 29..................................................
Gain 30...................................................
Range 31..................................................

Operator manual
III
850-164511 / Rev.E
Cursor 32.................................................
Train 34..................................................
Tilt 36....................................................
Various 37.................................................
OPERATION 38..................................................
Introduction 38..................................................
Maintaining the sonar 39...........................................
Maintenance procedures 39...................................
Important when docking the vessel 39...........................
Start and stop procedures 40........................................
Start procedure 40..........................................
Stop procedure 41...........................................
Dry-docking safety measures 42...............................
Menu operation 43................................................
Introduction 43.............................................
Screen presentations 44......................................
Menu structure 46..........................................
Menu buttons 47............................................
Selecting a new parameter value 48.............................
Stored parameters 50........................................
Visual aids 51...................................................
Common information on the display 51.........................
Moving the boundary lines 51.................................
Cosmetics 52....................................................
Installation of options 55...........................................
On-line help 57..................................................
MENU DESCRIPTIONS 58.......................................
Introduction 58..................................................
Active menus 59.................................................
Overview 59...............................................
Horizontal 60..............................................
Vertical 61................................................
Display 62................................................
Setup 63..................................................
Objects 64.................................................
Temporary menus 65..............................................
Cosmetics 66..............................................
Store/Recall 67.............................................

Simrad SP90
IV 850-164511 / Rev.E
System test 68.............................................
Sort Modes 70.............................................
Pop-up menus 71.................................................
View pop-up 72............................................
Object pop-up 74...........................................
View menus 76..................................................
GeoView 77...............................................
VerticalView 78............................................
CatchView 79..............................................
Messages 80.....................................................
Message categories 80.......................................
Warnings 81...............................................
Operator alarms 82..........................................
System alarms 83...........................................
Errors 84..................................................
PARAMETERS 85.................................................
About parameter dialogues and help 85...............................
Alphabetical list 86...............................................
About 87..................................................
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) 88.............................
Audio Volume 89...........................................
Beam 90..................................................
Bearing (Horizontal) 92......................................
Bearing (Display) 94........................................
Bearing (Vertical) 95........................................
Colour Threshold 96........................................
Colours 97................................................
Data Source 98.............................................
Dead Reckoning 99.........................................
Default Setting 100..........................................
Direction Indicator 101.......................................
Display Gain 102............................................
Edit Gear (Purse) 103.........................................
Edit Gear (Trawl) 104........................................
Edit School 106.............................................
External Synchronization 107..................................
Fish Alarm 108..............................................
Frequency 109..............................................
Gain 110...................................................

Operator manual
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850-164511 / Rev.E
Gear 111...................................................
Heading 112................................................
Inspect Object 113...........................................
Language 114...............................................
Menu 115..................................................
Message Bar 116............................................
Mode 117..................................................
Mode Buttons 118...........................................
Movements 119.............................................
Palette 120.................................................
Panel Backlight 121..........................................
PP Filter 122...............................................
Pulse Form 123.............................................
Range 125..................................................
Range (Catch View) 126......................................
RCG (Reverberation Controlled Gain) 127........................
Recall 128..................................................
Recall Mode 128............................................
Ruler 129..................................................
Scale 130..................................................
School 131.................................................
Scientific Output (Option) 132.................................
Search Sector 133............................................
Search Step 134.............................................
Sector 135..................................................
Slant Range/True Range 136...................................
Speed 137..................................................
Stabilizer 138...............................................
Status 139..................................................
Store 140..................................................
Store Mode 140.............................................
Target Track 141.............................................
Tilt 142....................................................
Time and Date 143...........................................
Track History 144............................................
Track Window 145...........................................
Transducer 146..............................................
TVG (Time Variable Gain) 147.................................
Tx Power 148...............................................
Units 149..................................................

Simrad SP90
VI 850-164511 / Rev.E
User Setting 150.............................................
Wind Direction 151..........................................
Wind Speed 152.............................................
Zoom 153..................................................
Zoom Scale 154.............................................
ON-BOARD MAINTENANCE 155..................................
Introduction 155..................................................
Preventive maintenance schedule 156..................................
Wheelhouse units 157..............................................
Cleaning 157...............................................
Dust filter 157..............................................
Transceiver Unit 159...............................................
Dust filter 159..............................................
Replacing fuses 159..........................................
Hull unit 160.....................................................
General 160................................................
Hull unit familiarization 161...................................
Docking the vessel 162.......................................
Cleaning the transducer 164....................................
Hoist motor overload protection 165.............................
Emergency hoisting and lowering 166............................
Air bleeding 168.............................................
Lubrication 169.............................................

System description
1
850-164511 / Rev.E
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Introduction
The Simrad SP90 sonar is a long range omnidirectional low
frequency sonar, designed for medium and large sized fishing
vessels, preferably for purse seiners. The standard frequency is
26 kHz (triple and multiple frequencies as option), and the beam
can be electronically tilted from +10 to –60 degrees.
Great emphasis has been placed on giving the best possible
presentations on a high resolution colour display. The processor
unit is controlled by Microsoft’s Windows XPoperating
system, which result in a flexible choice of display modes for a
large range of user applications.
The signal processing and beamforming is performed in a fast
digital signal processing system using the full dynamic range of
the signals. In addition to the traditional single frequency
transceiver system, the SP90 sonar contains an advanced
frequency modulated filter system (FM).
The cylindrical multi-element transducer allows the
omni-directional sonar beam to be tilted electronically down to
-60 degrees. This allows you to automatically track schools of
fish, and to observe the whole water volume around the vessel.
A stabilization system is included for electronic pitch and roll
compensation.
Topics
System overview, page 2
System diagram, page 4
Options, page 6
Functional description, page 7
Peripheral equipment, page 12
Important notice
Windows, Windows NT and Windows XPare either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.

Simrad SP90
2850-164511 / Rev.E
System overview
Main units
The Simrad SP90 sonar consists of the following units:
Wheelhouse units:
- Display monitor
- Sonar Operating Panel
- Sonar Processor Unit
- Sonar Interface Unit
- Loudspeaker
Sonar room units:
- Transceiver Unit
- Hull Unit
Wheelhouse units
The Display Monitor is a high-resolution colour LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display). In addition to the sonar picture, the monitor
can also display the user menu for the interactive operation. In
order to ease the situation comprehension, certain colours have
been chosen to better the distinction between the various
elements in the scene.
The Operating Panel contains all necessary control functions
for operating the sonar. The controls are arranged in function
groups, which gives a clear and easy operation. Note that all
sonar operation also may be made from the trackball, or from an
optional standard mouse.
The Sonar Processor Unit contains a ruggedized computer,
which runs the Microsoft Windows XPoperating system.
The software has been modified by Simrad to suit the SP90
sonar requirements. The unit holds a CD R/WR unit to be used
for future software upgrades.
The Sonar Interface Unit provides interface for all auxiliary
equipment; log, gyro, GPS, echo sounder, trawl systems, purse
seine systems etc. One signal cable is used for the
communication with the Transceiver Unit in the sonar room.
The Loudspeaker reproduces the audio of the echoes for the
selected audio channel.
Note that SP90 sonars shipped before August 2003 use a
different Sonar Processor Unit; the APC10. These sonars do not
have the Sonar Interface Unit fitted. All interfaces to peripheral
equipment are then handled by the APC10.

System description
3
850-164511 / Rev.E
Sonar room units
The Transceiver Unit is located in the sonar room, close to the
Hull Unit. One signal cable is used for communication with the
Sonar Interface Unit in the wheelhouse. The transceiver
performs the signal processing and the digital beamforming of
the 256 transmitters and 256 receiver channels, which are
located on the eight identical transceiver boards.
The standard Hull Unit is designed to be lowered 1.2 meters
below the ship’s hull. (An optional hull unit will lower the
transducer to 1,6 meters below the hull.) The transducer can also
be lowered to any selectable middle position. Note that in case
of voltage failure, the Hull Unit can be manually raised or
lowered by means of a hand crank.
The cylindrical 256-elements transducer allows the sonar beam
to give full 360 degrees coverage of the water volume down to
-60 degrees.
The sensor for the electronic stabilization of the sonar beams is
housed in the Motor Control Unit, which is mounted on the Hull
Unit.
Warning If the transducer hits larger objects or bottom,
the transducer shaft may be bent, or in worst
caseitcanbebrokenoff.Abrokentransducer
shaft will cause water leakage in the top of the
shaft. To prevent larger leakages in such a case,
do not raise the transducer shaft to the upper
position. To prevent serious damages it is
therefore of great importance to have a good
pump and warning system in the sonar room.
Related topics
System diagram, page 4

Simrad SP90
4850-164511 / Rev.E
System diagram
A simplified SP90 system diagram is shown.
(A) = Colour display
(B) = Operating Panel
(C) = Sonar Processor Unit
(D) = Sonar Interface Unit
(E) = Loudspeaker
(F) = Multiple interface lines to peripheral equipment
(G) = Transceiver Unit
(H) = Hull Unit
(1) = Wheelhouse
(2) = Sonar room

System description
5
850-164511 / Rev.E
H
G
E
A
C
D
B
F
(CD6482B)
Wheelhouse
Sonar room
115/230 Vac
115/230 Vac
115/230 Vac 230/380/440 Vac
3-phase

Simrad SP90
6850-164511 / Rev.E
Options
General
The standard SP90 is a single 26 kHz version with maximum 60
degrees tilt, and with beam stabilization.
The beam stabilization was an optional function until 1 January
2003. After that date, the function was included with the
standard sonar delivery.
The options described below are pre-programmed into the
standard software version, and a code word is required to make
the actual option available. Simrad offers a 1 month free test
period for certain options. Note that the Scientific Output
function is not available for such a test period.
For a permanent installation of a chosen option, a new code
word will be released from Simrad when the option is ordered.
Triple- or multiple-frequency
In addition to the standard 26 kHz frequency, options are
available for triple and multiple frequencies.
In the triple-frequency version, you can select between 24
kHz, 26 kHz and 28 kHz.
In the multiple-frequency version you can select from 11
frequenciesfrom20to30kHzin1kHzsteps.
These selections are particulary useful when it is necessary to
suppress interference from other sonars.
Scientific output
The Scientific Output is designed for research purposes. When
activated, the following data are available on an Ethernet (LAN)
output:
Beam data
Target data
Own ship data
Gear data
The scientific output option may also include software for a
Scientific Data Logger.
Note that this option is not available for a free test period.
Related topics
Code words, procedure, page 55

System description
7
850-164511 / Rev.E
Functional description
Introduction
The basic principles of the SP90 sonar are unique because of the
256 separate transmitter and receiver channels with their
transducer elements spread around on the cylindrical transducer
array.
The transmission, reception and data processing are under
computer control, and the powerful capabilities of the sonar are
the results of sophisticated digital signal processing software
and state of the art hardware.
Functional principles
When the Omni beam is tilted, the total beam picture can be
compared with folding an umbrella, which means that all beams
in 360 degrees around the vessel have the same tilt angle.
Omni beam
principle
The beam can be tilted from +10 up to -60 degrees down.
In addition to seeing the target from above, it is also possible to
see the target from the side, by using the vertical slice
presentation. In this case the beam covers a continuous vertical
beam from 0 to -60 degrees in one transmission.
This vertical slice, which is presented by the white audio line in
the horizontal picture, can be selected to any bearing by the
manual training control. The combination of the Omni mode
and the vertical slice will give an optimal visualization of the
catch situation.

Simrad SP90
8850-164511 / Rev.E
60 degrees vertical
slice
Omni/Vertical
combination
In addition to the Omni picture, the vertical slice is especially
useful for visualizing the vertical distribution of a school of fish.
In that way, it is not necessary to go over the target to see the
distribution on the echo sounder, which often results in a
spreading of the school.

System description
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850-164511 / Rev.E
Stabilization system
When the beam stabilizer is activated, both horizontal and
vertical beams will be stabilized electronically for roll and pitch
movements up to 20 degrees. The beam direction will then
change continuously according to the vessel’s movements, and
secure an optimal contact with the targets even in rough seas.
Stabilization
system
Reception
A great effort has been made to reduce unwanted noise to get a
clean and stable echo presentation. To achieve this goal the
sonar receiver has the following filtering possibilities:
FM Correlation filter
In addition to the traditional single frequency transmitting
method, the SP90 sonar is equipped with an FM correlation
mode.
In FM mode each transmission pulse contains up to eight
different frequencies, and the receiver makes a spectrum
analysis and compares the received echoes with the transmitted
frequency code. This provides a filtering effect, which
efficiently reduces interference, noise and reverberation. In
addition to giving a clean and stable echo presentation, this will
normally also increases the sonar’s detection range
Frequency selection (Option)
The optional triple- and multiple frequency selections can be
used for suppression of interference from other sonars.

Simrad SP90
10 850-164511 / Rev.E
However, the sound absorption in salt water increases with the
frequency, thus giving the lower frequencies a longer detection
range.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
This control will automatically adjust the gain in the
preamplifiers depending on the strength of the incoming echo
signals. The strength of the filter can be selected in the menu.
Note that the AGC senses the echo strength in five fixed
directions, and use this as a basis for adjusting all the receiver
beams.
RCG (Reverberation Controlled Gain)
The RCG filter senses the noise level (reverberation, propeller
noise, etc.), and adjusts the gain individually for each of the 64
receiver beams in order to eliminate noise on the display. The
strength of the filter can be selected in the menu. With
maximum strenght is selected, the RCG will effectively reduce
the bottom in shallow water, while variations on the bottom will
be displayed.
Note that scattered fish can be perceived as reverberation. The
RCG filter must therefore be used with care if scattered schools
are to be detected.
PP Filter
The SP90 sonar is equipped with a ping-to-ping filter to give a
clean and steady presentation by reducing the interference and
noise. This filter compares the echoes from a selected amount of
transmissions (pings), and an echo has to be present in the
selected amount of pings in order to be presented on the display.
Note that in rough seas, when the beam easily can miss the
target in several pings, the PP filter must be used with care.
TVG (Time Variable Gain)
The TVG function controls the gain of the receiver so that a
school with a given size and density is presented with
approximately the same strength on the display, inside the
regulated TVG range. This can also be seen as a filter, because it
reduces the noise close to the vessel.
The regulated strength of the TVG can be selected in the menu.
Transmission
The transmitting is controlled by the signal processor in the
Transceiver Unit. The parameters you have chosen are used.