7 Installing transceiver channels

In order to use the EK80 system, the computer must be connected to one or more transceivers, and each of them must in turn be connected to one or more transducers. Each channel must be installed before it can be put to use. In this context, the term channel is used as a common term to identify the combination of transceiver, transducer and operating frequency.

Prerequisites

The EK80 system is installed as specified in the Installation Manual. All units are turned on.

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All cables are connected and tested.

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The software license for each transceiver is installed and activated.

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The Ethernet adapter in the computer is set up with a unique IP address.

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All relevant transducers are installed using the Transducer Installation page.

Context

The Transceiver Installation parameters control the installation and disconnection of transceivers. Every time the page is opened, the EK80 system software automatically performs a search on the Ethernet network for transceivers.

The list in the upper part on the Transceiver Installation page shows you an overview of the transceivers and channels that are currently available. In this context, the term channel is used as a common term to identify the combination of transceiver, transducer and operating frequency. Each channel is identified by the transceiver type and serial number and the transducer(s) in use. The current status for each channel is also provided.

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Busy: The channel is already in use, probably by another echo sounder on the same network. You cannot connect to this channel.

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Installed: This channel is connected to your EK80 system.

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Lost: This channel cannot be used.

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Available: This channel is vacant and ready for use.

Note

When you work in the Installation dialog box, you must always select Apply to save the changes made on a page. You must do this before you continue working on a different page.

Procedure

On the Setup menu, select Installation.

Observe that the Installation dialog box opens. This dialog box contains a number of pages selected from the menu on the left side.

On the left side of the Installation dialog box, select Transceiver.

Install the channels(s).

Observe that the transceiver(s) you have connected to the computer are listed.

Each transceiver is identified with type and serial number. The available channels on each transceiver are listed separately.

For each channel, choose which transducer to connect to.

The list of transducers available for installation is defined by those you installed on the Transducer page.

Note

This is a critical task. Make sure that the correct transducer is selected.

At the bottom of the page, select Apply to save your settings.

Observe that the status for the relevant frequency channels change to Installed.

Tip

If no transceivers are listed:

Select Browse in the Transceiver Browsing box, and open the Local IP Address box.

Select the correct address for the Ethernet adapter you are using. Select Apply.

This will make the EK80 search the network for available transceivers.

Turn each transceiver off and on.

The EK80 system automatically assigns an IP address to each transceiver when they are turned off and on.

Select Browse.

Verify that the Ethernet communication between the units is operational.

If you are using an Ethernet switch, make sure that it works.

If you have changed the network settings, turn each transceiver off and on.

The EK80 system automatically assigns an IP address to each transceiver when they are turned off and on.

At the bottom of the page, select Apply to save your settings.

Repeat until all the channels have been installed.

Continue your work in the Installation dialog box, or select OK to close it.

Result

When all channels have been installed, you can start normal operation.

Caution

You must never set the EK80 system to "ping" unless the transducer is submerged in water. Most transducers are damaged beyond repair if they transmit in open air. Prevent inadvertent use of the EK80 system whenever a transducer is not submerged.