Edgetech 8242XS, Hardware Manual

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OVERVIEW
This manual describes the 8242XS, a field-proven, reliable, and versatile mooring instrument, functioning
as both an Acoustic Release and Transponder. The 8242XS can also be used for specialized applications,
such as the opening/closing of underwater valves and in Emergency Recovery Systems. The 8242XS has
been designed for use as an instrument location and recovery system on oceanographic moorings and
platforms. Additionally, the precision, high-output power transponder feature makes this instrument ideal
for use in Long Baseline (LBL) Positioning and Navigation Systems. Constructed entirely of a Nickel-
Aluminum-Bronze alloy, the 8242XS is rugged and durable, even in the harshest marine environments.
The 8242XS uses a version of the EdgeTech’s field-proven, Binary Acoustic Command System (BACS) code
structure and is compatible with the 8011M and PACS EdgeTech Deck Units, shown below. The BACS
coding structure provides 12,000 possible command codes. The release has an enable/disable command
for controlling the transponder function as a standard feature. When disabled, the transponder will not
reply when interrogated. The RELEASE command causes the 8242XS to manually disconnect from its
mooring. The RELEASE command can be sent and will cause a release whether the system is enabled or
disabled. The ENABLE and DISABLE function only controls the transponder section.
Figure 1-1: An 8242XS Release in the Arctic Sea
Basic Functionality
The transponder function can be turned ON or OFF with the ENABLE and DISABLE commands, respectively.
When disabled the transponder will not reply when interrogated, which ensures the Unit will not interfere
with nearby instruments and that no battery energy will be wasted replying to spurious noise sources
during the deployment. The ENABLE and DISABLE commands has no effect on the RELEASE command.