Operation Manual
FarSounder, Inc.
F31552 (Rev. 3.8.0)
Page 26 of 69
Method 1: Video Matrix
The simplest integration method is to connect the SonaSoft™ computer's video output and mouse/trackball
input to a KVM or video matrix switch. This allows the computer's display to be shown on one or more
bridge monitors. It can also enable one or more mouse/trackballs to control the computer. Since this method
uses only a single computer, the same image is simply replicated on all displays. This type of integration
is common on many yachts and commercial vessels.
Method 2: Thin Clients
The SonaSoft™ software can be configured as a network sonar server. In this mode, the software still
performs all of the processing and produces a user interface display. However, it also allows for the
connection of up to 4 additional thin client displays and the processed sonar data is shared amongst them. In
this configuration, FarSounder's thin client software can be installed on multiple bridge stations. The display
and control of each thin client operates independent of one another. All processor settings are shared across
the network and the sonar can be controlled from the server or any client. Contact FarSounder for thin client
details and pricing.
Method 3: ECDIC/ECS
A number of 3rd party ECDIS/ECS manufacturers have implemented their own FarSounder client
capabilities as part of their ECDIS/ECS software. Just as they offer radar overlay, they also offer FarSounder
sonar overlay. In this mode, SonaSoft™ is also configured as a network sonar server. It still performs all of
the sonar processing and can still be used as a stand alone sonar display. Up to 4 clients can connect to the
server simultaneously. FarSounder's server software distributes the processed sonar data over Ethernet
using FarSounder's SDK interface.
1.6. External Sensor Connections
The SonaSoft™ user interface software has been designed to interface with external navigation sensors.
Information from the vessel's GPS, heading sensor and echo sounder is used in various parts of the
SonaSoft™ sonar processing and display.
The software interfaces to the vessel's navigation sensors via standard NMEA-0183 sentences. SonaSoft™
connects to these NMEA sensors via the host computer's COM ports. SonaSoft™ can listen to and process
the following sentences: DBT, DPT, GGA, GLL, HDG, HDT, RMC, ROT, VHW, and VTG. For optimal
performance, all messages should be produced at 1Hz output rates or faster. ROT should be produced
at a 10 Hz output rate or faster. More information about the navigation data represented by each NMEA
message type can be found in Section 7.2, “Configuration Manager Options”.
It should be noted that one NMEA message type representing each of the following is required:
• True Heading (gyro or gps compass)
• Rate of Turn (gyro or gps compass)
• Position (gps)
• Speed Over Ground (gps)
• Course (gps)
If the vessel is equipped with an echo sounder it is recommended, but not required, for SonaSoft™ to listen
for and display depth below vessel data as well.
