Operation Manual
FarSounder, Inc.
F31552 (Rev. 2.6.1)
Page 14 of 56
network settings. The software is licensed to be run on up to two host computers at the same time. Additional
licenses can be purchased for running more than 2 user interface computers at the same time. Additional
licenses are not needed for connecting the host computer to multiple monitors or video repeaters.
It is recommended that the host computer be dedicated to SonaSoft™. Running other software packages
on the same computer may significantly reduce the system's update rate.
1.6. External Sensor Connections
The SonaSoft™ user interface software has been designed to interface with external navigation sensors via
standard NMEA 0183 interface sentences. For optimal performance, it is recommended that at minimum
GPS and gyro heading is connected to the system. Additionally, an echosounder and/or a speed sensor
may be connected for added functionality.
The SonaSoft™ software has been designed to accept and display information from external 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: RMC, GLL, GGA, VHW, VTG,
HDG, HDT, DBT, DPT. The connected devices should be configured to produce one or more of these
messages. It is recommended that GPS, ship's gyro compass, and ship's echo sounder be connected if
possible.
In most cases, the host computer's COM ports will be basic serial ports (RS-232). However, some marine
computers come equipped with true NMEA-0183 hardware ports (opto-isolated RS-422). In all cases, these
COM port settings can be configured under the SonaSoft™ Configuration Manager by selecting the COM
Port NMEA tab. If the host computer has multiple COM ports, the software can be configured to listen
on multiple ports to multiple sensors. Additionally, a standard NMEA multiplexer can be used to connect
multiple sensors to a single COM port. Computers supplied by FarSounder come with two RS-232 ports
standard. Additional ports can be added via PCIe adapter cards or USB-to-RS232 connectors.
Additionally, most vessels will have traditional echosounders operating in conjunction with the FarSounder
system. In order to avoid interference with one another, it is recommended that the echosounders be located
as far from the FarSounder sonar as possible. To ensure that there is no interference (particularly if the
Echosounders must be located near the FarSounder system) 200 kHz echo sounders should be used.
These are almost guaranteed to never interfere with the FarSounder sonars. 50 kHz echosounders are not
recommended to be used in close proximity to the FarSounder Transducer Module since they are close the
FarSounder's operating frequency of ~61 kHz and may interfere.
1.7. Operating the Sonar
Warning
Do not dry dock, haul, or otherwise remove the installed sonar from water without turning off
the Power Module. The occasional surfacing of the Transducer Module in rough sea states will
not damage the system.
In order to run the sonar, the Power Module and Transducer Module must be connected and turned on, the
Power Module must be on the same network as the SonaSoft™ host computer, and SonaSoft™ must be
running. After connecting the Power Module and Transducer Module together, both pieces of the hardware
are powered on by turning on the power switch on the back of the Power Module.
There is no separate switch for the Transducer Module.
Once the hardware is turned on, the Bank 1 and Bank 2 LEDs on the Power Module should light, the Ping
LED may flash once, and the Ctrl A and Ctrl B LEDs may or may not light. It takes about 90 seconds
