HYDROBOX
™
Operations And Maintenance Manual
INTRODUCTION 1-8
©
2006 SyQwest Incorporated
1.5
Software features added in release v2.45
The Hydrobox product has gone through a significant Software and Firmware update based on feedback
from our customers. All of the updates have been incorporated to provide the user with enhanced
performance during data acquisition and data storage. Hydrobox data storage has been enhanced to
provide position and depth information in a comma separated variable format (.CSV). The major system
improvements are listed and described in detail below:
1.5.1
Improved Shallow Water Digitizing Performance
This enhancement provides for better “hands off” operation in shallow water and also allows for
operation down to the shallowest of depths in manual mode.
1.5.2
Improved Auto All Operation
This product improvement includes the updates for shallow water operation but also provides for reliable
depth digitizing in deeper water depths and at both high and low frequencies of operation.
1.5.3
Bottom Digitizer Threshold Parameter
The Bottom Digitizer Threshold parameter has been incorporated to allow the user to manually adjust the
amplitude threshold that is recognized as a valid bottom target. The scale is 0 through 9. A “0” setting
allows the digitizer to lock onto the strongest returns (i.e. dark colors such as red in the RAINBOW
pallet). A “9” setting allows it to lock onto the weaker returns (i.e. lighter colors such as green in the
RAINBOW pallet). In shallow water and soft sediment survey conditions a higher value is required to
consistently digitize on the bottom without saturating the first few meters of bottom penetration. The
default setting is “0”, which should work under most conditions. Increase incrementally as required.
1.5.4
User selectable Gate Limits
Bottom Gate Limits are provided to help the user ensure that the data captured reflects the correct
digitized bottom depth when conditions are difficult. The Hydrobox is intended for use in shallow water.
Unfortunately, using any sonar in very shallow water creates challenges due to surface reverberation and
multiple echo issues. By using the Bottom Gate Limits the user can ensure that the digitizer does not lock
on a transmit reverberation or a 2nd echo return. The Bottom Gate Limit values for Shallow and Deep
limits are entered in the selected units (Feet or Meters) and the "Enable Gate Limits" check box allows the
Gate Limits to be Enabled or Disabled. Please note Gate Limits will only work in manual range and gain
mode (not for use in auto mode). When Manual Gate Limits are enabled their selected values will show
up in the lower right corner of the screen as GLS (Gate Limit Shallow) and GLD (Gate Limit Deep).
Also, once enabled if the actual bottom moves out of the selected window you will no longer be able to
digitize (you will get -.- for depth). When the Gate Limits are disabled a message is displayed to alert the
user that they have been disabled and should be re-checked.
1.5.5
Sensor Reset on Program Exit
This feature causes the Hydrobox sensor to be reset whenever the user exits the Windows Application
software. It eliminates the need for a cycle of the sensor power to reset the sensor interface.
Summary of Contents for HydroBox
Page 2: ......
