List of new features included in Versions 3.0.4.1 or greater
Stratabox Data Aquisition New Features:
1) Bottom Detection Threshhold Adjustment. Select from Edit pull-down menu. The
Detection Threshold value is provided to allow the user to vary the echo reply level that
is recognized by the Bottom digitizing function as a valid bottom echo. The scale for
Detection Threshold is 0 through 9. 0 (minimum detection) will only allow the digitizer
to lock onto the strongest returns (i.e. dark colors such as red in the OCEAN pallet). 9
(maximum detection) will allow it to lock onto the weaker returns (i.e. lighter colors such
as green in the OCEAN 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 strata penetration. Recommended user default setting for Detection
Threshold is 0, which should work under most conditions. Increase incrementally to 9
only as required.
2) User selectable Gate Limits. Select from Edit pull-down menu. 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 Stratabox is intended for use in shallow
water. Unfortunately, using low frequency sonar is best for strata penetration but it also
makes for significant 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 they 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.
3) User selectable Sound Velocity control. Select from Edit pull-down menu under "User
Preferences". Select 1400-1600m/s in 1m/s increments or 4590-5250ft/s in 1 ft/s
increments.
4) User selectable Transducer Draft offset. Select from Edit pull-down menu under
"Configure Sonar Port".
5) Direct SEG-Y (.seg) and classic (.odc) data storage. Select via the Start Recording
button. Creates a new file or files on the specified hard disk for capturing acquisition
data. If the Record Format in the User Preferences menu is set to "Classic (*.odc)" then
the data recording will start immediately if the sensor is pinging or as soon as the start
ping command is sent to the sensor if it is in idle mode. If the Record Format in the User
Preferences menu is set to "Classic and SEGY (*.odc & *.seg)" then a dialog box is
presented to the user. The user can enter the desired SEGY Header information as
