ATLAS North America Proprietary
Sea Scan® ARC Explorer™ Manual
1 of 1
Page: 26
Issue: 4.2.1
2SFT1-0001
Manual
To insert the transducer, simply reverse the removal process.
TIP:
Always use the cover for the transducer connector.
4.2.5
Tow Fish Safety Release
An important feature during any operation is the ability to extract the tow fish if it has become
snagged in debris or imbedded into the seafloor. The safety release mechanism is designed to
engage during such a situation. W hen the tow fish nose gets so stuck in the seafloor or debris that
a strong pull on the tow cable has no effect, the brass shear pin will break, transferring the pull to
the safety release mechanism on the rear of the tow fish rail. This action shifts the towing angle
toward the tail fin section, causing the tow fish to pull up tail first. Generally, by shifting the angle of
pull aft, the tow fish’s nose can be extracted out of the debris or seafloor.
Figure 33: Safety Release Mechanism
4.2.5.1
Shear Pin
The brass shear pin is an often overlooked, but quite vital part of the tow fish configuration. Chafe
from the tow point on the shear pin during operation can considerably wear the shear pin down and
weaken it. Regular inspections of this shear pin should be made, especially after any impact with
the bottom or even more frequently if the operating conditions are rough (heavy seas, strong
current). During periods of heavy use, this pin will wear and eventually need replacement. Spare
shear pins can be found in your system's accessory kit.
