QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
PI Spread & Remote sensors
857-208669 / Rev.B / December 2005
Purpose
The
PI Spread and Remote
sensors
measure the physical distance between
the trawl doors.
Note: Each Spread sensor can be
configured to communicate with one of
two remote sensors; Remote 1 or Remote
2. Label the Spread sensor accordingly,
and ensure that you only use the sensors
in the correct pairs.
(S) = The PI Spread sensor is mounted in a special adapteron the port trawl door.
(R) = The PI Remote sensor is mounted in a special adapter on the starboard trawl door.
(C) = The PI Spread sensor communicates with the PI system on the vessel.
(F) = Using the transverse communication link, the two sensors measure the physical
distance between the trawl doors.
Daily operation
Once installed and put to use, the Spread
sensor will automatically be switched
on once the waterswitch is activated.
After an initial startup, the sensor starts
interrogating the Remote sensor to
measure the distance. The results are
transmitted to the vessel. When the
sensors are not in use, check that the
sensor lamps (D) do not flash from time
to time, as this indicates that the sensor is
on and is discharging its batteries.
If you operate with
Fast
update rate, the
Fast
Fast
sensors must be charged approximately
every 45 hours. Used with
Normal
or
Normal
Normal
Slow
update rates, the operational life
is approximately 100 or 150 hours
respectively. The optimal sensor charging
temperature is from +10 to +25° C.
The two rubber inserts provided at the
bottom of each sensor adapter must not be
replaced with any other types or designs.
It is essential that these inserts provide
a secure cradle for the sensors, but they
must also allow for free water circulation
Main parts
(A) = Negative charging and fastening lug
(B) = Positive charging and fastening lug
(C) = Communication link to the vessel
(D) = Location of sensor lamp
(rear side of PI Spread)
(E) = Water switch sensor
(with sacrificial bolt)
(F) = Transverse communication link
Sensor confi guration
On delivery, all Spread sensors are
configured in
Channel 2
, with
Fast
update
Fast
Fast
rate, and for use with
Remote 1
.
Note: The sensor and the PI system
setup must correspond, otherwise the
communication will not work.
To change the sensor setup (channel
selection), use the
PI Configurator
utility.
PI Configurator
PI Configurator
The sensor update rate controls how
often the sensor reads and reports the door
spread. Three settings are available. Note
that a faster update rate will decrease the
battery life.
Fast
(~5,5 sec): Recommended for new
trawl or gear or changes in rigging to
monitor any instabilities or unexpected
changes. This mode provides the shortest
battery life before charging.
S
R
C
F
(CD11204A)
to allow the sensor’s water switch
to engage. Also, the design of the
inserts allows sand and mud to flow
out when the trawl doors are pulled
up from the water.
Note that charging sensors at
sub-zero temperatures can create
explosive gasses.
Simrad AS assumes
no liability for the improper charging
of sensors or the use of chargers not
specified in Simrad’s sensor charging
documentation.
)
)
)
A
C
B
F
(CD11204B)
B
A
D
D
E
D
Normal
(~14 sec): Recommended
for well known trawl, gear and door
behavior with stable situations. Use
this setting during normal conditions.
Slow
(~34 sec): Recommended to
monitoring a stable situation over
time, focus on door not falling over,
broken sweep lines etc. during the
tow. The PI system will be more
sensitive to bad communication
conditions due to slow data update.
This mode provides longest
operational battery life before
charging.
