
April
2018
Pathfinder DVL Guide
Page 102
EAR-Controlled Technology Subject to Restrictions Contained on the Cover Page.
BX – Maximum Tracking Depth
Purpose
Sets the maximum tracking depth in bottom-track mode.
Format
BXnnnnn
The BX command works only without the # sign.
Range
nnnnn = 3 to 1100 (600 kHz) decimeters (meters x 10)
Default
BX1100 (600 kHz)
Set BX to a depth slightly greater than the expected maximum depth.
Description
The BX command sets the maximum tracking depth used by the Pathfinder during bot-
tom tracking. This prevents the Pathfinder from searching too long and too deep for the
bottom, allowing a faster ping rate when the Pathfinder loses track of the bottom.
Example
If the maximum depth in the deployment area is 20 meters (200 decimeters), set BX to a
value slightly larger than 200 dm; say 210 dm, instead of the default 2900 dm. Now if the
Pathfinder loses track of the bottom, it will stop searching for the bottom at 210-dm (21
m) rather than spend time searching down to 2900-dm (290 m).
The BX command limits the search range for bottom tracking. If the Pathfinder loses lock on
the bottom, it goes into search mode, which iteratively searches increasing ranges until either
the bottom is found or the maximum range is reached, and then the process starts over at the
minimum range. The BX command will prevent the Pathfinder from searching to ranges
beyond the BX range value, and can result in shorter search cycles if the bottom is known to
be within this range.
In addition to limiting the search range, the BX command indirectly limits the bottom track
range. While this does not prevent the Pathfinder from bottom tracking to ranges beyond the
BX range, use caution in setting this command to less than the expected maximum depth as
the Pathfinder will be less likely to hold a lock on the bottom if there is any slope beyond the
BX range.