--------------SDE-28S Digital Echo Sounder------------

Operation Manual

2010.07.30

CONTENTS
Chapter1 Preview......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Echo Sounding Principles ............................................................................................ 4
1.2.1 Echo Sounding Principles ................................................................................. 4
1.2.2 Pulse length....................................................................................................... 6
1.2.3 Blanking Pulse Length...................................................................................... 6
1.2.4 Power Adjudt .................................................................................................... 7
1.2.5 Gain................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.6 Threshold .......................................................................................................... 7
1.2.7 Depth ranging ................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Related terms ............................................................................................................... 8
1.3.1 Three type depth data........................................................................................ 8
1.3.2 Data format ....................................................................................................... 9
1.3.3 Draft setting .................................................................................................... 12
1.3.4 Sound Velocity ................................................................................................ 13
1.3.5 Max Depth ...................................................................................................... 16
1.3.6 Shallow alarm ................................................................................................. 16
1.3.7 No Echo Alarm ............................................................................................... 16
Chapter2 SDE-28S..................................................................................................................... 17
2.1Specifications and Features........................................................................................ 17
2.2 SDE-28S Package Check List................................................................................... 19
2.3 Installation ................................................................................................................ 20
2.3.1 Mounting of Transducer.................................................................................. 20
2.3.2 Interfaces......................................................................................................... 22
2.4 Main Menu of SDE-28S software............................................................................. 23
2.4.1 Depth data display window and waveform display window........................... 25
2.4.2 Toolbar ............................................................................................................ 27
2.4.3 Status bar......................................................................................................... 29
2.5 Parameters................................................................................................................. 30
2.5.1 Parameters setting ........................................................................................... 30
2.5.2 parameters' setting........................................................................................... 32
2.5.3 Option ............................................................................................................. 36
2.6 Register ...................................................................................................................... 40
2.7 Operations................................................................................................................. 42
2.7.1 Depth data collecting ...................................................................................... 42
2.7.2 Depth Result file ............................................................................................. 44

2.7.3 Replay..............................................................................................................46
2.7.4 The copy&backup of data................................................................................48
2.7.5 Print the data....................................................................................................50
2.8 Survey Mode .............................................................................................................54
2.8.1 Auto survey mode............................................................................................54
2.8.2 Manual survey mode .......................................................................................55
Chapter 3 Connect with GPS......................................................................................................57
3.1 Connect to GPS receiver ............................................................................................57
3.1.1 How to connect to GPS receiver......................................................................57
3.1.2 Note of connection ..........................................................................................58
3.2 Software Setting .........................................................................................................58
3.2.1 Power nav setting ............................................................................................58
Chapter 4 Related operations .....................................................................................................61
4.1 How to change CF card ..............................................................................................61
4.2 Maintenance of SDE-28S system...............................................................................62
4.2.1 Maintenance of the mainframe ........................................................................62
4.2.2 How to carry the transducer.............................................................................62
4.2.3 Maintenance of the junction pole ....................................................................62

Chapter1 Preview
1.1 Introduction
SOUTH SDE-28S echo sounder is a kind of industrial control and digital echo
sounder which is integrated with the 12.1-inch TFT-LCD screenindustrial control
unitecho sounding unitdata processorinternal memory unit and kinds of
interfaces and I/O devices. The special design make it dust-proof, waterproof,
shockproof.

It collets depth measurement, graphical navigation, positioning data,

water depth data acquisition together. All these features make the instrument
strong compatibility, stable performance and reliable accuracy. The machine
comes with a12.1-inch TFT-LCD color touch-screen which support clearly visible
under bright light. It has a built-in operating system embedded WINXPwhich can
connect to external keyboard, mouse and other external USB devices.Dominant
frequency of the CPU is 1.6GHZ with 1G internal memory and built-in 4G
massive electronic storage. SED-28S can connect to GPS from any manufacturers
for positioning, also the users can run different hydrographic surveying softwares
(support embedded WinXP version) on it. It is an ideal instrument for sea, river, or
lake water depth measurement together with the port, waterway dredging project.

1.2 Echo Sounding Principles

1.2.1 Echo Sounding Principles

The principle of echo sounder is to use ultrasound spread through dielectric and
on different media surface produce reflective phenomenon, using ultrasonic
4

transducer (probe) launchs ultrasound, and then measure delta-T between the
emission wave and the reflected wave.
Acoustic propagation velocity in water is V, transducer (probe) transmits
ultrasound, acoustic emission by the probe to the bottom of the sea, reflected back
by the the bottom and received by the transducer, then measure the round trip time
the acoustic experienced by t, then: Z = Vt / 2; At the same time, read the scale on
the junction pole to get the value of the draft(draft is the value between the water
surface and the bottom of the transducer), as Fig.1.

Fig.1 Echo Sounding Principles

The signal frequency of the high-frequency transducer is about 200KHz, that of

the low-frequency transducer is about 20KHz.Low frequency signal has a longer
wavelength, strong diffraction function, so strong penetration capacity, the
general penetrate a certain thickness of silt.

1.2.2 Pulse length

It indicates the transmitted pulse duration with the millisecond unit, and its value
ranges from 0.01 to 1.2. The intensity of the transmitted pulse becomes stronger
along with longer pulse.
If the pulse length is too long, because of the too long duration of the signal, it
may lead to the error because of the overlap of the transmitted pulse and the echo
wave when measure shallow water.
If the pulse length is too short, then the signal duration time is too short, when
measure deepwater or the absorption power of the water is too strongmay appear
no echo because the transducer cant receive strong enough echo signal.
So, we should adjust the pulse length value according to depth real time. The
default value of pulse length is 0.1ms.
If works on the sea, we should increase the pulse length properly, since the higher
salinity water absorbs ultrasound strongly.

1.2.3 Blanking Pulse Length

The experiment proves that the ultrasonic lasts out even if the Pulse Length time is
over, and that is said remaining ultrasonic signal. And this signal will affect the
return signal from the bottom, and the blanking pulse length can clear the
remaining signal to get precise depth. Blanking Pulse Length must be one
millisecond longer than the Pulse Length except extreme case.

1.2.4 Power Adjudt

There are two gearsLow and High. When water is deepthen use Highwhen
water is shallowuse LowIn normal conditionsLow is ok.

1.2.5 Gain
The gain value means the enlargement factor of the return signal. It is useful to
increase the gain when the return signal is feeble, but the noise is enlarged as the
gain is increased. So when set the gain value we must consider the vantage and
disadvantage in order to recognize the effective echo.The Gain should be
increased or decreased until the digitizer finds the correct bottom. The default gain
value is1.

1.2.6 Threshold
The threshold value decides when the timer using for accumulating the echo
continuous time stops work, and to start picking up return signal. When increasing
the threshold value, weak signal may be picked up. If the threshold is too high
may mistake the noise as echoIf the threshold is too lowmay not receive the
echo. The default value is 1.

1.2.7 Depth ranging

During the measurement, different water depth measurements adopt different

frequencies, the depth and frequency is as the following table:
7

Auto Change

Auto Change frequency

15m

14 Hz

30m

14 Hz

60m

7 Hz

120m

2 Hz

240m

2 Hz

300m

2 Hz

From the table, it indicates that to get high sampling rate and resolution of the
echo image, proper depth range should be selected. If the depth range selected is
shallower than the true depth, then the system will change to the proper frequency
automatically, while the bottom profile of the water cant show on the screen
totally, but it doesnt effect the accuracy.

1.3 Related terms

1.3.1 Three type depth data
There are three kinds of depth data: correct depththe depth with tolerance error
incorrect depth.
1.

Correct depth is the depth value measured under normal surveying;

2.

The depth with tolerance error is the depth value measured when the bottom

of the water changes suddenly or there is reasonable change in the water.

3.

Incorrect depth is the fault depth data because of noise or accidental error.

The software will distinguish the above three kinds of data automatically with
8

reliable result.

1.3.2 Data format

SDE-28S echo sounder can output four kinds of depth data format:

Fig.1-1

1SOUTH data format

SOUTH data, if use this format, when set the echo sounder type in Power nav or
other navigation software, SOUTH echo sounder should be selected. This format
only show the correct depth and the acceptable depth error, the incorrect depth not
display.
Description of the format
$GPSSS,005. 34,1463,0. 60,0. 3,0. 5, ,*f<CR><LF>
$GPSSS is data header
005. 34 is depth valuethe unit is meterthe current depth is 5. 34m,
1463 is sound velocitythe unit is meter;
0.60 is the draft valuethe unit is meter;
0. 3 is pulse lengththe unit is ms;
0. 5 is Logging cycle, second
*f=Checksum
The data format output is
9

$GPSSS,005.07,1463,0.60,0.3,0.5, ,*E3
$GPSSS,005.10,1463,0.60,0.3,0.5, ,*DA
$GPSSS,005.07,1463,0.60,0.3,0.5, ,*FB
2SDH-13D format:

Description of the format

DT <CR><LF>
DTB<CR><LF>
DTE<CR><LF>
DT, mark, depth.
DT<M>ddddd
<M>=<SPACE>,or B, or E
ddddd=depth, centimeter

The mark <SPACE> means depth is correct.

The mark B means depth error is tolerance.
The mark E means depth is incorrect.
3DESO 25 format

This format only show the correct depth and the acceptable depth error, the
incorrect depth not display.
If it is high frequency channel
DA. <SPACE>m*<CR><LF>
If it is low frequency channel
DB.<SPACE>m*<CR><LF>
D is identity header;
The mark A means high frequency.
10

The mark B means low frequency.

.is depththe unit is meter;
<space> is one blank space;
M means unit is meter;
4INNERSPACE455 format

This format only show the correct depth and the acceptable depth error, the
incorrect depth not display.
STX<CR>
STX is identity header
is depththe unit is centimeter;

11

Fig.1-2 Set EchoSounder

Run Power nav software, "Setting>Echo sounder":

Echosounderif use Echosounder, must click "Use";
Headdata header begin letters in each row
Tailthe end of each data,always use ASCII13 means Enter
Positionmeans that the depth data is from this position,include the space efore the
short data.
Lengththe numbers of effective digits, counting from the Head.
Error characterwhen this error character appear means there is incorrect data.
Multiplierwhen transform the unit of the depth value to meter,need to shift the
decimal point, such as 0.01 need to shift the decimal point towards the left 2bits.
Error Bitshow the position of the error character;
Codecode is the character to perform AND operation with Error Bit(Generally no
use).
Event characterthe instruction for marking,which is the marking instruction
issued from the computer to the echo sounder,and the default of which is ASCII
formatif click "Hex", then it will issue the marking instruction with Hex. Always,
different echo sounder has different marking instructions.

1.3.3 Draft setting

Clicking the Basic submenu brings up the following dialog:

12

Fig.1-3

Basic settings

When the Junction Pole and Transducer is installed, the transducer draft can be got
form the Junction Pole markers. The Draft is shown in the current units (either
meter or feet).To modify the draft, input the value into the Draft edit frame by
hand and then click Apply button to accept the new draft. Normally, the draft
value is not less than 0.5m.

1.3.4 Sound Velocity

Sound

Sound

Sound

Temperature

velocity

Temperature

velocity

Temperature

velocity

m/s

m/s

m/s

1402.74

18

1476.35

36

1522.06

1407.71

19

1479.55

37

1523.93
13

1412.57

20

1482.66

38

1525.74

1417.32

21

1485.69

39

1527.49

1421.96

22

1488.63

40

1529.18

1426.50

23

1491.50

41

1530.80

1430.92

24

1494.20

42

1532.37

1435.24

25

1497.00

43

1533.88

1439.46

26

1499.64

44

1535.33

1443.58

27

1502.20

45

1536.72

10

1447.59

28

1504.68

46

1538.06

11

1451.51

29

1507.10

47

1539.84

12

1455.34

30

1509.44

48

1540.57

13

1459.07

31

1511.71

49

1541.74

14

1462.70

32

1513.91

50

1542.87

15

1466.25

33

1516.05

16

1469.70

34

1518.12

17

1473.07

35

1520.12

Table1-1 Sound velocity in fresh water

NoteThe table is just for reference when settings depth.

Table1-1 show the sound velocity at different temperature in fresh water.

Sound velocity is a critical parameter when performing surveying work. Normally,
sound velocity is between 1300m/s and 1650m/sthe theoretical value is 1500m/s.
In general, the salinity of the sea is larger than the fresh water.So, the sound
velocity in sea is faster than in fresh water.
14

The table1-1 provides a method for the user to enter a calibrated sound velocity
into the system for calculating an accurate depth measurement.
SDE-28S use Check bar to calculate the current sound velocity, that is to put the
check bar into the water,then use the echo sounder to calculate the sound velocity.
After calculate, then input the calculation value.

Press "Calculate" in Fig.1-4,then Sound velocity calculate dialog will be brought

out:

Fig1-4. Sound velocity calculate

If use check bar, first to select the Than Depth, then input the Measure Depth;
The Measure depth is from the echo sounder ; Than Depth is the depth from the
water surface to the check barthen press "Calculate"then the current sound
velocity is figured out.
If use the temperature and salinity to calculate the sound velocity, then input the
temperature and salinity directly.
15

1.3.5 Max Depth

Max Depth is the reference value for Auto change Depth range.Generally, estimate
the max depth of the current water area, then set the Depth range.

1.3.6 Shallow alarm

When open the shallow alarm function, and set the value, then when the measured
depth value is shallower than this value, the buzzer of echo sounder will alarm.

1.3.7 No Echo Alarm

When the basic settings and advanced setting has error, or if the tilt angle of the
transducer is too large,or measuring depth is over the depth range, lead to no
echo received by the transducer, then the echo sounder will sound an alarm, the
alarm sound 1 second then stops 4 seconds,5 seconds of a cycle and the frequency
is 0.2Hz, then to check the possible reasons above one by one is necessary.
Note: when the boat near the dock or travel in shallow water, take care of the
transducer not to hurt or break something hard or hanging objects, affect the
progress of the project, if necessary, remove the probe in advance.

16

Chapter2 SDE-28S
2.1Specifications and Features

Fig.2-1 SDE-28S

SDE-28S is a kind of industrial control and digital echo sounder which is

integrated with the LCD screenindustrial control unitecho sounding unitdata
processorinternal memory unit and kinds of interfaces and I/O devices.

Fig2-2 TransducerSingle Frequency

17

Fig.2-3 SDE-28S port(Single Frequency)

SDE-28S Specifications
Frequency 200kHz
Beam Angle 7
Output Power500W
Sound Velocity13001700m/sresolution 1m/s
Depth Range0.3m300mrelated to water conditions
Accuracy1cm0.1Dexcept error cause by sound velocity
Draft0m9.9m
Resolution0.01m
Power supply 915V(12V aluminic acid battery)or AC 220V
Mean consumption 25W
Processor dominant frequency1.6GHz
SystemEmbeded WinXP
Internal memory1G
Display12.1-inch color LCD
Inputtouch screenmousekeyboard
I/O interface2 COM ports2 USB portone VGA interface
Built-in memory capacity 4GB
Serial port outputSimulation of a variety of formatsadjustable baud rate
Work environment-3060dustproofwaterproofshakeproof
Weightabout 7.5Kg
18

Replay and print datasynchronous recording depth data and echo graph.

2.2 SDE-28S Package Check List

Part
Number

Item

Model

Quantity

SDE-28S

Mainframe

Instrument Box

Transducer

Transducer Junction Pole

Transducer Kit

2- RS232 data cable

Description

Standard 2m

220V external power supply

7

cable

Power supply adpater

12V external power cable

10

Keyboard

11

Mouse

W2J20

Connect mouse and

Keyboard/Mouse Wiring
12

keyboard
Bulit-in

13

Power nav software

14

CD

18

U Disk

Backup data

NOTECheck list may be changed along with the produce developing and becoming perfect. User can refer to
receiving goods list in the condition of not getting notice of this list changes from manufacturer.

19

 2.3 Installation
2.3.1 Mounting of Transducer

Fig.2-4 Transducer installation

Choose a Location

The location of the transducer is very important for maintaining reliable bottom
tracking performance of the equipment. Avoid installing transducers in locations
where the transducer will be subjected to turbulent water, air bubbles, or vibration.
It is preferable to mount the transducer on the side of the hull where the propeller
blades are normally moving downwards. The upward motion of the propeller can
generate pressure waves, which push air bubbles up against the hull. By mounting
the transducer on the downward side, the hull will tend to protect the transducer
from this effect. The transducer should be mounted on, or adjacent to, the ships
20

centerline. Wherever practical, the transducer face should be parallel to the

waterline. In addition, there should be sufficient room to permit use of the
necessary tools to facilitate the installation-mounting requirements.
Handling Transducers

The transducer is the heart of the SDE-28S Echo Sounder and, in spite of its
appearance and size, is a delicate instrument. Although it is designed to be in
contact with and survive tough marine environments, it should not be dropped or
manhandled during the installation. Caution is advised when handling the
transducer to prevent any damage to the transducer face.The transducer elements
are situated in molded resin or stainless steel housings covered with a urethane
window surface. The urethane window is the surface through which ultrasonic
pulses must travel. This surface must be kept as clean and smooth as possible so
the path of the ultrasonic energy is uninterrupted. The transducer face must not be
painted with lead based bottom paint.Also, when handling the transducer, avoid
lifting or pulling on the transducer cable. Although the cable appears thick and
substantial, the internal cable wiring could be damaged by stress from the sheer
weight of the transducer and cause a malfunction at the most inopportune time.
To fix the transducer, the best location is in the middle of the ship's side, thus
reducing the influence and interference of the traffic surge to the transducer. When
the speed of the surveying boat is fast, then the juction pole connected with the
transducer must be tilted slightly backwards, which is carried out by increasing the
reinforcement of the forward rope and the backward rope, considering the drag
force from the flow and the gesture of the driving boat. Working at sea, to put the
transducer into water a bit deeper is necessary; faster the boat, the deeper the
transducer into water. In general, working at sea, the transducer draft is better
21

between 1.2 and 1.4 meters; in inland river,the transducer draft is more than 0.5
meters (considering the the length of pole and the operational needs). At sea, If
measure under larger surge conditions, transducer draft muse be deepened, to
avoid massive depth errors caused by surges. When mounting the transducer, must
keep the juction pole vertical, reinforce and prevent loosening of the probe.
Connect the transducer, plug in the power (positioning system and peripheral
equipment), you can use 12V DC power supply, or direct into 220V AC, you must
use the corresponding power supply cable.

2.3.2 Interfaces

Ports
VGA

COM2

OM1

USB1

USB2

12V DC

Transoucer

Fig.2-5 Interfaces

Figure 2-5 shows the basic panel connections to the echo sounder unit. There is one
VGA port for external monitor, two COM ports, two USB ports and one port for
12DC power or 220V AC power. The transder port is to connect the SDE-28S with
the transducer.The user should make sure that, after wiring is complete, each plug
is firmly attached to main housing unit.

Fig.2-6 Keyboard&mouse wiring

22

Fig.2-7interface of keyboard and mouse

Fig.2-8 12V external power cable

Fig.2-9 SDE-28S power adapter

2.4 Main Menu of SDE-28S software

After mount the related devices well, then power on SDE-28S, wait for the system
starts to enter into the Embede WINDOWS XP user interface, then double click

icon

to

enter depth measurement main menu.

23

Fig.2-10 High frequency main interface

The left window is the depth data record display window, and the small window
on the right shows the launched pulse, echo pulse waveform and signal amplitude;
Between two windows, there is a ruler, the scale of which can be zoomed in and
out. Scale calibration can select the denser, sparser or default.

24

2.4.1 Depth data display window and waveform display window

Fig.2-11 depth image

1graph file
The red line is water linedraft line is the green line.
Vertically from left to right, the software displayed the time of the mark line and
25

the lable on each mark line, the mark mode can be Auto mode which is controlled
by GPS software to send control commands automatically, or by manual mode.
There are three operations the user can adjust the ruler
1.When change the depth range, the ruler will change the screen display of water
depth;

2. Use Denser or Sparser

to change the resolution of the ruler

in order to get depth data more accurately

3. Use Deepor Shallow

to shift the ruler up and down.

NOTENo matter how the ruler scale changes in the measurement process, the

user can use

to back to the original state.

2Waveform

Fig.2-12 Wave(Has been Rotated 90anticlockwise)

After power on the echo sounder, no matter start recording or replaying data, there
is waveform in the right window.

26

2.4.2 Toolbar

Fig.2-13 Shortcut

Clicking the New button can bring up a System Save Dialog. Select the

directory path, and then input file name to create a new file for saving acoustic
graph data.

2.

Clicking the Open button can open an exist graph data file, so that to

replaycheck or add record.

Note If measure the depth after open an exist depth data filethen the data will
be recorded followed the end of the exist data.

The Mark button is used to mark the user Graph file with an event mark.

This mark is also generated on the printer output. The event is tagged with current
depth, time and geographic position (if available). After Mark button is clicked,
a line, annotated with text data is place vertically on the screen.

Before printing out, viewing the graph may be necessary. And click this

button to get once-over.

When having loaded an exist Graph Data file, this button is used to
27

replay the moving representation of the bottom for viewing and searching, which
contains digitized depth values , navigation information, and event marks.

After input correct basic information about the survey, such as draft and

sound velocity, this button can help new user to finish advanced settings about the
equipment automatically and drives the echo sounder to work. Under this mode,
only the pulse length and gain can be adjusted on the status bar below.

7.

This button is used to log depth according to users settings including

basic settings and advanced settings. The difference between Auto and
Manual is only on advanced settings.
In Manual mode, advanced parameters need to be set by user.

After choosing Auto or Manual, click this button to start recording the

graph data. When the button is clicked, a System Save Dialog may be brought
up.Then the advice is to choose D disk to save the data file,and the default file
name is the current date.
9

Clicking the Print button can bring up a Set Printer dialog.

10

This button is used for checking the current software version and

hardware version to decide whether needing to update it.

28

11

This button is used to stop the echo sounder working and exit this

software. Before exiting the software in any condition, the graph data has been
saved into storage automatically, so user doesnt worry about the loss.

12

When the depth is out of the Range, the graph may not be displayed

in the view window, and user can click the Deep button to extend the depth Range.

13

This button is used to shrink the Depth Range.

14

This button is used to move the record screen up.

15

This button is used to move the record screen down.

16

This button is used to make the Range Markers denser(increase the

scale resolution).

17

This button is used to make the Range Markers sparser.

18

This button is used to get default values.

2.4.3 Status bar

29

Fig.2-14 Status

IDID is serial number of SDE-28S.

Left timeLeft time show the rest time the echo sounder can work continuously,
which is related to the register code.
Voltage(V) it shows the voltage status of the current power supply, which update
once per 5 seconds.
Left DCshow the status of the power supply by percent.
Numdigitsroll show the status of Num Lock Caps Lock Scroll Lock.

2.5 Parameters
2.5.1 Parameters setting

Fig.2-15 Settings

clickSetting->Bbasicenter into the dialog below

30

Fig.2-16Basic settings

The following parameters can be set heredraft valuesound velocity and so

on.Default is to use the default value of parameters, OK is to confirm the settings,
cancel is to cancel the parameter settings,Apply is to use the current parameters.
1Draftthe draft value is the measurement value from the water surface to
the bottom of the transducerbefore set this value, please get this value by
measurement.
2Sound velocityIn different seasons and different waters (including
different temperature) will have a different velocity, the velocity of fresh water and
sea water are different, so requests to check the echo sounder before each
measurement . There are various ways for this check, but the common is two ways:
one is Check bar which will be introduced in followed sections. The other way is
to measure the sound velocity by sound velocimeter on the spot sound
velocimeter not only measure the sound velocity but also the water depth, then
together with the water temperature and depth the user can get the sound velocity
after calculationthen input this sound velocity into the software.
31

3Max Depthit is a reference value for auto change function, always this
value needn't to set.
4shallow alarm tip this function and input the value, when the depth is lower
than this value, SDE-28S will alarm.
5No Echo Alarmafter open this function, if there is no echo received by the
transducer, SDE-28S will alarm.

2.5.2 parameters' setting

Fig.2-17 Settings

When you choose manual mode in main menu, then you can enter into Advanced
to adjust the parameters in Fig.2-18,:

32

Fig.2-18 Manually adjust parameters

The basic settings include transmitted intensitySensitivity and filtting setting.

1Transmitted intensity include the adjust of pulse lengthblanking pulse and
power.
Pulse length --- pulse length indicates the transmitted pulse duration with the
millisecond unit, and its value ranges from 0.01 to 1.2. The intensity of the
transmitted pulse becomes stronger along with longer pulse. The figure width of
the transmitted / received pulse means the pulse intensity, and the figure length of
the transmitted / received pulse means the pulse length.
If the pulse length is too long, because of the too long duration of the signal, it
may lead to the error because of the overlap of the transmitted pulse and the echo
33

wave when measure shallow water.

If the pulse length is too short, then the signal duration time is too short, when
measure deepwater or the absorption power of the water is too strongmay appear
no echo because the transducer cant receive strong enough echo signal.So, we
should adjust the pulse length value according to depth real time. The default value
of pulse length is 0.1ms.If works on the sea, we should increase the pulse length
properly, since the higher salinity water absorbs ultrasound strongly.
Blanking pulse --The experiment proves that the ultrasonic lasts out even if the
Pulse Length time is over, and that is said remaining ultrasonic signal. And this
signal will affect the return signal from the bottom, and the blanking pulse length
can clear the remaining signal to get precise depth. Blanking Pulse Length must be
one millisecond longer than the Pulse Length except extreme case.

Power- It indicates the amplitude of the ultrasonic with two grades that are low
and high. Low power usually is used for shallow water, and high power is used for
deep water.
2Sensitivity contains Gain and threshold.
Gain- The gain value means the enlargement factor of the return signal. It is useful
to increase the gain when the return signal is feeble, but the noise is enlarged as
the gain is increased. So the gain must is set considering the vantage and
disadvantage. The Gain should be increased or decreased until the digitizer finds
the correct bottom.
Threshold- The threshold value decides when the timer using for accumulating
the echo continuous time stops work, and to start picking up return signal. When
34

increasing the threshold value, feebler signal may be picked up, but the signal is
more possible unwanted.
Here is some empirical value for reference:
Filter
transmitted intensity

Sensitivity
setting

Depth range
Pulse

blanking

Powe

Gate
Gain

threshold

length

pulse

120m

0.2ms

1.4ms

Low

10%

20-50m

0.3ms

1.6ms

Low

10%

50-100m

0.5ms

1.6ms

High

10%

100-300m

0.6ms

1.8ms

High

10%

depth

In manual survey mode,all the above parameters can be adjusted by hand.

Auto survey mode can work in any water with good conditions, when the water is
too muddy(such as near dredging boat) , this mode also has good ability of
anti-interference. Sometimes, even with auto mode, the user still can adjust the
Pulse length and Gain in the status bar as the figure below show.

Pulse lengthadjust the emitted energy intensity

Gainadjust the echo intensity

When the Echo is thin or weakerthe user need to increase the gain, also whenthe
water depth is deeperthe user should increase the pulse width. In a word adjust
the parameters according to actual situation. The purpose of the adjustment is to
get clear and visible echo, at the same time, the drawing record is clean and clear.

35

Fig.2-19 The standard figure in normal surveying

2.5.3 Option

Fig.2-2 Option

Click Setting/option, enter into the option dialog(Fig.2-25) to set the signal color,
communication port, output depth, tide gauge and heave sensor setting.

36

Fig.2-25 grey display

Fig.2-26 Colorful display

Signal color there are two choices:Color/Grey.

If change colors, the user can enter into the color setting dialog by double click

Fig.2-27 Color

The baud rate of depth data output port is 9600.

Output Depth

37

(1) Port Settings

Two ports are available on the side of the SDE-28S Echo Sounder for utilizing a
variety of input/output choices. The ports are labeled COM 1 and COM 2. And
there are virtual ports COM10 and COM20 within the system. Each status of
the Port Setting is described below.

Table 2-1 Port Setting Status

Status

Description

Closed

Set virtual port COM10 as depth output port

COM1

Set port COM1 as depth output port

COM2

Set port COM2 as depth output port

If wanting to modify the port, click the Port Setting and the Figure2-28 dialog is
brought up.

38

Fig.2-28 Port Setting

Refer to Table 2-1and select a right port from the Port list. Set the baud rate to
4800, 9600 or else depending on the baud rate of the output data. All serial input
strings must conform to NMEA 0183 Standards for transmission protocol: Data
Bits- 8, Parity- None, and Stop Bits-1.Click Modify button to apply the settings.

Depth data format setting

Fig.2-29 Data format

39

Tide Gauge port setting:

Connect with radio tide gauge to monitor tide real time for customer.
Heave Sensor port setting:
Connect with Heave Sensor device to correct heave real time for customer.
Depth font
Depth font is the depth value showed in depth window when measuring.Show as
2-31

Fig.2-31Depth font

2.6 Register
Help->Register:

40

Fig.2-33 Register interface

Or pressKeyboardicon in Fig.2-23then appear a virtual keyboard as bellow.

Fig.2-34 Virtual keyboard

41

 2.7 Operations
2.7.1 Depth data collecting

Firstly, run SDE-28S software on the desktop. And tap

or

you

will see wave data in the right of window.

There are two kinds waveforms, one is launch waves, the other is receiving
waves.you can change the parameters to adjust the showing waves window.
If you want to record the data, you can new a file. In menu File, you can see NEW,
tap it, then give a name of the file. Then tap OK. Data will be recorded
automatically when waves is showing.
If you want to add the data to an exist file, please go to FILEOPEN, to open an

exist file, then tap

, the new data will be recorded following exist ones.

If SDE-28S is as replay mode, you want to record the data, you need tap
to end replay, then tap start and set the parameters, then start to record.

Fig.2-35 Normal (Has been rotated 90)

All depth graphics files are showing from left to right when record data.

42

If you want to stop recording, you can tap

again or exit the software.

Fig.2-36 Graph file

There are three mode to product mark line, they are manul, auto and timer, and
you can find them from OPTION window.

Fig.2-37 Mark basis

Manualuser can tap

button on the toolbarsoftware will draw up the

mark line now.

43

AutoWhen user connect SDE-28S to Power nav, the Power nav software will
send the signals of marking to SDE-28S.
Timermeans you select the mode as timer. and then set the clock in the number
of seconds, at this time, the software will start from the beginning of time,
according to the set time interval of automatic marking.

Fig.2-38 Mark line(has been rotated 90clockwise)

the parameters on the mark line ,which are point name, time, low frequency mark,
low frequency depth, high frequency mark and high frequency depth, the X, Y, the
depth of the water. if no value, please use space to replace it.
Note: if user go to one water area at the first time, in order to get a best showing
and result, you can record a little time data, then adjust the parameters setting from
the waveforms.

2.7.2 Depth Result file

There are three format files of depth result: date.pll, date.txt, date.cab. and date.cab
is composed of compressive file by date.pll and date.txt.

44

Fig.2-39 Cabinet or not

You can select cabinet in the menu when recording depth data.
If you do not select cabinet the data, the cross-section diagram of depth will be

saved as date.pll file. For example

080128_1516 means15:16 on

Juanary 28, 2008.in order to check the parameters of surveying, all parameters
files are saved as date.txt format after it is changed, and the date.txt is the same
name of date.pll, just extension name is different.

If you select packed record

menu: Due to the large graphics files, in order to reduce data of disk space, when
finish the surveying, it will put graphics files and parameter configuration files

compressed into date. Cab automatically. For example,

. This file can

be used directly to open by SDE-28S software or use WinRAR decompression. the

file after be compressed will save a few times space. For example,
080128_1516.pll and 080128_1516.pl1.txt used 13M space, but after compressed,
the file 080128.cab only occupied 620KB. It is about 1/20 of no compressed.

45

2.7.3 Replay
Reply:Click open key,then it will show selecting file dialog box,find the data
file(external name is .PL1),click open,then it will enter the reply mode
automatically,there are 3 selections for replyspeed ,they are normal.

Fig.2-40 choose the file to replay

If double click the *.pl1file after press

key by hand, the reply

process will start automatically,so that it can enter reply modeif press

the data file will cycle replaying.

If you want to reply some specific data,the

can do it.
46

Operates as follows:
Select the specific data,press Jump

Jump

Fig.2-41Replayingpress jump

Pop up the index dialog box,select the mark which needs toreplay, the user also
can find the start time through checking time,clickok,then it will start to replay.
The index dialog box:

47

Time for Mark line

Time for Ruler line

Choose the items to display

Fig.2-42

The function of restore key:

The the restore key

is to help observe the detailed of the echo reply.

Fig.2-43 toolbar for ruler control

2.7.4 The copy&backup of data

Copy of datathere is 2 USB com ports,can connect different USB storeage
disk,once the USB com port is inserted,XP system will install automatically,then
48

the disk symbol will be shown,it is convenient for users to copy and exchange the
data.
The backup of data can reserve the field data,the data can be print and browse,it is
easy to operate,insert the U disk in the back of echosouder,then copy the file in
My computeror Explorer,the suffix of the oringinal data is pl1
NoteIf use the GPS in depth measurementit still needs to copy the GPS
assignment and positioning data.

Fig 2-44 data file

Fig.2-45 Replay the graph data

49

2.7.5 Print the data

Data printingAfter replythe data,if it needs to be printed,,press

to print.

NoteThis function can be used in other computers,when it needs to print,copy

the software and data to the other computer,then print out.
Before printing,preview it,and it needs to do page setup and print preview.
The main function of page setup is setting the page direction and the page
margin,the important parmeter is the amplifcation factor of horizontal axis,when
the amplifcation factor of horizontal axis is 10,the data of echo in printing will be
drew out to 1 MM.

Fig.2-46 Page SetupMargin

50

The first page of page setup is page margin set up,mainly for setting the space of
image,the keep out edge distance can be set as 0,but the printer should support 0
edge distance.
Set the direction of paper:Generally, it is laterally print,if specifically needs,it
applys length wise direction printing.
Paper size is what the present printer reads out.

Fig.2-47 Page Setup

Alter here,then confirm,the paper size will be altered to new paper size.

51

Fig.2-48 Format setting

file-print preview,it can preview the image,so that to confirm the pages.

52

Fig.2-49 Preview

If preview is OK,then it can do printing,file-print,it will go to the printing

dialog box,select the printer and the page scope,then press confirm to print.

53

Fig.2-50 Print dialog

2.8 Survey Mode

2.8.1 Auto survey mode
This section gives an example to introduce the normal operation steps----Auto
mode:

1.

Connect the transducer to SDE-28S by the port

. Connect the

power cable and keyboard/mouse wiring. Connect the GPS data cable to the
COM connector and connect the Hardlock Key of Power nav to USB
54

connector.
2.

Power on;

3.

Run the echo sounder software through clicking the icon which is named

SDE-28S on the desktop.

4.

Click Auto button and then click Record button, and then select the

directory path and input the file name for saving the graph data.
5.

Click the menu Settings->Basic to bring up the Basic Setting dialog, and

input current draft and sound velocity.

6.

Click the menu Settings->Option to bring up the Option dialog. And the

Mark Basic is selected to be Automatic and the Ruler Increment is selected to

be one of the options by user.
7.

Minimize the echo sounder software, and run Power nav navigation

software and create a new project referring to Power nav manual.

8.

Connect echo sounder with Power nav.

2.8.2 Manual survey mode

In most situations the user need not adjust the acoustic settings of the echo sounder
(Transmitted Pulse Length, Blanking Pulse Length, Threshold, Gain and
Depth Gate). Each parameter is fine-tuned to provide optimal performance in
AUTO modes. Manual settings are provided, however, for extreme cases in
shallow water (less than 1 meter) operation, where it may be necessary to adjust a
setting to obtain the correct digitized depth. Normally, the user can rely on the
acoustic graph for estimating the true bottom when the digitized value may be
questionable.

55

User can minimize the Transmitted Pulse Length, Blanking Pulse Length,
Threshold, Gain and Power to obtain optimum performance in shallow water
conditions.
This section gives an example to introduce the operation steps.

1.

Connect the transducer cable to the port

. Connect the power

cable and keyboard/mouse wiring. Connect the GPS data cable to the COM
connector and connect the Hardlock Key of Power nav to USB connector.
2.

Power on

3.

Run the echo sounder software through clicking the icon which is named

SDE-28S on the desktop.

4.

Click Manual button and then click Record button, and then select the

directory path and input the file name for saving the graph data.
5.

Click the menu Settings->Basic to bring up the Basic Setting dialog , and

input current draft and calculate the sound velocityrefer to previous sections.
Click the menu Settings->Advanced to bring up the parameter settings dialog
and then adjust the parameters as the introduction above.
6.

Click the menu Settings->Option to bring up the Option dialog . And the

Mark Basic is selected to be Automatic and the Ruler Increment is selected to

be one of the options by user.
7.

Minimize the echo sounder software, and run Power nav navigation

software and create a new project referring to Power nav manual.

8.

Connect echo sounder with Power nav referring to the previous chapter.

56

Chapter 3 Connect with GPS

3.1 Connect to GPS receiver
SOUTH SDE-28S echo sounder, not only can be used as a set of echo sounder and
output data using depth, but also can be loaded in Power nav software, then
connect to GPS receiver,

and collecting position data and depth data. Meanwhile,

the echo sounder can be used as a computer.

3.1.1 How to connect to GPS receiver

Fig.3-1Connection with GPS

Here we use beacon receiver as an example. You can find the COM port on the
right side of SDE-28S. then use the COM port cable connect beacon receiver to
SDE-28S. then set the receiver type and COM port number in the software, then you
will get the position data and depth data.

57

3.1.2 Note of connection

Port configuration:

There are two COM ports on the right side of SDE-28S. SDE-28S normally used one
COM port to output depth date, the other port is for backup.
If you want SDE-28S to use with other software,

you can use a cable with COM

port to connect SDE-28S to other computer to transfer the depth date.

3.2 Software Setting

3.2.1 Power nav setting
Firstly, run the Power nav program in the echosounder, then you can select
echosounder

model

from

menu,

you

can

press

Settings->device

setting->echosounder to enter echosounder setting interface.

Different echosounder models have different data format, if the user doesnt find the
their own model, they can define their own format by inputting the following
information,
Headits the beginning label of one data record.
Tail its the ending label of one data record.
Position its the position of the first effective data
Lengththe length of depth value.
Multipliera scale factor for depth, 100 means multiplying 1/100
Error markerror bit is the position of error information, usually,error char is E, but
some echosounder also can use other char.
58

Figure 3-10 paramters setting

After you make these setting, you can press add button to the model list.
For SOUTH user, you can select SOUTH echosounder model in the list directly.

Figure 3-11 select SOUTH echosounder model from the list

Select SOUTH ltd echosounder from echosounder model list,remember to select

the Use option,then tap port setting page, the setting is as following figure,

59

Figure 3-12 echosounder port setting

Figure3-13 data format setting

Figure 3-14 Postion information and depth

After the GPS and echosounder are connected successfully, the position
information and depth will show on the left panel of screen.
60

Chapter 4 Related operations

4.1 How to change CF card

This operation must be done when echo sounder shutdown!
and only when the system is collapsed of no reason, in order to solve the problem,
you can do CF card replacement. And you should ask the dealer whom you bought
from for the new CF card.
How to change CF card?
Please tear down the screw of CF cap, then press the CF card, it will pop up
automatically from the solt. Please pick up the damaged CF card and put the new
card in the solf. Please be careful of your strength when you press it in. and pay
attention on the direction of CF card. After set it in, please remember to tighten the
screws of the CF cap.
Note: CF card need not be replaced, unless meet no reason problem. To lest water
leakage, and introduced circuit board short-circuiting while burned-out
motherboard, CF card lid is forbidden to tear down.
replacement, please delete all COM port

After the successful

in the control panel applet > > > -- - the

system hardware device manager - > port , and restart the system. After the restart
the system, the system will automatically assigned COM port. Then please update
the firmware and control software to make PC and microcontroller program
matched.
61

4.2 Maintenance of SDE-28S system

4.2.1 Maintenance of the mainframe
NOTETake the instrument from the box carefullytake care not break the LCD
screenwhen put the echo sounder into the box, put the SDE-28S mainframe
separately in one box, not together with mouse and keyboard in case break the
LCD screen during transportation.

4.2.2 How to carry the transducer

Fig.4-1 Correct

Fig.4-2 wrong

4.2.3 Maintenance of the junction pole

The pole of transducer, standard configuration is with 3 parts, total 2 meters long,
one head of a spiral holes is for the connection of the transducer, the minimum
scale above the pole is 0.1 meters (echo soundert has considered the depth of
transducer after connection).
When setting the echo sounder, firstly need connect three parts pole, then put the
62

cable pass through pole from the spiral hole, then be out on the other side of the
pole, and then please make the hole of transduce be position at the hole of the pole
and use the screw to fix on the pole. There is a screw cap on the other side of the
pole, please be out the cable sideward of the cap to avoid cable weared. Upper lid
can be placed GPS antenna. (GPS antennas can offset elsewhere). The peared side
of transducer , you can put it towards to the head or Stern of the ship when it is in
the water.
When finish the project, please remove the GPS antenna firstly, then take down the
lid,then lift up the pole, raise the transducer and pour out the water in the pole
from another side, then tear down other parts.

Fig.4-3Junction pole

The junction pole is consisted of three partsthe total length is 2m.

63