M3 Receiver

Installation Manual
PRELIMINARY REVISION!

1
About this manual

The purpose of this manual is to provide the information and basic drawings required
for the installation of the M3 receiver system. We recommend having qualified technical
personnel to perform the installation.

THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL MUST BE FOLLOWED AND

FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RENDER THE GUARANTEE VOID.

2
Contents
About this manual.................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking the equipment ...................................................................................................... 5
What is in the box: ............................................................................................................. 5
Box1 – the receiver ............................................................................................................ 5
Box2- the MacMini ............................................................................................................. 5
System overview ................................................................................................................... 6
System units.......................................................................................................................... 7
M3 receiver ........................................................................................................................ 7
MacMini processor ............................................................................................................. 7
Hydrophones ..................................................................................................................... 7
Chargers ............................................................................................................................ 8
Sensors ............................................................................................................................. 8
Accessories ....................................................................................................................... 8
System Installation ................................................................................................................ 9
MacMini computer ............................................................................................................11
Verifying the installation ....................................................................................................12
M3 „Expert mode“ for receiver setup: ............................................................................13
The M3 receiver setup ..........................................................................................................14
Checking the ethernet link .............................................................................................14
Hydrophone setup ............................................................................................................14
Hydrophone types .........................................................................................................16
Hydrophone status screen .............................................................................................17
Sensor setup.....................................................................................................................18
The Trawl Gear Type ....................................................................................................18
Adding a new sensor .....................................................................................................18

3
Introduction

Marport M3 is designed as a highly sophisticated multi-function acoustic receiver. It

uses leading edge digital signal processing that we have combined with the smartest
software available to make possible multi-channel operation without any compromise
between transmission range and signal detection.

The M3 was conceived to meet the needs of smaller vessels, acommodating a series of full-
function channels to allow simultaneous use of standard sensors, net sounders – including
narrow band – and high resolution net sounders, all of wich can be configured to suit the
most advanced net monitoring system

4
Unpacking the equipment

M3 receiver is the smaller receiver of Marport two types of receivers, but has many of
the same features as its companion, the M4. It is equipped with 3 channel receiver that can
listen to 3 hydrophones simultaneously and uses the information received from the one with
the best quality at any given time. This eliminites the need for a „hydrophone Selection
Switch“ as often being used in older types of receivers. M3 is matched with Apple MacMini
computer for signal processering as well as running the user interface. Several items are
included in the box to be used for the installation of the system.

What is in the box:

Box1 – the receiver

1. M3 receiver unit
2. 2 x MX Hydrophone Junction Boxes
3. 1 connector kit (Ethernet connector)
4. 1 M3 hardware kit (mounting screws and earth strap)
5. Ethernet cable

Box2- the MacMini

1. MacMini Computer
2. Power cords
3. Mini Display Port to HDMI/VGA/DVI Adapter
4. USB Ethernet Adapter
5. Ethernet cable for PoE adapter
6. MacMini mount
7. Hardware kit (mounting screws for MacMini mount)

5
System overview

6
System units

M3 receiver
The M3 receiver is a 3 channel receiver that is listening to all connected hydrophones
simultaneously, eliminating the need for a hydrophone switch in multi-hydrophone
installations. The user does not have to think about what hydrophone is giving the best
reception at any given time, the M3 does that automatically. The optimum location of the M3
receiver is as close to the hydrophones as possible, but still in a dry and accesssable area.
The M3 is powered over the ethernet from the PoE adapter that comes with the MacMini
computer, so the only connection for the M3 are the hydrophones, the grounding cable and
the ethernet cable to the bridge unit. The receiver is delivered with two „Hydrophone
Junction Boxes“ where the hydrophones are connected. The junction boxes come with a
1,5 m connection cable that fits the M3 hydrophone connectors. Hydrophone connections
are shown in the diagrams later in the manual, but M3 can be used with many types of
hydrophones as well as Marport hydrophones.

MacMini processor
The MacMini is handling the receiver processing as well as running the user interface
„Scala“. The MacMini is delivered with a mounting bracket that includes the Power Over
Ethernet (PoE) adapter. Ethernet adapter and display adapter are included with the
MacMini. The „Scala“ software dongle has to be in one of the USB ports for the „Scala“
software to run.

Hydrophones
Two types of hydrophones are available from Marport , „active“ and „passive“.

NC-1-04 - „Active“ hydrophone

The term „Active“ is referring to the built in preamplifier that is powered from the receiver.
This type of hydrophone is connected directly to the Junction box or to the receiver input.
The hydrophone has a temp sensor that can be connected to the M3 on connectors 1 and 2
to get surface temperature displayed on the Scala monitor.

NC-1-05 - „Passive“ hydrophone

The passive hydrophone does not have a built in preamplifier and can be used for „pinging“
or communicating with sensors , as well as receiving signal from sensors by using a external
preamplifirer. This hydrophone also has a built in temp sensor that can be connected to get
the surface temperatur data.

We recommend installing at least two hydrophones, one at each side of the vessel to ensure
uninterrupted reception.

Both type of hydrophones are designed with dimensions to make them direct replacement for
standard industry units, and can be hull-mounted as well as towed on paravane. Refer to
„Hydrophone installation manual“ for correct mounting of hydrophones.

7
Chargers
Marport has two types of chargers, „Marport Basic Charger“ that is a compact charger for
one sensor, and „Medusa Multi Charger“ that has 4 heavy-duty charger plugs and can
charge 4 sensors simultaneously.

Refer to „Charger Installation Manual“ for correct mounting of the Medusa Charger.

Sensors
M3 can receive all types of sensors, with up to 12 sensor channels, and 1 NBTE sensor and
is adaptable to new products as they arrive.

Accessories
Monitors
The user can have one or two monitors and choose the size according to their space
and needs. The MacMini is delivered with a adapter that can interface with most
types of monitors, VGA, DVI and HDMI, and there is also a onboard HDMI connector
on the MacMini. If more than one VGA or DVI output is needed, additional adapter is
needed.

UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply

Marport recommends using UPS for powering the MacMini and the PoE, to prevent
any problems that can occur if the mains power fails.

Trackball (Mouse)
The MacMini is delivered with a wireless trackball, but the usable range of it depends
on the MacMini location. USB extension may be needed to move the wireless
trackball transmitter closer to the user.

8
System Installation

The basic installation involves the following tasks.

1. Confirm that you have all items needed for the installation, equipment, accessories,
cables, mounting brackets etc.
2. Install the hydrophone and its cable, or locate the cables for the previously installed
hydrophones. Follow the procedure for the installed hydrophone to confirm that it is
in working order. Route the cables to where the hydrophone connection boxes and
the M3 is mounted
3. Mount the M3 receiver in a dry and clean area as close to the hydrophones as
possible, mount the hydrophone connection boxes within the reach of the cables on
the connection boxes.
4. Connect the hydrophones according to the diagram
5. Install the Cat6 ethernet cable from the M3 receiver to the MacMini computer.
6. Mount the MacMini mounting bracket in a dustfree dry area in the wheelhouse
7. Install if it is not present a 700 VA UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
8. Install the monitor(s)
9. Install the MacMini to the mounting bracket
10. Connect all cables
a. AC power cable to the MacMini to the UPS
b. AC power cable to the MacMini mounting bracket (for the PoE) to the UPS
c. AC power cables to the monitors (preferably to the UPS)
d. Ethernet cable from MacMini to the PoE (onboard ethernet port)
e. Ethernet cable to ships Internet router (usb ethernet adapter)
f. Connect the USB-Serial adapter to ships GPS or other NMEA devices if
needed.
g. Connect the Trackball transmitter to USB port
h. Connect the Marport „Scala“ software dongle to a USB port
11. Mount the sensor charger(s) where you have good access to sensor and sensors can
be charged. Prepare some mountings for the sensors where they can be stored with
charging connectors facing up. Follow the charger installation manual for proper
mounting.
12. If the vessel is in the water, it is a good practice to secure some sensors with a rope
and put them in the water to test the functionalitiy of the system.

9
10
MacMini computer
The MacMini is usually delivered ready for use to customers, so no programming is needed
during the installation, as long as all information concerning the installation is available at the
time of delivery, such as, hydrophone type, sensors already onboard that will be used,
amount of monitors etc. Refer to the software setup section of this manual for programming
of sensors etc.if needed.

Install the MacMini away from extreme heat and limited ventilation, to prevent overheating of
the computer.

The MacMini is delivered with all adapters and cables, needed for the installion, except for
the ethernet cable to the M3 receiver. This cable must be of good quality and must be
installed away from high-power supplies and cables, transmitting antenna cables or other
possible source of interference. This cable is a „straight Through“ so wiring is the same at
both ends. The M3 is powered over the ethernet (PoE) and the pins used for the DC power
are the ones not used for communication between the MacMini and the M3

Cables to the MacMini should be routed through the cable fastener on the mounting bracket,
to secure the connectors. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter is located in the bracket
below the computer.

11
 Cables are secured under the cable fastener

MacMini connectors

Verifying the installation

In the „Scala“ software, it is possible to access the setup of the M3 receiver, where the
installation can be verified, by checking if there is a communication between the M3 and
MacMini and if the current being drawn by the hydrophone amplifiers are within rated value.

12
M3 „Expert mode“ for receiver setup:
To be able to modify the setup of the receiver, check the receiver status etc, the „expert
mode“ has to be enabled. This mode is locked by password, to prevent accidental changes
being made on the setup, causing the system to be non-operational.

To access the setup mode, first click on the „tooth wheel“ in the top right corner of the Scala
interface. One of the items there, is „Expert Mode“. Select it and you will be requested to
enter the „expert mode“ password „copernic“

13
The M3 receiver setup

To access the M3 receiver setup, select „Receiver“ that appears on the top right corner.

Checking the ethernet link

After entering the setup-menu the user interface for M3 appears.

Here it is possible to verify that the connection between the M3 and MacMini, where green
„check mark“ indicate good connection

Hydrophone setup

14
To add a new hydrophone to the system, click on one of the 3 hydrophone ports that are
labeled „Click to add

15
The hydrophone selection page opens up, where the installed hydrophone is selected.

Hydrophone types

„Active“
Marport has two types of hydrophones , the „active“ and the „passive“. The older versions of
them are the NC-1-02 and NC-1-03, but latest versions are NC-1-04 and NC-1-05. Both
type names are listed. All „active“ hydrophones, have a built-in preamplifier that draws
certain amount of current, and the current level is used as an indicator if the hydrophone is in
good working condition or not. Therefore the correct type has to be selected, since they do
not all draw the same current. When selecting the correct hydrophone, the nominal
hydrophone current can be seen on the selection page.

„Passive“
Passive hydrophones do not draw any current, but they are often connected through an
external preamplier that is powered from the receiver. In that case, the user has to select an
„active“ hydrophone to supply the voltage to the preamplifier. It is also possible to use
external power supply to feed the preamplifier, and then the user has to select „passive“
hydrophone type to switch off the voltage on the hydrophone connector.

Third-party hydrophones
The M3 can be used with many third-party hydrophones, such as Furuno, Scanmar and
Simrad. Some are active and some are passive.

Finish the selection by pressing the „Ok“ button.

If the hydrophone has to be removed from the selected connector, select the hydrophone
and then press „Use none“ to remove the selection.

16
Hydrophone status screen
After the hydrophones have been selected, the operating status of them has to be selected

To be able to know where each hydrophone is located on the vessel, three positions are
available for each side, „front“, „keel“ and „back“. This selection has no function other than
giving information about the hydrophone location

The M3 is ready for future applications like sensor positioning, where both transmission and
reception is used. For normal sensor reception, select the operating status as „Receive“.

If the hydrophone current is outside the normal values, it will be indicated with a red X-mark.
If an active hydrophone shows 0.0mA current, it is either faulty, or something is wrong with
the wiring to the hydrophone.

If passive hydrophone have been selected, the current will be shown 0.0mA, but no green or
red marks will be displayed

17
Sensor setup
When a M3 system is delivered as a full system with sensors, the sensor setup has already
been done. But sometimes you want to add sensors to the already selected sensors, or
change some parameters on the ones that have been selected.

The sensor setup is done through the „Expert mode“ as the hydrophone setup.

The Trawl Gear Type

When the sensor setup is done the first time, the trawl gear type has to be selected.

Adding a new sensor

When selecting „Sensors“, the sensor selection page appears,

To add a new sensor, the following parameters has to be selected

18
Product Catagory

This parameter selects the main

function of the sensor you want to
add. This sensor can have other
options or functions that are
selected in the next step

Product Name

Product name includes all

additional options that are available
for the selected Product Catagory

Trawl Gear Location

The receiver and the Scala user

interface, use trawl location of
sensors for identification. The
trawl locations are referred to as
„nodes“ and are numerical values
that are marked on the selected
Trawl Gear. The only fixed location
are the door sensors nodes, but
any sensor can be added to any
other node. The list only includes
free nodes that have no sensor
assigned to them.
Select „Add Sensor“ to finish

19
Sensor boat-code/channel and Telegram

After all three basic parameters have been selected, the „transmisson frequency“ (boat-code)
and „Telegram“ of the sensor has to be selected.

The telegram has to match the setting in the sensor in order to get correct information from
the sensor displayed. To prevent any interference between sensor channels, the M3 does
not accept any frequencies that are closer then 100 HZ to the next selected channel. The
frequencies can be manually entered to any value, but usually the sensors are programmed
according to „boat-codes“ and „channels“ that are already known on the market. Those
channels are originally designed for receivers with limited receiving cababilities and the idea
was that vessels fishing on the same area, could be on different „boat-codes“ to mimimize
the risk of interference between them. M3 can receive up to 12 sensor channels and 1
Trawl Explorer channel and can use all frequencies on the boat-code/channel spectrum.
The sheet on the next page, can be used to organize the frequency setup and it is a good
practice to keep record of the setup for future reference. This setup is an example of a
setup on a stern trawler with one trawl.

As with all receive setup, the selecton is confirmed by pressing „Apply“

20
Excample of frequency setup of sensors

21