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This procedure describes the procedure for changing your Mini-Ranger 2 IP address.

The recommended steps are:

  1. Change the HPT IP address
  2. Change the ESH IP address
  3. Change the PC IP address
  4. Change the Mini-Ranger 2 ESH and HPT address

 

Change the HPT IP address

Open 6G Terminal Lite.

Confirm the ESH is connected.

Select “Connect” and “Network Discover TCP”.

Select “HPT 8142” to connect to the HPT. The fields on the 6G Setup page should be populated if connected.

Select the “Manual Commands” tab.

Enter command Ethernet IP address you want to change the HPT.

If the manual command is accepted the unit will return the IP address entered and you will now lose connection to the HPT.

Exit 6G Terminal Lite.

 

Change the ESH IP Address

Refer to Section 5.4.2 in the ESH user manual.

 

Change the PC IP Address

Change the Ethernet connection TCP/IPv4 to the same family.

 

Change the Mini Ranger 2 ESH and HPT IP Address

Start Mini Ranger 2. The ESH and HPT will not initially connect.

Click “System > Setup” and then click “ESH”.

Change the ESH IP address.

The address will be highlighted yellow until you click “Apply”.

Click “Mobile Objects > Ship  > Transceiver 1”.

Change the “Transmit IP Address” to the same address as using in the 6G Terminal Lite

The address will be highlighted in yellow until you click “Apply”.

The ESH and HPT should now connect, and all connections are saved.

 

Contact [email protected] for more information.

This describes the offsets to be entered for transceiver and Lodestar when configured for Optimised USBL in Ranger 2 or Marksman software, when using a standard-length Type 7950 Deployment Machine.

This document assumes that the Type 7950-400 Lodestar mounting bracket (part no: 875-2488) is used, shown in blue in the sketch below, and mounted to the guide plate on top of the pole.

Dimensions of a standard Type 7950 Deployment Machine are shown below.

However, to calculate Lodestar to transceiver height offsets, further details are required.

Item Height
Deployment Pole (Standard) 4590 mm
Transceiver Insulation Flange 10 mm
Lodestar Mounting Bracket thickness 6 mm
Guide Plate thickness 10 mm
TOTAL 4616 mm

Typically, two types of transceiver are fitted to the Deployment Pole:

Transceiver Height
Type 8142-000-01 HPT 5000 322 mm
Type 8142-000-02 HPT 7000 391 mm

The Lodestar has a centre-of-axis point, and this should be used as its height offset.

 

Contact [email protected] for more information.

What is the preferred mode of operation for SST 6 beacon interrogation?

Sonardyne provide a navigation system called “HydroPos”, and in its early years we suggested that Group Interrogation was the better option. However, we recommend (and implement) Unique Interrogation mode now.

The original idea was that the vessel could sail between two seismic lines, and interrogate multiple beacons during its transit.

This is true – and it worked – but the problem is that, to target multiple beacons, the Range Window needs to be quite large. The result is that the single interrogation from the Transceiver instigates lots of beacon replies, but many of them are too far away to provide useful range data.

Also, the associated Range Wait in the topside equipment means that the most important beacons (which are nearest the vessel) only provide a relatively small number of ranges (because the Transceiver is waiting for all the other replies to arrive before the next acoustic cycle).

The best approach is to use “Unique Interrogate” mode.

Set the Range Gate to a modest value so that you focus on only 1 to 3 beacons at a time. The associated Range Wait time will be much smaller, and the result will be a much larger, and more useful set of range data.

In the example below, Address 11329 means this:

1 = “Nodal” architecture (always 1)

13 = Group Interrogation Address

56 = Group Reply Channel

However, when used in “Unique Interrogate” mode, this is what happens:

Transceiver sends Unique Interrogation Channel 1356.

SST 6 receives this, then waits 320ms (Turn-Around-Time).

SST 6 transmits Group Reply Channel 56.

To enable flexibility of use of Sonardyne INS and LBL systems, Fusion 2 software has been designed to be modular.

This allows equipment spreads to be purchased at their base functionality and upgraded only if the offshore project requires it. This means you only pay for added functionality when you need it. This is achieved with the use of hardware dongles that the user must attach to the system to provide the functionality required.

SPRINT(Nav) position aided

If you want to use a SPRINT(Nav) using position aiding (USBL aiding for example), you plug in the Fusion 2 INS dongle supplied with the SPRINT(Nav) unit. If you have an old SPRINT software dongle, it can be upgraded for free to Fusion 2 INS.

SPRINT(Nav) range aided / sparse LBL / SLAM

If you want to use a SPRINT(Nav) using range aiding (sparse) including SLAM capability, you must plug in the Fusion 2 INS dongle supplied with the SPRINT(Nav) unit. The owner of the dongle must have paid for range aiding (SPRINT LBL RANGE AIDING SPARSE UPGRADE) which will have set the dongle to enable Fusion 2 INS for both position aided, and range aiding (sparse).

Full (standard) LBL

If you want to do full LBL i.e., same as what you would do with Fusion 1 (baseline calibrations, structure tracking, mobile Compatt tracking, etc), you must plug in a Fusion 2 LBL dongle. Fusion 1 LBL dongles can be upgraded to Fusion 2 LBL providing the dongle owner has paid for a Fusion 2 LBL software upgrade licence.

Running both INS and full LBL simultaneously

If you want to run both Fusion 2 INS (position and/or range aided), and full LBL from a single computer, you must plug both the SPRINT(Nav) dongle programmed for what you need, and the Fusion 2 LBL dongle, into the computer at the same time.

 

Contact [email protected] for more information.

 

In the Technical Services Team here at Sonardyne, we are often asked to assist project managers with a frequency management plan for their field-wide acoustic positioning solution. Often these are made up of a mix of LBL, Sparse LBL and USBL systems from a mix of vendors. They will be used for tracking multiple targets, such as manned vessels for dynamic positioning or towfish work, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) requiring position aiding, or ROVs and AUV/UUVs, for general positioning, and structures or pipelines requiring tracking during installation.

These days, with digital systems, the term frequency management is now obsolete. Digital systems do not operate on a single frequency and the detection of a signal is now based on the recognition of a code. Different manufacturers of acoustic systems use different techniques to encrypt the codes on to a base carrier frequency, preventing cross talk between systems from different vendors.

While there is no chance of detecting signal from a different vendor’s system, any signal that is not the one you are looking for, is effectively noise. More noise means less SNR, the fundamental for signal detection. This can be mitigated by using appropriate transmission powers and update rating settings for the operation at hand.

There are still some rules to set 

While frequency management is now no longer required in the traditional sense, there are still some rules that need to be set for vessels and transponders in a field. Each transponder, whether it be a mini-transponder or a Compatt, must have a unique acoustic address. This will ensure that any system using the transponders will be able to tell which one it is talking to by the Individual Interrogation Signal (IIS) it uses to speak to the transponder, or the Individual Reply Signal (IRS) it receives back when using a Common Interrogation Signal (CIS).

Wideband 2 and 3 use the same base code structure, so should be considered the same addresses for this purpose.

When using a CIS to interrogate transponders, it is necessary to make sure any vessel in the area uses a unique CIS. Problems occur when multiple vessels use the same CIS, as the transponders will be triggered to reply whenever they hear their CIS, which could have been sent from either system. This means that when a system receives an IRS, it will not be able to distinguish when that reply was sent and therefore not be able to reliably compute a range.

If a vessel has multiple independent systems on board, such as two ROVs using LBL, it is likely that they will be using the same reference Compatts to compute their positions. As a Compatt could traditionally only be programmed to respond to one CIS, systems would need to be time synchronised to prevent both trying to interrogate the references at the same time, causing something like the CIS confusion mentioned above.

With the increase in the processing power inside Compatts, it is now possible to program a Compatt to respond to four CISs, on top of its standard CIS, effectively making it five Compatts in one. This is known as “multiuser”. It allows up to five independent systems to use the same references at the same time and keep track of what was sent when, maintaining proper operation.

So, to summarise, make sure all Sonardyne transponders and Compatts have an address that is unique in that field. Any vessels using a CIS must use a CIS that is unique in the area. If you want to share reference Compatts between different independent systems at the same time, use multiuser.

Utilising responder mode can lead to significant improvements in ranging accuracy and repeatability when operating in noisy environments.

Responder mode is recommended for the following operations

All WSMs have a 6-pin Subconn connector for serial communication and responder triggering. The pin outs are the same for WSM5, 6 and 6+

NSH Card

The 631-7623 Responder card allows for two responder triggers to come from one 5-pin lemo connection. An example of this card can be seen in slot 11 of the below image of an NSH.

Note: Responder cards can only go in slots 10 and 11 as highlighted by item 8 on the above image.

5pin Lemo cable end

There are various revisions of the 820-3349 responder cable. Care should be taken to identify the pin and corresponding colour to ensure the right connections are made.

Creating a Single Responder Cable

A single responder cable can be manufactured using a 5-pin lemo cable. The table below has been generated with respect to the WSM bulkhead pins and functions.

Creating a Dual Responder Cable

A single 5-pin lemo cable can supply two responder trigger pulses. To perform this, both responders must share the common 0V connection. The table below has been generated with respect a 5-pin lemo connector and its functions.

WSM 1 Bulkhead WSM 2 Bulkhead Lemo Tail Signal
1 NC 1 Responder Trigger 1
3 NC 2 +24V Responder 1
NC 3 3 +24V Responder 2
2 2 4 0V
NC 1 5 Responder Trigger 2

 

Software Configuration

A WSM6+ can be configured using 6G Terminal Lite. Within the setup tab, the user can select to enable responder mode. This will enable to WSM6+ to reply with a wideband reply signal, when configured as a responder.

Prior to deployment this should be checked. Produce a 6G test report as evidence of any pre-deployment checks.

Configure Beacon in Ranger2

If the version of Ranger2 is V6.00 or greater, only a WSM6+ can be used within the software. As of May 2020, the WSM5 and WSM6 transponder have been deemed obsolete and are no longer supported. Therefore, the guide will continue with the application of a WSM6+ only.

1  A transponder can be added to a Ranger2 system as a responder by navigating to the beacon table.

2  Once the beacon table has been opened, click Add.

3  Select WSM6+

4  Add prefix.

5  Select correct address.

6  From the drop-down menu select, responder for interrogation.

7  Select the relevant NSH port as the responder trigger. This will be the NSH port number and responder number either 1 or 2 depending how you wired your lemo connection.

Deck Test

Perform a desk test and ensure you can hear transponder transmit or “chirp”

A Digital Multimeter (DMM) should be used to ensure the responder umbilical is normally low (0V) and is chirping on a high going trigger pulse. The trigger pulse waveform is required to be a positive going pulse with a pulse width between 5 and 40ms and voltage level between 4 and 24 V.

If the responder cable is going through an ROV mux, you should ensure the pin is usually low. If the pin is usually high, this will cause a delay response in the transmit signal and had an adverse effect on tracking.

 

Contact [email protected] for more information.

This procedure can be used to test the MRT operation prior to deployment on operation.

1  Confirm your PC is connected to the ESH and ESH is connected to the MRT. Make sure the ESH is on, system/TCVR 48V are on and TCVR TX/RX lights are flashing.

2  Run 6G Terminal Lite software program. Confirm the “ESH Connected” indicator is green.

3  Select Connect button and select “Network Discover TCP” or “Network Discover UDP” and select the MRT TCVR.

4  The MRT will now be connected and the 6G Set Up tab will be populated.

5  Select the Sensor button and confirm the PASS.

6  You can now Generate Test Report by selecting the button and saving this on the PC.

The tests are to confirm the HPT operation

1  Exit all other software programs including Mini Ranger 2.

2  Confirm the PC to ESH and ESH to Transceiver connections.

3  Open the 6G Terminal Lite Make sure that the ESH is properly connected as shown below before proceeding.

4  Click on Connect and choose NETWORK DISCOVER-UDP and then click The device connected to the Ethernet port will be discovered as shown below. Click Connect to the device (HPT 2000 or HPT 3000).

5  Make sure that the transceiver is connected successfully. Under the Test section, please click on Check Sensors and Check Hardware. Click on Generate Test Report -> a pdf format 6G Test Report will be generated. Please save this file.

6  Go to the “Manual Commands” tab.

7  Then, click on Test, and  select Bench Test (HPT Only).

8  New window will appear – HPT Bench and Tank Test.  Click on Get Serial Number From HPT. Please check if the transceiver serial number is correct.

9  Click on Test Coms with HPT.

10  Now, click on Perform Test. HPT bench test will start. You can hear the Transmission (ping sounds) coming from the HPT. Click Yes.

11  The software will now measure the average noise in DB’s. You may see RED (failed) average noise measurements due to noise spikes. Please continue testing by pressing “No”.

12  Bench test will continue and will proceed with the Admittance Test. New window will appear – Admittance Measurement Tool. A pop-up message will appear once the admittance test is completed. Click Yes.

13  Save the results and put .csv as file extension.

14  Capture the Admittance Measurement Tool and save it. You can see some RED, AMBER or GREEN readings. These are still subject for UK engineer’s review. Close this window once you save the snapshot.

15  Window will return to HPT Bench and Tank Test. Click on Yes.

16  Capture the HPT Bench and Tank Test window and save it. Results are still subject for UK engineer’s review. Close the window. Click on Disconnect from the main page 6G Terminal Lite software. You can now exit the software.

17  Commslog will be automatically saved in C:\temp.

Please send the following to Sonardyne for review:

  1. 6G Test Report
  2. Commslog
  3. csv
  4. Snapshot of the Admittance Measurement Tool results

How to complete a 6G Terminal Lite Range Test

Equipment Required

PC with the 6G Terminal Lite test program installed

Serial Cable for the specific beacon under test

2 6G beacons (1 x serially connected beacon and 1 x acoustic test beacon)

Procedure

1  Connect the beacon serial cable to the beacon and the PC’s communication port. My example below is a AvTrak6 (serially connected) and Nano (acoustic test beacon).

2  Start 6G Terminal Lite and confirm communication with the beacon.

3  Make sure the Power/Gain settings is set to In Air Testing.

4  Select the Set button in the Range Test box.

5  Select the beacon address that will be acoustically interrogated.

6  Select OK.

7  Now select the Range Test button. You should hear the beacon connected to 6G Terminal Lite transmit an interrogation signal to the acoustic test beacon and hear a reply signal from the acoustic test beacon. The result will be displayed.

8  If the test fails:

a  Confirm the acoustic beacon power and gains settings are set to “In Air Testing”.

b  Adjust the distance between the beacons.

c  Confirm you can hear the interrogate and reply to signals

d  Try an alternative beacon or beacons.

6G Terminal Lite Test

This is a sperate test program that will be automatically stored on the Marksman/Ranger 2 computer. Prior to starting the 6G Terminal Lite test:

The 6G Terminal Lite program communicates with the HPT and displays the hardware/firmware information. You can also test the hardware and internal sensors. Generate a “Test Report” which will give a pass (green tick) or failure (red cross) to save for your records.

Transceiver Phase Calibration

This is a functional test for the HPT receive elements. The transceiver system sends a test signal to all transducer elements and measures the electrical phase angle with respect to the reference. The Phase Span column in the test results should be highlighted green which indicates a pass. If any of the Phase Span frequencies report a failure (result is highlighted red) please re-run the test and if a consistent failure is recorded contact [email protected] for further review.

Transceiver Admittance Test

The admittance test checks the health of the receive transducer elements which are built into the endcap of the transceiver. This test is recommended to be completed every 6 months but can be completed if there is a long break between operations. The following tests are made on each element:

The usbl_adm.csv file should be sent to [email protected] with the following information:

These values will be reviewed by Sonardyne Engineering and email will be sent back to you to confirm pass or fail.