Simrad EQ44, EQ54 Manual Manual
M A N U A L
Simrad EQ44/54
Echosounder
183-3403-102 English 05082.20
EQ44/54 Echosounder Table of contents
Chapter 1 Introduction and safety summary
1.1 Introduction and system familiarization ...................................... 1-1
1.2 Safety summary ........................................................................... 1-2
1.3 How to get started ........................................................................ 1-3
1.3.1 Dedicated function keys............................................................... 1-4
1.3.2 Echosounder features ................................................................... 1-5
Chapter 2 Fundamentals and initial startup
2.1 Fundamentals of the display and page system ............................. 2-1
2.1.1 Example of how to exchange a page in the PAGE system ........... 2-2
2.1.2 Example of how to select a new display in a custom screen........ 2-2
2.2 Key functions ............................................................................... 2-3
2.3 Menu bar....................................................................................... 2-5
2.4 Menu layout.................................................................................. 2-6
2.5 Initial start-up............................................................................... 2-7
2.6 Turn power on...............................................................................2-8
2.7 Turn power off.............................................................................. 2-8
Chapter 3 Echosounder operation
3. Echosounder operation................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Parts of an echosounder ............................................................... 3-2
3.2 How the echosounder works ........................................................ 3-3
3.3 Transducer beam width ................................................................3-4
3.4 Effects of the vessel’s speed ......................................................... 3-5
Chapter 4 STND menu
4.1 STND menu.................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Shortcut to the pages in the STND echo-series ...........................4-1
4.3 Standard echo display................................................................... 4-2
4.4 Variable range marker .................................................................. 4-3
4.5 Echo quick menu ..........................................................................4-4
4.6 Plot event mark on echo display...................................................4-4
4.7 Presentation setup......................................................................... 4-5
Chapter 5 B-LCK menu
5.1 B-LCK menu ................................................................................ 5-1
Chapter 6 ZOOM menu
6.1 ZOOM menu ................................................................................ 6-1
Table of contents EQ44/54 Echosounder
Chapter 7 SHIFT menu
7.1 SHIFT menu................................................................................. 7-1
Chapter 8 PILOT menu
8. PILOT menu................................................................................. 8-1
8.1 Highway display........................................................................... 8-1
8.1.1 Navigation setup........................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Position display............................................................................. 8-3
Chapter 9 Miscellaneous menu
9. Miscellaneous menu ..................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Decca lanes................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 Loran C......................................................................................... 9-3
9.3 Depth & temperature diagram ..................................................... 9-5
Chapter 10 Setup menu
10. Setup menu................................................................................. 10-1
10.1 Echosounder setup...................................................................... 10-1
10.2 Pilot/Position setup..................................................................... 10-4
10.3 Speed alarm, units & language .................................................. 10-5
10.4 Interface setup ............................................................................ 10-7
10.4.1 Description of sentences............................................................10-13
10.5 Palette setup...............................................................................10-14
10.6 Factory settings .........................................................................10-15
10.7 QuickGuide ...............................................................................10-17
Chapter 11 Installation and service
11. Installation and service ...............................................................11-1
11.1 Installation notes .........................................................................11-1
11.2 Installation of EQ44 ....................................................................11-3
11.3 Installation of EQ54 ....................................................................11-5
11.4 Location for display unit .............................................................11-7
11.5 Electrical connections .................................................................11-8
11.5.1 Power supply connections ......................................................... 11-10
11.5.2 Fuse............................................................................................ 11-10
11.5.3 Transducer connection .............................................................. 11-10
11.5.4 Interface connection..................................................................11-12
11.5.5 Universal connection cable........................................................11-13
11.6 Basic transducer and cable information.................................... 11-14
11.6.1 Transducers (optional)............................................................... 11-15
EQ44/54 Echosounder Table of contents
11.6.2 Determining the position for the transducer ............................. 11-18
11.7 Preventive maintenance.............................................................11-20
11.8 Repair and service .....................................................................11-20
11.9 Troubleshooting......................................................................... 11-21
11.10 Specifications ............................................................................11-22
Appendix A Glossary of terms...................................................................A-1
Index .............................................................................. end of manual
CE Declaration.......................................................................... end of manual
International warranty .............................................................. end of manual
List of Simrad distributors........................................................ end of manual
Table of contents EQ44/54 Echosounder
EQ44/54 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-1
1.1 Introduction and system familiarization
Congratulations on your purchase of SIMRAD EQ44/54 Echosounder and
Fishfinder - a high performance echosounder in a unique slim-line design
with a bright 10” ATFT/TFT (EQ44) or 15” TFT (EQ54) color display.
The EQ44/54 is both an echosounder system with selectable frequency i.e. 38,
50 or 200 kHz, providing an impression of what is to be found in the water
under the vessel, and it is a repeater for navigational data from connected GPS
receiver.
The SimNet data and control network provides high speed data transfer and
control between Simrad products that are integrated as a total navigation,
steering and communication system on board.
How to use this manual?
This manual is written for the products: EQ44 and EQ54, which share the
same type of software. From hereon, these models are referred to as: EQXX.
It is a good idea if you make yourself familiar with the key functions, menu
structure and rotation of pages (screens) described in chapter 2 before you
start out, and then proceed with section 2.5 Initial start-up. For quick location
of a certain term, please check the “Glossary of terms” and the “Index” at the
back of the manual. Also, “How to get started” further on in this chapter will
give you a quick introduction to some of the features you have access to in
your new echosounder.
The display examples shown in this manual are not always an exact copy of
what you will see on the screen, as the presentation depends on your system
configuration and choices of setup.
How to interpret special marked key symbols etc. in the manual:
+/-
Either the + (plus) or - (minus) key may be applied.
0-9
Alpha-numeric keys for insertion of figures.
A-Z
Alpha-numeric keys for insertion of letters.
Emphasizes important points.
1,3
Indicates that you should press the keys [1] and [3] to obtain what is
written in italic next to the key.
Chapter 1-2 EQ44/54 Introduction and safety summary
1.2 Safety summary
Precaution: Do not open the equipment, only qualified persons should work
inside the equipment. If the glass in the screen breaks, be careful not to get cut
on the sharp edges of the glass pieces.
The lifetime of the internal battery is minimum 5 years. If not exchanged
before it goes flat, all data in the unit’s memory will be lost. We strongly
recommend that you have the battery exchanged at your local Simrad workshop max. 5 years from date of purchase.
Power source, fuse and power cable: Check that the DC power supplied to
the unit is within the range of 10 to 32 volts. Note that the appropriate fuse
must be employed (see the fuse rating in section 11.10 Specifications). Ensure
that the power cord is firmly attached.
Grounding: To reduce electrical interference and risk of electrical shock,
properly ground the unit to the ship’s ground using the ground screw at the
rear of the unit. Good grounding should also be exercised for any equipment
connected to the EQXX.
Quality service personnel: The EQXX is sealed and does not contain any
user serviceable parts. Opening of the unit will void its warranty. Touching electrical parts inside may cause bodily harm. If the unit is not working
properly, check sections 11.7 Preventive maintenance, 11.8 Repair and service,
and 11.9 Troubleshooting. If your EQXX requires servicing or repair, call your
authorized SIMRAD dealer.
Cleaning:
Do not use any kind of strong solvents e.g. spirit, alcohol, gasoline or oils.
Glossary of terms: If you have never used an echosounder before or if you are
unsure of how a term is used in this manual, then turn to Appendix A - Glossary of terms.
Default settings: All user implemented data in the EQXX can be erased by
making a reset of the unit and thus return to factory default settings.
Software: The software version of the EQXX (see start-up display) should
always be informed in a service situation.
Automatic input source setup
Interface has not been set up!
To start automatic input
source setup, make sure that
all connected products are
turned ON, and press ENT.
Start
ENT
∆
∆
EQ44/54 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-3
1.3 How to get started
When starting up for the very first time, the first time after loading
a new software or after a master reset: Make sure that all hardware
installation and electrical connections are completed in accordance
to the installation instructions.
PWR
Press and hold the [PWR] key until you have a picture on the screen
The system will perform a software update and check for communication activity. When finished, a new start-up window will be
presented on the screen:
After making sure that all connected products are turned ON:
ENT
Press [ENT] to start automatic input source setup, - if a new product
is connected later on, refer to section 10.4 Interface setup.
New window: Automatic input source setup listing Data type, Group
and Source of connected units.
ENT
Press [ENT] to continue
PAGE
Press [PAGE] to scroll through a quick guide which informs of the
use of the keys and where you can enter owner’s setup, etc.
- the quick guide is also accessible via [MENU], [7], [6].
ENT
Press [ENT] when ready to assume normal operation
- go to [MENU], [7], [3] if you wish to make adjustments to the
interface setup.
Chapter 1-4 EQ44/54 Introduction and safety summary
To call up an echo display will require that the connected transducer
type has been selected in the Echosounder setup - [MENU],[7],[STND].
1.3.1 Dedicated function keys
STND
Press [STND] to call up the standard echo display.
Long press will toggle between echo, dual frequency, and custom
screens.
B-LCK
Press [B-LCK] to call up the bottom lock display.
Long press will toggle between echo, dual frequency, and custom
screens.
ZOOM
Press [ZOOM] to call up the zoom display.
Long press will toggle between echo, dual frequency, and custom
screens.
SHIFT
Press [SHIFT] to call up the shift display.
Long press will toggle between echo, dual frequency, and custom
screens.
PAGE
Press the [PAGE] key to toggle between the current active pages
under the main function keys. Press for two seconds to start automatic rotation of these pages. Press any key to return to normal
operation.
EQ44/54 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-5
1.3.2 Echosounder features
A-scope - Press [ENT], [2] to toggle A-scope on/off. Echoes are displayed in a
‘bar-graph’ format. The strength of the actual echo is indicated by both width
and color intensity.
Change frequency - Press [ENT], [1] to toggle between e.g. 50 and 200 kHz.
Gain - Adjust gain with the [GAIN-] and [GAIN+] keys to just below the
point where you begin to see speckles of ‘noise’ on the screen.
Range - Select range by the numeric keys 1-9, or adjust with the +/- keys.
Key 0 will select Auto Range.
Bottom expansion* - Press [B-LCK] to call up the bottom lock display.
Activate bottom expansion to expand the view of the bottom in the
echosounder display.
VRM expansion* - Press [ZOOM] to call up the zoom display. Activate VRM
expansion to expand the view near the VRM - Variable Range Marker - in the
echosounder display. Use the up/down cursor to activate and move the VRM
line. Turn off the VRM line with [CLR].
Shift display* - Press [SHIFT] to call up the shift display when operating
in deep waters. Select the range for an expansion window. The expansion
window can automatically follow a changing bottom or be set manually by the
+/- keys.
*Return to standard echosounder display by pressing [STND].
Echo setup (presentation) - Press [ADJ] from echo display to access the setup
display for either 38, 50 or 200 kHz. Press [ENT] to confirm changes, or leave
the setup without having made any changes by pressing [MENU].
Echosounder setup - Press [MENU], [7], [STND] when you need to make
any general settings, selecting a transducer or selecting demo mode etc.
Transmit power off - Press [ENT], [STND] to stop transmission in order to
observe noise picked up by the transducer or to reduce power consumption.
Chapter 1-6 EQ44/54 Introduction and safety summary
B-LCK display ZOOM display STND display SHIFT display
EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-1
2.1 Fundamentals of the display and page system
The EQ44/54 Echosounder has a multi-function screen and data
presentation system with full screen and different types of split
screens. The series of pages under the function keys (situated in the
left column of the keypad) will in most situations be sufficient information for the operator.
In split screens consisting of up to four displays, the active display
is indicated by a solid red frame. Use the [WIN] key to clockwise
toggle between which display on the screen is active. Only active
displays are operable.
The [PAGE] key differs from the other function keys. There are four
pages under the [PAGE] key which can be set up to the presentation
you prefer by exchanging an existing display in the PAGE system
with a new one selected from a function key or via the menu - see
next page. Single press on the [PAGE] key will toggle between the
active pages under the function keys e.g.:
Chapter 2-2 EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up
Long press on the [PAGE] key will start
a rotation of the four pages in intervals of
5 seconds (increase/decrease the time in
[MENU], [7], [2]). Press any key to stop
rotation.
2.1.1 Example of how to exchange a page in the PAGE system
The four pages in the PAGE system are collected from the STND,
B-LCK, ZOOM and SHIFT menus in the sequence of which the
function keys appear on the keypad ie. the first page is from the
STND function, the second page is from the B-LCK function, the
third page is from the ZOOM function, and the fourth page is from
the SHIFT function. This sequence can not be changed, only the
choice of display collected from each function can be changed e.g.:
PAGE
Press the [PAGE] key until the full screen standard display appears
MENU
Call up the menu bar, and...
1,3
collect the Dual frequency display
- or you can toggle between the available displays in the STND function by pressing (long press) the [STND] key repeatedly.
The same applies for the other three pages in the PAGE system ie.
press the [PAGE] key until a display from the B-LCK, ZOOM or
SHIFT function appears and then collect a new display from the
appropriate menu.
The display sequence under the function keys is the same as the
display sequence in the matching menu.
2.1.2 Example of how to select a new display in a custom screen
In custom screens with multiple window combinations, all displays, which are not main function displays, are exchangeable. It is
also possible to change the right half of the screen from half screen
window to two quarter windows and vice versa. Example:
MENU
Call up the menu bar, and...
EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-3
Highlight a function e.g. Depth & temperature diagram in the MISC
menu.
WIN
Press [WIN] several times to check the screen image (situated to the
far right in the top line of the menu bar) which windows the function
can be placed into
ENT
Press [ENT] to enter the highlighted function into the highlighted
window
If the function text in the menu is red, the display will not be avail-
able for the selected window.
2.2 Key functions
Some of the key functions are general and can be applied at any
time, other key functions are related to a certain menu(s) and can
only be applied when in the appropriate menu.
EVENT
Inserts a vertical mark at current ping and sends out WPL via NMEA
to connected chartplotter.
MENU
Turns the menu bar on/off. Exits any data display without taking any
action.
ENT
Confirms insertion and editing of data. Calls up quick menu.
Moves cursor in data displays. Moves left/right/up/down in the menu
system. Adjusts gain (left/right). Activates and moves VRM (up/
down) in echo display.
+/-
Changes echosounder range i.e. + (plus) for larger range and -
(minus) for smaller range. Toggles between available values.
GAIN
Adjusts echosounder gain. Optimum adjustment: Press [GAIN+] till
noise appears in ‘water’, then press [GAIN-] till noise just disappears
again.
STND
Shortcut to standard echo displays. Long press will toggle between
standard echo display in full screen, Dual frequency, and two
custom screens.
Chapter 2-4 EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up
B-LCK
Shortcut to bottom lock displays. Long press will toggle between
bottom lock display in full screen, Dual frequency, and two custom
screens.
ZOOM
Shortcut to zoom display. Long press will toggle between zoom dis-
play in full screen, Dual frequency, and two custom screens.
SHIFT
Shortcut to shift display. Long press will toggle between shift dis-
play in full screen, Dual frequency, and two custom screens.
PAGE
Toggles between active pages under the four main function keys i.e.
[STND], [B-LCK], [ZOOM] and [SHIFT]. Long press starts automatic rotation of these pages. Press any key to stop rotation.
ADJ
Gives access to setup displays related to active display. Scrolls
through adjustable parameters.
VRM
Toggles VRM - Variable Range Marker - on/off.
WIN
Toggles between active windows in split screen. The active window
will have a solid red frame. Only active windows are operable.
0-9
The alphanumeric keys inserts and selects data in data displays.
Keys 1-9 are also Quick-range keys, which each represent a fixed
echosounder range. Key 0 will activate auto range.
CLR
Turns off VRM line in active display. Deletes data in enter or edit
mode.
PWR
Power on - hold key depressed till you have a picture on the screen.
Calls up a window where you can adjust the brightness in the screen,
background light in keypad, and select Daylight displays, Night
display or custom made color palettes. Hold two seconds to turn the
power off.
EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-5
2.3 Menu bar
MENU
Toggle s th e menu bar on /off
To fit the complete menu bar across the screen, some of the menus
have been abbreviated. However, the last selected menu will be highlighted, and if it’s an abbreviation of the menu, then the complete
menu title is written above the menu bar.
PILOT
1
STND
2
B-LCK
3
ZOOM
4
SHIFT
5
PILOT
6
MISC
7
SETUP
1
Highway
2
Position
Having selected e.g. 5:PILOT from the menu bar, its associated menus will
drop down. Key in the number next to the function you wish to call forward,
or use the cursor key to highlight the function and press [ENT].
If you want to switch to a different menu, use the cursor key left/right to move
to the adjacent menu.
Most functions in the menus are general, and can be called forward at any
time. Functions not currently available will have a different color from the rest
of the functions. Not all functions are available in any window size i.e. full
screen, half screen or quarter window. Use the [WIN] key to toggle between
the windows in which the highlighted function can be presented. Keep an eye
on the functions in the menu to see how they may change color as you toggle
from window to window.
The menu bar will disappear from the screen at the selection of a function, or
by pressing the [MENU] key. Besides, if not used, it automatically turns off
after 30 seconds.
WIN
Chapter 2-6 EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up
2.4 Menu layout
1
STND
2
B-LCK
3
ZOOM
1
50kHz
1
50kHz
1
50kHz
2
200kHz
2
200kHz
2
200kHz
3
Dual frequency
3
Dual frequency
3
Dual frequency
4
Custom screen 1
4
Custom screen 1
4
Custom screen 1
5
Custom screen 2
5
Custom screen 2
5
Custom screen 2
4
SHIFT
5
PILOT
6
MISC
1
50kHz
1
Highway
1
Decca lanes
2
200kHz
2
Position
2
Loran C
3
Dual frequency
3
Depth & temperature diagram
4
Custom screen 1
5
Custom screen 2
7
SETUP
When selecting a sub-menu in the
SETUP menu, the display will always
appear in a pop-up window, so once you
have accepted the changes or decided to
just exit the display, then the display will
disappear from the screen.
STND
Echosounder setup
1
Pilot/Position setup
2
Speed alarm, units & language
3
Interface setup
4
Palette setup
5
Factory settings
6
QuickGuide
Automatic input source setup
Interface has not been set up!
To start automatic input
source setup, make sure that
all connected products are
turned ON, and press ENT.
Start
ENT
∆
∆
EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-7
2.5 Initial start-up
When starting up for the very first time, the first time after loading
a new software or after a master reset: Make sure that all hardware
installation and electrical connections are completed in accordance
to the installation instructions.
PWR
Press and hold the [PWR] key until you have a picture on the screen
The system will perform a software update and check for communication activity. When finished, a new start-up window will be
presented on the screen:
After making sure that all connected products are turned ON:
ENT
Press [ENT] to start automatic input source setup, - if a new product
is connected later on, refer to section 10.4 Interface setup.
New window: Automatic input source setup listing Data type, Group
and Source of connected units.
ENT
Press [ENT] to continue
PAGE
Press [PAGE] to scroll through a quick guide which informs of the
use of the keys and where you can enter owner’s setup, etc.
- the quick guide is also accessible via [MENU], [7], [6].
ENT
Press [ENT] when ready to assume normal operation
- go to [MENU], [7], [3] if you wish to make adjustments to the
interface setup.
Chapter 2-8 EQ44/54 Fundamentals & initial start-up
PWR
Press [PWR] again to adjust the lighting in the screen and select day
or night display etc., move around in display by means of the cursor
key and change settings with +/- keys, and...
ENT
Confirm with [ENT]
Customizing the EQXX to suit individual needs can be done as you
go along i.e. choose a different color for the display background,
text, menu, etc. But to start out it will be wise to select the display
language you prefer to use:
MENU
Call up the menu bar, and...
7,2
press [7], [2] to call up the language display
Press up on the cursor to go to the bottom line in the display
+/-
Select language
ENT
Confirm entry
To call up an echo display will require that the connected transducer
type has been selected in the Echosounder setup - [MENU],[7],[STND].
2.6 Turn power on
Starting up for the first time, or after loading a new software, or
after a master reset - see section 2.5. Starting up at any other time:
PWR
To turn on the EQXX, press and hold the [PWR] key until you have a
picture on the screen
ENT
Press [ENT] when the system is ready
2.7 Turn power off
PWR
Call up INFO window, and...
PWR
Press and hold until screen turns black
The EQXX is now turned off. All the data and setups are saved and
stored in the internal memory and, of course, will be available next
time the unit is turned on.
EQ44/54 Echosounder operation Chapter 3-1
3. Echosounder operation
The echosounder function of the EQXX determines the distance
between its transducer and underwater objects such as fish, lake
bottom or sea bed. It does this by utilizing the fact that an ultrasonic
wave transmitted through water travels at a nearly constant speed
of 1500 meters (4800 feet) per second. When a sound wave strikes
an underwater object such as fish or sea bottom, part of the sound
wave is reflected back toward the source. Thus by calculating the
time difference between the transmission of a sound wave and the
reception of the reflected sound wave, the depth to the object can be
determined.
The entire process begins in the display unit. Transmitter power is
sent to the transducer as a short pulse of electrical energy. The electrical signal produced by the transmitter is converted into an ultrasonic signal by the transducer and transmitted into the water. Any
reflected signals from intervening objects (such as a fish school)
are received by the transducer and converted back into an electrical signal. It is then amplified in the amplifier section, and finally,
displayed on the screen.
The picture displayed is made up of a series of vertical scan lines
(pings), one for each transmission. Each line represents a ‘snapshot’
of what has occurred beneath the boat. The series of snapshots are
accumulated side by side across the screen, and the resulting contours of the bottom and fish between the bottom and surface are
displayed.
Selecting echosounder displays
The EQXX provides various types of echosounder displays: standard
echogram, A-scope, bottom expansion (zoom), VRM expansion and
shift presentation. Each display has its special advantages. Select
the appropriate setup for the echosounder display in the presentation
“Setup” (see section 4.7), and “Echosounder setup” (see section 10.1)
displays, considering current sea area and target fish.
Chapter 3-2 EQ44/54 Echosounder operation
3.1 Parts of an echosounder
An echosounder is composed of a display screen, processor, and transmitter/
receiver unit which in the case of the EQXX are housed in one unit.
Connected to this unit by a shielded cable is the transducer, which is mounted
horizontally on the bottom of the hull or on the transom.
The display screen presents in graphic and numerical form the information
the processor is receiving and accumulating from the transducer.
The processor is the “brain” of the echosounder. It is sealed inside the unit
which protects it from harm. The processor is composed of highly sophisticated microprocessor, memory and logic circuitry.
The transmitter/receiver (often called the “transceiver”) section of your
echosounder takes it’s commands from the processor. The processor tells the
transceiver to activate the transmitter. The transmitter sends a high voltage
transmit “ping” to the transducer mounted on the hull. At that point the transmitter’s job is done and the receiver takes over (see fig.1 in section 3.2).
The receiver is also connected to the transducer and amplifies the very small
signals received as echoes from fish and the sea floor which arrive at the
transducer (see fig.2 in section 3.2). The receiver is designed to reject other
signals as much as possible and provide enough amplification to see even relatively small targets at long ranges.
The amplified receiver signals are then send to the processor to be shown on
the display screen.
The transducer can be single or multiple ceramic elements in a rugged housing made from reinforced plastic, bronze or stainless steel. The transducer is
attached horizontally to the bottom of the hull. It is essential that the transducer be mounted properly, as echo transmissions are radiated at right angles
from the transducer face. Shielded cables connect the transducer with the
echosounder.
EQ44/54 Echosounder operation Chapter 3-3
3.2 How the echosounder works
When the EQXX is turned on, a transmitter begins
to send electrical pulses to the transducer. The
ceramic resonator in the transducer has a special
property which enables it to change dimensions
slightly when a varying voltage is applied.
The voltage is thus converted to mechanical vibrations (sound waves) which are then transmitted down
through the water.
See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 Transmitted ‘ping’
from the transmitter/receiver.
The sound waves move through the water until they
encounter a change in density, such as a fish or the
bottom. This causes the sound waves to ‘echo’ back
up through the water. When the reflected sound
waves (echoes) hit the transducer, the ceramic disk
vibrates at the same frequency. This generates a
varying voltage which goes back up through the
cable to the receiver.
The EQXX amplifies and processes the signals and
presents them on the display screen.
See Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 The up arrow indicates:
Echo returning to the receiver.
The down arrow indicates:
Transmitted pulse.
Chapter 3-4 EQ44/54 Echosounder operation
3.3 Transducer beam width
The transducer mounted to the hull of your vessel serves as both a ‘speaker’
when transmitting, and as a ‘microphone’ when the echosounder is receiving. Similar to the way a flashlight focuses light, most of the sound from your
transducer is focused downwards with a smaller amount going out to the sides.
The amount of focusing of the sound beam is expressed as a ‘beam width’.
Transducer
Approximation of the sound
pattern below the transducer
This angle is the transducer’s
beam width
1/2 maximum intensity
Maximum intensity
Fig. 3 A representation of a transducer beam width.
The center of the sound beam is the most intense, then as you move out
towards the sides of the sound beam there is a point where the intensity of
the sound is half what it was in the center. The distance moved is the ‘beam
width’. See Fig. 3.
EQ44/54 Echosounder operation Chapter 3-5
3.4 Effects of the vessel’s speed
The presentation of fish on the EQXX depends directly on the vessel’s speed,
as well as on the depth of the fish. When the vessel is at rest, the echo traces
will appear stretched and flattened. As the vessel’s speed becomes greater, the
echo traces will become shorter and more arched. The reason for this change
in appearance is that as the vessel speed increases, fewer number of sound
‘pings’ strike each fish. A low vessel speed will provide the most accurate
information of where fish are located.
Chapter 3-6 EQ44/54 Echosounder operation
EQ44/54 STND menu Chapter 4-1
4.1 STND menu
1
STND
1
50kHz (38kHz)
2
200kHz
3
Dual frequency
4
Custom screen 1
5
Custom screen 2
Low and high frequency echosounder display can be set up separately. The low frequency display will show deep water bottom
contours, and the high frequency display will show the mid-water
section with trawl targets or bait fish in a higher resolution.
The Dual frequency display will provide both the 50kHz and the
200kHz echo displays in one screen.
The two custom screens will present multiple window combinations
(section 4.2), where one of the main echo displays i.e. 50kHz or
200kHz will be fixed in the left half of the screen. Adjustments can
be made individually to both displays (section 4.7).
To access one of the displays via the menu e.g.:
MENU
Call up the menu bar, and...
1,2
press [1] and [2] to call up the standard echo display for 200kHz in
full screen - see display example on next page.
4.2 Shortcut to the pages in the STND echo-series
The STND function is one of the main functions in the EQXX. Each
page under the [STND] key will include a window representing the
standard echo function. It is not possible to exchange main function
displays with a new display. Refer to section 2.1, 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 for
further information on the display and page system.
Chapter 4-2 EQ44/54 STND menu
From any display:
STND
Long press on the [STND] key will toggle between:
38/50kHz or 200kHz full screen Dual frequency Custom screen 1+2
4.3 Standard echo display
This is the basic presentation mode (standard display) for observing
fish schools and sea bed. Some surface noise may appear just below
the transmission line.
Transmission line.
Time scale.
Depth range is adjustable with +/- keys or
the Quick-range keys
1-9.
Press key 0 to return
to Auto range.
The data field is preset to show: Gain level, Frequency, Transmit
pulse length A- SHORT (set to AUTO), Transmit power A- 10W
(set to AUTO), see section 4.7.
Water temperature T in Celcius or Fahrenheit (in 1/10 degrees),
water or SOG speed S in knots or kilometers/hour or miles/hour,
actual depth *DK - units can be changed in Setup for units (MENU,
7, 2).
*) Actual depth i.e. Depth below Keel/Surface/Transducer - settings
can be changed in Echosounder setup (MENU,7,STND).
EQ44/54 STND menu Chapter 4-3
1-9
Select range in 9 steps
+/-
Adjust range with the + and - keys
0
Activate Auto range
Press cursor left/right to adjust gain
ADJ
Direct access to Setup display related to active echo display 50kHz
or 200kHz - (see section 4.7)
Use the cursor to go to the function you wish to change the value for
+/-
Toggle between available values
ENT
Confirm changes, or...
MENU
Abandon changes and exit Setup display
4.4 Variable range marker
VRM – Variable Range Marker – refers to a horizontal black line
shown on the display screen. The user can measure the range to
targets shown on the display screen by use of the VRM. The depth
to the VRM can be seen in the top left side of the screen for a few
seconds after the VRM line is moved.
From active echo display:
Activate the Variable Range Marker function, and...
Move the VRM up/down
+/-
Adjust the range by means of the +/- keys
CLR
Turn VRM off again
The VRM line can also be toggled on/off by the [VRM] key.
Chapter 4-4 EQ44/54 STND menu
4.5 Echo quick menu
A number of echo features can easily be accessed from the Echo
quick menu.
From active echo display:
ENT
Call up the Echo quick menu with access to the following features:
Echo quick menu
1
Change frequency
2
Hide A-scope
STND
Transmit power off
MENU
Exit
1
Change frequency will toggle between 38, 50 or 200kHz displays
(Airmar transducers) to suit the task.
200 kHz is for general purpose and offers optimum discrimination
and a narrow transmitter beam.
38 and 50 kHz are for searching in a wider area, determining bottom
conditions and going the deepest.
2
Hide/Activate A-scope The amplitude scope at the right side of the
echo display indicates the precise amplitude or strength of the last
received ping (sounding), which often can be used for determining
individual species of fish or hardness of the bottom. Pressing [2]
from the quick menu will toggle between Activate or Hide A-scope.
STND
Transmit power off will stop transmission in order to observe noise
picked up by the transducer.
MENU
Abandon the Echo quick menu without making any changes
4.6 Plot event mark on echo display
From active echo display:
EVENT
Inserts a vertical mark at current ping and sends out WPL via
NMEA to connected chartplotter.
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