Simrad PI54 - INSTALLATION REV A Installation Manual

Simrad PI54
Catch monitoring system

Installation manual

M A X I M I Z I N G Y O U R P E R F O R M A N C E A T S E A

www.simrad.com

851-165187 / Rev.A

Simrad PI54

Catch monitoring system

Installation manual

NOTICE

Operation of the PI54 system assumes that the
communication between the Operator Unit and the
sensors is fully functional. Ensure that the
communication channels defined on the Operator Unit
matches those of the sensors.

About this document

Rev Date Written by Checked by Approved by

Rev.A

07.06.05 RBr KR KR

Original issue.

© 2005 Simrad AS
ISBN 82-8066-060-7
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be

reproduced or otherwise copied without prior permission from Simrad AS.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.

Simrad AS shall not beliableforerrors contained herein, or for incidentalorconsequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this document.

The equipment to which this manual applies must only be used for the purpose for which
itwasdesigned.Improperuseormaintenance may causedamagetotheequipment or injury
topersonnel. The user must be familiar with the contents of the appropriate manualsbefore
attempting to operate or work on the equipment. Simrad AS disclaims any responsibility
fordamageorinjurycausedbyimproperinstallation,useormaintenanceoftheequipment.

If yourequire maintenanceon yourSimrad equipment,contact your local dealer. Youcan
also contact Simrad using the following e-mail address: [e-mail]

Installation manual

I

851-165187 / Rev.A

Sections

1Introduction

This section provides a general introduction to the PI54 installation. Refer
to page 1.

2 Echo sounder transducer installation

This section provides general guidelines for the installation of the optional
echo sounder transducer. Refer to page 18.

3 Purse hydrophone installation

This section provides general guidelines for the installation of the PI54
purse seine hydrophone. Refer to page 42.

4 Trawl hydrophone installation

This section provides general guidelines for the installation of the PI54
trawl hydrophone. Refer to page 79.

5 Portable hydrophone

This section provides general guidelines for the use of the PI54 portable
hydrophone. Refer to page 120.

6OperatorUnit

This section explains how to install the PI54 Operator Unit cabinet. Refer to
page 127.

7Sensors

This section provides an introduction to PI54 sensors and the configuration
of these. Refer to page 133.

8 Cable layout

This section details all cabling. Refer to page 142.

9Interfacesetup

This section explains how to connect external equipment, such as navigation
and positioning sensors. Refer to page 165.

10 Installing sensor adapters

This section explains how to install the PI Spread and PI Remote sensors on
the trawl doors. Refer to page 179.

Simrad PI54

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851-165187 / Rev.A

1 INTRODUCTION 1.........................................

System diagram 2..........................................

Scope of supply 3..........................................

Supply conditions 5........................................

General installation requirements 6............................

Equipment handling 7......................................

2 TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION 18..........................

Purpose 18................................................

Transducer location 19.......................................

External mounting 23........................................

Transducer blister 28........................................

Box keel 33...............................................

Cable glands 35............................................

Cable in steel conduit 39.....................................

Handling and maintenance 40.................................

Approved anti-fouling paints 41...............................

3 PURSE SEINE HYDROPHONE 42...........................

Purpose 42................................................

Installation precautions 43....................................

Considerations 44...........................................

Pre-installation check-list 48..................................

Optimal location of purse seine hydrophones 50...................

Coverage area, orientation and tilt 51...........................

Mounting arrangement 54....................................

Dual hydrophone installation 57...............................

Hydrophone protection 59....................................

Hydrophone cable 62........................................

Installation drawings 67......................................

4 TRAWL HYDROPHONE 79...................................

Purpose 79................................................

Installation precautions 80....................................

Considerations 81...........................................

Pre-installation check-list 86..................................

Optimal location of trawl hydrophones 88.......................

Coverage area, orientation and tilt 91...........................

Mounting arrangement 95....................................

Dual hydrophone installation 101...............................

Hydrophone protection 102....................................

Hydrophone cable 105........................................

Installation manual

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Installation drawings 110......................................

5 PORTABLE HYDROPHONE 120...............................

Purpose 120................................................

General guidelines 121........................................

Deployment over the side 122..................................

Paravane arrangement 123.....................................

Portable hydrophone storage 126................................

6 OPERATOR UNIT 127.........................................

Purpose 127................................................

Installation choices 128.......................................

7 SENSORS 133.................................................

Introducing the sensors 134....................................

Sensor configuration 139......................................

8 CABLE LAYO UT 142..........................................

System cabling 143..........................................

Cable plan 144..............................................

Cable specifications 146......................................

Basic cabling requirements 162.................................

9 INTERFACE SETUP 165.......................................

Hydrophones 166............................................

Echo sounder transducers 167..................................

Positioning and navigation data 170.............................

Water depth, speed and temperature 173..........................

Data output on NMEA format 177..............................

NMEA Interface verification 178................................

10 INSTALLING SENSOR ADAPTORS 179......................

Introduction 179.............................................

Installation keypoints 180.....................................

Before work begins 183.......................................

Procedure 183...............................................

11 SOFTWARE UPDATES 194....................................

Overview 194...............................................

DSP Software upgrade 195....................................

MMI Software upgrade 199....................................

PI DSP Upload 202..........................................

Simrad PI54

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Introduction

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851-165187 / Rev.A

1INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this manual is to provide the information and
basic drawings required for installation of the Simrad PI54 catch
monitoring system. These instructions must be followed
carefully to ensure optimal system performance. As a guide,
installation procedures are presented in the order they are to be
performed. After installation, this document must be stored on
board the vessel for later reference when updating or servicing
the equipment.

Note: The installer is responsible for the equipment during the

installation. The guarantee is only valid when the installation is
made in accordance with this manual.

Topics

→ System diagram, page 2
→ Scope of supply, page 3
→ Supply conditions, page 5
→ General installation requirements, page 6
→ Equipment handling, page 7

Simrad PI54

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System diagram

(A) = Operator Unit
(B) = PI charger
(C) = Hydrophone

(provides communication
with the sensors)

(D) = Optional echo
sounder transducer.
Several types are
available.

(E) = Sensors mounted on
the net. Maximum six
sensors may be used
simultanously, and several
types are available.

(F) = Interfaces to
external sensors (serial
lines, NMEA format)

(G) = DC power input

Introduction

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Scope of supply

Main units

The standard Simrad PI54 catch monitoring system is comprised
of the following main units. All must be ordered separately.

Unit Order number

PI54 Operator Unit PI3--280025

Hydrophone, purse seine HYD--202711

Hydrophone, trawl HYD--205254

Hydrophone, portable HYD--202713

Paravane kit for portable hydrophone KIT--207284

+24 Vdc 5 A Power supply (230 vac) 290--076359

+13,2 Vdc 10 A Power supply (230 vac) 290--087521

Echo sounder transducers

The echo sounder transducers are optional. Note that only one
of the echo sounder transducers is required. Only the
transducers recommended by Simrad for use with the PI54
system are listed.

Transducer Order number

38/200 Combi C KSV--202192

38/200 Combi D KSV--203004

38/200 Combi W KSV--208845

50/200 Combi C KSV--202193

50/200 Combi D KSV--203005

Sensors

The Simrad PI54 catch monitoring system can operate with six
sensors simultanously. Several sensor types are available.

Sensor Order number

PI Bottom Contact sensor PI3--207642

PI Catch sensor PI3--207641

PI Depth sensor, 300 m PI3--207637

PI Depth sensor, 600 m PI3--207638

PI Depth sensor, 1000 m PI3--207639

PI Height sensor PI3--280002

PI Spread sensor PI3--206869

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Sensor Order number

PI Twin Spread sensor PI3--206896

PI Remote 1 sensor PI3--206870

PI Remote 2 sensor PI3--206871

PI Remote 3 sensor PI3--206872

PI Remote 4 sensor PI3--206885

PI Temperature sensor PI3--207640

Sensor chargers

In order to charge the PI54 sensor batteries, the following
charger is available.

Sensor Order number

PI Sensor charger LAD--207624

Introduction

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Supply conditions

The following supply conditions are applicable to standard
Simrad PI54 deliveries and associated optional equipment.

Equipment responsibility

The shipyard performing the installation and/or dealer becomes
fully responsible for the equipment upon receipt unless
otherwise stated in the contract. The duration of responsibility
includes:

• The period of time the equipment is stored locally before
installation.

• During the entire installation process.

• While commissioning the equipment.

• The period of time between commissioning and the final

acceptance of the equipment by the end user (normally the
owner of the vessel which the equipment has been installed).

The Simrad PI54 system guarantee period (as specified in the
contract) begins when the acceptance documents have been
signed unless other arrangements have been made in the
contract.

Receipt, unpacking and storage

Upon accepting shipment of the equipment, the shipyard and/or
the dealer should ensure that the delivery is complete and
inspect each shipping container for evidence of physical
damage. If this inspection reveals any indication of crushing,
dropping, immersion in water or any other form of damage, the
recipient should request that a representative from the company
used to transport the equipment be present during unpacking.

All equipment should be inspected for physical damage, i.e.
broken controls and indicators, dents, scratches etc. during
unpacking. If any damage to the equipment is discovered, the
recipient should notify both the transportation company and
Simrad so that Simrad can arrange for replacement or repair of
the damaged equipment.

Once unpacked, the equipment must be stored in a controlled
environment with an atmosphere free of corrosive agents,
excessive humidity or temperature extremes. The equipment
must be covered to protect it from dust and other forms of
contamination when stored.

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General installation requirements

Responsibility and approval

The Simrad PI54’s hydrophone and echo sounder installation
must be approved on a case-by-case basis with regard to the
vessel’s national registry and corresponding maritime authority.
The shipowner and shipyard performing the installation are
responsible for obtaining installation approval.

Environmental requirements

All equipment, unless otherwise specified, must be protected
from temperature extremes and excessive humidity.

Compass deviation

Once the installation is complete, the vessel must be swung with
the PI54 system in both the operative and inoperative modes.
The shipowner and captain are responsible for updating the
deviation table accordingly with regard to the vessel’s national
registry and corresponding maritime authority.

Noise sources

The vessel’s hull, rudder(s) and propeller(s) should be
thoroughly inspected in dry dock prior to installation.
Roughness below the water-line deformities in the shell plating
and protruding obstacles can create underwater noise. These
sources of turbulence must be smoothed or removed as best as
possible. It is especially important that the propeller(s) is not
pitted or damaged.

Dry docking

Make sure that ample clearance under the hydrophone and echo
sounder transducer is provided when dry docking the vessel.
Avoid locating supporting blocks or structures in the vicinity of
this equipment.

Note: The location of the hydrophone and echo sounder transducer

must be noted on the vessel’s docking plan for future reference.

Wiring

The cables from the wheelhouse to the hydrophone and echo
sounder transducer must be supported and protected along its
entire length using conduits and/or cable trays. Note that the
cables must not be installed in the vicinity of high-power
supplies and cables, antenna cables or other possible sources of
interferences.

Introduction

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Equipment handling

The units may be supplied as spare parts, or as parts of a
delivery.

Transportation

Unless otherwise stated in the accompanying documentation,
electronic, electro-mechanical and mechanical units supplied by
Simrad can be transported using all methods approved for
delicate equipment; (by road, rail, air or sea). The units are to be
transported in accordance with general or specific instructions
for the appropriate unit(s), using pallets, transport cases, or
carton boxes as appropriate.

Note: Special local restrictions concerning air transportation may be

applied to units containing certain types of batteries. The units
should be checked and the regulations investigated by the
packer/shipper before the unit is dispatched.

All local transportation must be carried out according to the
same specifications as for the initial delivery. In general, all
units must be handled with care. The carton or case containing
the equipment must be kept dry at all times, and must be
sheltered from the weather. It must not be subjected to shocks,
excessive vibration or other rough handling.

The carton or case will normally be marked with text or symbols
indicating which way up it is to be placed. Follow any
instructions given and ensure the case is always placed with its
“top” uppermost.

The carton or case must not be used for any purpose for which it
was not intended (step, table, etc.), and in the absence of other
information, no other cartons or cases must be stacked on top of
it.

Lifting

A heavy crate will normally be marked with its weight, and the
weights of other cartons or crates will normally be entered on
the packing list.

• Always check the weight of a crate before attempting to lift
it.

• Always use lifting a pparatus that is certified for the load.

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Heavy units may be equipped with lifting lugs for transportation
by crane within the workshop or installation area. Before a crane
is used, check:

• The applicable weight certificate for the crane.

• The security of the lifting lugs.

Ensure that all available lifting lugs are used. Ensure the unit
remains under control during the operation to avoid damage t o
the unit, equipment or personnel.

Heavy units may be transported using a f ork-lift truck. Special
attention must then be paid to the position of the unit’s centre of
gravity. The units must be properly secured to the truck.

Initial preservation

When a system, a unit or a spare part has been delivered to the
customer, it may be subject to long-time storage prior to
installation and use. During this storage period, certain
specifications must be met.

The equipment must be preserved and stored in such a way that
it does not constitute any danger to health, environment or
personal injury.

Specific specifications are presented below.

→ For further information about storage, refer to page 12.
→ For further information about re-packing, refer to page 15.
→ For further information about temperature protection, refer to

page 17.

Preserving the original packing crate

1 The equipment must be stored in its original transportation

crate.

2 Ensure that the units are clearly separated in the shelves

and that each unit is easily identifiable.

3 The crate must not be used for any purpose for which it

was not intended (eg. work platform etc.).

4 The crates must not be placed on top of each other, unless

specific markings permit this.

5 The crates must not be placed directly on a dirt-floor.
6 Do not open the crate for inspection unless special

circumstances permit so.

- “Special circumstances” may be suspected damage to
the crate and its content, or inspections by civil
authorities.

Introduction

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851-165187 / Rev.A

- If any units are damaged, prepare an inspection report
stating the condition of the unit and actions taken.
Describe the damage and collect photographic evidence
if possible. Re-preserve the equipment.

- If the units are not damaged, check the humidity
absorbing material. If required, dry or replace the bags,
then repack the unit(s) according to the packing
instructions.

7 If the crate has been opened, make sure that is it closed

and sealed after the inspection.

- Use the original packing material as far as possible.

→ Refer to information on page 15.

Ambient temperature and humidity during
storage

1 The storage room/area must be dry, with a non-condensing

atmosphere. It must be free from corrosive agents.

2 The storage area’s mean temperature must not be lower

than -30°C, and not warmer than +70° C.

- If other limitations apply, the crates will be marked
accordingly.

Note: Transducers must not be stored in temperatures below -20°C, or

higher than +60°C.

3 The crate must not be exposed to moisture from fluid

leakages.

4 The crate must not be exposed to direct sunlight or

excessive warmth from heaters.

Shock and vibration during storage

1 The crate must not be subjected to excessive shock and

vibration.

ESD precautions during storage

→ Refer to the information on page 16.

If the unit contains normal batteries, these may have been
disconnected/isolated before the unit was packed. These must
only be reconnected before the installation starts. Units
containing batteries are marked.

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Caution: Units containing lithium or alkaline batteries must be

handled separately and with care. Such units are
marked accordingly. Do not attempt to recharge such
batteries, open them or dispose of them by
incineration. Refer to the applicable product data
sheets.

Inspection and unpacking

An inspection must be carried out immediately after the unit(s)
have arrived at their destination.

• Check all wooden or cardboard boxes, plastic bags and
pallets for physical damage. Look for signs of dropping,
immersion in water or other mishandling.

• If damage is detected externally, you will have to open the
packaging to check the contents.

- Request a representative of the carrier to be present while

the carton is opened, so any transportation damage can be
identified.

• If any units are damaged, prepare an inspection report stating
the condition of the unit and actions taken. Describe the
damage and collect photographic evidence if possible. Send
the inspection report to Simrad as soon as possible.

• If the units are not damaged, check the humidity absorbing
material. If required, dry or replace the bags, then repack the
unit(s) according to the packing instructions.

Inspection and unpacking: General procedure

Normal precautions for the handling, transportation and storage
of fragile electronic equipment must be undertaken.

Note: If the unit is not to be prepared for immediate use, you may

consider storing it unopened in its original packing material.
However, it may be useful to open the case to check its contents
for damage and retrieve any accompanying documentation.

• Check the carton before opening it to ensure it shows no
signs of dropping, immersion in water or other mishandling.

- If the carton shows signs of such damage, refer to the

paragraph covering Inspection on receipt.

Introduction

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851-165187 / Rev.A

• Place the carton on a stable work bench or on the floor with
the top of the carton uppermost.

• In the absence of other instructions, always open the top of
the carton first. The contents will normally have been
lowered into the carton from above, so this will usually be
the easiest route to follow.

- Care must be used when opening the carton to ensure the

contents are not damaged.

Caution: Do not use a knife to open cardboard cartons - the

contents may lie close to the surface, and may be
damaged by the blade.

• If the carton has been closed using staples, remove the staples
from the carton as you open it. This will reduce the
possibilities of scratch injury to yourself and damage to the
contents.

• If a wooden crate has been closed using screws, always
remove them using a screw-driver. Do not attempt to prise
the lid off with a crow-bar or similar.

• Once the carton is open, carefully remove all loose packing
and insulation material. Check for manuals and other
documents that may have been added to the carton during
packing, and put these to one side. Check also for special
tools, door keys etc.

Unpacking electronic and electro-mechanical
units

Caution: Beware of the dangers of Electro-Static Discharge

(ESD) both to yourself and to the equipment, when
handling electronic units and components. Refer to the
precautions starting on page 16.

Electronic and electro -mechanical units will normally be
wrapped in a clear plastic bag. Lift the unit, in its bag, out of the
carton and place it in a stable position on the floor/work bench.

Inspect the unit for damage before opening the plastic bag.

Note: Cables must never be used as carrying handles or lifting points.

Simrad PI54

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Note: Do not break the seal to open a circuit board package before the

board is to be used. If the board package is returned to the
manufacturers with the seal broken, the contents will be
assumed to have been used and the customer will be billed
accordingly.

Assuming all is well, open the bag and remove the unit.
Open the unit and check inside. Remove any packing and

desiccant material that may be inside.

Unpacking mechanical units

Mechanical units may be heavy. Using a suitably certified lifting
apparatus, lift the unit out of the crate and place it in a stable
position on the floor/work bench.

Inspect the unit for damage and remove any packing material
that may be inside the unit.

Unpacking transducers

Transducers may be supplied mounted to a hull unit (if any), or
packed separately. Crates are normally identified by the order
number and the serial number.

The transducer face must be protected by a rigid, padded cover
(e.g. a wooden box lined with foam rubber) all the time it is
exposed to the risk of physical damage.

Note: Once the units are unpacked, great care must be taken to ensure

that transducers and cabling are not exposed to any mechanical
stress.

Re-packaging

If the unit is not to be installed immediately, re-pack it in its
original packing material to prevent damage in the intervening
period.

→ Refer to the information on page 15.

Pre-installation storage

The equipment should be stored in its original transportation
crate until ready for installation. The crate must not be used for
any purpose for which it was not intended (eg. work platform
etc.).

Introduction

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Once unpacked, the equipment must be kept in a dry, non
condensing atmosphere, free from corrosive agents and isolated
from sources of vibration.

Note: Do not break the seal to open a circuit board package before the

board is to be used. If the board package is returned to the
manufacturers with the seal broken, the contents will be
assumed to have been used and the customer will be billed
accordingly.

The unit must be installed in its intended operating position as
soon as possible after unpacking.

If the unit contains normal batteries, these may have been
disconnected/isolated before the unit was packed. These must
then be reconnected during the installation procedure. Units
containing batteries are marked.

Caution: Units containing lithium or alkaline batteries must be

handled separately and with care. Such units are
marked accordingly. Do not attempt to recharge such
batteries, open them or dispose of them by
incineration. Refer to the applicable product data
sheets.

After use storage

If a unit is removed from its operating location and placed into
storage, it must be properly cleaned and prepared before
packing.

Cleaning cabinets

If a cabinet has been exposed to salt atmosphere while it was in
use, it must be thoroughly cleaned both internally and externally
to prevent corrosion.

• Wipe the cabinet externally using a damp cloth and a little
detergent. Do not use excessive amounts of water as the unit
may not be water tight. On completion, dry the unit
thoroughly.

• All surfaces must be inspected for signs of corrosion, eg.
flaking/bubbling paint, stains etc. Damaged or suspect areas
must be cleaned, prepared and preserved using the correct
preservation mediums for the unit. The mediums to be used
will usually be defined in the units’ maintenance manual.

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851-165187 / Rev.A

• Open the unit, and using a vacuum cleaner, remove all dust
etc. from the unit. Great care must be taken to ensure the
circuit boards and modules are not damaged in the process.

Mechanical units

If a mechanical unit may have been exposed to a salt
atmosphere while it was in use, it must be thoroughly cleaned
both internally and externally to prevent corrosion.

• If the construction materials and type of unit permits, wash
the unit using a high-pressure hose and copious amounts of
fresh water.

Examples:

- The lower parts of hull units (outside the hull)

- Subsea units

• Ensure that all traces of mud and marine growth are removed.
Use a wooden or plastic scraper to remove persistent growth,
barnacles etc. On completion, dry the unit thoroughly.

Caution: Do not use a high pressure hose in the vicinity of cables

or transducers. Do not use sharp or metal tools on a
transducer face.

• If the materials or type of unit prevents the use of a
high-pressure hose, wipe the unit using a cloth dampened
with water containing a little detergent.

Examples:

- The upper parts of hull units (inside the hull)

- Hydraulic systems

• Do not use excessive amounts of water as some components
on the unit may not be water tight. Wipe off the detergent
with a damp cloth, then dry the unit thoroughly.

• All surfaces must be inspected for signs of corrosion, eg.
flaking/bubbling paint, stains etc. Damaged or suspect areas
must be cleaned, prepared and preserved using the correct
preservation mediums. The mediums to be used will
normally be defined in the unit’s maintenance manual.

Cables

Wipe clean all exposed cables, and check for damage. If a cable
shows signs of wear or ageing, contact Simrad for advice.

Introduction

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Internal batteries

If the unit contains batteries, these may discharge slowly during
storage. If the unit is to be stored for an extended period,
disconnect or remove all internal batteries.

A suitable piece of insulating material can be placed between
the battery and the electrical contacts to prevent electrical
discharge. The battery can then remain in the unit, reducing the
risk of it being misplaced during the storage period.

Caution: Units containing lithium or alkaline batteries must be

handled separately and with care. Such units are
marked accordingly. Do not attempt to recharge such
batteries, open them or dispose of them by
incineration. Refer to the applicable product data
sheets.

Dehumidifier

Place a suitably sized bag of desiccant m aterial (silica gel or
similar) into the unit to keep the electronic components as dry as
possible.

Coatings

Spray the unit externally with a corrosion inhibitor (e.g. a light
oil) before packing.

Re-packing

The unit should be stored and transported in its original packing
material and/or crate. In the event that this material is not
available, proceed as follows:

• Small units must be protected from damp by being placed
within a plastic bag at least 0.15 mm thick. An appropriate
quantity of desiccant material should be placed inside this
bag, and the bag sealed. The sealed unit must t hen be placed
in an appropriate carton or crate, and supported in the
container by appropriate shock-absorbing insulation
(polystyrene foam chips etc.).

• Large units must be placed in a suitable cardboard box or
wooden crate. The unit must be protected against physical
damage by means of shock-absorbing insulation mats. The
box must be clearly marked with its contents, and must be
stored in a dry and dust-free area.

Simrad PI54

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851-165187 / Rev.A

ESD precautions

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) is the transfer of an electrostatic
charge between two bodies at different electrostatic potentials,
caused either by direct contact or induction by an electrostatic
field.

The passing of a charge through an electronic device can cause
localised overheating, and it can also “puncture” insulating
layers within the structure of the device. This may deposit a
conductive residue of the vaporised metal on the device, and
thus create a short circuit. This may result in a catastrophic
failure, or degraded performance of the device.

Sensitive electronic equipment must be transported and stored in
protective packing bags, boxes and cabinets. The equipment
must NOT be transported or stored close to strong electrostatic,
electro-magnetic or radioactive fields.

If it is necessary to open and touch the electronics inside the
boxes/cabinets, then the following precautions MUST be taken:

• The working area must be covered by an approved
conductive service mat that has a resistance of between 50kΩ
and2MΩ, and is connected directly to a reliable earth point
via its earthing cord.

• The service personnel involved must wear a wrist-band in
direct contact with the skin, connected to the service mat.

• Printed circuit boards and other components should be placed
on the conductive service mat during installation,
maintenance etc.

Caution: If, for any reason, it is necessary to move the circuit

board or components from the conductive service mat,
they must be placed in an approved anti-static
transportation container (e.g. static shielding bag)
before transportation.

• During installation and servicing, all electrical equipment
(soldering irons, test equipment etc.) must be earthed.

Introduction

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Temperature protection

If the unit must be protected against extremes of temperature,
the carton/crate must be lined on all walls, base and lid with
5 cm thick polyurethane or polystyrene foam.

These units will be identified as delicate in the applicable
documentation.

The package must then be clearly marked:

Note: Must not be transported or stored in temperatures

below -5 degrees Celsius.

Other units can normally be stored in temperatures
between -30° C and +70° C, refer to the system’s technical
specifications for details.

Transducers must not be stored in temperatures below -20°C
and above +60°C.

Simrad PI54

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2 TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION

Purpose

Due to the fact that several transducer types may be used with
the PI54 system, you will need to read the installation manual
for the chosen transducer. The information provided in this
chapter will only provide general information. Refer to the
installation manuals provided with the transducers for more
specific information.

The PI54 can be used with maximum two transducers
simultanously, one low frequency (38 or 50 kHz) and one high
frequency (200 kHz). We recommend that any one of the
following transducers are used:

• Simrad 38-200 Combi C (dual frequency)

• Simrad 38-200 Combi D (dual frequency)

• Simrad 38-200 Combi W (dual frequency, wide beam)

Other transducers may also be used. Budget transducers
designed for leasure crafts are however not recommended for
professional fishery applications.

Topics

→ Transducer location, page 19
→ External mounting (Combi C and D), page 23
→ Blister mounting (Combi W), page 28
→ Cable glands, page 35
→ Cable in steel conduit, page 39
→ Handling and maintenance, page 40
→ Approved anti-fouling paints, page 41

Related topics

→ Purse seine hydrophone installation, page 42
→ Trawl hydrophone installation, page 79
→ Portable hydrophone, page 120

Transducer installation

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Transducer location

General

A single answer to the question where to locate the transducer
cannot be given. It depends very much on the vessel’s
construction. However, there are some important guide lines.

Go deep

The upper water layers of the sea contain a myriad of small air
bubbles created by the breaking waves. In heavy seas the
uppermost 5 to 10 metres may be air-filled, with the highest
concentrations near the surface. Air bubbles absorb and reflect
the sound energy, and may in worst cases block the sound
transmission totally. Therefore, mount the transducer at a deep
position on the hull.

Consider the situation when the vessel is unloaded, and when it
is pitching in heavy seas. The transducer must never be lifted
free of the water surface. Not only will the sound transmission
be blocked, but the transducer may be damaged by slamming
against the sea surface.

Another reason to go deep is cavitation in front of high power
transducers. Cavitation is the formation of small bubbles in the
water due to the resulting local pressure becoming negative
during parts of the acoustic pressure cycles. The cavitation
threshold increases with the hydrostatic pressure.

Vessel heave

Heave is the up and down movement of the vessel. It disturbs
the echo traces in the echogram, so that a flat bottom is
displayed as a wave. A transducer location in the middle of the
vessel minimises the influence of vessel roll and pitch.

Noises from protruding objects on the hull

Objects protruding from the hull, such as zinc anodes, sonar
transducers or even the vessel’s keel, generate turbulence and
flow noise. Also holes and pipe outlets are noise sources. They
may act as resonant cavities amplifying the flow noise at certain
frequencies. Do not place an echo sounder transducer in the
vicinity of such objects, and especially not close behind them.

For the same reason, it is very important that the hull area
around the transducer face is as smooth and level as possible.
Even traces of sealing compound, sharp edges, protruding bolts
or bolt holes without filling compound will create noise.

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Boundary water layer

When the vessel forces its way through the sea, the friction
between the hull and the water creates a boundary layer. The
thickness of the boundary layer depends upon vessel speed and
the roughness of the hull. Objects protruding from the hull, and
dents in the hull, disturb the flow and increase the thickness of
the boundary layer. The flow in this boundary layer may be
laminar or turbulent. A laminar flow is a nicely ordered, parallel
movement of the water. A turbulent flow has a disorderly
pattern, full of eddies. The boundary layer increases in thickness
when the flow goes from laminar to turbulent. The figure below
illustrates the boundary layer of a vessel moving through the
water.

Boundary water layers:
(A) = Turbulent flow
(B) = Laminar flow
(C) = Air bubbles in the water

Furthermore, air bubbles in the sea water are pressed down
below the hull and mixed into the boundary layer. The boundary
layer is thin underneath the forward part of the vessel, and
increases in thickness as it moves towards aft. If the sides of the
hull are steep, some of the air bubbles in the boundary layer may
escape to the sea surface along the vessel sides. It is our
experience that a wide and flat bottom, with a rising angle less
than around 13 degrees, is prone to giving air problems for the
transducer. In any case a transducer location in the forward part
of the hull is preferred in order to minimise the influence of the
boundary layer.

Transducer installation

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851-165187 / Rev.A

Propeller noise

The propulsion propeller is the dominant noise source on most
fishing vessels, research vessels, merchant vessels and pleasure
crafts. The noise is transmitted through the sea water. For this
reason, the transducer should be placed far away from the
propeller, which means on the fore part of the hull. Positions
outside the direct line of sight from the propeller are favourable.
On small vessels with short distances it is advised to mount the
transducer on that side of the keel where the propeller blades
move upwards, because the propeller cavitation is strongest on
the other side. The cavitation starts most easily when the water
flows in the same direction as the propeller blade, and that is to
some degree the case at that side of the keel where the propeller
blades move downwards.

Bow thruster propellers are extremely noisy. When in operation,
the noise and cavitation bubbles make the echo sounder useless,
almost no matter where the transducer is installed. And when
not in operation, the tunnel creates turbulence, and if the vessel
is pitching, the tunnel may be filled with air or aerated water in
the upper position and release this in the lower position.
Therefore, an echo sounder transducer should be placed well
away from the bow thruster.

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Summary and general recommendation

Some of the above guide lines are conflicting, and each case has
to be treated individually in order to find the best compromise.
Generally the propeller noise is the dominant factor, and a
recommended transducer location is in the fore part of the hull,
with maximum distance from the bow equal to one third of the
total length of the hull at the water line.

General recommendation for transducer location:
(A) = Transducer
(B) = Angle 1 - 2 degrees
(L) = Hull length at water line
(M) = Maximum 1/3 of the hull length at water line (L)

If the vessel hull has a bulbous bow, this may well be a good
transducer location, but also here must be taken into
consideration the flow pattern of the aerated water. Often the
foremost part of the bulb is preferable.

Recommended location of the transducer on a bulbous hull:
(A) = Thruster
(B) = Transducer location