Easytrak Alpha

2665 Series
Operation Manual
2665 Series Operation Manual
EZT-2665-8000/11

Revision History

Change
Issue Reason for change Date
No.
10 1865 Change presentation of channel numbers to hexadecimal 11/08/17
Latitude / Longitude coordinates added to display, waypoints
and waypoint printout. The display scale is now manual as well
as automatic, controlled by the mouse wheel. VOS input for
11 1980 24/05/18
both range and phase added; Medwin’s VOS calculator added.
$GPGGA string added to output a beacon’s position for both
serial output and file storage.

Thank you for choosing Applied Acoustic Engineering as one of your subsea equipment suppliers.
We hope you experience many years of reliable operational use from our products.

If you do encounter any technical issues with any of our products then contact our Technical Team
via the following methods.

Tel: +44 (0)1493 440355

Fax: +44 (0)1493 440720

Email: [email protected]

Applied Acoustic Engineering Ltd has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this
manual is correct at time of print. However our policy of continual product improvement means that we
cannot assume liability for any errors which may occur.

These written instructions must be followed fully for reliable and safe operation of the equipment that
this manual refers to. Applied Acoustic Engineering Ltd cannot be held responsible for any issues
arising from the improper use or maintenance of equipment referred to in this manual or failure of the
operator to adhere to the instructions laid out in this manual. The user must be familiar with the
contents of this manual before use or operation.

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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 5
2. BASIC THEORY ............................................................................................................................................ 7
3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE ....................................................................................................... 8
3.2 TRANSDUCER AND DECK CABLE .................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 GPS ANTENNA ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 POWER SUPPLY ......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 COMPUTER ................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.6 BEACON/S .................................................................................................................................................. 8
4. INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................. 9
4.1 COMPUTER ................................................................................................................................................ 9
4.2 EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE ....................................................................................................... 9
4.3 GPS ANTENNA ........................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 TRANSDUCER ............................................................................................................................................. 9
4.4.1 SUSPENDED DEPLOYMENT.................................................................................................................. 9
4.4.2 POLE DEPLOYMENT ............................................................................................................................ 9
4.5 DECK CABLE ............................................................................................................................................ 10
4.6 SYSTEM CABLING ..................................................................................................................................... 10
4.7 POWER SUPPLY ....................................................................................................................................... 10
4.8 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................... 11
4.8.1 USB DRIVER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ............................................................................................ 11
4.8.1.1 WINDOWS XP DEVICE DRIVER SET-UP ........................................................................................ 12
4.8.1.2 WINDOWS 7 DEVICE DRIVER SET-UP ........................................................................................... 16
4.8.2 USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 19
5. PLANNING AN OPERATION ...................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 WHAT NEEDS SETTING UP ......................................................................................................................... 20
5.2 WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED................................................................................................................. 20
5.3 BEACON POSITIONING ............................................................................................................................... 20
5.4 WHAT LOCAL POWER IS AVAILABLE ............................................................................................................ 20
5.5 TRANSDUCER MOUNTING .......................................................................................................................... 20
5.6 ABSOLUTE OR A RELATIVE POSITIONING ..................................................................................................... 21
5.7 WHAT RANGE ........................................................................................................................................... 21
5.8 WHAT ACCURACY IS REQUIRED.................................................................................................................. 21
6. EASYTRAK ALPHA DISPLAY .................................................................................................................... 22
7. SPECIAL MOUSE OPERATIONS............................................................................................................... 23
8. EASYTRAK ALPHA MENUS....................................................................................................................... 24
8.1 SET UP .................................................................................................................................................... 24
8.1.1 BEACON CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................. 25
8.1.2 FIX INTERVAL ................................................................................................................................... 26
8.1.3 VELOCITY OF SOUND ....................................................................................................................... 26
8.1.4 Offsets ............................................................................................................................................ 27
8.1.5 COMPASS ........................................................................................................................................ 29
8.1.6 DATA OUTPUT .................................................................................................................................. 30
8.1.7 SMOOTHED POSITION ....................................................................................................................... 33
8.1.8 DISPLAY ........................................................................................................................................... 33
8.1.9 COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 33
8.2 SURVEY ................................................................................................................................................... 34
8.2.1 GPS ................................................................................................................................................ 34

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8.2.2 UTM ZONES .................................................................................................................................... 35

8.2.3 WAYPOINTS ..................................................................................................................................... 36
8.2.4 DISTANCE ALARM ............................................................................................................................. 37
8.3 PRINT ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
8.4 HELP ....................................................................................................................................................... 38
8.4.1 DIAGNOSTICS ................................................................................................................................... 38
8.4.2 ABOUT ............................................................................................................................................. 39
9. FUNCTION KEYS........................................................................................................................................ 40
APPENDIX A – EASYTRAK ALPHA CONFIGURATION GUIDE ................................................................... 41
APPENDIX B – DATA OUTPUT AND STORAGE FORMATS........................................................................ 45
APPENDIX C – SYSTEM SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................... 57
APPENDIX D – BEACON CHANNEL SPECIFICATION................................................................................. 59
APPENDIX E – MINIMUM COMPUTER SPECIFICATION ............................................................................ 61
APPENDIX F – TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................... 62
APPENDIX G – CONNECTOR PIN OUTS ..................................................................................................... 66
APPENDIX H – TRANSDUCER CABLE ......................................................................................................... 67
APPENDIX I – HANDLING .............................................................................................................................. 68
APPENDIX J – RECYCLING / DISPOSAL...................................................................................................... 68
INDEX .............................................................................................................................................................. 69

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1. INTRODUCTION TO THE 2665 EASYTRAK ALPHA

This manual provides the user with information on the installation, operation and
maintenance of the 2665 Easytrak Alpha Ultra-Short Base Line (USBL) underwater
acoustic positioning system.

USBL systems are used to position underwater items including Side Scan Sonars 1,
ROVs 2, AUVs 3, and divers.

With no compass input, a position will be SHIP (bow) referenced, e.g. 123m ‘X’
means 123m from the starboard side of the ship, whereas, with a compass, a
position would be NORTH referenced; 123m ‘X’ means 123m from the ship East.

A position can either be ‘relative’ for example 123m ‘X’ and 234m ‘Y’ from the ship,
or ‘absolute’ for example 412789m East, 5823456m North, if a GPS receiver and
compass is enabled; geographical coordinates are also given.

Easytrak Alpha has been designed so that it requires the minimum of user
intervention; the system can be ranging to beacons as soon as the transducer
enters the water. The current set–up is automatically saved on program power-
down allowing a quick resumption of work on the next power-up.

The display not only gives positioning data in text form, but also graphically.
Beacons are individually identified and colour-coded, GREEN – position OK,
ORANGE – caution, prediction being used, and RED – signal lost and cannot
predict safely.

Because of multi-path reflections and other types of acoustic interference, the

position can occasionally be corrupted. In smoothing mode, Easytrak Alpha has the
facility to ‘gate-out’ wild values of velocity. The ‘out of gate’ positions are replaced
by predicted values. Note the compass must be enabled.

The Easytrak Alpha transducer is fitted with internal compass, pitch and roll
sensors. The pitch and roll sensors work to ± 80°, more than sufficient for boat
work.

Note: Strong magnetic anomalies can be beyond the calibration range of the internal compass. It is
advisable, that a bearing check be performed prior to use.

1
Sonar system for seabed mapping
2
Remotely Operated Vehicle
3
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

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Easytrak Alpha is ideal for small surveys. With the internal Global Positioning
System (GPS) receiver, absolute positioning of divers, sonar fish, ROVs, or seabed
objects in UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinates and Geographical
coordinates can be achieved. Easytrak Alpha can work with either the internal GPS
receiver or an external receiver. With GPS, Easytrak Alpha can also be used to
navigate to and from the worksite indicated by an entered waypoint. Easytrak can
also work to a local grid if so required by turning the internal GPS receiver off.
Once onsite the ROV or sonar fish can be fitted with a beacon, deployed, and work
can begin.

Note: When using GPS, bearings are relative to GRID North; without GPS, bearings are relative to
TRUE North or with the compass switched off, the vessel’s Bow.

Though Easytrak Alpha is simple to use, the system provides a very powerful and
flexible tool for survey use.

Note: Easytrak Alpha takes about 1 minute to initialise from power up.

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2. BASIC THEORY

Easytrak Alpha is an Ultra Short Base Line (USBL) Acoustic Navigation System.
Alpha uses a single compact transducer containing multiple receiving ceramics and
an interrogate ceramic.

The receiving ceramics are so arranged that each can detect an acoustic signal
from a target’s transmission. The acoustic signals may arrive at slightly different
times due to their different signal paths. From these time differences, the bearing
and depression angle 4 to the target are computed.

For a TRANSPONDER, time taken from the vessel interrogate transmission through
the water to the reception of the target acoustic signal provides the range:

Range = VOS x Travel-time (m)

2
The divide by 2 is because sound has to travel to and from the target i.e. twice the
distance.

For a RESPONDER, time taken from the vessel electrical interrogate signal through
a cable to the reception of the target acoustic signal provides the range:

Range = VOS x Travel-time (m)

Given range, bearing, and the depression angle, the relative position of the target
beacon to the vessel transducer can be determined.

4
The vertical angle between the horizon and the target.

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3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Easytrak Alpha consists of a Command Console, power supply, GPS antenna,

transducer with deck cable and the computer.

3.1 EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE

The Easytrak Alpha Command Console controls the signal acquisition and
processing. The Command Console interfaces to the computer, navigation
computer, external GPS receiver (optional), and transducer. The unit can provide a
key pulse to the responder.

3.2 TRANSDUCER AND DECK CABLE

The Easytrak Transducer contains receive ceramics and amplifiers that process the
received signals prior to signal processing in the Easytrak Alpha Command
Console. The transducer also contains the interrogate ceramic. The transducer is
fitted with compass, pitch, and roll sensors. The Easytrak deck cable is ‘hardwired’
to the Transducer and plugs into the Alpha Command Console.

3.3 GPS ANTENNA

The antenna plugs into the Easytrak Alpha Command Console required for the
internal GPS receiver.

3.4 POWER SUPPLY

The external power supply provides power to the Command Console and the
transducer.

The Easytrak deck cable connects the Easytrak Alpha Command Console to the
Transducer.

Additional Items:

3.5 COMPUTER

The computer provides the user-interface for Easytrak Alpha. The computer can be
either a desktop or a laptop. For the recommended minimum specification for the
computer, please see APPENDIX E.

3.6 BEACON/S

Types - 200, 300 Series Micro, 900 Series, and 1000 Series

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4. INSTALLATION

4.1 COMPUTER

Ensure the computer is secured to prevent falling or sliding due to vessel

movement.

Please read the computer user manual regarding the connection of the base unit,
monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

4.2 EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE

Ensure the Command Console is secured to prevent falling or sliding due to vessel
movement.

4.3 GPS ANTENNA

Locate the supplied GPS antenna in a position where it has a clear visibility of the
sky in all directions.

4.4 TRANSDUCER

4.4.1 SUSPENDED OVER THE SIDE: This is the simplest method of deployment,
however, the transducer is more prone to relative movement with respect to
the vessel. Care must be taken that the transducer does not spin as the
internal compass, pitch and roll sensors have a limited dynamic response.
Ensure that when deployed the transducer is below the draft of the vessel by
at least 1 metre and has clear horizontal visibility throughout 360°.
Note: the suspended over the side method cannot be used if the compass is not enabled, as the
system would have no orientation reference. Also, if GPS positioning is required, the antenna must be
directly over the transducer, otherwise offset errors can occur.

4.4.2 OVER THE SIDE ON A POLE: The Easytrak transducer can be fixed over the
side of a ship with a suitable non-magnetic pole. Using Jubilee clips or
similar, clamp the pole to the recessed part of the transducer. Ensure the
transducer is aft of the pole and that the pole does not protrude beyond the
face of the transducer. The diameter of the pole will depend on the length
required and the anticipated maximum speed of the ship. It is recommended
that the pole be secured by cables fore and aft to prevent bending and
strumming when the ship is underway.

Please do not use the threaded holes at the top of the transducer for mounting, they are used during
manufacturing.

Ensure that when deployed the transducer is at least 1 metre below the draft of the
vessel and that it has clear horizontal visibility through 360°. Ensure the alignment
mark on the transducer is inline (forward) with the forward / aft line of the vessel.
Extreme care has to be taken in shallow water that the transducer does not strike

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the seabed otherwise, damage to the transducer and pole is likely to occur. Note
that prior to a vessel going alongside, the rig has usually to be recovered.

4.5 DECK CABLE

Connects the TRANSDUCER to the EASYTRAK COMMAND CONSOLE. To prevent

damage to the cable and minimise potential problems, please ensure the following
points are observed:
• Ensure personnel cannot step on, or trip over, the deck cable.

• Keep the cable away from sources of electrical noise such as electrical
generators, sonar sources (bang boxes etc.).

• Avoid trapping the cable in doorways, hatches and alike.

• Ensure the cable is not bent less than the minimum bend radius of 150mm.

• Ensure the cable is not laid over sharp edges.

• When deployed over the side of a vessel, ensure that the cable is secured to
any mounting pole to prevent chaffing, strumming, and excessive movement.

• Ensure the polyurethane outer jacket of the cable is not breached allowing
water ingress.

4.6 SYSTEM CABLING

• With the Easytrak Alpha Command Console switched off, connect the deck
cable to the Command Console.

• If the internal GPS receiver is required, connect the supplied GPS antenna cable
to the Command Console.

• Connect the USB lead between the Computer and the Command Console.

• If required, connect a serial lead between the Command Console and any data
logging computer or serial printer.

• If required, connect a serial lead between the Command Console and an

EXTERNAL GPS receiver.

• If required, a BNC lead should be connected between the Easytrak Command

Console and the responder.

4.7 POWER SUPPLY

The supplied power supply is auto-ranging (115 – 230VAC 50/60Hz) and does not
require user intervention. Plug into the nearest power outlet socket. The 6.3mm
connector plugs into the Easytrak Command Console.

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4.8 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

The software installation is performed in two parts, firstly, the USB drivers, and
secondly, the main Easytrak Alpha program. Please read the instructions in full
before starting

Note: The supplied CD has been virus scanned. Whilst Applied Acoustic Engineering has taken every
reasonable precaution to minimise the risk from viruses, we cannot accept liability for any damage that
might occur as a result of software viruses. AAE would advise you to carry out your own virus checks
before installation.

To install the Easytrak Alpha software, load the supplied CD into the computer’s
CD/DVD drive. The install program should run automatically. The dialogue box
below will appear. Four options are presented, INSTALL EASYTRAK ALPHA, view the
OPERATOR MANUAL (PDF format 5), and view the USB DRIVERS FOLDER and CLOSE.
At this stage select the CLOSE button.

4.8.1 USB DRIVER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

The Alpha USB drivers for Windows XP through to Win 7 (32 and 64 bit) are
contained on the supplied CD. Examples of driver installation are provided for
Windows XP and Windows 7.

The USB configuration programs two serial ports to be used by the computer for
communication with the Easytrak Alpha Command Console for control and for the
Data Output serial port on the back of the Alpha unit.

The configuration will vary between operating systems.

5
Adobe Reader required. The program can be found at http://www.adobe.com

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4.8.1.1 WINDOWS XP DEVICE DRIVER SET-UP

Prior to connecting the USB cable between the computer and Easytrak Alpha,
please make a note of the current serial port numbers.

To observe the serial port

settings select “System”
from “Control Panel” on the
computer. Choose the
Hardware tab and click the
“Device Manager” button.

After selecting “Ports (COM &

LPT)”, a Window similar to that to
the right is displayed.

It can be seen to the right that the

serial ports already assigned are
COM1 and COM3.

1. With Easytrak Alpha

switched off ensure the USB
cable is fitted between Alpha
and the computer.

2. Switch Alpha power on.

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3. The message to the right

(or similar) should appear.

4. After a few seconds

the dialogue box to
the right should
appear.

5. Select the radio

button NO, NOT THIS
TIME.

6. Then select Next>

7. Next, select the

radio button INSTALL
FROM A SPECIFIC
LOCATION
(ADVANCED) radio
button.

8. Then select NEXT> .

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9. Select INCLUDE THIS

LOCATION IN THE
SEARCH checkbox.

10. Next, browse the

installation CD for
the folder USB
DRIVERS.

11. Then select NEXT> .

12. The USB drivers will now

install.

13. A FINISH dialogue box will

appear. Click the Finish
button.

14. The installation will repeat

a second time to install
the second COM port.
Follow the instructions
from 3.

15. Once both COM ports

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have been installed a dialogue box may appear requesting for the computer
to be restarted.

16. Remove the CD. Restart the computer in all cases.

17. Once the computer has restarted, check the ports now assigned as before
using Control Panel. There should be two new ports, in the example below
COM4 and COM5 have been assigned from the driver installation.

18. Please make a note of the new COM ports numbers. The driver set-up for
WINDOWS XP is now complete.

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4.8.1.2 WINDOWS 7 DEVICE DRIVER SET-UP

1. Note ADMINISTRATOR PRIVILEGE is required to install Easytrak Alpha in

Windows 7.
2. In Device Manager make a note of any serial port numbers already taken by
other devices, e.g. COM1, COM2 etc.
3. With Easytrak Alpha switched off ensure the USB cable is fitted between
Alpha and the computer.
4. Switch Alpha power on.
5. The response of the computer will vary depending upon how it has been
previously configured, in particular Windows Update. A message can be
displayed saying that drivers could not be found.
6. Clicking the Further information link on the message can bring up a message
box similar to that below.

7. If the computer is connected to the INTERNET, drivers can normally be

downloaded and installed automatically via Windows Update; select “Search
for Updates”.
8. Make a note of the numbers of the two new COM ports generated e.g.
COM3, COM4 etc.
9. However, if Internet access is not available proceed with the following
instructions.

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10. Through Device Manager you will see a window below (or similar).
Sometimes, rather than USB SERIAL PORT being displayed EASYTRAK 2665
may be seen.

11. Right click USB SERIAL PORT (or EASYTRAK 2665) and then click the UPDATE
DRIVER SOFTWARE… menu choice.

12. Next select BROWSE MY COMPUTER FOR DRIVER SOFTWARE.

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13. Select the BROWSE… button, select the CD/DVD drive and find USB FOLDER.
Then click OK.

14. You should see the following message (or similar). Note the COM port
number is identified in the title bar of the window.

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15. Repeat from (11.) to install the second serial port. After which, by examining
Device Manager, the two ports should be set up as below.

16. Please make a note of the new COM ports numbers; in this case COM3 and
COM4. The driver set-up for WINDOWS 7 is now complete.

4.8.2 USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Re-load the supplied CD into the computer’s CD/DVD drive. The install program
should run automatically, if not, open Explorer, select the appropriate CD/DVD drive
and double click the file EZTSTART.EXE. Click on the INSTALL EASYTRAK ALPHA button
and follow the on-screen instructions to complete.
Run the Easytrak Alpha program from the Start Menu.
It is likely that dialogue boxes will appear saying that the current Alpha Port and
Data COM Port are not available. Set up with the new COM ports in Alpha by
selecting dropdown menu SET UP/COMMUNICATIONS. In the earlier Windows 7
example (instruction 15), COM3 would be for the ALPHA PORT, and COM4 would be
for the DATA PORT. The Alpha COM port is always the lower number of the two new
ports. Please see paragraph 8.1.7 for further details.

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5. PLANNING AN OPERATION
5.1 WHAT NEEDS SETTING UP?

Check that Easytrak Alpha agrees with the settings of the beacons (Please see
Appendix D).

How often are positions required? The slower the rate, the longer the beacon’s
batteries will last.

Should Easytrak Alpha be used in a confined environment, it is prudent to keep the

update rate as low as possible to prevent reverberation from previous replies
interfering with the current reply.

5.2 WHAT EQUIPMENT IN TERMS OF BEACONS IS REQUIRED/ AVAILABLE?

If the target has the possibility of an electrical connection to the Easytrak Alpha
Console, the responder is usually the best choice of beacon. The position
calculation is more accurate as acoustic signals only have to travel from the
responder to the transducer. The responder is not affected by local noise, for
example, from the thrusters of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Transponders are generally used where there can be no electrical connection to the
Easytrak Alpha Command Console.

5.3 WHERE ARE THE BEACONS TO BE POSITIONED?

Find the best location for the beacon. Ensure that the beacon can be ‘seen’ by the
Easytrak Alpha transducer i.e. it is not being obstructed. Try to avoid any acoustic
reflectors that could lead to instability in bearing and range readings.

5.4 WHAT LOCAL POWER IS AVAILABLE?

If the beacon is fitted on a sub-sea vehicle (or similar), it should be investigated

whether local power is available. If power is available and suitable, the power can
be supplied to the beacon removing the need for a battery pack and the subsequent
requirement of battery charging. The power can be either from the vehicle’s power
supply or through an umbilical. Please read the beacon’s manual for details.

5.5 HOW IS THE TRANSDUCER GOING TO BE MOUNTED?

Is it possible to mount the transducer over the side of the ship on a suitable pole?
The transducer is then fixed securely to the vessel in an economical manner. It can
however, be difficult to have a pole long enough to be sufficiently clear of the ship’s
hull (>1 metre). Deployment and recovery is usually not as easy due to the weight
of the pole and transducer, and the assembly / disassembly of guide wires etc.

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The simplest method is to hang the transducer over the side of the vessel. This
method is suitable for the smaller vessel with minimal movement. However, should
the vessel move too much, the transducer can be buffeted to the extent where the
internal compass and pitch & roll sensors cannot compensate for the movement.

Note: The Compass must be switched ON if the transducer is free hanging over the side of the vessel.

5.6 IS ABSOLUTE POSITIONING OR A RELATIVE POSITIONING REQUIRED?

A relative position is a position that is relative to a local reference point, typically a

position on a vessel, but can be a beacon that is on the seabed.

An absolute position is a position that conforms to a national or international

geographical system; Easytrak Alpha uses Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
and geographical coordinates referenced to the WGS84 ellipsoid. To have an
absolute position, the compass must be enabled; also either the internal or external
GPS receiver must be used with Easytrak Alpha. Easytrak Alpha then uses the
data from the compass and GPS receiver to derive the absolute position of the
target. To preserve accuracy, DGPS is strongly recommended over standard GPS.
The GPS receiver in Easytrak Alpha is SBAS 6 enabled and automatically selects
the appropriate service for the location.

5.7 WHAT RANGE IS REQUIRED?

Select a beacon suitable for the working range. Consult the beacon manufacturer’s
manual for specified working ranges, or contact Applied Acoustics Engineering Ltd.
for advice.

5.8 WHAT ACCURACY IS REQUIRED?

To improve accuracy keep ranges as short as possible, make local measurements

of the velocity of sound in water, use manual depth at low depression angles
(shallow water).

Note: It is strongly recommended that DGPS is used otherwise overall accuracy could be
compromised.

6
Satellite Based Augmentation System

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6. AROUND THE EASYTRAK ALPHA DISPLAY

A This is the main PLOTTING WINDOW where the ship and targets are displayed.
The ship is coloured blue. A Waypoint (WP) is diamond shaped and
coloured brown.
Depending on type, beacons can be represented in two different shapes;
transponders are square and the responder circular. The colour of the target
depends on the position quality, green – valid, orange – caution, red - invalid.
Please refer to the beacon section APPENDIX D for further information.
The type of data i.e. non-smoothed or smoothed used for displaying and
outputting data is displayed on the bottom right-hand side together with the
scale.

B This Window displays UTILITY DATA including heading, pitch & roll, and ship
GPS data. When GPS data is not required and switched off, the GPS legend
is not displayed. The colour of the GPS data fields reflect the GPS Status,
Blue for valid, Orange for held, and Red for an invalid signal.

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C This is the main data Window where POSITION DATA for each beacon is
displayed including UTMs, Geographical Coordinates, distances and bearing
from the ship to the target. Signal level is displayed S0 (low) to S9 (high)
together with Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). When the data has just been
updated a small coloured shape is displayed to the left of the Beacon
header, square for a transponder, and a circle for a responder. The colour
reflects the status of the fix, green for valid, orange for predicted and red for
invalid.

D This Window is used for DISPLAYING MESSAGES such as interrogation status

etc. These messages are ‘switched on’ through menu selection or
automatically by Alpha. Due to the nature of these messages, it is possible
for them to overlap.

E These correspond to the HOT KEYS F1 to F6 on the PC keyboard.

7. SPECIAL MOUSE OPERATIONS

The mouse operates normally within the Windows environment, it does however,
perform a few extra functions:-

• If the mouse pointer is over the plotting area and the RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON is
clicked, the range and bearing from the ship to the pointer will be displayed
alongside the pointer. If the right mouse button is clicked again, UTM coordinates
will be displayed, and clicked again, Geographical Coordinates will be displayed.

• A RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON click over either of function buttons F1 to F4 will bring up a
depth menu. This will allow a manual depth to be entered for the particular beacon.

• A LEFT MOUSE BUTTON double click within the plotting area will clear any trails on the
screen.

• Rotating the MOUSE WHEEL changes the scale of the display. One position selects
Auto scale, where Alpha automatically adjusts the scale to accommodate all active
beacons and active waypoints. In any manual scale a (M) is displayed alongside
the scale value; in Auto scale an (A) is displayed. If when using a manual scale,
and a beacon is off screen, a line is drawn from the ship in the direction of the
beacon.

• With the mouse cursor hovering over the buttons F1 to F6 simple HELP INFORMATION
will be displayed in the bottom right-hand-side of the screen.

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8. EASYTRAK ALPHA MENUS

There are four pull down menus, SET UP, SURVEY, PRINT, and HELP.

Fig 2.0 Pull down menus

8. 1 SET UP

On selecting SET UP the following menu is displayed:

Fig 3.0 Set Up menu

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8.1.1 BEACON CONFIGURATION

Fig 3.1.1 Automatic Depth Fig 3.1.2 Manual Depth

Beacon Configuration menu

Selecting BEACON CONFIGURATION allows the choice of beacon channel, type, and
depth method, and the velocity of sound for range measurements. Note due to the
length of the beacon reply pulse, using the AAE or TPll channels will result in a
longer beacon battery life compared to HPR3 and HPR4 channels.

By default, depth is automatically calculated by Easytrak Alpha from the received

acoustic signals. However, when the difference in water depth between the target
and the transducer is small resulting in a very low vertical angle, a manual entry of
depth can result in a more stable position. To enter a manual depth, tick the
checkbox; the edit box will then permit a value to be entered. A right mouse click
on the Function keys F1 – F4 will also bring up a dialogue box allowing the user to
enter a MANUAL DEPTH or revert back to AUTO mode.

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8.1.2 FIX INTERVAL

Selecting FIX INTERVAL allows a choice of 1, 2 (default), 4, or 8 second interval

between fixes.

Fig 3.2 Fix Interval menu

8.1.3 VELOCITY OF SOUND (VOS)

Selecting VELOCITY OF SOUND allows the setting of the velocity of sound at the
transducer face. This measurement is used in the calculation of the bearing and
depression angle. Medwin’s method for calculating the velocity of sound is
available on pressing the ‘Medwin’s’ button.

Fig 3.3 VOS menu Fig 3.3.1 Medwin’s menu

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8.1.4 OFFSETS

Selecting OFFSETS allows the user to apply position offsets and Magnetic
declination.

Fig 3.4 Offset menu

By default, the position given by Easytrak Alpha is that of the transducer. In many
cases however, the position needs to be referenced to another part of the vessel,
for example, the navigation antenna.

The following offsets are available:- X offset (m), Y offset (m), Transducer depth
below the waterline (m), Transducer Pitch (degrees) and Magnetic dec(lination)
(degrees).

To increase positioning accuracy for Fish Tracking or similar, the transducer can be
tilted towards the stern (typically by about 20° from the vertical); the value entered
into the Transducer Pitch field would be negative.

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Offsets are the measured distances from the desired position to the transducer.

X is +ve if the transducer is starboard of the desired point, -ve if port, similarly, Y is
+ve if the transducer is forward of the desired point, and –ve if aft.

The diagram below shows examples of typical scenarios where the positions
desired is the navigation antenna (typical with GPS positioning).

Fictitious offsets values have been given to demonstrate how the measurements
are made, and in particular their signs.

Note: If X, and Y offsets are to be used, the transducer MUST be fixed with the alignment mark facing
forward using an over the side pole.

Forward

Port Starboard
Y = -5.0 m
Transducer
Desired position

X = 8.0 m

Aft

The above diagram shows the plan view of a vessel. The alignment mark on the
transducer must point forward.

Magnetic declination offset will affect the compass heading. Magnetic declination is
the angle between magnetic north and true north. Declination is considered positive
when the angle measured is east of true north and negative when west. 7 Magnetic
declination varies throughout the world changing slowly over time.

Magnetic declination is entered into Easytrak Alpha in the following format: -

SDDD.DD, where ‘S’ is the sign + (East) or – (West), and ‘D’ are degrees and
decimal degrees.

7
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/Declination.jsp

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8.1.5 COMPASS

Fig 3.5 Compass menu

This selection allows the COMPASS to be switched ON or OFF. Fig 3.5 shows the
compass switched on (ticked). Default is ON.

Note: The Compass must be switched ON if the transducer is free hanging over the side of the vessel.

With the compass on, all positions will be North referenced, either a local grid, or in
UTMs if GPS is available.

With the compass OFF ‘X’ values are relative to the Forward / Aft line, i.e. a positive
value is Starboard of the Forward / Aft line, and a negative value is Port of the
Forward / Aft line. ‘Y’ values are relative to the Port / Starboard line, i.e. a positive
value is Forward of the Port / Starboard line, and a negative value is Aft of the Port /
Starboard line.

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8.1.6 DATA OUTPUT

Fig 3.6 Data Output menu

Selecting DATA OUTPUT allows ‘Serial Printer Data output’ to be switched ON

(ticked) or OFF (not ticked). SERIAL PRINTER FORMAT produces a menu allowing
selection of the format of the output data.

Fig 3.6.1 Data Output format menu

Please see APPENDIX B for details of each of the formats. Default is AAE format,
switched OFF.

Note, the printer output configuration is set to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity.

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FILE STORAGE

Fig 3.6 Data Output menu

FILE STORAGE FORMAT produces a menu allowing selection of the format of the
output data.

Fig 3.7 File Storage format menu

Please see APPENDIX B for details of each of the formats. Default is “AAE Playback
to File” format. This format allows the data to be played back using an Applied
Acoustics Playback program (not supplied) on a PC at a later date.

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To save to file press function key F6 (Record).

Fig 3.7.1 Function Keys

A standard ‘Save As’ Dialog box appears for you to store your data file in a location
of your choice with a suggested file name. The name is in the format
YYMMDDHHMM where YY is the current year; MM the current month, DD the day,
HH the hour and MM minutes.

Fig 3.7.2 Save As Dialog box

The file name can be over-written to something more meaningful, for example
“diver01.txt”.

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8.1.7 SMOOTHED POSITION

Selecting SMOOTHED POSITION (default) allows the current position to be smoothed,

helping to eliminate noisy tracking.

When in smoothing mode, velocity gating is used to help remove occasional

spurious positions. When a position is judged to be spurious or there is no reply, a
predicted value based on previous good positions is used. The velocity gate is
dynamic in that the size of the gate starts wide then reduces to a minimum value
(10m/s) when sufficient ‘good’ positions are received. Should a series of ‘bad’
positions be received, i.e. outside the velocity gate, the gate will widen until a
reliable set of valid positions is re-established.

8.1.8 DISPLAY

Selecting DISPLAY allows the display to be set to NORMAL or DIMMED for low-light
conditions.

Fig 3.8 Display brightness

The centre ICON can be switched between a SHIP and a small CIRCLE shape;
default is the ship.

8.1.9 COMMUNICATIONS

Fig 3.9 Communications

Selecting COMMUNICATIONS brings up a dialogue box to enable Easytrak Alpha to

communicate with the Easytrak Alpha computer and to any navigation computer
using the data output. These values must agree with those set on the Easytrak
Alpha computer (PLEASE SEE 4.8.1.1 PARAGRAPH 17).

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8.2 SURVEY

On selecting SURVEY the following menu is displayed:

Fig 4 Survey

8.2.1 GPS

An external GPS receiver will need to output $GPGGA and $GPRMC NMEA format
strings at a baud rate of 4800 once per second (preferred) or at least once per two
seconds (8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity).

Selecting GPS allows selection of

the internal and optional external
GPS receivers.

In the GPS dropdown menu there

are four selections that can be
made, Auto, Internal, External, and
Off.

Fig 4.1 GPS

With Auto selected (default), if valid GPS data is detected, Easytrak Alpha will
automatically go into ‘GPS’ mode presenting positions in Geographical and UTM
coordinates. In ‘Auto’ mode, External GPS always has priority over the internal
GPS receiver. Once Easytrak Alpha is using the External receiver, it will not switch
to internal even if the external data become invalid, as this could result in an
unacceptable position jump. However, should the user wish to switch to internal,
then the ‘internal’ option in the menu should be selected.

With INTERNAL selected, the internal GPS receiver is used irrespective of the
presence of an external receiver.

With EXTERNAL selected, the External GPS receiver is used irrespective of the
presence of the internal receiver.

With OFF selected, no GPS receiver is used and positions are presented in a XY
format.

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HOLD POSITION (F9) The GPS position can be held by selecting function key F9 or
by the Survey menu (please see Fig 4.1). This means that the GPS contribution to
position is static and any movement of the target is entirely due to the difference in
position between the vessel and target, that is, the acoustics.

Fig 4.1.1 Fig 4.1.2

8.2.2 UTM ZONES

Fig 4.2 UTM Zones

In the UTM ZONES dropdown menu the user can either allow Easytrak Alpha to
automatically calculate the zone derived from valid GPS data (default), or,
alternatively, should the user wish to manually enter a particular zone, selecting
‘manual’ will bring up the following dialogue box.

Fig 4.2.1 UTM Zones manual selection dialogue box

A user may wish to manually set a zone if the area of work is close to or on a zone
boundary. If working South of the equator check the checkbox; leave un-checked
when North of the equator.

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8.2.3 WAYPOINTS

Easytrak Alpha allows ten WAYPOINTS to be saved or manually entered. There are
two ways for a waypoint to be entered, function key F5 automatically captures the
latest beacon position, and the dropdown menu allows positions to be entered
manually; in either case the dialogue boxes below will appear.

Fig 4.3 and 4.3.1 Waypoint dialogue boxes (absolute and ship relative positions)

The waypoint number can be selected, and by clicking the SET button, the position
data, time and date will be saved. To enable the waypoint icon to be displayed on
the screen, the ‘DISPLAY WP’ checkbox must be selected, and the Set button
clicked.

There are differences between selecting the dialogue box using the dropdown
menu and using the function key F5. Via the dropdown menu, the data for each
waypoint can be viewed and/or entered/edited in either UTMs or Geographical
coordinates.

Latitude and Longitude degrees, minutes and seconds are separated by a single
space character e.g. ddd mm ss.sss; alternatively, degrees and decimal degrees
e.g.ddd.ddd or degrees, minutes and decimal minutes e.g. dd mm.mmmmmm can
be entered. Follow the numerical values by North (N) or South (S), and East (E) or
West (W) as appropriate, e.g. ddd mm ss.sss N.

Make sure the corresponding radio button is selected prior to entering any data. If
the data is entered in UTMs, it will automatically be converted to Geographical
coordinates, and vice versa, on the set button being clicked.

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However, via the function key F5, though the waypoint number can be changed,
only the current captured data can be viewed, i.e. historical waypoint data cannot
be viewed irrespective of the waypoint number selected; again, make sure the
corresponding radio button is selected prior to clicking the Set button. If a change is
made, the time and date is updated to the current time.

Note: Please remember, to enable any selection or alteration, the SET button must be clicked, and for
a waypoint to be viewed, the ‘Display WP’ checkbox must be selected.

8.2.4 DISTANCE ALARM

Fig 4.4 Distance Alarm Fig 4.41 Distance Alarm Set Up

The DISTANCE ALARM monitors the distance between two selected points. Should
the distance exceed the distance entered, a warning will flash on the computer
screen, and if ‘sound’ is set on (ticked) an audio beep will sound.

The dropdown menu allows the alarm to be switched on or off (ticked), the audio
beep on or off, and set up opens up a dialogue box. The default settings are with
the alarm OFF and the Sound OFF.

‘From’ and ‘To’ can be selected from Ship, Beacon 1, Beacon 2, Beacon 3, Beacon
4, and Waypoints 1 to 10. The maximum distance is entered in the ‘Distance’ edit
box. The default values are:- ‘To’ = Beacon 1, ‘From’ = Ship and Distance =
100.0m. The distance alarm is useful as an audible warning, for example, should
the distance between a ROV and the mother ship be in danger of exceeding the
ROV’s umbilical length.

GPS can also be used to navigate to and from a worksite. Using the distance
alarm, a range and bearing to a waypoint containing the site’s coordinates would be
displayed.

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8.3 PRINT

Fig 5 Print
This drop down menu allows a PRINT OUT of waypoints or a screen dump to a
printer attached to the computer or on a network.

8.4 HELP

Fig 6 Help
This drop down menu presents options of DIAGNOSTICS, MANUAL and ABOUT. Note
to display the manual, Adobe Reader 8 must be installed on the computer.

8.4.1 DIAGNOSTICS

The DIAGNOSTICS option allows the current fix status, signal and noise levels,
convergence and beacon details to be displayed. The following dialogue box will be
displayed.

Fig 6.1 Diagnostics

8
Adobe Reader can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/

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Selecting Operation 1 the fix status of Beacons 1, 2 3, and 4 will be displayed (if
interrogating). The information given shows whether there was a timeout, Velocity
gating or GPS error.

Note: If there is a GPS error, Timeout will also show an error. However, if the error is an acoustic
timeout (beacon not received), only timeout will show an error.

Operation 2 displays the relative signal level of each receiving element. This is
useful should it be suspected that damage to the transducer may have occurred. A
faulty element may show a level much lower than other elements with a beacon
close by.

Operation 3 displays the convergence value for the current ship position.

Operation 4 displays the frequency details of Beacons 1, 2, 3 and 4.

8.4.2 ABOUT

Selecting ABOUT will give serial numbers of the Easytrak Alpha Control Unit and
transducer together with software versions. Contact details for Applied Acoustics
are also included.

Fig 6.2 About

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9. FUNCTION KEYS

Beacons can be activated or deactivated by using the FUNCTION KEYS on the

computer keyboard or by a left mouse click on the F1 – F4 keys on the Easytrak
Alpha display.

A right mouse click on the F1 – F4 keys brings up a dialogue box allowing the user
to enter a MANUAL DEPTH.

Fig 7.1 Automatic Depth Fig 7.2 Manual Depth

By default, depth is automatically calculated by Easytrak Alpha from the received

acoustic signals. However, when the difference in water depth between the target
and the transducer is small resulting in a very low vertical angle, a manual entry of
depth can result in a more stable position.

To enter a manual depth, tick the checkbox; the edit box will then permit a value to
be entered.

Function key F5 brings up the WAYPOINT DIALOGUE BOX (see fig 4.3)

Function key F6 allows position data to be recorded.

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APPENDIX A – EASYTRAK ALPHA CONFIGURATION GUIDE

It is assumed that the Easytrak Alpha main program and USB drivers have been
successfully installed and COM ports correctly set up.

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FRONT AND BACK PANELS OF EASYTRAK ALPHA

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EASYTRAK ALPHA LITE CONSOLE CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES

DESIRED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS REQUIRED

• Internal GPS Referenced GPS ON • Check from the SURVEY drop-down menu that
GPS option is either AUTO (No external GPS
plugged in) or Internal.
• Check from the SURVEY drop-down menu that
UTM Zones are set to AUTO, or set the desired
Zone using MANUAL option.

• Compass ON (North COMPASS • Check from the SET UP drop-down menu that
referenced) the COMPASS is enabled (ticked).

• Data Output – $GPRMC SERIAL DATA • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select
NMEA String OUTPUT DATA OUTPUT, then SERIAL PRINTER FORMAT,
select $GPRMC option. To start output,
ensure DATA OUTPUT ON is selected (ticked).

• Save Data – AAE String FILE STORAGE • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select
DATA OUTPUT, then FILE STORAGE FORMAT,
select AAE option. To start output, select
function key F6.

• Beacon 1 – Channel A2 BEACON • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select

type Transponder. CONFIGURATION Beacon Configuration. Select channel A2 from
the Combo-box and click the TRANSPONDER
Radio button. Set range velocity of sound.

• Beacon 1 enabled FUNCTION KEY F1 • Click F1 or press function key F1.

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DESIRED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS REQUIRED

• Not GPS Referenced but GPS OFF • From the SURVEY drop-down menu ensure that
local grid GPS option is OFF.

• Compass ON (North COMPASS • Check from the SET UP drop-down menu that
referenced) the COMPASS is enabled (ticked).

• Data Output – Sonar SERIAL DATA • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select
String OUTPUT DATA OUTPUT, then FORMAT, select SONAR
option. To start output, ensure DATA OUTPUT
ON is selected (ticked).

• Save Data – Sonar String FILE STORAGE • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select
DATA OUTPUT, then FILE STORAGE FORMAT,
select Sonar option. To start saving, select
function key F6.

• Beacon 2 – Channel A4 BEACON • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select

type Transponder. CONFIGURATION Beacon Configuration. Select channel A4 from
the Combo-box and click the TRANSPONDER
Radio button. Set range velocity of sound.

• Beacon 2 enabled FUNCTION KEY F2 • Click F2 or press function key F2.

DESIRED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS REQUIRED

• Vessel Referenced X & Y GPS OFF • From the SURVEY drop-down menu ensure that
GPS option is OFF.

• Compass OFF (Bow COMPASS • Check from the SET UP drop-down menu that
referenced) the COMPASS is disabled (not ticked).

• Data Output – AAE SERIAL DATA • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select
OUTPUT DATA OUTPUT, then FORMAT, select AAE
option. To start output, ensure DATA OUTPUT
ON is selected (ticked).

• Save Data FILE STORAGE • Not Required

• Beacon 3 – Channel A6 BEACON • From the SET UP drop-down menu, select

type Responder. CONFIGURATION Beacon Configuration. Select channel A6 from
the Combo-box and click the RESPONDER
Radio button. Ensure a responder cable is
connected between Alpha and the respective
beacon. Set range velocity of sound.

• Beacon 3 enabled FUNCTION KEY F3 • Click F3 or press function key F3.

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APPENDIX B – DATA OUTPUT AND STORAGE FORMATS

Note, the printer output configuration is set to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity.

APPLIED ACOUSTIC ENGINEERING PLAYBACK DATA STRING (DATA STORAGE ONLY)

The AAE Playback string is a concatenation of strings to give sufficient information

to plot the track of a run on a PC at a later date, and is given here for information
only.

AT2 String

Format:
$EA,CCCCCCCC,SSS,nnn,ssss.s,bbb.b,zzz.z,ccc.c,rr.r,pp.p,tt.t,dd.d,aaaa,tttt,hh.h,ii.i,jj.j,kk.k ,ll.l,mm.m,ee.e,ff.f,EEEE

Description String Code

Header $EA
Comms status CCCCCCCC
String ident, i.e. ‘AT2’ SSS
Target number nnn
Slant Range (Metres) ssss.s
Acoustic bearing (°) bbb.b
Depression Angle (°) zzz.z
Compass Heading to magnetic north (°) ccc.c
Roll (°) rr.r
Pitch (°) pp.p
Temperature (°C) tt.t
Depth of MIPS (Metres) dd.d
Acoustic Depth (ASCII Hex) aaaa
Tel Status (ASCII Hex) tttt
SNR channel 1 hh.h
SNR channel 2 ii.i
SNR channel 3 jj.j
SNR channel 4 kk.k
Signal Level 1 ll.l
Signal Level 2 mm.m
Signal Level 3 ee.e
Signal Level 4 ff.f
Position status EEEE
comma ,

(Note the comma at the end of the string)

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System String
Format: “#SYSTEM,DDMMYY,HHMMSS.S,I,A,B,C,UUU,E.E,N.N,S.S,L.L,V.V,J.J,D,X.X,Y.Y,Z.Z,T.T,G,M.M,

Description String code

Header #SYSTEM
Universal date DDMMYY
UTC Time HHMMSS.S
Interrogation Time (ms) I
0 = Transponder, 1 = Responder A
Data type 1 = Corrected, 3 = Smoothed B
GPS selection - 0= GPS off, 3 = GPS on, 9 = GPS Hold C
UTM zone UUU
False Easting E.E
False Northing N.N
CM Scale Factor S.S
Longitude Grid Origin L.L
Velocity Of Sound (phase m/s) V.V
Velocity Of Sound (range m/s) J.J
Depth source 0 = acoustic, 1 = manual D
X Offset X.X
Y Offset Y.Y
Z Offset Z.Z
T’ducer Offset T.T
Compass 1 = on, 0 = off G
Magnetic declination M.M
End of string comma ,

(Note the comma at the end of the string)

GPGGA String (With no GPS, this string is omitted)

Format: #GPGGA,hhmmss.s,ddmm.mmmm,N,dddmm.mmmm,E,q,xx,p.p,a.b,M,c.d,M,x.x,nnnn*HH,

Description String code

Header #GPGGA
UTC time of position hhmmss.s
Latitude ddmm.mmmm
North or South (N/S) N
Longitude dddmm.mmmm
East or West (E/W) E
GPS Quality indicator q
Number of satellites in use xx
Horizontal dilution of precision p.p
Antenna altitude above mean-sea-level a.b
Units of antenna altitude, metres M
Geoidal height c.d
Units of geoidal height, metres M
Age of Differential GPS data x.x
Differential reference station ID, 0000 to 1023 nnnn
Check Sum H
Comma ,

(Note the comma at the end of the string)

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GPVTG String (With no GPS, this string is omitted)

Format: #GPVTG,ttt.t,T,mmm.m,M,nnn.n,N,kkk.k,K*HH

Description String code

Header #GPVTG
True track made good (Degrees) t
True T
Magnetic track made good (Degrees) m
Magnetic M
Ground speed (Knots) n
Knots N
Ground speed (Km/h) k
Knots K
Check Sum H

WP (Waypoint String)

Format: ,#WP,NN,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,E.E,N.N

Description String code

Header #WP
Waypoint number 01 to 10 NN
Date DDMMYY
Time HHMMSS
Eastings (m) E.E
Northings (m) N.N

(Note the comma at the beginning of the string)

Note there can be from 1 to 10 waypoint strings, one after the other. To save disk
space, they are only present when added or removed, or, with no waypoints:-

WayPoints = “,#WP,00,No Waypoints selected” // 00 indicates no waypoints active

The strings are concatenated as follows:

AAEPLAYBACK = AT2 + System + GPSGGA + GPSVTG + WayPoints. + ':'

A CRC computation is then made on the string ‘AAEPLAYBACK ’ followed by the

addition of a carriage return (CR) and Line Feed (LF). The ‘:’ will be followed by the
CRC result, CR & LF

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APPLIED ACOUSTIC ENGINEERING (AAE) DATA STRING

The AAE string has 76 characters including carriage return and line feed when not
in GPS mode.

i,t,hhmmss,xxxxx.x,yyyyy.y,zzzzz.z,rrrr.r,bbb.b,dd.d,ccc.c,RRR.R,ppp.p,SSSCL

Description String code

Beacon identification (1 to 3) i
Data type: Unsmoothed (1), Smoothed (3) t
Hour h
Minute m
Second s
X (or Eastings) x
Y (or Northings) y
Z (Depth) z
Slant range r
Bearing to target b
Depression angle d
Compass c
Roll R
Pitch p
Status (see overleaf) S
Carriage return (CR) C
Line Feed (LF) L

All ranges and positions are in metres and angles are in degrees.
Note fields are comma separated. Leading 0’s (except time) and empty fields are
space filled. When in GPS mode, the X, Y and Z fields automatically expand to
take the full GPS data value.

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Example strings
“Normal” string
1,3,115906,**111.1,*-222.2,**333.3,*415.7,153.4,53.3,123.5,**0.4,*-0.6,000CL

“GPS” string
1,3,115906,500000.0,6500000.0,**333.3,*415.7,153.4,53.3,123.5,**0.4,*-0.6,000CL
Note * = space.

Error codes
Any error code is constructed by adding the following.
Interrogation has timed out 001
Outside velocity gate 032
GPS error 064
Reply signal overload 256
An error code of ‘000’ means no error.

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TRACKPOINT STD-EC W/PR DATA STRING

The simplified STD-EC W/PR string has 80 characters including carriage return
and line feed.
i*hh:mm:ss*ccc*bbb.b*rrrrr.r*xxxxxx.x*yyyyyy.y*zzzzz.z*-ttttt.t*EE*RRR.R*PPP.PCL
Description String code
Beacon identification i
Hour h
Minute m
Second s
Compass c
Bearing b
Slant range r
X (or Eastings) x
Y (or Northings) y
Z z
Telemetry t (always 0.0)
Error E
Roll R
Pitch P
Carriage return (CR) C
Line Feed (LF) L
Note * = space.

Note fields are space separated. Leading 0’s (except time) are space filled. When
in GPS mode, the X, Y and Z fields automatically expand to take the full GPS data
value.
Example:-
2*23:59:59*359*359.9**1234.5*-10000.0*-10000.0*10000.0******0.0*00**1.2* 2.1CL

If the signal is lost, the following string is outputted.

2*23:59:59*359***-.-*****-.-******-.-******-.-*****-.-******-.-06***-.-***-.-CL
Note * = space.

Error codes
No error 00
Lost signal 06

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SIMRAD $PSIMSSB DATA STRING

The simplified Simrad $PSIMSSB string is of variable length and is terminated by
a carriage return and line feed. ‘H’, ‘E’ and ‘N’ orientations are available.
Field Name Comment
$PSIMSSB Start character and address
,hhmmss.ss Time Real time of
measurement
,cc Beacon code (01 – 04) E.g. D01, D03
,A Status A = OK, V not OK
,cc Error code Left empty
,a Coordinate system Set to ‘C’ for
Cartesian or ‘U’ for
UTM coordinates.
,a Orientation H for vessel head
up, N for North, E
for East.
,a SW Filter Set to M for
measured
,x.x If Orientation is E or H, field = “East/ing or X” Depends on data
If Orientation is N, field = “North/ing or Y” format set.
,x.x If Orientation is N, field = “East/ing or X” Depends on data
If Orientation is E or H, field = “North/ing or Y” format set.
,x.x Depth Depth depends on
data format set.
,x.x Expected accuracy Always 0.0
,a Additional information Set to ‘N’
,x.x 1st Additional value Left empty
,x.x 2nd Additional value Left empty
*HH Checksum Checksum
CL Terminators Carriage return /
line feed

Example string
$PSIMSSB,161618.00,B01,A,,C,H,M,10.0,20.0,30.3,0.0,N,,*5BCL

Note, providing GPS $GPRMC is available, the data output string $PSIMSSB uses
GPS UTC time and date. If GPS is not available, or $GPRMC is not selected,
Easytrak Alpha’s internal date and time is used.

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SIMRAD $PSIMSNS DATA STRING

The simplified Simrad $PSIMSNS string is of variable length and is terminated by

a carriage return and line feed.

Field Name Comment

$PSIMSNS Start character and address
,hhmmss.ss Time Real time of measurement
,cc Beacon code (01 – 04) E.g. D01, D02
,xx Transceiver number Always 1
,xx Transducer number Always 1
,x.x Roll Roll in degrees
,x.x Pitch Pitch in degrees
,x.x Heave Always 0.0
,x.x Heading Between 0° and 360°
,x Tag Left empty
,x Parameters Bits (0,1) = 1 (SSBL)
Bit (4) = 1 (Mobile)
Bit (5) =1 (UTC Time )
Other bits = 0
,x.x Time age Always 0.0
,x Spare Empty field
,axx Master Slave Always M121
*HH Checksum Checksum
CL Terminators Carriage return / line feed

Example string
$PSIMSNS,161618.00,B01,1,1,0.0,0.0,0.0,86.2,,1,0.00,,M121*6DCL

Note, providing GPS $GPRMC is available, the data output string $PSIMSSB uses
GPS UTC time and date. If GPS is not available, or $GPRMC is not selected,
Easytrak Alpha’s internal date and time is used.

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PSEUDO $GPRMC DATA STRING

RMC - Recommended Minimum Navigation Information.

The pseudo $GPRMC string is terminated by a carriage return and line feed.

$GPRMC,hhmmss.sss,A,llll.llll,N,yyyyy.yy,E,k.k,c.c,DDMMYY,v.v,V*HHCL

Description String code

Header $GPRMC
Hour h
Minute m
Second s
Status A = OK, V = Warning
Latitude ddmm.mmmm l
North or South (N/S) N
Longitude dddmm.mmmm y
East or West (E/W) E
Speed over ground, knots k
Course over ground, degrees true c
Day D
Month M
Year Y
Magnetic Variation, degrees v
Magnetic Variation, east / west (E/W) V
Check Sum H
Carriage return (CR) C
Line feed L

Example String
$GPRMC,092204.999,A,5250.5589,S,00142.5084,E,0.00,89.68,210206,0.0,E*44

Note, providing GPS $GPRMC is available, the data output string $PSIMSSB uses
GPS UTC time and date. If GPS is not available, or $GPRMC is not selected,
Alpha’s internal date and time is used.

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SONAR SSS DATA STRINGS

An output is provided for various Side Scan Sonars. This selection outputs three
strings one immediately after the other - $GPGGA, $GPVTG, and $GPTLL.

The strings $GPGGA and $GPVTG provide the position and course over ground of
the vessel, and string $GPTLL provides the position of the towfish.

Vessel Position
$GPGGA,hhmmss.ss,ddmm.mmm,N,dddmm.mmm,E,q,xx,p.p,a.b,M,c.d,M,x.x,nnnn*HHCL

Description String code

Header $GPGGA
UTC of position hhmmss.ss
Latitude ddmm.mmm
North or South (N/S) N
Longitude dddmm.mmm
East or West (E/W) E
GPS Quality indicator q
(Varies with which D/GPS receiver is used)
Number of satellites in use xx
Horizontal dilution of precision p.p
Antenna altitude above mean-sea-level a.b
Units of antenna altitude, metres M
Geoidal height c.d
Units of geoidal height, metres M
Age of Differential GPS data x.x
(seconds since last valid RTCM transmission)
Differential reference station ID, 0000 to 1023 nnnn
Check Sum H
Carriage return (CR) C
Line feed L

Note some of the fields may be left blank; this will vary depending upon the D/GPS
receiver used.

Note, providing GPS $GPRMC is available, the data output string uses GPS UTC
time and date. If GPS is not available, or $GPRMC is not selected, Alpha’s internal
date and time is used.

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SONAR DATA STRINGS / CONTINUED

Vessel track made good and ground speed

$GPVTG,ttt.t,T,mmm.m,M,nnn.n,N,kkk.k,K*HHCL

Description String code

Header $GPVTG
True track made good (Degrees) t
True T
Magnetic track made good (Degrees) m
Magnetic M
Ground speed (Knots) n
Knots N
Ground speed (Km/h) k
Km/h K
Check Sum H
Carriage return (CR) C
Line feed L

Note some of the fields may be left blank; this will vary depending on the GPS
receiver used.

Target position

$GPTLL,nn,llll.llll,N,yyyyy.yyyy,E,EasytrakAlpha,hhmmss.ss,T,*HHCL

Description String code

Header $GPTLL
target number (1 - 4) nn
Latitude ddmm.mmmm l
North or South (N/S) N
Longitude dddmm.mmmm y
East or West (E/W) E
System ID string EasytrakAlpha
Hour h
Minute m
Second s
Status (T=tracking, L= Lost) T
Check Sum H
Carriage return (CR) C
Line feed L

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$GPGGA BEACON POSITION DATA STRING

The string $GPGGA provides the position of the beacon.

Beacon Position
$GPGGA,hhmmss.ss,ddmm.mmm,N,dddmm.mmm,E,q,xx,p.p,a.b,M,c.d,M,0.0,n*HHCL

Description String code

Header $GPGGA
UTC of position hhmmss.ss
Latitude of target (beacon) ddmm.mmm
North or South (N/S) N
Longitude of target (beacon) dddmm.mmm
East or West (E/W) E
Acoustic Fix indicator 1 = good response, 0 = no response q
Number of satellites in use xx
Horizontal dilution of precision p.p
Target depth a.b
Units of Target depth, metres M
Geoidal height c.d
Units of geoidal height, metres M
Age of Differential GPS data (Always 0.0) 0.0
Beacon number 1 to 4 n
Check Sum H
Carriage return (CR) C
Line feed L

Note some of the fields may be left blank; this will vary depending upon the D/GPS
receiver used.

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APPENDIX C – SYSTEM SPECIFICATION

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

RANGE RESOLUTION 10cm.

POSITION ACCURACY 2.0° RMS, 3.5% of slant range. Excluding

effects due to GPS error, incorrect VOS, ray
bending, compass, pitch and roll effects,
and acceptable S/N ratio.

HEADING SENSOR ACCURACY <0.5° RMS

TILT SENSOR ACCURACY Accuracy ± <1.0° RMS

Range ± 80°

INTERNAL GPS / DGPS SiRF Starlll Chip set Receiver

<10m, 2D RMS
<5m 2DRMS, SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS,
MSAS…) corrected.

ELECTRICAL

POWER SUPPLY Input: 115V AC – 230V AC ~ 47-63Hz

typically 2A.

ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE Input: 12 –18V DC up to 2A depending

on input DC voltage.

RESPONDER OUTPUT Positive 12V pulse 10ms long. BNC

connector.

TRANSDUCER MF Frequency band.

Transducer beam pattern – Hemispherical.

Interrogate power – Typically 186dB re.

1µPa@1m

COMMUNICATIONS All RS232C inputs should comply with EIA

(Electronics Industry Association) RS232C
standard.

EXTERNAL GPS / DGPS NMEA; GLL, GGA, RMC.

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MECHANICAL

DIMENSIONS Enclosure 255 x 60 x 315 (mm). (W x H x D)

(excluding cables)

Transducer 370 x 100 diameter (mm).

Cable 12.5 mm diameter, yellow

polyurethane sheathed. Standard length is
20m.

WEIGHT Enclosure 2.6Kg approx.

Transducer 4.6Kg in air, 2.6Kg in water

approx.

Transducer housing Material – PVC.

MISCELLANEOUS

INTERROGATION INTERVAL 1, 2, 4 or 8 second intervals.

BEACON TYPES Transponders and Responder (1).

CHANNELS Please see appendix D.

ENVIRONMENT

OPERATING TEMPERATURE -5 to 30°C.

STORAGE TEMPERATURE -5 to 45°C.

Note: Specification is subject to change without notice

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APPENDIX D – BEACON CHANNEL SPECIFICATION

AAE Channels
Description Interrogate F1 Interrogate F2 Reply Misc.
A 1 EASYTRAK 200 & 900 18.500 28.000 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
A 2 EASYTRAK 200 & 900 19.500 26.000 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
A 3 EASYTRAK 200 & 900 20.500 29.000 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
A 4 EASYTRAK 200 & 900 21.500 27.000 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
A 6 EASYTRAK 900 18.000 20.000 27.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
B 3 EASYTRAK 900 21.000 18.000 27.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
B 4 EASYTRAK 900 21.000 20.000 26.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms
B 7 EASYTRAK 900 22.000 18.000 26.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 2ms

TPll Channels
Description Interrogate F1 Interrogate F2 Reply Misc.
1 9 TRACKPOINT 18.000 25.000 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
1 A TRACKPOINT 16.000 25.000 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
2 A TRACKPOINT 17.500 28.500 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
2 B TRACKPOINT 18.500 26.500 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
3 0 TRACKPOINT 17.000 27.000 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
4 0 TRACKPOINT 19.000 29.000 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
6 0 TRACKPOINT 18.000 28.000 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms
8 0 TRACKPOINT 21.000 29.000 TAT 15ms; PULSE WIDTH 1.5ms

HPR Channels
Description Interrogate F1 Interrogate F2 Reply Misc.
0 7 HPR3 24.510 27.777 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
0 8 HPR3 25.000 28.409 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
1 6 HPR4 21.000 23.500 27.250 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
1 7 HPR4 21.000 24.000 27.750 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
2 1 HPR4 21.500 21.000 28.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
2 2 HPR3 22.727 28.409 TAT 30ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
2 6 HPR4 21.500 23.500 27.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
2 7 HPR4 21.500 24.000 27.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
3 6 HPR4 22.000 23.500 27.250 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
3 7 HPR4 22.000 24.000 27.750 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
4 1 HPR4 22.500 21.000 28.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
4 6 HPR4 22.500 23.500 27.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
4 7 HPR4 22.500 24.000 27.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
5 6 HPR4 23.000 23.500 27.250 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
5 7 HPR4 23.000 24.000 27.750 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms

Frequencies F1, F2 and Reply are in kHz.

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HPR Channels continued

6 1 HPR4 23.500 21.000 28.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
6 7 HPR4 23.500 24.000 27.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
7 6 HPR4 24.000 23.500 27.250 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
8 1 HPR4 24.500 21.000 28.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
8 6 HPR4 24.500 23.500 27.000 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms
8 7 HPR4 24.500 24.000 27.500 TAT 60ms; PULSE WIDTH 10ms

Frequencies F1, F2 and Reply are in kHz.

Note: Specification is subject to change without notice

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APPENDIX E – MINIMUM COMPUTER SPECIFICATION

The table below lists the recommended minimum specification for the computer to
run the Easytrak Alpha program. Care should be taken if an attempt is made to run
other programs at the same time, in case there is a conflict or overuse of resources.

DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATION

PROCESSOR Minimum 1.5GHz or faster

MEMORY 1GB

HARD DISK SPACE FREE 10MB

ADDITIONAL DRIVES CD ROM / DVD ROM

DISPLAY (MINIMUM) 800 x 600 (1024 x 768 recommended)

PORTS 1 x USB (1.1, 2.0)

OPERATING SYSTEM Windows XP SP2 or Vista (Home or Professional)

Windows 7

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APPENDIX F – TROUBLESHOOTING

FAULT / SYMPTOM No Power light on the front panel of Easytrak Alpha

POSSIBLE CAUSES The Power supply. Is there power to the socket? The Power supply
is not plugged into Alpha, or the Wall socket, or not switched on.
Defective power supply. Measure the output voltage of the power
supply, it should read approximately 18VDC; if OK faulty Alpha.

FAULT / SYMPTOM “Easytrak Alpha Failed to Initialise” message is displayed

POSSIBLE CAUSES Incorrect COM port has been selected. Correct by going to Alpha
dropdown menu Set Up / Communication and entering the correct
COM port. View what ports were set up after Alpha installation.
Wiring fault. Try replacing the USB cable.

FAULT / SYMPTOM No Signal return at any range

POSSIBLE CAUSES Incorrect Channel. Do RECEIVE and TRANSMIT frequencies of

the beacon agree with those of Alpha?
Beacon TX power. This may be due to a discharged battery, fouled
transducer, or beacon fault. Try with a known working beacon.
Obstruction. The beacon’s signal may be blocked by submerged
parts of the vessel, seabed objects – manmade or natural.
Deck Cable. Check that the deck cable or connectors have not been
damaged. Look for cuts, splits or abrasions. Check there is no
corrosion on the connector pins.
Damaged responder cable. Check the pulse from Alpha is present
at the Responder end of the cable (approx 12VDC pulse on load).
Confirmation. Temporarily locate the transducer and a suitable
beacon on-deck. Try interrogating the beacon. Is the transducer
transmitting (clicking)? Is the beacon transmitting (clicking)? No, try
another transducer / beacon. Is Easytrak Alpha receiving the
beacon’s transmission? No, move the beacon around the transducer
in case the beacon is in a dead spot. If there is still no response the
transducer is suspect.

FAULT / SYMPTOM Incorrect Range

POSSIBLE CAUSES Incorrect Velocity of Sound. Enter correct value.

Turn around delay. Is the turn around delay set correctly in the
beacon? Correct turn around delay. Alpha’s turn around delay can
be found in appendix D Beacon Specifications.
Try another beacon in the water set to the same channel. Is another
sonar system transmitting at the beacon’s reply frequency?

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APPENDIX F – TROUBLESHOOTING CONT/

FAULT / SYMPTOM Short range

POSSIBLE CAUSE Attempting an excessive range for conditions. Range is

dependent on local conditions such as in-band noise from man-made
and marine sources. If possible reduce noise or work at a shorter
range.
Beacon reply insensitivity. This may be due to a fouled
transducer, or beacon fault. Clean beacon transducer with fresh
water. Try using a known working beacon.
Transducer reply insensitivity. Check that the transducer is not
damaged or fouled. Clean the transducer with fresh water.
Obstruction. The beacon’s signal may be blocked by submerged
parts of the vessel, seabed objects – man-made and natural.
Bubbles of air and gas produced by the vessel’s propeller.
Thermoclines. This is due to abrupt changes of velocity of sound in
water due to variances of water temperature and / or salinity. The
effect of this can be to ‘tunnel’ or bend the acoustic signal away from
either the target or the transducer. If possible try adjusting the height
of the transducer in the water.

FAULT / SYMPTOM Bearing stable but incorrect

POSSIBLE CAUSES Magnetic anomaly. Strong magnetic anomalies can be beyond the
calibration range of the internal compass. If a metal pole is being
used to mount the transducer, make sure it is not made of iron or
other magnetic material! If possible remove sources of local
magnetic fields, or relocate the transducer, or set the transducer
deeper in the water.
Dirty Transducer. There may be grease or another substance on
the transducer’s surface. This can result is bearing errors due to
refraction. Clean the transducer with fresh water.
Transducer damage. The transducer may have been damaged by
dropping or collision. This could result in the receive elements being
displaced sufficiently to give incorrect bearings.

FAULT / SYMPTOM Unstable Compass

POSSIBLE CAUSES Magnetic anomaly. Strong magnetic anomalies can be beyond the
calibration range of the internal compass. If possible remove
sources of local magnetic fields, or relocate the transducer, or set the
transducer deeper in the water.
Strumming. Severe strumming can result in the compass giving an
unstable bearing, pitch and roll. Tether transducer or pole with rope
forward and aft to reduce strumming.

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APPENDIX F – TROUBLESHOOTING CONT/

FAULT / SYMPTOM Unstable positions - bearing instability but range fairly stable

POSSIBLE CAUSES Transducer depth. Transducer may not be deep enough in the
water. It is recommended the transducer be below the draft of the
vessel by at least 1 metre.
Multipath interference. This may be due to multipath interference
close to the transducer or close to the target. It may be due to vessel
movement especially if no form of compass compensation is being
used. Adjust the height of the transducer in the water.
Movement. If the transducer is free hanging over the side of the
vessel, is the transducer being adversely affected by bow thrusters or
alike? Relocate transducer. Tether transducer with rope forward and
aft to reduce movement and rotation.
Contaminated Transducer. Ensure the transducer is clean and
uncontaminated prior to installation. Grease can have an adverse
effect on the transducer. A lightly damped cloth should be used.
Solvents are not recommended.
Damaged receive element. Select the dropdown menu
Help/diagnostics (option 2) and check the relative signal levels and
see if one (or more) element is very low relative to the other
elements. Typically the faulty element would be < 0-5% compared to
a ‘good’ element of ‘70% at a range of a few tens of metres.

FAULT / SYMPTOM Unstable positions - bearing instability and range unstable

POSSIBLE CAUSES Transducer depth. Transducer may not be deep enough in the
water. It is recommended the transducer be below the draft of the
vessel by at least 1 metre.
Interrogation rate too fast. Beacon lock-out time may exceed
interrogation rate. If the interrogation rate is too quick, it is possible
that previous signal reflections may be received first.
Multipath interference. This may be due to multipath interference
away from the transducer e.g. pipelines, underwater structures, and
thermoclines. If the sea is flat calm, it is common for the water / air
interface to give strong reflections. If possible try adjusting the height
of the transducer in the water.
Acoustic noise. The noise can be vessel borne such as from the
propeller (try running at different revs), sonar systems (try
synchronising so that the sonar’s transmission does not overlap
Easytrak’s receive time. It is known in certain parts of the world for
marine animals to generate quite loud acoustic noise. Select the
dropdown menu Help/diagnostics (option 2) and check the in-water
noise level.
Electrical noise. This can be conducted or radiated from
generators, welding kits, radio communications, sonar systems etc.
If possible, switch off equipment one system at a time until the
offending piece of equipment can be identified. Select the dropdown
menu Help/diagnostics (option 2) and check the in-water noise level.

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APPENDIX F – TROUBLESHOOTING CONT/

FAULT / SYMPTOM External GPS Receiver not being seen by Easytrak Alpha

Note it can sometimes take 20 - 30 minutes for a GPS receiver

POSSIBLE CAUSES to initially derive a position, particularly if the receiver was
previously used in a different part of the world.
Menu configuration. Ensure that Alpha’s GPS configuration is set
to AUTO or External.
No data from the GPS receiver. Ensure the external GPS receiver
is functioning correctly and outputting valid GPS data ($GPGGA and
$GPRMC).
Incorrect baud rate. Is the external GPS receiver set to 4800 baud,
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity?
Wiring error. Confirm wiring conforms to the requirements of the pin
outs in APPENDIX G.
Antenna. Is the antenna connected to the external receiver? Is the
antenna located clear of obstructions and can ‘see’ clearly from
horizon to horizon?
Confirmation. Confirmation of an output from the receiver can be
determined by using a terminal emulation program.

FAULT / SYMPTOM No valid data from the internal GPS receiver

Note it can sometimes take 20 - 30 minutes for a GPS receiver

POSSIBLE CAUSES to initially derive a position, particularly if the receiver was
previously used in a different part of the world.
Menu configuration. Ensure that Alpha’s GPS configuration is set
to Internal or Auto if no External GPS receiver is connected.
Antenna. Is the antenna connected to Easytrak Alpha? Is the
antenna located clear of obstructions and can ‘see’ clearly from
horizon to horizon?
Antenna damage. Is the antenna or antenna cable visibly
damaged? Replace antenna and cable.

FAULT / SYMPTOM No navigation data being outputted from Alpha Serial Port

POSSIBLE CAUSES Menu configuration. Ensure that Data Output is switched on

(ticked) from the Set Up dropdown menu. Is the format of the output
data set in Easytrak Alpha that required?
Incorrect baud rate. Is the Navigation computer or serial printer
baud rate set to receive data at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit,
and no parity?
Wiring error. Confirm wiring conforms to the requirements of the pin
outs in APPENDIX G.
Confirmation. Confirmation of an output from Easytrak Alpha can
be determined by using a terminal emulation program.

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APPENDIX G – CONNECTOR PIN OUTS

• TRANSDUCER CONNECTOR
U Ref channel+
N PS channel+
M PS channel –
A Ref2 channel+
E Transmitter +
R Transmitter Gnd
D Transmitter Screen
H RS232 Rx
S RS232 Tx
L Ref channel –
B Ref2 channel –
P Power +Ve
V Power –Ve
G RS232 Gnd
K FA Channel+
J FA Channel –
C Power Gnd

• SERIAL CONNECTORS
2 Receive Data (Rx)
3 Transmit Data (Tx)
5 Gnd

• BNC CONNECTOR
Inner Signal +
Outer Signal –
Note the BNC connector is isolated.

• POWER CONNECTOR
Inner 18VDC +
Outer Ground

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APPENDIX H - TRANSDUCER CABLE

CABLE: Outer jacket: Polyurethane

Diameter: 13.0mm (+/- 0.4mm)
Weight (air): 23.7 kg per 100m
Weight (water): 10.4 kg per 100m

EASYTRAK END CONNECTOR: Type – AB Heavy Duty Sealed Bayonet

coupling.
Part number (Free plug) AB06T 20A48P
SN, (Cable clamp) SB 20A48 CCA.

Description Easytrak End

Ref channel+ U
PS channel+ N
PS channel – M
Ref2 channel+ A
Ref2 channel Screen N/C
Transmitter +Ve E
Transmitter Ground R
Transmitter Screen D
RS232 Rx H
RS232 Tx S
FA Channel Screen N/C
Ref channel – L
Ref channel Screen N/C
PS Channel Screen N/C
Ref2 channel – B
Power +Ve P
Power –Ve V
RS232 Ground G
FA Channel+ K
FA Channel – J
Power Ground C

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APPENDIX I - HANDLING

There are no special handling conditions with this product. For beacons, please see
their specific manuals.

APPENDIX J - END OF LIFE RECYCLING / DISPOSAL

Within the EU all electronic components and batteries must be taken for separate
collection at the end of their working life under EU WEEE directives. Applied Acoustics
as a manufacturer within the EU will responsibly dispose of any returned end of life
Applied Acoustics components / batteries through a registered WEEE scheme. In
order to prevent uncontrolled waste disposal and promote re-cycling please return any
end of life Applied Acoustic components postage paid by sender to our UK head office.
Please contact Tech Support for a RMA number prior to shipping.

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INDEX

$GPGGA, 54 GPS - INTERNAL, 34

$GPGGA BEACON POSITION, 56 GPS - OFF, 34
$GPTLL, 54 GPS ANTENNA, 9
$GPVTG, 54 GPS ANTENNA, 8
AAE PLAYBACK DATA STRING, 45 HANDLING, 68
ABOUT, 39 HELP, 38
ABSOLUTE OR A RELATIVE POSITIONING, 21 HELP INFORMATION, 23
ACCURACY - HEADING SENSOR, 57 HOT KEYS, 23
ACCURACY - HORIZONTAL POSITION, 57 INSTALLATION, 9
ACCURACY - TILT SENSOR, 57 INTERNET ACCESS, 16
ADMINISTRATOR PRIVILEGE, 16 INTERROGATION RATE, 58
ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE POWER INPUT, INTRODUCTION, 5
57 MAGNETIC ANOMALIES, 5
BASIC THEORY, 7 MAGNETIC DECLINATION, 27
BEACON CHANNEL SPECIFICATION, 59 MANUAL, 38
BEACON CONFIGURATION, 25 MANUAL DEPTH, 23
BEACON POSITIONING, 20 MINIMUM COMPUTER SPECIFICATION, 61
BEACON/S, 8 MOUSE BUTTON - LEFT, 23
COMMAND CONSOLE INSTALLATION, 9 MOUSE BUTTON - RIGHT, 23
COMMUNICATIONS, 33 MOUSE WHEEL, 23
COMPASS, 29 OFFSETS, 27
COMPUTER INSTALLATION, 9 PLANNING AN OPERATION, 20
CONNECTOR PIN OUTS, 66 POLE DEPLOYMENT, 9
CONVERGENCE, 39 POWER SUPPLY, 10
DATA OUTPUT, 30 POWER SUPPLY, 8
DATA OUTPUT FORMATS, 45 POWER SUPPLY UNIT, 57
DECK CABLE INSTALLATION, 10 PRINT, 38
DGPS, 21 PSEUDO $GPRMC, 53
DIAGNOSTICS, 38 RECYCLING / DISPOSAL, 68
DISPLAY, 33 RESOLUTION SLANT RANGE, 57
DISTANCE ALARM, 37 SBAS, 21
EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE, 8 SERIAL PRINTER FORMAT, 30
EASYTRAK ALPHA CONFIGURATION GUIDE, SET UP, 24
41 SIMRAD $PSIMSNS, 52
EASYTRAK ALPHA DISPLAY, 22 SIMRAD $PSIMSSB, 51
EASYTRAK ALPHA MENUS, 24 SMOOTHED POSITION, 33
FILE STORAGE, 31 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION, 11
FILE STORAGE FORMAT, 31 SONAR SSS, 54
FIX INTERVAL, 26 SPECIAL MOUSE OPERATIONS, 23
FUNCTION KEYS, 40 SURVEY, 34
GPS, 34 SUSPENDED DEPLOYMENT, 9
GPS - $GPGGA FORMAT, 34 SYSTEM CABLING INSTALLATION, 10
GPS - $GPRMC FORMAT, 34 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION, 8
GPS - AUTO, 34 SYSTEM SPECIFICATION, 57
GPS - EXTERNAL, 34 THE COMPUTER, 8
GPS - EXTERNAL 4800 BAUD, 34 TRACKPOINT STD-EC W/PR, 50

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2665 Series Operation Manual
EZT-2665-8000/11

TRANSDUCER, 57 VELOCITY OF SOUND, 26

TRANSDUCER AND DECK CABLE, 8 WAYPOINTS, 36
TRANSDUCER CABLE, 67 WHAT ACCURACY IS REQUIRED, 21
TRANSDUCER DEPTH, 27 WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED, 20
TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION, 9 WHAT LOCAL POWER IS AVAILABLE, 20
TRANSDUCER MOUNTING, 20 WHAT NEEDS SETTING UP, 20
TRANSDUCER PITCH, 27 WHAT RANGE, 21
TROUBLESHOOTING, 62 WINDOWS 7 DEVICE DRIVER SET-UP, 16
USB DRIVER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION, 11 WINDOWS XP DEVICE DRIVER SET-UP, 12
USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION, X OFFSET, 27
19 Y OFFSET, 27
UTM ZONES, 35

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