4125i 4125 Side Scan Sonar System
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Specifications:
- Product Name: 4125i/4125 Side Scan Sonar System
- Model Number: 0008854_REV_F
- Manufacturer: EdgeTech
- Address: 4 Little Brook Road West Wareham, MA 02576
- Contact: Tel: 508-291-0057, Fax: 508-291-2491, Website:
www.EdgeTech.com
Product Usage Instructions:
Hardware Variations and Compatibility:
The 4125 Series Side Scan Sonar Systems come in different
hardware variations. The 4125i and the 4125 SAR Side Scan Sonar
Systems are the current standard configurations. The 4125 SAR
variant is optimized for search and recovery surveys. Ensure
compatibility of components by referring to the system
documentation or contacting EdgeTech CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Component Interchangeability:
EdgeTech may change standard components for availability or
performance improvements. Replacement parts are generally
interchangeable, and software drivers will be provided if needed.
Contact CUSTOMER SERVICE for any compatibility questions or
assistance.
System Operation and Upgrades:
Some features may not be active at delivery but will be made
available through upgrades. Any changes affecting system operation
will be clearly noted. Refer to the manual for reference on parts
lists and features. Contact CUSTOMER SERVICE for any queries
regarding system upgrades.
FAQ:
Q: How can I ensure compatibility of system components?
A: Refer to the system documentation or contact EdgeTech
CUSTOMER SERVICE for details on hardware compatibility.
Q: What should I do if a specific hardware component needs
replacement?
A: Contact CUSTOMER SERVICE for assistance, as EdgeTech will
provide necessary drivers with replacement parts if applicable.
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4125I/4125 SIDE SCAN SONAR SYSTEM
QUICKSTART GUIDE
0008854_REV_F
1/27/2025
EdgeTech 4 Little Brook Road West Wareham, MA 02576
Tel: 508-291-0057 Fax: 508-291-2491 www.EdgeTech.com
ii
The information, figures, and specifications in this manual are proprietary. They are issued in strict confidence on condition that they not be copied, reprinted, or disclosed to a third party, either wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of EdgeTech. Any reproduction of EdgeTech supplied software or file sharing is strictly prohibited. Copyright © 2011 2025 EdgeTech. All rights reserved.
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HARDWARE VARIATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY
4125 Series Side Scan Sonar Systems contain both standard and proprietary hardware. The 4125i and the 4125 SAR Side Scan Sonar Systems are the current standard hardware configurations. The 4125 (no i) is a legacy system that was replaced by the 4125i. Each variant in the series has its own set of options.
The 4125i is an improved version of the legacy 4125 system that replaces the obsolete xDSL towfish and topside modems in the system. 4125i and 4125 towfish and topside equipment are not compatible with one another as the chipset used in the obsolete 4125 xDSL modems are not compatible with the new modems used in the 4125i. Both topside and towfish must be purchased or upgraded to the 4125i standard to work correctly. Contact EdgeTech CUSTOMER SERVICE for details and assistance on any upgrade. Full system documentation on this system can be found in the 4125I/4125 SERIES HARDWARE MANUAL (0004823) and the 4125 SOFTWARE MANUAL (0016652).
The 4125 SAR Side Scan Sonar System is a variant with configurations and options that are optimized for search and recovery surveys. These configurations and options may make the 4125 SAR towfish and portable topside not compatible with non-SAR 4125 system components. Contact EdgeTech CUSTOMER SERVICE for details and assistance if this is the case. Full system documentation can be found in the 4125SAR HARDWARE MANUAL (0019251) and 4125 SOFTWARE MANUAL (0016652).
EdgeTech may change the standard components due to their availability or performance improvements. Although the component manufacturers–along with their models and styles–may change from unit to unit, replacement parts will generally be interchangeable.
EdgeTech will make every effort to see that replacement components are interchangeable and use the same software drivers (if applicable). At times, however, direct replacements may not exist. When this happens, EdgeTech will provide the necessary drivers with the replacement part, if applicable.
EdgeTech may also change specific hardware per customer requirements. Therefore, portions of this manual, such as parts lists and test features, are subject to change. These sections should be used for reference only. When changes are made that affect system operation, they will be explicitly noted. Also, some options and features may not be active in the customer’s unit at the time of delivery. Upgrades will be made available when these features are implemented.
Contact CUSTOMER SERVICE with any questions relating to compatibility.
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CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer service personnel at EdgeTech are always eager to hear from users of our products. Your feedback is welcome and is a valuable source of information that we use to improve these products continually. Therefore, we encourage you to contact EdgeTech Customer Service to offer any suggestions or to request technical support:
NOTE: Please have your system Model and Serial Number available when contacting Customer Service.
E-mail: Mail:
Telephone: Facsimile: 24-Hour Emergency Technical Support Line:
service@edgetech.com 4 Little Brook Road West Wareham, MA 02576 508-291-0057 508-291-2491
508-942-8043
For more information, please go to WWW.EDGETECH.COM.
4125i/4125 Side Scan Sonar System
0008854_REV_F
v
ATTENTION READ THIS FIRST!
All personnel involved with the installation, operation, or maintenance of the equipment described in this manual should read and understand the warnings and cautions provided below.
CAUTION! This equipment contains devices that are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Therefore, extreme care should be taken when handling them. Normal handling precautions involve the use of anti-static protection materials and grounding straps for personnel.
WARNING! High Voltage may be present in all parts of the system. Therefore, use caution when the electronics are removed from their
containers for servicing.
CAUTION! Operation with improper line voltage may cause severe damage to the equipment. Always ensure that the proper line voltage is used.
CAUTION! Do not operate the system while the towfish is in the air for extended periods. The system may be enabled to transmit while in the air for test purposes, but testing should be limited to 5 minutes or less. This system transmits high power into the transducers, which can become quite hot if operated in the air for extended periods. Damage to the transducers and internal electronics is possible.
Revision History
REVISION A B C D E F
DESCRIPTION Release to Production Clarified Instructions Specs and Images Updated Instructions Updated Updated to 4125i Wireless Update
DATE 02/01/2011 02/26/2011 04/23/2018 10/30/2019 07/31/2020 1/27/2025
APPROVAL TS TS TS TS PO PJF
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HARDWARE VARIATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY……………………………………………………………………….iii CUSTOMER SERVICE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..iv ATTENTION READ THIS FIRST! …………………………………………………………………………………………….v
Revision History ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. v TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………………………………………….vi 1.0 TOWFISH ASSEMBLY ………………………………………………………………………………………………..1-7 2.0 SETUP AND ACTIVATION …………………………………………………………………………………………..2-1
2.1 Topside, Computer, and GPS Device Connection…………………………………………………………….2-1 2.2 Activating the 4125i System …………………………………………………………………………………………2-1
2.2.1 4125i-P Topside Controls, Connectors, and Indicator LEDs…………………………………………..2-1 2.2.2 4125-RM Topside Controls, Connectors, and Indicator LEDs………………………………………..2-1 2.2.3 4125 Topside Activation Instructions ………………………………………………………………………..2-1 2.3 Verifying Record and Playback Functions……………………………………………………………………….2-2 2.4 Pre-deployment Test …………………………………………………………………………………………………..2-3 3.0 DEPLOYMENT …………………………………………………………………………………………………………3-1 4.0 QUICKSTART GUIDE CHECKLIST…………………………………………………………………………………..4-1
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1.0 TOWFISH ASSEMBLY
To assemble the Towfish: 1. Assemble and attach the tail cone by fitting the cone to the back of the 4125i and threading in the Bolt with washer to secure it to the 4125.
Tail Cone
Washer
Bolt
Figure 1-1: Tail Assembly 2. Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the tow cable connector before connecting to the
towfish.
3. Attach the tow cable to the towfish main I/O connector and secure the locking sleeve.
4. Connect the tow cable safety grip and shackle to the tow arm. Securely tighten and seize with a tie wrap or stainless-steel wire.
4125i/4125 Side Scan Sonar System
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Kellems Grip
1-8
Waterproof Splice
Shackle
Tie Wraps
Tow Cable Connector
Safety cable
Tow cable
Shear pin
Figure 1-2: 4125i Cable Attachment 5. Attach potted splice to the tow arm with tie wraps to prevent damage to the connector and splice.
2-1
2.0 SETUP AND ACTIVATION
Once the 4125 is connected to the tow cable, the 4125 topside, computer, and GPS device can be connected and turned on. Discover can be launched if not launched automatically at startup and the system is ready for operations.
2.1 Topside, Computer, and GPS Device Connection
To physically connect the 4125i Topside, computer and a GPS device: 1. Set up your side scan sonar system operation computer and 4125i topside unit in a secure and dry place. 2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the computer and 4125i topside’s ethernet ports. 3. Connect the GPS to an appropriate serial port on the computer. (COM Port 1 for EdgeTech configured laptops).
2.2 Activating the 4125i System
The 4125i System is activated by first ensuring the tow cable is connected to the towfish, plugging the computer and 4125i Topside into a power source, turning both on, and launching the Discover 4125i software if not already launched. Diagnostic LEDs will indicate the status of topside power, towfish power, Ethernet connectivity and electrical current. Recording, playback, and pre-deployment tests should be performed to ensure the system is operational.
2.2.1 4125i-P Topside Controls, Connectors, and Indicator LEDs
Power Switch
Tow Cable Ethernet AC Input DC Input Connector Connector Connector Connector
Power Indicator
Fish Power Link
CM
Indicator Indicator Indicator
Figure 2-1: Figure 3 1: 4125i-P Topside Controls, Connectors, and Indicator LEDs
2-2
CONTROL OR INDICATOR DESCRIPTION
Power (Rocker Switch)
Toggle switch. Turns on the 4125i-P Topside Processor.
Tow Cable Connector Ethernet Connector AC Power Input Connector DC Power Input Connector
6-pin female bulkhead connector. Connects to the tow cable.
RJ-45 Ethernet LAN connector. Connects to PC using Category-5 Ethernet cable. 3-pin male bulkhead connector. Connects to 90260 VAC, 50/60 Hz power.
4-pin male bulkhead connector. Connects to 1224 VDC power.
Power Indicator LED
Red LED indicator. Illuminated when 4125i-P Topside processer is on.
Fish Power Indicator LED Link Indicator LED CM Indicator LED
Red LED indicator. Illuminated when the 4125i-P Topside Processor is on. Green LED indicator. Flashes while a reliable communications link with the towfish is being established and then illuminates continuously when the link is found The CM (Current Monitor) LED should be off, indicating a good connection. If there is an issue, the CM light will flash at a 1 Hz rate for an open tow cable and 2 Hz for a shorted tow cable.
Table 2-1: 4125i-P Topside Controls, Connectors, and Indicator LEDs
4125i/4125 Side Scan Sonar System
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2.2.2
4125-RM Topside Controls, Connectors, and Indicator LEDs
CM Indicator
Link Indicator
Fish Power Indicator
Power Indicator
2-1
Power Switch
Figure 2-2: 4125i-RM Front Panel–Controls and Indicator LEDs
Power Connector & Rocker Switch
Ethernet Connector
Sea Cable Connector
Figure 2-3: 4125i-RM Back Panel–Controls and Connectors
2-1
CONTROL OR INDICATOR Front Power Switch Power Indicator LED Fish Power Indicator LED Link Indicator LED
CM Indicator LED
Rear Power Switch Rear Power Connector Rear Data Connector Rear Sea Cable Connector
DESCRIPTION
Rocker switch. Turns on the 4125i-RM topside.
Green Indicator. Illuminated when the 4125i-RM topside is on.
Red Indicator. Illuminated when the 4125i RM Topside is on. Green LED Indicator. Flashes while a reliable communications link with the towfish is being established and then illuminates continuously when the link is found The CM (Current Monitor) LED should be off, indicating a good connection. If there is an issue, the CM light will flash at a 1 Hz rate for an open tow cable and 2 Hz for a shorted tow cable. Rocker Switch. Turns on the 4125-RM Topside. It can be kept in the on position when the Front Power Switch is used. AC Power Connector RJ-45 Ethernet LAN connector. Connects to PC using Category-5 Ethernet cable. 6-pin female bulkhead connector. Connects to the tow cable.
Table 2-2: 4125i-RM Topside Controls, Connectors and LEDs
2.2.3 4125 Topside Activation Instructions
1. Ensure the tow cable is already connected to the 4125i.
WARNING! Do not connect the tow cable to the topside processor before connecting it to the towfish. Injury or death can occur if the exposed connector on the tow cable is energized. Always connect the tow cable to the towfish first.
2. If not already on, power the 4125i Topside and attached computer on by connecting both to a power source, moving the 4125i’s Power Switch to the on position and pressing the power button of the computer.
NOTE: The 4125i-P Topside Processor will automatically switch off power to the towfish should the processor be disconnected from the towfish for an extended period. The power will also be turned off if an overcurrent or undercurrent condition exists. To reactivate the power to the towfish, turn the power switch off and then on again.
3. Observe that the power and fish power LEDs are illuminated, and the Link LED active.
NOTE: Some older topsides have only the power and fish power indicators.
2-2
4. Start the Discover software program (if not already running) and wait for the NET indicator on the lower left Radio Indicator Panel to change from NET OFF to NET ON. This indicates that the topside and towfish are connected.
Figure 2-4: Radio Indicator Panel 5. The CM (Current Monitor) light should be off, indicating a good connection. If there is an issue,
the CM light will flash at 1 Hz rate for an open tow cable and 2 Hz for a shorted tow cable. 6. In the Towfish Control Tab in Discover, turn the high and low frequencies on by checking the Sonar
On checkboxes for high and low frequencies. Verify the waterfall display is scrolling for both frequencies.
Figure 2-5: Towfish Control Tab 7. Set the range for 100 meters for each frequency.
8. Click the (gain) and (Time Varied Gain) buttons in the Shortcut Toolbar at the top of each Waterfall Display to set the gains.
9. Check that the GPS coordinates are displayed in the Status tab. (Refer to the HARDWARE MANUAL for details on the serial port setup for navigation input.
Figure 2-6: Discover Status Tab 10. Zero the pressure sensor in the control pull-down menu external control dialog box.
Figure 2-7: Control Menu External Device Controls Window: Zero Pressure Sensor Button
2.3 Verifying Record and Playback Functions
Perform the following test simultaneously with those found in subsection 2.4.
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2-3
1. In the Discover Disk Tab, name the file in the file record File textbox and choose the desired path for the file by pressing the Browse Button.
Disk Tab
Record File Field: Enter file name here.
Browse Button: Press to set File Directory to
be saved to.
Figure 2-8: Discover Disk Tab: Recording a Test File
2. Start recording by clicking the Record button in the Shortcut Toolbar or Disk Tab Recorder Control Panel.
2.4 Pre-deployment Test
The following tests should be performed simultaneously with those of 2.3: 1. Rub the port and starboard transducers briskly one at a time and observe the resulting streaks on the Discover Waterfall Displays. It should look like the screenshot below but will vary depending on how hard the transducers are rubbed.
Figure 2-9: Rub Test Screenshot
2-4
2. Test that the vehicle’s compass works properly by moving the towfish and checking that the heading, pitch, and roll are reported correctly in Discover’s Status Tab.
Figure 2-10: Discover Status Control Tab: Testing the Compass · Verify that the starboard roll is correct by rotating the towfish’s tow arm towards its starboard
direction around 20 degrees. The Roll value should be positive in this direction. (max is +180 degrees). · Verify that the port roll is correct by rotating the towfish’s tow arm towards its port direction around 20 degrees. The Roll value should be negative in this direction. (max is -180 degrees). · Verify that the pitch is working properly by lifting the nose of the towfish. The pitch value should read positive and reach a max of +90 degrees. · Verify that the pitch is working properly by lifting the tail of the towfish. The pitch value should read negative and reach a max of -90 degrees. · Verify that the heading is working properly by rotating the towfish clockwise along the horizontal plane. The heading should increase in value and reach a max of +359.9 degrees. Rotating the fish counterclockwise should decrease the heading value. 3. After performing the rub test and HPR sensor test, click the Stop Button to stop recording. 4. Go to the Towfish Control Tab and deactivate the sonars by unchecking the Sonar On checkboxes for High and Low frequencies. 5. In the Disk Tab playback section, click on the browse button and locate the pre-deployment test that was just recorded. Click the play button and playback the file. You should see your predeployment test played back. Play Button
Figure 2-11: Disk Tab: Playback
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3.0 DEPLOYMENT
Points to be considered for the deployment of towfish: · Location of the propeller of the ship. In shallow water deployments in may be better to deploy from the side of the boat.
· Expected turning direction during deployment. When deploying the tow fish from the side of the boat turns should be made so the tow fish swings away from the propeller.
NOTE: Take care not to step on the tow cable and keep it away from sharp objects and heat sources.
· Do not bend the tow cable sharply. Bending the cable with its radius less than 5 inches may cause damage to cable.
To deploy the Towfish:
1. The vessel should be underway at slow speed or stopped in neutral depending on the situation and conditions (0-2 knots)
2. Set the side-scan range to 2x to 3x the water depth. 3. Slowly and carefully lower the fish to a safe depth just below the propeller wash (2-3 meters,
depending on water depth) is careful not to strike the towfish against the side of the vessel. 4. Observe and detect the first bottom return.
5. Normalize the gain and TVG by clicking the and observe the data. Adjust the gains manually as needed.
buttons for both frequencies and
6. Once you are sure that you have detected the seafloor, carefully lower the fish so that the fish altitude is between 10-15% of the selected range. For example, if the range is set to 75 meters per side, the tow fish altitude should be between 7.5 and 15 meters off the bottom.
NOTE: It is not always possible to achieve a 10-15% altitude requirement due to conditions. While this altitude is recommended, adequate data can still be obtained by towing the tow fish farther or closer to the seafloor.
3-2
7. Set the layback variables in the configuration pull down layback dialog box.
Figure 3-1: Layback Window 8. EdgeTech’s Discover provides a useful bottom-tracking function that helps surveyors collect data
and avoid striking the bottom and objects with the vehicle. Red and green bottom tracking indicator lines are displayed in the side scan waterfall, and A-Scan displays marking the bottom’s set, calculated, or recorded position. A red line will appear in the actively tracking system’s waterfall and waveform displays, marking the bottom’s calculated or set position. Green tracking indicator lines appear in JSF recordings if bottom tracking data is present in the file. Bottom tracking is always on in 4125 systems.
Red Bottom Tracking Indicator
Lines
Figure 3-2: High-Frequency Side Scan Bottom Tracker Indicator Lines 9. Increase the boat speed to the desired survey speed (normally between 3-5 knots) and re-adjust
the amount of cable out so that the altitude of the tow fish is correct. (Do not forget to reset the cable out value in the layback settings).
10. Go to the Disk Tab in the lower control tabs and choose a valid path for your files and give your file a name (FIGURE 2-11).
11. Click the record button .
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3-3 12. Verify the file size is getting larger in the Disk Tab’s Recorder MB display.
Figure 3-3: Discover Disk Tab: Recording File Size MB Display NOTE: After recovery, always wash your towfish and cable with fresh water. Coat connector terminals with silicon grease and install dummy plugin wet end connectors.
4-1
4.0 QUICKSTART GUIDE CHECKLIST
Power
1. Connect the tow cable to 4125i Towfish …………………………………………………………………………… 2. Connect the topside and computer power cables to a power source ……………………………………
Internet
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the topside and laptop ……………………………………………………….. 2. Connect the GPS device to COM port 1 of the laptop ………………………………………………………….
Topside to Towfish
1. Install the tail fin assembly ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. Connect tow cable to the topside…………………………………………………………………………………….. 3. Secure the shackle to cable grip and seize shackle with wire or zip tie ………………………………….
Laptop
1. Turn the laptop on and start the Discover software ……………………………………………………………
Power
1. Turn the topside on ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2. Watch for NET off indicator to change to NET on in Discover……………………………………………….
Pre-deployment Test
1. Perform pre-deployment rub test ……………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Zero the Pressure Sensor ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Finalize
1. Deploy the towfish and start recording ……………………………………………………………………………..
Documents / Resources
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EdgeTech 4125i 4125 Side Scan Sonar System [pdf] User Guide 4125i, 4125, 4125i 4125 Side Scan Sonar System, 4125i, 4125, Side Scan Sonar System, Sonar System, System |