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© GeoAcoustics 2008
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Dual Frequency Side Scan Sonar
The GeoAcoustics Dual Frequency Side Scan Sonar system is the ideal tool for seabed feature mapping, offering flexibility and high quality results in a simple and reliable package. The system offers high resolution, switch selectable, dual frequency operation (114/410 kHz), which when combined with multiplexed data transmission enables a low drag co-axial tow cable to be used. The modular design of the system makes it ideal for combining with our GeoChirp and GeoPulse sub-bottom profilers.
Standard System The standard system employs a lightweight towfish, which is easily deployed by one person and can operate to a depth of 1000 metres. There are separate controls for each channel, which makes the system very easy to operate. The basic system includes the following:
Transceiver The transceiver unit allows the operator a simple means of controlling various Side Scan operating parameters. The unit includes standard controls such as: Gain, Time Varying Gain (TVG) and Automatic Gain Control (AGC), with duplicated controls for Port and Starboard channels. The operating frequency can also be switched from 114 kHz to 410 kHz directly from the Transceiver. The choice of frequencies means that long range scanning and short range high resolution investigations are both possible. Multiplexer The Multiplexer Unit (SS982) is the sub sea processing section of the Side Scan Sonar System. The SS982 is mounted in the tail of the towfish, on the tail of a combined towfish or on an ROV, as required. The use of standard sub-sea connectors throughout allows easy installation in all situations. The SS982 includes all of the transmitter and multiplexing electronics, thereby ensuring that transmission power is not lost in the towcable and also reducing the risk of high voltage defects. The multiplexed data transmission technique employed allows the system to be used with a wide selection of towcables, including twisted pair and co-axial cables. Data from the Dual Frequency Side Scan Sonar can be input to a wide range of third party sonar processing systems, or it can be displayed on a wide variety of industry standard graphic recorders. The multiplexed data offers a resolution equivalent to a 16 bit analogue to digital converter operating at 50k samples/sec per channel, when used with short towcables.
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The
versatility, ease of operation and cost effectiveness of the system has made it
a popular choice with commercial survey companies. 
The
photograph on the right shows the Dual Frequency Side Scan Sonar and GeoPro 2 Sonar
Processor, as packaged for the Royal Navy in a 19 inch rack. A 20 inch flat
screen LCD monitor and ruggedised keyboard with integral pointing device are mounted
in the left hand rack. The right hand rack contains (from top to bottom) the
GeoPro 2 Sonar Processor, the model SS981 Side
Scan Transceiver and a GeoPrinter thermal graphic recorder. The systems have
been supplied complete with stainless steel towfish as shown in the photograph.
The flexibility of our equipment allows us to package it in many different configurations
to meet your space requirements.