1. MAIN TECHNICAL DATA

The product assures:
- measurement of range (echo-measured distance) to shipway limits of basin on port and starboard sides of carrier over the subranges 0 – 100 m and 0 – 200 m, while antennas are deepened from 1 to 3 m and carrier speed is to 5 km/h
- depth measurement over the subranges 0.3 – 20 m and 3.2 – 40 m
- presentation of values of measured and dangerous depth and distance on both sides in the graphic and digital form on computer screen
- documenting on computer disk of the measured data tied to GPS receiver indication with the possibility of their subsequent reproduction on the screen in the form of image used, while measuring is being made
- output power of power amplifier channels at Re at the excitation frequencies not less than 450 W for distance subrange 100 m and not less than 400 W for  distance subrange 200 m
- product is in function at DC power supply with voltage 24 V (two batteries connected in series with voltage 12 V and 65 A•h capacity each).

2. TEST SUPPORT

The product prototype was installed on carrier in the quality of which the boat was used (figure 1).

The outboard units (hydroacoustic antennas) of the product were mounted vertically on both boat sides, in its middle part with deflection from the plane that is perpendicular to carrier longitudinal central plane not more than ± 20°, in the plane that is parallel to carrier longitudinal central plane not more than ± 1. Figure 1 shows the outboard units secured “in the field style”. The echo sounder antenna was mounted standardly in the lower part of the dome of the starboard outboard unit. The product was battery-powered with voltage 24 V in the process of testing.

To test correctness of space orientation (positioning) of antenna beams, the equivalent of the target (the corner reflector) was used.

3. TEST CONDITIONS111

The test conditions were characterized by the dry warm weather-temperature of air 26 – 28 °C, temperature of water near surface 22 °C with negative refraction, water surface wave force 1.5 – 2.5, depth of site in the test area 3.5 – 12.0 m (figure 2). Deepening of the antennas during tests counted from geometric centre of the transmitting antennas was equal to 2.5 m.

4. VOLUME, ORDER AND METHOD FOR TESTING

4.1 Introduction of alterations into the product modes record book.

The specified procedure assumes introduction into the product modes record book in the “Faults” window of the following initial data:
- distance of the port and starboard antennas from the carrier longitudinal central plane;
- deepening of the echo sounder antenna;
- predetermined values of dangerous depth and dangerous distances on both sides presented on the screen when they appear;
- correction for GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude);
- in-water sound velocity values.

4.2 Test of correctness of space orientation (positioning) of the port and starboard antennas with the equivalent of the target.

The indicated test was performed in the following manner. Deepening of the starboard hydroacoustic antenna was set equal to 1.5 m. Aft on starboard side on the rigid rod at the distance 8 m from the transmitting antenna the corner reflector was lowered into water, deepening was set equal to 1.5 m too.

When the product was powered on by rotation in horizontal plane, the antenna was oriented to the corner reflector – the test was performed with the oscillograph for a signal maximum at the starboard receiving antenna output. Final installation of the antennas had been performed in upright position with the elements of control of the outboard unit with simultaneous signal level control, thereafter the transmitting and receiving antennas by rotation were installed in operating position.

Positioning of the port antennas was performed likewise.

4.3 Test for functionality of the product in various modes.

The product was tested for functionality in various modes in the process of positioning of the antennas. The product assures the operation in the following modes:
- test check for functionality in “Check” mode;
- measurement of range (echo-measured distance) to shipway limits of basin on carrier port and starboard sides;
- measurement of basin depth;
- presentation of values of measured and dangerous depth and distance on both sides in the graphic and digital form on notebook computer screen;
- documenting on notebook computer screen of the measured data tied to GPS receiver indications;
- reproduction of documented data on the screen.

4.4 Measuring of the river Chugur estuary area.

In the process of testing, measuring of the river area from the estuary up against the stream (in the straight direction) with extent 6.2 m and width from 70 and 180 m and downstream (in the opposite direction) with extent 1.6 m and width from 70 to 180 m was made. The covered distance with tying to the locality is marked on the chart (figure 3).

 

4.5 Documenting of measuring results.

The most typical documented data of the river measuring results in the various areas are presented in figures 4–7.

The main figure shows the marks drawn on both sides from the green line (carrier heading) – the signal reflected from bank edge on port and starboard sides of carrier at the level of installation of the transmitting antennas (their geometric centre). Colour of a mark (colour scale in the upper left parts of the figures) determines a reflected signal level at output of port and starboard receiving channels: from minimum - blue to maximum – red.

Values “56.5”, “49.4” and “11.1” in the upper part of the figure determine distance to bank edges by the level of the upper part of the figure and basin depth. Basin depth in the river area presented on screen is shown at scale of depths in the lower right part of the figure by green.

Here, in the dangerous depth, is shown by the red line starting with which the numeral of the current depth value enlarges and begins to blink with the rate of 2–3 times per second, thereby warning the operator of danger.

The red numerals in the centre of the upper part of the figure determine the dangerous distances on both carrier sides, starting with which similar presentation and warning of danger are ensured.

The lower left corner of the figures shows the river area, in which carrier is at the given moment.

The upper part of the figure gives GPS receiver coordinates and carrier speed. The upper part of the figures shows the control panel of the product.

The range (distance) scale on both carrier sides with its value of division in every concrete measurement is plotted in the main figure by grey.

Practically all the measurings were made over the distance subrange “0 – 200 m” at maximum amplification in the receiving channels of both sides and carrier speed over the range from 4.02 to 6.76 km/h.

 

 

 

5. TEST RESULTS

The product in the course of full-scale tests ensured:
- range (distance) measurement to shipway limits on port and starboard sides of carrier over the subranges from 3.5 to 105.0 m at the level of antenna  installation while deepening of the antennas is equal to 2.5 m and carrier speed is over the range from 4.02 to 6.76 km/h;
- measurement of basin site depth over the range from 3.2 to 12.3 m at the same carrier speeds;
- presentation of values of measured and dangerous depth and distance on both sides in the graphic and digital form on computer screen;
- documenting on computer disk of the measured data tied to GPS receiver indications;
- reproduction of documented data on computer screen with indication of ship’s position data by GPS.

6. CONCLUSION

Results of full-scale tests of the experimental prototype of edge sonar “ЕНИСЕЙ” prove correspondence of its principal performances with the requirements of design technical assignment, as well as the possibility of its intended use – for measurement of shipway limits and depth of basin site, and as a chart for navigation in the area.