DESCRIPTION

The EdgeTech Topside Processor with its DISCOVER software serves as the control and data acquisition sub-system for display, storage and printing of sonar data from EdgeTech’s family of Sub-Bottom Profilers and Side Scan Sonars.

There are two hardware platforms. One is a 19” rack mountable “standard” version that can also be placed on a tabletop. The other is a “P” portable version that can withstand the harsh environment of operating outside of a protected area (note: portable version only available for 3100-P, 4100-P, 4125-P and 4200-P systems).

In the ‘standard” version, all the power supplies, acquisition support hardware, and DISCOVER acquisition software all reside in a 19" rack mounted Windows© based PC system. Towfish connections, and auxiliary inputs are all made to the back panel of this common processor.

In the portable configuration, the towfish specific power supply, interface, and acquisition hardware are mounted in a portable rugged suitcase style housing. The firmware inside the unit provides a TCP/IP based Ethernet connection to a notebook display/recording computer which runs

 

the DISCOVER acquisition software. The operator has the option of mounting the notebook computer on the faceplate inside the portable enclosure or operating it remotely over an Ethernet cable or wireless connection.

The sonar data from the towfish are displayed on a high-resolution color monitor(s) and stored on a high capacity hard drive. A DVD-R/W permits archiving the data to CD or DVD.

Provision is made for interfacing to an RS-232 NMEA compatible GPS system or output from a Hydrographic Survey Navigation System.

Some of the systems include:

• TTL level trigger in/out capability is available so that it can be synchronized with other devices.
• A switch closure “event mark in” lets the operator mark interesting items on the sonar(s)