APPLIED ACOUSTICS Easytrak Alpha 2665 Series

Questions and Answers

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Dawn CruzAug 17, 2025
Why is there no signal return at any range with my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment?
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  jbartonAug 18, 2025
  If you're not getting any signal return, several factors could be at play. First, make sure the RECEIVE and TRANSMIT frequencies of the beacon match those of your Alpha unit. Try using a known working beacon to rule out beacon issues. Inspect the deck cable and connectors for any damage like cuts, splits, or corrosion. Check for the presence of the pulse from Alpha at the Responder end of the cable (it should be approximately 12VDC). As a test, try positioning the transducer and a beacon on-deck and attempt to interrogate the beacon. Lastly, try moving the beacon around the transducer to eliminate the possibility of a dead spot.
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Roy WilsonAug 20, 2025
What to do if my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Easytrak Alpha Industrial Equipment displays 'Easytrak Alpha Failed to Initialise' message?
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  Maria SparksAug 20, 2025
  If you see the 'Easytrak Alpha Failed to Initialise' message, it could be due to an incorrect COM port selection. To fix this, go to the Alpha dropdown menu, select 'Set Up / Communication,' and enter the correct COM port. Alternatively, try replacing the USB cable, as this might resolve the issue.
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Kelly CordovaAug 22, 2025
Why is my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment showing unstable positions with bearing instability but fairly stable range?
- G
  geraldthomasAug 23, 2025
  Unstable positions with bearing instability but a fairly stable range can be caused by a few things. Ensure the transducer is submerged at least 1 meter below the vessel's draft. Adjusting the height of the transducer in the water may also help if multipath interference is the cause. Try relocating the transducer. Also, make sure the transducer is clean before installation to avoid any issues.
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Alejandro PerryAug 25, 2025
Why is my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment showing unstable positions with bearing and range unstable?
- B
  Brandon RodgersAug 26, 2025
  If you're experiencing unstable positions with both bearing and range fluctuating, several factors could be responsible. First, ensure that the transducer is submerged at least 1 meter below the vessel's draft. Also, try adjusting the height of the transducer in the water. Experiment with running at different engine speeds. Additionally, you can check the in-water noise level by selecting the 'Help/diagnostics' option (option 2) from the dropdown menu.
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Miranda RayAug 28, 2025
Why is the compass on my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment unstable?
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  Karen LewisAug 28, 2025
  An unstable compass can be caused by a magnetic anomaly. If possible, remove any nearby sources of local magnetic fields, or try relocating the transducer, or set the transducer deeper in the water. Also, tether the transducer or pole with rope forward and aft to reduce strumming.
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Michael HornAug 30, 2025
Why is my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment giving an incorrect range?
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  Alexander StaffordAug 30, 2025
  If you're getting an incorrect range, make sure you enter the correct value for the Velocity of Sound. You should also correct the turn around delay, which can be found in appendix D Beacon Specifications. Trying another beacon in the water set to the same channel may also help.
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johnsonmartinSep 1, 2025
How to fix a short range issue on APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment?
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  Jessica GarrettSep 2, 2025
  To address a short-range issue, try the following: reduce noise or work at a shorter range if possible. Clean the beacon transducer with fresh water and consider using a known working beacon. Clean the transducer with fresh water. Adjust the height of the transducer in the water, if possible.
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Rebecca SpenceSep 4, 2025
Why is my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Industrial Equipment bearing stable but incorrect?
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  Curtis ParksSep 4, 2025
  If the bearing is stable but incorrect, a magnetic anomaly may be the cause. If a metal pole is being used to mount the transducer, ensure it's not made of iron or another magnetic material. If you can, remove any sources of local magnetic fields, relocate the transducer, or set the transducer deeper in the water. Cleaning the transducer with fresh water can also help.
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caitlin65Sep 6, 2025
Why does my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Easytrak Alpha Industrial Equipment have no power light?
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  smithkimberlySep 6, 2025
  If there's no power light on the front panel, start by checking if the power socket is functional. Ensure the power supply is correctly plugged into both the Alpha unit and the wall socket, and that it is switched on. Measure the output voltage of the power supply; it should read approximately 18VDC. If the voltage is correct, the issue might be within the Alpha unit itself.
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Robert CoffeySep 9, 2025
Why is my APPLIED ACOUSTICS Easytrak Alpha Industrial Equipment not seeing the external GPS receiver?
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  Leslie AndersonSep 9, 2025
  If the external GPS receiver isn't being recognized, first ensure that Alpha’s GPS configuration is set to AUTO or External. Verify that the external GPS receiver is working correctly and outputting valid GPS data ($GPGGA and $GPRMC). Confirm the wiring conforms to the pin outs requirements in APPENDIX G. Also, make sure the antenna is connected to the external receiver and is free from obstructions.

Summary

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE 2665 EASYTRAK ALPHA

2. BASIC THEORY

3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

3.1 EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE

Describes the function and interfaces of the Command Console.

3.2 TRANSDUCER AND DECK CABLE

Details the transducer's components and the hardwired deck cable.

3.3 GPS ANTENNA

Explains the connection of the GPS antenna to the Command Console.

3.4 POWER SUPPLY

Describes the external power supply for the system.

3.5 COMPUTER

Outlines the role of the computer as the user interface.

3.6 BEACON;S

Lists the compatible beacon types for the system.

4. INSTALLATION

4.1 COMPUTER

Ensuring the computer is secured against vessel movement.

4.2 EASYTRAK ALPHA COMMAND CONSOLE

Ensuring the Command Console is secured against vessel movement.

4.3 GPS ANTENNA

Locating the GPS antenna for clear sky visibility.

4.4 TRANSDUCER

Methods for deploying and mounting the transducer.

4.5 DECK CABLE

Precautions for handling and routing the deck cable.

4.6 SYSTEM CABLING

Steps for connecting the main system components.

4.7 POWER SUPPLY

Instructions for connecting the auto-ranging power supply.

4.8.1 USB DRIVER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Installing USB drivers for Windows XP and Windows 7.

4.8.2 USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Installing the main Easytrak Alpha application software.

5. PLANNING AN OPERATION

5.1 WHAT NEEDS SETTING UP?

Checking beacon settings and determining update rate.

5.2 WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED; AVAILABLE?

Choosing between responders and transponders based on connectivity.

5.3 WHERE ARE THE BEACONS TO BE POSITIONED?

Selecting optimal locations for beacons to ensure visibility.

5.4 WHAT LOCAL POWER IS AVAILABLE?

Considering onboard power sources for subsea equipment.

5.5 HOW IS THE TRANSDUCER GOING TO BE MOUNTED?

Discusses mounting options like over-the-side poles.

5.6 ABSOLUTE OR RELATIVE POSITIONING

Differentiates between absolute (UTM) and relative positioning.

5.7 WHAT RANGE IS REQUIRED?

Guidance on selecting beacons for the required working range.

5.8 WHAT ACCURACY IS REQUIRED?

Factors affecting position accuracy and how to improve it.

6. AROUND THE EASYTRAK ALPHA DISPLAY

Display Components Overview

Explains the main display windows: Plotting, Utility Data, and Data.

8. EASYTRAK ALPHA MENUS

8.1 SET UP

Accessing and configuring system settings.

8.2 SURVEY

Options for survey-related configurations like GPS and Waypoints.

8.3 PRINT

Functionality for printing waypoints or screen dumps.

8.4 HELP

Accessing system help, diagnostics, and about information.

8.4.1 DIAGNOSTICS

8.4.2 ABOUT

9. FUNCTION KEYS

APPENDIX A - EASYTRAK ALPHA CONFIGURATION GUIDE

FRONT AND BACK PANELS OF EASYTRAK ALPHA

EASYTRAK ALPHA CONSOLE CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES

APPENDIX B - DATA OUTPUT FORMATS

SONAR SSS DATA STRINGS

APPENDIX C - SYSTEM SPECIFICATION

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Details range resolution and position accuracy.

ELECTRICAL

Specifies power supply requirements and output.

MECHANICAL

Provides dimensions, weight, and materials.

MISCELLANEOUS

Lists interrogation intervals, beacon types, and channels.

ENVIRONMENT

Specifies operating and storage temperature ranges.

APPENDIX D - BEACON CHANNEL SPECIFICATION

APPENDIX E - MINIMUM COMPUTER SPECIFICATION

APPENDIX F - TROUBLESHOOTING

APPENDIX G - CONNECTOR PIN OUTS

TRANSDUCER CONNECTOR

Pin assignments for the transducer connector.

SERIAL CONNECTORS

Pin assignments for serial data connectors.

BNC CONNECTOR

Pin assignments for the BNC connector.

POWER CONNECTOR

Pin assignments for the power input connector.

APPENDIX H - TRANSDUCER CABLE

APPENDIX I - HANDLING

APPENDIX J - END OF LIFE RECYCLING; DISPOSAL