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4205 SIDE SCAN SYSTEM 0021769_REV_D
3.0 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS
Before attempting to operate the 4205 System, EdgeTech recommends becoming acquainted with how
its various components work and interact. This section provides technical descriptions, diagrams, and
photographs to help you better understand the inner workings of your highly-specialized sonar system.
3.1 Towfish Technical Description
The towfish contains the sonar transducer arrays and electronics required to transmit and receive sonar
signals, to receive the downlink commands from the topside processor, and to provide the uplink side-
scan data, sensor data, and status information to the topside processor.
The electronics are contained inside a single sealed housing to which the transducer arrays are attached
and connectors accessible. Double O-ring endcaps seal the forward and aft end of the vehicle. Bulkhead
connectors for connecting to the transducer arrays are located in the aft endcap. The 6-pin main I/O
connector and 8-pin option connector are located on top of the towfish. The Towfish housing also includes
two convenient carrying handles.
The towfish interfaces with the topside processor over a 10/100BaseT Ethernet connection using digital
subscriber line (ADSL) modems in both the towfish and the processor.
The 4205 Towfish configurations are equipped with a stabilizer tail and a nose weighted for hydrodynamic
balance. A towing arm is rigidly mounted to a tow point on the top of the towfish housing adjacent to the
tow cable and option connectors. The tow cable safety grip attaches to a tow key on the tow arm, as
shown in the figure below.
Figure 3-1: 4205 MPMT Towfish Diagram
Should you need to reposition the towing arm forward or aft to adjust the balance of the towfish,
additional mounting holes are provided on the tow point. The towing arm also includes a safety release
mechanism, which causes the shear pin to release the tow key if the towfish hits an obstruction or
becomes snagged. Should this happen, the towfish will rotate nose down, and a safety cable, which is
handle, one
forward and
housing
connector
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