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1 This document is provided for viewing purposes only. Any changes to the text, images and technical information contained within are not authorized by will not be responsible for any circumstances that arise from such changes.

2 MVP30 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION October 2017

3 WARNING - THE MVP30 SYSTEM SHOULD ONLY BE OPERATED BY TRAINED PERSONNEL Winch hardware is microprocessor controlled with local and remote modes of operation. Ensure that personnel are clear of all moving parts whenever main power is ON. WARNING: The Control Box and the Controller Interface Box in the lab must be turned OFF whenever working on the tow cable and cabling in the Free Fall Fish. High Voltage is present in these cables. If the winch is to be operated in Hand mode with the Power Module or sensor disconnected from the tow cable, the Controller Interface Box in the lab must be turned OFF. If the end of the tow cable is to be submerged, ensure a dummy plug is connected to the end of the tow cable to eliminate damage to the connector and cable.

4 MVP30 System Description i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 MVP30 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION SINGLE-SENSOR FREE FALL FISH POWER MODULE SOUND VELOCITY, TEMPERATURE, AND PRESSURE (SVP&T) SENSOR CONDUCTIVITY, TEMPERATURE, AND DEPTH (CTD) SENSOR WINCH UNIT OUTER OVERBOARDING SHEAVE (STANDARD MVP30 AND MVP SHEAVE) HANGING OVERBOARDING SHEAVE A-FRAME AND OUTER (OVERBOARDING) SHEAVE CONTROL BOX POWER INDICATOR HAND/OFF/AUTO SWITCH (LOCAL) EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH(S) INNER SHEAVE RESET SWITCH FREEWHEEL SWITCH MANUAL OVERRIDE SPEED ADJUST REMOTE PENDANT REMOTE EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH (Optional) MVP CONTROLLER INTERFACE BOX FISH CONFIGURATION V HV +DTM (OPTIONAL) VHV +RS V LV +RS MVP SENSOR TESTING V / RS485 Sensor Test (Low Voltage 12vdc) DTM Sensor Test (High Voltage 140Vdc) INTERLOCK OVERRIDE WINCH INTERFACE SERIAL MULTIPLEXER (OPTIONAL) EMERGENCY STOP CONNECTIONS POWER CONNECTIONS AND CONFIGURATION MVP CONTROLLER MVP CONTROLLER COMPUTER SERIAL/LAN DATA INTERFACES WINCH EMBEDDED CONTROLLER SERIAL DATA INTERFACE FREE FALL FISH SERIAL DATA INTERFACE VESSEL S NAV SERIAL DATA/LAN INTERFACE SOUNDER SERIAL DATA/LAN OUTPUT Contact AML Oceanographic... 21

5 MVP30 System Description 1 1 MVP30 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The MVP30 family consists of two models, the MVP30 (refer to Figure 1) and the MVP (refer to Figure 2). The MVP30 is a self-contained profiling system capable of sampling the water column to depths of 30m from a vessel speed of 12 knots and deeper depths at slower speeds (125m MVP30 and 350m MVP30-350). The system provides near vertical profiles for oceanographic data collection of Sound Velocity, Conductivity/Temperature/Depth (CTD), and other parameters for various operations including the calibration of multibeam sounder systems for hydrographic operations. The MVP is completely autonomous and can be computer controlled without the requirement for personnel on deck. The system consists of a Single-Sensor Free Fall Fish, an integrated electric winch with a Clutch/Brake unit, an overboarding sheave and a remotely located computer and Controller Interface Box. A system block diagram can be viewed in the Electrical System Interface drawing located in the Maintenance Manual under the Electrical drawing appendices. Figure 1: MVP30

6 MVP30 System Description 2 Figure 2: MVP When a profile sequence is initiated, the MVP system deploys the fish from a towed position by setting the winch to freewheel mode and releasing the brake. This allows the fish to free fall near vertical through the water column at its terminal velocity of approximately 3 m/s (or higher depending on survey speed). Once the preset deployment criterion has been reached, the winch brake is applied to stop the profile deployment. When the winch drum has stopped, the motor is engaged to recover the tow cable until the fish is returned to the towed position near the water surface. Subsequent deployments occur from the set towed position, either actuated by the operator or timed automatically with the automatic deployment setting. The system can operate in automatic mode (AUTO), as described above, or in manual mode (HAND) operated from the controls at the winch. Manual mode is used as a convenient method to deploy and recover the tow fish at the winch but is not intended for moving vessel profiling.

7 MVP30 System Description 3 2 SINGLE-SENSOR FREE FALL FISH The Single-Sensor Free Fall Fish (refer to Figure 3) is machined from aluminum with a stainless steel towing bridle. The sensor guard at the tail of the fish is made from aluminum. The shape of the fish allows minimal resistance while providing stability during free fall and retrieval. The fish can be fitted with an AML Oceanographic instrument as well as a variety of other instrumentation. The main serial instrument is most often one of the following: - AML MVP X SVTP (Sound Velocity/Temperature/Pressure) - AML MVP X CTD (Conductivity/Temperature/Depth) The instruments are normally configured for RS485 serial communications but RS232 and RS422 are supported. In addition to the sensor, the fish also houses a Power Module to step down the voltage to a value accepted by the sensor. Figure 3: Single-Sensor Free Fall Fish The sensor information is sent through the electro-mechanical tow cable to the Control Box, then through the interface cable to the Controller Interface Box where it then connects to the MVP Controller computer. If the sensor is a CTD, software in the MVP Controller computes sound velocity and salinity from the measured parameters using the UNESCO equations of state. 2.1 POWER MODULE The Power Module assembly (refer to Figure 4) is used when the MVP free fall fish is instrumented with a single-sensor that is capable of communicating directly through the tow cable (without the requirement for a DTM). It contains a wide input range (36V 140V) DC/DC converter that produces a regulated 12V output for powering the instrument. Power is transferred on two of the four tow cable wires. The remaining two wires are used to transfer data from the instrument back to the surface in RS485 format. The Power Module also contains input protection on the RS485 lines to protect the instrument against potential shorts in the tow cable and protection on the power lines to prevent instances of prolonged overvoltage. When the Power Module is used, the MVP Controller Interface Box must be configured for V HV + RS485 (Fish Configuration rotary switch). Refer to section 6 for more information. Note: The Power Module is not required when an LOPC or DTM is used in the tow body.

8 MVP30 System Description 4 Figure 4: Power Module Assembly 2.2 SOUND VELOCITY, TEMPERATURE, AND PRESSURE (SVTP) SENSOR MVP X SVTP (refer to Figure 5) is an AML Oceanographic Sound Velocity, Temperature, and Pressure instrument configured for right-angle application. Like all other X Series instrumentation, MVP X uses field-swappable Xchange TM sensors. Figure 5: AML Sound Velocity, Temperature and Pressure (SVTP)

9 MVP30 System Description CONDUCTIVITY, TEMPERATURE, AND DEPTH (CTD) SENSOR MVP X CTD (refer to Figure 6) is an AML Oceanographic Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth instrument configured for right-angle use. Like all other X Series instrumentation, MVP X uses field-swappable Xchange TM sensors. Figure 6: AML Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) 3 WINCH UNIT The winch unit (refer to Figure 7) consists of a winch drum with a level winding system, an electric gear motor, a clutch/brake module for the drive train and the Control Box. All above mentioned parts are mounted on a welded aluminum base. Figure 7: Winch Unit The winch drum assembly contains a Focal Technologies slip ring assembly, and a fairlead assembly mounted on a level winding system to ensure proper spooling. The fairlead assembly is called an inner sheave, in order to maintain common terminology with the larger MVP systems. The inner sheave contains a messenger sensing, limit switch mechanism (cable-end sensor).

10 MVP30 System Description 6 The Electro-mechanical tow cable for the MVP30 is 185m in length (125m useable) and for the MVP is 450m in length (350m useable) and is wound on an aluminum drum supported by ball bearings mounted to the drum supports. Electrical signals to and from the fish pass through a Focal Technologies slip ring assembly. The tow cable is a polyester jacket with a Vectran strength member and four electrical conductors. The tow cable has a stainless steel eye thimble mechanical termination that attaches to the free fall fish bridle. The tow cable also has messengers which are bumps (plastic spiral wrap) on the tow cable that are a mechanical means of detecting the tow cable position. The inner sheave limit switch (cable-end sensor) is a system safeguard that will automatically shutdown the system if excess tow cable is released. The winch unit drive train utilizes a 1.5HP electric motor, controlled by a variable frequency drive. Power passes through a right angle gearbox, with a 40:1 reduction. The output shaft attaches to an electric clutch/brake module allowing the motor and gearbox to be mechanically disconnected from the winch drum; this is necessary for freewheeling during profiling operations. The drive for the level wind system is also taken from the main shaft, through a chain drive. There are three outer sheave options available for the MVP systems which are the outer overboarding sheave, the hanging overboarding sheave and the A-Frame and outer overboarding sheave. 3.1 OUTER OVERBOARDING SHEAVE (Standard MVP30 and MVP Sheave) The outer sheave assembly (refer to Figure 8) is normally mounted to the transom of the vessel and gives the tow cable a clear path from the winch, over the vessel s transom and into the water. A cable counter utilizes hall-effect sensors that detect magnets mounted around the inside perimeter of the sheave which provides cable out and cable speed readings. The outer sheave dock limit switch is used to detect messengers when the MVP is performing automatic profiles only. This is a mechanical limit switch that the control system utilizes to return the fish to the towed position during a profile recovery. The MVP Controller monitors control status bits from the embedded controller during the recovery phase. When a messenger activates the dock limit switch, the recovery is terminated. Two long rollers at the tow cable entry point allow for a tow-off angle during vessel turns. The sheave assembly can fold inward when not in use. Figure 8: Outer Overboarding Sheave

11 MVP30 System Description HANGING OVERBOARDING SHEAVE The Hanging Overboarding Sheave (refer to Figure 9) is shackle mounted to the towing frame pad-eye via a ½ swivel and gives the tow cable a clear path from the winch, past the towing frame and into the water. The swivel allows the sheave to align itself with the tow cable during vessel turns. A cable counter utilizes hall-effect sensors that detect magnets mounted around the perimeter of the sheave providing readings for cable out and speed. The hanging overboarding sheave dock limit switch is used to detect the messengers when the MVP is performing automatic profiles only. This is a mechanically actuated limit switch that the control system uses to return the fish to a towed position during a profile recovery. The MVP Controller monitors control status bits from the embedded controller during the recovery phase. When a messenger activates the hanging overboarding sheave limit switch, the recovery is terminated. Figure 9: Hanging Overboarding Sheave 3.3 A-FRAME AND OUTER (OVERBOARDING) SHEAVE The A-frame and outer sheave assembly (refer to Figure 10) is mounted to the winch base and gives the tow cable a clear path from the winch, over the vessel s transom and into the water. A cable counter utilizes hall-effect sensors that detect magnets mounted around the perimeter of the sheave, providing readings for cable out and speed. The outer sheave dock limit switch is used to detect messengers when the MVP is performing automatic profiles only. The dock messenger is a mechanically actuated limit switch that the control system uses to stop recovery of the fish once it is in the towed position. The MVP controller monitors control status bits from the embedded controller during the recovery phase; when a messenger activates the dock limit switch, the recovery is terminated.

12 MVP30 System Description 8 Figure 10: A-Frame and Outer (Overboarding) Sheave The A-Frame can be pivoted to a near vertical position from its deployed position when not in use. It is manually operated with the aid of a crank handle and drive shaft. The A-Frame can be locked in both the inboard and outboard positions, the sheave assembly folds to the side when not in use and it can be locked in this position for stowage (refer to Figure 11). Figure 11: Stowed Position

13 MVP30 System Description 9 4 CONTROL BOX The Control Box is a stainless steel enclosure usually located on the side of the winch unit. It contains low voltage power supplies, an adjustable frequency drive controller, a line filter, control circuit board and a relay board required for winch control functions. A power cord is attached for connecting to the vessel s power supply. Electrical connections with the mechanical enclosure are through watertight glands and connectors. The embedded controller on the TT8 interface circuit board is the main interface to the system drive components. It is used to monitor the control system status when operating in Hand or Auto modes. In Auto mode, the embedded controller controls all winch operations by executing commands output by the MVP Controller. The Control Box contains the controls and indicators (shown in Figure 12) required for manual and automatic operation. The following sections describe the controls and indicators. Figure 12: Main Control Box 4.1 POWER INDICATOR The green power lamp indicates the presence of 110Vac/220Vac at 50/60Hz within the Control Box. 4.2 HAND/OFF/AUTO SWITCH (Local) The Hand/Off/Auto switch is used to select the mode of operation for the system. When the switch is in the OFF position, all winch controls are disabled. The embedded controller is OFF and the system attempts to reset the Emergency Stop circuit if it is tripped. The OFF mode is positioned between Hand and Auto mode to force a control system hardware and software reset when switching between modes.

14 MVP30 System Description 10 NOTE: The operator MUST always leave the switch in the OFF position for at least two seconds when switching between Hand and Auto modes. In Hand mode, winch operations are limited to remote pendant winch IN and winch OUT and manual freewheel from the control box. Winch hardware is operated through the embedded controller mounted on the circuit board inside the control box. In Auto mode, high level commands are received from the MVP Controller computer. These commands are decoded by the embedded controller and executed according to the hardware configuration for the MVP model being operated. NOTE: When profiling operations are completed, return the Hand/Off/Auto control to the OFF position. This will prevent unintentional system startups. 4.3 EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH(s) The Emergency Stop (E-stop) switch is a push to activate/pull to reset switch that activates the E-stop circuit. The switch includes a lamp that is illuminated when the E-stop circuit is activated. The circuit is comprised of discrete control logic and is independent of the operating mode. Any one of the following can activate the Emergency Stop circuit: 1. The Control Box Emergency Stop switch. 2. The Controller Interface Box Emergency Stop switch. 3. The Remote Pendant Emergency Stop switch. 4. The Inner-Sheave/Cable-End-Detection circuit When the Emergency Stop circuit is activated, the following actions are taken: 1. The electric motor is disabled. 2. The brake is applied. 3. The clutch is disengaged. 4. An indicator lamp is illuminated in the Control Box Emergency Stop switch and the Controller Interface Box Emergency Stop switch. To clear an E-stop condition, the Hand/Off/Auto switch must be placed in the OFF position. The circuit remains activated until all causal factors are removed. The Freewheel switch must be OFF and the Reset button pushed 4.4 INNER SHEAVE RESET SWITCH The inner-sheave/cable-end is a limit switch on the inner (fairlead) sheave and is part of the emergency stop circuit. The limit switch is used to detect a tow cable messenger passing through the sheave which results in an ESTOP. A messenger is positioned on the tow cable at the end of the second layer on the drum and is normally referred to as the cable end messenger. During normal MVP operation, a profile is terminated under software control well before the cable end messenger is reached. Positioning

15 MVP30 System Description 11 of the cable end messenger is a system safeguard to ensure excess tow cable is not deployed off the drum. If the messenger passes through the inner sheave limit switch, it will trigger an Emergency Stop condition resulting in the brake being applied immediately and halting winch operations. The operator must reset the E-stop condition at the winch control box by pressing the inner sheave reset button only after the operator has determined the cause. The Inner-Sheave/Cable-End-Detection circuit is also a backup to the outer sheave dock limit switch. If the control system fails to detect the messenger passing through the outer sheave limit switch, the winch IN function will halt when the messenger trips the inner sheave limit switch. If the inner-sheave limit switch is tripped during a profile, pressing the switch with the Hand/Off/Auto switch in the OFF position will reset the circuit. (Pressing Reset clears the innersheave switch. Placing the Hand/Off/Auto switch in the OFF position clears the ESTOP condition.) The reset operation should only be performed when the operator is aware of the cause for the trigger condition. The Inner Sheave Reset button is also used as an override of the inner-sheave limit switch to allow the operator to winch IN/OUT tow cable with messengers on it without halting operations. The operator must keep the button pressed until the messengers have passed the inner sheave limit switch to avoid halting winch operations when it is triggered. Once a messenger clears the limit switch, the Inner Sheave Reset button can be released and the winch operated normally. On power up, the detector circuit is initially in the Tripped state and must be reset after power is applied by pressing the inner sheave reset button. 4.5 FREEWHEEL SWITCH The Freewheel switch is used to place the system in manual Freewheel mode when in Hand mode or with the system in the manual override mode. In Freewheel mode, the brake is released and the clutch is disengaged, allowing the winch drum to freely rotate. This is designed as a maintenance feature and should not be part of normal operations. WARNING: If there is a load on the system such as the fish hanging over the side or in midair, the fish will drop, possibly injuring personnel and damaging the instrumentation. A lockout device for the Freewheel switch is provided with the system and is recommended that operators take appropriate steps to prevent unauthorized operation of this control. 4.6 MANUAL OVERRIDE The Manual Override switch is used for completely manual operations. The switch allows the system to be operated when the embedded controller circuit board is removed or inoperable. 4.7 SPEED ADJUST The Speed Adjust switch is a potentiometer that controls the winch IN and winch OUT speed when operated with the remote pendant.

16 MVP30 System Description REMOTE PENDANT The Remote Pendant allows operation of the winch in Hand mode only. The pendant will only control the winch drum in the deployment and recovery directions. The Emergency Stop switch has the same function as the Emergency Stop switch on the Control Box. The Remote Pendant is shown in Figure 13. Figure 13: Remote Pendant 5 REMOTE EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH (Optional) The Remote Emergency Stop Switch (refer to Figure 14) connects to the port labeled Remote on the back of the Controller Interface Box. The remote e-stop option allows the operator to have a switch mounted close to the MVP monitor location for ease of access should the controller interface box be mounted some distance from the MVP operator station. Figure 14: Remote E-stop Switch

17 MVP30 System Description 13 6 MVP CONTROLLER INTERFACE BOX The Controller Interface Box (refer to Figure 15) is normally located next to the MVP Controller computer in the lab; it converts winch and fish communications (RS485/422) to a protocol recognized by the MVP Controller (RS232). The Emergency Stop button works in series with the Control Box Emergency Stop. When the cable to the Controller Interface Box is disconnected at the Control Box, a relay bypasses the missing emergency stop contacts. Figure 15: Controller Interface Box 6.1 FISH CONFIGURATION On the front panel of the Controller Interface Box is a selection labeled Fish Configuration (refer to Figure 16). This dial is used to select from the three types of fish communications. The correct settings are dependant on the fish sensor being delivered with the system. Figure 16: Fish Configuration NOTE: Selecting the wrong fish configuration can result in damage to the instruments contained in the fish. Each system is factory configured for the instruments installed. Before using any other instrumentation, contact AML Oceanographic for assistance. DO NOT SWITCH WHEN POWER IS ON

18 MVP30 System Description V HV +DTM (Optional) The V HV +DTM setting will supply 140Vdc on two paired conductors; this is used when connecting the tow cable to a Multi-Sensor Free Fall Fish. The V HV +DTM can only be used with the following instrumentation: Laser Optical Plankton Counter (LOPC) Data Telemetry Module (DTM) 6.3 VHV +RS485 The V HV +RS485 setting will supply 140Vdc on one pair of conductors and reserve the other pair of conductors for RS485 communications with the instrument. Applicable Instrumentation: Free Fall Cone Penetrometer (FFCPT) Any factory approved sensor which utilizes a Power Module NOTE: Using this setting and connecting to an instrument other than an FFCPT without going through a Power Module could result in damage to the sensor. 6.4 V LV +RS485 The V LV +RS485 will supply 12Vdc on one pair of conductors and reserve the other pair of conductors for RS485 communications with a sensor. Select this option when connecting the tow cable to a Single-Sensor Free Fall Fish without a Power Module. NOTE: The extension cable used in the single-sensor fish for this application MUST be a Bypass Extension Cable to ensure that the voltage from the surface is being interfaced to the sensor properly. 6.5 MVP SENSOR TESTING The Controller Interface Box has the capability of bench testing both a single RS485 serial sensor and optional Data Telemetry Module (DTM) required in a Multi-Sensor Free Fall Fish V / RS485 Sensor Test (Low Voltage 12vdc) To test a single 12Vdc RS485 sensor, perform the following: a) Verify the power is OFF on the Controller Interface Box. b) Connect the instrument test cable between the sensor and the instrument test connector located on the rear of the Controller Interface Box (refer to Figure 17). c) Connect a serial cable from the instrument test serial out (RS232) DB9F connector on the back of the Controller Interface Box (refer to Figure 17), to comm.3 (or fish data input) on the back of the MVP controller computer. d) Turn the Controller Interface Box front power switch ON. e) Start the MVP software; select Debug and Fish Interface to view the incoming sensor data.

19 MVP30 System Description 15 NOTE: The Fish Interface comm. port selectable from the System Configuration window must match the comm. port being used on the controller computer. The serial out LED on the front of the controller interface box will flash during communications. f) Ensure all cables are re-installed after testing is complete. Figure 17: Instrument Test Point for RS485 Sensor DTM Sensor Test (High Voltage 140Vdc) a) Verify the power is OFF on the Controller Interface Box. b) Connect the sensors to the DTM. c) Disconnect the tow cable connection from the back of the Controller Interface Box. d) Connect the DTM test cable between the DTM or LOPC and the Tow Cable connector on the back of the Controller Interface Box in the Fish Interface section (refer to Figure 18). e) Turn the Controller Interface Box to ON and the Interlock Override switch on the back of the Controller Interface Box to ON. f) Start the MVP software; select Debug and Fish Interface to view the incoming sensor data. g) Ensure all cables are re-installed and the Interlock Override switch is OFF after testing is completed. Figure 18: DTM Test Point (Tow Cable Port)

20 MVP30 System Description INTERLOCK OVERRIDE The Interlock Override (refer to Figure 19) enables a connection to be made with the fish when the winch main power is turned OFF. When the Interlock Override switch is turned OFF the deck unit will not output voltage if it does not receive a signal from the winch. The Interlock Override is a safety mechanism which disconnects communication and power lines from the Tow Cable bulkhead; this is done so that when the winch is powered down, it does not receive power from the deck unit. For testing purposes it is sometimes necessary to use the deck unit outputs without it being connected to the winch, or with power to the winch turned OFF. Figure 19: Interlock Override Selection 6.7 WINCH INTERFACE The communications from the winch is in RS422 format and is sent to the Controller Interface Box through the Winch Input communications port in the Winch Interface panel (refer to Figure 20). The input data is converted to RS232 format before it is sent out to the MVP Controller computer via the Serial Out port. Figure 20: Winch Interface

21 MVP30 System Description SERIAL MULTIPLEXER (Optional) The MVP Serial Multiplexer is an optional upgrade for the standard MVP Controller Interface box which enables the operator to integrate various data sources into one single output data stream (refer to Figure 21). Typical inputs would be from vessel navigation equipment such as GPS receivers and depth sounders. Up to four data sources can be multiplexed on a line by line basis into a single data stream that allows automatic data integration and comparison, since all data sources have a common time-based reference. Figure 21: Serial Multiplexer 6.9 EMERGENCY STOP CONNECTIONS The emergency stop signals are sent to and from the winch through the Controller Interface Cable connected to the WINCH emergency stop receptacle on the back panel of the Controller Interface Box (refer to Figure 22). The REMOTE emergency stop receptacle is intended to connect a Remote Emergency Stop box next to the MVP operator s monitor. The REMOTE emergency stop box provides emergency stop capability for the operator in case the Controller Interface Box is mounted in a remote location. Figure 22: Emergency Stop Conditions

22 MVP30 System Description POWER CONNECTIONS AND CONFIGURATION The ground lug on the back panel grounds the Controller Interface Box to the MVP Control Box through the connection made with the Controller Interface cable (refer to Figure 23). For power protection of the Controller Interface Box, there is a 2 amp breaker which can be reset from the back panel. Figure 23: Power Connections 7 MVP CONTROLLER The MVP Controller is based upon an Intel Pentium computer running under a Windows operating system. The computer is equipped with four standard RS232 serial ports, COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4. - COM1 is used to communicate with the multibeam sounder. - COM2 is used to receive navigational data from the vessel. - COM3 receives the instrument data from the sensor in the free fall fish. - COM4 communicates with the embedded controller in the Main Control Box at the winch. The MVP system operates automatically; parameters such as depth-off-bottom, maximum depth, maximum cable and time between deployments can be set prior to an Auto deployment. Once set up, a series of MVP deployments can be performed. Data is collected and numerical values are recorded to the MVP computer. For multibeam sounder calibration operation, data can be sent directly to the multibeam sounder s processor following the completion of a profile. A connection to the vessel s depth sounder enables bathymetry information to be used when bottom avoidance is enabled. The depth of the free fall fish is compared to the bottom depth to determine if the fish is too close to the ocean floor and will terminate the deployment if within the set minimum distance. The control algorithm also aborts the profile if the vessel s speed deviates from the specified range minimum and maximum range. The Cable Counter mounted in the outer sheave provides information to the MVP controller computer about the amount of tow cable deployed. There are safeguards in the MVP software when in Auto Mode that will prevent the winch from deploying all the cable off the drum or recovering too much cable onto the drum. (i.e.: Recovering the tow body into the outer sheave). NOTE: Deployment termination criteria are not functional when operating in HAND mode from the Control Box, the Remote Control Unit or the Remote Pendant.

23 MVP30 System Description MVP CONTROLLER COMPUTER SERIAL/LAN DATA INTERFACES The MVP Controller computer in the lab communicates with the free fall fish instrument (AML CTD, AML SVP or AML SVPT sensor), winch embedded controller, vessel s navigational system and multibeam sounder through RS232/422 serial port communications. The free fall fish instrument and winch embedded controller are part of the MVP internal control system, these interfaces are configured at the factory. 7.2 WINCH EMBEDDED CONTROLLER SERIAL DATA INTERFACE During the execution of MVP profiles, all winch hardware is controlled through an embedded controller located in the Control Box at the winch. The embedded controller communicates with the MVP Controller computer through the Controller Interface Box in RS422 format. The controller interface box converts the RS422 data to RS232 data and outputs the data to the MVP controller computer. High level commands output by the MVP Controller computer are decoded and executed by the embedded controller at the winch. The embedded controller constantly updates the MVP Controller computer with status information. 7.3 FREE FALL FISH SERIAL DATA INTERFACE The free fall fish houses the main instrument; AML CTD, AML SVP or AML SVPT and a power module. The surface outputs ~140vdc to the power module in the tow fish and the power module outputs ~12vdc to the serial sensor. The sensor then outputs the RS485 data on the other two conductors directly to the surface. The underwater DTM (if required) is connected through the tow cable to a similar surface DTM in the Controller Interface Box. The surface DTM rectifies the 120Vac auxiliary supply and outputs a high voltage DC supply to the tow cable. The underwater DTM converts the DC high voltage into a low voltage supply required by the instrumentation. The main instrument is configured with a serial data output; the data is modulated by the underwater DTM and coupled to the tow cable DC supply for data transmission to the surface. The surface DTM in the Controller Interface Box de-couples the transmissions from the supply lines and demodulates the information back into a serial data stream which is then output to the MVP Controller computer in real time. The surface DTM in the Controller Interface Box communicates with the MVP Controller computer in RS232 format; they are connected by a standard DB9 serial cable.

24 MVP30 System Description VESSEL S NAV SERIAL DATA/LAN INTERFACE The MVP Controller has an RS232 COM port dedicated for the input of vessel's navigation information. The MVP software utilizes bottom depth, GPS position, date/time and vessel speed; the software also has the capability of receiving the required NAV vessel information via UDP (LAN interface). In some cases, a part of the required vessel information can be interfaced through the supplied NAV COM port and the rest is interfaced via the UDP connection. (Example: Bottom Sounder data is received through the COM port and GPS data which is being broadcast throughout the vessel is interfaced to the MVP software via UDP LAN network) Real time bottom depths from the vessel s sounder are required by the MVP control system when the Depth Off Bottom deployment criteria is enabled. The Depth Off Bottom feature allows the MVP to perform profiles to a user defined depth above the seafloor; it is a safeguard feature to prevent collisions with the ocean bottom. The vessel's speed is required by the control system to prevent the tow cable from being over-stressed; the maximum vessel speed is limited by the amount of cable out in the software. The MVP Controller computer software has the capability to log many different file formats for a successfully completed profile. The file formats that can be logged for a profile are selectable by the user in the System Configuration window in the Data Logging panel. Some of the file formats include GPS position, date and time in the header the moment the profile is initiated and some of the specified file formats do not include any header information. The data must be presented using NMEA sentence structures and note that the NMEA 0183 standard is not electrically compatible with RS232; a NMEA to RS232 converter may be required. In the typical MVP installation, the vessel's sounder data, speed log data (if applicable) and GPS data are connected to a Serial Multiplexer installed in the Controller Interface Box. The multiplexed NMEA data strings are then output from the Controller Interface Box via an RS232 Host port to the MVP Controller computer. The Serial Multiplexer can be supplied as an option. 7.5 SOUNDER SERIAL DATA/LAN OUTPUT The MVP Controller computer has a dedicated RS232 COM port for the output of sound velocity profiles to a multibeam processing computer. The software also has the capability of outputting the file format via UDP (LAN network) and the method to be used must be selected in the MVP software prior to the start of a profile. The profile file formats are automatically generated during a profile and at the end of a profile and the file can be viewed on a separate window and edited prior to being sent to the multibeam sounder. There are several file formats that can be specifically chosen to be output to the multibeam processing computer; an example of each file format can be found in the MVP software manual.

25 MVP30 System Description 21 8 Contact AML Oceanographic Service To request an RMA or technical support service@amloceanographic.com Phone: Phone: (NA) Fax: Sales For all general sales inquiries sales@amloceanographic.com Phone: Phone : (NA) Fax: Website Pacific Location AML Oceanographic 2071 Malaview Ave. Sidney, BC V8L 5X6 Canada Atlantic Location AML Oceanographic 800A Windmill Rd., Unit 6C Dartmouth, NS B3B 1L1 Canada