Seafloor EchoBoat-160 System User Guide

EchoBoat-160

Quick Start Guide

Overview

The EchoBoat-160 is a portable, remotely & autonomously controlled platform for hydrographic survey applications. This Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) is manufactured from high quality marine materials and efficiently collects depth data while the user controls it from the shore.

Batteries

Before using the EchoBoat-160 in the field, it is important to conduct a systems check to ensure the job is successful. The first check for operation is checking battery voltage. Due to regulations, LiPo batteries must be discharged for shipping, and it is important for their health and longevity that they are charged fully before being used.

1. The four 6S batteries located in the stern of the boat have 6 cells charged up to 4.20 volts each for an overall battery voltage of 25.2 volts.

Thruster Control & Systems Operation

Before using the EchoBoat-160 in the field, it is important that the user familiarizes themselves with the controls of the boat, including startup and shutdown of the systems.

1. Plug in all batteries in the correct orientation
   a. There are four 6S batteries in the stern battery compartment. These run parallel to the power distribution located on the port side of the boat.

2. Thruster operation
   a. Power on the Taranis transmitter by holding the power button for approximately 5 seconds (Refer to Taranis Manual).
   b. Ensure the Echoboat-160 is powered by flipping the switch on the distribution board to the “ON” position. This provides power to the onboard PC, thrusters, and AutoNAV system (If equipped).
   c. On the Taranis transmitter, flip the switch on the far left to the position furthest away from the user. Hold the top right toggle switch up until the AutoNAV emits a singular tone (refer to Taranis Manual). The ESC is now armed, the right joystick will control the thrusters (verify control before continuing).

Rear Plate

The EchoBoat-160 bulkhead plate supplies power and connections to various components. The three switches on the port side of the vessel support the optional internal components. Following is a general overview of what each connection is intended for, but may be customized depending on the application.

Bulkheads (Customizable)

Switch: The internal power distribution switch applies power to all components of the EB-160.
LAN: Allows the computer to communicate with the front-facing camera on the EchoBoat-160’s mast.
USB: Allows the computer to communicate with the QuickCast / SmartCast to see the depth of the line released for a Sound Velocity Profiler.
PWR: Supplies power to the QuickCast / SmartCast
AUX: Left open to allow for data passthrough for pole mounted sonar or other external additions.
ANT 1: Allows the stern antenna to passthrough the hull to interface with the sonar topside or AutoNav.
ANT 2: Allows the bow antenna to passthrough the hull to interface with the sonar topside or AutoNav.

PC Systems Check

Connecting to the EchoBoat-160’s onboard computer is done via a Wi-Fi bridge. The onboard computer’s access point is already setup.

To setup the shoreside Wi-Fi Bridge, plug in an ethernet cable to the shoreside Microtik. Next, plug the other end of the ethernet into the power over the ethernet adapter. Then, attach the bullet connector to the POE and plug it into a power source. Finally, plug the POE ethernet adapter into the shoreside computer.

Setup the base computer’s network settings by following the steps on the next page. Ensure that the antenna on the mast of the boat is connected to the Microtik through the bulkhead connector in the hull. Check Winbox:

1. Open control Panel

2. Open “Network and Internet”

3. Right Click on the ethernet port with the description “Unidentified network” and select “properties”

4. Highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”

5. Set the IP address and Subnet mask
6. Select “OK” and close all windows.
7. Using the Windows search bar type “Remote Desktop” and hit enter.
8. Type in the IP address: 192.168.1.8 as shown below.

9. Login with the username “EchoBoat” and password “Seafloor”

The remote desktop will start, and you will be able to access the onboard computer for running Mission Planner and data collection software.

Seafloor Systems, Inc. | info@seafloorsystems.com | +1(530) 677-1019

Updated Oct 21, 2021

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