MM-7663 / 7667

Maintenance Manual for

Types 7663 / 7667
Lightweight Command Unit
(LCU)

Head Office
Sonardyne International Limited T. +44 (0) 1252 872288
Blackbushe Business Park F. +44 (0) 1252 876100
Yateley, Hampshire E. support@sonardyne.com
GU46 6GD United Kingdom www.sonardyne.com
Section 0 MM-7663
Page 1 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

MM-7663 / 7667

MAINTENANCE MANUAL

FOR THE

LIGHTWEIGHT COMMAND UNIT

ISSUE B

REVISION 1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION OVERLEAF

Safety Precautions at Revision 5

Prepared by : C J Dennison
J S Crisp

Authorised by : D C Lawes

Date of Issue : 03 November 2004

SONARDYNE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Blackbushe Business Park, Yateley, Hampshire, GU46 6GD, United Kingdom
Tel: (0) 1252 872288 Fax : (0) 1252 876100 www.sonardyne.co.uk
Safety Precautions 24 February 2004
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SAFETY
It is essential that all personnel involved in the operation
and servicing of this product are familiar with the details
below.

This product contains hazardous voltages and must only

be opened by qualified service personnel. There are no
operator adjustable components inside.

SUBSEA EQUIPMENT GENERAL OPERATIONAL & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Operators and Service personnel must be familiar with the information below.

Not all sections will apply to all instruments.

Additional information, if applicable, is included in the relevant sections of the

product operating and maintenance manuals
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CONTENTS

1 HAZARD APPRECIATION

2 GENERAL HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT

3 DISMANTLING OF EQUIPMENT

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Instruments Fitted With Sprung Vent Valves
3.3 Precautions (Instrument Fully Functioning)
3.4 Precautions (Instrument Known or Suspected to be Pressurised)

4 ELECTRONIC HAZARDS

4.1 High Voltages

4.2 Handling of Electronic Components
4.3 Safety Precautions for Lithium Batteries
4.4 Lithium Batteries General
4.5 Lithium Batteries Storage Temperature
4.6 Opening a Lithium Powered Instrument
4.7 Fault Procedures
4.8 Disposal of Lithium Batteries
4.9 Transporting Lithium Based Products

5 BATTERIES GENERAL

5.1 Use of Appropriate Battery Types

5.2 Charging of Batteries In Sealed Containers
5.3 Attempting to Charge Non-Rechargeable Battery Packs
5.4 Handling of Used Batteries
5.5 Re-Connecting a Partially Used Battery
5.6 Fitting a New Battery
5.7 Battery Pack Fuses

6 EQUIPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS

6.1 Storage Temperature Limits

7 EQUIPMENT LOAD BEARING CAPABILITY

8 FLOATATION EQUIPMENT

8.1 Introduction
8.2 Minimum Nett Buoyancy of Floats
8.3 Float Inserts
8.4 Nett Upthrust
8.5 Float Storage Conditions
8.6 Float Over-Pressure

9 DEFINITION OF LOADS AND LOADING TERMS

10 IF IN DOUBT
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1. HAZARD APPRECIATION

Subsea equipment remains safe in use when operated and handled within standard
operating procedures and written guidelines, therefore in normal operation little threat is
posed to the safety of individuals or instruments. However all subsea units are capable of
posing a threat to personnel safety, particularly when pressure housings become internally
pressurised. Great care must be taken when this happens, or is even suspected to have
happened, since the pressures present within the instrument are likely to be extremely high.
Internal pressure problems may also be aggravated by unknown chemical hazards if battery
breakdown has also occurred.

The following non-exhaustive list gives examples of typical hazardous situations:

‰ a pressure housing becomes internally pressurised by water pressure, following a leak
‰ a pressure housing becomes internally pressurised due to battery malfunction
‰ attempts are made to charge non-rechargeable battery packs/cells
‰ using an instrument outside its design parameters
‰ using an instrument beyond its load bearing limits
‰ failing to maintain the equipment can reduce its load bearing capability
‰ using unauthorised components or inferior parts in critical assemblies, e.g. release systems

2. GENERAL HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT

Do not allow instruments to be dropped or exposed to shock damage which can cause
sensitive internal components to fail. Note that minor damage to metal finishes often creates
burrs which can present a hazard to unprotected hands or other parts of the body. Control
the local environment by preventing personnel stepping into the bight of haphazardly laid
ropes or cables which are attached to a unit. Do not allow an instrument to block an access
or impede normal traffic flows in a gangway or on a stairway.

Water tightness of instruments depends on fine surface finishes, accurate dimensional tolerances
and cleanliness of components. Generally when dismantling equipment care should always
be taken, the disassembly process should be carried out in a well-ventilated area with as few
personnel in the vicinity as possible. Servicing must always be carried out by competent
personnel with appropriate training.

3. DISMANTLING SUB-SEA EQUIPMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION

All sub-sea equipment fitted with pressure housings are subject to a vast range of externally
applied pressures and are susceptible to internal pressure rise if, for example, a leak occurs
or the unit’s battery destructs. Internal pressure presents a potentially dangerous situation
and all appropriate safety measures must be enforced. Note that fumes given off by
deteriorated batteries, particularly lithium based types, pose a health hazard. Apply
precautions as appropriate to the circumstances prevailing at the time.

Note (1) that there is likely to be no prior indication of the presence of internal pressure, first
indications being that the endcap(s) of the unit are being forced out of the housing under
pressure during the dismantling process. Symptoms that indicate a higher risk of internal
pressure include:
• Equipment that failed when deployed, in transit or storage
• Equipment stored for a long time with batteries connected
• Equipment having suffered physical damage.
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Note (2) that when a unit has leaked it often behaves like a valve, i.e. water pressure causes
a rise in internal pressure which cannot then escape because the point of leakage becomes
sealed. Complete removal of an endcap’s retaining mechanism means that it becomes
unconstrained and therefore free to be discharged from its housing under high internal
pressure - an uncontrolled and potentially dangerous situation.

DO NOT TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT WHICH IS INTERNALLY PRESSURED

The following precautions & procedures are recommended.

3.2 INSTRUMENTS FITTED WITH SPRUNG VENT PLUGS

Pressure Vent Plugs are fitted into all subsea equipment housings containing batteries and
incorporate a red or green bung with dual O rings and a vent hole behind the second O ring.
The vent plug is designed so that it can be partially withdrawn using a M4 screw to the point
where its relief hole, positioned inboard of the second O ring, becomes open to atmosphere
and thus allows internal pressure to dissipate. The vent plug cannot be totally removed (and
forgotten) because of a retaining spring holding the red or green bung in place.

A normal unit may emit an audible rush of air when the vent plug is retracted, but it will
typically only last for 1 second maximum. A longer rush of air/gas indicates a pressurised
unit, in which case ventilate the area, and let the remaining pressure out of the unit. Internal
pressure dissipates to atmosphere in a very short time and may be accompanied by water,
debris, noise etc. Do not allow unnecessary personnel to enter the vicinity of the work or to
be anywhere near dissipating gases and debris.

3.3 PRECAUTIONS (INSTRUMENT FULLY FUNCTIONING)

The techniques for retaining endcaps in the pressure housings differ from product to product,
and detailed instructions on opening the pressure housing are given in the servicing section
of the individual product manuals.

To ease dismantling and release any slight internal pressure that may have built up during
normal operation, the vent plug should be operated as described in 3.2.

When removing the endcap it is recommended to stand to one side, and not inline. This will
avoid potential injury if the endcap is ejected by any remaining internal pressure.

3.4 PRECAUTIONS (INSTRUMENT KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO BE PRESSURISED)

If an instrument is known, or suspected to be internally pressurised through water ingress or

battery venting additional precautions must be taken.

Remove the instrument to a well - ventilated location away from other working personnel.

If the housing is hot, indicating recent or current active internal chemical action, do not
attempt to open. Lower overboard into water for several hours minimum or into a secure area
away from all personnel. Do not attempt to dismantle until it has cooled.

Wear protective clothing, safety glasses and gloves, and refer to battery manufacturer’s
material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Release the safety vent as described in section 3.2. If there is no significant pressure
dissipation and no fumes indicating a battery malfunction, the unit can be dismantled using
the precautions described in section 3.3 and the relevant product servicing manual.
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If there are any chemical fumes when the vent plug is released, or signs of deposit around
the vent exterior, these are signs that the battery has vented due to water ingress or
electronic/battery malfunction. In these circumstances the battery pack and internal
electronics may have been severely damaged.

Take extreme care when removing the end cap, using any additional precautions detailed in
the individual product manuals. There may be a possibility of some residual pressure
remaining, within the housing, if during operation of the vent valve, it becomes blocked with
the products of the internal chemical reaction.

When the battery is removed it should be covered with dry sand, or preferably sodium
carbonate, or a mixture of 1:1 soda ash and slaked lime. It should be placed in an approved
container (after cooling if necessary) and disposed in accordance with local regulations.

The electronics, end caps and pressure housings should be thoroughly hosed down

4. ELECTRONIC HAZARDS

4.1 HIGH VOLTAGES

WARNING

High Voltages

Operation of this equipment does not present any danger to users in normal use. If the
internal electronics chassis is removed from it’s housing for maintenance, the user should
be aware that high voltages are present, particularly on the transmitter PCB and
transducer.

Storage Capacitors

Note that subsea equipment incorporates capacitors which are capable of storing large
quantities of electrical energy. Avoid inadvertent discharge during dismantling.

4.2 HANDLING OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Most of the circuits in subsea equipment use CMOS logic, which is easily damaged by static
discharge or excessive supply voltage. The best handling for electronics is NO HANDLING.
Field servicing cannot compare in efficiency and accuracy with the original factory calibration
and therefore field servicing should be limited to checking correct calibration/operation (within
the limits of the test gear available) and repair by exchange of PCB’s or modules.
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4.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LITHIUM BATTERIES

WARNING

Lithium based batteries become hazardous (fire and corrosion) if exposed to air and water.
If damaged they may also emit thionyl chloride. Consult battery manufacturer’s Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) prior to operating lithium based battery products.

Additional information applicable to lithium cells (model LSH20) is available from:

SAFT Ltd
River Drive
South Shields
TYNE AND WEAR
NE33 2TR
UK

Tel: +44 (0) 191 456 1451

Web Site: www.saftbatteries.com

4.4 LITHIUM BASED BATTERIES, GENERAL

Special precautions and regulations apply to transport, handling and disposal of lithium based
products.

Lithium batteries are powerful sources of electrical energy and should be handled with care to
avoid short-circuiting.

Where a battery powered underwater instrument is suspected of flooding, extreme caution

must be exercised in opening the instrument in case an internal pressure has developed,
which might cause the components to fly apart, causing damage or injury. Release of cell
contents within the pressure vessel is very unlikely to cause hazard but the following safety
procedures should be followed.

4.5 LITHIUM BASED BATTERIES, STORAGE TEMPERATURE

Cells and batteries, and hence the whole Sonardyne instrument, should not be exposed to
temperatures in excess of 70°C. Instruments should not be left on deck in strong sunlight
such that they become hot to the touch.

Lithium battery packs should be stored at +20°C, and in a humidity-controlled atmosphere to

prevent passivation developing, which can reduce actual operating life, and in extreme cases
may cause the unit to malfunction once deployed.

Instruments should be cooled to normal room temperature or lower before being opened.

4.6 OPENING A LITHIUM POWERED INSTRUMENT

The normal procedure before opening any underwater instrument is to wash in fresh water,
remove salt deposits and dry it. The instrument should only be opened in clean, well-
ventilated, dry surroundings.

All precautions outlined in paragraph 3.4 above should be applied during dismantling
processes if it is suspected that internal pressure is present.
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4.7 FAULT PROCEDURES

If a cell or battery is shorted or starts to heat up, it should be disconnected from the
transponder immediately and removed to the outdoors or to a well-ventilated area to cool
down. Tongs, or a shovel, are recommended for this purpose. Once the temperature has
dropped and it is deemed safe to do so, the cell or battery can be disposed of as below.
Suitable protection clothing should be worn when handling suspect cells/batteries and if the
skin has come into contact with the electrolyte, it should be washed thoroughly with water.

If a cell is ruptured, potentially flammable materials may be exposed.

WARNING

For Lithium battery packs, Class D fire extinguishers should be used. Water, CO2,
Halon, dry chemical or foam extinguishers are not suitable.

4.8 DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM BASED BATTERIES

Cells and batteries in small quantities can be disposed of in a secured landfill. If a secured
landfill is not immediately available then appropriate safety precautions should be taken to
temporarily secure the items. Packaging suitable for the storage and transport of lithium
cells/batteries must be used at all times when not installed in an instrument.

DO NOT DISPOSE OF LITHIUM BATTERIES IN A FIRE.

4.9 TRANSPORTING LITHIUM BASED PRODUCTS

The current regulations and information below is provided for guidance only. Note that data
sheets concerning quantities of lithium per cell are available from cell manufactures and
these may change without prior notice, therefore the quantities of lithium per battery pack
cannot be verified by Sonardyne Ltd. When transporting lithium based products it is the
operators responsibility to comply with local, national and international regulations in force at
the time of transport.

By Road: ADR European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of

Dangerous Good by Road Regulations.
By Sea: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

By Air: IATA Regulations UN 3090 and UN 3091

5. BATTERIES GENERAL

5.1 USE OF APPROPRIATE BATTERY TYPES

Sonardyne equipment uses a variety of battery types. In some instrument designs only one
type of battery pack is authorised for use but others will accommodate NiCad rechargeable,
alkaline or lithium based packs. Instruments must NOT be fitted with alternative battery pack
types unless they are specifically designed to use them.

DO NOT FIT UNAUTHORISED BATTERY PACK TYPES INTO AN INSTRUMENT

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NOTE THAT DAMAGE CAUSED BY USING BATTERY PACKS WHICH ARE NOT
AUTHORISED OR ARE NOT CONSTRUCTED TO SONARDYNE’S BUILD STANDARDS
INVALIDATES ANY WARRANTY

5.2 CHARGING OF BATTERIES IN SEALED CONTAINERS

Batteries/Cells may give off gases when recharged. As a general rule, sealed
containers MUST be allowed to vent to atmosphere during the charging process.

Some instruments may be fitted with safety features which prevent the possibility of
problems caused by gasses vented by batteries. Detailed charging procedures for
the particular instrument should be carefully followed.

5.3 ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACKS

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHARGE NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES PACKS OR CELLS

All PRIMARY BATTERIES, i.e. alkaline-manganese dioxide, lithium-manganese dioxide,

silver oxide, zinc air, zinc carbon and zinc chloride batteries are NOT designed to be
charged.

Non-rechargeable cells exhibit a range of unpredictable characteristics if any attempt is

made to charge them, Very high pressures and temperatures can occur in an instrument
often some time after the attempt to charge them has terminated.

Attempts to charge a primary battery may lead to an imbalance within the cell potentially
leading to gas generation and in extreme cases explosion.

Battery packs MUST NOT be reconfigured from one type to another, e.g. NiCad to alkaline
or lithium. Alkaline or lithium cells may be inadvertently charged.

5.4 HANDLING OF USED BATTERIES

Batteries should not be discharged below their end point voltage. To do so can lead to
internal corrosion and leakage of electrolyte in certain types of sulphur dioxide cells.
Although there is very little gas to cause a pressure rise under these conditions, the
electrolyte leakage will cause severe corrosion.

After recovering an instrument from the sea it should be opened, and the battery voltage(s)
checked while still connected to see if above the end point voltage for that type of cell.
Disconnect and mark as usable or not with date of disconnection noted both on the pack and
in written records. Check the instrument for signs of corrosion, such as at solder joints, as a
sign of any slight leakage.

The remaining life of a battery depends on both time and, for a transponder, the number of
times it has been interrogated. Normally transponders keep their own record of battery
usage, but users must maintain a separate record of time elapsed whilst battery is installed
and connected, plus estimates of the number of interrogations.
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5.5 RE-CONNECTING A PARTIALLY USED BATTERY

Calculate if the remaining battery life will allow your next mission to be safely accomplished.
If so, note the date of re-connection, both on the battery label and in written records, against
the serial number of the instrument.

5.6 FITTING A NEW BATTERY

Note the date it is connected and therefore starts to supply current. Write this date on the
battery label and also in your written records.

5.7 BATTERY PACK FUSES

A number of Sonardyne battery packs have carefully selected, high-reliability fuses soldered
onto the diode-board of the pack. These are "Littlefuse" devices. If you have blown a fuse
due to mishandling, it may be replaced by an identical type, but the rating must not on any
account be increased.

6. EQUIPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS

6.1 STORAGE TEMPERATURE LIMITS

Equipment may be stored at temperatures in the range -20 to + 60°C. It should be noted
however that lines connecting pressure transducers to a transponder may become partly
filled with seawater during service. This cannot easily be expelled and may therefore freeze if
transponders are stored at sub-zero temperatures after recovery from the sea.
Spare battery packs should be stored at room temperature, in an environment with a
controlled humidity level.

7. INSTRUMENT LOAD BEARING CAPABILITY

Navigational Transponders are NOT normally designed to take in-line loads greater than the
maximum upthrust applied by the floatation equipment. The carrying straps, if fitted, are for
ease of manual handling and the range of transducer guards selected for their acoustic
properties.

The Safe Working Load (SWL) capability of the release mechanism, built into most
instruments, can only be used for in-line lifting operations if a suitably - rated, approved, lifting
strap, transducer guard, buoyancy collar eyes or other safe method is selected.

It is the operators responsibility to ensure the condition of the equipment and that a safe
lifting method has been devised for any particular operation.

Sonardyne’s range of Oceanographic Release Transponders have been designed specifically

for in-line lifting operations.

Appropriate shackles must be used in release systems to ensure freedom from corrosion. It is
important to note that instruments, their release mechanisms and shackles form part of an
integrated and complete system.
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8. FLOATATION EQUIPMENT

8.1 INTRODUCTION

Floatation equipment is fitted to subsea transponders in order to aid their recovery once a
deployment is complete. A nett upthrust requirement is given in manuals and technical data
for any particular instrument. The following guidelines are given to assist operators in their
understanding of the general requirements.

8.2 MINIMUM NETT BUOYANCY OF FLOATS

Floats are described as having a minimum nett buoyancy in seawater and this is the figure
quoted in Sonardyne Float Technical Data and by the float manufacturer. Total upthrust can
be calculated by knowing this figure, e.g., a float with 30kgs nett buoyancy in sea water
supporting a load with weight in sea water of 30kgs would result in neutral buoyancy, i.e. no
nett upthrust.

8.3 FLOAT INSERTS

Float collar Inserts are used to allow floats of larger internal bore to be used with housings of
nominal 6” diameter. The weight in water of an insert is usually slightly positive and this will
be additional to the weight of the instrument being supported by the float. Two inserts will
result in approximately 0.5kg reduction in nett upthrust.

8.4 NETT UPTHRUST

The difference between the nett buoyancy of the float and the total weight of an object, or
objects, in water that it is supporting, e.g.

Nett Upthrust =

(Minimum nett buoyancy of the Float) - (the weight of the instrument + inserts in water)

e.g. 30 kgs - (11.2+ 0.5) kgs = 17.3 kgs nett upthrust

8.5 FLOAT STORAGE CONDITIONS

Special storage conditions are not called for if due care and attention is applied to a float.
Floats are not hygroscopic and should not therefore be affected by moisture in air.

8.6 FLOAT OVER-PRESSURE

The maximum water depth quoted for a float must not be exceeded. Over-pressured floats
are forced to absorb water and their weight in air thus increases. All floats should be
weighed prior to use to check that they are maintaining their original manufactured weight.
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9. DEFINITIONS OF VARIOUS LOADS AND LOADING TERMS

9.1 A STATIC LOAD

An unvarying long term load.

9.2 A DYNAMIC LOAD

A time varying load resulting from the motion and inertia of connected masses and forcing
functions such as wave action on the vessel. This may include transient and steady state
harmonically alternating loads.

9.3 MAXIMUM ULTIMATE STATIC LOAD OR BREAKING LOAD OR PARTING LOAD

The load that induces structural failure in one or more parts of the instrument causing the
load to part with the release.

9.4 MAXIMUM PROOF STATIC LOAD OR MAXIMUM RATED STATIC LOAD

The maximum in-line static load the instrument can bear without suffering an unacceptable
degree of permanent deformation. Ideally this should correspond with the load at which the
maximum stress at any point in any component is the 0.2% proof stress for the material used
in that component (in the condition that it is used).

9.5 SHOCK LOAD OR SNATCH LOAD

A time transient load generally caused by the sudden acceleration (positive or negative) of
the load. Examples are the sudden snatch of a load off the deck or a sudden arrest of a load
falling under gravity.

9.6 SAFE WORKING LOAD

A load set as a proportion of the Ultimate Static Load to allow for factors such as corrosion,
fatigue, shock loads, harmonic loads, manufacturing defects, material defects etc. Various
figures may be adopted according to the practise of the industry, risk to health and applicable
1 1
legislation. Typical factors are /6 to /3 of the Ultimate Load.

9.7 PROOF LOAD

Normally a Load that is periodically applied to the load bearing device to demonstrate that it
is still safe. Generally this is 2 times the Safe Working Load.

9.8 RELEASE LOAD

The maximum in-line load the instrument can withstand and successfully release without
overloading any part of the release mechanism or demanding an unsupportable quantity of
energy from the battery supply (at its specified end point).
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10. IF IN DOUBT

Contact Sonardyne for advice.

Our telephone number is (UK) +44 (0) 1252 872288

Our facsimile number is (UK) +44 (0) 1252 876100

Our email address is support@sonardyne.co.uk

Sonardyne International Limited

Ocean House
Blackbushe Business Park
Yateley
Hampshire
GU46 6GD, England

AMENDMENT RECORD
All amendments and additions will be issued with a copy of this sheet,
recording the history of amendments.

Revision Date Comments

1 26.10.96 Initial Issue
2 21.03.02
3 19.04.02 CN 7167 Modified to allow transponders to be charged in a
closed environment provided safety features are provided
4 14.03.03 CN 7699 Updated to ensure safety precautions cover more
general equipment
5 24.02.04 CN 8104. Transportation regulations updated.
Dismantling method removed and refers to unit manual.
Carrying strap not to be used for mechanical lifting.

Authorised : P V Williams

Date of Issue : 24 Feb. 2004

Section 0 MM-7663
Page 2 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

CONTENTS
1. GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Safety......................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Warranty .................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Static Precaution.....................................................................................................................1-2
1.4 Test Equipment.......................................................................................................................1-2
1.5 Housing Removal....................................................................................................................1-2
1.6 PCB Removal .........................................................................................................................1-2
1.7 Rechargeable Battery Pack ....................................................................................................1-2
1.8 Sonardyne Emergency Help-Line...........................................................................................1-3
2. FAULT FINDING PROCEDURE ....................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Power-Up Failure ....................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Failure to Operate Commands Correctly................................................................................2-2
2.3 Failure to Transmit Acoustic Signals ......................................................................................2-2
2.4 Failure to Receive Acoustic Signals .......................................................................................2-3
3. DESCRIPTIONS AND BLOCK DIAGRAMS .................................................................................3-1
3.1 External and Internal Views (drawings 7663-001, 7663-004) ................................................3-1
3.2 Wiring (drawing 7663-038) .....................................................................................................3-1
3.3 LCU Block Diagram (Fig 1.) ....................................................................................................3-1
3.4 CPU (7663-035)......................................................................................................................3-1
3.5 Logic Board (7663-36) ............................................................................................................3-1
3.6 Transmitter/Receiver (7663-037)............................................................................................3-2
3.7 Transducer..............................................................................................................................3-2
3.8 Battery Pack............................................................................................................................3-2
4. LCU TEST FACILITIES..................................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Low-Battery Detection ............................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Power-Down Override ............................................................................................................4-1
4.3 Memory Test ...........................................................................................................................4-1
4.4 Synthesiser Test .....................................................................................................................4-2
4.5 Transmitter Test......................................................................................................................4-2
5. LCU POWER UP DETAILS ...........................................................................................................5-1
5.1 The LCU'S Power Rails ..........................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Use with a Psion Workabout...................................................................................................5-1
6. HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR CMOS DEVICES AND CIRCUIT BOARDS............................6-1

LIST OF APPENCIES

A USING WINDOWS HYPERTERMINAL

Section 0 MM-7663
Page 3 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG 1.1 TYPE 7663 LCU EXPLODED VIEW ......................................................................................1-4

FIG 3.1 TYPE 7663 LCU Block Diagram...........................................................................................3-3

FIG 3.2 TYPE 7663 MF LCU ..............................................................................................................3-4

FIG 3.3 Chassis / Endcap assembly drawing 7663-004 .................................................................3-5

FIG 3.4 MF LCU wiring schematic 7663-038....................................................................................3-6

Section 0 MM-7663
Page 4 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

AMENDMENT RECORD
All amendments and additions will be issued with a new copy of this sheet,
recording the history of amendments.

Issue Revision Date Comments Section Page

A 0 29.08.90 Initial Issue All All

A 1 22.04.96 Changed to reflect change of company name 1 1&5

B 0 10.05.04 Support added for type 7574 Directional LCU 2 1, 4

Drawings added. CN8176 3 1, 2
4 1

B 1 03.11.04 Changed to reflect changes to test software

CMOS handling techniques added
Spares section added CN8377 All All
Section 1 MM-7663
Page 1 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

SECTION 1
1. GENERAL

The information in this manual includes descriptions and block diagrams for the various
assemblies.

The servicing of intricate microprocessor products is very specialised and requires complex
test equipment. Also many of the analogue circuits are carefully calibrated with specialised
equipment. We therefore recommend that servicing is carried out by changes at board or
module level.

The technician should familiarise himself with the mechanical construction of the LCU from
the exploded diagram at the end of this section. Numbers in brackets refer to parts shown
on this diagram.

ABBREVIATIONS

HARDWARE COMMUNICATIONS

LCU - Lightweight Command Unit TX - Transmit

EHF - Extra High Frequency RX - Receive
HF - High Frequency T/R - Transmit / Receive
MF - Medium Frequency EN - ENable
LF - Low Frequency LC - Inductor / Capacitor
CPU - Central Processing Unit CW - Carrier Wave
RAM - Random Access Memory FSK - Frequency Shift Keying
EPROM - Erasable Programmable NRZ - Non-Return to Zero
Read Only Memory
DMM - Digital Multimeter
IC - Integrated circuit
NiCad - Nickel Cadmium
PCB - Printed Circuit Board
TP - Test Point
VCO - Voltage Controlled Oscillator

1.1 SAFETY

REFER TO SAFETY SECTION INSIDE FRONT COVER

With the housing removed from the LCU, servicing can be carried out using the in-built
rechargeable batteries. The battery output is 13.5 V DC, however both this and the reservoir
capacitor can deliver several Amperes of current and consequently should be protected
from accidental short circuit. Do not touch the transmitter output which gives hundreds of
volts of output.

1.2 WARRANTY

A 12 month warranty from the date of purchase is offered in our Conditions of Sale. If the
LCU is not serviced by Sonardyne personnel and damage is caused to any assembly then
the warranty will be considered invalid. However, any failure that is detected which can be
attributed to defective parts or faulty workmanship will not invalidate the warranty.
Section 1 MM-7663
Page 2 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

1.3 STATIC PRECAUTION

Most of the assemblies within the LCU contain CMOS integrated circuits. It is recommended
that normal anti-static precautions are observed when handling these assemblies. Refer to
section 6 for details.

1.4 TEST EQUIPMENT

The following are required:

PSION Workabout or PC running Hyperterminal
Signal Generator
Switched Attenuator
General purpose oscilloscope and X10 probes
Digital Multimeter
5 mm Allen key and small bladed screwdriver

1.5 HOUSING REMOVAL

The housing must be washed in fresh water to remove salt deposits and thoroughly dried
before being opened.

Use the Allen key to undo the three stainless steel screws (15) at the transducer endcap (4)
and carefully withdraw the endcap from the housing (2) without damaging the double 'O'
rings (14) or the sealing surface. The endcap may be held in the tube by a vacuum and
should be restrained to prevent it from coming away suddenly and damaging the transducer
leads. The transducer can now be separated from the electronics at the in-line connector.

The three stainless steel screws at the connector endcap (5) should also be carefully
removed and the electronics chassis withdrawn from the housing. Before it is reassembled
the inner surface of the housing and the 'O' ring grooves should be checked for corrosion
and the 'O' rings lightly greased using petroleum jelly. Also, the Silica Gel bag attached to
the side of the chassis should be replaced or recharged (dried out).

When replacing the 'O' rings, the one nearest the flange should be removed first and refitted
last. They must NOT be levered out of the grooves with a sharp object. Instead, the thumb
and forefinger should be placed about 4 cm apart on the 'O' ring and gently squeezed
together until a loop of the ring appears above the groove, allowing it to be pulled away.

1.6 PCB REMOVAL

DO NOT REMOVE ANY BOARD OR ASSEMBLY WHILST POWER IS ON.

To disable the battery, disconnect the flying lead to the battery pack (6) from the TX/RX
board (this also removes the transmitter reservoir capacitor from circuit.) The CPU (9) and
TX/Preamp (11) boards are removed from the chassis after unscrewing the 4 slotted screws
(16) along the outer edges. The Logic board (10) is removed from the chassis after
removing the CPU board, unscrewing the 4 hexagonal pillars (21) and disconnecting the
wiring loom which goes to the cable endcap (5). Any exposed pins on the through
connectors should be protected by pressing into conductive foam. These pins must also be
carefully aligned with the mating connectors when reassembling.

1.7 RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK

This can be removed by disconnecting the battery and transducer plugs from the TX/RX
board (7663-037) and undoing the two battery retaining screws (16). The battery pack
should be protected against accidental short circuit which could result in overheating. The
pack also contains the transmitter reservoir capacitor.
Section 1 MM-7663
Page 3 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

1.8 SONARDYNE EMERGENCY HELP-LINE

Tel. + 44 1252 877 600

Sonardyne run a 24-hour emergency help-line, where a call during office hours (08:30 -
17:00 UK time) will be answered on a priority basis. Outside of office hours, an agency will
take your message and alert the appropriate Sonardyne person. The aim is to ensure that
emergency requests are dealt with immediately during office hours, and responded to within
30 minutes at all other times. Alternatively, send email to:
support@sonardyne.co.uk.
Section 1 MM-7663
Page 4 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

FIG 1.1 TYPE 7663 LCU EXPLODED VIEW

Section 2 MM-7663
Page 1 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

SECTION 2
2. FAULT FINDING PROCEDURE

2.1 POWER-UP FAILURE

The LCU will not power up if its batteries are fully discharged. (Plug in the mains battery
charger, type 7115-000-03, and leave for 14 hours.)

If the battery has some charge remaining, the LCU will only power up (Vcc applied to the
ICs) if the RS232 link is correctly made. (Please see section 5 for further details.) Power-
up failure is defined as failure to respond to the identify command with LCU configuration
and status information.

Refer to the LCU PSION Software manual SM-7663/7 for details of operating the PSION
Workabout with the LCU. After initialisation, the main PSION LCU menu will be displayed:

Transponders
LCU Control
D/ORT D
Set-up S
AODC Cmds A
LCU Commands L
DMT Cmds M
Manual commands U
CMPT Cmds C
Glossa ry G
HPR Cmds H
Exit X
Exit X

From the LCU Control menu, select LCU commands. The LCU command menus are
displayed:

LCU Cmd Menu 1 LCU Cmd Menu 2

Default D Rx Search S
Norm pwr N Version V
Reset R Mem test M
Exit X Cmds Avl A
Exit X

Version returns the LCU status.

To test the LCU independent of the PSION, use a PC running Hyperterminal (see Appendix
A). The LCU type and serial number, firmware version and configuration may be requested
with the <CTRL>E command. No terminator is required. The LCU reply is:

"LF LCU SER. NO. n,nn F.VERS. n.nn L.PWR. TEST L.BATT."
or:
"MF LCU SER. NO. n,nn F.VERS. n.nn L.PWR. TEST L.BATT."

The LCU type and ser. no. are combined e.g. 1,23
where 1 = LCU type & 23 = LCU serial number.
L.PWR. is omitted if normal power is selected
L.BATT. is omitted if the battery is not discharged.
The LCU type number (1-9 or A-F) defines the facilities fitted to the LCU. The firmware
version number defines any revisions to the internal program of the LCU.
Section 2 MM-7663
Page 2 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

If the housing has been removed, the following nominal voltages on the test points can be
checked provided the RS232 link to a PC or Psion Workabout has been made. (N.B. If a
Psion is used in other than terminal emulation, the ON command must be issued to hold the
LCU power on and the OF command sent following the test to allow it to power down again.)
The negative, or black lead, from the DMM is connected to the 0 V (TP 12) on the Logic
Board as a return.

Test Point Voltage

1 (PCB 7663-037) +13.5
11 (PCB 7663-036) +5.0

2.2 FAILURE TO OPERATE COMMANDS CORRECTLY

If the normal use is via a computer, this should run a terminal emulation program (eg
Hyperterminal, see Appendix A) to operate the LCU at its lowest level and thus eliminate
any problems with the computer program. Check that the computer's serial interface has
been set to operate at 9600 baud with 8 data bits and one stop bit.

The fault may be related to the series of characters sent to the LCU. If the LCU has
received the XOFF (CTRL S) control character, it will appear to be dumb until the XON (CTRL
Q) character is sent. When XON is received by the LCU, it will send the replies to all
previous commands (executed since the XOFF) in a continuous stream provided it has not
powered down in the meantime.

Please note that if a string of legal characters is sent to the LCU, they will be echoed back
until a legal terminator is sent. If the whole string is not a legal command, the reply will be a
'?'. The LCU is not case sensitive. Non-printing control characters are filtered by the LCU's
command processor and are not echoed. To eliminate the computer as the source of the
fault, connect it to a terminal (preferably set to display control characters) and send some
LCU commands.

Alternatively, the fault may be due to an LCU hardware failure such as the memory or
battery pack. The LCU memory should be checked from time to time. The LCU is tolerant
of memory failure and under many circumstances will continue to operate with reduced
functionality. If the LCU does not appear to respond, its rechargeable NiCad battery pack
might be discharged. If the LCU electronics is still suspected, exchange the CPU board
(which contains the RS232 interface circuit.)

2.3 FAILURE TO TRANSMIT ACOUSTIC SIGNALS

To check acoustic transmission, use the PC to input the "XIIn" command, or if unavailable in
the LCU, use the "XRO" command. Depending on the ambient noise level it may be
possible to hear the LCU transmission as a "click" from the transducer endcap or to feel the
end of the rubber covering the transducer for movement. This shows that the LCU
transmitter is operating. Press the "RETURN" key again to stop the transmission cycle.

If the housing has been removed, the following test point on the logic board can be checked
while transmitting:
Test Point Signal
10 5 V tone-burst
If no signal is present, unplug the battery and wait for complete power-down. Change the
logic board (7663-036) and power up again.

The following test point on the transmitter board can be checked while transmitting:
Test Point Signal
1 13 V d.c. switched supply
Section 2 MM-7663
Page 3 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

The transmitter output can be seen on the terminal pin of the 35mm choke closest to the
transducer plug on the transmitter board (7663-037). Use a high voltage probe. TP0V can
be used as an oscilloscope ground. With the transducer connected, a sinusoidal tone-burst
of 4 ms (MF) or 8 ms (LF) or 10 ms (ORT) duration and at least 800 V (peak) should be
present. If not, change the transmitter board.

If the signal here is correct, the fault must lie in the transducer or transducer wiring. The
transducer wiring including the in-line connector may be visually inspected.

2.4 FAILURE TO RECEIVE ACOUSTIC SIGNALS

Acoustic signals received at the transducer are fed directly to the pre-amplifier situated on
the TX/RX board. The 5 V power rail for the pre-amp must be checked

Refer to the LCU PSION Software manual SM-7663/7 for details of operating the PSION
terminal with the LCU. After initialisation, the main PSION LCU menu will be displayed:

Transponders
LCU Control
D/ORT D
Set-up S
AODC Cmds A
LCU Commands L
DMT Cmds M
Manual commands U
CMPT Cmds C
Glossa ry G
HPR Cmds H
Exit X
Exit X

From the LCU Control menu, select LCU commands. The LCU command menus are
displayed:

LCU Cmd Menu 1 LCU Cmd Menu 2

Default D Rx Search S
Norm pwr N Version V
Reset R Mem test M
Exit X Cmds Avl A
Exit X

Rx Search turns on the preamplifier for about 30 s.

Alternatively, from a PC running a terminal emulation program, by entering the command

"XRX" it is possible to permanently power it and look on TP 2 (PCB 7663-037.)

Examine TP 3 of this board using an oscilloscope set to a sensitivity of 10 mV/cm and time
base sweep of 20 ms/cm with a X 1 probe. The general noise level should be
approximately 2.5 mV p-p. If a signal generator is available, provide a sine wave at
10000 Hz (L.F.) or 20000 Hz (M.F.) and 2 V p-p. An external attenuator is required to
reduce this by 50 dB. The attenuator output is fed to PL2 pin 3 (screen) and PL2 pin 1
(signal). Using a X 10 probe, monitor SK1 pin 4. This signal should be > 0.8 V p-p.

In the absence of this type of test equipment, rattle a bunch of keys close to the transducer
(or rub the transducer continuously.) This should produce a signal of approximately 200 mV
p-p. at the same point. If no reply signals are seen, check the transducer wiring as
described in Section 2.3 above. If this appears to be all right, exchange the TX/RX board.
Take care to align its connector with that on the Logic PCB before pushing it down onto the
hank bushes and tightening the screws. Finally connect the flying leads to the battery,
transducer and electrostatic loop connector.
Section 2 MM-7663
Page 4 of 4 Issue B – Rev 1

If the output signals from the pre-amplifier are satisfactory, the fault may be in the signal
detection circuits on the Logic board. The switched 5 V rail on this board must first be
checked using a DMM on TP 13 (PCB 7663-036.) The receiver bias level of 2.2 V +/- 0.1 V
can also be measured on TP 8. The LCU should be operating the "XRX" command as
above which sweeps the LCU receiver through the entire operating band. In this mode,
wideband detect only will be applied and there will be no activity on the validation circuit.
Exchange this board if appropriate.
Section 3 MM-7663
Page 1 of 6 Issue B – Rev 1

SECTION 3
3. DESCRIPTIONS AND BLOCK DIAGRAMS

3.1 EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL VIEWS (DRAWINGS 7663-001, 7663-004)

Drawing 7663-001 shows the dimensions and cabling of the Type 7663 MF omni-directional
LCU. Types 7574 and 7667 are similar, differing only in their acoustic transducer.

Drawing 7663-004 enables the PCBs and other replaceable components such as the
battery pack to be located.

3.2 WIRING (DRAWING 7663-038)

Interconnection between the PCBs and other main components are all shown. This
information is more detailed than the block diagram.

3.3 LCU BLOCK DIAGRAM (FIG 3.1)

This diagram shows the distribution of the LCU logic and sub-systems between the three
main PCBs to help in fault finding. For board level fault finding this diagram and the
information below is all that is required.

3.4 CPU (7663-035)

This board contains the microprocessor for the LCU, RAM, EPROM (with associated
address decoding) and the RS232 interface circuit. The serial interface operates at a fixed
9600 baud with XON/XOFF protocol. Data format: Start/8 data/1 stop. Large data buffers
maintained in the RAM allow commands to be stacked. In the event of RAM failure/removal,
XON/XOFF protocol will be suspended and a single character buffer enforced. Real time
ports on the microprocessor take signals from the receivers and control the transmitter and
frequency synthesiser on the logic board.

3.5 LOGIC BOARD (7663-36)

The logic board is a multipurpose board on which the following functions are implemented:

‰ Power Switch

Power is only provided from the LCU's battery if a terminal or computer is connected to
the serial port. This switch is over-ridden by firmware via a port on the CPU, thus
keeping the supply available whilst any of the other voltage rails are active, or if the
serial RS232 buffer is not empty. (Please see section 5 for further details.)

‰ Variable Frequency Toneburst Synthesiser

This entire subsystem is power-strobed to conserve battery capacity (5 V rail on TP

13.) It provides the source of all transmitted acoustic signals and also tunes the
frequency agile receiver channel. It uses a phase-lock loop to generate a 4 X f signal
(where f = the required frequency of the toneburst) which is then divided down to give
two out of phase square waves. These are gated by the TX EN signal to drive the
transmitter. During transmission of an acoustic signal, the toneburst can be seen by
connecting an oscilloscope to TP 10.

‰ Frequency Agile Receiver

Section 3 MM-7663
Page 2 of 6 Issue B – Rev 1

The signal from the pre-amplifier is squared up by hard limiting before being passed to
the receiver which uses a digitally tuned filter to provide a wideband detect signal (TP
6) to a timer within the CPU. The signal is also integrated and validated (TP 7) by
sampling the integrator at the supposed end of the toneburst.

‰ Telemetry Receiver

Two fixed frequency L/C filters tuned to telemetry one and zero are fed to a
discriminator which converts the FSK telemetry into an NRZ digital signal to the CPU.
This can be seen on TP 5.

‰ Battery Condition Indicator

This is a single level comparator which is normally sampled at the end of a transmission.

There are no user-serviceable parts on the board.

3.6 TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER (7663-037)

Digitally generated toneburst signals TX1 & TX2 in anti-phase sourced from the Logic board
provide the necessary push-pull drive for the power amplifier. This in turn drives the output
matching transformer TR 1. The Test Relay is used to route the transformer output to a
socket for an electrostatic loop. Due to the very high current and power requirements of the
amplifier, energy is stored in the large capacitor C1 for the burst, and the current drawn from
the battery is only a recharge level required for the capacitor. A series resistor on the 13.5
V battery supply protects the transmitter in the event of a fault.

The low power relay determines the power output by changing the output transformer tap
and drive level. For operation over the widest frequency band, three relay tuning is applied.

The pre-amplifier section of this board has a switched voltage rail which the firmware uses
to conserve battery power. In order to protect the pre-amplifier from overload during the
LCU's transmission, there is a T/R network on its input. This is followed by transformer TR
2 which references the signal to the LCU's 0 V. The pre-amp contains a single band-pass
channel which amplifies and limits the signal received from the transducer and Test Points
enable this board to be checked using an oscilloscope. (See sections 2.3 and 2.4.)

3.7 TRANSDUCER

The electro-acoustic transducer can transmit and receive interrogation, command and
telemetry signals. The following table identifies the transducers fitted to different LCU Types.

LCU Type No. Frequency Band Transducer type

7574 MF: 16 to 36 kHz Flat endcap

7663 MF: 16 to 36 kHz oil-filled, rubber booted

7667 LF: 7 to 16 kHz oil-filled, rubber booted

3.8 BATTERY PACK

Rechargeable in situ using charger 7115-000-05, it has an average life of 4-8 hrs
(continuous interrogation) or several months (quiescent.) The 12 cell NiCad pack has a
nominal 13.5 V output and requires a 14 hour charge at 50 mA. This module also contains
the transmitter reservoir capacitor.
Section 3 MM-7663
Page 3 of 6 Issue B – Rev 1

FIG 3.1 TYPE 7663 LCU Block Diagram

CPU
6303
Section 3 MM-7663
Page 4 of 6 Issue B – Rev 1

FIG 3.2 TYPE 7663 MF LCU

Section 3 MM-7663
Page 5 of 6 Issue B – Rev 1

FIG 3.3 CHASSIS / ENDCAP ASSEMBLY DRAWING 7663-004

Section 3 MM-7663
Page 6 of 6 Issue B – Rev 1

FIG 3.4 MF LCU WIRING SCHEMATIC 7663-038

Section 4 MM-7663
Page 1 of 2 Issue B – Rev 1

SECTION 4
4. LCU TEST FACILITIES

4.1 LOW-BATTERY DETECTION

The LCU power supply incorporates a detector to recognise when the battery is in a low
charge state. The battery is checked following transmission when the maximum charge is
taken from the battery (the battery voltage will fall as the transmitter capacitor recharges.)
This status information is stored and can be recalled by using the <CTRL>E command (see
section 2.1.) The LCU battery should be recharged for a minimum of 2 hours using charger
7115-000-03, but preferably for 14 hours at 50 mA. The LCU RAM uses a separate battery
which should give a 10 year life.

4.2 POWER-DOWN OVERRIDE

If the LCU is being used with a Psion Organiser, it will power down at the end of the current
instruction, so it may be difficult to check the test points as described above. To over-ride
this automatic power-down the commands ON and OF are used. If OF is not sent at the
end of testing, excessive battery drain will result and the LCU will not last as long between
charges. The reply to ON and OF is a null string. The override will itself be disabled when
the cable is disconnected at the Lemo connector.

4.3 MEMORY TEST

Refer to the LCU PSION Software manual SM-7663/7 for details of operating the PSION
terminal with the LCU. After initialisation, the main PSION LCU menu will be displayed:

Transponders
LCU Control
D/ORT D
Set-up S
AODC Cmds A
LCU Commands L
DMT Cmds M
Manual commands U
CMPT Cmds C
Glossa ry G
HPR Cmds H
Exit X
Exit X

From the LCU Control menu, select LCU commands. The LCU command menus are
displayed:

LCU Cmd Menu 1 LCU Cmd Menu 2

Default D Rx Search S
Norm pwr N Version V
Reset R Mem test M
Exit X Cmds Avl A
Exit X

Mem test tests the ICs on the CPU board.

From a PC running Hyperterminal (see Appendix A), the LCU memory can be tested by
using the ST command. The LCU replies with:

CPU OK, 8K RAM OK, ROM OK

Section 4 MM-7663
Page 2 of 2 Issue B – Rev 1

If any faults are found, CPU BAD or 8K RAM BAD or ROM BAD will be substituted in the
reply string. The appropriate I.C. can then be replaced. The LCU is tolerant of memory
failure and under many circumstances will continue to operate with reduced functionality.

4.4 SYNTHESISER TEST

From a PC running Hyperterminal, the LCU frequency synthesiser can be tested by using
the CW command. The performance of the Phase Lock Loop synthesiser can be checked
against a frequency counter on TP 10 (PCB 7663-036) for any frequency on a kHz
boundary in the range 7 - 110 kHz. However, due to limitations of the VCO hardware, this
entire range of frequencies cannot be synthesised (7-35 kHz for LF & MF or 50-110 kHz for
EHF.) The transmitter is automatically disconnected to prevent it from getting carrier wave
from the logic board. CW7 - CW110 generate the required frequencies and CW256 turns it
off again. Replies are as follows:

CW23 SENDING CW AT 23 kHz

CW256 TERMINATING CW

If the command should inadvertently be sent to a sealed LCU, it will reply:

CW23 SENDING CW AT 23 kHz

TERMINATING CW

4.5 TRANSMITTER TEST

From a PC running Hyperterminal, the LCU Transmitter can be tested by using the TX
command. This transmits a single 8 ms pulse at any of the Sonardyne LF channel
frequencies, or a single 4 ms pulse at any of the Sonardyne MF channel frequencies. The
TX command takes two arguments, the first of which is the channel number and the second
is the relay combination which must be taken from the tables below.

LF MF
LF 1-3 32 MF 1-3 32
LF 4-5 192 MF 4-8 96
LF 6 224 MF 9-14 80
LF 7-8 64
LF 9-10 112

e.g. TX14,80

The reply to the TX command is a null string. A single pulse will be transmitted on demand
every time a terminator is sent. If the XTX command is used, pulses will be transmitted at a
maximum repetition rate of 2 per second and will continue to be sent until another command
is issued.
Section 5 MM-7663
Page 1 of 1 Issue B – Rev 1

SECTION 5
5. LCU POWER UP DETAILS

This note is provided to enable users and/or applications programmers to maximise battery
life.

5.1 THE LCU'S POWER RAILS

The LCU has three switchable power rails to enable it to minimise battery consumption.
These are:

‰ The CPU, memory and RS232 port i.e. the minimum subsystem which enables the
LCU to communicate with the outside world. This is normally available when a device
is connected to the serial RS232 port or when overridden by the CPU.

‰ Variable frequency toneburst synthesiser and frequency agile receiver on the Logic
PCB (7663-36) are power strobed on command from the CPU when it is performing an
acoustics operation.

‰ The pre-amplifier and transmitter logic drive IC of the Transmitter/receiver PCB (7663-
037) also have a processor-switched voltage rail.

5.2 USE WITH A PSION WORKABOUT

When used with a Psion Workabout, which tri-states its serial transmit line, the LCU will
power up and down, because the switch is only held on whilst the LCU's receive line
remains low. This is unaffected by data on the line due to a small holding capacitor.
However, it is vitally important that the LCU's CPU does not power down whilst either of the
other two switched voltage rails are active, otherwise CMOS latch-up can occur. For this
reason, the LCU can override the switch and keep its own power on. It can also be
overridden permanently by using the 'ON' command or allowed to power down normally
again by using the 'OF' command.

The override is enabled whenever a legal command is issued. It remains on whilst any
other switched rail is on, or if the 'X' command repeat feature is used, or if a series of
terminators have been sent to cause command repeats, or if the 'ON' command has been
issued. It is disabled after a command has completed and the reply sent. If XOFF is sent
during execution of a command, the reply will not be sent and the LCU will not be allowed to
power down until XON is sent and the command completed. If EOT (CTRL D) is sent during
execution of a command the command will terminate immediately without a reply being sent
and the LCU will be allowed to power down.

The power consumption of the LCU will rise if XOFF is sent without a corresponding XON, or if
the 'ON' command has been issued without a corresponding 'OF' command. It is important
that a command should either be allowed to terminate normally, or be aborted using EOT
(CTRL D). The LCU supply current will fall to a minimum whenever the cable is disconnected
at the Lemo connector.
Section 6 MM-7663
Page 1 of 1 Issue B – Rev 1

SECTION 6
6. HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR CMOS DEVICES AND CIRCUIT BOARDS

CMOS devices have diode input protection against adverse electrical environments such as
electrostatic discharge.

Unfortunately, severe electrical transient voltages can be generated during handling. For
example, static voltages generated by a person walking across a common waxed floor have
been measured in the 4 to 15kV range (depending on humidity, surface conditions, etc.).
These static voltages are potentially dangerous when discharged into a CMOS input,
considering the energy stored in the capacity (~ 300 pF) of the human body at these voltage
levels.

Present CMOS gate protection structures can generally protect against over-voltages. This
is usually sufficient except in the severe cases.

All CMOS devices should be stored and transported in materials that are anti-static. CMOS
devices must not be inserted into conventional plastic “snow”, Styrofoam or plastic trays, but
should be left in their original container until ready for use.

Workbenches should have conductive tops which are grounded to an earth ground.

Operators must comply with precautions previously explained.

Completed assemblies should be placed in anti-static containers prior to being moved to

subsequent stations.

All low impedance equipment (pulse generators, etc.) should be connected to CMOS inputs
only after the CMOS is powered up. Similarly, this type of equipment should be
disconnected before power is turned off.

A circuit board containing CMOS devices is merely an extension of the device and the same
handling precautions apply. Unprotected handling of any board containing edge connectors
wired directly to CMOS device inputs can cause damage. Plastic wrapping should be
avoided.

Do not insert or remove CMOS devices from their original or test sockets with power
applied. Check all power supplies to be used for testing CMOS devices to be certain there
are no voltage transients present.

All CMOS devices should be placed on a grounded bench surface and operators should
ground themselves prior to handling devices, since a person can be statically charged with
respect to the bench surface. Wrist straps in contact with skin are strongly recommended.

Nylon or other static generating materials should not come in contact with CMOS circuits.

When lead straightening or hand soldering is necessary, provide ground straps for the
apparatus used and be sure that soldering irons are grounded.
Appendix A MM-7663
Page 1 of 3 Issue B – Rev 1

APPENDIX A
A. USING WINDOWS HYPERTERMINAL

Hyperterminal can be used to test a LCU, removing dependence on a PSION Workabout or

other PC software controlling the LCU.

Hyperterminal should be set up as follows:

A.1 CONNECTION

Run Hyperterminal (Usually available from Programs / Accessories / Communications).

When the Connection Description dialogue box is displayed, enter a name for the LCU
settings and this can be stored so that the settings do not need to be entered each time the
program is started. For example enter LCU_test in the Name box, then click on OK:

A.2 CONNECT TO

Now you will be asked to define the communication link in the Connect To dialogue box.
From the Connect Using pull down menu, select the COM port that you are using on your
computer to connect to the LCU. COM1 is selected in the example below:
Appendix A MM-7663
Page 2 of 3 Issue B – Rev 1

A.3 COM PROPERTIES

The COM Properties dialogue box will appear. Check that the settings are as shown below.
If, not press the Restore Defaults button and check again. If they are still not correct, change
them individually and press Apply. Once they are correct, press OK.

A.4 LCU TEST

On the Main Hyperterminal window check that the connection is disconnected, indicated by
the telephone on its rest as shown below. If the icon showing the telephone lifted is
showing, click it to disconnect.
Appendix A MM-7663
Page 3 of 3 Issue B – Rev 1

A.5 PROPERTIES

On the Menu Bar, navigate to File / Properties and click the Settings tab. Check that all
settings are as shown below, change them if not. Then press OK.

When sending commands described in the manual, type the command and use the Enter
key on the PC to terminate the command unless the instructed otherwise. The command
and LCU reply will be shown on the Hyperterminal main window.
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Sonardyne International Limited T. +44 (0) 1252 872288
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