Preferences dialog box
The Preferences dialog box is used to set up system preferences such as units of measure, time format, etc. This dialog box also allows you to select the save location for screenshot images and recorded sonar data files.
How to open
This dialog box is opened from the Setup menu.
Image
Description
The Preferences dialog box allows you to customize the software. In addition, you can configure features such as GeoTiff Auto Save and UDP Data Export. You can also configure unique filenames and save locations.
Details
Units
•  Meters
Select to display all units of measurement in meters.
•  Feet
Select to display all units of measurement in feet.
Cursor Options
•  Range / Bearing
Select to show the range and bearing of the current mouse position at the bottom of the sonar view.
•  X / Y
Select to show the X and Y coordinates of the current mouse position at the bottom of the sonar view.
•  Geographic
Check this box if you want to display the coordinates of the mouse position at the bottom of the sonar view.
Tip
You can configure the coordinate system using the Geo Projection dialog box.
Time System
•  Local Time
Select to use the current time at your location.
•  UTC Time
Select to use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Note
During the winter, Local Time equals standard time. During the summer, Local Time equals Daylight Saving Time (DST). Note that the offset between Local Time and UTC Time is not constant, but varies in locations where DST is used.
Overlay Text
Fill out the Overlay Text boxes if you wish to display information on your screenshots and data recordings.
File Saving
•  Prompt User for Filename
Check this box to open a “Save As” dialog box when you record data or save an image.
•  Export Sensor Data
Check this box to save timestamped sensor data to a text file (in CSV format). When this feature is enabled, a text file will be created every time the sonar runs or a recording is played back. The text file is saved in the Recordings folder shown in this dialog box. If you export a recording to video, then the text file will be saved in the Target Folder shown in the Convert to Video Format dialog box.
Tip
If you need to troubleshoot sensor data logging issues, you can compare the sensor data text file to the NAV file provided by a survey or ROV on-board the vessel.
•  Name
Type any name into the text box. The chosen name will be used as prefix in all the data file names. The time/date stamp will be used as the filename if the name field is left blank.
•  Use C:\KML\M3_V0253
Check this box to use the default location when saving files. Disable this setting if you want to choose alternative save locations. The Browse buttons will become available.
GeoTiff Auto Save
•  Distance / Time
To automatically save a GeoTiff file every set number of meters, select Distance and enter a value. To automatically save a GeoTiff file every set number of seconds, select Time and enter a value.
Tip
Press F11 to enable or disable GeoTiff auto save. The status bar will display “GeoTiff” in green when auto save is enabled.
•  Cropped Width
To save a cropped GeoTiff image for mosaicking purposes, enter the percentage to crop.
UDP Data Export
•  Export to File
Check this box to save export data to a file on the local hard drive.
•  Port for .ALL format
Enter the UDP port for exporting .ALL data. You need to configure this port if you are interfacing with third-party software.
•  Remote IP Address
Enter the IP Address of the computer you wish to export the profile data to.
–  To disable data export, enter 0.0.0.0.
–  To broadcast, enter 255.255.255.255.
–  To use the local computer, enter 127.0.0.1 (for example, if your third-party software is installed on the same computer as the M3 software.