NAVICO 3D SONAR
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:17 am
NAVICO recently announced the introduction of a "3D" SONAR. The SONAR does not actually capture three-dimensional images. It does have the ability to acquire the usual pseudo-two-dimensional side-scan SONAR images, store them, then recall historical two-dimensional image planes or slices, and assemble them graphically in a manner that gives to the user a very appealing representation of the bottom contour and echo locations on a two-dimensional conventional LCD screen. The device also appears to offer sophisticated manipulation of these views.
Describing this device in words is cumbrous. The device can be viewed in operation in this recorded presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI0lV20xL9I
The presenter in the above recording does make a few inferences that exceed the actual capabilities, but the images on the Navico SONAR screen speak for themselves. The most remarkable aspect of the recording is the extremely uneven sea bottom over which it was made. The bottom is quite irregular and makes for a perfect demonstration.
The 3D SONAR is implemented by specialized hardware. The components supplied with the StructureScan 3D Module are:
--a specialized dual transducer, which is quite large compared to the familiar skimmer transducer often used on small boats and has a dual connector cable;
--a similarly large metal mounting for attachment of the transducer to the boat transom;
--the Structure Scan 3D module, with connections for the dual transducers, and three Ethernet connectors;
--a power cable; and
--a Navico-type Ethernet cable.
The transducer connects directly to the StructureScan 3D module. The module connects to a display using the Ethernet cable. One presumes the sophisticated processing and graphics manipulation are done in the module, with the associated display providing the user controls. The Structure Scan 3D module only works with the latest-generation Navico devices, the Lowrance HDS-series Gen3 devices or the Simrad NSS evo² or NSO evo² devices. In addition to the remarkable ability to manipulate the graphical images of the sonograms, the device also appears to have enhanced performance as a side-scan SONAR, with excellent range and very good resolution.
For more information see
http://www.simrad-yachting.com/en-US/Pr ... en-us.aspx
and
http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/ ... an-3D.aspx
This product was announced some time ago, but production units are now apparently just arriving to dealers and getting to customers. The retail price is $1,000. Of all the SONAR enhancements recently brought to the marketplace, this device is certainly among the most interesting.
Describing this device in words is cumbrous. The device can be viewed in operation in this recorded presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI0lV20xL9I
The presenter in the above recording does make a few inferences that exceed the actual capabilities, but the images on the Navico SONAR screen speak for themselves. The most remarkable aspect of the recording is the extremely uneven sea bottom over which it was made. The bottom is quite irregular and makes for a perfect demonstration.
The 3D SONAR is implemented by specialized hardware. The components supplied with the StructureScan 3D Module are:
--a specialized dual transducer, which is quite large compared to the familiar skimmer transducer often used on small boats and has a dual connector cable;
--a similarly large metal mounting for attachment of the transducer to the boat transom;
--the Structure Scan 3D module, with connections for the dual transducers, and three Ethernet connectors;
--a power cable; and
--a Navico-type Ethernet cable.
The transducer connects directly to the StructureScan 3D module. The module connects to a display using the Ethernet cable. One presumes the sophisticated processing and graphics manipulation are done in the module, with the associated display providing the user controls. The Structure Scan 3D module only works with the latest-generation Navico devices, the Lowrance HDS-series Gen3 devices or the Simrad NSS evo² or NSO evo² devices. In addition to the remarkable ability to manipulate the graphical images of the sonograms, the device also appears to have enhanced performance as a side-scan SONAR, with excellent range and very good resolution.
For more information see
http://www.simrad-yachting.com/en-US/Pr ... en-us.aspx
and
http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/ ... an-3D.aspx
This product was announced some time ago, but production units are now apparently just arriving to dealers and getting to customers. The retail price is $1,000. Of all the SONAR enhancements recently brought to the marketplace, this device is certainly among the most interesting.