Well known for its highly advanced sonar technology, Simrad has developed the smallest and least expensive omni-directional sonar in its SP range of sonars. The new SP60 has been created for the coastal fishery market, primarily for purse seiners that require a long-range sonar for school location which can also be suitable during the catching phase. The highly efficient transducer and sensitive receiver providers data which is displayed on a 20" or 18" LCD colour monitor.
The dual mode of the SP60 significantly enhances the abilities of the vessel, allowing the operator to view individual frequencies, tilt angles, ranges, gain and filters which can be set to show two images on the screen simultaneously, as if the vessel carried two sonars. A combination of horizontal and vertical beam, displays the school from above and from the side at the same time. This allows the operator to assess the school without the need to sail over it, which can otherwise chase the school away. The SP60 can track up to three targets at once, comparing the schools by area and volume to select the most advantageous catch.
The high powered Frequency Modulated (FM) transceiver, with its special receiver filters, enhances fish protection, allows the SP60 to be used efficiently in difficult conditions and extends the fish detection range. The optional additions of pitch and roll stabilisation and triple or multiple frequency can improve the performance even further. Sound absorption in salt water decreases with frequency so the lower frequency provided by the multifrequency option, down to 20kHz, gives the sonar an even greater range.
When connected to a Simrad PI32 Net Monitoring System, the correct depth and sink rate of the net will be shown in relation to the school and the bottom. With this information the operator has full control of the school during the catch.
The sonar echo displayed on the SP60 screen as a full screen presentation can be selected as an off-centre presentation, which allows the echo to be seen in more detail. The own vessel position can be moved to any part of the screen to allow the operator to select his optimal area of search.
