New fish finders and radars from Furuno

The new DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology adapts to the fishing environment by adjusting gain, STC and output power, as well as suppressing main bang (the echoes or clutter just below the transducer). It also makes the picture clearer and easier to decipher between baitfish and larger target species.

The DSP filter optimises the gain to suit the search range. For example, when searching in deep water, the pulse length is made wider and the reception band narrower, enabling better and clearer detection at the deeper range. This is perfect for finding bottom fish, because the digital filter separates the noise from the actual seabed structure, allowing fish close to the seabed to be seen.

Shallow water detection is also enhanced with the suppression of surface clutter mainly caused by the vessel's propeller. Together with its exceptionally fast transmission rate of 3,000 times per minute at a range of 5m, the new technology enables the user to identify bait pods and individual fish targets right under the boat.

The FCV-585 has a bright and large 8.4inch VGA sunlight viewable 256-colour LCD, while the FCV-620 employs a 5.6inch QVGA display with the same characteristics. Both have a wide viewing angle and can display the subtlest of echoes in 8, 16 or 64 colours. The FCV-585 and FCV-620 will serve as successor models to the FCV-582L and FCV-600L, respectively, as supplies of the older models are exhausted.

Both feature operator selectable frequencies of 50 kHz or 200 kHz for highly accurate readings of bottom depth, structure and fish under varying conditions. The FCV-585 has a high transmission output power of 600 or 1,000W RMS, and the FCV-620 is 600W RMS. Hence, the units can provide detail all the way down to 2,500 feet (5,000 feet with range phasing).

Seven operation modes allow choice of the perfect display method according to the specific situation. In addition to the Single (50 kHz or 200 kHz) mode, there are Dual, Zoom (Marker Zoom/Bottom Zoom/Bottom Lock) and two Nav Data options. The Dual mode simultaneously displays sounding pictures of both 50 kHz and 200 kHz in separate windows, allowing you to analyze a target (fish, bottom or structure) with two different sounding images. In the Zoom mode, you can take a closer look at a specified portion of the water column. The Nav modes provide own ship navigation data and sounding data when connected with appropriate sensing units, such as GPS/WAAS navigator, speed and temperature sensors.

Other features include A-Scope, Alarm (fish, depth or temp) and Temperature graph, Target Lat/Lon output for an interfaced Furuno chart plotter, and selectable automatic cruising or fishing modes. Optional thru-hull or transom-mount triducer and speed/temp sensors are also available.

And new radars

Also launched by Furuno is a new, cost-effective, high performance X-band radar range. The FR-8062/8122/8252 Series is designed to suit all types of vessels including fishing vessels. Offering a variety of power levels and range scales, the new series includes the 6 kW model FR-8062 (72 n.m. max. range), 12 kW model FR-8122 (72 n.m. max. range) and 25 kW model FR-8252 (96 n.m. max. range). They incorporate state-of-the-art video processing technology and logarithmic amplifiers with automatic tuning and anti-clutter controls. This dynamic picture quality is clearly shown on the high-resolution 12.1 inch colour LCD. The use of a portrait style LCD helps operators observe the area ahead of the vessel while its full-screen echo presentation capability gives a wider overview of the surrounding area.

The series feature multi-colour targets, and uses different colours according to their strengths to discriminate target echoes from clutter. Marks, symbols, lines, text and echoes are all displayed in different colours to easily distinguish one from the other. When connected to appropriate sensors, the FR-8062/8122/8252 series can display True Echo Trail to present true target movements in accordance with their speed-over-ground and course-over-ground.

The radars are available with a 4ft or 6ft open array antenna, the rotation speed of which can automatically be adjusted to achieve optimum detection, making them perfect for displaying crisp radar images in intricate waterways or congested sea areas.

This radars offer a selection of useful features, including two VRMs and two floating-origin EBLs, EBL/VRM offset, off-centering to cursor position, zoom, echo trails, echo stretch, trackball cursor mark with range/bearing readout and a duplex guard zone alarm. Operators can select from four presentation modes: Head-up, Course-up, North-up or North-up True Motion with optional heading and speed data inputs.