Rapp Hydema from Norway says that its goal is to introduce a new software version for their auto trawl system, PTS Pentagon, "once a year at minimum".
It explains that this year's version features manual operation of joysticks while towing, one winch operations, separate manual pressure control for main winches and improved snag functions.
The program is based on former versions of PTS Pentagon and Rapp says that updates are available for all vessels with these versions installed. Although it introduced a new colour Touch Screen Panel two years ago, programs are still developed for the older monochrome screen, Rapp says.
There has been a need for automatic one winch operations, not only from pair trawlers, but also from fishing vessels that wanted to be on readiness in case their services were needed for rescue operations. "The main winches in existing auto trawl systems normally interconnect in such a way that they cannot be used separately other than manually. Rapp now delivers systems where this is standardised, not only for PTS Pentagon, but also for its kid brother, Pentagon LT," it claims. New to the latest version of PTS Pentagon is also how data for the net sounder winch is displayed on the operator panel. Bar graph presentation of the net sounder winch' length and tension combined with its length difference to the main winches give valuable information to the Skipper, just by means of a glance at the monitor.
"Latest version focuses on a more efficient way of approaching trawl symmetry after snagging. Snagging will automatically be detected and the system increases the pull for the winch lagging behind. Symmetry will be achieved faster than by means of pressure equalizing and thereby increase the fishing efficiency. However, the fastest way of approaching symmetry now is by activating the joysticks while the system still is in towing mode. If selected in the system initial settings, one can operate the joysticks, one by one or all if needed.
"The time mode stamp, log all modes and the time of point they were entered, and store this information for 50 days. Working in the wheelhouse can be a stressful job and this function makes sure, if the time for entering the different modes should be forgotten, that this information is still accessible."
