Simrad is cutting the price of its ES60 echosounder, has introduced a new gyrocompass system and its Olex 3D bottom profiling plotter system, the company said.
"Olex is a software application which combines chart data, seafloor data, plotter objects and radar targets in an easy to comprehend display that features various 2D and 3D views". A statement said it works best when connected to Simrad echosounders such as Simrad EK60, ES60 or EQ60 and can provide seabed hardness mapping on screen.
A company statement said the system analyses the bottom echo, taking into account parameters such as pulse length, beam width and transducer type. A naturalised backscatter is added to the internal chat. This allows the hardness to be shown as adjustable colours from deep pink (for soft bottom) to bright yellow (for hard). Olex can display bottom hardness in tandem with present and historic echosounder data.Simrad said new prices for the updated EQ60 MKII would make this technology available to more fishermen and prices for the ES60 will also drop. Simrad's new 'MS' 33 satellite communication system for small and medium fishing vessels has a small, light antenna and features 'plug & play' below deck interfaces (PC, fax, telephone). Owners can install it themselves. Communications costs can be kept down as the MS33 is also capable of using the Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS), which offers an 'always on' service charged by the amount of data sent and received, and not by the time connected.
Other recent products include the 34 Series of combination radars, plotters and sounders that features professional echosounder functions derived from the technology used by scientists on their research vessels.
The powerful 600-Watt transceiver can reach depths of up to 600 metres. Simrad says and the unit can distinguish between fish close to the bottom and seabed features, up to a certain depth. There a dual range radar mode gives a detailed close range radar image with the ability to view a long-range overview alongside. Radar images can be overlaid onto chart images to provide the full picture, making for safer navigation. The 34 Series is SimNet enabled, allowing for simple installation and its compact size makes it ideally suited for vessels with limited space at the helm, Simrad said.
The new gyrocompass system comprises the GC80 and the GC85, with two-year guaranty, with the 80 Series using new technology and featuring a fully sealed, sensitive element. This makes installation quick and easy and the very low RPM rate reduces wear, negating the need for oil changes and increasing the overall lifetime of the gyrocompass. The fully sealed sensitive elements can be easily removed for onboard service.
