Wesmar has recently introduced two new sonars, the SS395 and the TCS335. The company says that its new launches combine good performance and innovative features with competitive pricing.
The SS395 is a hull-mounted scanning sonar available in three frequencies (160, 110 and 60 kHz) with either an electric or hydraulic hoist. The system offers full 360 degree scanning around the vessel as well as bottom profiling and down sounder mode. The forward looking sonar and bottom profiling can be displayed simultaneously on a split screen. The system is operated with a hand-held pistol grip controller that eliminates the control console completely. All adjustments and function settings are made using this controller, with the menus and settings displayed on the right side of the screen next to the sonar picture. This makes the system extremely easy to use, Wesmar states, and is a big advantage on smaller vessels where there is not room in the wheelhouse for a bulky console. A simple menu selection allows the user to select from 19 different languages. Installation is also greatly simplified with all of the wiring between the components of the system accomplished with simple "plug and twist" connectors.
The TCS335 is a net-mounted trawl sonar combining a 200 kHz down sounder, a 310 kHz profiler, and a catch sensor receiver. This new system continues Wesmar's history in trawl sonar technology exemplified by the larger TCS773 which has had a tremendous reception among some of the most successful trawlers in such places as Alaska, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia and the Shetland Islands. The TCS335 is even lighter and more compact, weighing only 12 kilos (4.5 kilos in the water), which means it can be easily handled on the deck by one man. It makes use of the same hand-held pistol grip controller as the SS395, allowing the user to control the entire system without leaving his chair.
Despite its compact size and extremely competitive price, the TCS335 provides invaluable information for increased efficiency in trawling operations. The captain can see a high resolution picture of the net and trawl gear, observe the distance between the footrope and the bottom, see fish entering the net, and make adjustments accordingly to maximize the catch in the shortest time and avoid damage to gear.
