Modern navigation and fishing are impossible without understanding what is happening under the keel of your boat. Boat depthThe scaling system, often called the sonar, is a fundamental tool for safety and increased catchability. Unlike simple mechanical lots of the past, modern digital devices provide a detailed picture of the bottom relief, the presence of fish and the structure of the soil.
Choosing the right equipment can be difficult due to the huge number of models and technical specifications, but with a basic understanding of the principles of sonar, you can find a device that is perfect for your child. PVC inflatable boat full-fledged metal boatThe accuracy of the readings directly depends on the correctness of the installation and setting, which we will discuss in detail later.
The main purpose of this gadget is to convert electrical impulses into sound waves and back again, and the speed of the signal through the water allows you to calculate the distance to the obstacle. scanning frequency It plays a key role in detailing the picture, especially at different depths.
Principle of operation and types of sonar
The basis of any sounder is piezoelectric converterThis pulse travels through the water, bounces off the bottom or objects, and returns back to the sensor, and the signal travel time is converted into a digital depth value that is displayed on the screen.
There are several basic scanning technologies, each with its own advantages: the classic 2D sonar creates a vertical slice of the water column just below the boat. DownVision or High DefinitionThey use higher frequencies to produce a photorealistic image of the bottom.
Technology deserves special attention. CHIRP Unlike traditional sonars that emit a signal at a single frequency, CHIRP sensors operate over a wide range of frequencies.
- 🐟 Separate goals that are at the same depth.
- 🌊 Get a more detailed structure of the bottom relief.
- 📡 Increase effective range without loss of quality.
Why is it displayed in an arc?
The fish is shown by an arc on the sonar screen because of the change in distance as the boat passes above it. When the target enters the cone of the beam, the distance to it decreases, then when it is directly below the sensor becomes minimal, and increases again as it exits the cone. The sonar draws this change in distance as an arc.
Some models are equipped with side scanning (SideScan), which allows you to "see" the sides of the boat at a distance of 100-200 meters, this is especially useful when searching for eyebrows, sunken trees or flocks of fish without swimming over them directly.
Criteria for the selection of sonar for different types of boats
When buying a device, you need to consider the type of your boat. PVC The weight and the way the sensor is attached is critical, because you can't drill softboards, and owners of metal or plastic boats can afford more powerful stationary systems with cut-in sensors.
The radiator power is measured in watts (RMS). For shallow depths up to 10-15 meters, a power of 200-500 watts is enough. If you plan to go to large reservoirs or seas where depths exceed 30-50 meters, you will need a device with a power of 600 watts and above with a sensitive receiver.
The size and resolution of the screen also play an important role. On a small display of 3-4 inches, it is difficult to see small details in bright sunlight. For comfortable navigation and fishing from a boat, a screen with a diagonal of 5 inches with a resolution of at least 480x800 pixels.
GPS navigation is an important aspect, and the integrated mapping module allows not only the location of the catch points, but also the location of the tracks, which is essential for trolling or exploring new water areas. Some models support the loading of detailed maps of the bottom.
Proper installation and installation of the sensor
The image quality is 90% dependent on the correct installation. transducer The main problem is cavitation, which occurs when the sensor is flowing around with air or turbulent water flows, and the air bubbles block the sound signal, creating dead zones on the screen.
For inflatable boats, the best solution is to use suction mounts or special plastic platforms that stick to the balloon. The sensor should be submerged in water strictly vertically and not protrude beyond the transom line so as not to create resistance.
☑️ Verification of sensor installation
In hard-hull boats, sensors are often slammed into the hull or mounted on a transom. When mounting a twig, it is important to make sure that there are no hull kit elements or fuel tanks under the sensor that can distort the signal. The surface of the twig sensor should be perfectly parallel to the surface of the water when moving.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a sonar sensor in places where air bubbles form when the boat is moving (for example, just behind the redans or water intakes of the engine), this is guaranteed to cause signal loss at high speeds.
The cable laying also requires attention. All connections should be sealed, it is desirable to use thermal shrinkage and marine insulation. The wiring should be laid under the plantain or in special cable channels to prevent mechanical damage and overlap with the power wires.
Set-up and interpretation of testimony
Once installed, the device must be properly configured, and the basic parameters include the choice of language, units of measurement (meters or feet) and the type of information displayed.Auto) often performs well on basic tasks, but accurate fishing requires manual calibration.
The key parameter is sensitivity Sensitivity: Too high sensitivity will cause noise and false targets to appear on the screen, and too low will prevent you from seeing small fish or fine structures of the bottom, optimally adjust it so that the screen shows light graininess, but without all the interference.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Range (Range) | Depth of display on the screen | Choose the minimum range for detailing (Auto) |
| Color Line | Staining strong signals | Insert to distinguish between hard and soft bottoms |
| Zoom (Scale) | Increase in the water column | Use it when parking to study the bottom layer |
| ASP (Noise Reduction) | Electrical interference filter | Increase only when there are strong interferences |
Function Color Line Or the color line, which helps you determine the density of an object, a solid bottom or a large fish is shown in red or orange, while the soft silt or algae will be yellow or blue, and this allows you to know whether you should throw at a particular point.
Use zoom only in the parking lot or in very slow motion, and at speed, the zoom image will scroll too quickly, and you won't have time to analyze the structure of the bottom.
Maintenance and maintenance of equipment
Electronics on the water are being aggressively exposed to salt water, ultraviolet light and temperature changes. Regular maintenance will prolong your life. depthmeterAfter every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the instrument and sensor should be washed with fresh water.
Carefully inspect the cable for cracks and rubs. Even microscopic damage to the insulation can lead to corrosion of the veins and failure of the device. Connectors should be periodically lubricated with silicone lubrication to prevent oxidation of the contacts.
It is better to store the head unit in a dry room, pre-extract memory cards and batteries. If the sonar is installed permanently, it is recommended to dismantle the sensor for the winter period to avoid damage by ice or floating objects in the spring flood.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemistry or abrasives to clean the screen and the sensor body. This can damage the anti-reflective coating of the screen and the acoustically transparent layer of the emitter.
Comparison of popular models and brands
The sonar market is represented by several key players, each of which has its own technological features. Garmin It is famous for its mapping solutions and ClearVü technology. Lowrance and Humminbird Traditionally strong in bottom scanning technologies (DownScan and SideScan respectively).
For beginner anglers, budget monochrome models with a diagonal of 3.5-4.3 inches will be a great choice; they are easy to operate, energy efficient and show basic information, while professionals choose multifunction displays with support for radar, autopilots and NMEA 2000 networks.
Also, when choosing a new software update, manufacturers periodically release firmware that improves signal processing algorithms and adds new features, and the ability to upgrade via Wi-Fi or memory card is a big plus.
The main criterion of choice is not the maximum power, but the conformity of the sonar specifications to your real fishing conditions (depth, type of boat, speed of movement).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Why does the sonar show two arcs of the bottom?
This is called a double echo, and it bounces off the bottom, then off the water surface, and back off the bottom again, going back to the sensor a second time, usually at shallow depths, with high sensitivity, and to remove the second arc, reduce sensitivity, or turn on the double echo filter in the settings.
Can I use a fisherman in winter to fish from the ice?
Yes, but with limitations. Most sonars work at temperatures as low as -10...-20°C, but lithium-ion batteries lose charge quickly in the cold. LCD screens can blur images at low temperatures. For winter fishing, it is better to use specialized frost-resistant models or keep the device warm.
Does the sonar see a fish that is directly under the sensor?
Modern dead zone sonars are minimized, but avoiding the blind spot under the sensor is difficult, but thanks to the wide viewing angle and processing algorithms, fish passing directly under the boat are more likely to be displayed, although they may look distorted.
Do I need to calibrate the echoer before every fishing trip?
No full calibration is required. Just make sure that the right depth range (Auto) is chosen and the sensitivity is appropriate for the current conditions (water transparency, algae). If you change a body of water with a radically different terrain, you may need to manually adjust the range.