Furuno provides a diverse selection of top-quality transducers that are compatible with our depth sounders. These transducers are suitable for various boat types and sizes. Additionally, you can equip your boat with sensors that can precisely measure the speed of your boat and the temperature of the water's surface. It is crucial to comprehend the different factors influencing transducer performance to choose the most appropriate one for your fish finder.
Using a single large, specialized 200kHz component yields a more effective transducer across all power levels due to its narrower beam angle and increased sensitivity. To illustrate, a standard recreational fish finder operates at 600 watts and is optimized for use with a corresponding triducer rated at 600 watts. Upgrading to a premium transducer rated at 1,000 watts when paired with this fish finder can significantly enhance its performance.
Understanding Your Fish Finder Getting Started Installation and Mounting Options Optimizing Your Fish Finder Experience CHIRP Technology Transducer Options Multifunction Sensors and Accessories Smart Sensors Frequently Asked Questions Glossary Additional Resources
The Core of a Transducer's Function At the heart of a transducer is a piezocer the element, which produces sound waves. When an electric charge is applied to the element, it rapidly oscillates, altering its shape and generating pressure waves, or sound energy. These waves radiate outward in a cone-shaped pattern, interacting with objects in their path. As they encounter targets such as fish or underwater terrain, the sound waves are partially absorbed, reflected back to the transducer, or scattered. The reflected echoes that return to the transducer cause a tiny change in the crystal's shape, resulting in a small voltage fluctuation. This signal can be detected and processed by the fish finder, ultimately producing an image on the display. By measuring the time it takes for the sound wave to return, the determined. The intensity of the reflected echo can also reveal information about the target's size and density. Some transducers are designed with a single piezoceramic disc, capable of operating at two different frequencies, such as 50kHz and 200kHz, and are referred to as single-element transducers.
Furuno provides a diverse selection of single-element transducers that are both affordable and highly sought after. However, for those seeking superior performance, Furuno also offers multi-element transducers that can substantially boost the capabilities and responsiveness of your fish finder. These advanced transducers feature individual elements that resonate at distinct frequencies, allowing for greater precision. High-end models may incorporate multiple 50kHz elements, often in combinations of seven, nine, or even fifteen, alongside a larger 200kHz element. This design allows for enhanced detection in shallow waters via the dedicated 200kHz element, while the increased surface area of the 50kHz array delivers clearer and more detailed readings from greater depths.
The beamwidth of a transducer is a numerical measurement that indicates the effective wave. It is calculated as the angle between the points where the acoustic energy has decreased to half of its maximum value, known as the -3dB down points. This value is significant as it determines the coverage area of your fish finder. When the frequency increases, the beamwidth narrows, much like adjusting a flashlight beam to focus it. This narrowing of the beam is more a result of the transducer's design rather a characteristic of frequency itself. The contrast in beamwidth between 50kHz and 200kHz is illustrated in the provided image.
The frequencies available for use are 28, 38, 50, 88, 107, and 200kHz. It's important to note that lower frequency waves penetrate deeper into the water compared to higher frequency waves, so amplifying the power might not always be needed to identify fish in deeper waters. The lower the frequency, the greater the depth the sonar system can observe with the same power output. Enhancing the fish finder's detection range across all frequencies can be achieved by employing a narrower beam transducer. A narrow beam concentrates more energy on the target, resulting in clearer echoes, enhanced target resolution, and the ability to observe deeper into the water. Select Furuno Fish Finders allow you to adjust the operating frequency from the menu, providing flexibility. For instance, the FCV1150 with the FURUNO 82B-35R transducer permits choosing an operating frequency between 65 to 110kHz. This function proves beneficial for vessels targeting various species or in scenarios where neighboring ships' Fish Finders might create interference.
The diagram provided shows a common beam pattern, depicting how acoustic energy spreads from the transducer. The central cone indicates the energy concentrated within the -3db down points known as the Mainlobe, which is the primary focus of the transducer's energy distribution.
In the picture, we observe that the energy is not fully focused in the Mainlobe. Instead, some of the sound energy spreads out to the periphery, forming what are known as Sidelobes - regions beyond the main beam where a lesser amount of energy is emitted. As this energy can create echoes when it interacts with objects, it is feasible to detect faint responses from the Sidelobes in shallower depths.
Target masking happens when sound waves from the transducer encounter an obstacle that within the beam. This causes an echo to be sent to the transducer sooner than echoes from the sea bottom or fish. As a result, fish may not appear clearly on the fish finder screen. This phenomenon can occur when passing over sloping terrain or trenches. It is also possible to detect a secondary echo from the sea bottom, which can appear deeper on the screen than the original obstacle. When multiple echo sounders are used close to each other at the same frequency, they may pick up false returns from each other's transducers.
When multiple devices are transmitting at the same frequency, the display may show incorrect readings signals, or multiple depth readings. This is particularly common in areas with high concentrations of fish finders, like marinas or harbors. Furuno fish finders have built-in technology to reduce interference, but it's essential to use this feature judiciously to avoid filtering out smaller targets. To combat this issue, some boaters have found that using a Furuno Smart Sensor, which operates at a higher frequency, provides a more accurate and reliable depth reading, even when their standard 50/200kHz fish finder is experiencing interference.
This example illustrates how a broader 50kHz beam can detect fish that a narrower 200kHz beam might overlook. Different frequency combinations are better suited for specific uses, which is why Furuno has traditionally provided both commercial and serious recreational anglers with options for selecting frequency pairs for their fish finder units.
Optimizing Transducer Placement When choosing a location for your transducer, keep in mind that its performance can be influenced by external factors. Environmental noise, such as waves and nearby vessels, is unavoidable, but you can reduce the impact of internal noise sources like propellers, engines, and other equipment on your vessel. By carefully selecting a mounting location, you can minimize interference and achieve a clearer signal. This, in turn, allows you to increase the gain setting on your fish finder, resulting in more accurate and detailed readings.
For optimal water flow over the transducer, a snug fit is essential. If the transducer is set back more than 0.5 mm (1/64th inch) from the surface of the fairing, adjust the alignment by either inserting a shim or carefully smoothing out the fairing to achieve a flush surface.
Various transducers are designed with multiple smaller elements for 50kHz functionality and a single, larger diameter element for 200kHz functionality, resulting in improved performance.
Frequency and Beamwidth Frequency demystified - Frequency is the rate at which sound waves are emitted from a transducer. Sound waves consist of alternating high and low-pressure pulses moving through a medium. The wavelength of sound is the distance between consecutive high or low-pressure pulses. When a 200kHz transducer receives an electrical pulse, it vibrates at a frequency of 200,000 cycles per second, sending out 200,000 sound waves per second. Transducers with high frequencies and short wavelengths create clear images on the fish finder screen.
In contrast, a high-speed fairing aerodynamic profile. Its extended, tapered shape cleaves the water into two separate channels that flow along the sides, merging together again at the narrow tip. When properly fitted, a fairing yields superior sonar performance at speeds above 15 knots. To achieve a seamless fit, the fairing must be meticulously trimmed to the hull's contours using a rasp or powered tool.
What are the benefits of dual frequency operation?
The combination of 50/200kHz frequencies is well-suited for recreational of excellent performance in both shallow and deep waters. The 200kHz frequency provides clear, detailed images in shallow water, while the 50kHz frequency allows for deeper penetration and a wider range of underwater exploration.
Target Masking Interference
To ensure optimal performance, transducers should be positioned away from water int, such as lifting strakes or steps. The transducer should also be kept clear of areas with eroding paint, which can indicate turbulent water flow. For smooth water flow and peak performance, it's essential to maintain a seamless flow of water across the transducer's surface. A fairing block serves three purposes: to offset the hull's, and create a smooth, bubble to flow over the transducer. When installed correctly, a fairing block minimizes boat drag and ensures a turbulence-free flow of water over the transducer, with a typical design matching the shape of the accompanying transducer.
Installing through-hull transducers involves cutting a hole in the hull, making complex process compared to mounting them on the transom. These transducers may need more frequent cleaning and are less easily accessible. Owners of trailerable boats with through-hull transducers need to be cautious during boat launch and loading to avoid damaging the transducer. To maintain proper alignment of the transducer facing downward, a fairing block is necessary, which should be installed in line with the water flow for optimal boat performance. Achieving a successful through-hull installation requires a certain level of expertise, so it's advisable to seek assistance from a local Furuno dealer if unsure.
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When choosing a spot, make sure to pick a place that has calm water disturbance, keep the trans water at all times (except for In-Hull models), avoid steep angles, ensure the transducer is not blocked by the keel or propeller shaft(s), and have enough space inside the boat for the transducer housing and maintenance tasks.
The placement of a transducer on the transom, slightly below the waterline, is known as transom mounting. This type of installation is straightforward and is often used for smaller boats. It is important to position the transducer at a slight angle facing forward to minimize the impact of turbulence and aerated water.
An alternative approach to transducer installation is the in-hull or shoot-through method, where the transducer is mounted inside the hull, allowing the signal to pass through the fiberglass without the need for a hole. This setup minimizes the effects of turbulence and aeration, and since the transducer doesn't come into contact with the water, maintenance is virtually non-existent. However, this method comes with a trade-off in terms of performance, as the signal is weakened by passing through the hull material. Modern in-hull transducers are designed to mitigate this loss, but boats with wooden, aluminum, or steel hulls are not compatible with this type of installation. Fiberglass boats without flotation cores can utilize in-hull transducers, but those with foam or balsa cores or air pockets may require modifications to ensure proper signal transmission.
Installing a through-hull transducer requires more effort and expertise compared to a transom mount. This is because a hole must be drilled into the hull, and the device is harder to reach for regular maintenance, which may be needed more frequently. Trailer boat owners with through-hull transducers need to be cautious when launching or loading to avoid damage. A fairing block is necessary to keep the transducer pointing downwards, which must for optimal boat performance. However, the ideal placement of the fairing block can vary depending on the hull design. Due to the complexity of the process, it's recommended to seek unsure about the installation.
The ideal transducer for you will depend on several factors, but there the same. Typical basic fish finding and usually feature a single element that switches between 50 and 200 kHz frequencies. While these standard transducers are effective and budget-friendly, upgrading to a high-performance transducer can significantly enhance your fishing experience. High-performance transducers are designed to handle higher power output and feature a combination of 50 kHz elements and larger 200 kHz elements. This design allows for a narrower beam angle, resulting in stronger echo returns, and improved sensitivity, leading to clearer and more detailed images on the fish finder screen.
Using a single large, specialized 200kHz component yields a more effective transducer across all power levels due to its narrower beam angle and increased sensitivity. To illustrate, a standard recreational fish finder operates at 600 watts and is optimized for use with a corresponding triducer rated at 600 watts. Upgrading to a premium transducer rated at 1,000 watts when paired with this fish finder can significantly enhance its performance.