 Side
scan sonar is one of the most effective tools for underwater
exploration because it can search a large area quickly and produce
a detailed picture of anything on the bottom, regardless of water
clarity. When looking at a side scan image it appears as if
the water has been removed and the operator is getting an
unobstructed view of the ocean floor, lake bottom, or river bed.
High resolution images are sent from the towfish to a topside
computer (included with the system) for display and storage.
An optional Splash-proof computer is available for small, open
boat operations. Fishers SONAR VIEW software gives the
operator complete control over the systems operating parameters.
Choose between 10 different scan ranges and 8 color schemes to
display images. Connect a GPS and position coordinates are
automatically captured with the side scan data. Click the
mouse on a target and the, and position coordinates are displayed
on the screen.
Fishers offer
three different side scan systems the SSS-100K, the SSS-600K,
and the SSS-100K/600K dual frequency side scan.
The 600K
single frequency side scan is ideal for law enforcement and dive
rescue operations. It produces very high resolution images
at ranges up to 200'(400' swath). This high frequency
sonar can show small, soft targets like a drowning victim,
clothing, etc, that lower frequency (100K to 300K) sonars have
difficulty detecting. The 600K side scan is also popular
with wreck hunters and archaeologists searching for old wood
vessels that may be broken up or decomposing. The limitation of the 600K is
it's shorter range as compared to the 100K side scan.
The SSS-100K single
frequency side scan is best for wreck hunting or general search applications
such as locating pipelines, logs, rocks and reef structures,
large propellers, and sunken vessels. It has
excellent long range capabilities (up to 1,800' per side/3,600'
swath) for locating large wrecks. When operating in the
shorter ranges it clearly shows objects less than 1 foot in
diameter.
The SSS-100K/600K side scan has both low
and high frequency transducers in one towfish. It offers
the best features of both systems. The operator can switch
between 100K and 600K at any time during operation.
Typically a search begins using the 100K on one of the longer
range settings. When a target is spotted, the operator
switches to the 600K and makes a closer pass to get the highest
resolution image. NOTE: Some side scan
manufacturers have separate towfish for each frequency. To
switch frequencies, one towfish must be reeled into the boat and
another deployed; an inconvenient and time consuming operation.
With Fishers dual frequency side scan, both high and low
frequency transducers are mounted in one towfish.
 All
of Fishers side scan sonars come with a 500 foot depth rated
towfish, 150 feet of cable, a laptop computer and Fishers SONAR
VIEW software. The
computer displays a real time
color image of the ocean floor.
The screen is split down with the middle with the right side showing the
ocean bottom on the right side of the vessel, and
the
left side of the screen shows the ocean bottom on the left side
of the vessel.
The
SONAR VIEW software gives the side scan operator complete
control of all system functions with easy to use pull-down menus
and icons on the screen. The
operator can change colors, ranges, amplifier gain, and other
controls with a click of the mouse.
With the computer, side scan images can be stored in
memory for playback and post processing at any time in the
future. Small file
sections including screen shots can be copied for emailing. A GPS system can also be connected to the computer to capture
position coordinates with the side scan data.
Once GPS is connected the mouse cursor can be
placed on any on screen object and its position coordinates will
be displayed.
Sonar files can
be stored on the
computer's hard drive or to DVD.
An optional mapping
feature shows the boat's path as it travels over the search area
and the sonar coverage swath. Its all displayed on a grid
with latitude and longitude as the X and Y axis. This option makes it easy to
search even large areas and ensures no part of the area is
missed. The map can be shown in a separate window on the
same screen as the side scan image, or the map can be displayed
on a separate computer. The user can also control the size
of the map.
An
optional splashproof computer with ultra bright display is also available
for small, open boat operations.
The splashproof computer is not only great when its wet; on
sunny days the ultra bright
display makes the screen much easier to see. The
splashproof comes with a DVD recorder for file storage.
More
images and information about the side scan software
Download
Side Scan data sheet
Splash Proof PC
Key Features of Fishers
side scan sonars:
Their portability, rugged construction, low cost, and ease of operation.
Three models to choose from. Larger towfish ensures
stability and provides high quality sonar images. Dual
frequency has both high and low frequency transducers in one
towfish. Computer and software included with system.
Fishers SONAR VIEW software provides user with lots of
flexibility in displaying and manipulating sonar images.
Each side scan system is backed by
Fishers exclusive, unconditional TWO YEAR warranty.
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