Side Scan Sonar:

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 75m per side (250' per side / 500' 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 of up to 600m per side (2,000' per side/4,000' 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.

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