8.1 Sonar technologies
Traditional sonar technology
Traditional sonar uses a single carrier frequency or carrier wave for the sonar
ping. The sonar works by measuring the time it takes the ping echo to return
to the transducer to determine target depth.
CHIRP technology
CHIRP sonars use a swept frequency 'CHIRP' signal which can distinguish
between multiple close targets. This enables the sonar to display multiple
targets instead of large combined targets that you would see when using
traditional non-CHIRP sonar.
Benefits of CHIRP include improvements to target resolution, bottom
detection (through bait balls and thermoclines) and detection sensitivity.
CHIRP is utilized by RealVision™ Max 3D, RealVision™ 3D, SideVision™ and
DownVision™ transducers.
CHIRP Sonar overview
CHIRP sonar produces a conical shaped beam. The coverage of the conical
beam is the water column directly beneath the vessel.
Conical beam
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