Sensitivity: Sensitivity is a user feature that adjusts the sensitivity of the sonar system to show more or less detail in the water. Higher sensitivities are often preferred, however, when the water contains debris (silt, storm debris, etc.) and it can be difficult to pick out targets. Conversely, if sensitivity is set too low, relevant targets may be missed.
SONAR: SONAR is the acronym for SOund and NAvigation Ranging. Sonar technology uses precision sound bursts transmitted underwater to determine the distance and other attributes of objects in the water. Distance can be determined because the speed of sound in water is constant, and the time for the signal to return is measured. Sound also travels very quickly underwater, making sonar a responsive,
Sonar Echo Enhancement: Sonar Echo Enhancement is a Humminbird® feature that describes the high degree of sonar sensitivity achieved through a combination of transmitter/receiver and software algorithms. The result of Sonar Echo Enhancement is to display virtually everything in the water that is of interest to the angler, including bait fish, game fish, thermoclines, weed beds, subtle structure, and more.
Sonar Update Rate: Sonar Update Rate is the number of times per second that the transmitter/receiver sends and receives sonar signals. A very fast sonar update rate collects more information and provides a more detailed image of the bottom, fish and structure. Many Humminbird® units operate at up to 40 times per second when in single frequency operation. Due to the limitation of the speed of sound in water, the update rate begins to slow as depth increases to deeper than 50 feet. In very shallow water (less than 10 feet), however, update rates as much as 60 times per second can be achieved.
Speed: Speed is the rate at which the boat moves through the water. Boat speed can be measured as Speed Over Ground or Speed Through Water. Speed Over Ground is provided by GPS, and is the measurement of the boats progress across a given distance. Speed Through Water is provided by a speed paddlewheel, and is the measurement of the flow past the boat, which may vary depending on current speed and direction. Speed Through Water is most critical for anglers using downriggers, as it impacts the running depth of the down riggers. Speed Over Ground is optimal for navigation, as accurate destination times can be derived from this measurement. Humminbird® products allow for input and display of both sources.
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