Glossary | Sonar Terms |
Transducer: The transducer is part of the sonar system, which mounts on the boat and is in contact with the water, that converts the electrical energy from the transmitter into sound energy, and that forms the sonar beam in turn. Internally, the transducer consists of one or more piezo electric disks that expand by very minute amounts to create the sound wave. This element also works in reverse, converting the returned sound energy back into an electrical signal that the receiver interprets. Transducers are available for many specific mounting applications for the boat, such as a transom mount, trolling motor mount, etc. Humminbird® offers many sophisticated transducers, often with multiple piezo electric elements designed to form
Transmitter: The transmitter and receiver are matched parts of the sonar system that send (transmit) and listen to (receive) the sonar signals, and work in conjunction with the transducer. Humminbird® transmitters have an extremely fast cycling design that can send signals up to 60 times per second, as well as produce the varying levels of power output needed for different depths and conditions. Additionally, the transmitter has the capability to create very precise sonar pulses needed for a high degree of target separation. Humminbird® receivers are extremely sensitive, but within a narrow "bandwidth" to discriminate against noise from external sources. Additionally, the receiver offers a wide "dynamic range" which provides the ability to receive very strong signals alternating with very weak signals, without the strong signal overwhelming the weak signal. See Transducer and Noise.
TripLog: TripLog is a Humminbird® feature that provides an
TrueArch®: TrueArch® is a Humminbird® feature that provides true fish arches, not artificial arches or symbols. Humminbird® units are capable of producing fish arches due to the wide 60° sonar beam of DualBeam PLUS™, an extremely sensitive sonar receiver. See Fish Arch.
Viewing Angle: Viewing Angle is an attribute of an LCD that characterizes visibility of the display when viewing from off the central access, such as when standing to the side of the fishfinder. Wider viewing angles are better because the information remains visible even when viewing from the side.
WhiteLine®: WhiteLine® is a Humminbird® feature that highlights the strongest sonar return on the display using a very light gray band. This is preferred by some anglers who have grown accustomed to the feature on paper graph chart recorders.
WideSide®: WideSide® is a Humminbird® sonar configuration used in an optional transducer. WideSide® uses three sonar beams pointing to the left, right and down. Beams pointing to the left and right are effective for spotting fish and structure near the surface or on the bank. The downlooking beam provides depth information directly below the boat.
Zoom: Zoom is a feature that focuses in on a smaller area of the bottom to provide enhanced resolution. With enhanced resolution, the angler can more easily see fish hanging in structure or multiple fish hanging close together. Split screen zoom divides the display into the full range view on the right, and the zoomed view on the left. Humminbird® offers One- Touch® Zoom which allows the zoom feature to be easily accessed from the regular sonar view with just one key press, eliminating the need to use menus to access the feature.
Zoom, Bottom Lock: Bottom Lock Zoom is a feature that focuses on a smaller area just above the bottom to provide enhanced resolution. Unlike regular zoom, it continuously graphs the bottom at a constant point on the display regardless of changes in depth. This "flattens" out the bottom contour, but is effective at showing fish on or near the bottom, and is preferred by many saltwater anglers.
