15 The sounder

The sounder is a high quality, dual frequency fishfinder. It can help you to find fish, locate underwater features such as wrecks and reefs, and identify favorite fishing spots from the bottom profile.

The dual frequency ability enables the sounder to operate in shallow and deep water to a depth of about 3300 ft (1000 m) depending upon the water clarity, the frequency chosen, and the type of transducer fitted to your vessel.

The sounder is supplied with default settings, but you can customize many of these to suit your own preferences.

Depth soundings should be used only for navigation. Never use a depth sounding to

gauge depth, range or other conditions for swimming or diving.

15.1How the sounder works

The transducer attached to the hull produces an ultrasonic pulse (sound that is outside the hearing range of the human ear). This travels down towards the bottom at about 4800 ft/sec (1463 m/sec) spreading outwards into a rough cone shape.

When the pulse hits an object, such as a fish or seaweed, it's partly reflected back up to your vessel as an echo. The sounder calculates the depth of the object or the bottom by measuring the time taken between sending the pulse and receiving the echo.

The Sounder screen shows each echo as a vertical line of pixels. The most recent echo is on the extreme right of the display screen, with the older echoes being scrolled towards the left and eventually disappearing. This type of display is known as the "history".

Many variable factors, such as the clarity of the water, can affect the appearance of the Sounder screen.

16 Use the sounder

The sounder provides a variety of operating modes, screen options, and settings that you can choose to suit your level of experience, and the current environment and activity.

This section explains the Sounder screen and status bar, and the changes you can make.

You can show or hide the:

•

•

•

depth line depth value A-Scope

Northstar 8000i Operation Manual

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NorthStar Navigation 8000I operation manual Sounder, Use the sounder, How the sounder works
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8000I specifications

The NorthStar Navigation 8000i is a sophisticated marine navigation solution designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine operations. Utilizing the latest technology and innovative features, the 8000i provides users with a comprehensive navigation tool that is both user-friendly and highly reliable.

At the heart of the NorthStar 8000i is its advanced GPS integration, which delivers precise positioning and navigation capabilities. The system supports multiple satellite systems, allowing for exceptional accuracy and reliability in determining a vessel's location, even in challenging conditions. The 8000i uses Differential GPS (DGPS) to further improve positional precision, making it suitable for commercial vessels and recreational boaters alike.

One of the standout features of the NorthStar 8000i is its large, high-resolution color display, which presents information in a clear and accessible manner. The screen offers customizable layouts, allowing users to prioritize the data they find most critical. The interface is designed with simplicity in mind, enabling users to access navigation tools, charts, and other features quickly and easily.

The NorthStar 8000i is equipped with advanced cartography options, including support for a variety of chart formats. Users can choose between vector and raster charts, ensuring that they can find the best option for their specific needs. The system also supports both local and regional data, providing an extensive coverage area for vessels operating in different waters.

In terms of connectivity, the 8000i features integrated networking capabilities, allowing it to interface seamlessly with other marine electronics such as radar systems, autopilots, and AIS transceivers. This interoperability enhances situational awareness and provides a comprehensive picture of the marine environment around the vessel.

The rugged design of the NorthStar 8000i ensures that it can withstand the challenging conditions often encountered at sea. Built to be weatherproof and durable, this navigation system is ready for any marine adventure.

To summarize, the NorthStar Navigation 8000i combines cutting-edge GPS technology with user-friendly designs and exceptional features, making it a top choice for navigators seeking reliable marine navigation solutions. With its accuracy, customizable interfaces, and robust construction, the 8000i is engineered to meet the diverse needs of modern sailors, whether for leisure or professional undertakings.
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