Simrad SY50

The SY50 is mainly designed for smaller fishing vessels. It still offers the latest technology available. This technology includes functionality you have formerly found only on the larger sonars and acoustic systems we have delivered.

Explore

• Data sheets
• System diagram
• Technical specifications
• Current software version
• End-user documentation and installation drawings
• NetCDF Scientific output
• Order information

Hardware

• SY50 and SY50C Hull units
• Transducer
• NISE 3900E Sonar processor unit

Key features

• Small and compact, fits even on smaller fishing vessels
• Easy to install
• 10 metres transducer cable
• 360 degrees omnidirectional
• The operating frequency is adjustable from 55 to 59 kHz
• Operating range up to 2000 metres
• CW and FM pulse forms
• Tilt from +10 to -60°
• Narrow beams
• Large dynamic range
• High definition
• Stabilised by the internal sensor, can connect to an external motion reference unit (MRU)
• Easy operation
• Store and recall sonar data
• Define and save your own user settings
• Clear and easily comprehensive sonar data presentations
• 256 transceiver channels

System description

The Simrad SY50 is a small and compact omnidirectional sonar.

• The transceiver electronics have been placed inside the cylindrical transducer. This design means fewer cables, less noise and easier installation.
• The hull unit can be placed on an installation trunk with a diameter of only eight inches. The height of the trunk and the length of the transducer shaft can be adjusted to fit the size of the vessel.
• The transducer can be lowered to 40 or 60 centimetres below the hull.

The centre operational frequency is 57 kHz, but you can select any operational frequency from 54 to 60 kHz in steps of 0.5 kHz. This frequency range gives you an operating range of up to 2,000 metres depending on the acoustic conditions.

The cylindrical multi-element transducer allows the omnidirectional sonar beams to be tilted electronically from +10 to -60° in 1° steps. This function lets you automatically track schools of fish and observe the whole water volume around the vessel. A built-in stabilising system is included for electronic pitch and roll compensation, but you can connect to an external sensor for improved accuracy.

The compact size and ease of installation make the Simrad SY50 ideal for vessels with little room for a sonar installation. There is no transceiver cabinet, only a small power supply. All the transceiver electronics are contained inside the transducer.

The communication between the hull unit and the computer on the bridge is limited to a single Ethernet cable. Both the hull unit and the computer may also operate on DC power. This option makes the SY50 a perfect choice for coastal fishing vessels with no 3-phase power system on board. Using 256 individual receiver- and transmitter channels, the SY50 offers a clear and high-resolution sonar presentation, which was not previously seen on any sonar in this price range. Our well-known "large sonar" functions include full beam stabilisation, vertical views, FM transmission, and single-ping transmission (horizontal and vertical in one ping). The popular "Winson" operating software known from all Simrad products is used. With the familiar user interface available in almost 20 languages, the SY50 is exceptionally easy to use.

The SY50 is provided with a small and compact computer. This computer does not contain any fans or other moving parts. It can safely be installed and used in a humid environment.

To simplify the basic operating features, we can provide a small operating panel. This panel is smaller than the other panels we have. It is easy to install among other equipment on a populated control desk. The operating panel communicate with the computer using a single USB cable.

The hull unit power must always be turned on

It is crucial that the power to the SY50 hull unit is always turned on, even when the sonar is not in use. If the power is turned off, the force of gravity may cause the transducer to be inadvertently lowered. The sonar has a safety function that will automatically hoist the transducer if unexpected problems arise. This function prevents the transducer from being lowered when the sonar is not used, but the power must be turned on.