Transducer

The cylindrical transducer allows the sonar beam to provide a full 360 degrees coverage of the water volume. The transducer contains 256 individual elements and the necessary transceiver circuitry. The horizontal beam can be tilted from –10 to +60 degrees.

Transducer location

The transducer is mounted at the bottom end of the hull unit’s transducer shaft. This allows the transducer to be lowered into the water for operational use and retracted for protection when the sonar is turned off. By lowering the transducer into the water, you may also be able to reduce the noise created by the laminar flow of water along the hull.

How it works

The transducer converts the electric energy generated by the Transceiver Unit to physical vibrations. These vibrations alter the water pressure and create an acoustic pulse that is sent into the water. The acoustic signal is transmitted as a beam. The duration of the acoustic pulse, as well as its frequency and shape, are controlled by the Transceiver Unit. The direction and opening angle of the beam is controlled by the Transceiver Unit and the physical properties of the transducer. After the transmission, the transducer works as a "microphone". It converts the water pressure created by the acoustic echoes to electric energy. These weak echo signals are sent to the amplifiers in the Transceiver Unit.

Transducer handling

Note: The red (or black) protective coating is a vital part of the transducer. It is very important that neither this coating nor the internal parts of the transducer are damaged during the handling, installation or cleaning. Any holes and/or scratches in the transducer surface will allow water to penetrate the transducer. If a leak occurs, the transducer must be replaced.

The transducer must always be handled as a delicate item. Wrongful actions may damage the transducer beyond repair. Observe these transducer handling rules:

  • Do not activate the transducer when it is out of the water.
  • Do not lift the transducer by the cables.
  • Do not step on the transducer cables.
  • Do not damage the transducer cables, avoid sharp objects.
  • Do not handle the transducer roughly, avoid impacts.
  • Do not expose the transducer to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
  • Do not use high-pressure water, sandblasting, metal tools or strong solvents to clean the transducer face.
  • Do not damage the outer protective skin on the transducer.