Simrad FS80
Next generation cost-effective trawl sonar for gear monitoring
How do you take a reliable, easy-to-use, cost-effective trawl sonar like the FS70 and make it even better? The answer is the Simrad FS80.
Both smaller and lighter than the FS70, the FS80 is designed from the ground up to be even more robust, versatile, and feature-rich. The FS80 features a net profiler with multifrequency capabilities to accommodate different types of fisheries within a single sonar.
Robust, versatile, and feature-rich
Both smaller and lighter than the FS70, the Simrad FS80 is designed from the ground up to be even more robust, versatile, and feature-rich. The FS80 features a net profiler with multifrequency capabilities to accommodate different types of fisheries within a single sonar.
In addition to the net-opening view provided by the single-beam sonar, up-sounder and down-sounder views are also included. Two down sounders monitor the footrope, the sea bottom, and fish entering the net. The up sounder monitors the headrope and fish escaping above the net. This combination of sonar and sounders allows the operator to see the complete net opening, including individual fish targets in the vertical plane, the fish/school location, the bottom/net location, and the net geometry.
Pitch and roll sensors are integrated
Pitch and roll sensors are integrated into the headrope unit to monitor the position and orientation of the FS80 in the water. We have also included depth and temperature sensors. These sensors monitor the environmental conditions and the physical position of the FS80 in the vertical water column. In addition, a catch hydrophone within the Headrope Unit can communicate with your Simrad PI catch sensors. The FS80 provides real-time information from the sonar and associated sensors to the bridge, maximizing fishing efficiency and reducing sea time.
Operates reliably on both low and high-bandwidth netsounder cables
The Simrad FS80 operates reliably on both low and high-bandwidth netsounder (third-wire) trawl cables. The FS80 is the perfect solution if you want to expand your gear-monitoring equipment without replacing your existing cable infrastructure.
Example of pelagic fishing
This image shows an example of pelagic fishing with data from the sonar view, up-sounder view, and two down-sounder views.
Key features
- 165 to 330 kHz net profiler allows for different types of fisheries using one sonar
- 200 to 400 kHz low-frequency down-sounder for improved monitoring of catch intake
- 500 to 750 kHz high-frequency down-sounder enables improved bottom- and footrope discrimination
- 200 to 400 kHz up-sounder provides clearer monitoring of escapement above the net
- Receives information from up to six catch sensors on the cod end for precise monitoring of the catch progress.
- Integrated depth, temperature, pitch, roll sensors for accurate monitoring of deployment pack
- Light and compact for improved handling on the deck
- 2000 m operating depth
System diagram
- A
Colour display(s)
- B
Processor Unit (computer)
- C
Fisheries Bridge Unit
- D
Commercial netsounder (third-wire) cable on a winch
This item is not supplied by Simrad.
- E
FS80 Headrope Unit
- F
PX Gear Monitoring Sensor
Note that the FS80 only supports the gear monitoring sensors programmed for the PI50/60 receivers.
How can we help?
If you are experiencing any issues or have technical questions regarding your equipment, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated SIMRAD support team is here to assist you with any challenges you may encounter.