The side-scan echo sounders are already an eye-catcher, but until now they have only provided really clear results when the boat is moving. Humminbird is taking the next step and introducing a transducer that delivers a 360-degree image regardless of the ship's movement. The technology called "360 Imaging" scans the underwater world like a radar, but with sound waves instead of radio waves. The transducer is only slightly larger than the side scan and is completely encapsulated, meaning there are no visible moving parts.
The 360 imaging encoder will work with all Huminbird displays that support side imaging and an Ethernet connection. In addition to the all-round overview, modes for viewing freely selectable sectors are also available. However, the maximum scannable area of 70 square metres stated in Humminbird's German press release cannot be correct: This would correspond to a diameter of only 9.44 metres - compared to the performance of the well-known side scan, this seems far too little. It is conceivable that this is a translation error, as the Humminbird website states the radius as 150 feet - that is 45 metres, a value that is also realistic with the side scan.
The Humminbird 360 is said to work at speeds of up to 7 knots, so for sailors this means: almost always. However, there is one thing you should keep in mind: Although the "360 Imaging" provides an image of the underwater world, only contours can be seen. So far, the device can only indicate the exact depth of the water under the ship; it is not a forward-looking echo sounder. This means that they can see whether there is a stone ahead, but not whether it will fit under the keel.
Regular readers may remember that someone tried to commercialise such an underwater radar in the 1980s. However, the system at that time contained a lot of freely rotating mechanics and generated more turbulence than echoes in the yacht test. The new Humminbird system should be spared such a fate thanks to its complete encapsulation. In any case, the pictures presented so far promise a lot.
The Humminbird "360 Imaging" will be delivered in late summer this year.
