Traditional sounders operate at only two discrete frequencies – typically 50 kHz and 200 kHz. This results in limited depth range, resolution, and ultimately what targets can be detected in the water column.
In contrast, AIRMAR’s Chirp-ready transducers provide over 70+ kHz of bandwidth. Transmitting over a wide frequency band results in a greater opportunity to detect what is in the water column. As a result, all targets detected in the entire bandwidth will be seen on the display–even those fish holding close to the bottom–ultimately improving target detection, detail, and range resolution.
Most Chirp transducers vary their beam width as they sweep through their frequency range (low, medium, and high). At the lowest frequency the beam is the widest and it narrows as the frequency increases.
AIRMAR’s wide beam Chirp transducers are the exception to this rule and have a fixed beam width of either 25° or 40° across the frequency band. This translates into even more coverage under the boat, revealing more fish in the water column than ever before.
These transducers are offered as thru-hull, in-hull and transom-mount installation options, and are available in many different frequency ranges to accommodate the various displays available to fishermen. Acoustically, the internal design of the transducers is the same but many different mounting options are available.
Selecting the best frequency for your specific application is very important. The good news is that once you know what frequency will work best for the type of fishing you do, there’s an AIRMAR transducer designed to maximize the performance of your sounder.
AIRMAR Chirp transducers are available in various frequency combinations:
Sound waves will not present as clear a picture of the bottom on the display, but will sound down in very deep areas where high frequency sound waves cannot reach
Provides greater depth range, wider beamwidth, and ultimately more coverage under the boat
Chirp signal processing technology used with AIRMAR broadband, Chirp-ready transducers provides more detail at greater depths and is less susceptible to noise
Great for operating at higher speeds
More sensitive to small targets and will send back detailed information which will display as crisp, high-resolution images on the echosounder screen
Best for shallower water and popular with those fishing at depths less than 1500 feet
Provides the ability to sound deeper than the high frequency, along with better resolution than the low frequency
Wider beam than the high frequency, achieving more coverage under the vessel and greater opportunity to find fish
Clear images at higher vessel speeds
Thru-hull installations provide best performance compared with other installation options for many reasons.
A popular choice for boat builders, pocket mount transducers are installed within a small custom pocket in your vessel’s hull or keel, flush to the surface. Though retrofit installation is possible, these transducers are most commonly used in vessels with a suitable pre-cut pocket.
In-Hull transducers are installed inside the boat hull. The transducer is suspended in a liquid filled tank and transmits sonar directly through the solid fiberglass hull. And, the wide frequency band of a Chirp transducer allows you to select the best frequency for your hull’s thickness.
Transom models are best suited for small and trailered vessels where a thru-hull installation is not practical. Perfect for freshwater boat styles and center consoles. Simple to install and ideal for small trailered vessels where a thru-hull may interfere with loading.
Ceramic elements are tilted inside the housing to compensate for the hull deadrise, ensuring the beam is aimed straight down...maximizing echo returns and eliminating the need for a fairing.
Flush/tilted transducers mount through a hole drilled in any fiberglass, metal or wooden hull, with the outside of the fitting flush against the exterior hull surface. Inside the fitting, the transducer’s active elements are permanently tilted to 0, 12 or 20 degree angle to compensate for hull deadrise, ensuring the sonar beam is aimed straight down.
