System description
The Simrad FX80 is an innovative and advanced catch monitoring system that allows you to monitor the fish activity inside your fishing gear using a live video stream. The FX80 is used with the Simrad DFS75 high-resolution trawl sonar.
A real-time video feed from the trawl has long been desired by fishermen and researchers alike, but cabling and slip rings have been an issue. One of the primary design criteria of the Simrad FX80 system was to make it work on existing third-wire cables. We have achieved this goal by using existing copper-core coax cables to ease the cost and reduce installation time.
Real-time video can be used to address by-catch and by-catch avoidance issues. Trawl behaviour can be viewed in real time with the FX80 system. Fish behaviour can also be observed in real time, taking speculation and guess work out of the equation. This innovation has the potential to increase the efficiency of any trawling operation and will stimulate the creativity of fishermen, trawl and gear manufacturers, and of course, Simrad.
The Simrad DFS75 Trawl sonar is integrated into the Simrad FX80 system to establish an efficient and accurate monitoring system for your gear and your catch. The combination of the high-resolution images from the trawl sonar and the live video feed provides you with an unparalleled opportunity to identify and analyze both trawl movements and fish behaviour.
The Simrad FX80 system is based on a well-proven high-resolution underwater camera from Kongsberg Maritime. Accompanied by a high-density LED lamp (due to the lack of ambient light), the camera is usually placed under the headrope or in the cod end, pointing at the desired angle. The camera sends its information to the FX80 Communication Hub installed inside the FX80 Deployment Unit, which is usually located near the headrope. The communication between the hub and FX80 Bridge Control Unit is made by a standard third-wire cable.
The entire Simrad FX80 system - with live video and high-resolution sonar - is controlled from a standard Processor Unit provided by Simrad. It is small, yet powerful, and contains no moving parts. The system design allows you to use two displays. Many users prefer this configuration, as it allows them to use one display for the trawl sonar presentations, and another for the live video feed.