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Glossary – Humminbird 300 SERIES 365I User Manual

Page 119

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Glossary

Sonar Terms:

Beam (Sonar Beam)

The wide, cone-shaped projection of sound waves formed as sound

travels underwater. See

Cone Angle

.

Bottom Contour

The profile of the bottom graphed to the display as the depth changes.

Bottom Hardness

The density (or composition) of the bottom. Varying levels of hardness

can be determined by interpreting the “thickness“ of the main sonar return. Hard returns
appear thin and black, softer returns appear thicker and less black. It is important to note
that a sonar return from a sloping bottom can have the appearance of a softer bottom.

Cavitation

The effect of air bubbles created as the propeller rotates and the boat moves

through the water.

Cone Angle

The angular measurement of the sonar beam at a specific dB down point

(i.e. -10 dB). See

dB Down Point

.

Dead Zone

The area of the sonar beam that receives the sonar signal after the main

bottom return. Fish and other objects close to the bottom that fall within the dead zone will
probably not be visible in the sonar beam. Precision sonar beams, such as the Humminbird®
20° beam, have a smaller dead zone than wider sonar beams.

Decibel

The measurement for sound pressure level, or “intensity”of the sonar return. See

dB Down Point

.

dB Down Point

The standard decibel level at which the sonar cone angle is measured,

and is written as “@ -10 dB” or “@ -3 dB“. Measurements at smaller down points (bigger
negative numbers) indicate that the less intensive sonar signals are being used for the
measurement.

Display, FSTN (Film Super-Twist Nematic)

FSTN is a monochrome display technology

characterized by black, high-contrast pixels. All monochrome fixed mount Humminbird®
products use FSTN technology.

Frequency

A measure of the number of sound wave cycles per second of a sound impulse

transmitted underwater. A typical frequency for fishfinders is 200 kHz, which offers a good
balance of performance under many conditions. Lower frequencies, such as 50 kHz, are
capable of penetrating to greater depths, but with less resolution. Higher frequencies, such
as 455 kHz, offer greater resolution, but are limited in depth performance. Humminbird®
uses a variety of frequencies that are optimized for specific applications.

Glossary