FCV38

OVERVIEW

The FCV-38 is designed as a high end black-box echo sounder having a fish size graph function with split-beam technology.  A unique sharp beam of 38kHz low frequency and 4kw high power allow obtaining the clear echo image of a school of fish and seabed even in the deep sea.  In addition, the FCV-38 has achieved more accurate estimation of a fish size than the previous model with the improved calculation algorithm of an individual fish size on a newly designed fish size graph display

Multi-Direction and Split-Beam Technology

Echo images from 5 different directions received simultaneously with the multi-beam system

The FCV-38 can detect school of fish in five directions at once and provides information on the location of the targeted fish in relation to the vessel. The operator can adjust the five beams in any direction within a 20 degree range in the menu settings.
User can activate or deactivate simultaneous transmission by using 3 types of split-beam mode:

• Alternating Transmission
• Semi-Simultaneous Transmission
• Simultaneous Transmission

Accurate fish size estimation

The accuracy of fish size estimation function is improved than the previous model FCV-30, thanks to new algorithm calculation of an individual fish size and newly designed fish size graph easy-to-understand.
The FCV-38 measures the size of fish in the selected area, and displays the information in a graph that can be understood at a glance. The split-beam technology has improved the accuracy and reliability of fish size measurements and graphs (max. 3).
The fish size measurement function includes particularly useful tools to help the user keep track of targets. For example, the tool [Auto Depth] automatically adjusts the depth of the measurement area until more fish are detected if the target fish has fallen below the set limit or has left the measurement area. The tool [Auto Area] can be used to automatically move and adjust the measurement area to areas with a large number of single fish.

Fish size measurement

It is possible to display up to 3 fish size graph simultaneously, of selected area.
Each graph can independently analyze and distinguished the fish size of selected echogram, according to 4 different measurement method:

• Entire Area
• Specific Range
• Bottom Trace
• Specific Area

Auto-Depth & Auto-Area functions

The fish size measurement function includes particularly useful tools to help the user keep track of targets. For example, the tool [Auto Depth] automatically adjusts the depth of the measurement area until more fish are detected if the target fish has fallen below the set limit or has left the measurement area. The tool [Auto Area] can be used to automatically move and adjust the measurement area to areas with a large number of single fish.

Fish size graph and Target graph

The FCV-38 offers the possibility to show fish size, target plot, seabed hardness and roughness graphs to optimize and improve the efficienty of fishing operation.

Built-in motion sensor - Stabilizer Technology

Built-in motion sensor provides a stabilized target presentation in rough sea conditions.
Stabilized echo by roll/pitch compensation thanks to the built-in motion sensor assure reliable echo image and fish size estimation, that it is negatively affected by the rolling and pitching action.  
With FURUNO exclusive Stabilizer Technology, the FCV-38 can stabilize both TX and RX beams independently, so that the picture will remain accurate.
In addition, it is possible to connect a Satellite Compass to achieves the heave compensation and improve the performance.

Long range detection

Thanks to the high TX power 4kW and low frequency 38kHz, the FCV-38 can detect at a very long range both sea bottom and fish school.

Scientific data output and calibration capability

Echo data can be recorded in netCDF4 format.
FCV-38 is capable of output the scientific data for several purpose, for example as aid of contribution of fish stock assessment.
Thanks to a more accurate calibration function and improved user interface, FCV-38 in addition can make available for users the status of data acquisition.
Also detection zone, its progress and completion can be viewed at a glance on the calibration screen

User friendly instantAccess bar and trackball control unit

Icon click operation on InstantAccess bar™ and confortable Trackball control unit RCU-026 for simplify operation.
The screen header contains Range, Shift, Sensitivity, Image Feed and Display Mode menus that can be immediately accessed when required.

Zoom Modes and scrollback function

Zoom displays enlarge the specified area of the split-beam display. This mode allows you to learn more about the sea floor and the density of schools of fish. The four modes are bottom lock, bottom zoom, marker zoom, and bottom discrimination.
The expansion range is available from 2m to 200m depth. You can also freely change the window size by dragging and dropping the window frame.
In addition, A maximum of 99 screenshots can be saved on the processing unit. You can also replay the echo display at any time if you wish to see it again; this function is helpful to compare the sizes of schools of fish with more accuracy.