Furuno has introduced a new IMO Echo Sounder, FE800, offering an 8.4-inch Color LCD display with built-in dual-frequency capability. It also features a new system design that provides immediate retrofit capability of older Furuno units, as well as easy installation on new build vessels.
The new color display accommodates both full and split-screen options. It offers a traditional single-frequency bottom presentation that you are used to seeing, but with the 8.4-inch screen, it is large enough to show two completely independent sounder presentations. Users can choose single or dual frequencies in 50 kHz and/or 200 kHz. The FE800 allows users to show conventional “below the vessel” sounder images, or a Fore/Aft display.
Furuno said it also improved upon the brains of the unit by making it more flexible and easier to interface with other electronics. It offers three NMEA ports with easy to affix WAGO connectors. Also, an IEC61162-450 Ethernet port is available, making it simple to connect the FE800 to Furuno’s new VDR and a variety of other networked Furuno equipment. While the display and processor are new, all the below-decks equipment, like transducers, tanks, matching boxes, gate valves and cabling utilized with the previous model are fully compatible with the FE800.