Author Topic: Matrix 87c sidescan (Read 19224 times)

Ninja · « **on:** May 09, 2011, 03:56:38 PM »

Can someone tell me more about the possibilities of the sidescan on the Humminbird Matrix 87c?

We tried several things on the water, but did not get results.

Our Matrix 87c is equipped with a normal transducer and a GPS.

sonar2000 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2011, 04:27:10 PM »

I think the 87c has been discontinued. It does not support an HDSI transducer for SI....Chuck

Rickard · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2011, 04:39:40 PM »

Ninja,

The Matrix models were not intended for sidecan in the same way as the newer SI models are. But, since the Matrix 87 (I have checked the manual) can operate with the Quadrabeam and the Wideside transducers which use 455 kHz for looking to the sides, it's possible to use any of the new SI transducers and get something that can be called real sideimages. I tested this with a Matrix 37 and took some photos from the display (there is no option for saving screenshots in the Matrix 37). I used the Quadrabeam transducer setting (the Wideside setting gave very poor images). The results are here: http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/viewtopic.php?t=483

Regards,
Rickard

sonar2000 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2011, 04:58:54 PM »

Rickard, is that side imaging or down imaging with the internal processor being tricked???
The image for SI is not very definitive and really show mostly the bottom..
For good SI he might want to upgrade his unit....Unless it is used for bottom depth...
Chuck

Rickard · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2011, 05:07:22 PM »

Chuck, it's sideimaging, but with the limitations in the Matrix 37. Max range is 50 m and only a small part of the display can be used for the sideimages, the upper part shows the standard downward 2D view. The result is actually much better than the photos tell. The boat in the image is only 8 m long.

Rickard

sonar2000 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2011, 06:32:29 PM »

Richard, thanks......I would suppose for good sideimage a new unit is in order...Not a bad display for something that was not designed to do this...
But you always seem to make things work..

Chuck

Rickard · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2011, 08:25:09 AM »

Thanks Chuck,

I sometimes fail too, but for some reason that's not reported with the same enthusiasm...

This is perhaps close to highjacking of a thread, but I'm tempted to show another thing that can be done with a 2D/downward sonar. Before HB presented the SI models people tried to turn conventional fishfinders into sidescan machines. In the standard solution a few, usually four, downward transducers were arranged as an array. The results were usually poor because at least one important condition was not fulfilled - not more than 1/4 of a wavelength spacing between the elements. I solved this by grinding down four Quadrabeam transducers. I used the 2D elements and got sidescan images in the standard 2D view in the Matrix 37 and the 981. The results in the 981 were presented here: http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/viewtopic.php?t=778

Nobody replied on that post, I guess it was too weird...?

Rickard

Ninja · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:46:55 AM »

Rickard,

So we need a quadrabeam transducer for this option. Can you tell me where to buy this?

Thanks in advance!

Rickard · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2011, 03:26:52 PM »

Ninja,

I'm not sure which option you refer to, but if you wish to get sideimaging-like results, like the ones I show here: http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/viewtopic.php?t=483 , you should buy an SI transducer. I'm not an expert on all the transducer models, but the 'compact' XNT 9 SI 180 T should be sufficient for your needs. The compact transducer is cheaper than the large SI and HDSI transducers. I think you can buy or order a transducer at almost any boating/marine store.

Regards,
Rickard

sonar2000 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2011, 03:58:43 PM »

I am not sure of all the stores in the continent but Jolly Roger and several others have mentioned a place in England. I will see if I can find some of the old posts on this...
Chuck

sonar2000 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2011, 04:16:20 PM »

I think this may have been the site Jolly Roger was refering to..

http://www.g-comm.co.uk/

Chuck

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