Interphase:Smart Question

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Question: What is the difference between the original iScan 180, Color Twinscope, iScan V90 and the new iScan 180se, Color Twinscope se, iScan V90se?

Answer: The main difference is the introduction of the SE-200 Sonar Engine into all three previous models. The new iScan 180se, Color Twinscope se and iScan V90se all use the Se-200 Sonar Engine. In the new configuration your transducer cable(s) runs to the SE-200 Sonar Engine and then from there there is a small VGA cable that runs to your Interphase display. Below is a diagram showing the new style verses the old style as well as more improvements to the newer models.

Although we are still producing the older versions ultimately the new SE versions will replace all the older models. Many of our dealer still have the original iScan 180, Color Twinscope and iScan V90.

COLOR TWINSCOPE SE IMPROVEMENTS

Composite Video and VGA Outputs
Simultaneous Dual Station Capability
No Need for Transducer Extension Cables
Remote Keypads Available
Shallow Range Expansion Auto Range
Thinner & Lighter Display
Long Display Cables OK (200+Ft)

Question: I've seen 2 types of thru-hull transducers for the Color Twinscope, 1 with single transducer and 1 with dual transducers. What are the dual transducers for? Do they provide an extra function for the display or is it to offset a larger keel? Does a large keel affect the horizontal sweep of the sonar (single or dual)?

Answer: We offer the twin thru-hull transducers for small high speed boats. The single thru-hull transducer is twice as wide as each of the dual thru-hulls. If the boat does no allow an installation on or close to the center line, then the transducer is sometimes placed 2-3 feet away from the center line. On a high speed boat (40+MPH) the drag can be felt in the steering. If the boat does not have trim tabs to trim this out, then the boat can 'pull' to one side at high speeds. The dual transducer configuration allows for a transducer on each side of the hull which evens out the water flow across the hull.

This does not account for the forward horizontal sweep being blocked by a keel, or deep V hull. In order for the forward horizontal scan to pass beneath the hull, the angle between the transducer and lowest point on the hull must be less than 10 degrees.

Question: I have read the description of your various products on your web site and have read several descriptions of some of your products in a couple of the boating magazines, but none of those sources gives me enough information a make a choice between your various models. For example, I want forward (and perhaps side) looking sonar. It seems you have 3 different "series" of sonar products (plus the Twinscope). I can't figure out the performance differences between the products. In other words, why buy one particular "model" and not another.

Answer:The confusion in products typically is created because our products are very versatile. They are used for navigational safety, fishing, search & rescue, diving and scientific research, just to name a few applications. I'll explain the basic scans and their primary applications.

The Forward Vertical Scan is pointed directly forward of the boat and sweeps from just below the water surface to directly beneath the boat. This scan provides a view of the entire water column and bottom contour directly in the path of the boat. For this reason, its most popular application is for Navigational Safety. It is the scan primarily used to disover if there are shallows, shoals, shipping containers and rocks that come close enough to the surface to be hazardous. This scan is available in the iScan V90, the Color Twinscope and the iScan 180.

The Forward Horizontal Scan has two popular functions:
1. It is often used in conjunction with the Forward Vertical Scan for navigational safety. The Forward Vertical Scan can inform you that you have a hazard directly in front of the boat. The logical question that follows such a discovery is, "How do I get around this hazard?". The Forward Horizontal Scan is angled downward at 10 degrees. This is to get below surface clutter and to allow the beam to scan the bottom. Because the scan reaches the bottom, it is possible to determine where the bottom rises and falls. So once a hazard is detected with the Forward Vertical Scan, owners of the Color Twinscope or iScan 180 can switch to the Forward Horizontal Scan and sweep the bottom ahead to see if there is a way to navigate around the hazard.

The Forward Horizontal Scan is also used for following channels, though this takes some time to learn. The iScan 180's 180 degree horizontal scan is best suited to this application because it sweeps from 90 degrees port to 90 degrees starboard.

2. The Forward Horizontal scan is popular for fishing because fish can be detected ahead of and outside of the path of the boat. A traditional fishfinder indicates fish that you've just passed over. With the Forward Horizontal Scan, fishermen can find fish ahead of the boat and steer to them.

The progression of our units is as follows:
1. iScan V90 - Forward Vertical Scan and traditional downlooking.
2. Color Twinscope - Forward Vertical Scan, 90 degree Forward Horizontal Scan and traditional downlooking.
3. iScan 180 - Forward Vertical Scan, 180 degree Forward Horizontal Scan and traditional downlooking. The Color Twinscope's Forward Horizontal Scan can be partially blocked by the boat's hull if the deadrise angle is greater than 10 degrees, or if the boat has a full keel. The iScan 180 uses two thru-hull transducers, each doing 90 degrees of the Forward Horizontal Scan. This allows for a Forward Horizontal Scan without interference from the hull or keel.

Question: Can I enter a Mark or Waypoint on my Chart Master by entering the Lat/Lon numbers?

Answer: Yes. Simply create a Mark or Waypoint by putting the cursor anywhere on the screen and pressing ENTER. You can then EDIT the Mark or Waypoint by entering the numbers. Once you complete the process, the Mark or Waypoint will move to the correct position on the chart.