Simrad ES80 v.1.4.1 is released

The introduction of new functionality, the improvements to the existing functionality, and the bug fix all add value to your Simrad ES80 echo sounder system. It is recommended that all users update their software to v.1.4.1, the latest and most complete solution released. This software is a 64-bit installation, optimized for Windows 10, and controls all functions in the Simrad ES80. This includes transmission and reception, interfaces with external peripherals and sensors, plus all user interface.

This software update solves a number of software bugs that have been reported by ES80 users or detected during development and product testing. New functionality is also introduced. The following specific changes/additions have been made:

  • New NMEA datagrams: DDC (Display Dimming Control) for remote control of display palette and brightness and MTW (Mean Temperature of Water) for water temperature information from an external sensor.
  • Support of proprietary KM Binary datagram for Heave, Pitch, and Roll information from KM MRU (Motion Reference Unit).
  • The Biomass calculation in the Zoom window is now independent of the Bottom Detection.
  • New alarm for transducer error; connected transducers are now constantly checked during normal operation. The alarm is triggered if the test shows an impedance outside specifications.
  • When selecting CW pulses from a WBT (Wide Band Transceiver) sample data can now be used just like a GPT (General Purpose Transceiver).
  • A split-beam transducer with four sectors can now be installed (wired and set-up) as a single beam transducer.

Known issues

Certain software issues related to the Simrad ES80 are known. Issues in the ES80 software will be corrected in future upgrades.

Context sensitive on-line help

The first time you try to search for information in the on-line help, it takes a long time to start. This is operating system issue. The application used to open and present the online help takes this time to build the search index.

Language issues

Some functions, dialog boxes and/or other parameters may not be translated to all the available languages.

Defining the language of the user interface

This information is valid if you prefer to use the ES80 with another menu language than English. When you start the ES80 a small dialog box allows you to start with the current settings. Most users will click to start the program instead of waiting for the dialog box to close by itself. If you wait for the dialog box to close by itself, and you use a different user interface language than English, you may see a mix of both languages in the ES80 presentation. To fix this, switch to English, and then back to your own language again.

Software licenses

The ES80 needs one or more software licenses to work. Each software license code “unlocks” one Wideband Transceiver (WBT) for operational use with a set of predefined properties. You do not need to obtain any new license string(s) when you update from a previous version of a licensed ES80. In order to obtain a software license, you must contact a Simrad dealer or distributor.

End User documentation

The end-user documentation for the Simrad ES80 Wideband fish finding echo sounder has not been updated with this release. The current Quick Start Guide, Operator Manual, and Reference Manual are included on the ES80 software media (USB flash drive).

The Simrad ES80 is the fifth generation professional split-beam fish finder for the worldwide fishing community. The latest innovations in computer and signal processing technology are used to create a sophisticated, but also intuitive, echo sounder. It can operate with operational frequencies ranging from 10 to 500 kHz. With a suitable transducer, the ES80 can use frequency sweeps (“chirps”) across a range of frequencies.

For further information you may contact the Official Distributor and Support Center for Greece:

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com