Simrad released s.v.25.2.2 for EK80

The latest software version 25.2.2 which was recently released, adds value to all Simrad EK80 and EA640 systems. This is a 64-bit installation for Windows10 and it is recommended that all users update their software to this latest version. After the update is completed, it is recommended to perform new system calibrations. Here follows a short list of the latest changes included:

Software changes

EA and EK are joining forces. This release of the EK80 software has been updated with elements for single-beam mapping. So, the EA640 is now replaced with EK80. The following specific changes have been made:

• Marker Output page has been added to export the current geographical reference markers to a communication port or a file.
• Bottom Gain is a function to control the gain below the detected bottom depth.
• Included SVP compensation in bottom detection.
• Along Track Slope information pane has been added to show the current bottom slope angle.
• The EK80 software can now add the DPT datagram to the raw files through the Enable NMEA depth logging checkbox.
• Emulated single beam. This is a special license that allows a split-beam transducer to be used as if it was a single-beam while transmitting and receiving on all channels. This allows the new ES18-11MK2 transducer to replace the obsolete 12-16 and 18-11 transducers. ES38-7 replaces the obsolete 38-7 transducer. The split-beam transducer will physically be installed as a split-beam transducer, so no rewiring is necessary.
• The ES18-11MK2 transducer can now be installed in two different modes:
  • 14 kHz to 22 kHz for optimal performance. This is the mode we recommend for bioacoustics data collection.
  • 10 kHz to 30 kHz for extended and experimental use. This allows the new ES18-11MK2 transducer to fully replace the obsolete 12-16 transducer.
• User-selectable CW frequency. For every broadband transducer it is now possible to change the operating CW frequency. A word of advice: Calibration can still only be done and maintained at one frequency. If you calibrate at one CW frequency and later change to another frequency, the calibration will no longer be valid. We advise you to use this function with caution.
• netCDF output updated to follow ICES convention v2.0 and error_velocity for the ADCPs have been added.
• When recording both netCDF and raw files, files are now aligned in filename and time period covered in the files, making it easier to track and manage data.

Info for EA640 users:

• EK80 does not have a map view.
• Current users of EA640 do not have to update unless they want to take advantage of the new emulated single beam feature.
• The EA640 software will no longer be maintained.

The best of two worlds

The most substantial part of the update is the merging of the EA640 hydrographic SBES and the EK80 scientific echosounder and ADCP system into one solution, providing a single product capable of supplying high quality data for seafloor and water column surveys. The merging of these two products enables quantitative measurements of seafloor properties as well as supporting biological, physicals, and environmental research and monitoring. Specific EA640 functionality for hydrography such as bottom detection algorithms, real time sound velocity input and other are added to the EK80 software that will continue as the acquisition and data storage solution for the combined product. The EK80 system is already the de-facto world standard for fishery research and ecosystem surveys and has recently also added ADCP functionality, lowering the complexity and cost of sourcing and maintaining the combined echo sounder and ADCP systems.

Going forward Kongsberg Discovery’s SBES users will have the option to select between split beam licenses allowing them to collect calibrated backscatter data or more traditional single beam licenses focusing on bottom detection. If coupled with a split beam capable transducer, the single beam license can be upgraded to split beam through licensing at a later stage. The EK80 WBT uses all four transducer channels to produce 2 kW transmission signals which, when combined with the split beam capable ES18-11 MK2 and ES38-7 transducers, enables superior performance for users who require full ocean depth performance.

The new ES18-11 MK2 wideband transducer launched in 2024 is a vital piece in the new product strategy. This broadband low frequency transducer provides substantial improvements for biomass surveys, enabling broadband measurements at ranges unreached by other systems. The transducer covers a wide frequency spectrum, from 10kHz to 30kHz, with peak range performance at 14 kHz. In addition to fishery research, the ES18-11 MK2 has also shown great promises on other applications, including water masses mapping, sub bottom profiling and gas seep detection and quantification.

Based on more than 60 years of research and development in close collaboration with leading marine scientists this wide band echo sounder system has succeeded the famous EK60, which became an international standard for fish stock assessment. The Simrad EK80 is now a wideband system with an operational range from 10 kHz to 500 kHz. Its extreme range resolution and improved target characterization allow for a wide range of oceanographic applications.

Real-time echo integration and target strength analysis in an unlimited number of layers is provided as well as storage of raw data for replay or analysis in one of several post-processing software packages. Several post-processing alternatives are available for rapid survey analysis and reporting.

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