Lowrance StructureScan – full panoramic imaging sonar

by Sandman PR on 11 Aug 2009
Lowrance unveiled its next-generation sonar technology, the LSS-1 StructureScan sonar-imaging module, at ICAST 2009 in the US yesterday.

Due to be launched in Australia at this month’s Sydney International Boat Show (and available to consumers later this year), the sonar-imaging module is the world’s first to offer anglers a new dimension in underwater picture-like displays – side-to-side plus straight down, full panoramic viewing.
Designed for use with Lowrance High Definition Systems (HDS), the innovative StructureScan features a combination of SideScan and exclusive new DownScan Imaging technology. SideScan provides full-screen left and right side-viewing with extra-crisp detail of up to 146m (480ft) of underwater coverage that displays structure and fish targets, as well as their imaging-scan shadows. The new DownScan Imaging feature allows anglers, for the first time, to see submerged detail directly beneath their boats, providing a complete underwater picture in a screen format that is easy to interpret.

With revolutionary on-screen display versatility, anglers can merge side and down sonar scans in split-screen to view wide-area surveys and highly-defined detail. As a unique new tool, anglers can also compare DownScan Imaging with 2D sonar images in split-screen display to better distinguish fish from structure.

Removing all of the guesswork common to existing fish-finding technology, the new LSS-1 delivers the highest underwater definition ever achieved with crystal-clear views in shallow and deep, freshwater or saltwater – even at speeds of up to nearly 50km/h.

Navico Asia Pacific chief operating officer John Scott said the new StructureScan sonar-imaging module was another revolutionary step forward in sportfishing marine electronics from Lowrance.

'Offering never-before-seen underwater detail, the sonar-imaging module is the first and only wide-coverage sonar solution that also delivers a total underwater panoramic picture – so anglers won’t miss a thing,' Mr Scott said.

'Combine this new structure- and fish-finding tool with additional cutting-edge features available with Lowrance’s HDS displays, such as built-in, award-winning 2D Broadband Sounder, Navionics compatibility with TurboView, and award-winning Broadband Radar, and the results are truly amazing!'

The LSS-1 StructureScan sonar-imaging module allows anglers to cursor anywhere on the screen to receive information on distance from the boat and target depth for an exciting new level in precision bait or lure presentation. In addition, a new synchronised TrackBack function, featuring simultaneous scroll-back in the recorded history of sonar or mapping windows, allows anglers to find spots and set waypoints for easy returns to desired fishing locations.

Based on Lowrance’s affordable, plug-and-play, onboard, high-speed Ethernet network, the LSS-1 StructureScan sonar-imaging module is an optional add-on that easily networks with up to three onboard HDS displays to share SideScan, DownScan and 2D sonar-imaging for boat-wide underwater surveillance, each with independent control.

The fully-waterproof LSS-1 module comes with a rugged, low-profile, dual-frequency 455kHz and 800kHz panoramic imaging transducer that is easy to install and offers multiple mounting locations. The transducer also features a built-in temperature sensor and operates in tandem / interference-free with any HDS 2D sonar transducer. Like all Lowrance HDS products, the LSS-1 StructureScan sonar-imaging module is covered by a two-year limited warranty.

Further information:
Navico Australia – (02) 9936 1000 or visit: www.lowrance.com.au
Navico is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine electronics and the parent company to five renowned brands: B&G, Eagle, Lowrance, Northstar and Simrad. Visit www.navico.com to find out about our full range of products, including our revolutionary broadband radar and HDS integrated navigation system – new for 2009.