ME70 Scientific Multibeam Echo Sounder Updates
Simrad, Norway, has released a significant update for its ME70 scientific multibeam echo sounder. A new software and hardware configuration improves accuracy and operating range while reducing maintenance costs and improving system reliability. With the new Simrad ME70 software 1.2.5, all beam forming is carried out on a powerful operator computer processor, meaning the system can run on a single computer.
Previously, the Simrad ME70 required six dedicated beam-forming computers in the transceiver unit, which, following this update, are no longer needed. All new Simrad ME70s will be sold in the single computer configuration and Simrad offers an upgrade kit to enable existing systems to run on a single computer.
More Stable and Reliable
The result of the update leads to less complexity and a more stable system which is critical for efficient surveys. This new configuration is of course easier and less expensive to maintain in the long run and is expected to offer better performance and more reliability during operation.
Improved Accuracy for Near-bottom Targets
The basic beam model used for steered beams has been improved to increase accuracy of target strength measurements for off-axis targets in each individual beam. Additionally, the nominal (pre-calibration) gain values have been improved, which allows more accurate evaluation of un-calibrated beam modes, whilst more default Fourier coefficients in the signal processing computations enhances accuracy on targets close to the bottom.
Simrad ME70 software 1.2.5 also introduces Windows 7 compatibility, increased absolute maximum range from 1,000m to 2,000m and improved message handling and documentation through the inclusion of a dedicated message descriptions chapter in the reference manual.
