Camas, WA, May 28, 2015 – When it comes to IMO regulated or required carriage electronics; the first thought that comes to mind is not “super-exciting” or “ground-breaking”. However, Furuno has recently introduced a brand-new IMO Echo Sounder that actually breaks the mold of “same old, same old.” The new FE800 offers the rock-solid performance of their previous model, but now this new generation offers an 8.4-inch Color LCD display with built-in dual-frequency capability. It also features a new system design that provides immediate retrofit capability of older Furuno units, as well as easy installation on new build vessels.
The new color display accommodates both full and split-screen options. It offers a traditional single-frequency bottom presentation that you are used to seeing, but with the 8.4-inch screen, it is large enough to show two completely independent sounder presentations. You can choose single or dual frequencies in 50 kHz and/or 200 kHz. The FE800 allows you to show conventional “below the vessel” sounder images, or a Fore/Aft display.
Furuno also improved upon the brains of the unit by making it more flexible and easier to interface with other electronics. It offers three NMEA ports with easy to affix WAGO connectors. Also, an IEC61162-450 Ethernet port is available, making it simple to connect the FE800 to Furuno’s new VDR and a variety of other networked Furuno equipment. While the display and processor are new, all the field-proven and extremely reliable below-decks equipment, like transducers, tanks, matching boxes, gate valves and cabling utilized with the previous model are fully compatible with the FE800. This means that if you are retrofitting an older FE700, no expensive haul-outs are needed to replace the system!
Furuno’s FE800 IMO Echo Sounder has taken the “boring” out of regulations and is putting exciting new features in a unit that is critical to your daily work activities. Whether a retrofit or a new build, the FE800 is a great addition to your bridge.
For more information on the new FE800 IMO Echo Sounder, contact: Furuno U.S.A., 4400 N.W. Pacific Rim Blvd., Camas, WA 98607. Phone: (360) 834-9300. www.FurunoUSA.com.