HDS Clarity

HDS Clarity At first I didn’t see much difference in the Broadband sonar vs. the LCX sonar I have been using for years. I thought it was a little clearer but the LCX was so clear I didn’t care. It is hard to evaluate the sonar display and do comparisons since you can’t run a LCX and HDS at the same time with a 200 kHz transducer because of the crosstalk. You can use the 83 kHz but the displays will not be a fair comparison. These are the major improvements I have noticed. High Speed Fish I can see fish at faster speed clearer with the Broadband - HDS Review - 35 MPH Fish - click here for details Bottom Hardness Bottom hardness differences are more obvious. This will make it is easier for most users as a common question at my classes is how to tell the different types of bottoms. I have recorded sonar charts using the LCX and the HDS of the same drop-off to demonstrate the differences for the traditional sonar in comparison to the HDS Broadband sonar. The arrows are pointing at the same area under the transducer for both.
The first screen capture is from my HDS 8 which uses Broadband sonar.
The next screen capture is from my LCX 38 using traditional analog sonar.

Viewing fish near baitfish

I have reviewed my LCX/LMS logged charts and when I see baitfish I never noticed any fish standing out like these screen captures with the HDS Broadband.

The map on the right side of the screen is LakeMaster Dakota map of Lake Oahe. It is very accurate. The depths are 3 foot off as the water levels change in reservoirs.

The Broadband can superimpose different echo strength from targets better than analog (traditional) sonar. We get the benefit with a clearer display for interpretation of fish, baitfish, and bottom hardness.

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The last example is suspended fish to show the clarity and target separation of the HDS Broadband.