Helix Series Introduction; How Sonar Works - Humminbird HELIX 5 SONAR Operation Manual

HELIX Series Introduction

The HELIX Series Fishfinder is available in several different configurations. See the following list
of products, all of which are covered by this manual, to find your HELIX Series model:
• HELIX SONAR: Wide screen Fishfinder with DualBeam PLUS sonar.
• HELIX DI: Wide screen Fishfinder with Down Imaging sonar and traditional 2D sonar.
NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and some features are only
available on international models. Every effort has been made to clearly identify those features. Please read
the manual carefully in order to understand the full capabilities of your model.

How Sonar Works

Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The HELIX Series Fishfinder uses sonar to locate and
define structure, bottom contour and composition, as well as depth directly below the transducer.
Your HELIX Series Fishfinder sends a sound wave signal and determines distance by measuring
the time between the transmission of the sound wave and when the sound wave is reflected off
of an object; it then uses the reflected signal to interpret location, size, and composition of an
object.
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a
depth of 240 ft (70 m) and back again in less than 1/4 of a second.
It is unlikely that your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal.
SONAR is an acronym for SOund and NAvigation Ranging. Sonar
utilizes precision sound pulses or "pings" which are emitted into
the water in a teardrop-shaped beam.
The sound pulses "echo" back from objects in the water such as
the bottom, fish, and other submerged objects. The returned
echoes are displayed on the LCD screen. Each time a new echo is
received, the old echoes are moved across the LCD, creating a
scrolling effect.
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Introduction