New for users of data from Simrad echosounders

This page summarizes the new features, improvements and other changes that have been implemented in Echoview 7 which specifically affect the use of data from Simrad echosounders.

Simrad EK80 *.raw file format

Preliminary support is expanded for *.raw data files from the Simrad EK80 wideband echosounder. Additions in Echoview 7 include:

• Read MajorAxis3dbBeamAngle, MinorAxis3dbBeamAngle and multiplexed data from the continuous wave data file.
• Read (transceiver pulse) slope and TVG from the frequency modulated data file.
• Read tabulated frequency dependent calibration values from the data file and evaluate values for transducer gain, beam width and Simrad LOBE beam compensation as required by the EK80 raw variables, Single target detection - wideband operator and the Target Frequency Response graph.
• Read Motion Reference Unit heading, pitch and roll from EK80 .raw files.
• Read EK80 data file annotations and create Echoview marker regions.
• Support for integration and correct evaluation of no-data and empty water regions.
• The Simrad EK80 color scheme with fine color gradations suited to wideband data.
• Complex Sv ping graph with show/hide constant-power curve which is useful in estimating Bottom echo threshold at 1m (dB).
• Calibration settings drawn from common and other transducer specific settings. New settings include: Acidity, FrequencyEnd, FrequencyStart, MajorAxis3dbBeamAngle, MinorAxis3dbBeamAngle, Salinity, Temperature, TransducerGain, TransmittedPower and TvgRangeCorrection algorithm name SimradEK80.
• Integram settings for Complex Sv, Complex TS, Pulse compressed complex Sv and Pulse compressed complex TS echograms.
• Time varied and Minimum TS threshold settings for Complex Sv and Pulse compressed complex Sv echograms.
• Time varied threshold setting for Complex TS and Pulse compressed complex TS echograms.
• Line pick, lines, regions and Frequency distribution graphs on complex variables.
• Single target detection - wideband operator to detect pulse compressed single targets. This operator offers frequency dependent Simrad LOBE beam compensation.
• Export of data values to *.csv file format.
• Data export from a Target frequency response graph.
• Operator support for data types derived from wideband data.
  • Cell statistic [Single targets]
  • Copy
  • Data generator
  • Data range bitmap
  • Distance correction
  • Formula
  • Line bitmap
  • Match ping times
  • Ping subset
  • Ping time shift
  • Processed data
  • Reduce pings, Reduce pings (Method 2)
  • Region bitmap
  • Single target detection - wideband
  • Sv to TS
  • Target bitmap
  • Target length calculator
  • Target property threshold
  • Target samples bitmap
  • To color
  • Towed body
  • TS to Sv
  • Type conversion
• The Sv to TS and TS to Sv operators account for the calculated Simrad EK80 absorption coefficient.
• Fish tracking on complex single target data.

Please note: The correctness of sample values from this data format are still in the process of being verified in this release. Echoview will continue to be updated for any changes that are made to Simrad's EK80 file format as this new technology develops. Please contact support@echoview.com if you have any questions about using EK80 data files in Echoview or suggestions for processing wideband/broadband data.

Simrad ES60 *.out sounder-detected line bug

Simrad ES60 sounder-detected lines display correctly when a folder contains standard ES60 data files from multiple surveys. It is advised to use one folder per survey and use standard ES60 file names, dates and times. Non-standard file names, dates and times may lead to the incorrect/incomplete reading of data. For further information refer to Simrad data files: EX60 Notes.

Background noise removal

The Background noise removal operator now accepts multibeam Sv operands. This change suits Simrad ME70 multibeam Sv variables.

See also: New features in Echoview 7 for a description of changes that may affect you but are not specific to data from Simrad echosounders.