New PI50 catch monitoring system

Simrad launches the new "black box" PI50 system in response to customer feedback, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to SIMRAD.

The new Simrad PI50 catch monitoring system was first unveiled to the professional fishing industry during World Fishing 2009. Following a period of system testing, the product is now shipping.

This new PI50 sensor receiver is designed to work with all PI catch monitoring sensors and in addition to a new, user-friendly interface and improved signal quality and stability, it offers vessels much wider installation options as it can be placed anywhere onboard.

As part of the famous PI catch monitoring family, which includes the PI32, PI44 and PI54, the PI50 is a ‘black box' sensor receiver for use with the all PI sensors. This amounts to a selection of twenty different trawl mounted sensors, including dual sensors, that can all provide critical information to help improve catch efficiency and to reduce the risk of damage to the trawl.

"We have had great success with the PI32, PI44 and PI54 systems, but many customers have asked for a ‘black box' receiver. The PI50 is our reply," says Mads Dahl, Sales Director at Simrad. "The PI50 receiver is installed in a convenient location and connected to a hydrophone and computer with PI50 software installed. All existing PI sensors and future PI sensors can be connected on this new receiver and reports from customers who have been testing the PI50 system so far are very positive."

All new Simrad products, including sonars, echo sounders and now the PI50 catch monitoring system are based on the award winning software for the multi beam echo sounder MS70. This means that operation across multiple Simrad systems is much easier to learn, especially as easy to understand graphics are becoming more and more important for skippers operating various electronic systems everyday.

Simrad PI sensors are renowned for their ability to provide accurate data even in harsh conditions. They are designed to offer reliable performance through the use of robust materials able to withstand daily use on the trawl. Data available from PI sensors includes: Stability of trawl doors, trawl geometry, volume/ quality of catch, behaviour of bottom/pelagic trawl and timing of a purse seine. Simrad has also integrated echo sounders into its PI systems to reduce costs and improve efficiency.