Olex OS1 Echosounder Module

Olex’s new OS1 Black Box Echosounder Module will be compatible with Olex version 16.0 or higher. Visit the Olex website to update your software version for free.

The OS1 Echosounder Module requires an OS software upgrade to the Olex, as well as a dedicated transducer. It can be matched to 3rd party 40kHz to 210kHz transducers with output powers of 1kW, making it ideal for retrofit as well as new installations.

Typically, a standard 50/200kHz transducer is expected to be used. It should be noted that as a special case, the Simrad Combi C 38/200kHz is supported as a CHIRP transducer from 34 to 42 kHz. This gives better fish detection than its nominal CW at 38 kHz and this is the transducer that has been used for OS1 demo examples. Click here to view all supported transducers.

Olex OS1 does not include a dedicated control, instead, it seamlessly integrates with the Olex and appears as a window to the right of the Olex screen. A little <=> button allows the user to adjust the window dimensions as required.

OS1 includes the capability to record and visualise all pings indefinitely, with full water column details and a translucent overlay for fish density mapping. The level of detail and historical tracking provides fishermen with a powerful tool to understand fish behaviour patterns over time, enabling them to make more informed decisions about where to fish and when.

The ability to adjust colour intensities and interactively click on spots to view corresponding pings further enhances the usability and effectiveness of the system, enabling fishermen to target specific areas with higher fish concentrations.

Olex have chosen to focus on practical functionality rather than unnecessary bells and whistles, providing the user with a simple way to harness historic data and useful statistics without unnecessary complexity.

Please note that Olex OS1 currently outputs depth data only; hardness is not available. A hardness output may be available in the future, if/when it becomes available, the optional HT Ground Discrimination software will also be required to complete the package.

Fish over airplane wreck screenshot:

This wreck outside Trondheim is a real magnet on fish! Note how the wreck is visible through the dense fish markings. Close by, there are virtually no fish. This example includes 6-months’ worth of passing’s. The echograms are shown from A to B, with corresponding markings on the Olex view.

The echograms can be panned and zoomed, use the mouse wheel to zoom, and click on the echograms to place a mark on the Olex view. Fish density is shown as translucent blobs, ranging in colour from watery blue to green (some fish), yellow (more fish) and red (max fish).

Fish close to Værnes airport screenshot:

Here we see fish on an area for Scottish seiners. It appears that the fish has learned to stay above the height of the seine.

Overall, the OS1 Echosounder will be a valuable tool for fishermen seeking to enhance their understanding of underwater environments and optimize their fishing strategies.