Interphase iScan 180 Sonar

[Andaman Andy]

Has anybody got any experience or comments on these "side scan" fish finders?

Here is the spec on one i was looking at.



The 3000-watt Interphase iScan 180 uses two phased array transducers with no moving parts. One transducer is mounted on either side of the vessel’s keel to enable a full 180-degree horizontal scan sector and allows for easy installation on sport fishing boats, trawlers, large cruising sailboats and other vessels with deep keels.
The iScan 180 is truly a unique tool for detecting hazards like submerged shipping containers, ''deadheads,'' rock pinnacles, coral reefs and shallow water. Its 180-degree horizontal scan mode is ideal for following channels or finding safe passage through reefs.

Bluewater fishermen will find the 180's huge scan coverage invaluable for quickly locating and tracking schools of bait and gamefish, or for detecting changing bottom conditions and structure. It includes a video input and output port for connecting shipboard cameras or outputting the display to large screens and remote video monitors.

Display Type/Size


234 x 480 pixel Sunlight Color Display

7.0'' Diagonal. 3.41''H x 6.1''W
Case Dimensions

9.4''W x 5.9''H x 2.6''D
Mounting

Quick disconnect bracket

EZ Flush Mount
Maximum Depth/Forward Range

800/1200 Feet in Vertical Mode

600/1200 Feet in Horizontal Mode
Display Views

Full Screen: Forward Vertical, Forward Horizontal, Down Looking

Split Screen: Data View, Down and Forward Vertical, Down and Forward Horizontal

Set Up
Frequency

200kHz
Output Watts

420 RMS

3,500 Peak to Peak
Interface Outputs/Inputs

NMEA 0183 Depth Output

NMEA 0183 Speed/Temp Input
Power Requirements

0.75 Amp

10-16 Volt DC

[loliver]

I would like opinions on this too!

[youngsaltydog]

Andy, I have not used the unit that you are inquiring about but I have done some research myself and talked to the people from I-Scan personally. The unit itself will work well for the purpose of scanning for bait balls and fish. If you are looking for the ability to see 360 in a 3-D view I would look into the Wesmar unit. They are the pioneers of that technology and they are used exclusively by the long range fleet out of California. I have seen the Wesmar used in person and it was the most amazing thing that I’ve ever witnessed, when I was in the wheel house the screen lit up and the captain looked at me a smiled and said go grab your rod, and two minutes later you hear hookup and reels screaming. I am not affiliated with them but I was a firm believer in the product and asked the captain a lot of question after the bite stopped. The one thing that you need to take into consideration is that you your scan distance for metering fish will be about half of what they say the maximum range is for the unit. The reason for this is the upload time for the information to the monitor. The captain of the boat would only scan to 600-700ft. I have a lot more info just asks and I will send you a PM with my number. I will be installing the Wesmar unit over the I-Scan due to the fact that I’m running two engines and the I-Scan has two large transducers that are about 9 inches long and they are on the transom. They also have the thru hull design but if that is the case I would have to mount them more forward in the boat and if I was on plain the unit will not work. I can install the Wesmar and run the unit while on plane and that’s just one of he reasons for choosing the Wesmar.
http://www.wesmar.com/sportfishing.html

[loliver]

youngsaltydog,
this looks very interesting. I went to the website and the product really looks good. Do you know if it displays over any screen with a NMEA 0183 input, or does it require its own dedicated display.
I am in the process of specking a Viking 45C and I may want this if I don't run out of money Geez, boats have gotten outrageously expensive in the last 10 years