In 2006, Furuno laid the ground work for new sounders with the introduction of their FCV620 and FCV585 digital fish finders. These units featured FDF (Furuno Digital Filter) Technology. FDF is the latest in digital signal processing technology that delivers noise-free underwater images. In less than a year, Furuno's FDF technology was so well received that it won the National Marine Electronics Associations 2006 Best Fish Finder award for the FCV585. Now, Furuno is bringing this same FDF technology to their popular NavNet system with the new DFF1 Digital Fish Finder module.

The new DFF1 plugs in directly to either a NavNet 1, NavNet vx2 or into a network through an Ethernet hub. The DFF1 has the same transducer connector as the BBFF1 and has the same Speed/Temp Sensor compatibility.  No NavNet Display software upgrades are required and it works with any established network already using the BBFF1. Simply remove the BBFF1 and connect the DFF1 to the transducer and NavNet network and you are ready to go.

 Furuno’s DFF1 with FDF technology adapts to your fishing environment by adjusting gain, STC and output power, as well as suppressing main bang (the echoes or clutter just below the transducer). It also makes the picture clearer and easier to decipher between baitfish and larger target species. The FDF filter optimizes the gain to suit the search range. For example, when searching in deep water, the pulse length is made wider and the reception band is made narrower, allowing for better and clearer detection at the deeper range. This is perfect for finding bottom fish, because the digital filter separates the noise from the actual seabed structure, allowing you to see the target fish close to the seabed.

Shallow water detection is also enhanced with the FDF technology by suppressing surface clutter mainly caused by the vessels propeller. It features a fast transmission rate of 3000 times per minute when sounding at the water depth of 5 meters, which aids in shallow water detection and identifying bait pods and individual fish targets right under the boat.

The DFF1 features operator selectable frequency of 50 kHz or 200 kHz for highly accurate readings of bottom depth, structure and fish under varying conditions.  It has a high transmission output power of 600 or 1,000 Watts RMS. This high-power network fish finder can provide detail all the way down to 2,500 feet (5,000 feet with range phasing).

A variety of operation modes allow you to choose the perfect method of display according to the specific situation.  In addition to the Single (50 kHz or 200 kHz) mode, there are Dual and Zoom (Marker Zoom/Bottom Zoom/Bottom Lock). The Dual mode simultaneously displays sounding pictures of both 50 kHz and 200 kHz in separate windows, allowing you to analyze a target (fish, bottom or structure) with two different sounding images.  In the Zoom mode, you can take a closer look at a specified portion of the water column.  Because this is part of a NavNet system, you can split the screen in a variety of ways to utilize the networks GPS, Chart and Radar information.

Other DFF1 features include A-Scope, Alarm (fish, depth or temp) and enhanced automatic cruising or fishing modes to suit your style of boating. Optional thru-hull or transom-mount triducer and speed/temp sensors are also available.

Last Updated ( Friday, 06 July 2007 )