3D sonar equipment is one example of How American manufacturing startups are succeeding
Cover Photo: For cruise ships and superyachts, waters that were once dangerous or tricky to navigate are now open to those vessels equipped with 3D sonar technology. (Photo courtesy of Perini Navi.)
21st Century Navigation Benefiting From 3D Sonar Technology Made in the USA
A ship’s captain was traveling around the coast of Greenland on a 39meter expedition yacht during the spring of 2013. For many years, this route had been challenging to navigate due to underwater obstacles, ice floes and varying shallow depths. Despite these risks, the captain was calm and confident because he was equipped with a forwardlooking 3dimensional (3D) sonar system that clearly showed the depths of the shoreline in real time. With 3D sonar technology, the captain was able to see shallow depths immediately along the shore where as his traditional navigation chart indicated deeper water in the same area. Ultimately, he was thankful for the 3D sonar system that helped him avoid grounding his vessel.Sonar devices that look forward in 3D are starting to gain attention with mariners, especially with cruise lines and superyachts. FarSounder, a small manufacturing company, based in Warwick, Rhode Island develops the technology. The company began in 2001 with the purpose of showing navigators what lies beneath the waterline as they approach. Prior to FarSounder 3D sonar technology, a ship’s navigation system relied on traditional depth sounders, radar and navigation charts. The limitations with depth sounders include only being able to look straight down while radar only reveals what is above the surface. Navigation maps are static and can only show the most recent survey's data. FarSounder 3D technology scans underwater with a 60 – 90degree view up to 1,000 meters ahead using custom algorithms that create a vivid 3D display.
As FarSounder’s senior electrical engineer, Matthew Coolidge began working with FarSounder in 2002. When speaking about users of his 3D sonar technology, Coolidge says, “For our customers, it’s kind of like they are gaining a superpower.”
Today that “superpower” works because of the advanced electronics and tight design cycles that allow the 3D sonar to function. “We rely on our local partners for their build quality and their turnaround time,” Coolidge explains, “For example, our prototype manufacturing partner is Oregonbased Screaming Circuits . We found them at a time when we were desperate to get boards assembled for an urgent deadline. Because they are U.S. based, they have been instrumental in bringing our 3D sonar systems to life quickly. Faster prototype builds allow our 3D sonar devices to be built and shipped to the customer much sooner than the traditional or offshore manufacturing options.”
3D sonar technology by FarSounder allows vessels to view 60-90-degrees and from 500 to 1,000 meters ahead to spot underwater obstacles such as ice-floes and wildlife. 3D sonar also shows the contours of the seafloor and alerts mariners to shallow depth hazards. (Photo courtesy of FarSounder.) Many of FarSounder’s customers are cruise ships or superyachts that are eager to explore remote and less traveled areas, including rivers and narrow depth passages. Coolidge explains, “Until recently, the rule of thumb has been to follow the bigger boat. Now that approach has changed, because, with FarSounder, it’s like having a secret map that displays all the finite details that are usually left out.” Charter captains and cruise ship lines are recognizing the competitive advantage that FarSounder technology offers. They can now create opportunities for safe travel to areas previously avoided due to tricky navigation and shallow water obstacles. For cruise passengers looking to explore remote areas, FarSounder 3D sonar opens up many new route possibilities. Although not a requirement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for oceangoing vessels, Coolidge argues the incidents of ship collision and grounding may become infrequent or avoided altogether when 3D sonar technology is onboard. With several patents on file, FarSounder’s 3D sonar technology is unique in the marketplace. Its 3D sonar products include sensors with detection ranges from 500 to 1000 meters and run on the company’s SonaSoft software. The 3D sonar equipment includes a sensor that mounts onto the bow of the vessel. This unit houses sophisticated electronics on five custom printed circuit boards for the FarSounder500 and seven PCBs for the FarSounder1000 model.
For FarSounder, being innovative and competitive in the global marketplace means delivering 3D sonar products that are superior to the competition. The formula for FarSounder’s continued success includes reliable U.S. based partners who understand their timing and quality requirements. When asked about alternative printed circuit board options, Coolidge responds while holding a printed circuit board in his hand, “Foreign assembly houses that cost less money contact us often. Recently, we sent a design to one of these less expensive houses for a quote. However, we had the printed circuit board quoted, fabricated, assembled and delivered before the offshore shop got back to us with their initial estimate.” Coolidge concludes, “Screaming Circuits build boards fast, and they are the best we have ever seen when it comes to packaging the finished product. We never have to worry about a board getting damaged in transit.” The expedition yacht traveling around Greenland used FarSounder 3D sonar to display the contours of the seafloor, including reefs and suspended objects in the water. The system also showed a multitude of small and medium chunks of floating ice that traditional depth sounders have difficulty detecting. The captain said that he would never go to areas of ice again without having the FarSounder system onboard. Screaming Circuits estimates between 7 - 8 jobs and are kept "onshore" in the U.S. and FarSounder 3 - 4 jobs by working together. ### Learn more at screamingcircuits.com and at farsounder.com.