- In modern echo sounders, the display automatically adjusts to the chosen scale.
- If your are on Meter scale and the depth shown is 10M,
- It will show 33ft if the Feet scale is selected.
- Or 5.5 Fathoms if the fathom scale is shown
- But in older models, the marking depth will have to be manually read off against the scale and here caution has to be exercised. There have cases, when watch keeper presumed that the Fathom scale was in use, where the echo sounder was set to Meter Scale.
- The watch keeper presumed higher depth which in reality was lower and hence the ship ran aground.
Fix Marker of Echo sounder
When pressed, it marks the paper. This is done for creating a record as an evidence of a action like a fix or a a happening like a light coming on the beam.
Paper Speed Control (Fast / Slow) of Echo sounder
Faster the paper clear the record trace which is essential to appreciate the shape of the sea bottom. This visual display is a great help when sounding is used to fix a ship.
Gain & Sensitivity of echo sounder
To make echoes darker on the paper. Best set to when the echoes become just about discernible.
Dimmer of echo souder
Keep to optimum settings or else it will affect your night vision.
