Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter - Download! *** NEW RELEASE ***

[ScubaDude]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

That would be sweet.

 

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[rgecy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Currently, Humminbird is not recording the depth to the sonar files. They have included it in upcoming versions.

There is currently some other software like Dr.Depth that will do what you are talking about. I think it is done live with the NMEA output, not with the sonar files.

Thanks for using the converter.

Robert

 

[starboar]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Robert,

Okay thanks. But I am pretty sure that the depth is in the file. When you playback the data on the Humminbird unit itself, you can see the echosounder data scroll across the screen during playback through the various views, so depth data must be stored in the data for playback. Would you be willing to make a software data extractor to extract x,y,z from recorded files?

 

[starboar]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Robert,

Have you tried this yet? Can it be done after the fact during playback from the Humminbird machine? If so, then I'll have to get one of the AS-PC2 cables. A simple extractor program would be easier and faster though.

It is from Humminbird support page:

Outputting Digital Depth

The digital depth is output from any Fishing System unit over the NMEA interface once every second. This can be directed to a personal computer or laptop computer for real time depth recording. The AS-PC2 cable accessory is required to connect the computer to the accessory connector on the Fishing System. We recommend using Hyperterminal on the PC to capture the data. Hyperterminal is common on most Windows based PC’s. It can usually be found by clicking on the Start button and selecting Programs->Accessories->Communications->Hyperterminal.

Note: The default setting for NMEA output on your Fishing System unit is Off. To turn the NMEA output on, press the MENU key twice to bring up the main menu system. Use the RIGHT cursor key to select the Setup tab. Use the DOWN cursor key to select the User Mode menu. Use the RIGHT cursor key to select Advanced. Use the DOWN cursor key to select the NMEA Output menu at the bottom of the list. Use the RIGHT cursor key to select ON. Use the EXIT key to exit the menu system.

Hyperterminal will capture the NMEA messages, called sentences, as they are output from the Matrix and display them on the computer screen. Hyperterminal can also be setup up to save the captured sentences to a text file. You can then use Microsoft Excel to read in this text file using the comma delineated input feature to separate out the depth and offset values.

Digital Depth is embedded in the DPT sentence. Its format is as follows:

$INDPT,d.d,o.o*hh

where:


d.d is the decimal depth value in meters relative to the transducer
o.o is an offset from the the transducer to the surface.
This Depth Offset can be programmed into the Fishing System unit under the advanced main menu system (see Fishing System User’s Manual for more details)
hh is an automatically generated checksum for communications error checking
- stands for “carriage return” and “line feed” which indicates the end of the transmitted sentence.

 

[rgecy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Robert,

Okay thanks. But I am pretty sure that the depth is in the file. When you playback the data on the Humminbird unit itself, you can see the echosounder data scroll across the screen during playback through the various views, so depth data must be stored in the data for playback. Would you be willing to make a software data extractor to extract x,y,z from recorded files?

Starboar,

At this time, the depth is not recorded in the .SON files. I am quite sure of this since I have been working with Humminbird on this for a while now. It will be in the next software upgrade for your unit from HB.

What you are seeing at playback is the calculated depth. In other words, they playback the file and calculate the depth just like it was in real-time. We thought the same thing for a long time until we got confirmation from HB that it was not in there. This will stay the same as far as playback, but the depth will be recorded to the .SON files so it can be exported via the converters.

Once this has happened, it would be nothing to write a program to do what you are asking. But until then, I do not know what bytes will be affected to extract it.

Robert

 

[rgecy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

I have not tried the Hyperterminal yet. I have never had a need to use it, but it sounds like exactly what you need or very close. Once it is saved to a file, you could easily extract only the data you need.

And yes, the unit is sending NMEA data out on playback.

 

[ScubaDude]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

If you can dissect each record line, the depth (from transducer) is equal to the distance from the centerline to the first solid echo. Can you write something that would figure out that value?

 

[rgecy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Starboar,

Which unit are you using (997,987,797,1197,etc.) and what Software Revision do have installed?

I will make a slight revision to my previous statement based on your answer.

If you are using an 1197c, the depth may be recorded in the .SON file because they have released S/R 4.100 for the 1197. The current version for units like the 997,987,797, etc are at 3.940. I do not have an 1197 and cannot verify this, but if you have one and would send me a .SON file, I will check it for you.

If you can dissect each record line, the depth (from transducer) is equal to the distance from the centerline to the first solid echo. Can you write something that would figure out that value?

Brad, I have already worked on this and is a little more challenging than it sounds! It is not nearly as accurate as HB's algorithm and is not something I included in the converter because of this.

Robert

 

[starboar]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Robert,

I have the 997. Almost bought the 1197, but at the last minute I cheaped out.

Guess I'll have to get the AS-PC2 cable and playback the data and extract out the depth from the NMEA string. Seems like the long way round but I guess that is my only option.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[starboar]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

I agree with Robert and Brad, the Humminbird is a neat little unit and great as a low cost unit for max 125ft depth. But even at the shallow depths it cannot replace the new conventional sidescan units (most of which are dual freqency). With sidescan it is important for data quality and represenation that the transducers (towfish) is 10-15% of the range being used. That is difficult to do with the Humminbird.

Robert, have you tried running the Humminbird on a longer cable? If so, what kind of cable? I cannot get clean data on the existing Humminbird signal cable if I use more than one 30ft extension. I just have the extension wet spliced onto the transducer cable. But soon as I add a second extension, the data gets very noisy. With just the one extension I get good quality data. I have an idea to mount the transducer onto a G882 mag towfish and utilize the mag tow cable (if their are any free wires in it) to act as a signal cable for the Humminbird as well. What do you think? This would kill two birds with one stone, give you mag data simultaneously as well as provide a longer signal tow cable for the Humminbird. All depends on the wires in the mag tow cable, length of cable, and whether the Humminbird can drive the signal down the cable. Does Humminbird offer a signal booster or anything like that? Sorry to inundate you with so many questions but you and Brad obviously know alot about survey, sidescan and the Humminbird unit and I'm eager to learn as much as I can from experienced and knowledgeable people like you guys.

Jeff, would be interested in having you make me up a towfish. I have made several very rough fish which have worked fine but I like the look of your fish. Could you send plans and cost?

Tom

 

[starboar]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Robert,

Any help on the Humminbird cabling issue? See my previous post.

Tom

 

[rgecy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

In order to go longer than the 30' extension, you will need to get some Low-Impedance cable like Belden 9730 or something similar. Basically 3 pairs individually shielded with 12-15 pf per foot and 22-24 gauge.

Use this to splice in near the transducer and make up the bulk of the length of your cable. You should be able to go up to 75+ feet. I would start at 100' and see what you get, then take some off if no good. You will probably need to turn the sensitivity up on the HB a little.

There is no in-line booster that I know of, but I am sure it could be done.

Robert

 

[scuba and dreams]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Well I just got my 997 SI for the sole reason to do side scanning here around Oahu, Hawaii. Already have a tow fish built...and bought the 262KHZ transducer today...you are a wealth of information.

I plan on downloading the software below and having a go with it....thanks!

Well, Here it is! The following link is to the HBSI Sonar Data File Converter Windows Installer download. The program will convert the Humminbird Sonar Files to different Sonar File Formats that can be played back on the PC with the corresponding viewer.

HBSI Sonar Data File Converter

This release is 1.01 and includes the YellowFin .872 Converter and the Deep Vision Technologies .dvs Converter. You can download the Viewers at the following links.

YellowFin109c_Installation.zip

Deep Vision Technologies - Deep View FV

The YellowFin Viewer is by far a more capable Freeware player and offers the option to save the .872 File over to XTF Format. Deep Vision offers more capable Viewers on their site, but they are not Free. They do offer the DeepView SE that will do playback and mosaic.

There is a help file with the program and links to the downloads above as well. If you have any problems with the install or any questions, please use this post as a support forum. We would like to hear feedback on the Unit you use, the software version, and the file sizes you have successfully converted. So far, we know it works on the 987 with ver. 3.740, the 997 with ver. 3.63, and has successfully converted up to a 428Mb file. It should work fine on the other units as well, but would like to confirm this.

As new versions and updates become available, they will be posted on the support forum at http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/viewtopic.php?t=181

Future update should include direct conversion to .XTF Format as well.

Thanks,

Robert Gecy

 

[PyrateJim]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Thanks for bringing this topic back up. I am trying to figure the best way to install the transducer for my 987 on my transom, WITHOUT having to haul the boat for 30 mins work, and am eagerly looking forward to using the software.

Taking suggestion on mounting as well. A bit apprehensive about drilling holes into the transome, below the water line, with the boat in the water, but not able to haul it for about another 3 1/2 months.

 

[pcolaboy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Robert,

I saw that Humminbird has a .SON file converter available for download. Did they use your code engine for this? Just curious if they ever followed through.

Pcola

 

[ScubaFinder]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Jim, for a simple setup, make a little towfish and hang it over the side. Even with only a 20 foot cable it get's the transducer below most of the boat noise and takes some of the pitching and rolling out of the images. I transfer mine back and forth between several vessels this way, and it works quite well. The towfish doesn't really have to be all that scientific, it just has to fly straight.

You could even just mount it on a pole or PVC pipe and hang it over the side. Either would make a suitable temporary solution. I'm re-doing my towfish right now if you want to play with the old one. It's got a custom mount for a transom transducer built onto it.

Best of luck.

Jason

 

[PyrateJim]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Jason, thanks for the offer and ideas. Check your email when you can.

Jim

 

[ScubaFinder]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

It's not rocket science, but it's close. Here are some pics of mine, maybe it'll give somebody some ideas.

 

[scuba and dreams]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

wow those are great pics thanks! Now, has anyone actually followed through on the Beldan 9730 wire to extend their towfish past the 50' mark?

I just ordered the 262 KHZ transducer for the 997 as I am going by the advise from this and other boards....I have a small 16' zodiac...and keeping it stable in ocean conditions is "fun"...

Anyways, should I mount the 262 KHZ on the towfish or keep the 455/800 on the towfish and transom mount the 262? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[pcolaboy]

Re: Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter and Playback Software - Download!

Hey Robert,

I finally got the high-speed SD card and it made all the difference like you suggested. I downloaded your latest HBSI converter and loaded it up in YellowFin....works awesome man!!!! I've started on a very basic towfish built with 2" PVC and I'm going to use cheapo poly cutting boards from Walmart as the material for the stabilizers. Will post my results.

Pcola