Instructions for setting up the practice 6 pro echo sounder

Like many thousands of years ago, the main task of the fisherman is to determine exactly the place in the water where there is fish. This task is greatly facilitated by the use of an electronic echo sounder.

Initially, echo sounders were used by crews of sea and river vessels to determine depths and study the bottom topography, but then, thanks to scientific work in the field of echolocation, devices were created that made it possible to determine the location of schools of fish.

Such echo sounders were quite large in size and were used only for industrial purposes on fishing vessels.

Subsequently, thanks to the improvement and miniaturization of the element base, fishing echo sounders designed for amateur fishing were developed and are currently being produced.

These echo sounders are especially popular among winter fishing enthusiasts.

Description

The compact echo sounder “Praktik ER-6 Pro” was developed by NPO “Praktik-NTs” and is intended primarily for fishing enthusiasts who prefer extreme fishing in winter conditions.

The main task of an echo sounder is to help a fisherman understand a body of water and the behavior of fish in it, as well as determine its traditional habitats.

The principle of operation of the device is to emit an ultrasonic wave underwater and then receive echo signals reflected from objects located there or the bottom of the reservoir.

The received echo signals are processed by a microcomputer and displayed on the screen in the form of a graphic image of the bottom topography and underwater objects (including fish). An ultrasonic wave is sent under water with a certain frequency and the picture on the display shifts with the same frequency.

Characteristics

The Praktik ER-6 Pro echo sounder has the following performance characteristics:

• operating depth range at which the device operates, m - 0.5... 25;
• operating temperature range, degrees Celsius: -20…+40;
• dimensions:

1. base unit, mm - 96x62x23;
2. ultrasonic transducer, mm - diameter 25, length 80;
3. connecting cable length, m - 2.

• weight, kg - 0.17;
• supply voltage, V -1.5;
• Warranty period, month - 12.

All information is displayed on a high-contrast monochrome display measuring 5x3 cm with a resolution of 128x64 pixels.

Advantages

Analyzing the parameters of the Praktik ER-6 Pro echo sounder, it is necessary to note its advantages:

• the ability to accurately measure depths and quickly detect fish thanks to powerful echo signal processing algorithms and the use of a modern high-speed processor;
• ease of use. The device is controlled by two buttons and has an intuitive interface;
• The device does not scare away fish during operation. This is achieved through the use of limited radiation power, sufficient to operate at a depth of up to 25 m;
• high efficiency. One AA battery (without replacement) ensures product operation for up to 200 hours.

Instructions for use for beginners or reconfiguration

It is best to study the operating instructions in detail not only for those who are encountering echo sounders for the first time. But also for experienced users, because very often only a few standard functions are included. And the rest remain unexplored. Thanks to the intuitive interface, you can test all the above functions and modes easily and quickly. Reconfiguring will not take much time, and the button combinations will be remembered after just a few uses.

There are features that can be learned from the instructions. This:

• To adjust the contrast, just press one button;
• to display the structure of the bottom, you need to move the echo sounder relative to the bottom line at a distance of at least the width of one beam;
• correct use of the soil density indicator;
• zoom using ZOOM both at the bottom and closer to the surface;
• viewing the RTS window, which reflects all the raw data from the transducer;
• The screen backlight can be controlled by holding key 1;
• viewing the charge indicator;
• orientation to air thermometer readings;
• using a battery voltmeter;

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore - the best models of coastal echo sounders and their prices.

Echo sounders for winter fishing - a practical guide and key parameters when choosing in the next article.

Review of parameters and prices of echo sounders for fishing from a boat. Model selection, operating instructions.

The price of an echo sounder varies from 4800 to 5500 rubles.

Thanks to a large number of customizable functions, a modest price and a frost-resistant flexible transducer cable, the Echo Sounder Praktik ER-6 Pro can be considered a higher quality product than many foreign analogues. In addition, if a warranty case occurs, you can contact any of the service centers for repairs. Even after the 12-month warranty has expired, you can always order the necessary spare parts or install new firmware. And don’t wait for months, as happens when there are problems with foreign echo sounders.

Source

Features of the echo sounder

The features of the echo sounder that distinguish it from similar models include high operational reliability, as well as its low weight (170 g) and small dimensions (96x62x23 mm).

• The device operates reliably in conditions of ambient temperature changes from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius.
• The electronic unit housing is protected from dirt and moisture (IP67 standard) and can be immersed in water to a depth of 1 meter for 1 hour.
• The ultrasonic sensor operating underwater has a higher degree of protection (IP68 standard) and is capable of operating for a long time at a depth of more than 1 meter.

Accuracy of detection, measurements and operating modes of the echo sounder

A single-beam ultrasonic transducer sensor provides high accuracy in measuring the parameters of a reservoir and detecting fish.

Fish detection

The single-beam echo sounder sensor has a high degree of fish detection, which allows the user to quickly find a good fishing spot.

For this, a special program is used that allows you to analyze the movement of objects. This makes it possible to distinguish fish from other underwater objects. At the same time, the silhouette of a “fish” is displayed on the device screen.

The size of the silhouette depends on the weight of the fish: 150 g - “small fish”, 500...700 g - “medium-sized fish”, 1 kg - “big fish”. In addition, the capture of fish by an ultrasonic beam is accompanied by a sound signal.

Accuracy of measurements

The accuracy of measuring the parameters of a reservoir depends on the set sensitivity of the sensor. The only exception is the operation of the echo sounder in the “Depth Gauge” mode. The accuracy of measuring the depth of a reservoir is: 1 cm for depths up to 10 m and 10 cm for depths from 10 to 25 m, and the sensitivity is set automatically.

In general (by default), the sensitivity is set to 32 units. If necessary, it can be adjusted manually in the range of 0...64 units.

The accuracy of measurements is also affected by the image scale. Several scales are provided (3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 m).

When installing the power source, the echo sounder automatically sets the scale to 7. Further, during operation, the scale can be changed either automatically or manually. Automatic zooming is accompanied by a double beep.

Operating modes

The echo sounder operates in the following modes (selected using the menu):

1. “Fish ID” (processed information). The mode is set by default, immediately after installing the batteries. In this case, the screen is divided into two parts. One (wider) displays processed information (bottom topography and fish icons), the other displays unprocessed information (echo signals from all objects within the ultrasonic beam area);
2. "Pro". In this mode, the entire screen displays only raw data. The device does not identify fish, but only shows all the reflected signals that it was able to record. Only experienced fishermen who know how to work with echo sounder signals can use this mode;
3. "Flasher." The mode allows you to monitor objects in real time. When working in this mode, the screen is divided into two equal parts: on the left is a “history window”, which displays raw signals observed by the device, and on the right is a flasher window, where the picture is updated 4 times per second;
4. "Depth gauge". The mode is used for accurate depth measurement. The device operates automatically in this mode, depending on the conditions on the reservoir. Additionally, the screen displays the air temperature and power supply voltage;
5. "DEMO". The mode makes it possible to check the functionality of the device without immersing the sensor in water (upon purchase or at home before fishing).

Analogs

An equally worthy echo sounder is produced by Garmin.

Garmin Striker Plus 4CV Editor's Choice

The Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4CV fish finder has won many international awards. He received an award at CES 2021, won at the European fishing exhibition EFTEX 2021 and the Asian China Fish 2021 Deeper. The smart fish finder has been named an Editor's Choice by Fish Alaska, Anglers Mail and PC Magazine.

• For fishing at any time of the year and in any conditions.
• Creates a map of a body of water in the built-in Garmin Quickdraw Contours program.
• High accuracy of showing the depth of the reservoir and the location of the fish (its size, depth).
• Emits a beep when a fish is detected.

Buy on the official website with delivery. Price 5800 rub. There are seasonal discounts .

Additional sonar settings

In addition to basic adjustments, the echo sounder provides the ability to:

• adjust display contrast;
• select summer or winter operating mode, which allows you to avoid inaccurate images due to various interferences inherent in different seasons (microbubbles, debris, etc.);
• adjust the frequency of probing pulses to 2, 3 or 4 Hz. By default, the probing frequency is set to 2 Hz, which ensures the device can operate for up to 200 hours without replacing the power source;
• set the boundaries of the “dead zone”, which allows you to cut off unnecessary signals within a radius of up to 2 m and improve the image quality of the desired areas of the reservoir.

Functions of the Praktik ER-6 PRO echo sounder

The echo sounder provides a number of functions that greatly facilitate the work with the device and the fishing itself.

These include functions:

• fish detection (can be disabled);
• display of bottom structure;
• adjusting the depth scale both manually and automatically;
• auto-calibration, with which you can obtain optimal characteristics when operating conditions change;
• ZOOM - allows you to display an enlarged area of ​​the bottom water layer in a separate window. Effective when working at depths of more than 8 m;
• screen backlight (recommended to be turned on in low light);
• low battery indication (icon in the lower left corner of the screen).

Basic characteristics of the echo sounder

The most important information is that there is only one beam, but it has an angle of 40 degrees. Therefore, with additional increased sensitivity of the device and power, the absence of the second beam will not be noticeable (the processor was strengthened, which not only improved the image, but also increased the response of information transfer from the sensor).

Housing and sensor features

This device has small dimensions and weight (170 g), which makes it portable and convenient to use.
It will not take up extra space in your backpack if you have to go overland to the fishing spot. When fishing from a boat, it will be comfortable to hold in your hands for a long time without overwork. Thanks to the waterproof and impact-resistant housing IP67 (for electronics) and IP68 (battery compartment), it can be safely used in any weather. The transducer (sensor) is non-floating, that is, no additional weights are needed. The body has positive buoyancy, that is, if it falls into a hole or onto the surface of water, the device will not sink to the bottom after the sensor. The frost-resistant sensor cable can withstand any bends and withstand temperatures down to -60 degrees.

Nuances of power supply

Thanks to the revision of the device's charge consumption, it can now operate on one AA battery or rechargeable battery for up to 200 hours. This is very convenient for long trips into the wilderness, where buying batteries can be a problem. In addition, it is unpleasant to constantly change batteries, especially if the bite is good and you don’t want to be distracted.

Screen and Setting Modes

The electronic part of the echo sounder has a black and white screen measuring 30*50 mm, resolution 64*128 pixels with additional backlighting.
Thanks to a more powerful processor, it was possible to improve the quality of the image, which is important when analyzing the river bottom. The device is configured using 2 buttons and a clear, simple interface. You can enable or disable modes:

• demo (necessary for preliminary testing without lowering the transducer into water);
• flasher in a separate window (displaying information about the fish that is available and obstacles at various depth horizons (displayed as stripes));
• winter (so that the device can be additionally adjusted to the peculiarities of winter fishing);
• depth gauge (accuracy ±1 cm of depth measurement even in shallow water and among algae);

Among the automatic functions are switching depth scales and auto-calibration (so that the echo sounder independently responds to constantly changing environmental parameters).

You can control the functions:

• fish detection;
• determining its size in three options;
• sound alarm for the presence of fish;
• displaying the bottom structure;
• inclusion of a “black” bottom for better orientation;

Reviews

The Praktik ER-6 Pro echo sounder is considered one of the best domestically produced echo sounders. This is evidenced not only by the excellent characteristics of the device, but also by numerous reviews from fishermen who purchased and used it in practice.

Lovers of winter fishing are especially pleased, as the echo sounder fully met their expectations. It has all the necessary functions, is easy to operate and reliable in operation.

Numerous reviews can be found both on the manufacturer’s website and on the websites of numerous online stores offering accessories necessary for fishing.

Among the reviews published on these sites, fishermen especially note that the echo sounder:

• gives marks on fish at a depth of up to 25 m;
• displays the size of the fish and confirms its appearance with a sound signal;
• easily determines the depth and displays the structure of the bottom;
• works for a long time on one battery;
• Does not include any mounting hardware.

Review of the Praktik ER-6S model

The appearance of the Practitioner 6 S echo sounder indicates the readiness of this device to work even in the most severe conditions. It was important for the developers to make the Praktik 6S echo sounder adapted specifically to winter fishing. But at the same time, naturally, the device copes well with all its tasks in the summer.

The ER-6S practitioner accurately determines the presence or absence of fish. It is easy to identify a place with a large concentration of potential prey and get a rich catch. The echo sounder shows not only the fact that a fish has been detected, but also its approximate size.

The device is well suited for increasing the efficiency of summer fishing from a boat and ice fishing in winter. The echo sounder has shock-resistant rubberized lining around the perimeter of the body. A full description of the Praktik 6S echo sounder is given in the accompanying documentation for the device. Such documentation is included in the delivery package.