Abstract: A synchronization wire for synchronizing sonar ping transmissions from sonar transducer elements or arrays is provided. The synchronization wire includes first and second connection points. The first connection point is configured to connect the synchronization wire to a first sonar module that is configured to control transmission of a first sonar ping from a first sonar transducer. The second connection point is configured to connect the synchronization wire to a second sonar module that is configured to control transmission of a second sonar ping from a second sonar transducer. The synchronization wire is configured to transfer an electrical current between the first and second sonar modules. The synchronization wire is configured to enable synchronization of the first and second sonar modules through the use of the electrical current. Processing circuitry in sonar modules may cause or prevent transmission of sonar pings based on the voltage level on the synchronization wire.

Abstract: A system for generating live sonar images is provided having a first and second sonar transducer assembly. The sonar transducer assemblies each have sonar transducer elements configured to transmit sonar beam(s) into an underwater environment to form respective coverage volumes. The sonar transducer assemblies each define a respective facing direction. The system includes bracket(s) having alignment feature(s). The bracket(s) are configured to mount the sonar transducer assemblies to a watercraft, and the alignment feature(s) are configured to position the sonar transducer assemblies so that the facing directions are different and relative to each other so as to create continuous coverage of the underwater environment. Continuous coverage has an overall coverage volume that is greater than either of the coverage volumes individually. Sonar return data from the sonar transducer elements is used to form a live sonar image representative of sonar returns received from the overall coverage volume.

Abstract: Sonar steering systems offering improved functionality and ease of use for an operator (e.g., an angler) are provided. A sonar steering system is configured to automatically adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar system in a hands-free manner to allow the operator to focus on other tasks. Some such sonar steering systems are configured to adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar transducers to maintain a target such as an area of interest (AOI) within the sonar display despite movement of the watercraft relative to the target. Accordingly, the coverage volume may be automatically adjusted to maintain the aim of the sonar transducers at a target that is moving through the water, such as a school of fish.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein can assist a user when loading a watercraft onto a trailer (e.g., at a boat ramp). For example, position data generated by sensor(s) coupled to the watercraft and/or trailer can cause one or more propulsion devices associated with the watercraft to automatically (e.g., without user intervention) position the watercraft onto the trailer, for example, by controlling the power and/or thrust direction of the propulsion device(s).

Abstract: A trolling motor assembly including a main housing and a shaft rotatably coupled therewith. The shaft is rotatable through a first angular displacement about its longitudinal axis that exceeds 360 degrees. A first gear coupled with the shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A second gear coupled with the first gear has an axis of rotation spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and is rotatable through a second angular displacement that exceeds the first angular displacement. A plurality of discs coupled with the second gear are rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to one another and to the second gear. A first disc defines a first stop that is rotatable into and out of engagement with a second stop coupled with the second gear. A second disc defines a third stop that is rotatable into and out of engagement with a fourth stop coupled with the main housing.

Abstract: A system for locking a trolling motor assembly in a stowed position on a watercraft is provided herein. The system comprises a trolling motor assembly attached to the watercraft, wherein the trolling motor assembly is movable between the stowed position and a deployed position. The system further includes a locking mechanism mounted to the watercraft and configured to interact with the trolling motor assembly when the trolling motor assembly is in the stowed position. The locking mechanism defines a locked state and an unlocked state and is configured to transition between the states. The system additionally includes a controller having a memory including program code configured to, when executed, cause a processor to determine an instance in which to transition the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state and, in response, cause the locking mechanism to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are provided herein for providing for a controlled shutdown of a marine electronic device. Such marine electronic devices include a main unit, a power input in connection with the main unit, and a secondary unit configured to store energy for processing sonar data. The power input is configured to provide energy to the main unit, and the secondary unit is connectable to the main unit to provide stored energy to the main unit. Also included is a processor configured to determine whether the power input is providing energy within a predetermined threshold to the main unit and then, in response to a determination that the power input is not providing energy within the predetermined threshold to the main unit, cause the secondary unit to provide the stored energy to the main unit.

Abstract: A radar device for limiting radio-frequency power leakage is provided. The radar device includes a first component, and a second component. The first component has a first surface and a first waveguide that defines a first cavity. The second component has a second surface and a second waveguide that defines a second cavity. A first groove is provided that acts as a choke, and the first groove is defined in the first surface. The first component and the second component are assembled so that an air gap is maintained between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The first waveguide and the second waveguide are configured to facilitate transmission of radio-frequency power. The first groove is configured to reduce leakage of radio-frequency power through the air gap. Additional chokes may also be included.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are provided herein for managing a position of a first watercraft relative to a second watercraft during a desired maneuver. Such systems include a memory and a processor, and the processor is configured to determine a desired relative positioning of the first watercraft to the second watercraft, determine a first position of the first watercraft, determine a first position of the second watercraft, and then determine a desired second position of the second watercraft such that the first watercraft and the second watercraft comply with the desired relative positioning when the second watercraft is in the desired second position. The processor is also configured to determine instructions to cause the second watercraft to move to the desired second position and then to cause the second watercraft to move to the desired second position.

Abstract: A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes one or more arrays of transducer elements. Each array is operated at a fixed phase shift and varies in frequency so as to beamform multiple sonar return beams of a first range of angles and a second range of angles. The arrays can be oriented to cover the gap in sonar coverage for other arrays to create a continuous arc of sonar coverage. Accordingly, a 2D live sonar image can be formed. Three arrays are mounted in a housing in an X plus Line configuration with one of the arrays extending below the center of the X.

Abstract: A system for a marine vessel propelled by a propulsion device includes a controller operable in an automatic navigation mode in which the controller automatically controls a thrust of the propulsion device to propel the marine vessel through a body of water. A portable device is carried on an individual on the marine vessel. The controller enables a person overboard detection algorithm in response to enablement of the automatic navigation mode. The person overboard detection algorithm disables the automatic navigation mode in response to detecting a given status of the portable device.

Abstract: A guide system is provided for use in mounting of a sonar transducer assembly or housing. The guide system includes a gauge having horizontal lines marked thereon. The horizontal lines indicate appropriate tab positions corresponding to hull angles of a watercraft. The guide system also includes a reference tab configured to be positioned on the gauge at an appropriate tab position corresponding to an estimated hull angle to indicate a correct sonar transducer assembly or housing position. Sloped lines may be marked on the gauge, and the sloped lines may extend at different slopes and may be configured to provide the estimated hull angle of the watercraft when the user aligns one of the sloped lines with a bottom edge of the hull of the watercraft at a position corresponding to the position where the sonar transducer assembly or housing will be mounted to the hull.

Abstract: A trolling motor is provided for attachment to a watercraft. The trolling motor includes a system for steering and trimming a trolling motor. The system includes a trolling motor shaft attachment feature configured to receive and rotate with a trolling motor shaft about a trolling motor shaft axis. The system further includes a steering system having a steering motor configured to rotate the shaft attachment feature and shaft to steer a facing direction of the trolling motor. The trim system includes a trim module having a trim motor configured to cause the trolling motor shaft to raise or lower with respect to the steering system so as to cause the trolling motor to raise or lower with respect to the watercraft. The trim module is disposed on the shaft attachment feature such that the trim module rotates with the trolling motor shaft attachment feature about the shaft axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing an application on a multi-function device which is not internet enabled are provided herein. The system comprises an internet enabled device comprising a processor, a display, and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to receive user input indicating the selection of an application, and download a file comprising application data. The system further includes a multi-function device being remotely located from the internet enabled device. The multi-function device comprises a processor, a display and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to cause the processor to engage in data communication with the internet enabled device, receive the file comprising the application data, install the application within the memory, and cause, on the display of the multi-function device, presentation of an interface that enables user interfacing with the underlying application function of the application.

Abstract: A reflective sonar imaging system is provided. The system includes a reflective sonar imaging assembly. The reflective sonar imaging assembly includes a receiving aperture, a reflective surface defining a concave shape, and a receiver positioned between the reflective surface and the receiving aperture. The system also includes a display and processing circuitry. The reflective surface is configured to cause sonar returns to be reflected as reflected sonar returns toward the receiver. The sonar returns enter the reflective sonar imaging assembly through the receiving aperture, and the receiver is configured to receive the reflected sonar returns. The receiver is configured to generate sonar return data using the reflected sonar returns that are received, and the processing circuitry is configured to receive the sonar return data and generate one or more sonar images based on the sonar return data. The display is configured to present the sonar image(s).

Abstract: A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor, the user input assembly having an input device housing defining a top surface that is configured to receive a user's foot thereon, wherein the top surface defines a left edge and right edge, a support plate, wherein the input device housing is pivotably mounted to the support plate, and a switch that is selectively secured to the input device housing in one of a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is proximate the left edge of the input device housing, the second position is proximate the right edge of the input device housing, and the switch is movable between an open position and closed position so that the power is supplied to the propulsion motor.

Abstract: Many different types of systems are utilized or tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of unmanned vehicles, or drones, that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more unmanned vehicles can be integrated with a dedicated marine electronic device of a marine vessel for autonomous control and operation. Additionally or alternatively, the unmanned vehicle can be manually remote operated during use in the marine environment. Such unmanned vehicles can be utilized in many different marine environment systems or tasks, including, for example, navigation, sonar, radar, search and rescue, video streaming, alert functionality, among many others. However, as contemplated by the present invention, the marine environment provides many unique challenges that may be accounted for with operation and control of an unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes one or more arrays of transducer elements. Each array is operated at a fixed phase shift and varies in frequency so as to beamform multiple sonar return beams of a first range of angles and a second range of angles. The arrays can be oriented to cover the gap in sonar coverage for other arrays to create a continuous arc of sonar coverage. Accordingly, a 2D live sonar image can be formed. One or more of the multiple sonar return beams facing downwardly can be selected and used to form downward sonar images that anglers are used to, without requiring separate transducer elements. Fish arches formed using multiple sonar return beams can be positioned appropriately within a high resolution downward sonar image to form a desirable combined sonar image.