CHCNAV D60 Dual-Frequency Echo Sounder
CHCNAV D60 Dual-Frequency Echo Sounder for Bathymetry and Soft Sediment Analysis
The CHCNAV D60 is a compact dual-frequency single beam echo sounder designed for USV-based bathymetric surveying and demanding shallow-to-deep water applications. Operating at 200 kHz and 33 kHz, it combines high-resolution depth measurement with stronger low-frequency penetration, making it especially useful in turbid water, soft bottom, and high-sediment environments.
Unlike a standard single-frequency sounder, the D60 gives surveyors more than just bottom depth. In suitable sediment conditions, the comparison between the high-frequency return and the low-frequency return can help identify the difference between the upper soft sediment surface and the harder underlying layer, supporting sediment thickness estimation and more informed dredging, pond monitoring, lagoon assessment, and reservoir management workflows. Low frequency can penetrate deeper in soft sediments and dual-frequency operation can be beneficial when measuring both the soft upper seabed and harder sub-bottom layers.
The D60 is also built for efficient fieldwork. Its integrated IMU, temperature-based sound velocity compensation, intelligent auto-tuning, and EasySail workflow reduce manual setup and help maintain reliable results in dynamic survey conditions. Combined with Apache 4 and Apache 4 Pro USVs, it creates a streamlined one-person hydrographic solution for bathymetry, dredging support, sediment assessment, and water infrastructure surveys
Technical Specifications
D60 Dual-frequency Echosounder
CHCNAV D60 for Bathymetry, Turbid Water, and Sediment Thickness Estimation
The CHCNAV D60 is a compact dual-frequency single beam echo sounder built for USV bathymetric surveying in challenging environments including turbid water, high-sediment water, reservoirs, estuaries, dredging sites, and rapidly changing bottom conditions.
Operating at 200 kHz and 33 kHz, the D60 combines precise bottom measurement with stronger low-frequency penetration. This makes it especially interesting for projects where operators want to compare the upper soft layer and the harder underlying bottom to support sediment or sludge thickness interpretation in suitable conditions.
With integrated motion compensation, temperature-based sound velocity support, intelligent auto-tuning, and fast installation on CHCNAV APACHE USVs, the D60 helps crews collect reliable hydrographic data with less setup time and less manual tuning.
More than simple depth sounding
The D60 is designed for surveyors and marine contractors who need strong bathymetric performance in water conditions where traditional single-frequency systems can struggle. It is particularly attractive when projects involve turbidity, soft bottoms, changing depths, or the need to interpret possible sediment accumulation.
Use dual-frequency data to support soft sediment and sludge interpretation
This is one of the most commercially important D60 angles. The 200 kHz channel gives finer detail on the upper bottom surface, while the 33 kHz channel offers stronger penetration in softer and more challenging sediment conditions.
In suitable environments, comparing the high-frequency bottom return with the low-frequency deeper return can help surveyors interpret the difference between the top of soft sediment and the harder underlying layer. That makes the D60 highly relevant for sludge ponds, lagoons, dredging surveys, settling basins, reservoirs, and other sediment-focused projects.
This should be positioned as sediment thickness estimation / interpretation, because final results still depend on sediment type, density contrast, site conditions, calibration, and processing.
Why the D60 stands out
The D60 combines dual-frequency sounding, compact USV integration, and simplified operation in one modern hydrographic workflow.
Dual-Frequency Bottom Interpretation
High and low frequency depth data can be compared to improve confidence in difficult bottoms and support sediment-layer interpretation.
Strong Performance in Turbid Water
The 33 kHz channel improves penetration in muddy, turbid, or high-sediment environments where high frequency alone may be limited.
Integrated Motion Compensation
Built-in IMU helps compensate for vessel motion and improves data stability in more dynamic survey conditions.
Auto-Tuning for Easier Operation
Intelligent algorithms automatically adjust gain and range, reducing the need for constant manual tuning in the field.
USV-Ready Compact Design
Optimized for APACHE 4 and APACHE 4 Pro deployments, with faster installation and easier one-person operation.
Single Workflow in EasySail
Route planning, data acquisition, real-time display, post-processing, and export are handled inside one practical software environment.
Built for surveys where standard single-frequency systems can struggle
The D60 is particularly relevant when hydrographic projects involve turbidity, soft bottom, sediment accumulation, or rapidly changing depth.
A cleaner hydrographic workflow with APACHE 4 and APACHE 4 Pro
One of the biggest commercial strengths of the D60 is that it is designed around unmanned deployment. CHCNAV positions it as a compact, integrated dual-frequency system that works especially well with the APACHE USV family.
That means less field setup, faster deployment, fewer loose components, and a much more attractive workflow for one-person or small-crew bathymetric projects.
- Optimized for USV installation
- Quick installation and removal
- Integrated Android remote workflow
- Ideal for efficient shoreline and remote deployment
Core components
The D60 package combines the main interface unit, dual-frequency transducer, and USV kit components into a compact hydrographic setup.
D60 FAQ
What is the CHCNAV D60?
Why is dual frequency important?
Can the D60 be used for sediment thickness measurement?
What are the D60 operating frequencies?
Which CHCNAV USVs are compatible with D60?
Does the D60 require constant manual tuning?
Configure your D60 bathymetry and sediment survey solution
We can help build the right D60 workflow for bathymetric surveying, dredging support, reservoir siltation studies, and soft sediment thickness interpretation.