Quote Originally Posted by Doug Vahrenberg
If you visit the SI group there is a good explanation on Peak to Peak and RMS or Root Mean Square and how Humminbird uses those in their units: http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cGpXRhN...r%20Output.pdf

I disagree with this. Where did the magical 8 come from? There is no relation ( 8 to 1) in my engineering hand book.

RMS ratings are misleading. RMS deals with instantaneous measurements. Also the peak to peak measurements are misleading. A more accurate measurement would be the average power. This is the way I see things anyway. Your engineers know this also. It is hard for me to explain (to anyone) what exactly sonar power is as there is no industry standards for power measurements. It is whatever the manufacturer(s) uses as a ruler. The sonar power measurements are very similar to the stereo amplifier measurements. Very misleading. I have a good understanding of electrical theory. I have talked to numerous reps (sonar and audio). They all try to blow smoke up my tailpipe.

I wish you guys (the manufacturers) would self police and come up with a industry standard that all could use and understand. It would make our life easier and I wouldn't have to gripe about the misconceptions of the power ratings.

Soapbox ends,

Tom