AIRMAR unveils new TriSonic Smart Multisensor
Ultrasonic Technology Eliminates Paddlewheel Maintenance;
Bluetooth Enables Speed Calibration from Smartphones
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILFORD, NH. (August 4, 2026) — AIRMAR Technology Corporation, a global leader in ultrasonic transducers and CHIRP sonar technology, today announced the launch of the TriSonic Smart Multisensor, the only ultrasonic speed sensor available in the marine market. “The TriSonic Smart Multisensor marks a major advancement in marine speed sensing,” stated Craig Cushman, Director of Marketing. “Utilizing proven ultrasonic measurement for speed-through-water, we’ve eliminated moving parts and the burden of paddlewheel maintenance caused by marine growth,” Cushman adds.
Designed to serve the full spectrum of recreational vessels, the TriSonic Smart Multisensor seamlessly integrates with NMEA 2000 networks, delivering calibrated speed, depth, water temperature, and heel and trim data. The TriSonic employs patented adaptive digital processing technology that automatically adjusts to varying boat speeds, water depths, and clarity for precise speed calculation.
The TriSonic Smart Multisensor connects wirelessly to AIRMAR’s CAST app, enabling basic and advanced speed calibration and offset adjustments directly from a smartphone. The CAST app uniquely displays real-time data—both numerically and graphically—while its advanced calibration provides optimal speed data based on the heel angle, enabling boaters to get the most speed from their hull. Previously, this level of calibration was only available from very expensive PC software. With the CAST app, it’s a free, simple-to-use tool that provides optimal accuracy across all boating conditions and loading configurations, all without professional assistance.
The TriSonic Smart Multisensor integrates all processing electronics directly within the sensor body, eliminating the need for an external junction box and simplifying overall system configuration. Its design allows direct retrofitting into standard Airmar two-inch thru-hull housings used by traditional paddlewheel and earlier ultrasonic sensors, making upgrades straightforward for existing customers. With Bluetooth connectivity extending up to 30 feet across the boat, the TriSonic delivers a seamless and modern boating experience.
For catamarans and multihull vessels, the new TriSonic 2 system offers a unique dual-sensor configuration. When paired with a second TriSonic unit, the sensors communicate continuously to determine which unit is lowest in the water, typically in the least aerated water, and automatically switch between them for the most reliable speed and depth readings available. This innovative approach ensures reliable performance in all conditions.
The AIRMAR TriSonic Smart Multisensor is available now through authorized AIRMAR dealers worldwide. For more information, product specifications, or to locate a dealer, please visit www.airmar.com or contact your regional AIRMAR sales representative.
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Oh happy day!
It looks like Airmar has improved on its previous ultrasonic boat speed sensors, including Bluetooth connectivity to the CAST app I’ve long appreciated using with Gizmo’s DST810:
https://panbo.com/airmar-dst810-multisensor-really-smart/
Note that the DST810 has also been replaced, with the DST820. Not sure why.
Hi Kees!
The difference seems to be the “Gen 2” paddlewheel and a new network security function I don’t really understand…
https://www.airmar.com/Product/DST820
The major problem I have had with Airmar triducers, is the water temperature sensor. After a few years the temperature readings do not make sense any longer. This summer the temperature has been consistently above 50 degrees Celsius. I have experienced the same problem across a number of Airmar triducers over the years. Am I the only one with this problem? If not, I would urge Airmar to fix this problem. I for one, have stopped replacing the triducers as the speed and depth continues to work.
Arild, I have not heard of this problem, nor had it myself. I have two Airmar DST’s on Gizmo. One is the 810 mentioned in my first comment, installed in 2021, and the other a Maretron DST300 that’s 10 or maybe 15 years old. It happens I checked both water temp readings a few weeks ago — because the first reading seemed too high — and they read the same.
Thanks for your comment Ben. I have had 3 or 4 triducers over the past 20 years. All have eventually ended up with similar misreadings. It starts with smaller deviations at first i.e. +5 degrees vs real temperatures, and then it accentuates over time. It is a known problem in Norway at least, I have read many comments on the same topic in local blogs. One refer to the measuring bridge on the thermistor that wears out after 2-3 years. Check out this blog on Cruiser´s Forum – https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/airmax-smart-tri-dst800-transducer-issue-271300.html – you will see the same problem described.
Well, I only saw a few temp issues in that thread, but I got quite a kick out this:
“I have a pile of broken DST800 sensors.
It is a crappy American made product, as many others are.
They fail within 6 – 18 months. First temp, then the rest.”
That’s what we Americans once said about Japanese products, and then Chinese products. No longer!
Thanks for your comment Ben. It is a known problem in Norway at least, I have read many comments on the same topic in local blogs. One refer to the measuring bridge on the thermistor that wears out after 2-3 years. Check out this blog on Cruiser´s Forum – https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/airmax-smart-tri-dst800-transducer-issue-271300.html – you will see the same problem described.
I have to concur with Arild, very well known problem. The sensor seems to c***p out after a while.
The MAP — minimum advertised price — for the new TriSonic is $1,200, which is quite a jump from the MAP $438 DST820 (which replaced my DST810 model with a higher precision paddlewheel).
I would love if this sensor worked properly. The 4th warranty replacement of my UDST800 just failed — almost immediately after installation. It’s a great sensor when it works but either the speed or the depth data eventually becomes intermittent — speed isn’t a deal breaker but we’ve had the depth go out while anchoring in tight spots or transiting atoll passes. Airmar has never given me an explanation as to why the transducers have this problem. I’ve now been waiting for almost a month for Airmar to reply regarding the most recent failure. Perhaps they’ve eliminated these problems in the Trisonic. (And maybe they’ll finally replace my UDST with something that can be relied upon…!)
I lost count, fourth or fifth DST800 transducer in 14 years due to temp sensor failure. It starts climbing, eventually up to around 120°F or so. At least one, maybe two replaced under warranty. Airmar rep told me after the second or third- “yeah, they last about four years or so.” I have the latest DST800 paddle wheel with the app. Fine but only a few feet of BT range.
It looks like there is a real quality problem with the DST 8XX triducers from Airmar. Have anyone found a decent alternative?
I had 2 DST810’s go bad within a year or so but both replaced under warranty at least. Current DST820 seems to be holding up for now.
Temp sensor seems to be the main issue. At least the app allows for calibration of temperature.
Curious how the new TriSonic handles marine growth? How clean does it need to be to work for speed and for depth?
I have also experienced repeated temp sensor failures with multiple Airmar sensors over the past 10+ years. I just removed a UST800 which thankfully Airmar will replace under warranty even though they were notified a bit beyond the 24-month post-manufacture date.
Our UDST800 and DST200 have never had a temp problem… always speed or depth. I WISH it were only temp! Still waiting for Airmar to respond to a July service request on our 4th failed UDST800…
Cheers,
Bruce
P.S. Hi Bill!