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“The science behind Pisces is amazing…it’s already having a great impact”

Pisces close up

Engineer Henry tells us about life at SafetyNet Technologies and explains how the test and quality control processes behind the production of Pisces, SafetyNet Technologies’ newest product, ensure both a durable product for fishing crews and a sustainable future for marine life.

Pisces, the bycatch-reducing net light

Hi Henry. Could you start by telling us a little bit about your role here at SafetyNet Technologies?

I am an Electronics Engineer, which means I am responsible for the designing, developing, and manufacturing of the electronic parts for SafetyNet’s products, specifically, the Pisces, which is a device we’re developing at the moment. There are a couple of things that I’m currently working on. One of them is a way of testing the Pisces PCBA – which is the actual electronic part that goes into Pisces. We needed a way of testing and quality-controlling that, and making sure it’s working before we put it into the product and send it off to our customers.

So why is that stage of testing so important?

It’s so we know that when the customers receive our products, they know it will be a high-quality product which gives them the right light, and the feedback that they want. It’s so they know it is going to be durable and meet their needs. I am working on a whole set of electronics which will simulate and test the system. Pisces fits into the set, and it essentially tests to make sure everything is working as it should: is it outputting the right light, the correct voltages? If it is, then we know it’s good to go. Then the person in the production line at the factory can then see clearly that the parts are working when they assemble the products, and remove any that aren’t. We also test any parts that fail, so we can trace them back and correct them.

Henry demonstrates the Pisces test process

What is the most interesting thing about what you’re currently working on?

With the Pisces, it’s definitely the wider impact that it will have on commercial fishing. The science behind Pisces is amazing; it’s still fairly untapped, and there is still so much research to do. We are going to be part of creating hardware for scientists who will potentially be able to find some amazing new phenomenons to take advantage of and help to preserve the marine environment. 

Can you tell me about some of the trials that have been done in the industry?

One outcome from some of the trials that have been run is that using certain wavelengths of white light on the fishing nets can deter sea turtles from swimming into the nets, which is great for conservation. So it’s already having a great impact – these are small scientific tests but it’s promising for when we get to market and use Pisces on a wider, more commercial scale. These steps are really positive so far. It’s pretty amazing to see how you can go from making something on a prototype level and turning it into a proper product that you make in the thousands in a factory!

When will the finished product be ready to go to market?

We are looking at the start of spring, that’s when we are planning to start scaling up our production. So it’s quite a critical and exciting time – it’s going to be a very busy few months!

The electronics behind the Pisces electronic test process

And finally, what is the best thing about working here as an organisation?

Working with very driven, incredibly talented people. I recently heard some advice, which is to surround yourself with people who are really talented –  they will push you to do well, and make you up your game. Everyone is encouraging and wants you to do the best that you can do. It’s really positive.

If you work in the fishing industry and are interested in finding out more about how Pisces can support your business, contact our customer success team: enquiries@sntech.co.uk

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