Wi-Fi echo sounder for fishing, review of wireless models with Wi-Fi for Android smartphones

The use of portable echo sounders that transmit information to a smartphone is very common in fishing.

The fish finder on your phone is a convenient application that does not require the use of many devices. The sensor is small in size, but this does not affect the accuracy of the transmitted information.

Echo sounder for phone - description

This type of device looks like a small device no larger than a tennis ball. The device has a floating element, and the sensor also consists of a durable, waterproof housing that prevents possible damage.

The device operates on a battery and can be used both for ice fishing and at great depths when fishing from a boat.

Principle of operation

The device is placed in the water, a special pillow prevents the device from sinking, and, floating on the water, the sensor sends ultrasonic signals to the bottom of the reservoir, due to which the relief and location of the fish are determined.
In turn, the float sends signals to the smartphone, and the fisherman has the opportunity to see the resulting image.
Transfer occurs via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

In order to receive an image on a phone or other device, you must install software developed by the echo sounder manufacturer.

Let's celebrate! This program also allows you to monitor and control a float that is placed in the water. The operating principle of the device is very simple and does not require additional knowledge.

Sensor characteristics

Models of echo sounders for phones have the following characteristics:

transmitting information via wireless communication;
large viewing angle of 90 degrees;
built-in battery;
Russian-language menu;
has a fish recognition function;
can connect not only to a phone, but to a laptop or tablet;
suitable for using the device in different seasons;
can be used at temperatures of –40 degrees;
frequency 125 kHz.

Each model may have individual additional technical characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages

How does a two-beam echo sounder work? Practitioner

Compared to stationary boat models, such devices have the following advantages:

Small size - the device does not require a case for transportation and carrying. A small echo sounder can be placed in the glove compartment of a car, any compartment of a backpack, or a jacket pocket.
Ease of use - this echo sounder does not require an additional unit with a display to operate: all results of depth measurements and fish searches are displayed via a smartphone or tablet with free special software installed on them.
Long reception range - thanks to the use of wi-fi technology, the device allows you to measure depths and search for fish sites in areas remote from the shore at a distance of up to 80–100 meters.
Duration of operation from a fully charged battery - due to the absence of an electronic unit with a display, such devices consume significantly less energy during their operation. This allows them to function continuously for up to 8–10 hours or more.

Important. The results of scanning the water column with a wireless wi-fi echo sounder are displayed by special programs for Android and iOS OS. You can download them for free on the App Store and Google Play.

Flaws

High cost of repair - a sensor damaged due to an unsuccessful cast, hitting a branch or snag sticking out of the water cannot be repaired independently. Repairs in specialized workshops and service centers are expensive.
Susceptibility to interference - under certain weather conditions, the presence of obstacles in the signal path, interference from the operation of other devices, the echo sounder will not be able to provide stable communication between the sensor located in the water and the gadget connected to it.

How to choose a fish finder for your phone?

When selecting an echo sounder for your phone, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

radiation frequency - the quality and reliability of the information transmitted to the screen will depend on this criterion. 125 KHz is considered the most suitable;
scanning depth – each model has a different level of water scanning. The most optimal are devices used for depths of up to 50 meters;
battery capacity – for effective fishing, you need to choose devices that will work without recharging for 10 hours.

Good to know! Also, when choosing a device, you need to pay attention to the presence of additional functions, such as 3D mapping and impact-resistant coating. The manufacturer of the device and reviews from users who have checked the quality of the product are of great importance.

What is an echo sounder for a smartphone?

An echo sounder sensor for a smartphone is a portable sonar sensor that is attached to a fishing line or a special rope. As a rule, they are produced in the form of a ball with a built-in transducer. It is possible to use the device for your phone only on the shore, because in a boat, especially when moving, it is impossible to securely secure it. There are modifications for both iOS and Android . Modern manufacturers in many cases provide devices with support for two systems, which is a definite plus for fishermen.

It is important to know that the communication of such echo sounders is completely droneless. If stationary transom models require a connection via cable, then in this case the signal is received via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Some devices are equipped with radio modules.

The best models of echo sounders for phones

When choosing a model for your phone, you must carefully study all the characteristics. A correctly selected model will be an indispensable assistant at different times of the year; among the large assortment, it is necessary to highlight the most frequently purchased devices.

Lucky FF916

Echo sounder PHIRADAR

The wireless echo sounder is equipped with a special antenna that allows you to increase the radius of the transmitted signal. The rubber housing of the sensor qualitatively protects the device from moisture.

The echo sounder can be used with the device that comes included and allows you to display all the information, or connect to a mobile phone or tablet. To connect the device, you need to download a program to recognize the transmitted signal.

Characteristics:

wireless communication;
depth up to 73 meters;
viewing angle 90 degrees;
the sensor contains a lithium battery;
sensitivity is adjustable;
can be used in winter at temperatures of -40 degrees.

Cost from 8000 rubles.

WATCH RADAR echo sounder

The echo sounder can transmit signals at a distance of 100 meters. The sensor is supplied with a special remote control in the form of a wristwatch. Information is transferred using a Wi-Fi connection. Can be used at depths of up to 70 meters.

Specifications:

scanning angle is 90 degrees;
menu in Russian;
lithium battery;
can operate at a temperature of -40 degrees;
frequency 125 kHz.

The cost is 7800 rubles.

WI-FI echo sounder FF916 LUCKYLAKER

Hello. I’ve wanted an echo sounder for a long time, but it was either wired, laziness, or work. Time passed, technology developed. So I ended up with a wi-fi echo sounder, and even with a surprise. The desire to purchase an echo sounder first appeared after a review by user vb

to a simpler model. But years later, I realized that: - I don’t want to put up with a small screen - I don’t want to carry unnecessary devices - no batteries (although there are already versions with built-in lithium and even color ones)

The choice fell on the wi-fi version, since all my wishes were taken into account. I paid on 11/01/2016, and the seller sent it 4 days later by Swedish Post (he cited some problems due to the lithium battery), and on 11/23/2016 the package was waiting for me at the post office. But I was pleased with the delivery. If only it were always this fast. The post office assures that the parcel took 15 days to arrive.

The parcel arrived in this form

I don’t know what the seller was afraid of, but he packed it in 3 such bags. So during a flood the packaging will not be damaged. When I finally stripped the box, I stole all the plastic. Then he discovered that there was something wrong with her. There was a strange hump, which will be discussed towards the end.

Inside is a beautiful glossy box

On the reverse side: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: 1) Compatible with Android/ios system 2) Working depth: up to 45 m) 3) Sensor frequency: 125 kHz 4) Sensor coverage: 90 degrees 5) WI-FI operating range: 50 m 6) WI-FI frequency: 2.4GHz 7) Power: 3.7V lithium battery Charger: 5V 1Amp 9) Charging indicator: red light 10) Operation indicator: blue light 11) Operating time: 5 hours when fully charged

On the Internet they write the following
Distinctive features:
1: Wireless Wi-Fi technology 2: Communication radius of the sensor with the device is 50M.
3: Detects fish location, depth, temperature in fresh and sea water 4: Can be used at a depth of up to 45 meters 5: Built-in water temperature sensor 6: Fish symbol and bottom contour drawing in real time. 7: Can find and display one or more fish with fish size indication 8: Fish detection alarm, and water level alarm. (to prevent the boat from running aground) 9: 90 degree beam angle 10: Fully waterproof hull. 11: Can be used in the ocean, river or lake, powered by 3.7V built-in lithuim battery Specifications:
1: Sonar frequency: 125KHz 2: Sonar beam angle 90 degrees 3: Operates at depth: 0.6M-45M (2ft - 130 ft) 4: Power: 3.7 V rechargeable lithuim battery 5: Charging indicator: red light 6: Working indicator: blue light Echo sounder weight: 80g But for the same version in a different package and poorer configuration they write that:

The sensor can establish a connection with five devices simultaneously, but in this case only one of them will transmit a signal without slowdown.

Maybe I have a more recent version and this has been fixed, or maybe that’s why they gave me a gift.
The effect of viewing angle can be seen in this picture.

The maximum depth also depends on the frequency.

Inside, the main box can be pulled out to the top/bottom.

But it only opens from the top. Inside is another box (a whole quest, but good as a gift). Above are instructions in Russian (it’s not so sad)

In principle, everything is clear, but it won’t be superfluous.

20 page instructions

Everything is beautifully and neatly packed in foam rubber

1 charger for 220 volts 1 car charger 1 usb-micro usb cable 54 cm long “from edge to edge” 1 echo sounder 1 carrying bag 2 spare covers (+1 already on the echo sounder. As a result, 2 green ones that are poorly translucent and 1 transparent)

The chargers are like this

And for electricians and lovers of dismemberment there is

surprise.

The complete folder is here yadi.sk/d/qTvQlXzRzbW2d there is the same thing, but you can look “larger” Everything is on glue, but in 220 there is very little of it. First, automotive.

Then at 220

Under the cover there are 2 indicators, a rubber button (light-accumulating) and a micro usb cap closed with a plug (I lost the plug on the same day and I don’t see much point in it) When turned on, a bright blue light comes on

Red while charging (illuminates the ceiling at night) and turns off when charging is complete.

In the photo above you can see a small groove for the rubber seal. Green covers almost do not transmit the light of the indicator, and the seller writes that “green is for night fishing, and transparent is for daytime fishing.” But I would wear green only for winter fishing, so that it doesn’t shine in my eyes.

Elastic diameter 28.5 mm, thickness 2 mm, height 3 mm. Soft, elastic. The diameter of the lid itself is 33mm, thread 26mm, internal 22mm, height 13mm. There is corrugation and “coin-shaped” to make it easier to unscrew the lid. I can easily unscrew it by hand. There were no problems with tightness. Plastic is similar to ABS

“impact-resistant technical thermoplastic resin based on a copolymer of acrylonitrile with butadiene and styrene”

ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABS plastic Edge size 67mm, edges 12 pcs. Although thanks to us it turned out to be more airtight (the gluing area is larger), inserting it into the case is not so convenient (the neck may spread)

Just below the middle there is an attachment point for casting. The wall thickness is 2.5 mm.
Approximately 1 cm from the bottom, there are contacts that turn on the echo sounder. It is enough to close them with your finger or water.

I did not disassemble the echo sounder. I wanted to carefully “file” it, but I realized that then I most likely wouldn’t be able to glue it together until it was tight. For this reason there are only 2 photos of the filling.

You can see a close-up at the link yadi.sk/i/oA-u64KSzbBEo And an 850mAh battery

You can see a close-up at the link yadi.sk/i/03PE11Zc32BhUH Also included is a neoprene cover covered with fabric. There are 2 stoppers on the sides. There is a plastic carabiner in the center. I had a similar one on my Oakley winter pants and I can’t say anything bad (except that it’s not very convenient to take off)

The carabiner fastening inside the case is well stitched.

But it’s a bit thick, I even thought about altering it to the outside

And if the cover is black on the outside, the inside is red. Stitched well

But still there is one small problem. Which does not affect use at all

And here the echo sounder is already inside

UPD: I remade the case and made a carabiner on the outside. I also pulled out the laces.

And here is a surprise/gift from the seller that was bulging in the box

Supplied in this packaging.

On the right is the repeater, on the left is a colorful instruction sheet of 1 sheet. “In the depths” there are more detailed instructions.

Instructions

White plastic, but blue can bend

From tip to tip 20 cm, width 2.8 cm The USB repeater only takes power and nothing happens when connected to a PC. When connected, the blue indicator lights up/flashes. He saved my life. I already wanted to buy separately (iron door +2 60 cm brick walls - the phone reception is poor.) But this one copes 100% with increasing the coverage of my Internet network. “PLUS” will be added to your network name, but you can change the ssid. At first I didn’t want to take it apart (the first attempts were unsuccessful, there were traces of the knife left) But I thought: p18 and there is a possibility that I won’t break anything. In addition, this may be useful for someone (like me, it is not used for an echo sounder) Elements are only on 1 side

Marking of the main chip As I understand from the Internet, the same one is in the “Xiaomi Mi WiFi+ Repeater”

But unlike Xiaomi Mi WiFi+, a review of which is here (the first in Yandex, I think there is more than one review on the site) My repeater does not require an application, and has a web interface. UPD: found it on Aliexpress.com/item/Maxeye-Original-mini-Smart-Router-Wireless-Wifi-Signal-Boosters-Amplifier-Bar-USB-Bendable-Repeater-Expander-Extender/32600257274.html for 11$

2.4GHz, 802.11b/g/n

setting up/turning on the repeater

When you turn it on for the first time, we have a wifi+ network without a password

Let's connect to it

We go to ip 192.168.19.252 And immediately this window appears, where we are asked to select the network that should be “duplicated”

You can change the name of the “new” network and specify the password (you can also view it while entering)

They will clarify whether we really want to connect and offer to wait. Then this window

And at the end there's this. Where is it written down what we need to do.

Then we re-enter the wi-fi and connect to the network that we just created and specified the password

Then we connect and use it. True, now we have lost access to the repeater, since it is now pretending to be another network, but it does not know ip 192.168.19.252 To gain access to the repeater again, we need to reset its settings and repeat the process. But if you specified the wrong password for the point to which the repeater was supposed to connect. Then using the “wrong password” you can log into the repeater as usual ip192.168.19.252 And you will see the following.

If you click MORE, a window will open

In the first menu you can change the network ssid

The second will reset the settings without pressing a button on the device.

The third will restart the device

If you click Other networks in the main menu, you will see a window asking you to start a new search for networks.

If he agrees to it, then everything will repeat “as if we turned on the device for the first time”

Now a little about work. A vertical video of the work can be viewed here

I have

And from other YouTube users

I downloaded the WIFI Fish Finder application from Google Play Market play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gazecloud.fishfinderEN But if you don’t have an echo sounder, you can go through the settings and try the demo mode.

The first time I threw it into the bay was at work near the coal terminal where huge ships are loaded. I cast it not far from the shore, the fish was there right away. I liked the depth of 17 meters at low tide. There are 2 casts in the frame. You can also notice that the bottom is more equal than in the video.

But after some time, I went to a place I knew where I fished in the summer. I knew the approximate depth, and the relief should have a “step” that can be felt when a load is dragged along the bottom. All sorts of rubbish in the form of abandoned beams, nets and metal structures is lying near the shore. The echo sounder is not visible in the photo, and in the video it is not particularly noticeable either, but it is clearly visible with the eyes. Although I prefer bright orange. I can see orange better on the water (maybe I’ll repaint it).

Cast and literally after 1-2 seconds the first readings with a depth of 8.5 meters. But in the distance, fish were rarely caught, so I continued dragging to the shore, anticipating seeing that very “step” at the bottom. And she was still found not far from the shore. And right away with fish.

I saw on the Internet how people simply put the echo sounder on wet ice or carry it in a bag of water and put it on the ice. And it shows the presence of fish/depth. I was afraid to go on the ice. Therefore, not far from the shore, I removed the snow with my foot, water came out and threw an echo sounder there.

As a result, I got a depth of 2 meters

Since it claims to work at 50 meters in length, I decided to check it out. I took a plastic mayonnaise bucket, placed it in the snow and began to move away. And if at the beginning the signal was like this:

Then at 175 meters the quality was already worse, and at about 200 meters the connection was almost lost. and was able to return it only by approaching 175 meters.

True, at 150m you can only watch it with binoculars. During the tests, I concluded: the signal indicator in the application works like a charm.

The operating time test was carried out as follows. I set the echo sounder settings as in the photo, and the display turned off after 30 minutes of inactivity on my part.

I turned it on, put it in a bucket of water (so it would work), and noted the time. Turning on was at 20.25 21:44 — 2/3 of the charge indicator remained 23:43 — 1/3 of the charge indicator remained 02:42 — 1/3 of the charge indicator remained (already 6 hours of operation) 03:26 — The indicator is empty, readings continue to come , phone 03:50 — “No connection” was displayed on the screen and the indicator on the echo sounder went out. As a result, 7 hours 25 minutes. The battery indication is like this. I tried to experiment by setting the maximum sensitivity - the result was about the same.

There is also a small nuance: I have custom firmware with Android 7.1 and the application sometimes crashes. On Lenovo s660 with Android 4.4 I did not notice any problems. Custom 6 android completely refused to see the wi-fi echo sounder. I returned to my native 5.1 (it seemed to me that this was the most stable thing on my phone) and all the problems with the application disappeared. The sensitivity changes only if there is a connection to the echo sounder (something happens inside there). With increased sensitivity, it finds more small fish. If you know that the depth of the fishing spot does not exceed N meters, then I recommend setting “Depth range” so that it would not be possible to observe such a picture when

And it happens if you take the echo sounder out of the water (the contacts opened when it jumped on a wave or something else), then the depth is set to 45 meters and after a connection appears with a depth of 3 meters, the picture will become normal.

Also, the minimum depth that the echo sounder could show was 40cm.

The echo sounder itself warms up to “room” temperature. I noticed this when I put it in my bag in the cold and everything at home was “icy” and the echo sounder was barely warm. If you listen, something clicks inside, but not always, or maybe I don’t always hear.

You can see the unboxing here

Video of work vertical And I have

And from other YouTube users

Well, now some conclusions that I was able to draw. +

No need to carry extra devices or batteries.
+
You can display data on a large screen
+
Data is available to everyone who is connected to the echo sounder (no need for five people to stare at a small screen)
+
Wireless
+
Could work for more than 7 hours without stopping (you need to charge less often)

Wi-Fi (they say that there can be problems with Bluetooth echo sounders and Wi-Fi is more “omnivorous”)
±
Not everyone has a smartphone/tablet and not everyone takes them fishing.
±
You can drown your phone/tablet
±
In bad weather, it is advisable to have a protective case or hide the phone in a bag
±
If you go away for a few days, you will have to take a “Power Bank”
±
Price
±
I prefer the orange case
±
I want a more “sophisticated” application
±
No dirty display signal (if a diver or a log is swimming in the water, he can draw a fish)

—

It’s unknown where he gets the size from (is the average one a meter or 30 cm long?)
-
I’m afraid that someday I’ll throw it in and won’t get it out.
—
The weight of 80 grams is not very convenient and you may need to carry a separate casting tackle (or throw it very carefully/by hand, ideally you can attach a boat to the RC)

The main difference from other echo sounders of this company is wi-fi. Everything else is plus/minus. And if it doesn’t matter to you on which screen you view the data from the echo sounder, you can safely take cheaper versions, for example the one described by vb

You can look at all the photos here yadi.sk/d/fSVX1OOt32TQYW If you have questions, ask, I’ll try to answer. When the ice gets stronger, I want to go with my friends to check it out for winter fishing and will add to the review. The price varies, the store is fresh and official and listed on the manufacturer’s website www.goodluckycn.com/

PS: cunning friends are already sharing my echo sounder... UPD: thanks to user nevsky

. You can install an application of the “Set Orientation” type and it will turn any application into a horizontal one. play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation

UPD: added a video of how to check for fish in winter without a hole.

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.

Features of using echo sounders on your phone

Using an echo sounder with a mobile phone has the following features:

in order to receive reliable information, you need to download the program provided directly for the selected echo sounder model;
the sensor is attached to a float, which is cast using a fishing rod;
in order to obtain the necessary information, the sensor is slowly pulled towards the shore;
the received information is displayed on the screen.

Good to know! Many devices have an image recording function, so if necessary, the angler can carefully review the information received.

Practitioner 7

A strange solution for the very best echo sounder? So at one time I would have rejected this decision even during the first filtering. But in fact, it’s quite a cool echo sounder. And according to our statistics, this is the most popular echo sounder with Wi-Fi among the Russian-speaking population of our planet.

Scans up to 25 meters.
Connection – up to 120 m.
Separate screen, but there is also an application.
40 hours of battery life.
There is GPS.

I don’t want to dwell on this model any longer, because... HERE we have already written a detailed review.

For the rest, I suggest you watch a detailed video, which also includes a comparison with the following popular model:

Reviews from fishermen

The WATCH RADAR echo sounder is an excellent device, especially for an angler who does not have enough experience. I have been using the device for quite a long time at various times of the year. In the summer I cast with a rod. In winter, diagnostics can be made through ice. To do this, you need to put the sensor in a bag of water. I advise you to try it. Grade:

Oleg

I used a Garmin echo sounder for a long time, it worked without interruptions, but recently it broke down. Now I want to try PHIRADAR, I studied reviews on the Internet, many write that the device is of high quality. Grade:

Vladimir

I believe that using an echo sounder in fishing not only interferes and distracts, but also reduces the pleasure of the process of catching fish. Such a device may be necessary for professional fishing, but for amateurs it is a useless thing. Grade:

Anton

Using echo sounders with mobile devices is very convenient, just download the application and use it. Moreover, almost all people always have a mobile device with them. Grade:

Maksim

For fishing from a boat I use Lucky FF916, the image quality is high. You can track fish and avoid interference at the bottom of the pond. In addition, the sensor is small in size and has a special storage case that prevents possible damage. Grade:

Victor

Let's celebrate! Wireless fish finders are gaining popularity and are being used much more often among outdoor enthusiasts. This is primarily due to ease of use. In addition, using your phone you can not only track the information received, but also control the device.

Deeper Pro

This model is more serious - it is suitable for fishing from the shore, and for fishing from a boat, and for ice fishing. Its technical characteristics are also noticeably better:

Wi-Fi reception distance: 100 m. Depth range: 50 cm - 80 m Number of beams: 2, 15° and 55° Dimensions of the detected object: 25 mm

When configured correctly (the application interface is intuitive, so fishermen do not have any difficulties), the device scans the bottom topography with high accuracy, recording schools of fish and individual fish, even small ones. Using free offline maps available in the application also makes fishing more comfortable. The price can also be included in the list of advantages - for a device of this level it is more than affordable.

There is exactly one significant disadvantage - there is no GPS for precise positioning via satellite.