Overseas, it is generally accepted that everything related to GPS navigation and electronics for wireless distance measurement is necessarily somehow connected with. The manufacturer, which has been producing navigation equipment for two decades, has gained worldwide fame and recognition. This article focuses on Garmin echo sounders - devices that are very popular among people who prefer an active lifestyle and fishing. A review of popular models is made, instructions and reviews of devices among professionals are described.
About the brand
Russians are familiar with the brand’s products firsthand. Some use car navigators, while others have purchased a communicator created as a result of a symbiosis of two giants in the electronics market - Garmin-Asus. There is still a small percentage of people who use Garmin echo sounders when fishing, reviews of which can be found on any fishing forum or in the media. In any case, the brand is well-known, and thanks to positive reviews, it is also reputable. Indeed, in addition to products for any category of buyers, the manufacturing company provides users with detailed operating instructions, warranty service and repairs. From the official Garmin website you can download any software and updates for your device for free.
Sonar Garmin Striker Plus 7cv (Garmin Strike Plus 7 sv)
The practical Garmin Striker Plus 7cv fish finder features built-in standard CHIRP ClearVü sonar and comes with Garmin Quickdraw Contours mapping software that not only creates maps, but also stores them with one-inch contours of two million acres of information.
The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv model has built-in WI-FI, by connecting to which you can use the “ActiveCaptain” application. Here you can receive notifications, view and share waypoints, and activate software updates.
The seven-inch display and practical, intuitive user interface with built-in GPS and functions for creating waypoints, routes and speed information provide everything you need for serious fishing.
Recommended for beginners
If this is your first acquaintance with the device, then experts do not recommend making an expensive purchase, but giving preference to budget options that have proven themselves well in fishing. Their cost is quite acceptable for most future owners. Thus, the Garmin Echo echo sounder with a black and white display is presented by the manufacturer in the budget class up to 20,000 rubles. However, do not underestimate these devices. Unlike other models from a more expensive niche, they contain all the functionality that will not only be in demand, but also actively used during fishing. After all, judging by numerous reviews, owners of expensive echo sounders, in addition to two or three functions, do not use the device 100%, and some do not even know how to use it.
Best selling. "Baby"
The cheapest Garmin echo sounders that can be found on the market are the Echo-100 model and its updated modification, Echo-101. The difference between them lies only in the increased scanning depth - from 180 to 450 meters, and in the peak power, doubled to 1600 Watts. Judging by the numerous reviews from happy owners, a 4-inch black-and-white screen and one beam with a 60-degree girth are quite enough for a beginner.
The echo sounder comes with two instructions in Russian. One describes step-by-step the assembly and installation of the device in pictures. The second instruction contains a user manual; it is designed for all modifications of devices with black and white four-inch screens, including the Garmin 150 echo sounder. Professionals recommend that all new owners, without exception, when purchasing a used device, reset it to factory settings and make sure that the echo sounder is working in the presence of the seller. To restore the original settings, you need to perform the following sequence of actions: “MENU”, “Settings”, “System”, “Factory settings”, “Yes”.
Features and Specification
The weight of the device is 230 g. The ratio of length, width and height is 150/91/42 mm. The echo sounder screen has a high resolution: 480x320 pixels. D
Color display, SVGA type, equipped with backlight. The screen diagonal is 8.7 cm with an aspect ratio of 4.9x7.3 cm.
It is waterproof and functions in all weather conditions. If necessary, the display can temporarily operate underwater at a depth of up to 1 m.
It is possible to use a dual-frequency (50/200 kHz and 77/200 kHz) and dual-beam sensor.
The sonar uses CHIRP technology.
The nominal radiation power is 200 W, with a peak power of 1600 W.
The maximum operating depth of the device in fresh water exceeds 500 m.
At sea this figure is approximately 2 times less. The device operates from an external power source.
Ultrascroll mode allows you to detect fish even when moving at high speed.
The Autogain function increases the sensitivity of the device while filtering out noise signals.
The water temperature sensor included in the package will be useful. With its help, changes in temperature conditions can be presented in the form of a table or graph.
The echo sounder is equipped with a sound alarm. Signals reflected from underwater inhabitants are displayed on the display in the form of fish.
The A-scope function is extremely convenient. It allows you to track fish swimming under the sensor beam online.
A useful function is the ability to measure the depth of a reservoir and the distance to various underwater objects.
Acceptable compactness
The Garmin-150 echo sounder and its modifications will help you achieve better scanning of the bottom. At the moment you can find the Echo-151 and Echo-151dv models. They differ from the Echo 100 echo sounder only in price and number of scanning beams. Thus, the modification with the “DV” prefix has four scanning beams, while the other models have only two. On the official website, the manufacturer claims an increase in scanning depth in new modifications of the Echo-151, but judging by numerous reviews from fishermen, this fact is in doubt. After all, the electronics remain the same as in the old model, and the peak power remains unchanged. We can only hope that the manufacturer is telling the truth, because there is nowhere to verify in practice by measuring the depth of a reservoir for half a kilometer during fishing in Russia.
Sensitivity adjustment
The next point in the settings is sensitivity adjustment. Like some other settings, this parameter will most likely initially be set to “Auto” mode. But you are free to change the sonar sensitivity level yourself, and you should start with 75%. In the future, try increasing or decreasing the sensitivity setting, focusing on the quality of the screen image. In different bodies of water and at different times, sensitivity may need to be re-adjusted.
Also read a useful article: which echo sounder to choose
Fish finder with a large screen at an affordable price
The manufacturer did an excellent job in relation to its customers by providing the market with a relatively inexpensive device with a large screen. The image may be black and white, but it contains more information and small details. The Garmin Echo-200 fish finder has a five-inch screen with a resolution of 480 by 320 pixels and a 16-level grayscale display.
The buyer will note that all modifications of the 200 series are similar in functionality to the 150 series models. The difference in price between devices is only due to the enlarged screen (from 4 to 5 inches). Therefore, when buying an echo sounder from inexpensive black and white options, you should pay attention to such a factor as ease of use and make a choice in the right direction.
Budget options with color screens
Garmin echo sounders of the Echo-300 and Echo-500 series have color screens, which allows you to see a more detailed picture than on black and white devices. Upon careful study, any buyer will find that the three hundredth series in functionality, size and appearance is very reminiscent, as mentioned above, of the cheap Echo-150 series. And he will be right. This is the same device. Accordingly, the Garmin-200 series (an echo sounder with a black and white screen) has a color analogue, the Echo-500. The only difference between these devices is the battery capacity and peak power of the device, because, as you know, a color screen requires more electricity. The instructions supplied with the kit confirm that the devices are similar, since it contains a complete user manual with all possible menu combinations for a specific modification.
Summing up the budget class
Having considered all the budget options, it remains to determine the functionality that inexpensive Garmin echo sounders have. The instructions supplied with the devices are apparently the same. Accordingly, we can conclude that the entire cheap class of devices is based on one chip and is capable of performing the same list of functions.
- Water temperature measurement function with thermocline display. Having determined the non-moving layer of water and the absence of current, it is possible to determine where the predator is resting on a hot summer day. Because of this feature, cheap Garmin echo sounders, which receive only positive reviews in the media, are quickly sold out by fishermen during the summer season.
- Determining the quality of the bottom and the presence of fish or a school of fish in the water is possible thanks to the very high sensitivity of the sensor. This is also a useful feature for fishing in ponds with muddy bottoms.
- Complete set and moisture protection. IPX7 speaks for itself - after dropping the device into water and removing it from the bottom within an hour, you can continue working. I was pleased that all budget echo sounders included not only a transducer, but also a mounting kit for it for all kinds of mounting on the bottom of a boat or engine.
Operating principles of echo sounders
An electrical pulse generated in the control unit is transmitted to the echo sounder sensor. Converted into an ultrasonic wave, it follows through the water to the bottom, reflected from it, and passes back. The wave is then processed by the control unit. The device shows not only the state of the bottom topography, but also objects encountered along the way - stones, algae, river or sea inhabitants. Modern models of echo sounders can recognize even small objects, for example, small fish moving in a school.
The echo sounder sends continuous sequential signals, while the image on the screen is constantly adjusted. One of the important factors in the operation of echo sounders is the processor power; the device must not only quickly read and process information, but also produce it on the screen in an understandable and readable form. At high vessel speeds, outdated models of echo sounders may operate with delays, not reflecting the latest information and a fully loaded map. Garmin offers advanced fish finder models equipped with premium processors that perform non-stop.
Inexpensive device with navigation
Judging by the reviews of many fishermen, GPS navigation is not particularly popular among those who prefer to fish in the same body of water year after year. That's why they are attracted to inexpensive Garmin fish finders. By navigating with a compass, you can easily find a fish site or a hole with a predator’s home. But those who like to navigate the terrain using satellites will have to fork out a little. Thirty thousand rubles, and the user receives a four-inch echo sounder with a color screen and a GPS navigator using Russian GLONASS.
The Echo MAP 42dv model has built-in memory and is capable of storing one hundred routes or creating 50 tracks, in each of which up to 20,000 points can be marked. But when you pick up the instructions, you will find that they are the same as for the budget “300” series, only a menu for working with cards has been added. This similarity also applies to the configuration.
Sonar Garmin Striker 4 (Garmin Strike)
This practical and compact fish finder model with a push-button interface, rechargeable battery, pan-tilt mount and mounting kit is especially suitable for those fishermen who choose affordability and minimalism.
This is not to say that the Garmin Striker 4 fish finder with a 3.5-inch display is somehow weak compared to its brothers in the line. Not at all! This model also allows you to view a map of waypoints, enter data and navigate around the location. Chirp sonar controls the frequency so that the wearer receives a wide range of information.
The built-in flasher gives the echo sounder the ability to use it for winter and ice fishing. The reflective beacon is convenient for jigging in a vertical position and hunting for underwater predators.
The practical model comes with a case so that the gadget can be conveniently transported in a PVC boat or kayak.
Fish Hunter
Also on the market you can find devices whose purpose, judging by the advertising, is to hunt for fish in a pond. Garmin fish finders for fishing in the Fishfinder series have all sorts of sensor enhancements and the ability to zoom in on different areas of the device screen for a closer look at the picture.
In gratitude for such a function, you will have to pay a round sum, which, depending on modifications, will be in the range of 20-40 thousand rubles. But after reading the instructions and packaging, the buyer may think that the functionality is almost the same as the entire Garmin Echo series. And he will be right.
The main difference between Fishfinder and other modifications is the presence of a split-screen function, thanks to which two scanning results are presented, a wide and a narrow beam. By comparing the data in different pictures, you can draw your own conclusions about previously unclear objects in the water.
⛵ Try to keep the boat on a level course.
Marcum video camera repair
A common mistake, both professionals and beginners, is “going headlong” into the screen, not noticing the world around you. And as a result, the boat’s uncontrolled course. And a confused understanding of what is under water. This rule is especially relevant when using new generation echo sounders with scanning technology. By analogy, correct study of the water area using an echo sounder will be similar to the operation of a combine harvester. Smooth passages in one direction or the other, with steps the width of the beam, without skipping or marking time. If the echo sounder is equipped with GPS, then the correctness of your passages can be tracked on the screen along the remaining track (trace) - another argument in favor of purchasing it. If you don’t have a chartplotter, but just an echo sounder, you can look at the wake. If something appears on the screen, it means that it was left behind the stern a couple of seconds ago (the time of emission and reception of the pulse and its processing is approximately 1.5-3 seconds) and from the trace you can roughly guess where exactly it was. For the latest generations of Humminbird fish finder/chartplotter combinations, you can simply point the cursor directly on the fish finder at an object you found and the built-in GPS will calculate exactly where it was. And it will make it possible to immediately place a waypoint in this place on the “Map” page. Must be within the range of no less than 4 and no more than 10 km/h. And the best is 5-6 km/h. For ease of visual understanding, this is the speed of a fast human step. Such a seemingly simple task can become complicated under the influence of strong winds or currents. When moving against a significant wind or current, the illusion of sufficient speed will be created due to the good rustling of the water against the sides of the boat. And vice versa, when going with the wind or current, you will want to increase the gas. To correctly solve our problems (high-quality, truthful pictures), the speed of 5-6 km/h should be relative to the bottom, and not the sensations of the water. In such situations, the speed indicator on the GPS will be very helpful. This is one of the important arguments in favor of purchasing an echo sounder - chartplotter. Also, the speed of the boat affects the appearance of the fish's arcs on the display. Experiment with your boat's speed to find the best one to display the fish's arcs well. Typically, a slow trolling speed works best.
Elite devices
There are Garmin echo sounders, reviews of which attract new customers to the brand. The devices are equipped with all the modern functions required by many avid fishermen. Even though the price of such devices starts from 100,000 rubles, the functionality will impress any user. What is it worth to have a chartplotter, which uses navigation charts to display the position of the vessel on the water! By exchanging maps with other fishermen, you can easily find the best fishing spot in any body of water.
In expensive devices there is no such thing as scanning speed. Even if you walk across the surface of the water on a glider, the bottom scanning picture will be perfect thanks to the many built-in sensors that work with different powers and at different angles. Maximum pleasure from such fishing can be obtained with devices of the GPSMAP and Echo MAP series.
The instructions will impress all buyers who paid attention to Garmin echo sounders. To say that it is big is to say nothing. Thanks to its enormous capabilities, the instructions resemble an encyclopedia, which is written in simple language and will be understandable even to a child.
Sonar Garmin Striker Plus 4cv (Garmin Strike Plus 4 sv)
The reliable Garmin Striker Plus 4cv echo sounder will become an indispensable, compact assistant on the water. It is similarly equipped and comes with a CV20 transducer and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar. The model also includes the useful Garmin Quickdraw software for creating map outlines. The gadget also provides the owner with a platform to create and store maps with one-inch outlines of 2 million acres.
The manufacturer has equipped the Garmin Striker Plus 4cv echo sounder with built-in GPS with the ability to mark waypoints and track the speed of the boat.
The fish finder also has a 4.3-inch display, with an easy-to-view screen even in bright sunshine. The interface is quite conducive to using the echo sounder even for a beginner in this matter.
About accessories
In most cases, fishing on a boat lasts more than one day, so any owner of an echo sounder should worry about purchasing additional accessories. Boat owners who have a battery at their disposal to start their engines will only need to purchase a portable charger with the ability to connect to charging using terminals. But if there is no battery on the boat, you should pay attention to an additional battery for the Garmin echo sounder, the range of which is huge on the market. Among fishermen, judging by the reviews, the solar battery charger has proven itself well. Having its own high-capacity battery and many adapters included, not a single mobile device will be left without charging, because the solar device is capable of producing 5 Volts at the output.
Sonar Garmin Striker Plus 9sv (Garmin Strike Plus 9 sv)
This model is created for connoisseurs of large screens. The Garmin Striker Plus 9sv fish finder is equipped with a nine-inch display and a full complement of sophisticated Garmin chips: standard CHIRP sonar and scanning ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü, built-in WI-FI, contour mapping software, and the ability to connect to an application for exchanging data on fishing routes.
There is everything for comfortable fishing here. Safety and convenience are confirmed by GPS, showing the speed of the boat, the depth of the highest image quality.
