gps fishfinders
What Makes the Lowrance Broadband Sounder™ different?
Lowrance fishfinders with Lowrance Broadband Sounder™ use a 200 kHz single frequency transducer covering a 60° field of view. The transducer then sends out another signal at 83 KHz covering a 120° field of view. Because the scanning area is broader, targets remain in view for a longer period which means more information can be collected on the target, thus refining the details.
Using the Broadband Sounder technology Lowrance has overcome a common tradeoff. Typically a strong detail at the bottom has meant less definition in the shallow part of the cone. The new technology means greater definition of countours, thermoclines and underwater structures. The result is the ability to use the Lowrance fishfinder to locate fish hiding in grass, weeds, skirting rocks and otherwise playing hard to get.
When you crank up the power on a traditional transducer to increase detail in deeper waters, the result is often increased clutter. While there is more information it is often harder to decipher because of this increased clutter. The Lowrance Broadband Sounder™ reduces the clutter so when you turn up the gain on the fishfinder, the clutter is filtered, making the detail easier to understand and the fish easier to see. The technology is therefore really useful for clarity in deep water and at the bottom of a river, lake or seabed.
Advantages of The Lowrance Broadband Sounder™ Fishfinder
The new technology offered in Lowrance fishfinders provides strong bottom lock at high speeds in deep waters. It offers better clarity than previously possible in fishfinder technology and uses digital filtering algorithms to reduce clutter at high gain. This is heavy duty technology for serious fishermen. If you want to take your sportfishing to the next level, it could well be worth your while to look into the the Lowrance Broadband Sounder™ technology next time you are in the market for a fishfinder.
With so many options for discounted multifunction marine electronics, how do you decide which system is right for you? Here are a few pointers about features to look for in basic models and what additional features you can expect in more expensive marine GPS electronics.
Select the Type of GPS You Want
When it comes to marine GPS, you can choose between a handheld unit, a combo GPS/chart plotter or a standard GPS receiver that will be hooked to your computer. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
If you are looking for an accurate, but inexpensive GPS unit that can be used on and off the boat, then consider a handheld GPS with basic features. On-board marine electronics often include GPS receivers as an integrated package. You can find combo GPS fish finders, chart plotters, radars and other marine GPS combos.
Think of the Environment
In this case, the environment you and your GPS will be in. On the open water you are exposed to very bright sun, making it hard to read all but the brightest displays. Even on calm days you may experience choppy waters that will interfere with your balance. At times like this a handheld GPS with a small screen may be hard to read. What's more, their small controls will be hard to manipulate when you are struggling to maintain your balance. If you do a lot of sailing on rough water, then consider a GPS or GPS combo that has a large display and large control knobs for easy navigation on bobbing waves.
If you have a small boat, finding shaded or below-deck space for a computer to link to the standard GPS might present a problem. Keep in mind that computer screens are not designed to be viewed in direct sunlight. Another consideration when selecting the best marine GPS for your boat is how much dashboard space you have. For a small boat and dash look for marine electronics that can be expanded in the future to incorporate other devices in a single display. For larger boats with a spacious dash, consider whether you want to load the dash up with multiple displays or if you prefer one integrated model that presents a large, high resolution viewing area. If you have a large boat it might make sense to have more than one display for your fish finder, GPS navigation and radar.
Figure Out What Else You Want Your GPS to Do
Nowadays, even the most basic budget GPS models are highly accurate and capable of storing thousands of points of interest. It might be all that you need. On the other hand, if you are into fishing, you might consider a gps fishfinders combo. A GPS/ chart plotter multifunction unit might be especially useful to boaters.
If you are not certain whether you need some of the features, check if the marine GPS unit you consider buying offers expansion capabilities. For example, a fairly budget-friendly Si-Tex ColorMax 5 and ColorMax 7 are both basic marine GPS/chart plotter combos that can be expanded to integrate fish finder, radar and other marine electronics components.
Decide What Features You Can Do Without
Many marine GPS units are now heavily loaded with additional features. Some might be very useful while others might turn out to be nothing but costly detractors. Decide for yourself whether you need your multifunction GPS to play MP3's, synch with your Bluetooth headset for hands-free navigation, or provide live weather updates. Compare features offered on different models at your price point. Are you paying for a high resolution display, the ability to upgrade with additional marine electronics or additional features that you will never use?
There are many good GPS marine electronics on the market. Choosing the right one is a balance between understanding what features are available, knowing your own boating needs, and comparison shopping for GPS marine electronics in your price range.
Confused about the complex array of marine navigation software for your Garmin Marine GPS? You are not alone. Here we will take a look at how to find the right charts and what format to purchase to ensure it is compatible with your marine GPS.
BlueChart g2 Vision is highly detailed, visual representation of above and below water with 3 dimensional perspective. High resolution satellite imagery is standard with most Garmin chart plotters. When you upgrade with the optional regional maps you also get aerial photography that provides unparalleled detail for navigation using realistic visual representations.
BlueChart g2 charts install in your GPS using the SD card slot on the device to provide complete marine coverage.
The 3-D mapping capability allows you switch between topside view and fish eye view for a realistic picture above or below the water. Below the surface views include shaded depth contours and other features such as reefs, rocks, and shoals. Optional auto guidance software charts the safest known route automatically avoiding known obstacles such as buoys, reefs, harbors and so on. You can also get information about fishing charts, tides, currents, wrecks, anchorages and other points of interest.
Garmin is continuously updating their stock of aerial photographs and satellite imagery to Constantly improve the BlueChart for their line of marine GPS electronics.
Find the Right Charts for your Marine GPS
Garmin makes two types of software. BlueChart software is a series of maps for coastal waters and the Great Lakes of North America. BlueChart also covers other worldwide large bodies of water. For example, Blue Chart Americas covers North and South America. For Asia and Oceania, choose BlueChart Pacific and for European and African marine adventures choose BlueChart Atlantic.
For boating in the interior on any of America's abundant freshwater lakes, choose Inland Lakes software for your Garmin marine GPS.
Installing the Charts on your Marine GPS
Formats for Garmin's marine GPS software line include CD-ROM and USB data card. Typically for GPS chart plotter, you purchase the CD-ROM and upload the data onto your PC. Then you use a data card programmer (which connects to your PC's USB port) to transfer information onto a memory card that you install in the chart plotter's memory card slot. You can purchase blank memory cards of various sizes to do this. Garmin's handheld series of marine GPS may have internal memory that allows you to upload the chart data directly into the unit (bypassing the need for a memory card). Other models use a micro-SD card for uploading charts directly.
The CD-ROM method requires you to unlock the software for the region you have purchased with a special license key. If you don't want to use the PC method you can also purchase pre-programmed SD memory cards with the BlueChart software already embedded. These do not require license keys, but on the whole you get more flexibility with the PC approach. Having the navigation and charting software on your PC allows you to plan ahead. You can also save waypoints to the computer. Having routes and waypoints backed up to your PC is a good precaution against data loss as well.
Different Garmin marine GPS devices have different requirements and capabilities for uploading the maps, so when you are purchasing discount charts and add on marine electronics online have your model number handy for reference.
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Two important criteria for selecting a fishfinder are the frequency and power of the transducer - that's the part that sends a signal (actually a sound wave) into the water looking for fish. Together, these determine how deep your fishfinder will look and the fidelity of the objects it finds. The Lowrance HDS-5X series fishfinders are priced based on the transducer frequency. The lowrance fishfinder HDS-5X with a 50 to 200 KHz range goes for fifty dollars more than the same model with an 83 to 200 KHz range. That's because the lower frequencies (50 KHZ v. 80 KHz) will penetrate deeper water. At 50 KHz a transducer can penetrate waters 1000 to 1500 feet deep and have a wider beam width, whereas at 200 KHz the same transducer may only probe up to 300 to 400 feet with a narrow beam but returns results with a greater degree of detail.
Another thing to look for is whether the fishfinder is single frequency or dual frequency (also called single beam and dual beam.) Dual frequency fishfinders operate on both higher and lower frequencies, sending beams directly down and off to the sides of the boat for better results.
Transducers can be mounted in a couple of different ways, but generally require drilling into the hull of your boat to one degree or another. You will need to consider this before purchasing your fishfinder. A transom mounted transducer, as the name implies, is mounted on the transom (at the back of the boat) and requires you to drill several holes small holes whereas a thru-hull mounting requires you to drill a large hole in the hull of the boat. It used to be that more powerful transducers (1000 watts) could only be mounted as thru mounts but that is changing as technology evolves. Transom mounted models are more suitable for smaller boats and thru-mounted transducers offer better performance and are more suitable for boats that operate at high speeds, or in waters where fishfinder performance is critical.
When choosing marine electronics of any kind that present information in graphical form, and especially fishfinders, the display is always an important consideration. Look for displays that are backlit, viewable in bright sunlight, color capable, and high resolution for the best detail. Of course the bigger display you get, the better it is, unless you only have a very small space to mount the display on your dashboard.
Best Fish Finder? Three Things You Need to Know Before You Buy
In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of fish finders that have hit the market. With so many popular models available, how do you know which one will suit your needs the best?
You can read consumer reports or other reviews. But this question is not always easy to answer and it often depends on the purchaser. But there are a few things you must know before you buy.
Some of the more popular products on the market have basically everything you could ask for in a fish finder. But they usually come with a corresponding price tag. The three things you must understand before you buy a fish finder are: (1) Ease of use; (2) Quality; and (2) Features.
One important characteristic that is often overlooked when purchasing a fish finder is ease of use. Consumers are so conscious of price and making sure that the fish finder has all the features they want (whether they need them or not), that they often fail to determine if the product is easy to use. An excellent finder that is too complex or cumbersome often will go unused. In fact, you may find that you don't have the time to figure out all the features that you may have paid a premium for.
Quality is measured by the craftsmanship of the product. This is often a function of the manufacturer and can vary widely depending on the component quality and manufacturing standards. Quality has improved in recent years. But buyers should still be careful as many of the added high tech features have resulted in lower overall quality ratings and have further frustrated buyers.
When it comes to features, this is an area that can get even the most price sensitive consumer into trouble. People often believe that they "need" a certain feature, but the truth is that most buyers don't use all the features that they have available to them. Make sure that you buy a fish finder that has the features that you will use or else you will be needlessly spending money.
When buying a new item, it's always tough to know exactly which one to purchase. Don't be too concerned...you are not alone. Just make sure to do your due diligence and ask the right questions. Finding the right fish finder may be easier than you think.
Hummingbird Fishfinder Cover Advice
Now that you have invested your hard-earned money and purchased your new Hummingbird Fishfinder, you will want to protect it. There are protective cases and covers for several models which protect your unit from the sun, water, dirt, and the damage made possible from the high-risk environment of your boat or in transporting and storing your new unit.
Humminbird produces ten different lines of fishfinders, each having several models within a line. There are covers available for the following lines: the 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, and 1100 series. They are also available in the Piranha, PirhanaMax, Matrix, and Wide series of fishfinders. These are made from sturdy, durable hard plastic which provides maximum protection from the elements and any possible damage that may occur in the close confines of your fishing boat.
Some lines of Hummingbird Fishfinders have stretch neoprene covers available. What is that, you ask? Stretch neoprene is a synthetic rubber perhaps most well known for being used to make wetsuits, but has hundreds of other applications. These covers stretch over the fishfinders, providing a snug fit and thus protecting the unit from the elements.
There are protective cases that are designed to cover the mounting assembly of the unit as well. When the unit is removed from the base for storage or transport, the remaining electrical connections are left exposed. This simple device shelters these connections from the elements, keeping them dry and clean.
Lastly, there are soft-sided carrying cases available when transporting and storing your fishfinder. These are padded for protection, and have convenient straps for easy transport. There are also cases for portable units, which also provide good protection against damage from transport, but are also designed to hold the unit's battery pack and charger for truly mobile convenience. There is also a carrying case for the Ice Flasher Series, a line of fishfinders for avid ice fisherman.
As you can see, there are several choices of covers and cases for your Hummingbird fishfinder. As with any investment, you want to protect it. While durable, any electronic device is susceptible to the elements and damage. Plus, you want to keep your equipment clean and looking good!
What Fishfinder Should I Buy?
Any angler who has even an inkling of fishing knowledge knows that we need a quality fish finder while we're on the water. Trying to make an informed decision on the type of unit you need is another matter altogether. There are chartplotters, combo units, portables and on and on. So let's start from ground zero and get educated about the technology before you go out and buy.
The Basics
Fishfinders operate by an old technology called Sonar. Simply put, the fishfinder produces a sound wave in the shape of a cone - also called a beam and when a structure or fish enters this cone, the object is "painted' or drawn on your screen. Actually, it measures the time the sound wave was sent, calculates the difference and displays it on your screen.
There are several features to consider when purchasing a fishfinder and you should have at least a working knowledge of them so you buy the unit for your specific needs. Know you're equipment and the type of fishing you do.......you don't need a high end chartplotter if you're fishing small lakes.
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LCD Display
This seems like the most logical place to start because the display you choose can keep the cost down considerably. LCD screens are measured in pixels - so the more pixels the clearer your display. This can be an important decision for some anglers, so pay close attention to the different models and their specific features. Besides a color display, you can get gray scale LCD's that make it even easier to read your display and determine what are structures and what are actual fish.
The Transducer and Cone Angles
The Transducer is attached to your fishfinder with a small cable. It turns the electrical signal from the transmitter on your fishfinder, turns it into sonar or a sound wave and beams it out in the shape of a cone. The cone angle is simply the wideness of coverage in the water. The wider the cone angle - the greater the coverage. Fishfinder cone angles vary from model to model so be sure to have a good look at all the features on the model you are considering.
Transducers are usually mounted in the water on the trolling motor and away from engines and obstructions. Select a transducer that suits your unique situation - specifically when it comes to installations. Some models have higher frequencies that provide superior resolution, different cone angles and so on. One thing to pay close attention to is that your frequency is the same as your sonar measured in KHZ.
Types of Installations
The way your unit is installed in your boat is something you'll want to pay close attention to as well. Transom Mount transducers usually associated with stern-drive and outboard powered boats. Other types are mounted through the hull and as rule needs to be a high frequency model still others are mounted on your electric trolling motor.
Sonar Update Speed
Basically, the faster your sonar updates, the better and clearer your image and you get a more detailed report on your screen. Also be aware that the deeper your penetration the slower your update speed and the shallower you get a faster speed. Some models update the sonar at 40 times per second in about 50 feet of water.
Thermoclines
We should also mention about thermoclines because some models have this feature as well. Some fishfinders show where warmer waters contact cooler waters and as you know some fish prefer colder water as some warmer. So identifying thermoclines are an important feature if you are looking for a specific species of fish and how they move during the day.
Conclusion
A fishfinder is an essential tool and can be an expensive investment to our fishing experience. So do your research and choose the right fishfinder for your own fishing style. Remember to put water safety first and most of all have fun.
The Newest Developments in Fish Finder Technology
By using the latest and greatest in fish finders you will be able to concentrate on reeling in a prized catch rather than worrying about whether you are even in a good place to lure anything. The newest models are so advanced that you may be curious as to how you ever fished successfully before you had them. The following information examines the newest developments in fish finder technology and explores the ways in which modern devices can greatly aid in your success rate.
Transducers are the primary element of a fish finder, and their function is to send out a sonar signal that helps indicate what lies beneath the water's surface. Typically, the devices with high frequency sonar offer the most precise resolution and identification of the fishing area. The cone angle of the transducer circumscribes the area covered by the device. In shallow and medium waters, wide cone angles will suffice, whereas in deeper areas, narrow angles are more useful. A sonar unit's depth coverage will be affected by the power of its transmitter, its receiver, sensitivity and frequency, as well as the transducer and how it is installed. Additional factors that impact a depth finder's range include the kind and condition of the water, as well as conditions on the bottom of the body of water.
The latest fish finders are tremendously simple to operate. Begin by affixing the device onto your watercraft, using the hardware with which it was sold. Fish finders are typically mounted on the boat's stern, bow, or close to the steering wheel. The transducer is the piece of equipment that emits a sonar signal into the water and provides data to the fish finder. Certain devices are already equipped with transducers, and sometimes they must be bought separately. Attach the transducer at the rear of the boat so that it is submerged, and then link its wire to the fish finder itself.
In order for your device to work at an optimal level, you will need be sure that the transducer is installed properly. The majority of transducers that are permanently attached are those meant for high-speed use. In order to achieve optimal performance, transducers ought to be affixed to a spot that will expose the face to a smooth, constant flow of water under any speed condition.
Fish finder technology is constantly advancing. It is possible to receive continual satellite information via GPS, and electronic probes complete with their own microprocessors can be attached to send even more data to the device monitor. It is also possible to find models featuring large screen monitors equipped with 200 kHz transducers as well as thermal scanning mechanisms. It is true, though, that such technological advances can be expensive, so be mindful of your budget. After you have identified a device that suits your requirements, you will have the greatest fishing companion ever.
5 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Fish Finder
When you are searching for a fish finder it is important to know how to pick the right one. There are some critical tips you need to know to help you make sure you get the right one the first time.
Here are the most important tips to use and remember.
One: Because you don't want to pay more than you can afford price is always one of the first things you should consider. Decide what your budget is on purchasing a finder to help you locate fish.
This will ensure you don't spend more than you are able to. It will also prevent you from wasting your time looking at ones you can't afford.
Two: If you are a beginner then it is a good idea to start with a finder that is simpler. Then when you become better at using it you can advance to a better one. Learning how to use it first is important if you want it to be effective for finding fish for you.
Three: Be sure that you will be able to clearly see the screen in direct sunlight. If you can't see it then it will definitely not be effective for helping you find fish.
Four: Take time to learn about kHZ which is the frequency that a finder uses to show fish. Understanding this will help you make a better decision for your fishing needs.
You need to understand that finders that are high frequency will provide you with a good view of the bottom and good fish details. These are best used in bodies of water that are smaller.
The lower frequency finders work better and larger bodies of waters. You can also choose to get a mid frequency finder if that would be better for you.
Researching about the frequency gives you a better idea on how the finder works. This will help make your decision on the one to get much easier.
Five: Compare the different ones that you find. By comparing them you will be able to look at all of the above tips to help you determine which one would be better. Comparing different finders is the only way to know if you are choosing the right one.
Now that you know these important five tips you will be able to make a much more informed decision about the right fish finder for your needs. Just don't rush your decision because finding the right one can make a huge difference in the success you have fishing.
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