Marine electronics: Garmin GPSMAP 820xs / 1020xs
Fish finding made easy
Featuring bright, full-colour displays, the Garmin GPSMAP 820xs measures 20.3cm (8in), while the Garmin GPSMAP 1020xs measures 25.4cm (10in). Both fish finder units come with a 77/200kHz transducer to provide traditional sonar plus DownVü scanning sonar with CHIRP technology.
Anglers can add a GCV 10 black box for DownVü and SideVü scanning sonar with CHIRP. Check out the images to see the level of detail, clarity and definition.
According to Garmin, the DownVü signal can reach depths greater than 800m (2700ft), while SideVü is said to scan down to depths of 150m (500ft) either side of the boat.
Garmin CHIRP
CHIRP technology operates continuously sweeping each pulse through a range of frequencies. This differs to a standard sonar signal, which sends one frequency at a time.
According to Garmin Australasia marine manager, Jason Browne, the value of CHIRP sonar lies in the interpretation of the data.
“CHIRP returns vast amounts of data to the receiver [head unit or sonar module], so the better the data interpretation, the better the image clarity and detail,” said Browne.
“Garmin’s CHIRP technology delivers unrivalled target definition, bottom contours and noise suppression, and allows anglers to dial into specific frequencies to target fish like marlin, snapper and various estuary species.
“We challenge anyone to compare Garmin CHIRP sonar images to any other CHIRP images they’ve seen… the results clearly speak for themselves,” he said.
Garmin GPS
The Garmin GPSMAP 820xs and Garmin 1020xs fish finder combo units also incorporate a 10Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver, which Garmin says updates vessel position 10 times per second and come preloaded with a worldwide map. An optional upgrade to BlueChart g2 Vision charts adds further features.
“BlueChart g2 Vision charts also add Garmin Auto Guidance, which eliminates the hassle of entering different waypoints to create a route to your destination… you simply move the cursor on the map to where you want to go and it will automatically plan the route from your current position,” Browne said.
“When networked with a Garmin autopilot, the system will also ask if you want to engage the autopilot… selecting ‘engage’ will take you safely to your destination.”
The setup can also be networked with up to five iPad or iPhones.
Garmin GPSMAP price
The Garmin GPSMAP 820xs price starts from AU$2199 RRP. Visit Garmin for more information.