Types of Sonar on Garmin Chartplotters and Fishfinders

Traditional transducers send a signal through the water (either 200kHz or 50kHz) that reflects off of objects in the water. The signal returns to the transducer, which sends the data to the sonar module. The sonar module calculates data from the transducer to display an image on the chartplotter.

• Traditional sonar images are a 2D representation of the underwater environment

• The first strong return sets the bottom level (see the image below)

  • The dead zone is not "seen" by the sonar because the first strong return set the bottom higher due to the contour

• Garmin chartplotters that are compatible with traditional and use 50/77/200 kHz frequencies (some echo devices used 80kHz)

  • Some units listed as "dual-frequency" can use both frequencies

• Traditional frequencies have a cone shape

Higher-Frequency sound wave (200kHz)

• Better for shallow water fishing

• Will provide a clearer, crisper image of the bottom

• Will transmit quick, shorter more frequent sound waves are more sensitive to small objects sending more detailed information back

• A 600w – 200 kHz transducer can read depths up to 200-300 feet

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Low-Frequency sound wave (50 kHz)

• The bottom is less precise but an improved range for deeper water

• Longer less frequent sound waves are large and will miss small obstacles in the water

• A 600w – 50kHz transducer can read depths to around 1200 feet

CHIRP stands for Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse. CHIRP transducers operate multiple frequencies per ping, sending a continuous sweep from low to high. Garmin CHIRP technology interprets each frequency individually; this allows for a clearer image, with higher resolutions and better separation of targets. CHIRP sonar has three kHz bands broken up between different groups: Low, Medium, and High.

Traditional Sonar                                                                                                  CHIRP Sonar

Low Band CHIRP ranges 40-60kHz

• Ideal for deepwater fishing 

• The stronger the transmit wattage, the deeper this transducer reaches

• Lower-resolution images due to low frequency depth readings  

• Shows thermocline layers

Medium Band CHIRP ranges 85-165kHz

• Ideal for most anglers

• Wide range between lower and higher bands

• Mid-Band CHIRP is ideal for targeting tuna, marlin, and other billfish

High Band CHIRP ranges 145-230kHz

• Ideal for shallow water fishing

• High band frequencies deliver a narrow beamwidth that reveals fish close to structures

• Better target separation on bait and schooling fish

High Wide CHIRP ranges 150-240kHz

• Ideal for freshwater anglers

• The wide beam angle covers more area in the water

• High wide beam draws bigger fish arches than the standard high CHIRP transducer

Garmin has incorporated CHIRP technology into the ClearVü™ and SideVü™ sonar series. The ClearVü™ and SideVü™ sonar uses a thin, wide beam to provide clear images of structure and fish below the boat, unlike the cone-shaped beam used by traditional and traditional CHIRP sonar. These sonars have a shallower range than traditional and CHIRP traditional sonars.

Certain transducers include Ultra High-Definition (UHD) scanning sonar, which provides ClearVü™ and SideVü™ images at higher frequencies. Not all chartplotters are compatible with UHD sonar.

ClearVü™                                                                                                                               SideVü™

ClearVü™                                                                                                                                           SideVü™

ClearVü™ and SideVü™ frequencies:

• 260 (245-275kHz) and 455 (445-465 kHz) 

• 455 (445-465 kHz) and 800 (790-850kHz) 

Ultra-High Definition frequencies:

• ClearVü™ : 800kHz (760-880kHz)

• SideVü™ : 1.2MHz (1060-1170kHz)

Panoptix™ transducers (excluding the LiveScope™ system) have a sonar module built into the transducer. Allowing connection with compatible chartplotters that do not have a built-in sonar module.

Traditional Cone                                               Scanning Beam                                              Multi-Beam Sonar
               

Panoptix™ features:

• Best choice for using the Garmin Quickdraw™ Contours feature on compatible Garmin chartplotters and fishfinders

  • Other transducers will also draw Garmin Quickdraw™ Contours

• Designed for slower speed (less than 10 mph for best returns)

• Designed for shallow water

Panoptix™ views (excluding LiveScope™):

• LiveVü™ Down: real-time moving sonar images below the boat

• Garmin RealVü™ 3D Down: displays a 3D view of the bottom contour changes, fish and structure

• Garmin RealVü™ 3D Historical: assists in locating fish throughout the water column; gives a history of the entire water column

• FrontVü™: provides a look forward for submerged obstacles

LiveScope™transducers 

LiveScope™ is a live scanning sonar with a higher resolution and increased target separation to display fish, structure, and bait. LiveScope™ transducers have a broader range in shallow water, but can also display traditional sonar and ClearVü™ .

LiveScope™ has a built-in Stabilization, which stabilizes images even when the boat is in rough water conditions. See Panoptix™ Stabilization Setup for more information.

LiveScope™                                                                                                          LiveVu™ Down

LiveScope™ views:

• LiveScope™ Forward: shows a forward-facing live feed of fish and structures ahead of the boat

• LiveScope™ Down: shows a live feed of what is below the boat 

• LiveScope™ Perspective Mode: shows a downward-facing display ahead of and around the boat, up to 50 feet deep

  • Requires the Perspective Mode Mount

 Beam Angles

• 20° port to starboard x 135° bow to stern

• Maximum range: 200 feet (Forward or Down)

• Frequency range: 530 - 1100 kHz

LiveScope™ transducer mounting

The LiveScope™ transducer can be installed in the following places:

• Transom

• Trolling motor shaft

• Trolling motor barrel

• Pole

• Perspective Mode Mount (requires the Perspective Mode Mount)

LiveScope™ systems with thru-hull transducers are also available. See the LiveScope™ installation manual in the Support Center for more information about mounting styles.

The LiveScope™ transducer will show depth, speed, and bottom readings up to 55 mph when viewing traditional and ClearVü™ sonar. Readings at a faster speed may depend on placement, water clarity, and water depth.