Garmin ClearVü with CHIRP

 Garmin says that by combining advanced HD-ID sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar and CHIRP technology, the company's fully-networkable GPSMAP 820xs/1020xs series offers a powerful sonar/chartplotter solution that's equally at home at the helm of a trailer boat, game boat or cruiser.

Featuring bright, full-colour displays, the GPSMAP 820xs (20.3cm/8”) and GPSMAP 1020xs (25.4cm/10”) come with an all-in-one 77/200kHz transducer to provide traditional sonar and DownVü scanning sonar with CHIRP. Adding a GCV 10 black box delivers both DownVü and SideVü scanning sonar with for an ultra-clear, near photographic picture of what's beneath and to the sides of the boat.

Scanning the water column for bottom structure such as reef and drop-offs, as well as identifying thermoclines, baitfish and target fish, Garmin's advanced sonar technology provides incredible underwater definition in shallow and deep water.

Capable of displaying isolated targets and difficult-to-find secondary structure, DownVü's finer concentrated sonar signal helps anglers recognise variations in weed growth and bottom composition down to depths in excess of 800m (2700ft), while SideVü has the ability to scan the water up to 150m (500ft) either side of the boat.

CHIRP technology, which puts more power into the water to continuously sweep each pulse through a range of frequencies (as opposed to standard sonar, which sends one single frequency at a time), adds yet another dimension to the GPSMAP 820xs/1020xs series.

Garmin Australasia marine manager Jason Browne said the key to CHIRP sonar was 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," Browne said.

"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."

As advanced combo units, the GPSMAP 820xs and 1020xs also incorporate a 10Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver to update vessel position 10 times per second and come preloaded with a worldwide base map. Upgrading to BlueChart g2 Vision charts adds hi-res satellite imagery, 3D FishEye and 3D Mariner views, detailed coastal roads, points of interest, tidal current overlay and more.

"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."

Full networking capabilities also allows features such as radar, ClearVü scanning sonar, supplemental maps and user data to be shared with other compatible GPSMAP units and up to five iPad or iPhones.

RRP from $2199.

Further information, visit: http://sites.garmin.com/clearvu-scanning/