Garmin’s advanced echoMAP CHIRP combos

Using Garmin’s latest sonar and mapping technologies, the new echoMAP CHIRP series is pitched as a powerful step forward in the evolution of combo GPS/sounder units for freshwater and saltwater anglers.

Competitively priced, the echoMAP CHIRP series features built-in CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP DownVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar. The units come preloaded with BlueChart g2 Australia and New Zealand coastal charts and have Garmin Quickdraw Contours as standard. This is a new software feature that allows users to instantly create personalised HD fishing maps with 30cm contours on any body of water.

Selected models also support Garmin’s exclusive Panoptix LiveVü all-seeing sonar and are NMEA compatible for integration with engines, autopilots and other equipment.

The new echoMAP CHIRP series is available in bright, sunlight readable 4” (45dv), 5” (55dv), 7” (75dv / 75sv) and 9” (95sv) colour displays with an intuitive, keyed interface. All models are equipped with a built-in, high-sensitivity 5Hz GPS antenna that updates location and heading five times per second for extremely reliable position accuracy.

In all echoMAP CHIRP models, high-wide CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies and interprets them individually upon their return, creating what Garmin says are crisp fish arches with incredible target separation.

For anglers who want to see objects and structure below the boat, CHIRP DownVü provides a near photographic view with excellent resolution and target separation, while the 75sv and 95sv also incorporate CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar for those who want to see what’s located either side of the boat.

By installing an optional Garmin Panoptix transducer (75sv and 95sv models), anglers can see real-time sonar imagery at video-like speed of fish swimming toward or away from the boat, as well as lures and baits in the water column. The real-time information allows anglers to adjust their techniques according to fish behavior – something not offered by any other sonar technology available on the recreational market — Garmin says.

A single microSD card slot provides expandable memory for additional map purchases such as BlueChart g2 Vision (a state-of-the-art charting system which delivers exclusive Garmin Auto Guidance capability), while the NMEA compatibility of the 55dv, 75sv and 95sv allows the integration of an autopilot, as well as the ability to display engine data and other information on the screen.

All Garmin echoMAP CHIRP units are ready to install straight out of the box with the included all-in-one CHIRP transducer and quick-release tilt/swivel mount for easy head unit removal/storage.

RRP from AU$599 / NZ$699 for the echoMAP CHIRP 45dv and up to AU$1999 / NZ$2299 for the echoMAP CHIRP 95sv. More at www.garmin.com/en-AU/explore/onthewater/