Know the difference in GPS

Knowing the difference in chartplotters and trackplotters will help you select the right tool for the job.

Chart plotters and track plotters are very different in appearance and function. They both use waypoints but in a different way. A waypoint is a longitude and latitude you provide the GPs that defines a location.

Chart Plotters

A chart plotter provides a map in the background that moves as you move from one location to another. These are often referred to as moving map GPS.

Track Plotter

A track plotter provides a track from where you start a way point to where you end the waypoint.

A chart plotter will provide trackplotting but a trackplotter will not provide a chart.

Topic Tags: chartplotter, gps, gps fish finder, trackplotter

Learn What The Differences Are in Fish Finders

Of all the calls we get the number one question is help me select the right fish finder.

In this blog I want to give you some tips on how to select a fish finder. The process can be complex and so I hope this will help.

There are 5 factors to keep in mind when purchasing a fish finder.

Transducer

There are two basic types of transducers, single frequency and dual frequency. Single frequency should be used for lakes and shallow coastal fishing and dual frequency for deep sea. Dual beam (Humminbird) and dual frequency are basically the same thing. The dual beam transducer will limit the beam size for the high frequency beam so you only want to use them in deep water because the high frequency is what you see fish with.

Display resolution

Fish Finders and GPS units come in many different display resolutions. The higher the resolution the better the image will be. Color screens are better especially for direct sunlight because you can see them better.

Display size

Displays range in size from four inches to seven inches and larger. The larger the screen, the more you have to pay for them.

Power

For the most part the more power you can get the better. In lakes and shallow waters it is still important for better imaging, again, the more power the bigger the price tag.

Depth

The ability of the sonar to reach greater depths is directly related to power and quality of the transducer. The more you pay the better they will penetrate the water. Remember that the depths shown on the specifications are for clear water, saltwater and murky waters will limit the depths the sonar will penetrate.

Fish Finder Compare and Rating System
This is a handy guide to help you spot the best finder for the money.

Free ebooks site
You can get free e-books that you can download and read at this site.

Humminbird Transducer Overview
Nice writeup on Humminbird transducers.

Topic Tags: compare fish finder, eagle transducer, fish finder, fish finder transducer, garmin transducer, humminbird transducer, lowrance transducer, rate fish finder

Know How a Fish Finder Works Before You Buy

Understanding a little about how fish finders work will help you in purchasing and using a fish finder.

Understanding a little about how fish finders work will help you in purchasing and using a fish finder.

Single beam Fish Finders

The beam that is sent out from the fish finders transducer can be thought of as a beam from a flashlight. As the beam moves further from the transducer it gets wider. When it hits a target the beam is reflected back to the transducer, which in turn sends a signal to the fish finder display which computes the signals distance and shape. The distance and shape is then represented on the screen as either a Fish Symbol or an arch depending upon the fish finder and the model.

The type of beam that is sent out varies with the model and type of fish finder you purchase. Some of the fish finders or sonar's as they are sometimes called, are single beam and some have more than one beam.

Single beam units are best for lakes and shallow coastal waters. Multiple beam units work well for deeper waters. One of the beams will be a lower frequency that will produce a better picture on the bottom. The other beam will be a high frequency beam that will provide the location of fish.

Dual Beam Fish Finders



Dual beams would seem at first glance to be better for shallow water. However the beam cones for the high frequency beam are narrow on dual beam finders so they can get a better picture of deeper fish. The low frequency cones are wide angle to get better pictures of the bottom.

Some people miss this subtle difference and purchase dual frequency fish finders for use in shallow waters just to find out they do not get good coverage.

Buy the right finder for the job by checking the cone angles and understanding how they work beforehand. See the links below to find out more about how fish finders work.

How Fish Finders Work
Nice overview of how fish finders work and sonar coverage patterns.

Humminbird Website
Check out the different models of fish finders

Lowrance
Lowrance Fish Finders

Garmin
Garmin Fish Finders

Eagle
Eagle Fish Finders

Topic Tags: depth finder, dual frequency transducer, fish finder, fish finder review, how fish finder works, sonar