Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 43dv

The echoMAP CHIRP 43dv is one of the discontinued Garmin units. It’s a fish finder and chartplotter featuring CHIRP sonar, DownVü sonar, GPS, and the U.S. LakeVü HD (g2) maps. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01563-01 model number, the one that comes with the GT20-TM transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 4.3″ diagonal, 272H x 480V pixel resolution, WQVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: CHIRP 2D, CHIRP DownVü
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • Standard: 200 kHz / 15° and 77 kHz / 45°
  • DownVü: 455 kHz / 2.5° (fore to aft) x 53°, 800 kHz / 1.6° (fore to aft) x 29°
• Depth Capability:
  • Standard: 1,900 (579 m)
  • DownVü: 750 ft (228.6 m)
• Transducer: GT20-TM (4-pin), for HD-ID and DownVü
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: U.S. LakeVü HD
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Sonar and transducer

As we’ve mentioned above, the 010-01563-01 echoMAP 43dv is supplied with the GT20-TM transducer (transducer model number 010-12087-00). This transducer incorporates a temperature sensor and features a transom mount, although the box also includes a trolling motor mount. It has 20′ (6 m) of cable and 4-pin connector. Therefore, if you want to pair the unit with a different transducer model, you may need an adapter. For example, the adapter cable for an 8-pin transducer to 4-pin unit is the 010-11947-00.

For the photo here, a GT22HW transducer was used, for CHIRP 455 kHz.

The control unit is capable of 50/77/200 kHz frequencies for traditional sonar, and High, Mid or Low CHIRP. The supplied transducer only offers 77/200 kHz frequency capabilities, therefore with this transducer, you will be able to use only the Mid and High CHIRP modes. In order to use the Low CHIRP mode, for better scanning at higher depths, you’ll need the 50/200 kHz transducer. The unit is also dual-frequency capable, thus it can scan at 77 and 200 kHz simultaneously.

For DownVü, this unit is capable of 260/455/800 kHz frequencies, but the GT20-TM transducer covers only the 455/800 kHz. Nonetheless, it can also use CHIRP for the DownVü mode. In fact, it can modulate pulse between 435-475 kHz and 800-840 kHz, in order to provide clearer images, with less clutter and with a superior target definition and separation. For the 2D CHIRP modes, the frequency modulation intervals are not specified.

With the traditional 2D sonar, the transducer uses two conical beams, with angles of 15° for 200 kHz, and 45° for 77 kHz. For DownVü, the beams used are very thin fore-to-aft, but wider side to side. For 455 kHz, it uses a 2.5° / 53° beam, while for 800 kHz the beam is narrower and thinner, of 1.6° / 29°.

Although this is a small unit, with the supplied transducer and the power of CHIRP, it offers quite impressive depth capabilities. For 2D it can reach 1,900 ft (579 m), while for Dv the maximum depth is 750 ft (228.6 m). When it comes to the speed scanning possibilities, in perfectly calm weather conditions and calm waters, the unit should be able to maintain a bottom reading at speeds up to 30 MPH. However, the recommended speed interval for clear imaging and a maximum of target returns is 1-6 MPH.

Various helpful features are available with the 2D sonar of this unit, including Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish Alarms etc. This unit also features Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind functions. However, in order to record sonar, you will need a data memory card inserted into the unit. Also, as a general idea, approx. 15 minutes of recording will take approx. 200 MB on the memory card, and you can continue to record until the recording reaches the maximum capacity of the card. Being able to rewind sonar is actually quite helpful, as it can save you a lot of trouble and fuel. For example, if you want to review a specific spot, you won’t need to turn the boat around and re-scan that specific area. Instead, all you have to do is just review the sonar history.

GPS and navigation

The Garmin echoMAP 43dv features a 5 Hz internal GPS module, which refreshes your position up to 5 times per second, offering accurate locks. Via GPS, the unit can indicate

your boat’s speed. Also, similar to the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73dv, this unit can save up to 5,000 waypoints, and 100 routes. It also has a trail recording function, allowing you to save 50,000 track points and up to 50 tracks. Evidently, you can convert tracks into routes, add waypoints to them and retrace them.

Although the 43dv CHIRP is a small unit, it’s after all, a chartplotter. This unit is supplied with the built-in U.S LakeVü HD charts. These charts make available more than 17,000 U.S. lakes, reservoirs, and rivers with depth contours. They also include various other points of interest and markers such as bridges, marinas, camping spots, interstates, and highways.

Two other navigation-related functions require being mentioned here. One is the new Quickdraw Contours, and the other is the Multi-Depth Shading. Quickdraw Contours gives you the possibility to “draw” the contours of a certain body of water if there aren’t any available with your current charts, using the depth data from the sonar. This way you will benefit from the most up-to-date contours for that particular lake, canal, or river. Multiple Depth Range Shading function makes color-coding available for various depth ranges. In other words, it allows you to designate up to 10 different colors, to 10 different depth ranges, for a quick view of a target depth.

Control unit features

First of all, the unit has an IPX7 waterproof rating. In other words, the unit can take splashes, rain or in general, it can withstand incidental water exposure, and it can actually survive complete immersions in freshwater, up to 1 m.

This unit is smaller than the similar echoMAP CHIRP 53dv, featuring a 4.3″ diagonal display, with a 480 x 272 pixel matrix. The display features LED backlight, for better reading in bright light or during night time. Needless to say, it uses a WQVGA color display.

In terms of connectivity, it doesn’t have a Garmin Marine Network ports. However, it does offer NMEA 0183 connectivity possibilities and features a microSD card reader with 1 card slot.

Last but not least, the unit comes with the classic tilt and swivel mount. A unit cover is not included.

Possible Upgrades and Other Options

Since this unit is capable of six frequencies in terms of sonar, it can use various transducers, as long as they match the 4-pin connector, or if there is a cable adapter available.

In terms of charts, this unit is compatible with BlueChart g2, or BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra, or with the LakeVü HD Canada. The LakeVü HD Ultra and BlueChart g2 Vision make available the Enhanced Auto Guidance feature. This feature opens various useful functions. For example, it can instantly search through the charts to offer the safest virtual paths between two points of interest, it can also calculate your arrival times or enable your AutoPilot to follow a safe route.

The unit also supports AIS and can display position data from DSC-capable VHF radio.

The Pros

• CHIRP technology offering superior clarity, target separation and target definition, for both 2D and DownVü;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Transducer (GT20-TM, 4-pin) included;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Sonar recording and sonar history rewind;
• Fast and accurate internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the U.S. LakeVü charts;
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Multiple Depth Range Shading;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra;
• Enhanced Auto Guidance capable;
• Tide tables information;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• NMEA 0183 connector;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• No unit cover;
• Manual is not specific to the unit (at least not for now), but for the whole echoMAP series. Thus, some information may not apply to this unit.

Summary

The Garmin echoMAP 43dv is a great unit for a small boat or kayak, featuring excellent sonar with CHIRP technology, an adequate transducer also being included. It has great depth capabilities for a small unit, and can also be used off-shore. It’s one of the most affordable chartplotters that you can find. Even though it’s a small unit, the GPS system is pretty accurate, while its charts database is pretty impressive.