Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73cv

The echoMAP CHIRP 73cv is one of the discontinued Garmin fish finders. It is also a chartplotter, pre-loaded with the LakeVü charts. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01800-01, the one that includes the GT22HW-TM transducer. Also, in case you’re wondering, one of the newer versions available is the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73cv.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: Broadband CHIRP Sonar, Dual Frequency HD-ID, CHIRP ClearVü
• Frequency and Coverage (with the supplied transducer):
  2D CHIRP Sonar: 150-240 kHz 24°/16°
  ClearVü CHIRP: 425-485kHz 2° fore to aft / 50° side to side, 790-850 kHz 1° fore to aft / 30° side to side
• Max. Depth Capability:
  2D Sonar: 2,300 feet ( m)
  ClearVü: 1,100 feet ( m)
• Transducer: GT22HW-TM (8-pin)
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: LakeVü
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks)

Sonar and transducer

As the name of the unit suggests, the echoMAP CHIRP 73cv features CHIRP sonar technology. It can actually use CHIRP for both its 2D sonar and ClearVü. It comes with the same transducer as the echoMAP CHIRP 53cv, the GT22HW-TM, but in this case the transducer cable is finished with an 8-pin connector. This transducer is temperature capable (has built-in temperature sensor), it comes with trolling and transom mounts, and features 20′ (6 m) of cable.

The unit is capable of 50/77/200 kHz for 2D, and 260/455/800 kHz for ClearVü. However, the GT22HW-TM only offers one mode for 2D, which is High Wide CHIRP, offering a pulse modulation over a range of frequencies between 150-240 kHz. For ClearVü it can use two frequency ranges: 425-485 kHz / 790-850 kHz. CHIRP-enhanced sonar technology is superior to regular sonar. Due to the fact that each sonar pulse covers an entire range of frequencies, not just one, the images formed on-screen are clearer, free of clutter, there’s better separation between fish targets, and the system’s depth capability is also superior.

The unit’s transducer uses a conical beam for its 2D sonar, which varies between 24° / 16°. For ClearVü however, the unit uses thin beams in fore to aft, but wider side to side, with angles of 50°, and respectively 30°. ClearVü sonar is best to be used when looking at structure shapes and when looking for places where fish might be hiding. Also, with the power of CHIRP, images are crispier, with less clutter, offering superior clarity for the vegetation, bottom, and structure contours.

The optimal boat speed recommended for the best images for both 2D and Cv is between 1-6 MPH, even though the unit should be able to maintain a bottom reading at speeds up to 30 MPH.

When it comes to its depth capabilities, the system can scan depths up to a maximum of 2,300 ft (701 m). However, with the supplied transducer, the system has a depth capability of 800 ft (244 m) for 2D, and 500 (153 m) for ClearVü. It’s a unit meant for fishing in freshwater, as it also comes with the in-land U.S. charts. But nonetheless, you can use it off-shore too, if you don’t exceed these depths. Or, you can pair the unit with a 50 kHz capable transducer, in order to achieve its maximum depth penetration.

This unit offers several useful, sonar related functions, including Fish ID, Sonar Recording and Sonar History Rewind, Flasher, Bottom Lock, and more.

Last but not least, the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73cv is compatible with Panoptix transducers and has Panoptix sonar capabilities. Panoptix is one of the hottest sonar technologies that you can find at the moment. It gives you the possibility to see live images of the underwater activity, to actually view your lure moving and fish attacking it in real-time. A Panoptix LiveVü transducer is not supplied with this unit, so Panoptix sonar is not available for use right out of the box unless you order the Panoptix transducer.

Navigation features

This Garmin chartplotter unit comes with the LakeVü HD charts for the U.S. inland waters. These charts cover more than 17,000 U.S. lakes, reservoirs, and rivers with depth contours, also including various other points of interest, such as bridges, marinas, camping spots, interstates, or highways. Within this number of lakes, actually 13,000 are covered by HD contours.

LakeVü HD offers excellent detail of underwater features, and also has the Shallow Water Shading. This function gives you the possibility to choose a minimum depth, color-code it, and be able to see the safest waters for navigation, or the deepest spots for fishing.

In terms of navigation, this unit is compatible with various other charts, such as BlueChart g2, or BlueChart g2 Vision or LakeVü HD Ultra. These last two chart packs also make available the Enhanced Auto Guidance function, which instantly searches through your charts to offer the safest virtual paths between two points of interest. It also gives you the possibility to calculate arrival times, or in case you’re using a Garmin autopilot system, it can follow a safe Auto Guidance route.

As we’ve mentioned above, this unit offers the Quickdraw Contours function, which is somewhat similar to the AutoChart Live offered by Humminbird units. This function uses the sonar depth measurements to add depth contours to your maps. In other words, if a certain body of water isn’t covered in detail by the charts of your unit, you can re-chart that particular body of water, and get the most up-to-date contours.

Evidently, the echoMAP CHIRP 73cv features a fast and accurate, 5 Hz GPS/GLONASS internal receiver. This GPS refreshes your position and movement 5 times per second, also making possible the reading of your boat’s speed. Also, 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.

Control unit features and functions

The echoMAP CHIRP 73cv has a 7-inch display, WVGA color, with LED backlight, for enhanced readability in direct sunlight or during night fishing. It’s IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand water splashes or rain without issues. It has a pixel resolution of 800 x 480, you get plenty of screen space for various split-screen views.

The unit features a unified connector with multiple pins, and connects to the quick-release mount, while the mount features all the other connectors for NMEA 2000, power, Panoptix, and transducer. NMEA 0183 connection is also possible with an adapter cable. Also, the unit features a microSD card reader, with one card slot.

This unit supports Minn Kota and MotorGuide trolling motors with integrated transducers and offers readings for various motor parameters.

A flush mount and unit cover is also supplied with this unit.

The Pros

• CHIRP technology offering superior clarity, target separation and target definition, for both 2D and ClearVü;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Transducer (GT22HW-TM, 8-pin) included;
• Panoptix sonar compatible;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Fast and accurate internal GPS;
• Preloaded with LakeVü HD charts for U.S. lakes;
• Quickdraw Contours function, for the possibility to add contours and customize your maps;
• Multi-Depth Range Shading and Shallow Water 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;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• The manual covers all the echoMAP CHIRP series (at least for now), and some of the information in it may not apply.

Summary

The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73cv is a mid-range sonar and GPS combo, offering superior sonar capabilities, such as CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü, including Panoptix sonar capabilities. It comes with the US LakeVü HD charts which offer a lot of detail and on top of that it has the new Quickdraw Contours function which allows you to define the contours of the body of water where you’re fishing. It’s a unit with a lot of potential, great for just about any type of boat, except maybe for small kayaks or canoes. And finally, since it includes a pretty expensive transducer, and a wide array of features, functions, and capabilities, it’s definitely a package that worth the price.