Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 74cv

Similar to all the other fish finders of the first generation CV series, the echoMAP CHIRP 74cv is one of the discontinued Garmin models. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-01801-01, the one that comes with the older BlueChart g2 coastal charts, and the mid-range CHIRP transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7.0″ 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 Sonar: 80-160 kHz 24°/13°
  • ClearVü: 245-275 kHz 2° fore to aft / 51° side to side, 445-465 kHz 1.4° fore to aft / 29° side to side
• Depth Capability:
  • 2D Sonar: 1,800 feet (548 m)
  • ClearVü: 1,000 feet (305 m)
• Transducer: GT23M-TM (8-pin), for HD-ID and ClearVü
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS) for ClearVü
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: BlueChart g2
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).

Sonar and transducer

The echoMAP CHIRP 74cv unit is capable of 50/77/200 kHz frequencies for its traditional 2D sonar, but since it can use CHIRP, with the given transducer, it’s able to use Mid-Band CHIRP, the pulse being modulated between 80-160 kHz, with a conical angle between 24°/13°. For ClearVü, the unit can scan at 260/455/800 kHz, and the supplied transducer supports the 260/455 kHz modes. Also, via CHIRP, the system can modulate the sonar pulse between 245-275 kHz and 445-465 kHz. This CHIRP modulation for both 2D and ClearVü offers a better separation between fish targets, or between fish and structure. It also delivers images with less clutter and an overall superior bottom reading.

For ClearVü, the transducer uses thin beams, not conical as for 2D, with angles of 51° (260 kHz) and 32° (455 kHz), but only 1-2 degrees fore to aft. This being said, the ClearVü sonar offers a better side-to-side coverage.

Just as the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv, this unit comes with the GT23M-TM transducer. However, its cable features an 8-pin connector and not a 4-pin one. This transducer is temperature capable as it integrates a temperature sensor. It’s supplied with 30′ (9.1 m) of cable, and mounts for transom and trolling motor.

With the supplied transducer, the system can scan depths up to 1,800 ft (548 m) for 2D, and 1,000 ft (305) for Cv. However, with a deepwater transducer, capable of 50 kHz, it should be able to scan depths up to 2,300 ft. Also, the sailing speed recommended for a maximum amount of information delivered by the transducer is 1 to 6 MPH.

Just like the other Garmin units in this feature range, the echoMAP CHIRP 74cv includes several other sonar-related functions. Among these we can enumerate Split-Zoom, Split-Frequency, Sonar Recording, and Sonar Rewind, Circular Flasher, Bottom Lock, Data Graphs, and more.

One last important aspect to mention here is the unit’s Panoptix compatibility. Panoptix is actually one of the newest sonar technologies available, which gives you the possibility to see live sonar images, view your lure and the fish attacking it in real-time. Panoptix sonar becomes available only with a specific Panoptix transducer, such as the Panoptix PS31 or the PS21-TM. Also, the unit is compatible with various other types of transducers, such as 50/200 kHz models, which offer greater depth scanning possibilities.

Navigation features

This unit is a chartplotter. Therefore, it’s equipped with a fast and accurate, 5 Hz internal GPS system, which can offer positioning and heading updates 5 times per second. The speed of your vessel is also tracked via GPS. The unit can also save up to 5,000 waypoints, and 100 routes. It also has a track 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.

In terms of charts, this unit has the BlueChart g2 maps, which cover the coastal waters of the U.S. and Bahamas, including West Coast, East Coast, the U.S. part of the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. BlueChart g2 also opens several functions. For example, there’s a Safety Shading option, via which you can designate up to 10 different depth ranges, and assign them to the depth contours, making it much easier to see target depth at a glance. The charts also include currents, tidal stations, IALA symbols, and depth contours, pretty much all information included by NOAA charts.

Just like the other echoMAP CHIRP 7 units, the Garmin 010-01801-01 is compatible with various other chart bundles, such as BlueChart g2 Vision and LakeVü HD Ultra (US or Canada). These 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. This function also allows you to calculate arrival times, create safe Auto Guidance routes, and set your autopilot system to follow them, in case you have one.

Quickdraw Contours is a feature also available with this unit. This application uses the 2D sonar and GPS information in order to draw the depth contours of the lake, river or reservoir that you’re scanning. Therefore, if the charts you’re using don’t cover your lake properly, this application can always make a difference.

Control unit features

All the newer Garmin echoMAP CHIRP units feature a different connection system than the 2015 ones. All cables plug into the mount, while the unit plugs into the mount via a multiple pin connector. It offers NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectivity possibilities, an out for Panoptix transducers, and also features a microSD card slot for software updates, new charts, data transfer etc. The unit is also compatible with various other equipment, such as AIS units, autopilot units, etc.

As its name suggests, the unit features a 7-inch WVGA display, with an 800 x 480 pixel matrix, LED backlight, also being IPX7 waterproof. There are various image combos available, the unit offering the possibility to view up to 3 panels simultaneously.

Last but not least, the box includes tilt-and-swivel mount, flush-mount, and a protective cover.

The Pros

• CHIRP technology offering superior clarity, target separation and target definition, for both 2D and ClearVü;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Transducer (GT23M-TM, 8-pin) included;
• Panoptix capable;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Fast and accurate internal GPS;
• Preloaded with BlueChart g2 charts;
• Quickdraw Contours function, for the possibility to add contours and customize your maps;
• 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;
• 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 74cv is a mid-range sonar and chartplotter combo, with CHIRP 2D and CHIRP ClearVü technology, also being compatible with Panoptix sonar. Due to the fact that it comes with the BlueChart g2 maps, it’s basically a unit for off-shore use. However, you can equip it with LakeVü charts in case you want to use it for in-land fishing. It comes with a powerful transducer, with depth capabilities up to 1,800 ft. It’s an excellent choice for the wide majority of boats. 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.