Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 93sv

Ever since the first Garmin echoMAP series was released, many models have been discontinued. The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 93sv is also on the list of discontinued units but may still be available. For reference, this is the Garmin 010-01579-01, the unit that comes with the old LakeVü HD charts and the GT52HW transducer. Also, one of the newer similar units is the ECHOMAP UHD 93sv.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: Broadband CHIRP Sonar, Dual Frequency HD-ID, CHIRP DownVü, CHIRP SideVü
• Frequency and Coverage (with the supplied transducer):
  • 2D CHIRP Sonar: 150-240 kHz 24°/16°
  • DownVü CHIRP: 425-485kHz 2° fore to aft / 50° side to side, 790-850 kHz 1° fore to aft / 30° side to side
  • SideVü 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:
  • Freshwater: 2,300 feet (701 m)
  • Saltwater: 1,100 feet (335 m)
• Transducer: GT52HW-TM (12-pin)
• Max. Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: LakeVü HD
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks)

Sonar and transducer

The first aspect to mention here regards the transducer supplied with this unit. As opposed to the older echoMAP 93sv unit which came with the GT40-TM transducer, this particular one is supplied with the GT52HW-TM transducer model. This transducer has 20′ of cable, a 12-pin connector, also integrating a temperature sensor. This is actually a freshwater transducer, as it offers depth capabilities only up to 800 ft (244 m) for traditional sonar and 500 ft (152 m) for Sv and Dv. The unit’s depth capability can go up to 2,300 ft (701 m) though, however, for that, it requires a deepwater transducer. But nonetheless, even though it’s intended for in-land fishing use, 800 ft depth capability is still not bad, and you can actually use this unit with the supplied transducer for off-shore fishing, as long as you don’t want to scan depths over 800 ft.

The control unit is capable of using 50/77/200 kHz frequencies for 2D sonar, and 260/455/800 kHz frequencies for SideVü and DownVü. However, the supplied GT52HW-TM transducer doesn’t cover all these frequencies. In fact, for 2D sonar, you can either use the 200 kHz (non-CHIRP) frequency, or you can use the CHIRP mode, and the sonar pulse will be modulated between 150-240 kHz. In other words, with this transducer, you can scan in High CHIRP mode only. The unit is also dual-frequency capable. Thus, if you’re going to use a 200/77 kHz transducer, for example, you’ll be able to scan with both frequencies simultaneously and view both returns in split-screen.

One of the pluses of this unit is that it can also use CHIRP technology for SideVü and DownVü, not just traditional sonar, such as the Lowrance HOOK-9 or Humminbird HELIX 9 SI GPS, for example. It can modulate the sonar pulse between 425-485kHz and 790-850 kHz if using CHIRP. In case you’re wondering, CHIRP really makes the difference, as it offers a better target separation, images with less clutter, and contours for the bottom and structure with a superior definition.

The transducer uses a conical scanning beam for 2D, a beam that varies between 24° / 16°, while for SideVü and DownVü it uses thin beams, only a few degrees wide in fore to aft, but wider side to side. For example, for Sv, one side beam angle is approx. 50° wide, and for DownVü it’s 30°.

In case you’re wondering, the transducer can maintain a bottom lock and reading at vessel speeds up to 30 MPH, or so. However, in order for the unit to provide clear, clutter-free images, sailing speeds up to 6-8 MPH are recommended.

Various sonar functions are available for the 2D broadband mode, such as Fish Symbol ID, Bottom Lock, Sonar Recording, Sonar History Rewind, Temperature Graph, Flasher and more.

Navigation features

Like most other x3 units from Garmin, the echoMAP CHIRP 93sv comes with the preloaded US LakeVü HD charts. In other words, it’s a unit meant for inland fishing. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the transducer supplied with the unit is powerful enough for off-shore fishing. But in case you want to use it off-shore, you’ll need different charts for navigation (such as BlueChart g2), or rely on the basemaps.

The preloaded US LakeVü HD charts actually offer excellent detail, covering more than 17,000 U.S. lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other bodies of water, providing depth contours for navigation, as well as other points of interest, such as marinas, camping grounds, bridges, docks, plus highways and interstates. An important part of the lakes covered by LakeVü HD, actually approx. 13,000, feature HD contours. This charts pack opens various other functions, such as Multi-Depth Range Shading, and Tide Tables.

One of the newest Garmin navigation features offered by this unit is Quickdraw Contours. 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.

Of course, the unit integrates a 5 Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver, which is pretty fast and accurate, being able to update your positioning up to 5 times per second. The unit can save up to 5,000 waypoints, and 100 routes. It can also save up to 50 tracks, or 50,000 track points in total.

Other navigation-related functions of this unit include autopilot commissioning, a decent engine metrics panel and several special sailing features. When it comes to autopilot commissioning, it goes without saying that you can control your autopilot from your chartplotter screen. While for the sailing features, you get the Supported SailAssist, which include laylines, enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over-ground lines and true wind data fields.

Control unit features and functions

As its name suggests, this is a unit with 9″ display. Evidently, the display is full color, with a pixel matrix of 800 x 480, providing decent imaging. Brightness is adjustable. In fact, the display integrates LED backlight to provide a good view of the images on screen, even in direct sunlight.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof, which means it can resist incidental water exposure, such as rain, snow or splashes, without any issue. This waterproof rating also specifies that the unit can also withstand immersions up to 1 m and 30 min, in freshwater.

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 possible with an adapter cable. Also, the unit features a microSD card reader, with one card slot. A flush mount and unit cover are also supplied with this unit.

Last but not least, this unit supports Minn Kota and MotorGuide trolling motors with integrated transducers and offers readings for various motor parameters.

Possible Upgrades and Other Capabilities

When it comes to possible upgrades, the first aspect to mention here regards the Panoptix sonar technology. This type of sonar technology gives you the possibility to see live-action sonar. In other words, the sonar returns won’t be just images on screen. It actually shows your lure moving in the water, giving you the possibility to see fish targets coming at it. Now, the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 93sv is Panoptix ready, which means the unit already integrates the Panoptix sonar technology. But in order to use this type of sonar, you will need a Panoptix transducer, such as the PS31 or PS21-TM, transducer models which are not included. But nonetheless, Panoptix is something to put on your future upgrades list for this unit.

For navigation, this unit is also compatible with various charts such as BlueChart g2, BlueChart g2 Vision and LakeVü HD Ultra. The last two charts 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.

The unit provides NMEA 2000 support for engine data, sensors, autopilot units, AIS, and can also display position data from DSC-capable VHF radio.

The Pros

• 9″ wide display, color unit;
• CHIRP technology offering superior clarity, target separation and target definition, for 2D, SideVü DownVü;
• Dual-frequency sonar;
• Transducer included, the unit comes with the GT52HW-TM (12-pin) transducer;
• Panoptix sonar ready;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Fast and accurate internal GPS;
• Preloaded with LakeVü 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;
• AutoPilot commissioning;
• SailAssist;
• Decent engine metrics control panel;
• 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 to this unit specifically.

Summary

The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 93sv is a unit intended for freshwater use, as it comes with the LakeVü HD charts for the U.S. inland waters. However, the GT52HW-TM transducer supplied can support off-shore fishing as well, as it can scan depths up to 800 ft. It’s a unit that packs an impressive array of sonar and navigation features, including SideVü imaging, DownVü imaging, Panoptix sonar, Quickdraw Contours HD and more. It has an NMEA 2000 output, which means it offers superior connectivity possibilities. Due to its size, it may not exactly be the best choice for a small boat, such as a kayak, but beginning with bass boats, and even up to professional fishing vessels, this unit is simply perfect. And finally, considering all the included features, and the fact that it comes with a pretty expensive transducer, this unit offers an excellent price/quality ratio.