Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv offers the same range of features as the ECHOMAP UHD 93sv that we’ve already covered here, the only difference between the two being the internal chart base. The UHD 94sv model is preloaded with the BlueChart g3 coastal charts. For reference, this is the Garmin part number 010-02343-01; it also includes the new UHD transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal, 800H x 400V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit, keypad & touchscreen
• Sonar: CHIRP Sonar, ClearVü, SideVü
• Transducer: GT54UHD-TM
• Frequency and coverage (with the included transducer):
  2D CHIRP: 150-240 kHz / 24°-16°
  UHD ClearVü: 760-880 kHz / 0.94°x60°
  SideVü: 425-485 kHz / 1.62°x50° / 125 ft. (38 m) on each side
  UHD SideVü: 1,060-1,170 kHz / 0.441°x52° / 500 ft. (152 m) on each side
• Max. Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  2D CHIRP: 800 ft. (244 m)
  UHD ClearVü: 200 ft. (61 m)
  SideVü: 125 ft. (38 m)
  UHD SideVü: 30 ft. (9 m)
• Power Output: 500 W (RMS) / 4,000 W (PTP)
• GPS: 5Hz, Internal
• Maps: BlueChart g3
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracklog: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks)

Sonar and transducer

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv has three types of sonar built-in. These are 2D traditional CHIRP, UHD ClearVü, and UHD SideVü. The new UHD modes for ClearVü and SideVü offer extra-crisp imaging and a better target separation.

This Garmin fish finder system includes the new GT54UHD-TM transducer. This transducer integrates a temperature sensor. It features a transom mount and has 20′ (6 m) of cable, with a 12-pin connector. Needless to say, it backs all three sonar technologies offered by the unit.

For UHD SideVü, the transducer uses the 1,060-1,170 kHz channel. The side beams have an oval shape with beam angles of 0.44° x 52° and a side coverage of 125′ (38 m). However, the transducer can also use the 455 (425-485 kHz) channel for regular SideVü. This mode offers superior coverage, up to 500′ (152 m), while the beam angles are 1.62°x50°.

For UHD ClearVü, the transducer can only use one channel, the 800 kHz (760-880 kHz). It casts an oval beam directly under the boat with a coverage of 0.94°x60°. Its depth capability is 200 ft. (61 m).

For 2D CHIRP, the transducer can use the 150-240 kHz frequency channel. In other words, it offers High-Wide CHIRP possibilities. As opposed to the Cv/Sv beams, the 2D transducer beam is conical. It has a variable coverage of 24°-16° and offers depth capabilities up to 800′ (244 m).

The unit offers the full range of standard sonar features and applications. For example, it has Fish Symbols, Bottom Lock, Amplitude Scope, Circular Flasher, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, and more. Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind functions are also available.

Navigation features

The ECHOMAP UHD 94sv unit is preloaded with the BlueChart g3 maps. These charts offer coastal coverage for the US waters, including East Coast, West Coast, The Gulf of Mexico, and a part of the Great Lakes. They’re enhanced with Navionics data and also offers features like Depth Range Shading, Shallow Water Shading, and Auto Guidance.

The unit is compatible with BlueChart g3 Vision; these charts make available extra features, such as High-Res Satellite Imagery, FishEye View, Aerial Photography, and more. It also supports the Garmin inland charts, LakeVü g3, and LakeVü g3 Ultra.

Another very useful mapping feature provided by the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv is Quickdraw Contours. This is a depth contour creation feature similar to the Navionics SonarChart. It uses the GPS data and the 2D sonar data to reveal and draw the depth contours of the body of water that you’re scanning. Thus, you can create your own personalized fishing charts. Even more, since the unit has wireless connectivity, you can upload your newly created charts to the Garmin Quickdraw Community to share them with other anglers, or download already created maps.

This Garmin unit has a built-in 5 Hz GPS receiver. It can support GLONASS, Galileo, WAAS, and EGNOS for position augmentation. Since it’s a 5 Hz receiver, it provides position updates five times per second. A GPS speed function is also available; therefore, the unit can calculate the speed of your boat based on the GPS input.

The unit can save up to 100 routes and 50 tracks in its memory. Each track can have up to 50,000 plot points. Also, each track can be converted into a route, re-used and re-planned, if necessary. Plus, the unit can hold up to 5,000 waypoints in its memory, and each waypoint can be personalized with different icons, data, etc.

Finally, the unit supports AIS data, DSC data, and is ActiveCaptain compatible. It does not support Radar though, like the GPSMAP 942xs, for example.

Control unit features

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv features a full-color WVGA display, 9-inch in diagonal, with a pixel resolution of 800H x 400V. It has adjustable LED backlight and provides excellent readability even from sharp angles. Its internal operating system offers a highly intuitive interface, very easy to use. It has both touchscreen technology and a side keypad for easy navigation through menus and function usage. It also allows you to work with up to four applications simultaneously in split-screen.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. This waterproof rating means it is capable of withstanding rain, incidental water exposure and even immersions in freshwater.

The unit has NMEA 0183 ports (input/output), and is also NMEA 2000 capable. Therefore, you can connect it to an already existing boat grid in order to share data with other units, or boat instruments.

The ECHOMAP UHD 94sv has built-in wireless connectivity. This gives you the possibility to sync your fish finder with your smartphone via the free ActiveCaptain app. This app provides up-to-date feedback on various points of interest, chart updates, data back up, and allows you to access the Garmin Quickdraw Community. It can also push smart notifications from your phone on the display of your fish finder.

The unit also has a microSD card slot. Therefore, you can either add a BlueChart g3 Vision card, a LakeVü card, or a blank card (up to 32 GB) for data updates.

The Pros

• High-Wide CHIRP 2D sonar;
• UHD CHIRP ClearVü sonar;
• UHD CHIRP SideVü sonar;
• Supports 50/77/200 kHz standard sonar frequencies, and 260/455/800 kHz ClearVü frequencies;
• Supports dual-frequency (50/200 kHz or 77/200 kHz);
• UHD ClearVü/SideVü transducer (GT54UHD-TM) included;
• Supports Panoptix sonar and transducers;
• Data graphs and other sonar functions;
• Sonar recording and rewind;
• Multiple standard sonar features such as Bottom Lock, Fish Symbols, Split-Zoom, A-Scope, Circular Flasher, Alarms, etc;
• Fast 5 Hz internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the US coastal BlueChart g3 charts
• Quickdraw Contours;
• Depth Range Shading and Shallow Water Shading;
• Auto Guidance for route planning;
• Compatible with various other chart types, such as BlueChart g3 Vision or LakeVü g3 Ultra;
• Supports AIS and DSC-capable VHF radio;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• SailAssist features;
• ActiveCaptain compatible;
• Touchscreen and keypad navigation;
• Wireless connectivity;
• NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 compatible;
• Unit cover included;
• Quick disconnection (tilt-swivel) and flush mount included;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• Does not support Navionics charts (such as Navionics+ or Navionics Platinum), or other charts like C-MAP;
• Trolling mount for the transducer is not included.

Summary

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94sv is a fish finder and chartplotter offering UHD SideVü, UHD ClearVü, High-Wide CHIRP sonar, GPS, and BlueChart g3 maps. It includes the GT54UHD transducer which supports all these sonar technologies. The unit also offers a wide array of other features such as wireless connectivity, Quickdraw Contours, superior networking, and supports Panoptix transducers. It’s a versatile unit, great for a wide array of boats, for offshore fishing and navigation or inland fishing and navigation (if equipped with LakeVü charts).