Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv

The Garmin GPSMAP series includes fish finder and chartplotter combo units that offer a superior range of features to the ECHOMAP models. For example, they offer Radar support and come pre-loaded with both lake and coastal charts. However, they usually don’t include a transducer. In this post, we’re going to address the GPSMAP 943xsv part number 010-02366-03.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9.0 diagonal WXGA IPS color, touchscreen, 1280H x 720V pixel resolution, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Standard CHIRP, CHIRP ClearVü, CHIRP SideVü, Panoptix
• Frequencies supported:
  Standard CHIRP: 50/77/200 kHz
  ClearVü/SideVü: 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
• Max. Depth Capability: 5,000 ft. (1,524 m)
• Transducer: Not included
• Max. Power Draw: 12 VDC, 1.8 Amp
• Power Output: 1 kW
• GPS: 10 Hz, internal
• Charts: LakeVü g3 and BlueChart g3
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 5,000; 50,000 points (50 saved tracks).
• Networking: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, Ethernet, Wireless Connectivity, USB, 2x microSD

Sonar features

To begin with, the Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv supports multiple sonar types. The list includes standard CHIRP sonar, ClearVü sonar, SideVü sonar, and Panoptix sonar. It supports multiple frequencies as well, such as 50/77/200 kHz for standard CHIRP, and 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz for ClearVü and SideVü. The older GPSMAP versions did not support UHD sonar so this is a plus for the 010-02366-03 version.

The unit does not include a transducer. However, it is compatible with most transducers available from Airmar and Garmin. For example, you can pair it with any of the Panoptix PS30, PS22, or PS21, or you can opt for the GT56UHD transducer, as well as the classic GT20 transducer for standard CHIRP and ClearVü.

Needless to say, the unit offers the full range of standard sonar features and applications. Among them, we can count A-Scope, Fish Symbols, Bottom Lock, Surface Noise, Split Zoom, various alarms, and more. Sonar Recording is also available, as well as the Vivid color palettes for the ClearVü and SideVü sonar.

Navigation features

As opposed to the ECHOMAP units, the GPSMAP units come with both coastal and inland charts for the United States. The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv makes no exception. It is pre-loaded with the BlueChart g3 and LakeVü g3 standard chart platforms. The Bluechart maps offer coverage for the West Coast, the East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. The LakeVü charts offer 1-foot contour detailing for more than 17,000 lakes and reservoirs. Both chart platforms are enhanced with Navionics data. They also offer features like Auto Guidance, Depth Range Shading, and more. Plus, the unit is compatible with the LakeVü g3 Ultra and BlueChart g3 Vision.

The unit has the Quickdraw Contours feature as well. This application offers the possibility to create your own bathymetric maps. It uses the GPS data and standard sonar data to reveal and record the depth contours of the lake you’re scanning. So, if the standard charts pre-loaded into the unit don’t offer the best detail for your lake, Quickdraw Contours has you covered.

As the unit’s name suggests, it has built-in GPS. Its internal GPS receiver operates at 10 Hz. This means that the unit can provide position updates 10 times per second. It also supports WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS for position augmentation. Plus, the unit offers the possibility to create routes, record tracks, and save waypoints.

One of the major pluses of the GPSMAP series of fish finders is the Radar support. The unit already has a Radar application built-in and is compatible with Radar modules from Garmin such as the 4 kW GMR 18 HD+. It also supports VHF, AIS, and Fusion-Link audio systems. It has J1939 connectivity so you can pair your GPSMAP chartplotter with various types of engines for a detailed engine data view. The OneHelm feature is also available; this brings together all the operations and capabilities of third-party devices such as EmpirBus digital switching on one screen. And finally, it has ANT technology and you can pair it with different other devices such as gWind transducers, GNX Wind marine instruments, as well as wireless remote controls.

Control unit features

The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv features a WXGA color display, 9-inch in diagonal, with a pixel resolution of 1280H x 720V for crisp images. It has built-in LED backlight and also offers polarized support so you won’t have difficulties viewing the display when wearing polarized sunglasses. It comes with a bail mount kit, a flush mount kit, and a unit cover.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. This essentially means that it can withstand incidental water exposure with no problem and even immersions in freshwater. It is a full touchscreen unit without a side keypad. Its interface is highly intuitive and easy to use. It offers the possibility to work with multiple applications in split-screen and also customize your homepage with the most used application combos for quick access.

In terms of networking, the 943xsv is considerably superior to the ECHOMAP 93sv, for example. It has Ethernet and NMEA 2000 ports, as well as a J1939 port for direct connection to various engines including Yamaha engines. Plus, the unit has a USB port and a dual microSD card slot. The unit’s transducer port is a 12-pin one. Thus, if you’re going to use a transducer with a different number of pins, you will need a cable adapter. An 8-pin to 12-pin cable adapter is actually included.

The unit also has wireless connectivity. Thus, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the ActiveCaptain app. Thus, you can benefit from quick software updates, all kinds of downloads, map upgrades, data backups, trip planning, and more. This app also offers the possibility of receiving smart notifications from your phone on the display of your GPSMAP chartplotter.

The Pros

• Standard CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü, and Panoptix sonar;
• Supports dual-frequency sonar;
• Compatible with a wide selection of transducers from Garmin and Airmar, including 1 kW models;
• Many standard sonar features, including Fish Symbols, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Sonar Zoom, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, Sonar Recording, etc.
• Fast and accurate 10 Hz internal GPS;
• Preloaded with the U.S. LakeVü g3 and BlueChart g3 coastal charts;
• Compatible with the Garmin premium charts, such as BlueChart g3 Vision or LakeVü g3 Ultra;
• Quickdraw Contours function, for the possibility to add contours and customize your maps;
• Multiple Depth Range Shading;
• Tide tables information;
• Data graphs and information from other NMEA 2000 sensors;
• Supports AIS, DSC-capable VHF radio, and Fusion-Link;
• Garmin Meteor™ Audio System compatible;
• Radar support;
• Touchscreen display;
• 1280H x 720V pixel resolution;
• Vivid color palette;
• Dual microSD card reader;
• USB port;
• Wireless connectivity;
• Garmin Helm compatible;
• Wireless remote control compatible;
• NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 compatible;
• J1939 compatible;
• Bail and flush mounts included;
• Unit cover included;
• Easy to install;
• Straightforward, comprehensive operation.

The Cons

• A transducer is not included;
• Does not support map cards from Navionics.

Summary

The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv is a multi-function display offering CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü, and Panoptix support. It has an extensive range of navigation features including a 10 Hz GPS receiver, LakeVü g3, and BlueChart g3 charts, Radar support, and more. It also offers a wide array of networking features such as Ethernet, NMEA 2000, J1939, and wireless connectivity. It’s a great chartplotter for a wide array of boats, for both off-shore and inland fishing.