Garmin Striker 7dv

The Striker 7dv is one of the Garmin fish finders that were discontinued a while ago. It was replaced by the 7cv model, and one of the newer models is the Garmin Striker Plus 7cv.

There are actually two model numbers for this older Garmin unit, the 010-01553-00 and the 010-01553-01. The difference between them is not the transducer, as they both come with the GT20-TM (4-pin) transducer. The only difference between these two is documentation. The -00 unit comes with English documentation, while the -01 unit includes multi-language documentation. In this post, we’re going to cover the 010-01553-00 model.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7.0″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, backlit
• Sonar: Dual Frequency 2D CHIRP, CHIRP DownVü
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 2D Sonar: 200 kHz / 15° and 77 kHz / 45°
  • DownVü: 455 kHz 2.5° / 53° and 800 kHz 1.4° / 32°
• Depth Capability:
  • 2D: 1,900 feet (579 m)
  • DownVü: 750 feet (228 m)
• Transducer: GT20-TM (4-pin), for HD-ID and DownVü
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: High-precision, internal
• Maps: No
• Waypoints: 5,000

Navigation features

Just like the other Striker units from Garmin, the Striker 7dv focuses on offering the best sonar technologies available, at minimal costs. However, it still offers some navigation features. The first one on the list is its high-sensitivity internal GPS. The unit doesn’t have any charts as a base for the GPS. In other words, the base for the GPS is a blank sheet. Also, the unit is not compatible with any charts. You can’t use a LakeVü chip for example, as it doesn’t have a card reader.

The GPS is most definitely an important feature to have on the water, as it allows you to know the coordinates of your current location, and of course, the coordinates of any other point of interest (POI). When it comes to POI, this unit gives you the possibility to save up to 5,000 waypoints, offering a variety of suggestive icons. Therefore, if for example, you’ve seen several game fish in a certain location, you can mark a waypoint at those specific coordinates, giving it a fish icon. You can also mark docks or boat ramps, and record your current trail, in order to safely navigate back to your starting point, or between other POI.

The speed of your vessel can also be measured via GPS.

Fish finding features

As we’ve mentioned above, this unit comes with a transducer; to be more specific, the transducer supplied with the Striker 7dv is the GT20-TM model, with a 4-pin connector. This transducer is capable of 77/200 kHz frequencies for 2D sonar, and 455/800 kHz for DownVü. It comes with a transom mount, and 20′ (6 m) of cable, also integrating a temperature sensor.

The unit itself is capable of 50/77/200 kHz for 2D, and 260/455/800 kHz for Dv, but evidently, with the supplied GT20-TM transducer model, it won’t be able to access the 50 kHz, and 260 kHz frequencies. In order to use these lower frequencies, you will need a more powerful transducer. The overall depth capability of this fish finder is 750 ft (228 m) for DownVü and 1,900 ft. (579 m) for 2D.

One of the best aspects regarding this unit is that it uses CHIRP technology for both its types of sonar, traditional 2D, and DownVü. This means each sonar pulse is modulated over a range of frequencies, rather than one frequency. For example, for DownVü one pulse will be modulated over a range of frequencies between 435-475 kHz, rather than a flat 455 kHz. CHIRP offers superior depth penetration, better target definition and separation, and less clutter on the screen.

Now, since this particular transducer is supplied with other units that do not use CHIRP, you’re probably wondering if CHIRP can be achieved with it. Thus, for this matter it’s important to specify that CHIRP can be accomplished with the same transducer, the difference being how the signal from the transducer is interpreted by the control unit.

The GT20-TM transducer uses conical beams for 2D sonar, with angles of 45° for 77 kHz, and 15° for 200 kHz. This being said, it’s best to use the 77 kHz frequency when trying to cover a wider area or a greater depth, and the 200 kHz mode when you need more detail and definition on a certain target. But since the unit it’s a dual-frequency one, you can basically use both modes simultaneously, and view the returns in split-screen.

On the other hand for DownVü, the transducer uses thin beams, shaped more like a fan than a cone, 2.5° fore to aft and 53° side to side for 455 kHz, 1.4° fore to aft and 32° side to side for 800 kHz.

For the 2D sonar, there are several functions available. Fish Symbols, Circular Flasher, A-Scope, Bottom Lock are some of the ones that can be mentioned. The Fish Symbols function assigns fish icons to the suspended targets, also displaying the depth of each target next to it.

The Circular Flasher is a function for stationary fishing or for ice fishing. It’s an abstract sonar view, which focuses on the strength of the sonar returns. For example, depending on the color markers, you can determine whether the bottom is muddy or solid, know immediately the depth of fish that swim right into the sonar beam, or you can observe the positioning and movement of your jig.

On the other hand, A-Scope is a vertical flasher, displayed next to the traditional 2D sonar view, indicating the most recent sonar return. It also indicates the diameter of the cone at the present depth. And finally, Bottom Lock is a function that allows you to set up the unit to follow the bottom, assigning a desired distance from the bottom. For example, if you set Bottom Lock at 10 ft, the device will show the bottom and the returns caught by the sonar beam that are in a span of 10 ft above the bottom.

Last but not least, since the transducer integrates a temperature sensor, the unit can display water temperature. There’s also a Temperature Graph function which gives you the possibility to observe the temperature variance from a place to another.

Control unit features

The Striker 7dv from Garmin features a more compact design, more suitable to outdoor use than the echoMAP units. Its waterproof rating is IPX7, which means it can withstand rain and incidental water exposure.

The unit uses a 7-inch display, color display, with an 800 x 480 pixel layout offering an excellent option for observing sonar and GPS in split-screen. And speaking of split-screen, the unit offers up to 3 panels per view. Also, the unit’s display has adjustable backlight, offering a pretty bright view, easy to read even in direct sunlight.

There’s the option of a portable kit, which makes it easier to dismount or use for ice fishing or kayak. However, the box comes with the standard, tilt mount.

This unit offers the possibility to transfer waypoints and routes via data cable, from any echoMAP unit. However, it does not have a microSD card reader or NMEA connectivity options.

The Pros

• 2D CHIRP sonar – capable of 50/77/200 kHz;
• CHIRP DownVü sonar – capable of 260/455/800 kHz;
• Dual-frequency capable – meaning that you can view both 2D beams simultaneously;
• GT20-TM transducer included – supporting 77/200 kHz for 2D CHIRP and 455/800 kHz for DV, also temperature capable;
• Various 2D sonar functions available, such as A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Split Zoom, Flasher, Fish Symbols, etc;
• High-sensitivity GPS;
• GPS speed;
• Can save up to 5,000 waypoints;
• Can share waypoints with echoMAP units via data cable;
• Tilt mount included;
• Temperature graph function;
• Adjustable backlight.

The Cons

• No sonar recording;
• No unit cover;
• No NMEA outs.

Summary

The Garmin Striker 7dv is a great unit to use for freshwater, but given its decent depth capability, it can also be a viable unit for off-shore fishing at greater depths. Since it’s a bigger unit than the Striker 4 unit, for example, it may not be the best choice as a kayak fish finder, but it’s definitely suitable for just about any bass boat or even bigger vessels. It’s an excellent choice for any angler who wants a powerful sonar in their fish finder but doesn’t want superior navigation features. And finally, it’s a unit that offers excellent value for the price.