At one and a half pounds, the GARMIN STRIKER 7SV measures 9.3 by 5.5 inches with a 2.3 inch depth. It bears a 3.6 by 6 inch screen with a definition of 800 by 480 pixels that allows multiple sharp images to be displayed simultaneously. The display is also brilliantly backlit to make it legible even on the sunniest days and is flanked by a group of control buttons. Power from the device’s built-in rechargeable battery is sent through an included cable to a GT52 transducer where it generates an assortment of sonar pulses. The supplied transducer sends and receives the 77, 200, and 455 kHz signals used by the fishfinder to create images of conditions below the waterline. The fish locator comes with a swivel mount that allows it to be oriented for maximum usability. Both a transom and trolling motor mount are provided with the GT52 transducer for easy mounting to any watercraft.
Sound Into Pixels
The power of the Garmin Striker 7sv starts with sound waves. To get the most comprehensive image of the aquatic environment, a range of sonar frequencies are deployed. Basically, the lower the frequency, the farther it’ll travel. Unfortunately, lower, longer waves tend to pass over smaller objects instead of reflecting off of them. On the other hand, high frequency will bounce off tiny items, but they don’t penetrate far into the water. By broadcasting several waveforms, this device can create multiple images to convey all the needed information to know what’s going on. Using Compressed High Intensity Radiated Pulse or CHIRP technology, the Garmin Striker 7sv sends out 77, 200, and 455 kHz frequencies in rapid sequence to cover both deep viewing as well as minute details. The Striker 7sv includes DownVu and SideVu capabilities that use divided sonar beams to capture the scene below and to the sides of your boat. Altogether, the apparatus has a maximum depth of 1,100 feet in saltwater and 2,300 feet in freshwater.
Capturing Every Angle
Once the sonar information is collected, the Garmin Striker 7sv offers several options for viewing. Low and mid-level frequencies are used to create intricate images that feature individual fish as they swim by. Larger and denser objects appear in red with the color passing through yellow towards green as objects become smaller and lighter. With DownVu technology, monochrome photorealistic scenes can be produced for observing all the potential obstacles lurking below. In both cases, the image is of a thin slice of the sonar cone perpendicular to your craft that appears as if you were standing before it. With SideVu technology, the device takes readings from sonar aimed towards the sides of the boat to assemble a sharp picture of the body of water’s floor. In this case, images appear from the vantage point of directly overhead. The Striker 7sv can present all three images onscreen at once. For stationary fishing, there’s the option of a flasher. With this display method, an annular readout features clockwise depth markings with underwater objects shown as radial spokes of differing widths and hues determined by their density and dimensions.
Keeping Track
The Garmin Striker 7sv has a second trick up its sleeve for finding fish. If its sonar imaging powers can spot fish in the first place, its GPS tracking powers can help lead you back to them in the future. In waypoint mapping mode, simple route diagrams can be constructed using GPS position data to mark directions and distances from one site to the next. Waypoints or landmarks such as docks, buoys, or natural features can be noted on the maps for additional guidance. Of course, choice fishing spots are also designated on the maps. The information on these maps is transferrable to other Striker or echoMAP models. GPS capabilities also let this apparatus calculate your boat’s velocity at even the slowest speeds and refresh this figure every second. It’s then shown on screen in map mode along with compass heading and estimated arrival time. You can focus your energies on getting the fish on the line. You can get a great deal on Garmin Striker 7sv here.
