Garmin has announced a Ultra High-Definition Sonar Scanning system (GCV™ 20 Scanning Sonar Black Box with GT34UHD-TM Transducer). The new sonar system delivers significantly clearer images by using a higher frequency to scan for structure and fish. Garmin has stated that detail including fish and surrounding structures will be much crisper and that this level clarity will go to 200 feet below your boat. The new Sonar system and transducers are due late April in Australia.
Price and Australian Release
010-02055-00 Ultra High-Definition Scanning Sonar System GCV™ 20 Scanning Sonar Black Box with GT34UHD-TM Transducer – Whole System (including GT34UHD-TM Transducer and GCV20 Scanning Sonar Black Box) | AUD $899RRP
010-12776-10 Garmin GT34UHD-TH – Single Thru-Hull Transducer | AUD $1199RRP
010-12776-11 Garmin GT34UHD-THP – Double Thru-Hull Transducers | AUD $1899RRP
010-12776-00 - Garmin GT34UHD-TM – Single Transom Mount Transducer | AUD $399RRP
Full System Functionality and Current Unit Compatibility
The new Sonar scanning system will work best with nearshore and inland anglers. It will be available as a standalone system compatible with all current GPSMAP and select ECHOMAP Plus multi-function displays.
Garmin has thankfully opened up the field with the new Sonar Scanning system being compatible with their older models. The system package itself (010-02055-00) comes with the networkable GVC20 sonar black box and a GT34UHD transducer with transom and trolling motor mounts. This system is compatible with the following units:
- ECHOMAP Plus 75cv
- ECHOMAP Plus 75sv
- ECHOMAP Plus 95sv
- GPSMAP 1022xsv
- GPSMAP 1222xsv
- GPSMAP 1222xsv Touch
- GPSMAP 8417 MFD
- GPSMAP 8424 MFD
The setup is pretty simple, the GVC20 Black box will connect to your MFD (Multi Function Display) via ethernet. This leaves your transducer port open meaning you keep your original transducer, and you can then select which transducer you want to use for Side Vu or Down Vu. Based on the range and the limited use for saltwater anglers it looks like the transducers included will mainly feature as an addition to your boat, not as a standalone sonar system unless you're primarily fishing inland and nearshore.
Additionally, if you plan on using this and you haven’t updated your Garmin unit in a while make sure you do so as Garmin will release a firmware update that ensures the units are compatible Garmin is set to release the update on all their current devices before the GVC20 box and GT34 transducer hit our stores.
