Humminbird is a leading manufacturer of fish finders and other marine electronics. They are continuously developing new technologies to improve their products and make fishing easier and more productive for anglers. Some of the latest innovations from Humminbird include enhanced sonar capabilities, integrated mapping systems, and Bluetooth connectivity.
MEGA Imaging Sonar
One of the most exciting new technologies from Humminbird is MEGA Imaging sonar. This advanced sonar system provides ultra-high definition views beneath your boat. It utilizes multiple beams to generate photographic-quality images of what’s under the water.
MEGA Imaging delivers up to 60% wider coverage than traditional dual beam sonar. It has a very high 455kHz frequency and up to 480 vertical pixels. This results in excellent target separation and definition. Structures, vegetation, and fish can be clearly identified. Even small bait fish are visible on the display.
The high frequency of MEGA Imaging also enables better performance in shallow water. Anglers can see more detail in depths down to 4 feet. This helps you find fish holding tight to cover near shore.
Overall, MEGA Imaging gives anglers a powerful “underwater eye” for finding and identifying fish with incredible clarity.
CHIRP Digital Sonar
Another recent development from Humminbird is CHIRP sonar technology. CHIRP stands for Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse. This type of sonar utilizes a sophisticated waveform to deliver better target separation.
Normal sonars transmit a single frequency ping or pulse into the water. This reflects off objects like fish to create an image. CHIRP sonar is different because it sweeps a continuous range of frequencies with each pulse rather than one fixed frequency.
The wider spectrum of frequencies enables better target resolution. CHIRP sonar can differentiate between objects that are very close together. It also penetrates through thermoclines and other difficult fishing conditions better.
Humminbird’s CHIRP sonars have operating frequencies ranging from 80 kHz up to 400 kHz. Higher frequencies provide the best resolution but don’t reach as deep as lower frequencies. Combining multiple CHIRP transducers allows anglers to get better clarity at all depths.
Fusion and Network Sonar
Humminbird’s Fusion technology combines traditional sonar with CHIRP Imaging for expanded underwater views. Fusion sonar units integrate a CHIRP traditional sonar transmitter with MEGA Down Imaging and DualBeam PLUS. This creates a cohesive picture beneath the boat for enhanced fish and structure identification.
Network sonar takes things even further by linking together multiple Fusion capable units on the boat. Anglers can access sonar returns from all transducers on any display. Network sonar expands coverage for a very detailed view of underwater activity.
Built-In Maps and Charts
In the past, fish finders and marine GPS chartplotters were separate devices. Humminbird’s latest models integrate both into single units with built-in cartography.
Units like the Humminbird HELIX 10 incorporate UniMap cartography with navigation capabilities. UniMap provides detailed maps with over 15,000 lakes across the United States.
Built-in maps make it much easier to navigate and fish new waters without having to buy additional cards. Anglers also get real-time chart updates for depth, hazards, and other map corrections.
High-end Humminbird units even include LakeMaster HD maps with Ultra High Definition lake charts and 1-foot depth contours. This level of detail helps anglers pinpoint weed lines, underwater points, and other fish-holding areas accurately.
Having both navigation and sonar in a single device simplifies your electronics rig. It’s easier to track fish while navigating with integrated units.
Bluetooth Connectivity
New Humminbird models now support Bluetooth wireless technology for connecting accessory devices and apps. Anglers can pair things like wireless remote controls and smart phones to compatible Humminbird units.
For example, the Humminbird Bluetooth Remote gives you wireless control of key functions like waypoint management. You can mark waypoints from anywhere on the boat without having to reach the main display.
Bluetooth also enables wireless software updates for new features and improved performance. Humminbird provides a mobile app that interfaces with compatible units for additional control options.
In the future, Bluetooth connectivity will support integration with Minn Kota trolling motors, Power-Pole shallow water anchors, and more. This allows Humminbird units to control and receive information from these accessories for expanded automation.
Front Sonar and LiveScope
Humminbird’s Front Sonar gives anglers an unparalleled view beneath and around the boat. It consists of a forward facing transducer mounted on a trolling motor.
The Front Sonar transducer scans everything in front of the boat up to 240 feet away. This provides incredible visibility for detecting fish, structure, and bottom contours when navigating or fishing shallow water.
LiveScope takes things even further by combining high frequency Front Sonar returns with perspective overlay software. This creates a live video style view in front of the boat down to 40 feet deep.
Anglers can see fish swimming and structure moving in real-time. LiveScope almost feels like cheating because it gives you so much advanced information on fishing areas.
Conclusion
Humminbird continues to pioneer some of the most advanced fish finder technologies available today. With continual enhancements in sonar, mapping, connectivity, and perspective live views, Humminbird electronics give anglers a huge advantage on the water.
MEGA Imaging, CHIRP sonar, and the ability to network multiple transducers provides unprecedented clarity and coverage beneath your boat. Built-in maps eliminate the need for extra chart cards and make navigating new waters simple.
Bluetooth connectivity bridges Humminbird units with wireless technology for conveniences like remote control and software updates. And perspective live views like Front Sonar and LiveScope literally enable anglers to peer into the underwater world in front of their boat.
While other manufacturers are still playing catch up, Humminbird is leading the way when it comes to fish finder innovation. Their constantly evolving technology helps anglers find more fish with less effort.
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| MEGA Imaging Sonar | Provides ultra high-definition photographic views beneath the boat using a high 455kHz frequency and 480 vertical pixels. |
| CHIRP Digital Sonar | Uses a continuous sweep of frequencies for better target separation and depth penetration versus standard sonars. |
| Fusion Sonar | Combines CHIRP sonar returns with MEGA Down Imaging and DualBeam PLUS for a fused underwater view. |
| Built-In Maps | Includes integrated navigation charts and maps for simplified use without external cards. |
| Bluetooth | Allows wireless connection to accessories and apps for remote control, software updates, and more. |
| Front Sonar | Scans up to 240 feet ahead of the boat from a forward facing transducer on the trolling motor. |
| LiveScope | Uses Front Sonar returns to generate a live perspective view of fish and structure in front of the boat. |
MEGA Imaging Sonar Benefits
– Ultra-high definition photographic views beneath boat
– Up to 60% wider coverage than dual beam sonar
– Excellent target separation and definition
– See small bait fish and detailed structure
– High 455kHz frequency for shallow water performance down to 4 ft
CHIRP Sonar Advantages
– Sweeps a continuous range of frequencies rather than one fixed frequency
– Achieves superior target separation in difficult conditions
– Penetrates thermoclines better than standard sonars
– Combining 80 to 400 kHz frequencies provides clarity at all depths
Fusion and Network Sonar Features
– Fusion integrates CHIRP sonar with MEGA Down Imaging and DualBeam PLUS
– Creates cohesive, unified picture beneath boat
– Network sonar links multiple Fusion units for expanded coverage
– View sonar returns from all transducers on any display
Built-In Mapping Benefits
– Combination GPS chartplotter and fish finder
– Includes detailed lake maps and navigation capabilities
– UniMap provides charts for over 15,000 lakes
– Get real-time updates for depth, hazards, and corrections
– LakeMaster HD maps offer 1-foot bottom contours
Bluetooth Connectivity Uses
– Pair with wireless remote for waypoint control from anywhere on boat
– Enables wireless software updates for new features
– Connect to Humminbird mobile app for expanded control
– Future integration with Minn Kota, Power-Pole, and other accessories
Front Sonar and LiveScope Features
– Front Sonar scans up to 240 feet ahead of boat from trolling motor transducer
– See fish, structure, and bottom contours when navigating or fishing shallow
– LiveScope creates live video perspective view in front of boat
– Track fish movements and structure changes in real-time
