<POLL> Fishfinder/GPS Brands & Desired Features

I'd like to see touchscreen technology that works even in the presence of water drops on the screen.

Actually, I'd like to see that on a iPad or some other tablet, then have a wireless transducer.  Open up the API and allow people to write apps or integrate other best of breed apps.

-Allen

I'd like to see touchscreen technology that works even in the presence of water drops on the screen.

Actually, I'd like to see that on a iPad or some other tablet, then have a wireless transducer.  Open up the API and allow people to write apps or integrate other best of breed apps.

-Allen

There are a few independent companies out there making a stab at this, sort of.  I think they will need to get bought up by someone larger for it to become viable to the general market.  I see more interest level in wireless transducers & use of iPad.  Raymarine has a wireless version of the Dragonfly & Lowrance uses GoFree with the HDS Series units so you can control all of it from an iPad or iPhone.  HDS is priced out of reach for most kayak anglers & is packed with features we won't need (but I'm sure desire) such as Radar    Starting to see these features being used in the world of Tourney Bass fishing though.  Simrad does have the new GO7 which is feature packed & more in-line with a higher-end kayak budget.

By the way ... this chatter is EXACTLY the type of open discussion, creativity, thoughts, etc that I was looking to get from the group.  Thanks everyone!

   I'd love to hear from others who are new or just getting into this sport!

If they're going to market fishfinders to kayak anglers, they should make sure all connections are water tight with no exposed wires/terminals...because saltwater will eventually corrode everything.

What I'd really like is for an App that I can download onto my smartphone.  Instead of a large head unit, have a central processing unit (cpu) connected to the transducer and battery/solar panel, with a plug into my phone.  The cpu shouldn't be larger than a cellphone anyway considering our smartphones have more capability than any FF unit.

My Android has mapping and GPS already.  If I had something that could provide water temp and CHIRP, my FF would be obsolete.  Hell, if the cradle was positioned correctly, it could even take selfies and film my catches.  It could also control the drone that's following/filming me.  j/k 

So... in a nutshell, I'd like a smartphone compatible transducer and fishing app to control it.  It would be perfect for kayakers.  I never forget my phone... but when I first started out, in my rush to get on the road, I've forgotten my battery or head unit.

Here you go:

<$100
7 inch + LED IPS Color Touchscreen
Downscan, GPS with Maps, CHIRP, side scan
Smaller transducers that can fit in scupper compatible slots
Tough as nails, waterproof
Lower than 0.15ah battery consumption
Lightweight, flatscreens, no thicker than a cell phone
Completely white body or carbon fiber
Easy RAM/scotty compatible mounting

Think you can do all that Bill?   

I love my older Humminbirds. A 565 and a gps combo, I think 585?
They have been so very dependable! And bombproof.
I just wish they had a heavier gauge wire at the connection to the battery.

If they're going to market fishfinders to kayak anglers, they should make sure all connections are water tight with no exposed wires/terminals...because saltwater will eventually corrode everything.

Really what they need to consider is putting more effort into a FF designed specifically for kayak use.  Bomb proof, waterproof, small and powerful, portable and easy to adapt to specific kayak needs.  They could lead the way on this emerging market and crush their competition! 

And honestly, same as Mark.

Transducer technology that is wireless, open APIs for development.  But the transducers have to be excellent quality and be able to do all of the coolest features.

I'd like to see touchscreen technology that works even in the presence of water drops on the screen.

Actually, I'd like to see that on a iPad or some other tablet, then have a wireless transducer.  Open up the API and allow people to write apps or integrate other best of breed apps.

-Allen

There are a few independent companies out there making a stab at this, sort of.  I think they will need to get bought up by someone larger for it to become viable to the general market.  I see more interest level in wireless transducers & use of iPad.  Raymarine has a wireless version of the Dragonfly & Lowrance uses GoFree with the HDS Series units so you can control all of it from an iPad or iPhone.  HDS is priced out of reach for most kayak anglers & is packed with features we won't need (but I'm sure desire) such as Radar    Starting to see these features being used in the world of Tourney Bass fishing though.  Simrad does have the new GO7 which is feature packed & more in-line with a higher-end kayak budget.

The biggest issues with the independent companies is that they are trying to make the transducer portable.  But the size limits of portability reduces their ability have higher power transducers competitive with what is on the market today, as the smaller batteries just can't provide the juice.

-Allen

What I'd really like is for an App that I can download onto my smartphone.  Instead of a large head unit, have a central processing unit (cpu) connected to the transducer and battery/solar panel, with a plug into my phone.  The cpu shouldn't be larger than a cellphone anyway considering our smartphones have more capability than any FF unit.

My Android has mapping and GPS already.  If I had something that could provide water temp and CHIRP, my FF would be obsolete.  Hell, if the cradle was positioned correctly, it could even take selfies and film my catches.  It could also control the drone that's following/filming me.  j/k 

So... in a nutshell, I'd like a smartphone compatible transducer and fishing app to control it.  It would be perfect for kayakers.  I never forget my phone... but when I first started out, in my rush to get on the road, I've forgotten my battery or head unit.

This is what I was getting at, but also why I said that the issue of touchscreen and water drops needs to be addressed.  I have a waterproof phone.  I thought it would be great.  But it is all but useless if my fingers are wet.

-Allen

I'm new to using ff. I'd like to see a ff that worked WITH my phone.  It would be cool to review my sonar logs, waypoints and charts.  Maybe adding waypoints on my iPad sitting by campfire, plotting routes for the next day and syncing wirelessly with ff. A front facing camera and microphone on ff would b sweet!  Waterproof, submersible.  Built in plb for emergencies. Built in 2 way radio...

I'm new to using ff. I'd like to see a ff that worked WITH my phone.  It would be cool to review my sonar logs, waypoints and charts.  Maybe adding waypoints on my iPad sitting by campfire, plotting routes for the next day and syncing wirelessly with ff. A front facing camera and microphone on ff would b sweet!  Waterproof, submersible.  Built in plb for emergencies. Built in 2 way radio...

Interesting thoughts.  The technology is for sure out there to make the wireless transfer a reality.  They are (somewhat) doing this with the Lowrance HDS series this year (Gen3) and I foresee it continuing to grow.  Just need to get that technology down into the Elite Series units.  You can record your daily log on most of the new Lowrance units using Insight Genesis.

Front facing camera ... good thought.  Basically a built-in go-pro.  You are looking at your screen & it is looking back at you.  Could be viable.

Whomever chose "other", can you PM me what brand unit that was?  Eagle? 

Whomever chose "other", can you PM me what brand unit that was?  Eagle?

Wasn't me but it you add it to the list ....I'll add that one to the other three I selected. The Eagle was my first FF ...still love using it on lakes and rivers where no gps is required.