What's the thoughts on the deeper quest downscan module? I don't know all the technical gubbins on things like this so is it something that will elevate the boat to be able to produce scans up there with say the rt7 or is it still miles off what that can produce which aside from that price and the problems they seeem to have with board breaking down the dragonfly elements can't half produce some amazing details scans
In reply to Post #1
Downscan is a game changer for detailed images.
Until it's released no one can really say how it'll compare with RT7 etc.
Downscan is a game changer for detailed images.
Until it's released no one can really say how it'll compare with RT7 etc.
In the US they call it down imaging
Lowrance & humminbird sonars both provide products that provide it and the technology has been around a few years now.
It's works at a very high frequency and recreates a photo like image of what is directly underneath.
In sports fishing it helps to identify bait fish and prey fish
US is the big market for this sonar technology but European sonar makers are starting to see the benefits as will we.
Certainly a game changer.
Have a search on YouTube for down imaging videos which will give you a good idea what's coming.
Lowrance & humminbird sonars both provide products that provide it and the technology has been around a few years now.
It's works at a very high frequency and recreates a photo like image of what is directly underneath.
In sports fishing it helps to identify bait fish and prey fish
US is the big market for this sonar technology but European sonar makers are starting to see the benefits as will we.
Certainly a game changer.
Have a search on YouTube for down imaging videos which will give you a good idea what's coming.
In reply to Post #3
That's great mate thank you for explaining it in layman's terms. I'm guessing there are different specs for down scanning as in there are good and bad ones out there .
Do you have any idea what differentiates a good down scanner from a bad one in terms of being able to produce good quality images? Just so I know what to look for when deeper release this new module
That's great mate thank you for explaining it in layman's terms. I'm guessing there are different specs for down scanning as in there are good and bad ones out there .
Do you have any idea what differentiates a good down scanner from a bad one in terms of being able to produce good quality images? Just so I know what to look for when deeper release this new module
Here you go
When looking for a down imaging fish finder, there are several key features and specifications to consider to make sure you get clear images of what's beneath your boat. Here's a thorough guide:
⸻
1. Transducer Type and Frequency
"¢ Down imaging transducers use high-frequency sonar (typically 455 kHz or 800 kHz) for detailed images.
"¢ Higher frequency → more detail but less depth penetration.
"¢ Some units combine traditional 2D sonar with down imaging for versatility.
⸻
2. Display Resolution and Size
"¢ Bigger screens with higher resolution make it easier to interpret structures, fish, and bottom features.
"¢ Look for at least 480x480 pixels for clear images; larger displays (7"“10") are common on serious anglers' boats.
⸻
3. Depth Capability
"¢ Ensure the fish finder can handle the depth you plan to fish in.
"¢ Down imaging works best in shallow to medium depth (up to ~300 ft) for maximum detail.
"¢ For deep water, check if the unit supports both high-frequency imaging and traditional sonar.
⸻
4. Chirp Technology
"¢ CHIRP sonar sends a sweep of frequencies, giving better target separation and clearer images of fish and structures.
"¢ Many modern down imaging fish finders combine CHIRP with down imaging for versatility.
⸻
5. Mapping and GPS Integration
"¢ Units with built-in GPS and mapping allow you to mark hotspots and navigate to productive areas.
"¢ Some support detailed map cards (e.g., Navionics or C-MAP) for contour overlays.
⸻
6. Dual/Triple Beam Support
"¢ Some fish finders allow switching between down imaging, side imaging, and traditional sonar, which gives a more complete view.
"¢ If you fish structure-heavy areas, side imaging can complement down imaging.
⸻
7. Screen Orientation and Daylight Visibility
"¢ Look for bright displays with good sunlight readability (high-nit rating).
"¢ Adjustable brightness and screen angles help when fishing in different light conditions.
⸻
8. Budget vs. Features
"¢ Entry-level units ($200"“$400) usually offer down imaging with basic GPS.
"¢ Mid-range ($400"“$800) adds CHIRP sonar, better screens, and more mapping options.
"¢ High-end ($800+) gives large touchscreens, advanced sonar modes, and networking with other electronics.
⸻
9. Mounting and Power Requirements
"¢ Make sure your boat can support the transducer mount type (transom, trolling motor, or in-hull).
"¢ Check that your electrical system can handle the unit's power draw.
⸻
10. User Interface
"¢ Look for intuitive menus, customizable views, and easy switching between sonar modes.
"¢ Some units have touchscreen + physical buttons for reliability in wet conditions.
⸻
Pro Tip: For clear fish and structure identification, look for units that combine down imaging with CHIRP sonar"”you get the best of detail and target separation.
When looking for a down imaging fish finder, there are several key features and specifications to consider to make sure you get clear images of what's beneath your boat. Here's a thorough guide:
⸻
1. Transducer Type and Frequency
"¢ Down imaging transducers use high-frequency sonar (typically 455 kHz or 800 kHz) for detailed images.
"¢ Higher frequency → more detail but less depth penetration.
"¢ Some units combine traditional 2D sonar with down imaging for versatility.
⸻
2. Display Resolution and Size
"¢ Bigger screens with higher resolution make it easier to interpret structures, fish, and bottom features.
"¢ Look for at least 480x480 pixels for clear images; larger displays (7"“10") are common on serious anglers' boats.
⸻
3. Depth Capability
"¢ Ensure the fish finder can handle the depth you plan to fish in.
"¢ Down imaging works best in shallow to medium depth (up to ~300 ft) for maximum detail.
"¢ For deep water, check if the unit supports both high-frequency imaging and traditional sonar.
⸻
4. Chirp Technology
"¢ CHIRP sonar sends a sweep of frequencies, giving better target separation and clearer images of fish and structures.
"¢ Many modern down imaging fish finders combine CHIRP with down imaging for versatility.
⸻
5. Mapping and GPS Integration
"¢ Units with built-in GPS and mapping allow you to mark hotspots and navigate to productive areas.
"¢ Some support detailed map cards (e.g., Navionics or C-MAP) for contour overlays.
⸻
6. Dual/Triple Beam Support
"¢ Some fish finders allow switching between down imaging, side imaging, and traditional sonar, which gives a more complete view.
"¢ If you fish structure-heavy areas, side imaging can complement down imaging.
⸻
7. Screen Orientation and Daylight Visibility
"¢ Look for bright displays with good sunlight readability (high-nit rating).
"¢ Adjustable brightness and screen angles help when fishing in different light conditions.
⸻
8. Budget vs. Features
"¢ Entry-level units ($200"“$400) usually offer down imaging with basic GPS.
"¢ Mid-range ($400"“$800) adds CHIRP sonar, better screens, and more mapping options.
"¢ High-end ($800+) gives large touchscreens, advanced sonar modes, and networking with other electronics.
⸻
9. Mounting and Power Requirements
"¢ Make sure your boat can support the transducer mount type (transom, trolling motor, or in-hull).
"¢ Check that your electrical system can handle the unit's power draw.
⸻
10. User Interface
"¢ Look for intuitive menus, customizable views, and easy switching between sonar modes.
"¢ Some units have touchscreen + physical buttons for reliability in wet conditions.
⸻
Pro Tip: For clear fish and structure identification, look for units that combine down imaging with CHIRP sonar"”you get the best of detail and target separation.