Deeper Sonar: How Does It Work On Boats?

Sonar, or SOund Navigation And Ranging, is a technology that uses sound waves to detect objects in water. It works by sending pulses of sound that, when they hit objects, are reflected back to the surface. The time it takes for the sound wave to travel down and bounce back is measured, and this information is used to judge the depth of the object. Deeper Sonar is a wireless, castable, and portable version of this technology that can be used for fishing, research, and surveying. It is lightweight, small, and easy to transport and can be mounted to any vessel in seconds using the Deeper Flex Arm. It can also be used to create bathymetric maps, which are useful for research and surveying purposes.

How does sonar work?

Sonar is a device that uses sound waves to detect objects. In the fishing industry, sonar is used to detect fish, structures, and the seafloor around the vessel. It emits ultrasonic waves into the sea and detects the reflected echoes. The time taken for the sound wave to travel down, hit an object, and bounce back up is measured. This is the same echolocation system used by bats and dolphins.

Sonar can detect and display the distribution, density, and movement of a school of fish at an angle of 360° or 180° in all directions. There are two types of sonar: active and passive. Active sonar generates a pulse at a certain amplitude, frequency, and pulse width, then uses the return signal and mathematics to determine location and range. Passive sonar, on the other hand, listens for "noise" and uses mathematics and the characteristics of the environment to determine location and range to the source.

Sonar devices are wireless, lightweight, small, and easy to transport. They can be mounted to any vessel and can be used to create detailed underwater maps of any location. The data from the sonar device can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet screen, providing anglers with information such as depth, structure, fish arches, and fish icons.

Sonars scan in cones, not lines, and the range of the sound wave cone can be controlled by changing the scanning beam frequency. Wide beam scanning is good for quickly scanning large areas and getting overall information on depth and bottom structure, while narrow beam scanning provides a more precise picture but covers a smaller area.

Sonar technology has various applications beyond fishing, including research and surveying. It is used by hydrographers, environmental scientists, universities, civil engineers, and divers.

Pros and cons of Deeper Sonar

Deeper Sonar is a castable fish finder that can be used for fishing from the shore or from small vessels like kayaks. It is a wireless, lightweight, and small device that can be easily transported and does not require complex installation on a boat. It is also an inexpensive solution compared to industrial-grade sonars. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Deeper Sonar:

Pros:

• Excellent Casting Range: The Deeper Sonar has a casting range of up to 100-120 meters, depending on the model. This allows users to map or scan hard-to-reach areas.
• Good Battery Life: The Deeper Sonar has a long battery life, lasting multiple trips, according to some users.
• Wireless and Lightweight: The Deeper Sonar is wireless and lightweight, making it easily portable and transportable. It does not require complex installation on a boat and can be quickly deployed.
• Affordable: The Deeper Sonar is an inexpensive solution compared to industrial-grade sonars. It is a good option for those who want a very affordable fish finder.
• Accurate Readings: The Deeper Sonar provides accurate readings of depth, structure, fish arches, and fish icons. It has a target separation of 2.5 cm for the PRO/PRO+ models and 1 cm for the PRO+ 2/CHIRP+/CHIRP+2 models.
• Map Creation: The Deeper Sonar allows users to create bathymetric maps using built-in GPS or phone/tablet GPS. The maps can be saved and accessed on any computer, and raw depth map and sonar data can be exported and processed using other software.
• Flexibility: The Deeper Sonar can be used with different vessels, such as boats, kayaks, pontoons, and SUP boards. It can also be mounted on any vessel using the Deeper Flex Arm.

Cons:

• Lack of Power: While the Deeper Sonar is excellent for its size, it lacks the power of non-castable sonars. It may not be suitable for those who require more advanced features and higher power.
• Phone Battery Drain: Some users have reported that the Deeper Sonar app drains their phone battery quickly. This can be inconvenient for those who are out on long fishing trips.
• App Issues: Some users have experienced software issues and connectivity problems with the Deeper Sonar app. However, others have noted that the app has improved over time, with updates addressing these issues.
• Time-Consuming: Using the Deeper Sonar for mapping can be time-consuming. It requires setting up, dealing with connection issues, and making multiple casts to create a map.

How to install Deeper Sonar on a boat

Installing a Deeper Sonar on a boat is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Pair the Deeper Sonar with your smartphone or tablet

The first step is to establish a connection between your Deeper Sonar device and your smartphone or tablet. This can be done by following the instructions in the Deeper Sonar app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Make sure your device is compatible with the Deeper Sonar before proceeding.

Step 2: Mount the Deeper Sonar to your boat

The Deeper Sonar can be easily mounted to any vessel using the Deeper Flex Arm. This process should only take a few seconds and does not require any complex installation. Simply attach the Deeper Flex Arm to your boat and secure the Deeper Sonar device onto it.

Step 3: Cast out and start scanning

Once the Deeper Sonar is mounted, you can begin using it to scan the waters. Cast the device out to a maximum distance of 100 meters to map and scan hard-to-reach areas. You can troll or cast to create detailed underwater maps of any location in real time, and no cell or internet signal is needed.

Step 4: View and analyze data

As you troll or cast, the Deeper Sonar will transmit data directly to your smartphone or tablet, providing you with detailed fish finder information, including depth, structure, fish arches, and fish icons. You can also use the Deeper Sonar app to view, share, and analyze all your maps and scanning history. The app offers adjustable sensitivity and an optional vertical flasher for a more professional display.

Step 5: Transfer to another boat (optional)

One of the advantages of the Deeper Sonar is its portability. If needed, you can easily transfer the device from one boat to another. Simply detach it from the Deeper Flex Arm on one boat and mount it on another. This makes it convenient to use the Deeper Sonar with multiple vessels or when fishing in different locations.

Overall, the Deeper Sonar provides an affordable and flexible sonar solution for boat anglers, offering powerful features and detailed data without the need for complex installation or high costs.

How much does Deeper Sonar cost?

The Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP 2 is available for €229.99 EUR. The regular price is €260.00 EUR, but it is currently on sale.

The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar is also available for €260.00 EUR.

The Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder is available for $169.90, with a list price of $179.99.

The Deeper START Smart Fish Finder is available for $79.99, usually priced at $89.99.

What are the alternatives to Deeper Sonar?

Alternatives to Deeper Sonar

There are several alternative options to the Deeper Sonar available in the market. Here are some of the top alternatives:

• Tackle Warehouse: Tackle Warehouse is a popular option that offers a wide range of fishing gear and equipment. It has a higher overall score than Deeper Sonar and offers features such as Apple Pay Later financing, international shipping, free returns and exchanges, and debit and prepaid card payments.
• AFTCO: AFTCO is another well-known brand in the fishing industry. It has a similar overall score to Deeper Sonar and offers Apple Pay Later financing, international shipping, and accepts PayPal. However, it does not offer free returns or exchanges.
• Mystery Tackle Box: Mystery Tackle Box is a subscription-based fishing service that offers monthly deliveries of fishing tackle and gear. It has a similar brand popularity rating to Deeper Sonar and offers features such as military discounts, free returns and exchanges, and debit and prepaid card payments.
• Angling Direct: Angling Direct is a direct competitor to Deeper Sonar, offering a wide range of fishing equipment. It has a higher brand popularity rating and offers international shipping, free returns and exchanges, and debit and prepaid card payments. However, it does not offer as many active promotions as Deeper Sonar.
• Everglades Fishing Co: Everglades Fishing Co is a fishing gear and equipment provider with a similar brand popularity rating to Deeper Sonar. It offers features such as PayPal Pay Later, Apple Pay Later financing, Shop Pay Installments, free returns and exchanges, and debit and prepaid card payments.
• Huk Gear: Huk Gear is a fishing apparel and gear brand that offers a range of products for anglers. It has a similar brand popularity rating to Deeper Sonar and offers features such as PayPal Pay Later, Apple Pay Later financing, and debit and prepaid card payments.

These alternatives to Deeper Sonar offer various features and benefits that may cater to different needs and preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare multiple options before making a purchase decision.

Frequently asked questions