The choice of sonar for fishing from a boat today ceased to be the prerogative of only branded equipment, because Chinese manufacturers have learned to do it. accessible and functional Fishers are increasingly looking at products from AliExpress and other sites where you can get a multimedia harvester for the price of a budget American. Heibian, Deeper (although it is Lithuania, production is often in China) and many OEM plants, producing under different names.
The main task of modern sonar is not just to show depth, but to clearly separate the bottom and the fish, which is critical when fishing from a drifting boat. CHIRP And side scans, previously only available in the premium segment, but the low price often hides nuances in software and quality of the materials that you need to consider when buying.
In this article, we will discuss how to choose a reliable device without overpaying for the brand, and what specifications to look at first. Chinese calibration of water salinity It can be a little bit of a miscarriage in our latitudes, unless you manually adjust it, and understanding it will save you money and nerves in the water.
Key specifications of Chinese echoers
When you look at specifications on sites like AliExpress or JD.com, it's easy to get confused by marketing tricks. working depth Chinese manufacturers like to specify maximum theoretical values that are only achievable in ideal laboratory water, not in a real river with a murky flow.
Special attention should be paid to the type of emitter and its frequency range. 83 kHz and 200 kHzBut more advanced versions offer scanning on frequencies. 455 kHz and 800 kHzIt is the high frequencies that allow you to see the structure of the bottom and small fish, which makes Chinese sonars competitive.
- 🐟 Radiation power: varies from 200 watts to 1000 watts, affecting the penetration of the thermocline.
- 📺 Screen resolution: Modern models offer IPS-matrixes with a resolution higher
800x480. - 🔋 Autonomy: Built-in batteries often have a capacity of 2,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh.
⚠️ Note: The claimed water resistance of the standard
IPX7In cheap Chinese sonars, it often fails to withstand real-world testing, and do not dive deeper than the specified level, even if the instruction promises full immersion.
The important parameter is the angle of view of the beam. The wide beam is good for finding fish under the boat, but it gives a less detailed picture. The narrow beam, on the contrary, shows a clear arc, but requires the boat to be positioned accurately above the target. Chinese models often allow switching between modes, which increases their versatility.
Popular brands and models with AliExpress
Market analysis shows multiple manufacturers dominate the niche of budget fishing electronics.brand Heibian (previously known as FFW) has become synonymous with affordable sonars, offering color screen models at the price of a restaurant lunch, often copying Garmin or Lowrance designs but having a simplified menu.
Another popular player. Joydeer and various OEM models under names like ERIK or LuckyThese instruments are often compact and easy to operate, which is something that beginners like, but experienced anglers have noted that their signal processing algorithms can draw fish where there are none, if they don't adjust their sensitivity.
There's also a "nounaim" category of devices that are sold without a name or under different names in different stores, which is a lottery: you can get a great clone of an expensive device or a broken piece of plastic, and when you buy these models, it's important to look at real reviews with screen photos in the works.
| Model | Frequency (kHz) | Screen. | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heibian FFW1108 | 200 | 2.4" Colored | ~3,500 rubles |
| Lucky FF918 | 125 | monochrome | ~2,800 rubles |
| ERIK 608C | Double. | 4.3" IPS | ~6000 rubles |
| Deeper PRO+ | CHIRP | Smartphone | ~18,000 rubles |
When choosing a particular model, you should pay attention to the presence of Russification. Many Chinese sonars have menus in English or "broken" Russian, which can make it difficult to set up a fishing trip. Checking the presence of Russian in the description of the product is a must before buying.
Features of installation on PVC and metal boats
Installation of the sonar on the boat is a process that requires accounting of the material of the hull. For inflatable PVC boats, the ideal solution is to use a floating sensor or mount a suction cup. Chinese manufacturers often complete their devices with universal mounts, but their quality leaves much to be desired.
If you own an aluminum boat, it gets complicated. Metal shields the signal, so the sensor needs to be taken overboard or used cut-in models. Indoor installation on the bottom of an aluminum boat is only possible through a special gel contact, but Chinese sonars often have a weak penetration power through the double bottom.
☑️ Preparation for sonar installation
Flow sensor attachment on a transom requires caution. When moving a motorized boat, the sensor must be submerged in water, but not create resistance. Chinese plastic brackets often break from impacts on water or branches, so they are recommended to be reinforced or replaced with metal counterparts.
⚠️ Warning: When you install the sensor on a transom, make sure it doesn't block the flow of water to the engine's lower unit. The cavitation completely "muffles" the sounder signal, turning the screen into porridge.
For owners of boats with electric motors, it is possible to attach the sensor directly to the leg of the motor, which is the most convenient option, since the sensor is always in the water and protected from impact when pulling the boat ashore.
Sonar tuning and calibration
Once the Chinese sonar is turned on, manual adjustment is often required to get a clear picture. Automode ("Auto") in budget models works mediocrely, often losing small fish.Sensitivityand depth range (Range).
The important thing is the speed of the screen scrolling, so if the boat is anchored, you can slow down the speed to see the fish play in real time, and when you're on a trolling motor, you can increase the speed so that the picture doesn't shrink.
- 🎚️ Sensitivity: Increase until the noise appears, then reduce by 1-2 divisions.
- 🌊 Interference filter: Turn it on when you are excited or strong.
- 🎨 Color scheme: Choose a contrast for sunny weather.
Calibration of the speed of sound in water is also important, especially if you fish in both fresh and salt water. The speed of sound in salt water is higher, and without correction, the depth readings can vary by several meters. In the menu of Chinese sounders, this parameter is often hidden in sub-items. System or Advanced.
Use Simulation at home to learn menus and settings without wasting time on a pond, which will help you learn the Chinese sonar interface faster.
Typical problems and their solution
Chinese electronics owners often face the problem of fast battery discharge, which is associated with the use of cheap batteries and inefficient energy saving schemes. power bank Or a spare battery.
Another common problem is that the screen is not visible in the sun, because cheap matrices fade and the picture becomes unreadable, and in such cases, it helps to make a visor out of cardboard or use polarizing glasses.
What to do if the sonar shows "porridge"?
If there's constant interference on the screen, check the sensor's mounting, often because of air bubbles under the emitter or cable damage, and also try changing the frequency from 200 kHz to 83 kHz.
Software failures such as freezing or spontaneous shutdown are treated by rebooting or resetting settings. Some models are helped by a firmware update, which can be found on the manufacturer's website or on anglers' forums.
Comparison with branded technology
Should you overpay for Garmin or Lowrance if the Chinese equivalent costs 5 times less? Branded appliances offer stability, great picture and support for map navigation. Chinese sonars win in price, but lose in reliability and accuracy of navigation functions.
For amateur fishing from a boat, where the main goal is to find a hole or a flock of perch, a Chinese sonar is enough. It will show the relief and fish, which is 90% of the fishing tasks. However, for professional trolling or sports fishing, it is better to invest in proven brands.
The Chinese sonar is a great option for starting, learning and fishing on familiar water bodies, and for exploring new waters and complex navigation, it is better to buy a separate GPS navigator.
Ultimately, it depends on your requirements and budget, because the Chinese industry has come a long way, and today you can find models that are as good as the average American, and the key is to set the device up properly and not expect miracles for a penny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use a Chinese echoer in winter for ice fishing?
Yes, most models work at low temperatures, but LCD screens can have a response delay in the cold. Lithium batteries lose charge quickly in the cold, so it is better to keep the device warm until it is used.
Do I need to lubricate the sensor contacts before the season?
Yes, it is recommended to treat the connectors with silicone lubrication to prevent oxidation. Chinese connectors often have a low Protection rating from moisture, and corrosion of the contacts is a common cause of breakage.
Does the Chinese sounder show the water temperature?
Most models have a built-in thermal sensor, but readings may not be accurate if the sensor is in water heated by the sun on the surface, rather than at depth.
How long does the Chinese sounder from the built-in battery last?
In real-time, the battery life is 3 to 6 hours depending on the brightness of the screen and model.