Model FCV-628 vs Model GP-1870F

[Harry043]

The model FCV-628 says it has a Range Scale of 2-1200 m and the Model GP-1870F has a range of 5-1,200 m. Now, the first thing that has me pretty confused is the little "m" after the range scale. That little "m" where I come from indicates meters - and I just have a hard time picturing that - so if you could please clarify that I would appreciate it.

The second thing is the transducer. I have a 20 foot center console and I would like to use a Furuno 525TID-TMD Transom Mount Transducer 1kw. Is this transducer compatible with the Model GP-1870F?? And if it is, what kind of range an I realistically going to get with a 1kw transducer with that unit? I deep drop in the Florida Keys and I would love to "see" and little better just what I am dropping on. My head is so full of numbers (and now the letter "m") I don't know what to believe. Simrad is telling me there stand alone fish finder will do 10,000 feet!

If the Model GP-1870F is not compatible with that transducer - can you recommend something in this price range. I don't necessarily need a gps/chartplotter but will take one if the sounder is sound

 

[Anonymous]

Cant really comment on your first questions but I have an 1870F as a back up sounder and plotter I cant really fault it.

Transom mount struggles with the really deep stuff regardless of the transducer, whereas thru hull is outstanding from my experience.

 

[Snips]

Harry043,
The small "m" stands for meters. If you reset the GP-1870F for feet, the deepest range is 4000 feet. The 525TID-TMD is compatible with the GP-1870F. Realistic deep range for bottom detection is in the 2500-3000ft range and fish detection would be in the 1000ft range (depending on water conditions).

Snips

 

[Harry043]

Snips, thank you so much. Now that makes sense to me. I don't really use the fish finder to find fish anyway, it's more about finding structure and changes in the bottom. I have been doing this for a couple of years with a cheap little Garmin 541s and I actually am very successful. But anything deeper than 600 feet or so I have to be moving very slowly or almost stopped. Would I be correct in assuming that the 1870F would actually be a little better than the FCV-628 with the 1kw transducer because it has a 1Kw sonar module where the 628 is only 600kw?

Do I need that matching box MB-1100 in order for the 525TID-TMD TRANSDUCER to work or does it just plug in to the 1870F? I understand that some of the bottom discrimination capabilities will not without this box, but I don't believe this feature would work at great depths anyway, is that correct? I am about an inch away from buying this 1870F unit.....

 

[Snips]

Harry043,
The 525TID-TMD doesn't require the MB-1100. Also just know while it can be used with the GP-1870F it is not it's database for using either the Bottom Discrimination or ACCU-FISH mode.

Snips

 

[Harry043]

Snips, thank you once again. I picked up a 525TID-TMD today for $450.00 on eBay and it was actually at a Boat Repair Shop 50 miles North of Key West (everywhere is N of KW) in Marathon, Fl, so I drove up and got it.

One more question if I may. Does the 1870F come with any mapping software at all? I am going to buy one in the next day or 2, not sure where yet, but all the adds seem to say "Standard C-Map 4D chart available on SD card". I am thinking these are enhanced maps, and the chartplotter must come with some sort of mapping software installed. Is that the case?

If so, what are the Standard C-Map 4D chart available on SD card all about, I see they run a couple hundred bucks or more on eBay.

Thank you in advance, you have no idea how happy I am to have found this forum.........

Harry

 

[Snips]

Harry043,
We are glad you found the forum also.
GP-1870F has base cartography but you should plan to purchase a C-Map chip so you will have more detail for your local area. C-Map has a pretty good web site that you can explore what they have available.

Snips