Compatible Fish Finders can receive GPS trackplotting information from a handheld or external GPS receiver. Connection options vary by model, and a handheld GPS connection can transfer trackplotting data but does not transfer chartplotting capabilities to the Fish Finder.
Jump To:
- Compatible Fish Finders
- GPS Connection Options
- GPS Trackplotting and Chartplotting
- External GPS Limitations
- Can I connect a handheld GPS product to my Fish Finder?
- Resources
Compatible Fish Finders
The following Fish Finder families are GPS-capable and do not have GPS built into the Fish Finder:
- Matrix Series
- 700 Series
- 800 Series
- 900 Series
- 1100 Series
- Select 300 Series models
- Select 500 Series models
- Select 600 Series models
Exact GPS and chartplotting capabilities vary by model.
GPS Connection Options
There are three ways to connect a GPS receiver, depending on the Fish Finder and intended setup:
- Connect a GPS receiver to the accessory bus. Depending on the Fish Finder's capabilities, this provides GPS trackplotting or chartplotting functionality.
- Connect a GPS receiver with an AS SYSLINK cable. This allows two compatible Fish Finders to share one GPS receiver.
- Connect a handheld GPS with an AS HHGPS cable. A handheld GPS with NMEA output capability can transfer GPS trackplotting data to a compatible Fish Finder for display.
GPS Trackplotting and Chartplotting
Trackplotting and chartplotting provide different capabilities. When connecting a handheld GPS, it is important to understand which information is transferred to the Fish Finder.
GPS Trackplotting
Connecting a compatible handheld GPS lets you display trackplotting information on the larger, sunlight-viewable Fish Finder display alongside sonar information.
Trackplotting allows you to:
- Mark waypoints for fishing locations
- View latitude and longitude coordinates
- Display GPS track information
- View GPS information alongside sonar
- Name and manage waypoints using compatible navigation software
GPS Chartplotting
Chartplotting capabilities are not transferred from the handheld GPS to the Fish Finder through the handheld GPS connection.
If chartplotting is needed, use a Fish Finder that includes the required chartplotting capabilities.
External GPS Limitations
Some Fish Finders with trackplotting capabilities do not support external GPS modules. Specifically, PiranhaMAX models with trackplotting capabilities cannot connect to an external GPS module.
Check the capabilities of your exact Fish Finder before purchasing an external GPS receiver, connection cable, or related accessory.
