SONARPHONE WiFi Technology Changes the Game

[EBass]

This is sweet. I like that underwater camera phone idea too.

There are going to be many advances in smart phones. Think of all the possibilities, especially in the medical field. Smart phone EKG or some type of real time heart monitor that streams right to the Dr. Xray app! Just kidding.

[kingfisherpat]

whats this app called for the phone

[MuskieFever]

I can see this being extremely handy when fishing smaller lakes with a canoe. I love this new technology!

[MikeG3Boat]

Are these available for purchase yet? I was looking for the apps at the IOS store and found nothing......

[Rick]

We will have a link posted in a sticky at the top of every forum here when it is available around Christmas 2013.

Here is the video:

Watch more videos here at HSOshow

[BoxMN]

Idea is cool, I can see the uses for it, and see that this generally idea will be used by many in the coming years. But after creating an app and associated hardware to do something in the marine industry, and seeing the problems and pitfalls, I would just say - - why do they not show the x-ducer? The "sonarphone" and wifi means nothing other than a display and some app, the real feat is the hardware that it talks to. Showing some screenshots, which may or may not be real, is definitely a teaser, but that is all I am seeing right now. Will sit back and watch, and hope they are able to do a good job of it. But if they are simply at the "idea" stage, hehe, maybe teasing a bit too soon

[Matt Breuer]

Watch the video, the 'ducers are shown... product is IN USE. Not an idea.

[Matt Breuer]

Are these available for purchase yet? I was looking for the apps at the IOS store and found nothing......

Late December...

[DTro]

Wow after watching that video...truly a game changer.

[BoxMN]

Watch the video, the 'ducers are shown... product is IN USE. Not an idea.

I missed the video, but just watched it. Looks good! I'm impressed. Couple that with iPad/tablet and LifeProof case and its cool. I still wonder if what was shown was the simulator or real bottom though, as it looked pretty "clean". But good for them, and good for us too!

[Lusid]

this is pretty unique and cool! I will definitely buy one of those bobbers.

[Ufatz]

I think this is just GREEEEAAT! While you guys are all fiddling and fussing and tweaking and twisting your newest toy I will be out there CATCHING your fish. With any luck there will be a government program to help you buy one. Or maybe two, units.

Truth is.....I don't even understand what you're talking about! LOL!!

[CJH]

So, didn't see them mention any thing about ice fishing. Are they gonna have a sonar version for that market? For those of us that like to keep things light, it would seem to be a pretty good fit, since we all carry around cell phones on top of our normal flasher. Of course "Lag" and battery life would be my concerns. My RAZR MAXX will run all day off its battery, even in the cold, not worried about that but the sonar battery will be an issue.

[CaptainMusky]

Wow after watching that video...truly a game changer.

From that video Im still a skeptic about this being a "game changer". 400 watts of power? Fish icons? these stats make it seem more like a toy. I want to see fish ARCS on the screen. I want details about zooming, split screen, target separation, customizable features. They dabbled a little with the one screenshot during the video, but I want more before I am convinced this is anything more than something you would find on those late night infomercials on Sporting Channels.

[Bear55]

Wow very cool!!! Finally going to put the wife's tablet to good use.

[DTro]

you are mistaking my excitement of the technology for the excitement of this particular product. Think of this as the "green box" now think what comes after the green box. The fact that Vexilar is investing in the technology is HUGE.

[CaptainMusky]

you are mistaking my excitement of the technology for the excitement of this particular product. Think of this as the "green box" now think what comes after the green box. The fact that Vexilar is investing in the technology is HUGE.

Very well. Lowrance announced a wifi solution a couple months ago which would work on phones and tablets and nary a sniff around here.

So this isnt really ground breaking or a new idea for "Vexilar".

[DTro]

Hey I'm no fanboy. I call it like i see it. I have no knowledge of a wireless transducer or camera (for fishing applications) except for that wristwatch shore fishing deal... if its out there already, even better!

Unlike some fanboys i could care less what company leads the pack.

[Chemlight]

Personally, I'm liking the bobber sonar. I fish out of a canoe, or off the shore, and the concept seems like a nice one.

Are there any products out there right now that offer the same type of interface (remote viewer with a throwable/castable sonar)?

[Rick]

I want details

Features

* Compatibility: iOS 4.3 (iPhone, iPad) and Android 2.0

* Free App download

* Automatic Ranging & Sensitivity

* Water Temperature & Depth Indicator

* Audible Alarms for Fish, Shallow and Low Battery

* Fish Icon

* Zoom Bottom Track

* Noise Rejection

* Surface Clarity

* Battery Indicator

* One year warranty

Specifications

* Usage: Impact resistant chassis. Cast it or troll it.

* Transducer: Water activated transmitter

* Max depth range: 120 feet

* Sonar frequency: 125 kHz Single Beam, 30 Degree

* Power source: 3.7V rechargeable battery. Runs for 4 continuous hours per charge. USB port charging system.

* Power output: 400 watts peak-to-peak

* Transmit speed: 100 Mbps

* Screen controls: Touch screen controls

[Matt Johnson]

SONARPHONE WiFi Technology Changes the Game

Minneapolis, MN. Vexilar, a marine electronics company for over 50 years is now poised to make a shocking leap forward in marine sonar with the launch of their newest project: SONARPHONE

As the name implies, SONARPHONE turns your smart phone or tablet into a fully functional sonar system that will rival any high end sonar on the market today. Using Patented WiFi signal technology to transmit to smart phones or tablets. You don’t need cell phone coverage to use it, the SONARPHONE will work anywhere in the world. The SONARPHONE creates its own WiFi hotspot and you can share your signal with as many people as you wish, the software App is downloaded for free from the App store and works with both Android and IOS systems.

“Please don’t compare this technology to radio frequency or Blue Tooth sonar technology. These are just fun “toys” and cannot be used by serious fisherman or boaters, as they are limited to sending small amounts of data with 1/10 the range of the SONARPHONE.” Stated Tom Zenanko, Project Manager from Vexilar. “To be clear, this is not a WiFi repeater that requires you buy a fully functional sonar system and then sends just an image of the display for you to watch on your tablet. SONARPHONE is a stand alone, fully functional, touch screen, high definition sonar system that will rival any sonar display on the market at a fraction of the price…. In the sonar world, little has changed in the last 30 years. The type of display offered by sonar companies has been the driving force in price. For sure the big names in Sonar will not want to hear about SONARPHONE since they are married to their own types of display technology. Current sonar system displays are ten years behind the display technology used every day at home and at work. The type of sonar display you have greatly controls the price you pay, and if you want the newest touch screen sonar systems, better be ready to spend a fortune… Since most people on the planet already own a smart phone or touch screen tablet, you can now turn it into a truly high definition sonar system starting as low as $149.99.”

SONARPHONE will be offering limited world-wide distribution in 17 languages in 2014 and is available in three different configurations: The T-POD, a completely portable floating WiFi transmitter that can be cast from shore or pulled behind your canoe. The T-BOX options that come in either a portable system with a carry case to hold the battery and suction cup mount to put on your boat. Then you have the more permanent version that mounts in your boat and uses your on board, 12 volt battery for unlimited run time. All SONARPHONES come with a neoprene arm band so you will have easy and safe access to your phone display at all times.

[TruthWalleyes]

sonar system that will rival any high end sonar on the market today.

I just don't get it.

Looks like 2d sonar. How does it rival "ANY HIGH END" sonar on the market today? No DI, no SI, likely a fixed beam (yep, 30 degree), 400watt peak to peak is a step backwards from any "High end sonar"....

I guess i'll stay off the bandwagon for a few years.

Oh BTW, not a mention of using it on the ice in the video, so likely the battery won't even come close to 4hr run time in negative weather....But hey - another use for a smartphone

Don't throw away your high end sonar's yet boys.

[Kyhl]

Hmmm, how about running split screen with navionics on one side and this on the other all on a touch screen tablet.

Next throw in SI and a tablet that is visible in sun and I'll be drolling over it.

[Matt Johnson]

FISHPHONE WiFi Technology Changes the Underwater Camera Market Forever

Minneapolis, MN. Vexilar, a marine electronics company for over 50 years is now launching a new generation of underwater camera technology that uses a powerful WiFi signal to send high quality video directly to your smart phone or tablet. The product is called FISHPHONE and is a blending of current Vexilar Fish Scout camera technology with an innovative new WiFi transmitting system.

As the name implies, FISHPHONE turns your smart phone or tablet into a fully functional underwater camera monitor. Now anyone with a smart phone or tablet will get a high quality video image delivered right to the palm of your hand. Using WiFi signal technology to create its own “hotspot” that reaches out 300 feet in all directions, so you can share your video signal with as many friends as you like or keep it totally secure. You don’t need cell phone coverage to use it, the FISHPHONE works anywhere in the world. The FREE software App is downloaded from the App store and works with both Android and IOS systems.

FISHPHONE is truly a break-out technology and the key is the speed and strength of the WiFi video signal, ” stated Tom Zenanko, Project Manager from Vexilar. “To be clear, this is not a WiFi repeater that requires you buy a fully functional underwater camera and monitor system, and that is what makes the FISHPHONE so great. Let’s face it; unless you are willing to pay big money, underwater camera quality is often a function of the monitor itself… Since most anglers already own and use a smart phone regularly, it was only a matter of time before we found more and creative ways to fully utilize smart phone and tablet technology. And best yet, you get a free neoprene armband to where when you are using your phone to keep your hands free.”

FISHPHONE is a stand alone, fully functional, Smart Phone controlled system that allows you to record video or still images and easily send it off to your friends in an e-mail or text.

The FISHPHONE comes with a unique holder and battery pack system that makes it easy to carry and manage 50 feet of cable. The portable FISHPHONE pack system can power your FISHPHONE for six hours between charging. The camera used in the FISHPHONE system is a Sony Color/ B&W camera that automatically shifts from color to black and white when light conditions are limited to increase contrast. There is little doubt underwater camera technology is getting lighter and more portable and with the FISHPHONE, Vexilar will be changing the way people look at underwater camera systems.

[Kyhl]

I just don't get it.

Looks like 2d sonar. How does it rival "ANY HIGH END" sonar on the market today? No DI, no SI, likely a fixed beam (yep, 30 degree), 400watt peak to peak is a step backwards from any "High end sonar"....

I guess i'll stay off the bandwagon for a few years.

Oh BTW, not a mention of using it on the ice in the video, so likely the battery won't even come close to 4hr run time in negative weather....But hey - another use for a smartphone

Don't throw away your high end sonar's yet boys.

Keep in mind we are talking about Vex which has been lagging the competition for 10+ years. From that point of view, yeah it's ground breaking.

I do agree with you, it will take some time to make it usefull. The video industry needs to catch up to make a portable device that is easy to view in the sun and water proof, add more power, add DI or SI and then we are talking.

Personally, I'd rather have my current HDS with wireless connections to a tablet or phone that could be mounted in different locations around the boat.

Run time on portable devices doesn't bother me. There are plenty of batteries in boats and ice fishing shacks these days.