SONARPHONE WiFi Technology Changes the Game

[TruthWalleyes]

I don’t think these specific items that Vexilar has introduced is geared towards the sparkly boat crowd that wear Tour de France jerseys when they fish. 

 

Hey come on. I have a depthfinder worth nearly as much as my boat.

[Kyhl]

Well yeah fishing electronics in general is way crazy overpriced compared to other consumer electronics.  Some of it is due to the added waterproofing, and durability, but sometimes the same technology is just insanely overpriced when inserted into the fishing market. 

 

I just can never get past the fact that some people are willing to drop 2G’s to find a rockpile or analyze the finer details of a sunken tree.  Really? But then again 60k fishing boats are nothing to the same folks so good for them I guess. 

 

I don’t think these specific items that Vexilar has introduced is geared towards the sparkly boat crowd that wear Tour de France jerseys when they fish.  I’m guessing more towards the entry level or shore fisherman who want to have an extra tool in the boat or on the pier that is relatively simple to install and use.

 

I do however stand by my belief that this wireless transducer technology paired with mobile electronics via WiFi backed by a reputable fishing company, is groundbreaking and something that will be tweaked and expanded for many years to come

I agree with everything you said.

My contention is the marketing. Juxtapose their marketing of "Game changer" with geared "more towards the entry level or shore fisherman who want to have an extra tool in the boat or on the pier that is relatively simple to install and use."

The two do not go hand in hand.

Like you, eventually I'd like to see black box equipment that you can order to your own specs and then plug into your monitor of choice, tablet, TV, phone, etc which allows touchscreen controll of the unit wirelessly.

This would also allow someone to upgrade parts separately. I look foreward to that day.

[BoxMN]

edit - deleted.

[LMITOUT]

I do however stand by my belief that this wireless transducer technology paired with mobile electronics via WiFi backed by a reputable fishing company, is groundbreaking and something that will be tweaked and expanded for many years to come

Isn't Lowrance coming out with a wi-fi option soon?

[PurpleFloyd]

I am going to wait until it is available with the DirctTv Genie.

[Kyhl]

Isn't Lowrance coming out with a wi-fi option soon?

They already have it. GoFree WIFI-1 Module. Works with HDS Gen 2 with touch.

From the Lowrance HSOforum.

Key Features

802.11 b+g wireless connectivity

Support for multiple tablets and/or smart phones

Single SSID connection to all networked displays

Low-profile, rugged and waterproof device

Optimized for use with HDS Gen2 and Gen2 Touch displays

Noise Filters counter disruption from VHF and make sure that you always get a clear signal

Draws 200mA of power (easy on battery)

[DTro]

Isn't Lowrance coming out with a wi-fi option soon?

Like I said...

I could care less WHO comes out with the technology, its still cutting edge in the fishing world

[pulsar_nx]

Looks like a very good solution for passengers asking how deep it is.

Too bad they didn't focus on using this tech on the ice fishing market. Sometime you gotta get rid of your sacred cows.

Just think multiple vexi's on the same screen from you and your buddies (even ones not in the same house), no more staring at the floor on a slow day, and being able to see how other people are presenting there bait. This is what I would have wanted.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Like most products, I'm sure this will evolve. Glad to see it coming out.

[delcecchi]

They already have it. GoFree WIFI-1 Module. Works with HDS Gen 2 with touch.

From the Lowrance HSOforum.

Key Features

802.11 b+g wireless connectivity

Support for multiple tablets and/or smart phones

Single SSID connection to all networked displays

Low-profile, rugged and waterproof device

Optimized for use with HDS Gen2 and Gen2 Touch displays

Noise Filters counter disruption from VHF and make sure that you always get a clear signal

Draws 200mA of power (easy on battery)

So why do we need to pay the inflated prices for Lowrance displays in the first place? If I can connect via WiFi, why do I need the existing display?

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Although you can't do a split screen on a tablet, or smartphone yet, however with an iPad you can swipe back and forth between screens. Not the same thing, but at least you could go from locator to Navionics chart easy enough.

[Kyhl]

Samsung Galaxy tabs have been able to do split screens for almost a year.

Note, I didn't actually watch or listen to the video. Was just looking for a quick demo that showed multiple screens in action.

[Kyhl]

So why do we need to pay the inflated prices for Lowrance displays in the first place? If I can connect via WiFi, why do I need the existing display?

[CaptainMusky]

So why do we need to pay the inflated prices for Lowrance displays in the first place? If I can connect via WiFi, why do I need the existing display?

will gladly pay "inflated" prices for a lowrance or humminbird versus this toy. Its like comparing a Wii to an XBox or PS3.

[CoreyS]

Aren't they all "toys?" This is breakthrough technology and like I said before, the opportunities are endless! Enjoy your toys and the outdoors.

[CaptainMusky]

Aren't they all "toys?" This is breakthrough technology and like I said before, the opportunities are endless! Enjoy your toys and the outdoors.

Yes, in truth they are all toys. Some are just for bigger boys. :-)

I am eager to see where it ends up, but for now, not for me.

[CoreyS]

No doubt that it's not for everyone. It will be fun to see where it may go.

[DTro]

45 million can't be wrong

[fisherman-andy]

I chuckle at the sound that this is considered break through technology when such similar technology has been around for years even if not in a fishing form. A portable LCD screen type device with a wireless radio transmitter, instant portable fish finder! Now being on a smartphone is really all that different? Will have to see if anyone will remember this after one full year has past.

Now if it was actually an Ice Sonar and not open water it would give it at least some praise. But if you want cutting edge.. h'bout having the sonar program running on Google glasses, then I wouldnt have to haul around an 4" LCD smartphone screen that is barely visable in daylight. A wireless ice transducer is big! No more tangling up.

[TruthWalleyes]

I just sold my Sideimaging in anticipation for the SONARPHONE

[CaptainMusky]

Just think of the money you are going to save Truth!! Who is laughing now. :-)

[TruthWalleyes]

Who needs sideimaging when i can just put the transducer on a musky rod and launch it to the side of the boat Break Through!!

[DTro]

Tough crowd

I suppose gps mapping wasnt a breakthrough either since it was around for years before hitting the fishing market.

[fisherman-andy]

Tough crowd

I suppose gps mapping wasnt a breakthrough either since it was around for years before hitting the fishing market.

I dont think anyone is against the idea of Sonarphone or Fishphone. Some of us just dont think its currently as great as its made out to be. At least not yet.

Lets take a look at how popular Navionics has become for the smartphone. Why did it work? The chances were that you got a great application that is easily accessible and convenient for everyone who had a smartphone capable of those features. Now take a look at the price. $5-$15 cost is a no brainer for the similar features found in much more expensive GPS mapping devices. However its still not a feasible replacement for a quality GPS product but does the job fair enough. The verdict here? ITS AFFORDABLE and it works!

Yes GPS mapping has been around for awhile. But so has been Sonar. Because you now have a product that can be available to the masses you can lure them in if the price is right. Let say $10-$30 for software & equipment to use Sonarphone/Fishphone and now were talking. Why? Because it is relatively still primitive technology at this point but with a twist.

I think if Sonarphone was ice ready it be that much more of a deal. The bargain smartphone/tablet ice sonar with a wireless ice transducer that actually works for less than $100. I would love to see Vexilar or maybe even Marcum adapt something like their digital showdown technology to the smartphone/tablet at that price.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Split screen is only on the Galaxy Note. Not sure about waterproof cases for it, but interesting.