I am in the same boat. Exactly the way mine looks. I am considering getting a 56 or maybe going to a helix. Just hate to spend more money not knowing if it will get better. Hope I didn’t hijack your thread and we both can get some reply’s that help.
Last year I bought a Garmin Echomap UHD 93SV which came with the GT54 transducer. I have been sorely disappointed in the sidescan. I've watched numerous YouTube tutorials for setup, including the guy in Texas (who's channel name escapes me at the moment I went through a process of leveling the transducer to the water level with the boat in the water, etc, etc, etc. I've tried numerous contrast/brightness/color settings, as well as frequency changes.
Frankly, I can't see much more than tremendously grainy images which are only occasionally identifiable, such as a log with limbs, much less actually see fish to the side or under docks. I've seen absolutely nothing like the crisp images I see guys showing on their YouTube videos. Mine are just horribly grainy, and though I can see the "shadows" usually, I can only rarely make out what is throwing the shadow.
I've heard the GT56 is better and produces better images than the GT54. Is it THAT much better? I mean, if it would produce what I see, those nice crisp images or is it only a slight improvement? But I don't see just throwing a lot more money into it for a slight improvement.
Appreciate any input!
I am in the same boat. Exactly the way mine looks. I am considering getting a 56 or maybe going to a helix. Just hate to spend more money not knowing if it will get better. Hope I didn’t hijack your thread and we both can get some reply’s that help.
Bigtrout LIKED above post
No worry about a hijack. Like you I’m hesitant to spend another $400 for the GT56 unless it’s a dramatic improvement. I think they’re about $420 on Bass Pro. I saw it listed at $385 on Amazon. As it is the side view is about worthless for any practical use. The only thing I haven’t tried is, I have seen it stated that it works better wired directly to the battery and not through the fuse panel. But I can’t imagine that would be more than a minimal improvement.
I just feel like I’m missing something. As it is, I cannot imagine it would have gained any popularity if this is as best that it was just one generation ago, transducer wise.
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Check out double t fishing on uTube. If you subscribe, you can get cheat sheets on setting up your unit.
I have the 54 and my returns are awesome. Found a stack of tires and could read the raised letters when zoomed in.
2018 G3 Sportsman 17
2018 Yamaha F90 four stroke
Ultra 106sv bow/console
Livescope Terrova 24v Ionic lithium batteriesBigtrout LIKED above postgrizwilson thanked you for this post
I own all Garmin units for last 10 years. Price point being the reason starting out and sticking with them. Hands down Birds are the best for side scans even 1st gen mega birds vs gt56. I did notice a major improvement side scan image replacing a echomap uhd 93sv with a ultra 106sv on a gt54. The processor is faster and the pixels are higher. I've seen a new 106 ultra 2 with gt56 and garmins getting better with the side scan image. Depends on what your putting the gt54 gt56 on. You can sell the uhd 93sv for $475, Take the money you thinking about dropping on a gt 56, join the club at bass pro and have 12 months to pay off the remaining $200 interest free on a 106sv ultra gt54. Your side scan images will be way better and if you ever do get the gt56 you will have the proccesor that works best with it. Or not, just a suggestion
Last edited by bamahound; 03-12-2024 at 08:26 PM. Reason: added info
Bigtrout LIKED above post
I used to be a die hard hummingbird fanatic!
since they were so far behind the 8 ball with their live image and I upgraded boats that already had the Garmin units I decided to give them a try . my transducer for the side/down image is a 36 which is the same as a 56 from what I understand just without 2D which I get from my shoot thru hull transducer for that . I can see so much more on the Garmins at such slower speeds even have picked up stumps, blue gill beds , grass lines etc setting still that I couldn’t ever pick up on the bird unless I was moving at 3 mph or more ! Hope this helps I’d say the 56 would be worth every penny ! Can’t speak for the 54 hadn’t ever had it but the Garmin units work outstanding for me .
Too blessed to be stressed!
I bought a 56 when they came out . There are somethings better than 54 but the hummingbird in my opinion better than either . I think overall the 56 is better but not the cost difference .I have a 93uhd and that may be why I am a bird fan . my last boat had helix 9 side view may be the larger difference .
Bigtrout LIKED above post
Well this is encouraging. But at the same time baffling. Obviously I’m missing something or have a setting(s) screwed up. I have watched a number of Double T videos and have his spread sheets. I guess I need to go back and revisit some of that.
Do you happen to know off the top of your head what frequency you run it on?
455
2018 G3 Sportsman 17
2018 Yamaha F90 four stroke
Ultra 106sv bow/console
Livescope Terrova 24v Ionic lithium batteries