Garmin echo 550c Fishfinder
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The Garmin Echo 550c is a top of the range fishfinder that certainly delivers, Garmin have set a bench mark with unit that all other manufacturers should aspire to. Extremely Easy to use the menu system is simple and intuitive, set up is quick and simple and you will be landing that monster in no time.
What’s in the box
- Echo 550c display unit
- Quick release display mount with tilt and swivel
- Power cable
- Dual Beam Transducer with mounting bracket
- Mounting bracket hardware and trolling motor clamp
- Installation instructions
- Owner’s manual
The Echo 550C uses the exclusive Garmin HD-ID screen technology, you will never have to guess again what’s happening below you boat as the 550C gives you a unique window into the underwater world. You will be able to study the bottom depth and makeup in great detail. The unit displays drop-offs in real-time and makes it easy to identify underwater hazards, structures and the fish that you are looking for.
Garmin 550C screen review
The 550c has a fantastic screen and is definitely one of its top selling points. One of the best screens we have reviewed, laid out in portrait style the screen measures 4.0 x 2.9 inches producing a 5 inch color screen. The display produces extremely sharp and bright images due to the high 640 x 480 pixel resolution. Images of the bottom are crisp and easy to understand. Screen brightness can easily be set to one of 10 different levels. The 500C screen performed extremely well in both bright sunlight and lower light conditions at multiple viewing angles. When using this unit at night there is the option to set the display to night mode, this changes the colour pallet to make the screen easier to read.
Garmin 550C Controls
One of our favourite things about this unit (other that the amazing screen) is that there are very few buttons to confuse the user. Four rubberised push buttons are all you need to access the menu system and control the device. To access the menu the menu button is pressed and the desired function or setting is navigated to using the arrow pad. When the user has made their changes or set the relevant settings enter is pressed it’s that simple.
The menu controls many of the functions and settings of the 500C such as zoom, depth, gain and range settings as well as many others. Certain aspects such as page selection can be accessed by just pressing left or right on the arrow pad. The 500C comes with a bunch of built in page choices including:
- full screen
- split zoom
- flasher
- split frequency
- log
- numbers
Garmin Echo 550c features
The Echo 550C boasts 500w of RMS power and a dual-beam transducer. The dual beam transducer allow for a greater viewing angle of 120 degrees wide. The power of the unit allows the user to view bottom detail in depths of up to 1900 feet. The dual frequency of the unit allows for enhanced performance regardless of whether the water is deep or shallow.
The Echo 550C uses Garmin’s Smooth Scaling technology, this means that you don’t have to worry about losing your sonar history as depth ranges change. The history is stored for you to view so that you can rewind and double check if you feel that you may have missed something vital.
The 500C has many more features, the user can adjust the zoom mode, gain, sonar setup. We found the numbers screen extremely useful, water depth, temperature and voltage all being displayed on the one page.
Top Features List
- Garmin HD-ID™ technology
- 500 watts (RMS) transmit power
- Depths to 1,900 ft
- Beam width to 120 degrees
- 5 in video-quality color display
- Tilt/swivel mount, transducer, trolling motor clamp and transom mount
Garmin Echo 550C Specs
Physical & Performance: |
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| Unit dimensions, WxHxD: | 6.0″ x 5.9″ x 1.8″ (15.2 x 15.0 x 4.6 cm) |
| Display size, WxH: | 2.9” x 4.0” (7.4 x 10.16 cm); 5” diag, (12.7 cm) |
| Display resolution, WxH: | 480 x 640 pixels |
| Display type: | VGA, 256 colors |
| Weight: | 17.6 oz (499 g) |
| Waterproof: | yes (IPX7) |
Features & Benefits: |
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| Audible alarms: | yes |
| Dual-frequency sonar capable: | yes |
| Dual-beam sonar capable : | yes |
| Split-screen zoom: | yes |
| Ultrascroll® (displays fish targets at higher boat speeds): | yes |
| Fish Symbol ID (helps identify fish targets): | yes |
| AutoGain Technology (minimizes clutter, maximizes targets): | yes |
| Whiteline (indicates hard or soft bottom): | no |
| Adjustable depth line (measures depth of underwater objects): | yes |
| A-scope (real time display of fish passing through transducer beam): | yes |
| Bottom lock (shows return from the bottom up): | yes |
| Water temperature log and graph: | yes |
| Water temperature sensor included: | yes |
| Water speed capable (displays speed on water): | yes |
Other: |
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| Frequency: | 200/77 kHz |
| Transmit power: | 500W (RMS)/4,000W (peak to peak) |
| Voltage range: | 10V – 28V input |
| Maximum depth: | 1,900 ft freshwater* |
| Cone angle: | 60º or 120º (dual beam) |
| Additional: | *Depth capacity is dependent on water bottom type and other water conditions. |
Video Review
Garmin echo 550c conclusions
A great fish finder that performed well out on the water in varying light conditions. Easy to use with a great transducer and superb detail the Garmin 550C should definitely be on your top 5 list if you are thinking of buying a quality fish finder whilst not looking to breaking the bank.
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