Editor's Review
Garmin Echo 500c
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Brand new for 2011 is the Garmin Echo 500c. The unit is perfectly designed for those looking for a fully capable and powerful sounder with a very small and space efficient footprint. It’s easy on the eyes as well; the 5 inch full color QVGA monitor boasts 256 colors, high resolution, and provides plenty of brightness for direct sunlight viewing.
The Echo 500c is rugged simplicity defined. Garmin has addressed potential water immersion concerns by designing the Echo 500c to conform to IPX7 standards. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, the 500c benefits from a design that allows for quick and easy installation; using the quick-release tilt mount, the control unit can be positioned in minutes.
Monitor the underwater dwellings with the dual beam 500 watt (4,000 watt peak to peak) transducer. Depths of up to 1900 feet in freshwater and 700 feet is saltwater are achieved with the 200 kHz narrow beam. The unit can be programmed to switch to the wider angled beam for views of structures and fish targets around the boat periphery.
Many specialty image processing features from Garmin are built into this device. Ultrascroll displays fish targets even at high boat speeds; Fish Symbol ID clearly identifies targets with graphical icons; and Smooth Scaling technology helps retain historical sonar information when switching depth ranges. Various sensors provide vital information such as water speed and water temperature which can be logged and graphed for analysis.
The Garmin Echo 500c has it all in a compact and intuitive package. 2011 looks like a good year for the electronic angler.
Garmin Echo 500c vs Lowrance Elite-5x DSI vs Humminbird 596c HD DI
| Garmin Echo 500c | Lowrance Elite-5x DSI | Humminbird 596c HD DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Screen Size | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels | 640 x 640 pixels |
| Display Type | VGA, 256 colors | 256-color SolarMAX PLUS TFT | 256 colors |
| Imaging | 2D | Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transducer Type | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor | Transom Mount/Trolling Motor |
| Transmit Power | 300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 300W RMS 2400W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 200/77 kHz | 83/200 kHz | 200/455 kHz 2D 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 1900 ft | 1000 ft | 1000 ft 2D 250 ft Down Imaging |
| MSRP | $349.99 | $419.99 | $549.99 |
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