The Sitex CVS126 is a new release fish finder for 2009 and features dual frequency capability and a color LCD screen all in a compact reasonably priced package.
It uses a single rotary knob to make changes to the gain mode of operation and to fine tune gain settings. Weve said this before in other reviews and it bears repeating here, we like this type of gain control because it makes it so easy to fine tune to the optimal setting.
Si-Tex CVS-126 Fish Finder
The CVS126 features digital signal processing which according to the manufacturer means is has superior filtering capabilities. Digital filtering virtually eliminates unwanted noise, makes greater color selectivity available, and provides more reliable automatic settings for gain and depth.
This unit also features Sona-Tone, it generates an audible tone based on the target the unit is painting onscreen. This allows you to be away from the display and still know what is under the boat. The tone can be amplified by connecting optional external speaker. We did not test this feature.
The Sitex display is square and measured 7.1 inches across both the width and height, depth was a tad over 3.5 inches, not including the gain knob which protrudes from the case front about half an inch.
The Sitex CVS126 package ships with the display unit, protective screen cover, power/data cable, owners manual, a 1-page operators guide, and a solid table-top mounting bracket.
The unit can be flush mounted without any special kit; all youd need to supply would be screws of the appropriate size and length.
All essential electronics are inside the display head so the only remaining component needed is a transducer.
According to a document sent to me by Koden America Vice President of Marketing, Cindy Henderson, the CVS126 has six optional transducers. Koden is the parent company of Sitex.
Radarsonics makes four of the transducers available for this unit including a plastic transom mount and three versions of bronze thru-hull. Another option is an angled transducer from Airmar. We tested with a Koden dual-frequency transducer model TD-500T-3. This is a bronze thru-hull with depth only, no water temperature or speed sensing.
Other options include three different models of water temperature and speed sensors and a GPS sensor.
To facilitate on-the-water testing of the Sitex CVS126 we mounted the display unit to a temporary mount on our Contender test boat. There are two ports on the case back for electrical connections, one for the power/data cable and the other for the transducer cable. Connectors use a twist-lock that holds firmly in place. A single ground wire connection is on the back too. This fish finder can interface with other NMEA 0183 devices.
Screen Size and Viewability
The Sitex CVS126 has a color LCD screen measuring