Best Gt54 Settings for Sidevu / Side Imaging ?!? How to tune your transducer!!

Garmin echomap SideVu / Side Imaging settings !
Todays video will cover GT54 Side imaging settings for best picture that i have found to work very well for me. I give them out all the time with good feedback. These will in my opinion produce some of the best images possible with the GT54 transducer!
These settings are based around the correct water depths ect (5-45ish feet)
Give them a shot and let me know how they work for you!
This video will also explain how to fine tune your Garmin Echomap uhd units to get the best side imagine pictures possible!

[@danielpritchard1465]

Just wanted to say I used these settings tonight on my sidevu and I have never seen things more clear. Looked great and I never felt more confident using it, thanks man

[@williamdietz9141]

I used all the settings Max recommended and it made a huge difference. Things are now much clearer and distinguishable. Probably the best setting change was to put Scroll Speed to Auto. This really cleared up the readings at all speeds. Thanks Max! Great job on the educational video. Looking forward to more videos!

[@jaredjones9113]

Hands down my favorite KZbinr for install and settings for these garmin units. I fish out of a kayak primarily and this channel is awesome. Thanks, as always, keep up the solid content.

[@MGMarineTech]

Thank you for the support!! I’ll keep them coming!

[@fuzzyfultz]

Thank you for sharing. Keeping it simple and straight up. Good quality video and great explanations.

[@jimmycleveland1373]

Great information. Thank you! I look forward to trying these the next time I am on the water.

[@thomascrews3177]

Thanks so much. I watched the 54 video this morning and plan to try your suggestions. Your video, btw, seems very professional and extremely relevant. Keep up the good work. Will let you know how this works out for me.

[@DoubleTFishing]

Great video, I couldn’t get penetration out very far as you mentioned, thought maybe something was wrong with mine, thanks. Its crazy how much information you get on the larger screens. 100% agree on the zoom that pop up box is awesome.

[@ClearviewOutdoors]

Awesome info, you do a great job on explaining, can’t wait to try it, this is going in to my Garmin save along with a lot of your others, can’t wait for the down and traditional!!!

[@MGMarineTech]

Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoy my videos. Those videos will definitely be coming soon!

[@freeagentangler5159]

Thank you! I just purchase a Garmin 93sv with a gt54 and I’ll start with these setting.

[@shannonyork5300]

Looking forward to your suggested settings for the GT56. Thanks. Cheers.

[@robertteti2253]

Great video. Thank you for taking it slow and explaining

[@4spdragtop]

Thanks for the tips. I just got my Garmin 95 UHD and it's so confusing to try and figure out. This video will help, so thanks again!

[@Catchyalater_Fishing_Co]

hey man great video. im getting mine installed atm so this will be a big help. thanks a lot

[@larrylamontagneiii6773]

Thx! Will try first time out. Looking forward to Clear Vu and 2d sonar. Get busy!😉

[@ronpinnell1618]

Major help in getting the initial setup for my new UHD 94sv!

[@damianledoux1]

Thanks brother I needed this info having this same unit 126 sv

[@markhus1403]

Very informative. I hope you do the same type of video for down imaging and regular sonar as well using a GT54!

[@MGMarineTech]

Stay tuned as I will definitely be making those videos!

[@samuelpaulbriefman6526]

Great video! Very informative.

[@BRG13DEAN]

Very helpful, going to play with my 74sv next time I'm out. I'm fishing inshore so like 4-8 fy usually, 10 ft at most, 20 if I go out into the sound. I can pick out oyster beds but only because I know they're supposed to be there. Hopefully now I can get a clearer image.

[@LuRanOutdoors]

Thanks for the video man!!! Very helpful!!

[@FishingVet8004]

Awesome info, thanks for putting that out there.

[@MGMarineTech]

Thank you!

[@lesliewilson9618]

Appreciate the info really enjoy the videos need all the help thanks so much

[@Takman74]

Great Video Max!! Let’s see a similar video for the GT56.

[@jamesbroadbent4559]

Just found your channel. Great info !

[@DoubleDigitAngler]

Thanks so much. This really helped me dial in my 93sv and gt56 transducer. You the freakin man!!!!!!

[@joshfrancis6328]

I don't see the 1120 kHz on my 93

[@DoubleDigitAngler]

@@joshfrancis6328 you have the gt56? Or gt54

[@joshfrancis6328]

@@DoubleDigitAngler GT54uhd-TM

[@DoubleDigitAngler]

@@joshfrancis6328 maybe the reason why. I have the gt56

[@joshfrancis6328]

@@DoubleDigitAngler I says best GT54 set up not 56 lol

[@robertgarsee8488]

Thanks for making this video.

[@joeys7519]

Looking forward to the gt56 video I just bought one

[@cecilpratt2925]

Good info keep it up Thank you

[@ronniewetherington509]

Great video! In this video your primary settings focus is mainly on the UHD 1120 kHz sidescan. I guess these settings also apply to the 455 kHz as well? Thanks for sharing.

[@mikecampbell7412]

I suck with electronics this seems to help

[@scottscaneh]

awesome tutorial this beginner thanks you

[@glenfennell]

thank you.....very helpfull tips

[@markwhitehead67]

Great videos

[@RickK.-gv1jh]

Thank you!

[@robertbays4480]

Thanks! Video really helped me zero in my new 126

[@SuperNascar48]

Thanks for your help boss can’t wait to try these if you have any humminbird you can help me on I’d love it

[@talkingdogmusic4349]

Hope you don’t mind, I pasted your video link in a FB post that’s getting a lot of attention. Lot of people want to know my settings, which I got from you. Giving credit where credit is due.

[@MGMarineTech]

Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@randysimpson8745]

Great videos. I wish you would consider a Zoom class. I think it would generate some interest. I know I would happily paid to lean more and more. I took a 4 week Zoom course but it covered mostly Lowrance and Hummingbird.

[@MGMarineTech]

Hey Randy, shoot me a message on my Facebook page, id be interested to see how that class was run

[@kostebum3050]

Super!

[@randyfuhrman3949]

Great videos with a ton of info. Can't wait to get on the water. How are you displaying the 1120 kHz and 840 in the bottom left corner. All mine has is GT54

[@MGMarineTech]

Thank you! It should be there?? I didn’t do anything special to display it. Are you maybe just looking at demo mode? If so that’s the cause

[@tankty6977]

Great info man thank you very much. Question? I know you were saying 70 feet is about the max but was that 70 feet out from the center of the boat or 70 feet down. I only ask because I do a lot of offshore fishing and it ranges from 60 to 100‘ so will the settings work OK up to 100 foot deep. Thank you

[@MGMarineTech]

The 70’ range I am talking about in this video is range from the center line, or out to the sides of the boat. With these settings, you will only be able to use them to about 40-45’ of water. That is where the 1120khz setting starts to loose strength (depending on water clarity and harness of the bottom etc) For those depth you mention you will need to switch over to the 455khz setting and re adjust brightness and contrast from there using the same tips in this video.

[@user-tc4tm4hv7y]

My temp isn't showing. Any suggestions

[@justinclark3878]

Would you please do this same video on the ClearVu

[@MGMarineTech]

Hey Justin, It’s in the works. I’ll also be doing it for different transducers

[@joemartin6439]

My Echo Map Chirp 95 SV with GT 52 tranducer

[@Andycarusetta]

Thanks for the in depth explanation. When you explain the gt56 can you explain why my side scan is running along with down scan the range will automatically switch from 70' feet to 25 to 30 ft? Is this because the side scan range will default to the down scan range?

[@MGMarineTech]

Hey Andy if I understand what you are saying, My first guess would be that your range is still on auto so it is changes depending on depth of water. If you go in and set the range manually as I show, it should stay locked in. That is unless you have something else goofy going on like a zoom etc

[@catdadmarcus]

How’d ya get the menu to go down and pop up love that? I like how ya can pull the menu up without going out of the screen of the sonar

[@MGMarineTech]

Sure thing!! Take a look at one of my first videos. I think it’s called “how to make your screen bigger for free” or “how to auto hide menu”

[@catdadmarcus]

@@MGMarineTech my man! I just got a 93SV UHD GT54. Upgraded from my Helix 7 G2 SI. Going to be a massive upgrade for my kayak this season and I’ll be one step closer to a livescope for next ice fishing season!

[@gr0uch02a]

JOOC, did I miss him saying where the xdcr is mounted? Is this on the transom or TM. Not that it would affect the settings, just curious.

[@MGMarineTech]

It’s mounted to the transom

[@ClearviewOutdoors]

Also was wondering if you could clear up something for me and my buddies, we all run the Garmin and are Cat-fishers, do skin fin show up different than scaled fish on traditional, the color schemes, thanks.

[@MGMarineTech]

I don’t 100% know this to be honest, but I would imagine they would both look the same. Fish have air bladders or swim bladders and that’s a lot of what shows up on the sonar.

[@ClearviewOutdoors]

@@MGMarineTech some of us believe that the scaled have a hard return while the skin have a soft return Like a reddish bluish or purple color, sometimes the big ones will have yellow in there head, that’s what Iv seemed to find, just looking for some backup, lol maybe I’ll call Garmin and see what they say, thanks again for all you do, has helped me a ton on these videos, keep them coming!!!

[@MGMarineTech]

@@ClearviewOutdoors yeah I could see where a scaled fish might return slightly brighter but like I said I’ve heard/read that the sonar is mostly picking up the swim bladder?? I could be totally wrong on that lol If you do hear from them please let me know

[@bigtrout]

I’ve never had an image as clear as those simulation with side scan or down view…ever & question if the gt54 transducer is even capable.

[@1966Marshall1]

So, I'm new to this technology and just bought a Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv. I put it on the water yesterday just to see how it works. One thing I noticed that confused me, I went under a bridge at about 4mph, The side view showed 3 columns on both sides which was the bridge but I continued to see the columns on my screen after I got way past (150 ft or more). My question is if I see a brush pile full of fish on my screen how far back would it be? I'm confused about the distance I'm seeing objects behind me. I am using a rear mount transducer- Would I adjust the speed? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for the video

[@Steven-hn6hg]

It would depend how fast you are going and how quick you have the fish finder speed set at. You can click on the object you are wondering how far away it is. See a rock pile, touch it and it will say were it’s at and you can set a waypoint.

[@robertbiggerstaff8049]

How do you get that options bar to come up when you hit menu. I get nothing that easy. UHD 93SV GT54.

[@MGMarineTech]

are you in simulator mode?

[@jamesdean6259]

Fixing to buy a 93sv uhd for my kayak which transducer will be the best 54 / 56

[@MGMarineTech]

56 is the best of the best

[@dansmullen4092]

Thanks for the video. What causes the yellow line in the middle of the screen?

[@MGMarineTech]

That’s where the side imaging beam originates from.

[@dansmullen4092]

@@MGMarineTech in your video it is narrow, as it has been on my unit until recently as it now shows as much wider. Any idea what may have caused the change?

[@MGMarineTech]

@@dansmullen4092 it will be narrower when you have a wider range like 100’ If you “zoom” in and have say 50’ range it will dipsplay much bigger

[@RickK.-gv1jh]

I am in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and unfortunately I use the Garmin UHD93SV to search for bodies on the bottom the first couple of days before they then will float to the top based off the temperature of the water. Do you have suggestions on the best settings for this. Just curious. Thank you.

[@MGMarineTech]

Unfortunately they are decent at that job. These settings will definitely help depending on the conditions. But maybe try the following.. Because the objects you are looking for a relatively large and you need to cover a lot of water quickly and you don’t necessarily need the best image possible, I would suggest you switch over to 455 as that will give you a stronger signal, and allow you to increase the range more..(try 100 depending on your depth) You will have to adjust brightness and contrast to taste and condition (lower them from these settings) You may also find speeding the scroll speed up from auto will help to “stretch” returns making them easier to see. Hopefully this will help you guys

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Got a question when is best to use the 1120 kHz on my gt54 uhd such as water depth etc etc is there any advantages ?

[@MGMarineTech]

So in general, the higher the khz the more detailed the return will be. The down side is that, the higher the kHz the less water it can penetrate. Both down and to the sides. This is why I only use 1120khz on the gt54 in water upto about 40-50’ deep. For deeper water you will most likely need to switch to 455. On the other hand if you are in shallow water but want to scan a large area say 70-100’ to each side + you can accomplish this by running 455 as it will be able to penetrate more water to the sides, but you will loose detail. So it really depends on what you are trying to do and the depth of water you are in. 95% of the time I used 1120khz on the gt54

[@sheilachanceproffitt9839]

We just bought this Garmin and transducer. Do we have to get a memory card and what size? Thanks. I took notes of your settings.

[@MGMarineTech]

You don’t have to have a memory card for the unit to operate. You just won’t have certain features such as QuickDraw contours or the ability to use ActiveCaptain or screen shots. If you do get a card. You need a 32gb or less micro sd and class 10 speed is recommended

[@sheilachanceproffitt9839]

@@MGMarineTech thanks very much.

[@ronaldpowers1986]

My Garmin has a CV52 transducer. Can I use the setting you provided in the gt54 video?

[@MGMarineTech]

No, some of them will be different, but the principles still apply.

[@jessecooper9795]

So how come my main screen shows combos, but no side view is an option. 54 ducer that says it's got it

[@MGMarineTech]

Sounds like your screen isn’t recognizing the 54 as a 54. What does it say in the bottom left corner? Manually go in and select it as a gt54 and you should be good

[@brandonhaynes9120]

I have a transducer cover on mine but I’m not even getting close to the detail you are in side imagine or clear view just looks like a bunch of orange and blue dots not even a clear picture do you think the cover could be interfering?

[@MGMarineTech]

I would think the cover might interfere slightly

[@tonydowns8705]

I have a question using the UHD54 on my boat when using the 1120khz I get no image in water deeper than about 21’. I’ve checked zoom settings they are all off in 455khz I get good image. Down image is clear in 60’ of water and traditional is good as well. I’m not sure if transducer is bad or just a limitation that can’t be overcome. Water is very clear on the lake I fish as well

[@MGMarineTech]

On 1120 and in 20’ you shouldn’t have any issue out to about 70’ to the sides. What do you have the range on? Might very well be a bad transducer. Send me some pictures to [e-mail]

[@tonydowns8705]

@@MGMarineTech I had range between 40 to 70 and nothing. I talked to garmin and they sent new transducer out yesterday. They think it’s bad as well.

[@sheilachanceproffitt9839]

What does the v stand for in TVG? something gain?

[@MGMarineTech]

Variable

[@rogersingley3878]

What is meant by water colum

[@MGMarineTech]

That is from the surface of the water to the bottom straight down like a column

[@The94accord]

So, word of warning, in my experience if you run the 1120hz on the gt54 consistently it fries the image on one side eventually. I say in my experience because I'm on my 3rd gt54 replaced for free by garmin at this point. No idea why but the transducers that have gone out go black on one side of the side imaging ONLY on the 1120hz setting never to be seen again.

[@MGMarineTech]

Knock on wood I’ve not had that issue… and run 1120 85% of the time. Is the transducer on the transom or trolling motor ?

[@charlesfoster8814]

I know this vieo is over a year old but Im expecting a Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer to arrive tomorrow. I fish mainly for White Bass and Hybrids. I like to drift over them, which means I'm drifting sideway....how can I expect the side scan "picture" to look?

[@MGMarineTech]

Hi Charles! Well you have a couple of things going against you in your scenario. Side imaging produces the best picture when you are moving at a consistent speed around 1-5 mph. You also want the transducer to be going the same direction as the boat, so if you are drifting sideways so will your transducer. Long story short your side imaging most likely won’t produce a image that makes much sense at all while drifting sideways

[@charlesfoster8814]

@@MGMarineTech Thank you sir! Guess I will just have to wait and see. Really surprised no one, that I have seen, has ask this questions before... I fished with a guide last week and he used it to see fish while on anchor. That was pretty interesting.

[@MGMarineTech]

@@charlesfoster8814 oh it can be done for sure, you just have to know what to look for when stationary, At that point you are relying on the fish to swim through the cone. So the side imaging for the most part will be the streaks as the same “structure” is in the cone all the time unless the boat moves side to side or something swims through the cone. You can then use that info to determine if a fish swam through or whatnot, Hard to explain.

[@travismelanson]

Have you ever had one side of the side vu go dark? When I switched mine to 1120hz, the right side of my side imaging goes super dark. Then I switch it back to 455hz and it goes back to normal.

[@MGMarineTech]

It’s a bad transducer, call garmin they should replace it .

[@travismelanson]

@@MGMarineTech thank you! I have never had it run at 1120, and when I switched I noticed it.

[@p3teytran]

​@@travismelanson did Garmin replace your transducer?

[@travismelanson]

@@p3teytran I never contacted them. Did it happen to you?

[@p3teytran]

@@travismelanson no but I bought a used boat with a garmin 93sv and I haven't tried out that function yet so just wanted to be prepared in case it happened to me.

[@afroman5015]

Any tips on trolling motor interderence on 1120? No issues on 455 but soon as I switch over it starts picking up lines on the screen.

[@MGMarineTech]

The best fix is a garmin force, or to move the transducer to the transom. Also if you have a onboard charger make sure it’s completely disconnected from the battery that powers the unit

[@geoffstatum7363]

Is there a way to add the digital depth to the side image screen. I can't figure it out.

[@MGMarineTech]

When you go into the full screen side imaging it should be there, if not I believe it’s in the overlays section of the menu

[@dosadosa112]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

[@joshfrancis6328]

Someone tell me how and where he is finding the 1120 kHz on the 54gt

[@MGMarineTech]

Hi josh. It shows exactly where and how to change it in the video. At about the 2:45 mark.. You can’t be in “simulation” mode. The option to change it won’t be there in sim mode

[@asher439]

When will you do you a update for gt56 transducer?

[@MGMarineTech]

For down imaging?

[@asher439]

@@MGMarineTech for side imaging

[@MGMarineTech]

@@asher439 oh I miss read your comment. I have a gt56 side imaging video out. It’s been out for 3-4 months now

[@Sebastian-od7es]

I cant get the Sidevu to be on the top when using it with clearvu and regular sonar.. :(

[@MGMarineTech]

Take a peak at my “combos” video. It will walk you through how to make custom combos

[@Sebastian-od7es]

@@MGMarineTech Thanks, i'll check it out! :)

[@00powerstrokin]

Do you set your transducer on plant with the bottom of your boat or level when the boat is moving. Garmin instructions aren't real clear.

[@MGMarineTech]

Ideally you want it level when the boat is at scanning speeds. Both bow to stern and port to starboard. But a couple of degrees off one way or the other won’t hurt anything. I eyeball mine every time I go out.

[@00powerstrokin]

@@MGMarineTech ok I just installed mine yesterday on my 14ft and was trying to get my picture dialed in. I had the bottom of my transducer set about 1/4" below the boat and in the same plane as the bottom. Next time out I'll raise the back one click on the mount and try your settings on the unit. I just wasn't getting the detail that you have. My lake is relatively shallow as well so that may be part of it. I'm scanning around 10ft of depth with a lot of weeds. I wasn't seeing any of the fallen timber under the water line.

[@MGMarineTech]

@@00powerstrokin weeds if they are thick can cover up alot of structure etc making it almost impossible for the unit to see the bottom if that makes sense

[@00powerstrokin]

@@MGMarineTech yes that makes sense. I went out tonight and clicked the transducer up a notch and used your setting. My image is much clearer now. Thanks

[@BamaBassCatcher99]

Would you use the same settings for 455?

[@MGMarineTech]

No lower frequency will require lower contrast and brightness depending the depth and range

[@BamaBassCatcher99]

@@MGMarineTech when would you suggest using the 455 vs the higher frequency? Obviously for more range?

[@MGMarineTech]

@@BamaBassCatcher99 yes you got it! There are really 2 situations where you lower frequency. 1 you are too deep for the higher frequency to penetrate and provide a good return. (45’ + ish) 2 you want to scan a more water and run a much wider range. Typically when you are first scouting a area to get dialed in on the major components and detail isn’t crucial. Then once you find areas you can go back over with 1120 and a tighter range for higher detail.

[@alllstarbass]

Works for 126 either?

[@MGMarineTech]

Yes that’s what this video was done with

[@joemartin6439]

Just wish walleye . May lake have steep rock drop off

[@VinnyM.92]

Is this the 9”?

[@MGMarineTech]

126, but the settings work the same on the 9”

[@VinnyM.92]

Okay awesome, Thank you!

[@paulwave1560]

What is your screen resolution? What is the screen size?

[@MGMarineTech]

It’s a 126 ultra. It’s a 12” screen Resolution is is 1280 x 800 pixels

[@paulwave1560]

No wonder, my echo map uhd 94sv can show nothing like this clear, it is like a garbage

[@MGMarineTech]

@@paulwave1560 no that’s not the case. There’s something else going on. The difference is noticeable, but you should still have very good side imaging even with the 9” screens

[@paulwave1560]

I posted some images from my garmin and some questions here www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1145766

[@MGMarineTech]

@@paulwave1560 message me on my Instagram page. I’d be happy to help. Just from the little bit I’ve read, it seems others have thought there is interference. Do you have a on. Lars charger by chance?

[@tryptaman4315]

Dude thank you so much for putting the setting up front lol I am using a 54 while my 56 gets replaced by Garmin and needed these quick. Appreciate 🫱🏽‍🫲🏼

[@MrAryindia]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.