Are Garmin Fish Finders Compatible With Minn Kota Trolling Motors?
Navigating the waters with a trolling motor and a fish finder is a game-changer for many anglers.
But the question that often arises is about compatibility. Specifically, can Garmin fish finders work seamlessly with Minn Kota trolling motors?
Let’s dive into the details.
Minn Kota Trolling Motor Transducers and Garmin Marine Devices
Minn Kota, a renowned name in the world of trolling motors, offers certain models with built-in transducers. These transducers primarily operate at frequencies of 83kHz and 200kHz. Garmin, a leading name in marine electronics, has devices that can tap into these frequencies. However, to bridge the connection between the two, you’d need a Minn Kota adapter cable.
Once you’ve established this connection, it’s essential to configure your Garmin device correctly. This can be done by referring to the device’s owner’s manual and selecting the “Selecting the Transducer Type” option, where you’ll choose the Minn Kota option.
Compatibility Based on Sonar Pin Configuration
Garmin devices come with different sonar pin configurations. Depending on this configuration, you’ll need a specific adapter to ensure compatibility with Minn Kota’s trolling motor transducers.
4-pin Garmin Devices
For Garmin devices that require a 4-pin transducer, the adapter you’ll need is the MKR-US2-12. Compatible devices include:
- echo series: 101, 151, 201, 301c, 501c, 551c, 151dv, 201dv, 301dv, 551dv
- echoMAP series: 4x, 5x, 7x, 9x, CHIRP 4x, CHIRP 5x
- ECHOMAP series: Plus 6x, UHD 6x, UHD2
- STRIKER series: Standard, Plus, Vivid
6-Pin Transducers
If your Garmin device requires a 6-pin transducer, the adapter to use is the MKR-US2-1 part.
8-pin Garmin Devices
For 8-pin configurations, the MKR-US2-14 adapter is your go-to. Compatible devices include:
- echoMAP series: 50s/dv, 70s/dv, CHIRP 7xdv/cv, CHIRP 9xdv/cv
- GPSMAP series: 5×7, 7×1, 7×2, 8×0, 9×2, 10×0, 10×2, 12×2, 74xx/76xx, 84xx/86xx
12-pin Garmin Devices
For devices with a 12-pin configuration, you’ll need Garmin’s adapter cable part number 010-12122-10 in conjunction with the MKR-US2-14 part. Compatible devices include:
- echoMAP series: CHIRP 7x(sv), CHIRP 9x(sv), Plus 7x(sv), Plus 9x(sv), UHD 7x, UHD 9x, Ultra
- GPSMAP series: 7×3, 9×3, 12×3, 74xx/76xx, 84xx/86xx
Devices Operating Solely on 200kHz
It’s worth noting that devices not mentioned above can still connect using the 200kHz frequency. However, they won’t be able to utilize the 83kHz frequency. Regardless, the appropriate adapter remains a necessity.
FAQs on Garmin and Minn Kota Compatibility
Always ensure you have the correct adapter based on your device’s pin configuration.
Conclusion
In essence, many Garmin fish finders are indeed compatible with Minn Kota trolling motors, provided you have the correct adapter. This compatibility ensures that anglers can enjoy the best of both worlds, optimizing their fishing experience. Always refer to your device’s manual and ensure you have the right adapter to guarantee a seamless connection.
