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Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv

SKU: 010-01741-03
Brand: Garmin
Category: Chartplotters | Fishfinders
  • Screen Size: 12.1" WSVGA display
  • Input Type: KeyPad | Control Knob
  • Charts: BlueChart g3 | LakeVü g3
  • Chart Card Slots: 2 SD card
  • Wifi: Wifi | Bluetooth
  • Sonar: CHIRP | SideVü | ClearVü

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Price

 


 

Key Facts | Full Specs | Manuals | Videos

Highlights:

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv

PACKED WITH FEATURES | Keypad Controlled

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Review

 


 

Should you upgrade to a – GPSMAP 1242xsv?

We take a detailed look at the specifications and get a couple of thoughts from some who already have.

 


 

The Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv – Is a pretty easy-to-use, simple-to-setup 12.1″ color advanced all-in-one fully networkable Chartplotter/fishfinder with a keypad interface and a multifunction control knob.

It comes with a 1kw CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü/SideVü scanning sonar, and support for Panoptix LiveScope LVS12 sonar plus the full line of Panoptix all-seeing sonar transducers.

Preloaded charts and mapping include BlueChart® g3 charts and LakeVü g3 maps. Built-in Wi-Fi paired with the free ActiveCaptain app makes updates and chart upgrades pretty simple.

 


 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Features

Garmin GPSMAP 10×2/12×2 | Series

 

Garmin GPSMAP Keyed Combo Series – Comes in 2 screen sizes, features full scanning sonar capabilities, and supports Panoptix LiveScope. It also supports the new single-array LVS12, which delivers live scanning sonar images of structure, bait and fish swimming below and around the boat in real-time.

The GPSMAP 1042xsv & 1242xsv models are preloaded with both Garmin BlueChart g3 charts and LakeVü mapping. Upgrading to LakeVü g3 Ultra or BlueChart® g3 Vision is easy using Active Captain or by using one of the two SD card slots.

 


 

Clear Screen and Bright – This is one of the first things you will pick up on with the GPSMAP 1242xsv. The 12.1″ diagonal 1280 x 800-pixel screen is bright and has an excellent viewing angle even in direct sun.

Keypad Control – The unit uses keypad navigation along with a multifunction control knob to manage settings and options. There are 4 shortcut keys for assigning custom screens.

Built-in GPS – The 10hz GPS receiver acquires satellites quickly on startup and shows the exact location without much delay.

Network Capabilities  – Easily share sonar data, Panoptix sonar, user data, waypoints, routes, radar, IP Cameras, and supplemental charts among multiple units.

NMEA 2000 | 0183  – Connect the Ultra to an autopilot, digital switching, weather, FUSION-Link audio system, media, VHF or AIS, and other sensors.

GPX Waypoints Transfer – If you have waypoints, tracks, or frequently used routes on another GPS, GPX is an easy way to transfer them to the 1242xsv.  GPX is an industry-standard software formatting for transferring GPS data (waypoints, routes, and tracks) to other devices.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Keypad Control

 

Keypad navigation – Setting up the unit for how you fish or cruise is simple and adding custom screens and settings is pretty easy without having to do a deep dive into the manual.

You can add items, rearrange items on the home screen, and even change to the background image.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Navigation Menu

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Navigation Menu

 

Custom Pages – Creating custom combinations is easy.  Setup a custom screen for fishing with sonar split-screen with traditional on one side and clearvu on the other.

Set one up with chart and sonar for cruising or one for finding structure using ClearVü and SideVü sonar only. Then assign up to 4 custom screens to the shortcut keys for quick access.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Programable Keys

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Programable Keys

 

Creating a New Combination Pages – You have a choice between 7 different screen combinations and can customize each pane individually.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Custom Screen Combinations

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Custom Screen Combinations

 


 

Complete Garmin Sonar Support

 

Built-in sonar capabilities – The GPSMAP 1242xsv includes a 1kW CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü | SideVü scanning sonars and supports the full line of Panoptix all-seeing sonar transducers, including the Panoptix LiveScope system.

Additional info on the Panoptix™ all-seeing sonar line.

Networked units can share their internal sonar with any other device connected to the network. You can choose what information is overlaid on the sonar screen; for example, radar, time of day, or GPS speed.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Chirp Clearvu

 

TRADITIONAL CHIRP SONAR –  CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies ranging from low to high, instead of sending just 1 single frequency at a time.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Traditional Chirp Sonar

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Traditional Chirp Sonar

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Traditional Chirp Sonar Target Separation

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Traditional Chirp Sonar Target Separation

 

The 1kW CHIRP sonar sweeps a continuous range of frequencies, from low to high, in a single transmission. The information returned from each frequency in that transmission is then shown on the screen.

Since this continuous sweep of frequencies provides a much wider range of information, CHIRP sonar can create a very clear, high-resolution image.

As you can see above, you get far greater target separation and more defined arches than you would with standard 50/200 kHz sonar. The maximum working depth is about 5,000 ft at 1kW, saltwater depending on the bottom type and water conditions.

Recording the Sonar Display – A very cool feature that allows you to record the sonar screen for playback on Garmin HomePort™ and review it later. I find it pretty valuable to be able to look over the recording from the day and mark any spots that I what to check out in more detail.

As I play it back, I can stop and drop a GPS mark on something interesting and upload it to the GPS to take a look at it the next time I’m on the water. See the image above.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Sonar Recording

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Recording Sonar

 

To Start Recording – Insert a memory card into the card slot. From a sonar view, select MENU > Record Sonar. Garmin says 15 minutes of sonar recording uses approximately 200 MB of space of the inserted memory card but I recorded several hours and only had a 980Mb file.

An individual recording automatically ends after it reaches 4 GB in size. You can record sonar data until the card reaches capacity.

Note: Before you can playback the sonar recordings, you must download and install the Garmin HomePort™ application and record sonar data onto a memory card.

Sonar History Rewind –  As the GPSMAP 1242xsv gets sonar data, while you’re tracking bottom or fish, you can go back and see what you previously went over by just tapping the screen and scrolling back. The amount of sonar history available to scroll back and the view is about from 2-3 screens wide.

The scroll speed will affect how you will have recorded. For example, if the GPS is set to a slower scroll speed in the sonar menu, the window of time the unit can rewind will be greater.  If the device is set to its fastest scroll speed, you will see a smaller window of time within the sonar rewind.

If you see something good that you just marked, rewind the history, tap the screen and drop a waypoint on it to save it. The best honey holes are often found when moving from one location to another.

 


 

ClearVü SONAR – ClearVü sonar is mainly used to identify the structure and gives you a nearly photographic image structure below the boat.

With ClearVü, you see structure, submerged objects, and fish separation more clearly.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Clearvu Sonar

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Clearvu Sonar Amber

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Clearvu sonar

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Clearvu sonar Blue

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Traditional CHIRP vs Clearvu

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Traditional CHIRP vs Clearvu

 

Instead of a cone-shaped beam like the traditional CHIRP sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar sweeps a narrow beam of very high-frequency (455 or 800kHz) from side to side, producing “slices” that are combined to create very detailed images.

Fish are easily identifiable on Traditional View with CHIRP whereas Structures are well defined using ClearVü.

For fishermen and divers looking for structures like wrecks, reefs, log piles, and other underwater natural and man-made features, ClearVü is a great tool.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - CHIRP ClearVu Sonar

GPSMAP 1242xsv | CHIRP ClearVu Sonar

 


 

SideVü SONAR  –  SideVü is a high-frequency sonar that gives a true-to-life view of structures and targets on either side of the boat. Like ClearVü, SideVü scanning sonar sweeps a narrow beam of very high-frequency (455 or 800kHz) out to the side, producing “slices” that create very detailed images.

You see a crystal clear image that makes it easy to identify wrecks, structures, rocks, and even fish that are stacked up next to or above them.

The distance you can scan out to the side depends on the depth but can be usable out several hundred feet which is excellent for covering and searching lots of areas quickly.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - CHIRP SideVu Sonar

GPSMAP 1242xsv | CHIRP SideVu Sonar

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - SideVu Sonar Shallow

GPSMAP 1242xsv | SideVu Sonar Shallow

 


 

PANOPTIX ALL-SEEING SONAR

 

Panoptix Sonar –  is pretty amazing sonar technology. It gives us the ability to see all around the boat in real-time and in 3 dimensions.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Panoptix Sonar

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Panoptix Sonar

 

Panoptix shows highly detailed, easy-to-interpret live scanning sonar images of structure, bait, and fish swimming below and around your boat in real-time, even when the boat is stationary.

Images are so clear, that Garmin says with a little practice, we might be able to identify species!

Both LiveScope Forward and LiveScope Down modes are included in one transducer and are available with either transom or trolling motor mounts.  To use Panoptix sonar, you need a compatible Chartplotter which the GPSMAP 1242xs is, and a compatible transducer. The transducer plugs right into the Panoptix network port.

 

GPSMAP 1242xsv - Panoptix Livescope Forward

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Panoptix Livescope Forward

 

Panoptix Livescope Forward is a cool tool for scouting and fishing out ahead of the boat. You get live, detailed images of structure and fish out to about 200′ – even while the boat is sitting in one spot.  A live sonar looks at fish moving toward or away from the boat.

 


 

GPSMAP 1242xsv - Panoptix Livescope Down

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Panoptix Livescope Down

 

Panoptix LiveScope Down gives us live scanning sonar images of structure and swimming fish in awesome detail below the boat up to 200′ out from the transducer. Shows real-time moving sonar images of baitfish and large fish swimming below the boat and pinpoints distance left or right and their depths

 


 

Charts and Mapping

 

Coastal Charting & Lakes Maps –  The GPSMAP 1242xsv comes preloaded with BlueChart® g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps, both with integrated Navionics data and Auto Guidance technology data for very detailed charts and mapping.

BlueChart g3 Charts cover the coastal U.S., including the East and West coasts, Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. and Canadian sides of the Great Lakes. LakeVü g3 inland maps cover more than 17,000 lakes with up to 1’ contours.

Upgrading charts is easy with the 2 SD card slots located on the front of the device or the Active Captain App.

 

Blue Chart g3 & LakeVü g3 features

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - LakeVu g3 - Inland Maps

GPSMAP 1242xsv | LakeVu g3 – Inland Maps

 

GPSMAP 1242xsv - Chart Auto Guidance

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Chart Auto Guidance

 

Garmin Auto Guidance technology –  shows a suggested route to a destination, based on specs that you enter in the device like draft, and vertical height restrictions.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - g3 Maps

GPSMAP 1242xsv | BlueChart g3 Charts

 

Depth Range Shading – is shown in high-resolution for up to 10 depth ranges, so you can see your needed depth at a glance by color.

 

GPSMAP 1242xsv - BlueChart g3 Shallow Water Shading

GPSMAP 1242xsv | BlueChart g3 Shallow Water Shading

 

Shallow water shading –  allows for shading at a user-defined depth to give a clear picture of shallow waters to avoid based on your own draft.

Detailed Contours  –  1′ contours that provide a more accurate look of bottom structure for improved fishing charts and enhanced detail in swamps, canals, and port layouts.

 

GPSMAP 1242xsv - BlueChart g3 1 foot contours

GPSMAP 1242xsv | BlueChart g3 1′ contours

 


 

Garmin Quickdraw Contours

 

Quickdraw Contours instantly creates personalized high definition charts with 1’ contours and depth labels for any body of water as you fish.

When Quickdraw Contours records data, a colored circle surrounds the vessel icon. This circle represents the approximate area of the map that is scanned by each pass.  Quickly see where you have been.

The screen shows maps being created instantly in real-time. Easily add labels, mark timber, brush piles, favorite fishing spots, and anything you want to remember on your map for the next trip.

Improve Your Saltwater Maps & Uncover unknown areas – Many areas have no map detail. With Quickdraw, you can create maps that show you depth contours clearly labeled on the screen. You also can improve your existing maps that show locations of underwater mountains, drop-offs, crevices, or wrecks.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Quickdraw Contours

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Quickdraw Contours

 

The maps are all yours – tailor them to fit your needs. Keep the data for yourself, or share maps with others in the QuickDraw Community on Garmin Connect.

You can view Garmin Quickdraw Contours on a combination screen or as a single view on the map. The amount of saved data depends on the size of your memory card, your sonar source, and the speed of your boat as you record data.

You can record longer when you use a single-beam sonar. It is estimated that you might be able to record about 1,500 hours of data onto a 2 GB memory card.

When you record data on a memory card in your Chartplotter, the new data is added to your existing Garmin Quickdraw Contours map and is saved on the memory card. When you insert a new memory card, the existing data does not transfer onto the new card.

 


 

Active Captain 

 

Connected Boating App –  The free Active Captain app from Garmin gives the GPSMAP 1242xsv a connection for upgrading charts, maps, and access to the Garmin community.

Wherever you are, you can have unlimited access to your cartography, purchase new maps and charts, and access the Garmin Quickdraw™ Contours Community. Active Captain is available for both iPhone and Android.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Active Captain

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv | Active Captain App

 

Active Captain Features

  • With OneChart™ you have access to all your charts and maps from your mobile device.
  • Receive smart notifications, such as calls and texts, on your display when paired with the app.
  • Download software updates and notifications from the app directly to your Garmin devices.
  • Connect to other boaters for up-to-date feedback on marinas and other important info.
  • Make, save and transfer routes and waypoints between the app and Chartplotter.
  • Easily upload and download the latest Garmin Quickdraw™ Contours content from the community.
  • View and control your Chartplotter from your smartphone or tablet

 


 

FORCE | Trolling Motor Support

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Force Trolling Motor

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Force Trolling Motor Control

 

Garmin launched a new trolling motor called FORCE that they developed for the freshwater market. It has a brushless motor and is said to be very quiet above and below the water. It can connect to the GPSMAP 1242xsv wirelessly and be controlled by the Chartplotter.

It’s the first trolling motor to include built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars.

FORCE Trolling Motor Features

  • Built-in Autopilot
  • Anchor Lock
  • Create Routes| Waypoints | Follow Tracks
  • Use Auto Guidance
  • Wireless foot pedal control
  • User-programmable wireless remote
  • 24 or 36-volt brushless motor

 


 

Network Sharing

 

The Garmin Marine Network allows sharing of sonar, mapping, user information, Radar, and video cameras among multiple connected units. The NMEA 2000 network connectivity and NMEA 0183 supports connecting to autopilots, digital switching, weather sensor, media, VHF, AIS, engine monitoring, and a bunch of other sensors.

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Network Sharing

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Network Sharing

 

Digital Switching – The GPSMAP 1242xsv can be used to monitor and control circuits when a compatible digital switch system is connected. For example, you can control the interior lights and navigation lights on the vessel. You can also monitor live well circuits.

A full digital switching system allows you to power up your boat while away from the dock, switch on pumps, and control lights — even underwater lights

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Digital Switching

GPSMAP 1242xsv -|Digital Switching

 


 

Resources: 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv | Help & Support

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Software Updates

 

TheHullTruth – Garmin 1042xsv

TheHullTruth – Garmin 1242xsv single transducer port

ThuHullTruth – Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv vs 1242xsv

BassBoatCentral – Garmin 93sv or GPSMAP 1042xsv

BassResource – Garmin 942xs or 1042xsv for livescope

Texas Fishing Forum – Garmin 1042 or ECHOMAP Ultra

 


 

GPSMAP 1242xsv 

Brochure PDF

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv Brochure

 


 

Ports | Connections

 

Rear Connections Include –

  • 1 – Power Connection
  • 1 – NMEA 2000
  • 1 – 12 PIN Sonar
  • 1 – Video In | BNC
  • 2 – Network Ports

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Rear Connections

GPSMAP 1242xsv | Rear Connections

 


 

Key Facts:

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv

 

Performance Features

  • 12.1” Chartplotter | Fishfinder Combo
  • Keypad Control | Multifunction control knob
  • 1280 x 800 | WSVGA  Color Display
  • Wide viewing angle & excellent clarity
  • Good visibility in direct sunlight
  • Internal antenna or external over NMEA 2000
  • Built-in 10Hz GPS receiver
  • Bracket or flush mount
  • 2 Garmin Network Ports
  • Built-in Wi-Fi to pair with ActiveCaptain
  • Wi‑Fi, ANT® & Bluetooth 2.4 GHz
  • AIS and DSC Support
  • NMEA 0183 and 2000.
  • Receive data from autopilots, engines, sensors & VHF

 

Charting | Mapping

  • Preloaded – BlueChart g3 | LakeVü Upgrades
  • ActiveCaptain app for access to – OneChart  | Smart notifications | Garmin Quickdraw Community data
  • Quickdraw Contours for personalized 1′ contours maps
  • 2 SD memory card slots | 32 GB max
  • 5,000 Waypoints
  • Track Log – 50,000 points | 50 saved tracks
  • 100 Routes (250 waypoints each)

 

Fishfinder | Sounder

  • Full Built-in Sonar Capabilities
  • Output Power | 1kW traditional | CHIRP
  • ClearVü and SideVü CHIRP: 500 W
  • Traditional: 50/200, 77/200, 83/200 kHz
  • Single Channel CHIRP: from 40 to 250 kHz
  • ClearVü CHIRP: 260/455/800 kHz
  • Maximum Depth – 5000′ | 1kW
  • Supports Panoptix Sonar | LVS
  • Sonar Recording | Reviewing with HomePort
  • Sonar history rewind

 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Price

 


 

 

Specs

General

Model GPSMAP 1242xsv
Physical dimensions 14.1" x 8.9" x 2.7"
3.6 x 2.3 x 0.6 cm
Weight 4.1 lbs.
Water rating IPX7
Display type WSVGA | Keypad/Control Knob
Display size 10.3" x 6.4" | 12.1" diagonal
Display resolution 1280 x 800 pixels
Display - Brightness Not Available
Power consumption 2.9A | 12V
GPS Antenna Internal or external NMEA 2000
GPS Receiver 10 Hz GPS
Mounting options Bail or flush

Maps & Memory

Model GPSMAP 1242xsv
On-Board Memory No
Accepts data cards 2 SD card | 32GB Max
Waypoints 5,000
Routes 100
Track log 50,000 points; 50 saved tracks
Preloaded Maps BlueChart® g3 (coastal maps)
LakeVü g3 (inland maps)

Outdoor Recreation Features

Tide Tables Yes

Chartplotter Features

Model GPSMAP 1242xsv
Radar compatible Yes
Sonar compatible Built-In
Traditional CHIRP
ClearVü CHIRP
SideVü CHIRP
Panoptix
Supports AIS Yes
Weather Yes
Supports DSC - GPS Data / VHF Yes
Supports FUSION-Link FUSION-Link | FUSION PartyBus
Black Box sonar support Yes
Planning Software Compatible HomePort
App-Control Compatibility Active Captain
Remote Input Device - compatible GRID remote input device
Alarms Navigation
Anchor
Sonar

Sonar Features & Specifications

Model GPSMAP 1242xsv
Transmit Power 1kw Traditional | 500W SideVü/ClearVü
Dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) sonar capable Yes
Dual-Beam Sonar (77/200 kHz) capable Yes - 50/200 | 77/200 | 83/200
CHIRP sonar technology CHIRP: 40-250
ClearVü | Down CHIRP ClearVü | 260, 455, 800kHz
SideVü | Side CHIRP SideVü | 260, 455, 800kHz
Forward View Panoptix | LVS

Connections

Model GPSMAP 1242xsv
NMEA 2000 compatible Yes
NMEA 0183 input ports 1
NMEA 0183 output ports 1
Marine Network Ports 2
Video input ports 1-BNC
Video output ports No
Wireless connectivity Yes
BlueTooth connectivity Yes
Other Ports 12 Pin Transducer

Additional

Model GPSMAP 1242xsv
SEE PRICE »» GPSMAP 1242xsv - Price
Additional - 1 Sailing Features

In The Box

In The Box GPSMAP 1242xsv chartplotter
Power/data cable
NMEA 2000 T-connector
NMEA 2000 drop cable (2 m)
8-pin transducer to 12-pin sounder adapter cable
Bail mount kit with knobs
Flush mount kit with gasket
Protective cover
Trim piece snap covers
Documentation

Manual

Downloadable PDF:


 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Manual

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv – Manual

 


 

Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv - Installation Manual

GPSMAP 1242xsv – Installation Manual

 


Additional GPSMAP 1242xsv manuals from Garmin:

 

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