The Deeper PRO+ and CHIRP+ models have an inbuilt GPS receiver. This means that these models do not need to be in the same location as your smartphone in order to create maps, so you can map by casting it out.
When you have selected Onshore GPS mode, look for the satellite icon in the top right corner of the map screen. The color of the satellite icon indicates if a GPS connection has been established:
- Green means your Deeper GPS location has been fixed, and you are ready to start mapping.
- Looking for GPS means your Deeper is processing satellite information and currently the location of your device is either unknown or not precise enough for mapping.
- If the “Looking for GPS” status doesn’t change to “GPS found” for a long time, this could be because your Deeper is indoors or under the roof of a boat, because the device is submerged, or because the surroundings are blocking the GPS signal (for example, in a gorge or a mountainous area). If nothing is blocking the GPS signal, please see below solutions.
Issue: "Looking for GPS" or "GPS not found" status does not change.
1. Put the Deeper in the water close to the shore (up to 5-10 meters / 16-32 ft).
2. Connect to the Deeper via Wi-Fi, then launch the FishDeeper app and connect.
3. Once connected, enable the On-shore GPS mode.
4. Wait up to 5-10 minutes (do not reel the unit in, just let it float in the water). Note: if you haven't used the On-shore GPS mode for a long time (2 months or more), it can take longer for the unit to establish initial connection with the satellites.
5. Once the GPS status changes to "GPS found", you can start casting the unit and mapping.
Maximizing GPS connectivity for Onshore GPS mode
There are some steps you can follow to improve the GPS connection when using Onshore GPS mode:
-Give your Deeper time to establish a strong GPS connection. The GPS receiver in your Deeper PRO+/CHIRP+ has to connect directly with satellites orbiting the earth, and this connection may not be instant. Furthermore, the availability of these satellites can vary on different days, which means establishing a strong GPS connection can be fast one day and slow the next.
We recommend putting your Deeper in the water close to you (~5 m / 16 ft from the shore), enable Onshore GPS mode, then waiting for 5-10 min until the satellite icon turns green. Once it does, you can start casting the Deeper out.
-Check if the satellite symbol is green. Once your Deeper has established a good GPS connection, the satellite icon in the top right corner of the map screen will change from red to green. After casting out your Deeper, please double check that the satellite icon is still green. If it has turned back to red, wait a few moments for the GPS connection to be re-established.
-Check the conditions and surroundings. GPS signals can be affected by weather conditions and obstacles. The signal may be weaker if there are heavy clouds or rain. It can also be blocked by overhead obstacles like branches and power lines.