The Vexilar SonarPhone with Transducer Pod (Model SP100 T-POD) is a portable, castable digital fishfinder engineered to convert any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet into a high-definition color touchscreen sonar. Designed for shore anglers, kayakers, belly boaters, and small-craft fishermen, the SP100 eliminates the need for bulky standalone display units, external 12V marine batteries, or wiring harnesses.
Core Architecture & Connectivity
Self-Generated Wi-Fi Network: The T-POD creates its own localized, password-protected Wi-Fi hotspot upon water contact. It does not require cellular service, internet connection, or mobile data coverage, allowing full operation in remote backcountry lakes and offshore locations.
Extended Transmission Range: The Wi-Fi signal maintains an active link with connected mobile devices at distances up to 100 yards (90 meters / 300 feet), significantly outperforming standard Bluetooth-based fishfinders in range and data throughput.
Multi-User Sharing: Because it broadcasts standard Wi-Fi, multiple devices can connect to a single T-POD simultaneously when provided with the security key, allowing fishing partners to view identical sonar feedback on separate screens.
Sonar & Acoustic Performance
Frequency & Beam Angle: Operates on a single-beam 125 kHz frequency featuring a wide 30° cone angle. This broad coverage provides a rapid picture of underwater structure, vegetation contours, drop-offs, and suspended fish beneath the surface.
Depth Capability: Scans depths ranging from a minimum of 2 feet (0.6 meters) down to 120 feet (36 meters) with accurate digital readouts.
Integrated Sensors: Built-in water temperature sensor displays real-time surface temperature alongside depth metrics.
Auto Power Activation: Equipped with bottom-mounted brass contacts that automatically power the unit on when placed in water and shut it down when removed and dried, preventing unnecessary battery drainage.
Mobile App Integration & Features
The hardware interfaces directly with the free SonarPhone mobile app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play), which replicates the interface of high-tier marine multifunction displays:
Display Modes: Full-color sonar echogram with customizable color palettes, split-screen zoom, and bottom track tracking.
Target Identification: Fish ID system with depth labels, fish arches, audible fish alarms, and shallow-water hazard alerts.
Sensitivity Controls: Multi-level digital gain adjustments, clutter rejection, surface noise filtering, and chart scrolling speed customization.
Third-Party Charting: Compatible with select mapping platforms (such as Navionics SonarCharts Live), allowing anglers to generate live personal bathymetric depth maps while trolling or drifting.
Physical Specifications & Power
| Specification | Detail |
| Model | SP100 (T-POD) |
| Weight | ~4 oz (115 g) |
| Transducer Beam | 125 kHz / 30° at -9dB |
| Depth Range | 2 ft to 120 ft (0.6 m to 36 m) |
| Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (up to 100 yd range) |
| Internal Battery | 3.7V rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Runtime | Approximately 4 continuous operating hours per charge |
| Charging Method | USB charging cable with custom waterproof terminal clip |
| Max Trolling Speed | Up to 5 mph (8 km/h) |
Ideal Applications
Bank & Dock Fishing: Cast out using a heavy-action rod and braided line to map bottom drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged timber before presenting a lure.
Kayak & Canoe Trolling: Tethered directly behind the vessel or mounted on an outrigger arm to provide live depth profiling without drilling hull holes.
Ice Fishing: Floated directly inside an augered hole to verify water depth and detect fish activity suspended under the ice shelf.