Underwater video is a very powerful way for anglers to find fish, but it also always people that are passionate about fishing to learn more about the places that fishes live in. Thanks to that, underwater video gadgets have quickly become a critical tool for anglers that fish in open water as well as through the ice. This brings us to the Aqua-Vu HD7i Gen 2, which provides anglers the ultimate tool in fish finding luxury.
The Aqua-Vu HD7i Gen 2 is an advanced underwater viewing system that features full 1080p HD resolution with image-clarifying True-Color technology.
The image quality on this advanced underwater viewing system is simply incredible. The system displays rich, colorful underwater video on its built-in dynamic and full-waterproof 7-inch LCD.
Additionally, this underwater viewing system also features 75-feet (22.86 m) of durable cable and adjustable IR Lighting. Lastly, the system’s built-in modular XD Camera Housing with Quick Attachment System features exclusive compatibility with several Aqua-Vu XD Accessories.
Now, let’s have a more detailed look at the Aqua-Vu HD7i Gen 2 and check everything that this underwater viewing system has to offer.
DESIGN & SPECS
Starting with the system’s size, the full rig features a very compact design. Not only that, but the system is both boat-ready and RAM Mount compatible, meaning that it can be Ram Mounted straight onto your boat.
As mentioned earlier, this advanced underwater viewing system comes equipped with a built-in dynamic and full-waterproof 7-inch Super Bright (2200 nits) LCD. Thanks to that, the system’s built-in LCD is perfectly viewable / readable under direct sunlight / daylight.
As mentioned earlier, this underwater viewing system also features a built-in modular XD Camera Housing, which integrates a 1080p Color high-definition XD Underwater Camera (works based on True-Color Technology) that comes equipped with a Opti-RX Lab-Quality Lens to ensure that anglers always have the ultimate clarity.
It’s also important to mention that the system’s 1080p Color high-definition XD Underwater Camera also features adjustable IR Lighting.
This underwater camera is also connected to the system’s ultra-durable 75-feet (22.86 m) underwater cable. Pressing the system’s Quick-Release Button (the yellow button) allows users to quickly deploy the camera underwater.
The system’s underwater camera also comes equipped with dedicated Quick Attach Rails (Aqua-Vu’s Patent Pending XD Quick Attachment System), which basically allows you to quickly and easily change between different camera accessories (these accessories are mentioned at the end of the article).
By sliding and securing the XD Positioning Fin Camera Accessory to the system’s camera Quick Attach Rails, users can set their cable routing in different ways for multiple viewing options, including 90° Vertical Camera Orientation / Up Viewing, 45° Up Viewing, Horizontal Viewing, or 45° Down Viewing.
The system’s underwater cable also has the camera-depth conveniently marked on it, which comes marked in 1-foot increments, making it extremely easy for anglers to know at what depth they have the system’s underwater camera lowered to.
The full system is also rated IP67 Waterproof, and that includes its advanced 7” LCD, which is also internally heated for cold-weather use.
Lastly, the system also comes with its very own proprietary Custom Soft Carrying Bag, which can be used to safely store and carry the system around with you, no matter what outdoors location your planning on visiting next.
7-INCH LCD’s CONTROL PANEL
The system’s 7-inch dynamic LCD features a very simple control panel that’s super-intuitive for users to use.
Going from top to bottom, there’s a MENU Button that’s surrounded by four (x4) directional arrows, which come displayed in a circular setup to make the system’s control very easy to use.
Under that first set of controls, users can also find a set of Minus (-) and Plus (+) Buttons, a Light Button and Zoom Button, a Power Button, and a EXIT Button.
Pressing the Power Button allows you to power on the unit, while pressing the MENU Button lets you customize the display settings. Pressing the EXIT Button allows you to go back to the previous screen. Pressing the Light Button turns the system’s Camera Lights on, and pressing that same button again turns those lights off.
INTERFACE
This underwater viewing system also features a very simple and sleek interface, which simply makes it very intuitive for users to use.
Going from left to right of the system’s interface we have the system’s camera port, a DC 12V charging port (used to recharge the system’s built-in 12v 9Ah rechargeable battery), and a HDMI port.
BATTERY & BATTERY LIFE
Moving on to the system’s internal battery, this is a 12v 9Ah rechargeable battery, which can ultimately offer you up to 7 hours battery life.
The system comes included with its proprietary Smart Battery Charger, which is actually built into the back of the monitor. Since the system’s internal battery requires a few hours to be recharged, remember to charge its battery overnight prior your very first use (just to ensure that you get an optimal performance).
While the system’s internal battery is charging, the Battery-Status LED Light will be bright red. Then, as soon as the system’s battery is fully charged, the light will change to green.
To ensure that you get an extended battery life, remember to store the system in a dry place at room temperature (whenever you’re not using it). Furthermore, for long periods of non-use, remember to re-charge the system’s battery every 2 or 3 months to maintain its battery life and also to ensure a decent performance.
COMPATIBILITY WITH ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
As mentioned earlier, the system’s built-in modular XD Camera Housing with Quick Attachment System features exclusive compatibility with several Aqua-Vu XD Accessories, but keep in mind that these are sold separately.
Here’s a short / summarized list of the Aqua-Vu XD Accessories that are compatible with the Aqua-Vu HD7i Gen 2 Underwater Viewing System:
- XD Trolling Fin w/Live Strike™ Lure Monitoring System
- XD Pole Attachment (used for Open Water Viewing under docks)
- 7″ Anti-Glare & Screen Protector
- Mo-Pod 3 Camera Positioning Tripod
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Aqua-Vu HD7i Gen 2 Underwater Viewing System features a underwater camera with full 1080p HD resolution and adjustable IR Lighting, a dynamic and full-waterproof 7-inch Super Bright (2200 nits) LCD, and 75-feet (22.86 m) of underwater cable.
Additionally, the system’s built-in modular XD Camera Housing with Quick Attachment System also features exclusive compatibility with several Aqua-Vu XD Accessories.
With this underwater viewing system, anglers can easily find fish and learn more about the places that fishes live in, and that goes for both open water fishing as well as ice-fishing. Furthermore, since the system is perfect for all-season, you can conveniently use it under any weather conditions. So, whether it’s Summer or Winter, you could use it for boat and/or dock fishing or for ice fishing.
If you’re interested in buying it, each unit is currently going for $630. You can order yours online right now, directly from Aqua-Vu’s official shopping page, which you can access by clicking this link.
