Lowrance Elite FS 12 Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with Active Imaging 3-in-1

The Lowrance Elite FS 12 with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is a powerful, professional-grade fishfinder and chartplotter designed to bridge the gap between high-end tournament performance and accessible, user-friendly operation. It serves as a comprehensive command center for your boat’s electronics.

Core Capabilities & Sonar Technology

• Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 Transducer: Combines high-resolution CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan Imaging™ in a single unit. It provides crystal-clear, detailed views of structure, fish, and the bottom at longer ranges than many standard imaging technologies.

   

• FishReveal™: A Lowrance-exclusive technology that overlays high-detailed DownScan Imaging onto your CHIRP sonar, making it significantly easier to distinguish individual fish from complex underwater structures (like timber, rockpiles, or brush).

   

• ActiveTarget® Compatibility: The unit is “Live Sonar ready,” supporting both ActiveTarget 1 and 2, allowing you to watch fish movements and their reaction to your lure in real-time.

   

Display & Interface

• 12-inch High-Resolution IPS Screen: Features a 1280 x 800 resolution with >1200 nits of brightness, ensuring excellent visibility and wide viewing angles, even in direct sunlight.

   

• Hybrid Control: Offers the convenience of a high-resolution, multi-touch touchscreen combined with essential physical keys. This layout is preferred by many anglers for ease of use in rough water or when wearing gloves.

   

Navigation & Networking

• Advanced Mapping: Comes preloaded with C-MAP® DISCOVER OnBoard charts (providing 1-foot contours for thousands of lakes) and supports optional Navionics® and C-MAP premium cartography. It also features Genesis Live for creating your own high-detail, real-time custom maps.

   

• Full Networking: Unlike some entry-level models, the Elite FS 12 includes both NMEA 2000® and Ethernet connectivity. This allows for:

   

  • Data Sharing: Share sonar, charts, and waypoints between networked displays.

     

  • Device Control: Full integration to control your trolling motor (e.g., Lowrance Ghost®, MotorGuide®), autopilot systems, radar (HALO series), and Power-Pole® shallow water anchors directly from the screen.

     

Quick Technical Summary

This unit is an ideal choice if you are looking to build a fully integrated, high-performance system for both freshwater and saltwater fishing without moving up to the higher price point of the HDS Pro series.