FD's New Electronics

[Bud Kennedy]

Lee, I am a bit curious now that you have had an opportunity to experience the features of your new electronics set up.  I am wondering how they perform in shallow water conditions (under 4 fow) and if it provides some advantages in that shallow condition.  I am also wondering of all the features that you now have, which features have been your most productive and perhaps you did not expect.

[FD]

So for reference here is what I had. 

H10 ram mounted on the helm with a SI/DI/2D Chirp.

H5 in the dash with an adaptor to the old Lowrance thru hull puck.

H7 MDI on the bow with my Ulterra mounted transducer.

The new setup.

H12 Mega SI/DI/2D Chirp ram mounted on the helm.

H10 gimbal mounted to the reinforced dash with a new H2D chirp thru hull puck that was a real PITA to mount hanging upside down in the bilge.

On the bow is a H12 MDI gimbal mounted and a Mega 360 on the Ulterra using a Cumberland Crappie Ulterra assembly.

Everything is networked together with a Humminbird 5 port ethernet switch.


First off the clarity of the H12 screens is amazing even in bright sun wearing polarized glasses.

The detail in the Mega SI/DI is probably twice that of it's predecessor.

Having the H10 with full 2D Chirp available on the dash with the new puck gives me incredible detail at speeds up to 50 mph and depths to 25+ ft.

The massive improvement comes from the Mega 360 on the bow. Being mounted on the Ulterra, I can adjust the depth of the pod.  More on that later.

There are 3 scenarios in which my fishing style has changed.

1.  I can now idle using the MSI and get clear images out 50 feet each side in 5 FOW.  Since I have discovered the secret to finding mussel beds on the Kissimmee chain, I can now idle by, pickup fish images, mark them, drop the Mega 360 and track them in a 60 ft radius with precision.  They constantly roam these bars which is why it is hard for most people to fish them, if they can find them to begin with.

2.  Deep water.  I have started to fish the main river channels which are up to 30 feet deep.  Also very difficult to target fish because they roam at up to 2 mph.  With the 360 I can track them easily.  Brush piles are no longer a mystery.  I can see almost immediately if there are fish on them and where to cast.  The only fish I can't see are the ones buried up deep in a thick pile.

3.  Hydrilla.  I have learned how to adjust the pod depth to look over hydrilla and find the casting lanes with ease.  The closer the hydrilla is to the surface, the more difficult it is obviously, but I'm getting better at it.

The nice thing about the ethernet switch is the 360 image can be shared to the helm H12 so the back seater can also make accurate cast to specific targets. Josh and Frank are both getting good at it.

There is the ability to get MSI images from the 360 pod which I started playing with last weekend.

I've just scratched the surface of what I've learned over the last 6 weeks and I'm still a newbie at this. 

I know I spent a ridiculous amount of money on these upgrades but IMO they are worth every penny.

I would also like to give credit to Dave and WayneP for coaching me through the design, purchase and install of this awesome system.  I did the install all by my onesies, but I could not have done it without them.

There are a few more things coming but that will in the fall...

Any questions?

CPF Lures Pro Staff
   

[Bud Kennedy]

Lee thanks for the response.  I am impressed that it is that effective in shallow water.  Good explanations.

[FD]

You're welcome Bud.  I had seen the 360 in action on a buddies boat so I wasn't surprised but I'm still amazed.

I'm probably the most surprised by the range of the Mega SI versus my older SI.  The Mega range is about 10x the depth for clear images.   

CPF Lures Pro Staff
   

[Pipepro]

You're welcome Bud.  I had seen the 360 in action on a buddies boat so I wasn't surprised but I'm still amazed.

I'm probably the most surprised by the range of the Mega SI versus my older SI.  The Mega range is about 10x the depth for clear images.   

CPF Lures Pro Staff
   

That about seals the deal for me. I knew the Mega 360 would be awesome out deep, but I was curious if the SI was going to be any good in less than 8' of water. I think my fishing account is about to take a serious hit

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[FD]

That about seals the deal for me. I knew the Mega 360 would be awesome out deep, but I was curious if the SI was going to be any good in less than 8' of water. I think my fishing account is about to take a serious hit

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

MSI

At 4.5 ft deep range at 49 ft out.

CPF Lures Pro Staff
   

[Wayne P.]

This image doesn't have the depth because the trolling motor mounted MEGA DI+ transducer was buried in the mud bottom:

[Oldfart9999]

Today's offerings are awesome for what they can do. Good units can be had at decent prices also.
Rodney