How come my HDS 8 looks like this?

[drjayhow]

Here is the first one.  Not much showing up just at 200 feet.  Changing to 400mhz on frequency helps, but not much.



If I try to really reach out there I get this.




Any help appreciated
Jay

[BassBUFF]

I haven't had the pleasure of playing with the Lowrance side scan yet, dangit! But it looks like the image is compressed. The down-scan seems to be working OK. Has it always done this or just started?

[coldfront]

you will find that distance 'to the side' is a function of depth.  The greater the depth, the farther left/right you will also be able to get 'solid returns' from...

Just manually setting the left/right range doesn't necessarily give you 'more' image...

It's sort of like I can set my depth manually for 60 feet...and it'll still 'show' to that even when I'm in 3 feet of water...

[drjayhow]

I remember when I first got this thing (6 months ago or so) I was getting full "side to side" coverage in 20 feet of water at 800 frequency, no problem.  This has been going on a couple months.  I tried to reset to default, didn't help.  I hope maybe I just hit some button somewhere and someone will say  " Hey , Dummy, turn the flibber flabber off".  I need some satisfaction for 2 grand.

drjay

[bassinbob 1]

The range should be set at 5 times your depth total . So in 20ft. of water you should be at 50ft. left 50ft. right for a total of 100ft. Set your contrast at 65 then fine tune it from there. Start there and see if it looks better.

[Todd Driscoll]

Jay, I'd suggest all is working fine.  Reduce your side range to see more detail.  With 800 kHz, you will get greater detail and target separation, but reduced side to side range.  Per specifications, maximum functional range in 800 kHz is 150 feet to each side, and that is realized in 100 feet depths.  As coldfront said, side range is a function of depth.  I always run my range in manual and in 15 - 30 feet depths, I have my side range set at 60-80.  Looking at your side view pics, you are getting 60 - 70 feet of good side returns in 18 feet of water, which is normal.  Now, as you mentioned, you can sacrifice detail to gain more side range by selecting 455 kHz.

[drjayhow]

Hey!! Thanks for all the input.  I usually auto range, but manual sounds like the way to go.  Will try it.  Glad it is not anything wrong with unit, just a loose nut at the controls  .

Jay