What do you like for electronics?

kdubracing · December 11, 2020, 10:20:09 PM

Backstory for the thread. I just got a used boat that came with a Lowarance HDS 8 and Helix 10 at the console and a Helix 7 at the front. The boat has an Ultrex on it. The Lowrance has side imaging and down imaging, but is older and pretty tough to read. Both Helix's are 2D only. I have a Garmin Striker 4 with down imaging on my kayak. After a using these units briefly, I am working on what/how I want to upgrade. I will not be spending the $3k for a 360/Livescope/etc. I will likely replace one Helix first, then the other later on. So I'm trying to work through what I want.

So, my question is, those of you that are into playing with the electronics but don't spend the coin on the top of the line latest/greatest, what is your setup and likes/dislikes? Do you prefer side imaging on the front or at the console? Do you prefer down imaging at front or console?

FD · December 12, 2020, 03:38:21 AM

Before I upgraded my boat this year, I ran SI at the helm and DI on the TM. In fact I still run that way most of the time except I'm running MSI and MDI now. My M360 only works well when I'm stationary.

For side imaging to be effective you need to be traveling at a constant speed. I found that 4 mph at idle is absolutely the best speed for the Helix SI.

When you're trolling you typically average under 1 mph which is where Down Imaging shines. I played around with SI on the bow but it just doesn't work well.

If you stick with the Humminbird/Minn Kota brands when you upgrade, you can start networking anything above an H7 and really start to see the power of good electronics.

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kdubracing · December 12, 2020, 08:10:21 AM

That's along what I was thinking. If you were to buy one first, would you buy SI for the console or DI for the front?

FD · December 12, 2020, 10:40:03 AM

SI at the console first. It's a very valuable search tool for finding new structure.

Then I would move he 2D H10 to the bow. If its a gen 3 you can use an ethernet switch and share way points for now.

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CPFLures.com

Bassinkorea · December 13, 2020, 04:11:57 AM

Since I spend most of my time on the bow, I have always liked a larger screen (12") and most of the time I have a map on 3/4 of the screen and 2D on the other 1/4.

For the console, I have 2 x 9" units and like to have SI as well as a map and 2D or DI

As of a couple of weeks ago, I now have LiveScope and love it.

Even though you said you won't be buying LiveScope, 360 etc, I would definately buy units that are compatible with LiveScope/360 just in case you do decide to upgrade later on, this will save you money later.

Wayne P. · December 14, 2020, 07:50:09 AM

Quote from: FD on December 12, 2020, 03:38:21 AM
Before I upgraded my boat this year, I ran SI at the helm and DI on the TM. In fact I still run that way most of the time except I'm running MSI and MDI now. My M360 only works well when I'm stationary.

For side imaging to be effective you need to be traveling at a constant speed. I found that 4 mph at idle is absolutely the best speed for the Helix SI.

When you're trolling you typically average under 1 mph which is where Down Imaging shines. I played around with SI on the bow but it just doesn't work well.

If you stick with the Humminbird/Minn Kota brands when you upgrade, you can start networking anything above an H7 and really start to see the power of good electronics.

CPF Lures Pro Staff
CPFLures.com

Side Imaging and Down Imaging are the same, just different orientations of the transducer piezos. The best speed for them is the same-from near 0 (has to move some to scan) to about 12 mph. The Humminbird Imaging units are adjustable to do that. Been using Side Imaging at the bow with a SI transducer on the trolling motor for over 10 years.
There are networkable Helix 7 models also in the second and third generation products. They have both networkable and non-networkable units in all three versions--CHIRP, DI, and SI. G2/G2N and G3/G3N.

FD · December 15, 2020, 04:25:48 AM

Quote from: Wayne P. on December 14, 2020, 07:50:09 AM
Side Imaging and Down Imaging are the same, just different orientations of the transducer piezos. The best speed for them is the same-from near 0 (has to move some to scan) to about 12 mph. The Humminbird Imaging units are adjustable to do that. Been using Side Imaging at the bow with a SI transducer on the trolling motor for over 10 years.
There are networkable Helix 7 models also in the second and third generation products. They have both networkable and non-networkable units in all three versions--CHIRP, DI, and SI. G2/G2N and G3/G3N.

Thanks for that info Wayne. Several things there i did not know.

CPF Lures Pro Staff
CPFLures.com

Oldfart9999 · December 15, 2020, 07:24:25 AM

On another thread you mentioned I=Pilot, that's Minn Kota, the Hummingbird units can link with with it. Frankly, for the difference in price I would go with DS/SI at both the bow and console, the price climbs with size of screen, go with the best you can afford. I have DS at the bow on my boat right now but if I upgrade I'll go with DS/SI, I've found rock piles with SI I couldn't see with my DS, also, it makes cruising flats with my TM easier.
Rodney

Wayne P. · December 15, 2020, 01:32:24 PM

Quote from: Oldfart9999 on December 15, 2020, 07:24:25 AM
On another thread you mentioned I=Pilot, that's Minn Kota, the Hummingbird units can link with with it. Frankly, for the difference in price I would go with DS/SI at both the bow and console, the price climbs with size of screen, go with the best you can afford. I have DS at the bow on my boat right now but if I upgrade I'll go with DS/SI, I've found rock piles with SI I couldn't see with my DS, also, it makes cruising flats with my TM easier.
Rodney

Their are two iPilots. iPilot is just stand-alone GPS. iPilot LINK is an Ethernet connection to Humminbird units to add more memory for Spotlocks (waypoints), iTracks, and using Lakemaster to Follow-the-Contour for HD locations.