Upgraded fishfinder\GPS

Flyrodder · November 24, 2011, 12:54:56 PM

I dont remember if I posted this previously but I decided to upgrade my fishfinder with a nice GPS unit from Lowrance with a rotating mount. It works well and I dont have the need for a seperate bow unit. I just swivel it around when I'm ready to fish.

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Mike Cork · November 24, 2011, 01:20:32 PM

Excellent! What do you think of the units function so far?

3deez · November 25, 2011, 09:30:13 AM

I have the same unit on my console. I'm happy with it. my buddy has the HD5 on his boat and maybe it's these old eyes but I can't tell the difference in the images. I think it's too small for viewing from the bow. I have the Elite 5x DSI for up front. the only thing wrong is the manual. it's only a few pages and for someone new it could be confusing. I've been using Lowrance for many years so it was'nt bad. the only down side is you can't network or add structure scan to them.

lets get jiggy · December 08, 2011, 01:40:51 PM

I just got the hd7 in with the platnium chip. I will be installing it tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

Mike Cork · December 08, 2011, 01:56:30 PM

Quote from: lets get jiggy on December 08, 2011, 01:40:51 PM
I just got the hd7 in with the platnium chip. I will be installing it tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

You're gonna love HDS7

lets get jiggy · December 13, 2011, 07:53:48 AM

Thanks I can't wait to start using it!!!!! I have been demoing it in the driveway

. My only thing is I have it on the console. I put it on a ram mount so I can spin it to see it from the front. I have a garmin color upfront but the lowrance blows it away.

fishman400 · December 13, 2011, 08:25:57 AM

just picked me up the Humminbird 597 HD Di unit. I actually bought the lowrance Elite 5 but took it back b/c I really wanted the Di. Lowrance doesnt offer down and traditional sonar in the same package at that price range so that's why I went with the HB. Will install this weekend and test out the new DI. CANT FREAKING WAIT!!!!!!

coldfront · December 13, 2011, 09:07:29 AM

Quote from: fishman400 on December 13, 2011, 08:25:57 AM
just picked me up the Humminbird 597 HD Di unit. I actually bought the lowrance Elite 5 but took it back b/c I really wanted the Di. Lowrance doesnt offer down and traditional sonar in the same package at that price range so that's why I went with the HB. Will install this weekend and test out the new DI. CANT FREAKING WAIT!!!!!!

DI gets folks attention...it's 'the thing'!

but I'm like you...I still want my 'traditional' view or the option to have that view...the units I have on my boat: HDS7 on the console...HDS5 on the bow...and the LSS-1 Side imaging transducer tied to the console unit...

have the tools I want to do the jobs I do...and like my set up...

but back on topic: your point about wanting/using both DI and traditional sonar views is a good one...
personally, I typically run the front unit on 'traditional' view...and switch to DI if/when I want to verify what I'm looking at...

Mostly, I figure out where I want to be while sitting at the console...running Map and Side Imagine on a split screen...the front unit is just to reference exactly where I want to be...but identification/discovery: that mainly happens from the driver's seat for me...

lets get jiggy · December 14, 2011, 07:42:46 AM

Sweet

fishman400 · December 14, 2011, 09:16:12 AM

yea a buddy of mine has the HDS 10 and 7 and it is amazing. My pocket book says otherwise, so the HB was the right choice. i can't believe how far technology has come in the past few years. cant wait to see what's next!!!

lets get jiggy · December 15, 2011, 07:58:54 AM

and whether you have the lowrance or HB the Platinum chip is a must. I can't believe the detail

coldfront · December 15, 2011, 08:21:10 AM

Quote from: lets get jiggy on December 15, 2011, 07:58:54 AM
and whether you have the lowrance or HB the Platinum chip is a must. I can't believe the detail

this is probably over the top...but unless folks really look at this stuff with a critical eye...and ask for 'better...it probably doesn't happen...

is the detail really really correct? or is it just 'better detail'?

believe it or not, there is a difference. And what may be 'great' on one body of water, not necessarily so much on another...

it's all about how the map data was collected, handled and now presented for that body of water...on that chip.

Reason I say this...I dabble in this stuff...it's a hobby...born from frustration with existing (or NON existing product) that 'represents' the lakes I fish...

for example..here's one that 'looks great'...but still has some areas that aren't accurate...how do I know? because I ran the surveys, created the map myself...and am very familiar with the lake...

lets get jiggy · December 15, 2011, 03:38:22 PM

Contour lines, humps, road beds, structure and water depth are all contributors to better fishing. I find the maps to be close to being right on. My friends already have been using the platinum and now I have my own. It is another tool to make us better fishermen.

Wayne P. · December 26, 2011, 08:39:32 AM

I upgraded my PT 170 TX electronics before I ever put it on the water when new. I added a Humminbird Matrix 97 for the bow and changed the console unit from the Lowrance X51 to the Eagle Cuda 300 (a better screen). I also installed a shoot-thru Alumaducer for the Eagle (I fish in stumps most of the time).
Last year I added a Humminbird 798ci SI with a mount at the console and bow so I could have SI at either position. This year I added two Humminbird 1198c SI units, and sold the Matrix 97. Now I have those two, the 798ci SI and the Cuda 300.
You can't have too much information.

As far as accurate detail with the Navionics software, I have seen outstanding errors with some of their HD surveyed waters. One particular shallow point is shown as a steep drop off. I saw one post of a deep cove that the center of the cove was shown as a ridge instead of the deepest part of that cove when viewed with the Platinum 3D view.
Don't bet you life or you boat's condition on any map when on unfamilar waters.

-Bryan- · December 26, 2011, 07:23:43 PM

Quote from: coldfront on December 15, 2011, 08:21:10 AM
this is probably over the top...but unless folks really look at this stuff with a critical eye...and ask for 'better...it probably doesn't happen...

is the detail really really correct? or is it just 'better detail'?

believe it or not, there is a difference. And what may be 'great' on one body of water, not necessarily so much on another...

it's all about how the map data was collected, handled and now presented for that body of water...on that chip.

Reason I say this...I dabble in this stuff...it's a hobby...born from frustration with existing (or NON existing product) that 'represents' the lakes I fish...

for example..here's one that 'looks great'...but still has some areas that aren't accurate...how do I know? because I ran the surveys, created the map myself...and am very familiar with the lake...

Great job on Walnut Creek, the detail is pretty neat...and looks perfect from what I remember (I fished that laike almost daily a few years back).

lets get jiggy · December 28, 2011, 08:31:58 AM

Well I got to use my HDS7 finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man it is a great additional piece of equipment. Water temp at 41 degrees air temp 19. Very cold

. Found the bait, then the bass. Still managed to find humps and land smallies and largies. The detail on the hd is incredible. I will put up some pics when I get a chance.

fish bone · December 30, 2011, 10:20:05 PM

i want to put the same unit on the front like the one on the console how can i run it from the same transducer $:-\$

3deez · December 31, 2011, 09:05:24 AM

why would you want to use the same transducer? standing on the bow, you are reading structure thats 18 feet behind you. if your going to run the wiring to the bow, installing the transducer to the tm is the easy part.

fish bone · January 05, 2012, 06:53:24 PM

Quote from: 3deez on December 31, 2011, 09:05:24 AM
why would you want to use the same transducer? standing on the bow, you are reading structure thats 18 feet behind you. if your going to run the wiring to the bow, installing the transducer to the tm is the easy part.

don't know what i was thanking heres what I'm doing I'm putting the one that's on the console in the front and i got the new Lowrance elite-4 Dis for the console