Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I have a lowrance X-27 at the Bow and a X28 at the console..Can anyone comment on the benefits of adding a Broadband sounder??
Has anyone tried one??
Thanks

Motocross,
Sorry I missed this when it came through the first time.  I was out of town during that time period. 

I've checked out the specs on the broadband sounder but haven't been able to play with one live so what I know is from reading and some conjecture.  We're out of stock until around 8/7 so I can let you know more after then.  You can check the URL here (http://www.ezods.com/go/store/details/Lowrance_Broadband_Sounder-1) to see when it comes in. 

Basically the Broadband Sounder is like a software filter (or a graphics card if you will) for the signals coming fom the transducer.  It pulls the information, interprets them and then sends an enhanced signal through the ethernet port to the unit, resulting in "high definition" image of the sonar data. 

The pros are obvious from a clarity, enhanced image, and elimination of interference.  The cons are, as I see them:

1)  You're limited to one unit unless you buy the additional network expansion unit (http://www.ezods.com/go/store/details/Lowrance_Nep-1_Expansion_Port_132-03).   (I'm not sure why they decided not to integrate the unit to plug in to the LowranceNET backbone - a bad decision IMHO)

2)You have an extra unit which needs to be fixed mounted in a well ventillated area (the operating temp is up to 167 degrees Farenheight but based on the big heatsink on the case, I'm betting it generates some serious heat when under load)  and pulls power (quite a bit more than your head unit based on the voltage specs).

All that said, I'd love to get it out on the big lake or the river and see what it can do.  I'm sure it's a marked improvement and the example images (http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Marine/Broadband-Sounder-and-Ethernetworking/) look sweet.

I anticipate the price (ours 599.99/ list 799.00) remaining the same for now but if you want to backorder one (and I'll extend this offer to anyone on GLB) I'll sell you one for $559.   

Thanks alot for the info..I will wait until I get a little more feedback and they are on the market a little longer before I make a committment..The enhanced graphics look great..I appreciate the heads up on the limitations..
Maybe over the winter...