Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I'm totally new to side imaging electronics. I'm considering making a purchase of one of the units. I was leaning towards Humminbird. And was thinking of the Humminbird 898c SI Combo. Would this be a good unit starting out?

How do I go about making the decision of what unit to get? What size is too small to be able to see clearly? What should be my main decision criteria besides cost?

I'm going to be mounting it on my Stratos 285 in-dash or gimbal mounted (not on bow)
Please help as I'm pretty lost trying to figure out this purchase.

Look forward to everyone's thoughts.  I need help...

I've got a 998 SI and I love that graph.  I would reccomend getting the biggest one you can afford.  Not only is the bigger screen nice for sonar and SI, but it's nice for GPS too.  I would think the 800 series on up would be tough to mount in dash so I'd plan on getting a RAM mount for it.  Again, I'd get the biggest one.  I have the lesser RAM mount and I need to upgrade to the bigger one.  It's way too much money sitting on top of that mount to be bouncing around in rough water!!!

Wolverine has it right, screen size should be your biggest criteria, so get the biggest one you can afford.  You really compress a lot of information in a small area with the smaller screens, so the bigger screen will allow you to see more detail easier.  Plus, it's also easier to see when you do split sonar/gps views.  That said, a smaller screen is still better than not having side imaging.  For the cost, the 898 is a great choice.

On a Stratos 285, you would probably have to gimbal mount the 898.  Some of the newer model Ranger, Triton, and I think Skeeter have started building the dash panels to accomodate the larger units (even the 1100 series on Ranger and Triton), but I would still probably gimbal mount on a RAM so you can take it off the boat.

Humminbird is the way to go.  Hands down.

I concur with all the information and opinions stated above.

Cy

Usable space, you only add 1.125" sideways when you go with the 898 over the 798, but the pixel count gets weaker too. Don't know if it's really worth adding $500. The 998 is over another inch bigger and half an inch deeper, probably a little better, though still the weak pixel count. Done a LOT of looking and research, that is what I've come up with. The best bang for your buck far and away is the 1198, though the price is more than most are willing to spend. Just my honest opinion, but I'll probably not be able to afford the big one either, so I'll probably have some smaller ones.

1jav

I think the 700 series is too small, the 800 is borderline and the 900 series is great.  I have a 997 on a HD ram at the console and a 998 flush mounted on the bow.  Alone they would be too small, but I have a pair of Lowrances to go with them.  You need to see GPS, 2d and SI all at the same time.  About the only way to do all that on one screen is the 1100 series.

Quote from: 1javelin on February 14, 2011, 06:16:29 PM
Usable space, you only add 1.125" sideways when you go with the 898 over the 798, but the pixel count gets weaker too. Don't know if it's really worth adding $500. The 998 is over another inch bigger and half an inch deeper, probably a little better, though still the weak pixel count. Done a LOT of looking and research, that is what I've come up with. The best bang for your buck far and away is the 1198, though the price is more than most are willing to spend. Just my honest opinion, but I'll probably not be able to afford the big one either, so I'll probably have some smaller ones.

1jav

I have been wondering if the little bit bigger screen is worth the extra $$$ also. The 798 is a HD unit and has about 26,000 more pixels than the 898. Is having the wider screen on the 898 worth losing the HD quality and the extra $400.00? ???

I am leaning towards a 788ci HD DI for the front, I don't think I really need Side Imaging up front. Probably the 798ci HD SI for the console. But that is subject to change, right up to the minute I order them.

Willie

What year is your 285? I have a 997 on mine which is an 07. They changed the consoles between 06 and 07 and I had to get a little creative to mount it with the RAM mount that I bought, I'll take pics if you are interested. I really like the Humminbird and really want to get another for up front. Of course I would prefer an 1198, but to me it looked too big on the boat. One thing is for sure, once you get you will lose a lot of fishing time because you will drive around looking at stuff. It's amazing what all you will find like three cars I found in Belleville Lake.

Hooksetter, I'm kind of with you. I don't need the side imaging up front, but I really want the down imaging there. I just need a unit to link waypoints from the console, but I think getting the biggest screen possible is worth it. I looked at the Lowrance units, found an unbelievable deal, but on a tip from Skip I called Lowrance to check out the service and ask questions. To run DI up front also, you have to run 2 LSS-1 boxes. That's not what I wanted to hear.

I thought about putting a 958 or 1158 up front, but I really want the DI there also. So unless I just can't come up with the funds, I'll probably try to get the 2 biggest units I can get my hands on. Hoping for a fruitful tax return so I can splurge! Keep us informed on what you find and get. We are all interested whether we say so or not.

1jav

Bottom line is this:

Get the biggest screens you can afford.  For me that is a 788ci up front and a 797ci si at the console.  I love them both.  But like I said... it's what I can afford so it's what I have.

Surprised no one has brought up Lowrance and the LSSI side imager.  I sell them all... and have used most of them at one point.  Stick with the Humminbird.  You'll save money, the LSS1 is anywhere from $500-600 ON TOP of the price for the fish finders, and have a lot less wires and cables to deal with.  Plus... if you buy a side imaging Humminbird that doesn't have the down scan... you can add it for free.

Just my thoughts.

Quote from: Bender on February 14, 2011, 10:18:55 PM
It's amazing what all you will find like three cars I found in Belleville Lake.

??? Where ??? tell me tell me I must know .... ;D ;D ;D

maybe you've already made your decision but i've had both the Humminbird 797 and 997.....hands down the 997 was worth every penny more.  the 7 series although a clear and good unit was just way too small.  i bought my 997 on ebay and got a great deal with the Navionics installed.  worth looking

I agree with Blake, 900 series or bigger, plus a little more power there too. With these great units check out getting the Lakemaster chip, pretty interesting with what you can do with it!

This is the best pricing I have found so far:

1198c HD SI.....$2,417.82

998c SI..........$1,717.00

898c SI..........$1,295.00

798ci HD SI.....$906.68

788ci HD DI.....$690.97

These prices are for complete packages including all transducers, antenna's, cables, hardware etc.

These are from a supplier right here in mid Michigan, so some of the money stays right here in our economy. If someone has found better let me know, I am ready to buy in the next few weeks.

Willie

Quote from: LAPORTE on February 15, 2011, 06:39:13 AM
??? Where ??? tell me tell me I must know .... ;D ;D ;D

Sorry Don, I think that those were on Ford Lake. It's been a few years. I'll look for the screenshots and send them to you if I can find them.

Quote from: Hooksetter on February 15, 2011, 09:14:44 AM
This is the best pricing I have found so far:

1198c HD SI.....$2,417.82

998c SI..........$1,717.00

898c SI..........$1,295.00

798ci HD SI.....$906.68

788ci HD DI.....$690.97

These prices are for complete packages including all transducers, antenna's, cables, hardware etc.

These are from a supplier right here in mid Michigan, so some of the money stays right here in our economy. If someone has found better let me know, I am ready to buy in the next few weeks.

Willie

I'm working on price quotes for these units.  When I have them, I'll let you know.

Mike

Me too Mike. Still in the air on my choices.

1jav

What about an 858c Combo for the front what do you guys think ?






Willie
[/quote]

I'm working on price quotes for these units.  When I have them, I'll let you know.

Mike
[/quote]

I've got a 788 CI flush mounted on my bow.  I flip a lot so it is the perfect unit and setup for me.  I guess if I structure fished more than I flipped then I could definitely see a use for a large unit RAM mounted at the bow, but the last thing I want to do is accidentally drive a 1oz. tungsten weight into the screen of a $2000 graph :o

I also would say getting a unit that is Lakemaster compatible is good advice.  Both of my graphs are and it is really cool what all you can do with that chip...

I have a 997 at the console and love it. I'm adding a 788 to the bow now. Something bigger would be cool, but I got a good price on the 788 (from Waterfoul) and will still be a big improvement over whats there now.

858c combo...$863.50.

Also, I should have stated in my last post that the prices do not include any taxes or shipping. Neither does the above price.

I apologize if not clearly stating that caused any problems.

Don, I considered a 858c combo up front but I don't have enough room to flush mount it. I can flush mount the 788. Also, I have a preference for the HD units.

Willie

Still waiting on the quotes.  I do have to charge tax, but will ship in Michigan to GLB members for free.

Thanks for all the information.  It is great to hear from people when considering this type of purchase.

Do the RAM mounted (next to the dash) bigger units (1198 / 998) ever feel too big or in the way?  I worry about that on my 18.5' boat.

Any ideas on how big a unit can be flush mounted in the bow of my boat?  Can I do a 798 or 898 flush?

I am pretty much clueless as to whether I will need any other upgrades to handle these kinds of electronics on my boat.  I have a newer Stratos, with a 3 bank charger and just want to know if there are another upgrades/changes I will need to make.

And I definitely would like to support a GLB sponsor or poster or ever just a company in Michigan, so please let me know if there are any deals out there on the 898 and 998.

So, what I've learned... size matters most (something I've heard my whole life....ha) and that Humminbird is the way to go.  And that this purchase will be well worth it.  All great things.

Thanks again for all the info.

Tha

Quote from: BNL on February 15, 2011, 05:09:37 PM
Do the RAM mounted (next to the dash) bigger units (1198 / 998) ever feel too big or in the way?  I worry about that on my 18.5' boat.

I have a Ranger 188 VX which I'm sure is very similar in size as your Stratos. I have my 998 on a RAM mount and I angle it towards me quite a bit so I can easily reach the buttons.  It sits lower than my wind shield and I've never felt that it's in my way.

Quote from: BNL on February 15, 2011, 05:09:37 PMDo the RAM mounted (next to the dash) bigger units (1198 / 998) ever feel too big or in the way?  I worry about that on my 18.5' boat.

No such thing as a graph that is too big.  Thats like a boat that is too fast.   ;D

Too much money, a girl too pretty... I could go on.

Go big or go home!

Here's a 997 on my Stratos 285:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bender16v/IMG_4116Small.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bender16v/IMG_4115Small.jpg)

The arm of the RAM mount is too short for the newer consoles. They make a long arm version which I would suggest. Where I mounted the big arm there is about 3/4" thick fiberglass behind it. The mount is solid and I ran with it like that for a couple years but it took a little beating on the big water so I added that support on the bottom.
I know my water pressure gauge is broken, it just happened.

Hey, your water pressure gauge is broken.   ;D

Great information guys, keep the info and results coming.  In the market, just not sure which way to go also.

Great INFO....

Can a  Humminbird 778 c Hd be interlinked with a  with a  Humminbird 898 c SI to show GPS, waypoints, routes, sonar? Basically, what all info can be shared from the 898 to the 778 using the interlink module? Or Can these two units use the ethenet cable and the 898 show the info to the 778?

Quote from: 1javelin on February 14, 2011, 10:31:13 PM
Hooksetter, I'm kind of with you. I don't need the side imaging up front, but I really want the down imaging there. I just need a unit to link waypoints from the console, but I think getting the biggest screen possible is worth it. I looked at the Lowrance units, found an unbelievable deal, but on a tip from Skip I called Lowrance to check out the service and ask questions. To run DI up front also, you have to run 2 LSS-1 boxes. That's not what I wanted to hear.

I thought about putting a 958 or 1158 up front, but I really want the DI there also. So unless I just can't come up with the funds, I'll probably try to get the 2 biggest units I can get my hands on. Hoping for a fruitful tax return so I can splurge! Keep us informed on what you find and get. We are all interested whether we say so or not.

1jav

This information is not correct.  One LSS-1 box will allow you to view SI and Downscan or anyother network sensor on 3 units.  You will use the same side scan transducer, but I have not had any issues with it.  I don't have anything good or bad to say about humminbird - but I LOVE my Lowrances.  The downscan is incredible and although I didn't expect to need the side scan up front, I have found it extremely useful when drifting down rivers and when idling around looking for beds.  For both of these the single purchase of the $500 LSS-1 for two units was worth it.  The LSS-1 also acts as a ethernet connection between units for sharing sensors, weather, radar...  I'm not sure if Humminbirds do this automatically or if you need to buy an additional network. 
Either brand - Bigger is usually better.  I have a HDS 8 (console) & HDS 7 (bow) and I don't feel that I need anything bigger than that.

SM, my information is correct, maybe I didn't clarify enough. You can only view images from 1 transducer, so in order to have DI on the trolling motor also, as in the view from the trolling motor, you need 2 LSS-1 boxes. You can see the image on either unit, but can't have a transducer for DI at the front and rear without both boxes, or running 2 transducers with a switch, or unplugging one and plugging in another. Hope that is clear. Sorry if anyone else misinterpreted what I was saying. I think I'm goig with Lowrance unless Bryan can sway me Saturday!

1jav

Huston, yes a 778c HD can be Interlinked with an 898 to show gps, waypoints, and routes, however it will not share sonar, nor will it make the 778 a mapping unit. 

Whe you Interlink these two, you can share waypoint/route data, as well as other accessories.  You can also share a common gps antenna, however I would recommend using separate antennas for each unit for a couple reasons. 1) you can place the antenna closer to the respective transducer for better accuracy, and 2) you get a "4 times faster" update on your gps.

If you Ethernet the two, you can share waypoint/route/gps data, as well as sonar data.  However, only side imaging units can read side imaging data.  So if you're hoping to get SI on your 778 HD by connecting via ethernet, it won't work.  Again, if it were me, I'd want separate transducers for each unit as well since I like to know what's directly under the trolling motor when I'm fishing as opposed to having the bow unit read off the transom mounted transducer.

IMO, the main reason to Interlink or Ethernet is sharing waypoint data.  The interlink is a box, and ethernet requires 1 cable.

1Jav, just curious what you based your decision on?  Or did you simply find a better deal on the Lowrance system?

That information, Bryan, was valuable to me. I have some old Eagle 480 Elites and was contemplating upgrading to the HB line but upgrades are not out, what will work with what, and what a fisherman needs etc..... are all problems. Interference from the trolling motor. All I keep reading is horror stories about what to get between Lowrance and HB. What you explained is what I want to do but I want to do it right the first time, not have to come back with this attachment or this adapter. The 778c HD does not allow for SD cards such as Hot Maps, Lakemaster but I don't think I need Side Imaging on the bow which was where it was going. If a unit at the console will deliver info to a unit at the bow such as waypoints, routes GPS and sonar via Ethernet cable, then that's the way to go. I do agree that a separate transducer for the trolling motor is needed but now depending on what trolling motor you have and what you install on the bow, you may have  RF interference. I'll probably not get the 778c HD since it can't accept the SD cards. Technology changes every few minutes and all you can do is try and keep up. I've got two hockey puck antennas ON the boat and I'll probably have to drill more holes for everything.

If you get the 788ci HD, that unit comes with an internal antenna, so you will not have to drill a hole for a gps puck up front, and it's also ethernet compatable.  With that unit, you will also be able to use Lakemaster and Navionics mapping.

I would not let the "possibility" of RF interference from the trolling motor influence your decision to mount or not mount a transducer on the trolling motor.  There are thousands of units out there being run on trolling motor transducers (both HB and Lowrance), and the vast majority never experience any interference. And there are noise filters available to combat this if necessary.  Keep in mind that for every unit you read about online that has interference (and I'm talking about all brands), there are hundreds that don't.  And believe it or not, you can still get RF interference from your trolling motor and even your outboard on console units (agaio I'm not singling out any one brand or manufacturer).

Thanks for that info. I was looking at the HB 788ci HD DI or HB 788ci HD for the Bow and ethernet it from whatever I put on the console. Software updates are due next month for ethernet capabilities. You're an asset this this website and I do appreciate your input.

Ethernet is a simple straight plug in solution. There are no extra boxes or power sources required. Ethernet allow users to share waypoints, routes, tracks and GPS position information. It DOES NOT SHARE MAPS. It will also allow users to share Sonar information.
GPS receivers and transducers are plugged into the units the same way they have been whether you use Ethernet or not. Ethernet is simply a separate cable that communicates information between two units.

The following 800,900 and 1100 series units are compatible with Ethernet: 858c, 898c SI, 958c, 998c SI, 1197c SI, 1198c SI.

Ethernet cables are available in 4 lengths:
2 foot- AS EC 2E
10 foot- AS EC 10E
20 foot- AS EC 20 E
30 foot- AS EC 30 E

There is also a 30 foot extension cable if more length is required:
AS ECX 30 E
Also make sure both units have the correct software for Ethernet functionality



To Ethernet a 700 HD Series unit you will need to add an adapter on to the end of the standard Ethernet cables mentioned on the previous page. This cable is the AS EC QDE. It is shown below:



The 2011 Models 700 HD Series units that are compatible with Ethernet are 798ci SI HD, 788ci, 778c HD and 788ci HD DI. No other 700 series units are compatible with Ethernet. (Non-HD and Prior 2010 Models are not Ethernet Compatible)



If you wants to use a TS-W Speed Sensor (paddle wheel) or a separate Temp Sensor (TG-W) with a 700 HD Series unit that is connected via Ethernet you will have to use an adapter since the Temp/Speed plug on the back of the 700 HD Series unit has been replaced by the Ethernet connector. This adapter is AS SW Y and is shown below.



-----

An explanation about the transferring of Sonar information

A unit can only receive Sonar information over the Ethernet that it is capable of using without Ethernet. By this I mean that for a unit to receive Side Imaging Sonar information over the Ethernet it must be a side imaging unit.

2D sonar units will only receive 2D sonar over the Ethernet
Examples: 778c HD, 788ci HD, 858c,958c,1158c

Side Imaging Units can receive 2D, DownImaging from Side Imaging and Side Imaging Sonar over Ethernet
Examples: 798ci SI, 898c SI, 998c SI, 1197c SI, 1198c SI

DownImaging units can only receive 2D Sonar and DownImaging Sonar
Example: 788ci HD DI

(Down Imaging from Side Imaging) and (DownImaging) are two different technologies and aren't compatible over Ethernet.

Explanation
The DownImaging that comes from a Side Imaging Unit will not transfer via Ethernet to a DI unit. For example if I hook up a 1198 and 788ci HD DI unit the only information they can share is the 200kHz Downlooking sonar. No DownImaging information will be shared.

If I hook up a 1198 to a 798 they will share 200kHz downlooking, 83kHz downlooking, DownImaging from Side Imaging and Side Imaging Sonar.

----

#1- Ethernet and Interlink WILL NOT work at the same time. Whenever an Ethernet cable is hooked up to a unit the Interlink functionality is automatically disabled.

#2- Ethernet will not transfer other accessory information like Weathersense or XM NavWeather

#3- With Interlink we were using Y cables to allow you to plug in both Interlink and GPS. With Ethernet the GPS can be plugged directly into the back of the unit without a Y cable unless you need to connect another accessory like Weathersense or XM Nav Weather.

---

   Wow, lots of good information.  Not sure I understand it all. lolol  Does one need a special college engineering degree to be able to use one of these???  lolol  One part I'm still not real clear on is the two different types of down imaging.  Thanks for posting !!!

Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on February 25, 2011, 08:54:00 PM
   Wow, lots of good information.  Not sure I understand it all. lolol  Does one need a special college engineering degree to be able to use one of these???  lolol  One part I'm still not real clear on is the two different types of down imaging.  Thanks for posting !!!

I'll explain it in more detail when we talk Jeff, but for the most part, the DI models have a different format than the SI/DI units, so they can't share info. Hope that's simple enough.

1jav

Jeff, you don't need to be an engineer, but since you're only an EMT, you probably won't get it. ;)  I PM'd you the info you asked for.

From my homework on HB DI and HB SI, if one unit is on the bow and the other unit is on the console, you may experience a problem known as cross talk where the two units beams interfere with each other. Also with the transducer that  would be mounted on the TM might have to be changed depending on what TM you have. I'm also wondering about the accuracy of SI transducer for mounting inside your boat. The ethernet update/software is not out yet either. Makes you want to wait until all the bugs are ironed out. Reminds me of the Auto industry changing models every year and making your model obsolete within a year.

Went to Bryan's seminar today, and am now 100% convinced I am getting Humminbird.  Super easy to use, understand, and some amazing technology.  Plus, they keep you up to dast with the new updates.  The only reason you know about some of the info they are releasing in the next updates are because it's what you're asking for and they want you to know what's being done. 

1jav

More info-RF (radio frequency) interference from the trolling motor is random and can occur at any frequency. You won't know if you will have it until you do an actual install. The one good thing you have going for you is the Minnkota motor. Those are the least likely to produce RF due to the proactive construction. IF you get RF, all you need to do is call Humminbird customer service and they will help you, they have heard it all, LOL.

There is no dedicated TM transducer in production for the DI units. Transducer Shield and Saver has a very sturdy mount for that application and I highly recommend it. It is not on their web site yet, just call and ask. The DI frequencies cannot be utilized with the transducer that is in trolling motors.

A Side Imaging transducer cannot be used for Side Imaging as a shoot-thru. It has to be mounted externally. Whether or not you need to add an additional 2D shoot-thru transducer for on-plane depth readings depends on your hull design and material. If you can get on-plane depth at speed with your present sonar unit then maybe you only need the supplied transom HDSI transducer.

The Side Imaging transducer has the crystals for both SI frequencies (455/800 khz) and both 2D frequencies (83/200 khz).

The SI transducer mounting position has to provide an un-obstructed line of view directly horizontal left and right and even to the surface.

DI on Side Imaging units is the same frequencies and transducer crystals as SI, just a different computer generated image. DI is not an adaptation of the 2D frequencies with Side Imaging units or Down Imaging units. The SI and DI technology is completely different in frequencies and sonar pulse shape as well as the display software.

Only the transducers with DI units like the 788ci HD DI can be used as shoot-thru on some hulls.

The GPS antenna is included with the standard package which also includes the mount, transducer, accessory Y cable, and power cord. There are cheaper models out there that are the display only. Those are the CHO models. If you see a really "good" deal on some web sites, ask specifically does all the parts come with it or if it is the CHO model.

I suggest you make the purchase at a marine electronics dealer.
The electronics dealers usually sell for less than suggested retail. . You can also do a web search for those specific models and maybe get a lower price, that seems to change almost daily among suppliers.


The whole key to an installation is hull design, hull material, hull construction, motor rigging, and boat capability.

Quote from: Eric on February 26, 2011, 07:29:30 AM
Jeff, you don't need to be an engineer, but since you're only an EMT, you probably won't get it. ;)  I PM'd you the info you asked for.

   LMAO Eric !!!!  You PI's are all alike  !!!!   Will check my messages shortly, thanks.

Thru hull transducer vs. transom mount transducer is a option that us HB SI wannabe's need to think about before installation. From my research into it, you can exchange your transom mount for a thru hull mount SI transducer free at HB. What are the benefits of one over the other to me depends on transom design, mounting configuration and accessibility. From what I've read, you will also be needing a shoot thru transducer mounted in your bilge area for on plane SI readings. Both thru hull and transom mount have to be Y connected via a cable to the  SI unit. Thru hull means drilling a hole somewhere in the bottom, 1 1/8 " as opposed to transom mount which can be complicated with jack plates, powerpoles bilge pumps, water intakes etc... in that location. If you are going to do this yourself, search around for more info. I've seen HB SI DI websites  just for these sort of issues. The ethernet software has not been put out by HB yet but if you're going to install two units that are ethernet compatible, your best bet is to buy the cables and install them when you install the units. It might be kind of rough to link them afterward. Anybody correct me please if this is incorrect.

I was gonna install the SI transducer on the hole shotplate on the bottom of the jackplate. I think thats where Vince put the SI transducer on his boat. I fished with him a few years ago on St. Clair and if memory serves it worked great. Maybe he will chime in and confirm or deny that info, my memory isn't what it used to be.

I was at BPS over the weekend looking at the Humminbirds and I think I am going with the 788 up front and the 898 at the console. The 898 was easier to read with the screen split up into the different modes, at least for me. I couldn't really tell any difference in picture quality between the 898 and the 798HD. Could it be they display the same picture in demo mode, or is it just my old eyes can't tell the difference?

Willie

Herman,

It's the 200kHz 2D sonar on the DI units that has a 25 degree cone vs 200kHz 20 degree on the rest of the HB line.  2D and Down Imaging are totally different. 

Also, the comment about 20 deg of the SI image coming from DI is also incorrect.

Huston-

The Thru Hull SI transducer you mention is an excellent choice if your boat's configuration will allow it.  They work great on Rangers, and that's what I'm usning on mine.  I mounted it on the underside of the transom setback.  Everything is run directly into the boat with no exposed cables, and the ducer is flush so it cannot het damaged.

As for Ethernet software, it's scheduled to be released in a couple weeks.  So running the cable now definitely won't hurt anything, and it'll be there when the software is ready.

Quote from: BryanP on March 02, 2011, 10:17:48 AM
Herman,

It's the 200kHz 2D sonar on the DI units that has a 25 degree cone vs 200kHz 20 degree on the rest of the HB line.  2D and Down Imaging are totally different. 

Also, the comment about 20 deg of the SI image coming from DI is also incorrect.

Thanks Bryan, obviously I got mixed up between you talking and me pushing buttons. Thanks.   

1jav

Bryan, did you use the XPTH-9-HDSI-T?

XPTH 9 HDSI 180 T

Threw myself to the sharks, ordered two 898si units for the old gal. Now I am in need of donations so I can still have money to fish!

1jav

Ordered mine and they are in route. I think i'll send my transom mount back to Hb and get the thru hull. I ordered all my cables and my clamp for the transducer on the TM too. Happy....Happy....Happy. I 've got to hide it from the wife.

Huston, if you're running a SI unit on the bow, you might consider getting a XTM 9 SI 180 T for the bow.  It's the compact SI ducer for the 700 series, and it's a puck style so it's more flush and won't hang down as far.  If you do this, just understand that you will only get 455kHz beam for SI as this transducer does not have 800kHz.  I've had one of these on my boat for the past 3 years with my 998, and it's a nice clean mount.  If you're running a DI unit like the 788ci HD DI, then you have no choice but to get a trolling motor clamp.

Anyone know if humminbird is going to offer DI upgrades for the non-DI 700 series units?  I know a new transducer would be needed.. but I"m wondering if the older 787 and 788 units would accept the upgrade if it were offered.

I have the 798ci at the console and the 788ci at the bow. The screens are small but they work. A must have that I really like is the link between them, that way the waypoints show up on both units.

I got my 788 ci hd di unit last week. Remember if you are going to mount it in the console or in the front not using the mount that comes with it to get the in dash mounting kit for it also. I think it is around $24. When I took my lowrance unit out of the front of my boat the mount for it is horizontal and the mount for the humminbird is vertical. Just an FYI.

I'm putting the HB 788ci HD DI on the bow so as suggested, Bryan, I did pick up the TM mount clamp. Thanks too.

I received my HB 898c Si from Uniiversalmania today, my 788ci HD DI is a little slow getting here but I ran the ethernet cable anyway. I started installing it pulling cables and removing my old Eagle 480's. Looks pretty easy to me. My only problem is putting a shoot thru in the bilge area because it's so tight to work in. I decided to call HB and see if I can  trade back their transom mount transducer for a thru hull type. I see a flat spot in my bilge area at the rear that will work. The disk that came with it is the manual and it seems to have the ethernet software upgrade whatever. When I registered it, I downloaded an ethernet update. I really won't know until I power it up which won't be for a while. Al who are buying this line, don't forget the cables for ethernet and possibly two transducers.

Got both of my 898's today, STOKED!!!! I have to get the Ethernet cable now, a bracket for the transducer to mount on the trolling motor, and I think I need longer power cords. Spring hurry up!!!

1jav

So just to be sure I understand all this, If I have a 798ci HD SI and a 788ci HD DI all I need to connect them is the ethernet cable? No other adapters since they are both HD units?

If that's true, it looks like part# AS EC 10E would do it for me. Plus the TM bracket.

Willie

No, Hooksetter, you will also be needing a HB AS EC QDE adapter cable also. and probably TM clamp designed for that transducer.(Humminbird AD XTM 9 Transducer Mounting Hardware Kit) You may be needing  two transducers for the transom area of your boat, one for the DI and one for the dual beam. From my understanding, when you're on  plane, your DI transducer will probably not read since it may be out of water depending on boat design and where you mount it, so a secondary dual beam shoot thru transducer should be mounted in the bilge area and another cable, AS SI DB Y, will be needed. If Bryan sees this post, He could  cover all this to confirm it. I started yesterday removing my old stuff and that's been a job all by itself. Don't remove your old stuff until you have everything since you can use old wiring to pull new wiring.

Hooksetter, you would need the ethernet adapter cables as Huston mentioned (one for each unit), along with the ethernet cable itself.  The 700 HD series are the only ones that need the adapter.  The reason for this is in order to continue the use of the HB quick disconnect mount, it was necessary to have a plug that would work with that mount.  Instead of making a whole set of cables for just the 700 series, they came out with an adapter.

If you plan to use the 798ci SI HD on the console, and want high speed 2D sonar readings, you will need an XP-9-20 epoxied in your hull, and AS SI DB Y cable to connect both the in hull dual beam  and external SI ducer to your unit.  I would recommend mounting the SI ducer to your jackplate if you have one, or somewhere on your transom where it's out of the water when you're running on plane (but still in the water while idling).  Just make sure there is nothing obstructing the beam to the right and left of the transducer.

Ethernet software updates were released for most units as of last Friday evening.

Thanks Bryan, I don't know what we'd do without you........Whew

Thanks to all for all the good info. I can now make my purchase knowing I will be getting  exactly what I need, no more, no less.

Even with all my own research I missed a few important details that would have led to frustration and aggravation when it came time to install everything.

Willie

Hooksetter, one more thing--Depending on how long your boat is, you might go to the next size longer ethernet cable.   If it's an 18' bass boat or longer, I'd get the longer cable.  Remember, you probably won't have a straight shot between where the units are mounted, and will probably have to snake it around stuff under the console, etc.   Better to have too long a cable than too short.

Some of you might want to check out this ebay auction ending on Mar 13, 201120:00:35 PDT for a Humminbird 1198 new with NO RESERVE:




Bid was less than $450 at 2:10am on 3/7/2011

Here's a few more from the giant savings empire that is ebay that might interest all you insatiable Humminbird side imaging persons (don't worry, I will join you one day) - several possible choices ending very soon with a couple pretty good prices. I'll keep an eye out for more in case it beats any other deals you might find - just mouse over the graphic to see the latest bid/price and how much time each auction has left - each graphic is a separate auction:




These 3 are all ending during the day on 3/7/2011

Some of the accessory and adapter information seems like a foreign language to me.  lol  Question   I already have a Lowrance x135 in my dash.  I wouldn't need the thru hull transducer for a HB SI DI for running on plane when I can just use the Lowrance, correct?? 

You only want a thru hull SI transducer if you want to exchange your Si,(transom mount) transducer. Both of those are SI transducers. From my understanding, if you already have that Lowrance unit in your dash, and it can read depth when you're on plane, then you don't need to install a shoot thru transducer in your bilge area to read depth readings on plane. I had an Eagle 480, but it wasn't in the dash and I did not want two units sitting at my console area, so I had to install a shoot thru transducer to read depth when I'm on plane. The SI transom mount transducer probably cannot be installed in the same location as your Lowrance transducer either. Remember if your getting two Ethernet units, you will have to get Ethernet cables for communication between the two and if you're mountind a transducer on the trolling motor the you need a TM bracket too.   

Thanks Huston   :)

I had an opportunity to purchase a brand new Humminbird 797 C2 SI Combo Sonar today for $150. It looked like a good deal so I bit. Any input?

Can you get another 1 for me???!!!

Willie

Quote from: Hooksetter on March 08, 2011, 09:51:19 PM
Can you get another 1 for me???!!!

Willie

Willie,
I went back to the alley to see if the guy was still there and he was nowhere to be found. Sorry! ;D