lowrance

[BIGSHOW]

Looking to get a new unit for the bow. What is the difference between the hds-7 and the elite 7 hdi ? I have an older lowrance lms- something. I think 5" screen. Can i just plug and go with these. Its linked up with my min kota terrova.

[Slipkey]

Looking to get a new unit for the bow. What is the difference between the hds-7 and the elite 7 hdi ? I have an older lowrance lms- something. I think 5" screen. Can i just plug and go with these. Its linked up with my min kota terrova.

HDS units can use an ethernet connection to share sonar (for example, adding a structure scan module) and waypoints with other HDS units, whereas the Elite 7 can use the NMEA 2000 cable to share waypoints, but can't share sonar and wouldn't be able to hook in to any of the Lowrance ethernet modules (LSS, WiFi, SonicHub, etc.).   Waypoint sharing (between HDS units) on Ethernet is a full sync, so you don't have to load your waypoints on both units initially and deleting one on one unit does so on the other.

Your transducer connections will work with either unit.  Depending on which LMS unit you have, if it has the red connector, you can use that network with both.  If it has the blue network connector, you will need an adapter to go from blue to red.

[BIGSHOW]

Does that structure scan transducer or whatever it is hook up like a normal transducer? I have a ranger boat with a thru hull ducer and the hull back there is like two different levels. I would hate to start drilling into it. Does anyone have experience with installing them? I'm sure I could look into it on u tube. Id hate to pay the crazy amount some places are asking.

[Slipkey]

Does that structure scan transducer or whatever it is hook up like a normal transducer? I have a ranger boat with a thru hull ducer and the hull back there is like two different levels. I would hate to start drilling into it. Does anyone have experience with installing them? I'm sure I could look into it on u tube. Id hate to pay the crazy amount some places are asking.

A lot of Ranger guys mount the structure scan transducers on the underside of the setback.  It won't work when you're on plane that way, but it's out of the way when you're up in the shallows.   There's a recent thread on the BBC Ranger board right now with a photo.

[BIGSHOW]

Thanks. I will check it out.

[MSURoss]

I have a new in box HDS 12 touch pm for details.

[BIGSHOW]

I never knew this would be so hard to decide. I went from hds-8 structure and back to the elite 7 hdi. These are for the bow. I went away from the hds because I heard the structure doesn't work well up front. I may just get it and put it in the console on my hds-5. But then I learn the elite-7 hdi may not work with my terrova i-pilot transducer so why get the downscan? I'm just confused. Wish someone had a good setup I could copy. They have some good deals now and would hate to let them slide by.

[Waterfoul]

Go to Bassboatcentral and ask if anyone has the set up.  Being a nation wide site I'd bet someone does, or at least similar.