Lowrance Networking Questions

[D10]

Here are a few questions for you sonar experts. I am looking to network an old HDS 5 or 7 with a new HDS 7 Touch. What model HDS 5 or 7 do I need to network with the newer unit and be able to mirror the information from the new unit on the older unit? Does the older unit need to have both sonar and GPS capability to accomplish this? Does that make sence? Also what hardware is needed to physically needed to make that connection? What else may be needed that I don't know about? Thanks for the help!

[BigRiverMarine]

You will need an Ethernet cable to connect the units together. They should share info at that point. Your new unit will explain how to adjust the settings for networking, or you can call Lowrance for tech support. You will need to set both units to network in their settings. I'm pretty sure all HDS units are networkable. I would update the units to the latest version of software before I connected them together. Even the new unit should be updated. Sometimes they are manufactured before the latest updates were out. Go to system settings and highlight ABOUT, and it will show you the software version in your units.

Call or PM me if ya need to.

[D10]

You will need an Ethernet cable to connect the units together. They should share info at that point. Your new unit will explain how to adjust the settings for networking, or you can call Lowrance for tech support. You will need to set both units to network in their settings. I'm pretty sure all HDS units are networkable. I would update the units to the latest version of software before I connected them together. Even the new unit should be updated. Sometimes they are manufactured before the latest updates were out. Go to system settings and highlight ABOUT, and it will show you the software version in your units.

Call or PM me if ya need to.

Thanks Bill! Good Info!

[arkansasbowhunter]

And bill you call me me you need me lol.

[BigRiverMarine]

And bill you call me me you need me lol.

I'm catching up.

[D10]

According to the salesman at BP, I would need some kind of relay box that would allow the HDS touch to communicate with an older non-touch HDS. Does that sound about right? If so, I will just save up for another touch screen. I wonder when the gen 4 will come out so that the gen 2 will go on sale.

[BigRiverMarine]

According to the salesman at BP, I would need some kind of relay box that would allow the HDS touch to communicate with an older non-touch HDS. Does that sound about right? If so, I will just save up for another touch screen. I wonder when the gen 4 will come out so that the gen 2 will go on sale.

If your older HDS has an orange plug on the back it shouldn't need a relay box. You do need to update the units tho.

[plateboater]

How old is unit? New downloads came out in Feb of this year. Turns Gen 2 into Gen 3......sweet updates only takes a couple minutes. My guess on Gen 4 is next year. Gen 3 has a couple cool features but Chirp is the future. Processors are also getting faster to keep up. I run two HD 12's on my boat. I swap between two boats and never have issues.

LowranceTech Service is pretty good also!