Using hand held GPS as NMEA source for HB997 works fine...pics

[Cane Pole]

I purchased the HHGPS from HB and connected my Garmin 276c to the 997 as the NMEA source (gps antenna).

$20 for the cable vs $150-$200 for an "antenna" makes sense to me and the results are about the same.

I believe you can accomplish this with about any hand held gps with NMEA out capabilities. FYI.

I installed the 997 in my Toyota to test it out. It works.

Thanks Humminbird Greg for the hints.

I now have a transportable 997. I plan to try it out on my Jon boat next week.

[Shellback]

I've had my Garmin 498C linked to my Humminbird 931C and also my 778C. Both my Humminbird units are fishfinder only as I hate spliting screens, tough enough to see the whole screen, let alone half of it. I linked them up to get the speed on the Humminbird screen, and also I can mark a brush pile on the fishfinder screen and use it to bring me back. I use the Humminbird waypoint, cursor position, option to bring me in. It shows course to steer and feet to waypoint. I can just watch the fishfinder screen looking for the brush pile, with my AP bringing me in.

[Cane Pole]

I've had my Garmin 498C linked to my Humminbird 931C and also my 778C. Both my Humminbird units are fishfinder only as I hate spliting screens, tough enough to see the whole screen, let alone half of it. I linked them up to get the speed on the Humminbird screen, and also I can mark a brush pile on the fishfinder screen and use it to bring me back. I use the Humminbird waypoint, cursor position, option to bring me in. It shows course to steer and feet to waypoint. I can just watch the fishfinder screen looking for the brush pile, with my AP bringing me in.

Neat. I agree with you. Split screens suck.

Look Maw, no antenna pucks.

[Shine Runner]

"I purchased the HHGPS from HB"

Is that the same way to connect a hand held Garmin GPS76cx to a 700 series HB? Can the interlink be used with the hand held and two HB and still no puck?

[Humminbird_Greg]

That would be the same way to connect up a Garmin GPS76cx to a 700 series ‘Bird. It will work if the Garmin will output the NMEA data in the format that the Humminbird is looking for (not all handhelds do). You could connect it up with two Humminbird GPS capable units and the InterLink and still no GPS puck.

[CRAPPIEHUNTER68]

What is the exact advantage of connecting the Garmin to the Hbird? I have 2 Garmin 76's and 2 Humminbirds. 797 and 788.
Does it help update or make more accurate?

[Cane Pole]

What is the exact advantage of connecting the Garmin to the Hbird? I have 2 Garmin 76's and 2 Humminbirds. 797 and 788.
Does it help update or make more accurate?

No advantage on accuracy. No improvements on screen refresh issue. I used my Garmin so I didn't have to purchase another Antenna (GPS puck). I am frugal.

[Cane Pole]

NMEA 0183 is NMEA 0183. It is dictated by NMEA and not by any specific manufacturer. If a manufacturer chooses to use a variant of this specification, then it is not NMEA 0183. On the Garmin units, you have to select data output format in setup. If you chose to do so, select NEMA IN/OUT and it should work with HB or any other NMEA capable device such as helm autopilot.

Humminbird, Lowrance and Garmin are members of NMEA.

[CRAPPIEHUNTER68]

Ok. Now I understand. Are you moving the transducer or did you have to purchase another? Just thinking you may have a quick way to move this. I have a small jon boat but I never use it because it has very cheap electronics.

[Cane Pole]

Ok. Now I understand. Are you moving the transducer or did you have to purchase another? Just thinking you may have a quick way to move this. I have a small jon boat but I never use it because it has very cheap electronics.

I have a separate transducer. I had 2 SI units and only needed 1 xducer, so I put the spare to use.