
Originally Posted by
Jason Halfen #511
This past summer, I ran a 788 at the bow and interchanged between a 997 an an 1197 at the console. That's a very effective set-up for all styles of fishing.
You will not need a separate "normal" transducer for Down Imaging. DI uses the same hi-def Side Imaging transducer that comes standard with the 1197, 998, and the new 898 units. Of course, you can add a second through-hull transducer for hi-speed 2D sonar, but that's an option, not a necessity.
I ran my 788 using the US2 transducer in my MinnKota Terrova. All I needed to do that was the appropriate Universal Sonar adapter.
You'll need an interlink system to allow your two unit to communicate with each other and share waypoints and navigation information. The interlink comes complete with all the necessary cables to establish your network. You'll have the option of running one GPS puck into the interlink to serve both head units, or give each unit its own puck....that's the required configuration to take advantage of the latest enhanced GPS refresh rate.
One nice option which I recently added was the XM weather accessory. This accessory looks like a second GPS puck which receives up-to-date weather information from an XM satellite. It provides radar with hazards (like lightning), wind speed and direction, and local forecasts. I've only been on the water once during iffy weather since I installed it, but with all the time I spend guiding and tournament fishing, I suspect that this accessory will be especially useful. No more fighting with poor cell phone reception, trying to download a recent radar image from the national wx service.
Congrats on getting set up with a new Humminbird network. Please let me or one of the other Humminbird guys know if you have any questions as you get set up.