Thread: Lowrance beginner questions

Just a ethernet cable,,,same box. <*)}}}><

no problems mike it easy to hook up and you can add several units, just by adding a cable, there are some good info videos on the u tube I have been watching, I hooked up and installed it all myself and I am crippled and it all works!

Might not be that easy when you say HDS8 and a "cheaper" unit up front. What unit are you talking about when you say "cheap"? Two hds units can be networked via ethernet for full waypoint sharing. When connected N2K, its partial sharing and NEMA 0183 shares only gps data. So for networking, it all depends on that other "cheaper" unit.

Thanks guys. I'll most likely go with the HDS5 if I go with 2 lowrance units.

an 8 and a 5

With the hds combo all you would need is the Ethernet cable ($40) and that will give you full waypoint sharing. Also it will allow you to network the sonar if wanted to. All you would have to do is connect the cable to both units and your done. Each unit will have it's own gps so no N2K network needed unless you add the LGC 4000 external antenna and N2K sensors.

Originally Posted by mduncan62

Thinking pretty hard about making the switch to Lowrance for the new boat. I've been die hard HB for years, but think it's time to make the switch.

Here's what I'm considering and have one question. I want to put an HD-8 on the console, and then probably a cheaper lowrance up front.

The question is this: what is the method of sharing data between units? Is it a cable, or is it an additional 500.00 for a module.

All I'm interested in sharing is waypoints.

Thanks in advance.

I'm also a long time Humminbird user who is facing a complete electronics overhaul and upgrade on my boat within the next couple of months. I've been looking at the HB (7/8/9)98 series on console and bow to get the SI/DI technology. I'd like to know if you'll share what your logic is to make the change to the Lowrance units? Right now I'm just doing my research on what I'd like to do and all input will help me. Thanks

I personally have not had any HB units before. All thought i have not been fishing my whole life i've used lowrance products. I had them and didn't see any use in making a switch. Since i started fishing, i slowly made my way up the chain to the bigger more expensive units. That's only cause i can afford them. I've always have good use with them and never understood them until the last few years. I was alway just looking at "how deep" the water was but now learning them and they can do alot. I have the HDS 7 & 8 with structure scan. Its a very nice setup but like any other cost $$$. If your thinking about switching wait till the new HB units come out early next year and them figure out your budget and compare those units in that price range. Also, you could hitch a ride with someone that has both units to take a look and hands on test would/will help make the choice a lot easier.

Originally Posted by luvin.fishin

I'm also a long time Humminbird user who is facing a complete electronics overhaul and upgrade on my boat within the next couple of months. I've been looking at the HB (7/8/9)98 series on console and bow to get the SI/DI technology. I'd like to know if you'll share what your logic is to make the change to the Lowrance units? Right now I'm just doing my research on what I'd like to do and all input will help me. Thanks

I king of feel slighted by HB. Making units and dumping them, as in the 797 not getting the down imaging. Yes, the 797 still does a good job at what it does, but not getting the down imaging irritated me. I had a 788 also and 2 ram mounts, and interlink on the boat I sold today. And to be honest, I sold all the electronics for what amounted to 75.00 when you figure the price of the boat.

Gave a guy a good deal just to force the issue on myself, and I'd rather do right for a crappie.com member. On ebay, I'd have gone for more. I'll look at the 898's as an option, but from reading canepoles posts (they are way above my head) it sounds like another bait and switch by HB.

It appears to me, and correct me if I'm wrong, but all of the Lowrance HDS units appear to have the same options package with down and side imaging, just have different screen sizes. To me, that's the way a company should do business. Not sell units that will be cut off from the cool stuff in 6 months.

The HB guys can chime in, but I think the units speak for themselves, on both sides.