Discussion on Lowrance Elite 5 DSI/Chartplotter ....

I have been using my Lowrance Elite-5 DSI for plotting and Way Points an dthe more I use it the more I like it. I had 10 Waypoints in an old Garmin Etrex, mostly Brush 15-30 feet deep. I had some problems with the Etrex and figured I better stop fishing long enought to put the Way Points in the 5 DSI. I did not stop fishing but I do take some time out to put some Way Points in each time out. I was able to correct the problem with the Etrex not finding the Satel lites to work so that made locating the spots easier and then seeing on the depth finder the brush then marking the Way Point. If anyone has an Etrex that cannot find the Satellites I may be able to assist and send u an e-mail of how to fix it. I have used the Map feature in the 5 DSi to GO TO in the fog running slow of course and sure makes it a sure thing. My next move will be to purchase a Navtronics Map with Watts Bar Lake on it. I guess I really do not need it but get one anyway. they show the contours and can see them on the 5 DSI. The guys at the Depth Finder Counter at the Bass Pro Shop in Nashville took time to answer a lot of questions I had about the 5 DSI. Made things a lot easier for me when I used it the next time. Still catching a lot of good Crappie on Watts Bar, but I think this cold spell will slow things down a lot.

I bought a Navionics map card for my Elite 5-DSI. When I updated the card on my computer, it also installed the map set as well on my computer. In that way, I can input my waypoints, routes, etc. My question: Once I'm done with what I want, I download on a blank chip - then onto my unit. Since I have to keep the Navionics card in the unit, I am assuming that I pull the card out and insert the card with the downloaded data and it goes into the unit. Then, I re-insert the map card. Does the mapping software recognize the waypoints, etc. that I put in? I hope this makes sense. Also, I read somewhere that I can only use a 2 GB card (haven't bought the card yet). Is this true? Thanks for your help.

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Originally Posted by elwood

I'm really itching to pull the trigger on this. Cabela's has it for $299 + $20 off coupon and i have a $50 gift card. I rarely fish any deeper than 15-18ft and average around 10-14ft. Usually looking for bass and crappie. I'd want to put this on the front of my boat on the trolling motor. Do you guys think this would be a good match for what i want to do? I have a 17' bass tracker

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I have the E5-DSI and the E5-Combo both on my TM
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...p/IMAG0338.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...p/IMAG0374.jpg
and I keep the combo on split screen with mapping & 2D sonar and the DSI on full screen DI. It's almost like having a 10" screen up front split 3 ways. The down imaging is perfect for use on the TM IMHO as it gives you "photo-like" images of what's directly under you and as I primarily use a vertical jig presentation,seeing whats under the TM is very important. On mapping, I tried my Navionics Premier South chip in both E5's but for me, the refresh rate is too slow so I keep the Nav chip in the HDS8 on the console and just use the basemap that came in the E5 unit's.

I have not purchased the Map card yet, but will within the next 2-4 weeks. So I am not sure about the blank card or loading the waypoints, I sure hope so.

I keep a 2GB card in mine for screen shots and storing my *.usr file (waypoints). I also periodically copy the *.usr file to my computer so I have 2 backups of my waypoint file. As I mark new waypoints I can copy the updated file in the unit to the card so my backup is current. I had a map card in my old Lowrance and could store the waypoint file on the map card. There is usually enough room left on them to do this but I don't know if you can with the new ones. Of course you have to be careful you don't delete the map file.

The Navionics map card has a write protected switch on it and I dont' think I should mess with it - I may be wrong. It would make sense that I could load the waypoints from my computer onto the map card, and then insert the card into the unit and go about my business. I just want to make sure I'll not screwing something up. Thanks for your help.

Guess what was under the tree this year? Wife went ahead and got me one for Christmas. :woohoo

Still gotta sell my Lowrance Mark-5x DSI so I can get me a mapping card.

Went to Office Depot this morning, the 2GB cards have been discontinued. So I bought the 4GB card. Read here somewhere the unit only accepts the 2GB card, so what do I do? Thanks for your help.

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Originally Posted by Tracker123

Went to Office Depot this morning, the 2GB cards have been discontinued. So I bought the 4GB card. Read here somewhere the unit only accepts the 2GB card, so what do I do? Thanks for your help.

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You can order it from Walmart Wintec Filemate 2GB Micro SD Memory Card with SD Adapter - Walmart.com

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Originally Posted by crappiepappy

Good deal !!

NOW .... go here & bookmark this page : http://www.lowrance.com/Root/Lowranc...-10153-001.pdf

This will help you discover how to use all the menus & settings on your unit.

I JUST NOW found this page, while researching some info for the Elite 5 unit, being discussed on another thread. I've bookmarked it, myself ... and plan to look through it, more extensively, when I get the chance.

Looking forward to your continued participation in this discussion !!

... cp :kewl

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That manual is far better than the one that came with mine.