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Slabmaster II
I was out just yesterday testing my motor for some ongoing fuel mix issues and while I was idling around a heavily forested area with submerged trees, I thought I'd play with the sonar.
Here are some strange findings I found just by turning the surface clarity from "LOW" to "OFF". I found it really odd that it dramatically increased what I was picking up below the surface and not just "cleaning up the screen".
I have problems using 800khz because I usually don't pickup bottom or anything at all. Here are some shots using these setings:
- 800khz
- Contrast 80%
- Surface Clarity OFF
- Color (White Background)
- Depth (Auto)
Here are two comparison shots using 455khz (what I typically use due to the wider sonar zone vs. the narrow 800khz
The first image Surface Clarity "LOW". The second image shows Surface Clarity "OFF"
In my mind, there is a dramatic difference in just those two settings. If I turned it to "MED", I wouldn't even get as much as I was getting on "LOW".
Depth range also plays a big factor in this. The deeper the water, the less surface clarity you need. If I did this in 20ft of water, I'd probably have a very busy screen and just pick up a lot of debris and such thus the "LOW" setting is preferred depending on water clarity.
Settings were:
- 455khz
- Contrast 68%
- Surface Clarity OFF
- Color (White Background)
- Depth (Auto)
Surface Clarity "LOW"
Surface Clarity "OFF"
Trophy King II
Correct.
Super Moderator - 2013 Man Of The Year
* Crappie.com Supporter
Just in case these screenshots weren't seen, here's three that I took the other day :
A big Cedar tree that I passed over (ignore the right half of the screen, I turned the trolling motor to avoid hitting the tree top with the big motor):
Beginning of a very large brushpile:
The other end of that same brushpile (notice large tree piled on top):
Forgive the lousy color scheme ... I changed some settings without my glasses onand don't know how I switched it from the "night fishing" setting.
... cp
Slabmaster II
What does the cedar tree look like on down imaging, are those three pictures just sonar. I am interested in knowing what the down imaging looks like.
Super Moderator - 2013 Man Of The Year
* Crappie.com Supporter
Farmer ... the unit only does Down Imaging. The Elite 5DSI does not have 2d sonar (cone shaped sonar ping), only the fan shaped Down Image ping. What you are seeing IS what the down imaging looks like. Now, granted ... I didn't have the best color palette picked, and I probably would have gotten a better/clearer image with 455kHz setting.Originally Posted by farmer1940
I just happened to be moving from spot to spot, when the transducer picked up the image. I was leaning over to take the screenshot, when I realized that the top came close to the surface and I might hit it with the big motor. That's why the right half of the screen is segmented & distorted, since my transducer is trolling motor mounted.
If I'd had my settings like I normally would have ... the screenshot images would look more like this :
And, as you can see by this screenshot, there's a discernible difference in the images of 455kHz & 800kHz ...
... cp
Minnow
Went out last weekend and had much better luck with the gps. Got some amazing images off and around a hump. Recently bought a navionics chip as well. I'll post pics as soon as I find the "attach " file button.
Crappie Wall Hanger II
West Marine has the Elite 5DSI Gold on sale for $449. with a $50 coupon. The Gold includes microSD card with coastal/offshore coverage of US and Canadian waters along with the Great Lakes, Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas and over 125 major Canadian lakes.
LOWRANCE Elite-5 DSI Gold Fishfinder / Chartplotter Combo at West Marine
Does anyone know of a better deal. I am thinking of getting one of these to run on my trolling motor. I am still playing mind games based on the posts I have been reading here. Don't know if I am better off and smarter after reading these posts or just confused enough to think I am. haha.I know that Cabelas and Gander MT also have the unit ON SALE for $379 without the card. I know I will be doing something soon.
Super Moderator - 2013 Man Of The Year
* Crappie.com Supporter
If I were considering .... I'd take the West Marine deal for $399 (w/card) Even if I didn't want or need the card. getting it for $20 is a steal !! It could always be sold on the Personal Classifieds Forum for a profit ... lessening the cost of the unit even further.West Marine has the Elite 5DSI Gold on sale for $449. with a $50 coupon. The Gold includes microSD card with coastal/offshore coverage of US and Canadian waters along with the Great Lakes, Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas and over 125 major Canadian lakes.
LOWRANCE Elite-5 DSI Gold Fishfinder / Chartplotter Combo at West Marine
Does anyone know of a better deal. I am thinking of getting one of these to run on my trolling motor. I am still playing mind games based on the posts I have been reading here. Don't know if I am better off and smarter after reading these posts or just confused enough to think I am. haha.
But, that's just what I would do ... and in no way am I trying to persuade you to purchase this unit. Your money, your choice. And I'd check with BBG Marine to see if he can match or beat any deal you see online. You can find his ads on the Member Sponsor Classifieds Forum. I didn't purchase mine from him, but I've read where he's got a good rep with other members that have purchased units from him.
If you do decide to get the unit ... we're here to help with any problems you may have, or suggestions/help you're willing to give.
... cp
Minnow
some pics from the other weekend.
Minnow
6th from last image was "i think" my line. much better gps signal. As you can see from the first image, i was pulling in to the marina and turning around to back the boat in the water. Last shot may be thermocline?-not sure, what do you guys think?
