Linking 2 HBs

[gotta_fish]

Ok Ive been reading up on linking 2 ff ive got a 998 hd si and a 788 ci combo w/ a quad beam ducer on the 788 , can I link the 2 unist , what are the advantages of linking units , and what cable will be needed, if its worth even trying. Thanks in advance .

[Greenwing]

I'm sure someone who knows more than me will come along. I think if the 788 is not an HD model it's not Ethernet capable. If it's not your only option would be the interlink system. I really like having my units connected for the waypoint sharing, when you mark something on the console it is automatically sent to the bow unit.

[gobbler]

the only reason i linked mine was so the waypoints would show up on both units, they both have to be on at the same time for this to work though. i simply ran an ethernet cable, i think with the 788 you have to have another connection to hook it to the ehternet cable i don't think it just screws in like the bigger units. i really don't think it is that big of a thing to link them, i mean its nice at times but not necessary.

[fish k3]

the 2 methods of linking the 2 units share information differently. if you can connect the 2 with an Ethernet cable, information is shared between the 2 units as long as both are on. if 1 goes off, any different info on that unit will not show up un the other.i have an older 798 linked with a newer 898 with an interlink. with an interlink, when you put in a waypint on 1, it is stored in the interlink and then sent to the other one. all the info is stored in the interlink, and both units have the same info whether the other is off or not. if both units do not have the Ethernet connection, you have to use the interlink. costs a little more, but works fine.

[Humminbird_Greg]

gotta_fish,
If that is a 788ci Combo model unit than your only linking choice is the InterLink module.

If it is instead an “HD” version 788ci HD Combo model than you can Ethernet connect them via an Ethernet Connection Cable plus the 700 series Ethernet adapter cable.

Basic differences in the types of links are as has been explained: both Ethernet connected units have to be on to share the data, however waypoint data is not copied to the other unit so you can save more waypoints versus with the InterLink. With the InterLink when a waypoint is marked it is saved in the InterLink and then sent to the other unit when it is powered on (or if it is already on). This creates another copy of the same waypoint on the other unit which can use up available storage space on the unit. InterLink waypoint maximum storage is limited by either the InterLink or by the unit with the smallest waypoint storage capacity. With the Ethernet the other unit is treated as an external hard drive and the waypoint data is read from the other unit and those waypoint icons are displayed as a different color on the other unit. Waypoint storage is limited to the maximum storage capabilities of both units combined.

Only two units may be InterLinked at the same time.
Many units and accessories plus sonar data can be shared with the Ethernet connection.

[gotta_fish]

Thanks guys I don't think this will help me the way I fish . The unit on my troller is never on unless its in the water . Thanks again for all the info .