Humminbird 398ci SI

[Vik3]

I made Google search on Opinions about Humminbird 398ci SI, and found only one not very optimistic opinion:
“Save your money up and buy one with a bigger screen. I have a 798 and the only thing wrong with it is the screen is just too small to really make things out very well.”
Actually he is right: his 798 allow to get 1.7 inches of screen for left and right sides, not much, but 398 only half of this.
I did not see manual for 398 (I could not find it anywhere even on HB website), but I think it has the same split screen for left and right sides as other SI units have. This is OK for big units with wide horizontal screens, but it looks ridiculous for very small unit with narrow vertical screen: each side is just 1 inch wide.
IMHO, this problem can be easily fixed by adding one more screen view with the same vertical split screen, but water surface is up and bottom is down on both sides like on DI units. It would be a bit less convenient, but having 3 inches for each side instead of 1 inch worth it. 898 has the same 3 inches for each side, but it is too heavy (with big battery) for kayaks and small inflated boats.
If I find the Manual for 398ci SI and see that this option have been already provided in that unit I will buy it sooner or later



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Vik3]

Good news J Academy.com placed a new picture of Humminbird 398ci SI, and they claimed that detailed depth capability is 600 feet, and it also have 800 kHz.
Manual is not published yet, but I do believe that this is true, and that it has a view with vertical left/right SI split windows with bottoms down. If not, updated software with that view would be appreciated.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Humminbird_Greg]

Vik,
I don’t have any official specs to reference but I do not believe that those numbers are correct. I’ll have to see if there is anything published on this unit yet.

[Vik3]

Greg,
yes, I think the same. From my experience in units with power 4000W a real DI/SI depth capability is about 250 feet, and there is no much need to have 800 kHz for them – 455 kHz works great.
After getting vertical SI views on my 385, I realized , that dedicated SI 398 should have the same views of left and right side plus vertical SI split screen view, as optional views. It would be an exellent unit for kayaks and small boats like mine. Otherwise I woud preffer to stay with my modifided 385 SI than buying 398 SI.

[Zippy]

I know this is an old post but figured I would resurrect it since I recieved this unit for Christmas. My opinion so far is that yes the screen is small but not too small. The real time sonar is really cool and gives you a good understanding of the image that you see being painted on the scrolling screen. The side and down imaging is good and the gps is really helpful. $250 on Amazon for a feature filled sonar with gps is pretty hard to beat.

[zettler]

Anyone have any suggestions for settings?