Defending Lowrance

[POfisher]

I've read that some here have had more than their fair share of problems with Lowrance. I hate that.
I have one of the new HD 5 units with lake insite. Admittedly I too had a minor glitch or two with the HD unit. After talking with others, and reading up on my unit, I found that I needed to perform an update to install the latest version software. Version 20.30.50 or somthing along that line.
After the update, my unit performed brillantly. I absolutely love it and the features are remarkable. Nothing on the market that I found can touch the mapping. After I added the chip, it became an even better unit.

I hear the side scanning is coming out soon. Yes, the 600.00 dollars is kinda steep which will prevent me from obtaining it anytime soon. I'll give it some thought and make a decision about it later in the year.

Again, I had difficulties before the update.... After the update I have not.
I absolutely love it, and would choose it again.
Just a different perspective.

[EARL KITCHENS]

I have been very well pleased with my 522 also. I did have to do what Lowrance called a soft reset one time due to a problem with my temperature sensor. The Hot Spot chip really enhanced the creek and river channels. I have played around with the HD5 at Bass Pro some but I probably will not buy one for at least a year to see what is coming next.

[Fishin Addiction]

I absolutly love my HDS 5. It has paid for itself just in navigating at night and in fog. The sonar is the best I've ever had also. You do not need a degree in sonar electronics to operate it.

[jafacman]

It is good that a few are unhappy with their HD-units. I will have a distinct advantage for a while to come :rolleyes:
Jafacman + HD-5 = 1st Place soon :D

[grego]

You are right POfisher - these high-tech units need updates now and then just like your computer. Especially the newer technology like the Lowrance HDS units. It's an extra step you have to take every now and then but it sure is great to be able to upgrade and fix things like this. Not only are you getting fixes with the update but you also get new features sometimes. I think this is really cool stuff. Software updates and improvements loaded right to your fish finder, and with the StructureScan you will also have hardware updates. Not as easy as an Eagle 480, but so much more power.

Here's a link that shows how to perform the update in an easy step by step process - how to update upgrade your lowrance hds sonar gps unit

[Outlaw1&2]

Hey guys, the main problem that everyone has talked about on HDS higher end units ,was that there was sealing problem between the screen and the housing, that was being sealed at 800 degrees instead of the proper 1000 degrees causing a moisture problem that in turn caused major problems. As I understand it straight from the horse's mouth, that issue has been resolved and I'm very impressed with the units, with a 8 being in my near future.

[POfisher]

Perhaps the moisture sealing problems were with HD-7 Units ?
I have a HD-5, and others that posted said they did too.

I've compared other units to mine, and they don't even come close. The technology in the HD is awesome. The down scan and side imaging will make the units even better!

I hate that a sealing problem, allowing moisture to envade the units electronics have caused such grief. Maybe if this issue has been addressed, no one else will experience heartache. It really has been a good unit for me.

Let us know how the 8 works out for you, I'd love to have the larger screen to help these old eyes see it better.

Best of luck

[chaunc]

I think i read somewhere that the side scan wont be available for the HD-5 units. Have you checked into that?

[score300]

It will be available for the 5's. The 5's and 7's will only be able to split screen 3 ways where the the 8's and 10's will be able to split 4 ways. I have the 8 on my console now and have a 7 on the bow. I haven't had any problems with the 8, and the 7 I have is the 4th unit. It seems they actually HAVE fixed them. I took a water hose to them to make sure and haven't had any more problems. Now I can really start enjoying all the features. These units are just plain AWSOME. It took a little bi***ing, but Lowrance has really taken care of me. Can't wait for the structure scan and the I-pilot from Minnkota.

[foul hook]

I am waiting on the i-pilot also. Do you know when it will be out?