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Is the Ethernet connection on the new HD units the same as using the Interlink or is it a direct cable connection between the units? If they are separate connections, whats the advantage of one over the other? I am looking at purchasing two 788ci HD DI units or a 788ci HD DI and a 898c SI. The 788 HD appears to be able to use both connection types. The 898 only appears to accept the Interlink connection. Just don't want to throw $100 on the Interlink if it is not necessary.
The 898 can be linked via Ethernet. Looks like they have 3 different lengths....10, 20 & 30 feet. I don't think the cable is shipping as of yet.
AS EC 10E
The Etnernet will share more information between units than the Interlink.
http://www.humminbird.com/leading_in...g-systems.aspx
Shine Runner,
The Ethernet is a single cable connection (if one of the units is a 700 series unit like the 788ci HD or 788ci HD DI, you will have use an additional adapter cable as well). There are no boxes as with the InterLink and one unit plugs into the other.
All three of the units you listed can use either the Ethernet or InterLink but the 898c Si unit will have to be using the 5.210 software for the InterLink to work with either the 788ci HD and 788ci HD DI units.
The Ethernet will do all the InterLink can do plus a lot more (with future features coming) and if you can wait, would be the way to go in my opinion.
Greg,
With the ethernet connection, can you share Navionics Lake Maps? So if you have a navionics lake maps card in a 898c si at the console and you put a 858c in the front of the boat linked via ethernet.. can you see the lake map data from the console unit?
Is there a basic unit that would just act as an additional screen? That way you could just have a "monitor" in the front of the boat linked to the 898c si via ethernet so you can view what is on your 898? That is basically all I would need and would be pretty awesome.
DoubleG
DoubleG,
No you cannot share map data between the units. I don’t know if this is a technical limitation or one imposed by the map companies. My guess is the later as they would than be able to sell you a second map card.
We do not have any monitor type units and from what I have heard so far: the second unit has to have the same sonar capabilities if you want to see that same type of sonar. In other words if you have an 898 on the console and want to see Si sonar on the bow unit; it has to have Si sonar capability as well. I don’t know for sure but I don’t think that we are using the second unit as a monitor only. Now if the 898 is on the console and you have say a 788 unit on the bow; the 788 can show the 2D DualBeam information from the 898 unit or the 898 could show the 2D DualBeam information from the 788 but that would be it as this is the only sonar that they both have in common.
After more thought.. I think I just need a monitor I could put up front and link to my video out from the 898c si. Would that work if I could find a water proof monitor? I just want to be able to see the screen of my 898 in the front of the boat.
DoubleG
You also cannot share SI capabilities up front if you dont have a SI unit up there like the 858...the only thing i wouldnt like about the monitor is if you wanted to change a screen you would have to walk to the back to do so....i think humminbird would have a market in a monitor, and adding the three quick view button to the i-pilot remote...like a remot control to change you console unit...LOL
If you can find a waterproof monitor that is also sunlight viewable this would work. I have not looked for these myself but have heard that they are almost as expensive as a new Si unit.
Not sure how much it would cost to built one of our units as a monitor. Good idea though, I like the remote part!
Thanks Greg.. I just got through looking at the sunlight viewable waterproof monitors... Whew.. It would be better for me to buy a 998 and put it at the back and put my 898 in the front. I was looking for a cheap way to wire a monitor to the front. Might give a car dvd monitor a shot and see how hard it is to see outside. It would be great if this could be done for a couple hundred bucks. That might not be possible though. I will keep searching. Thanks again for the help. I love my 898. It is the best money I have spent...
DoubleG