Installation and Networking

I've got a few questions on networking and installation on some lowrance units. I've got two HDS 7 touches and 1 HDS 5(old style I believe gen 1) as well as the structure scan module. One of the 7s is already hooked up and installed into the structure scan. The 5 is on the bow mount. My question is once I install my other 7 touch can I network all three together even though the 7s are gen 2 and the 5 is a gen 1? If I can, will I be able to get away with using one map card in the primary unit ( one of the 7s) and still be able to see the map card data on the other two units? Also, if I am correct all I need to network the units together as well as my motor guide xi5 is the NMEA 2000 network kit or is there more to it?

As as far as installation goes, I am wanting to throw the other 7 touch I bought as an in dash/console mount. Is there a special bracket on the market for that or will just the stock bracket work that comes with the unit? I looked and couldn't really find anything different as far as a bracket to mount it in the console. Thanks for the help!

They will communicate with each other via the Ethernet connections to the LSS. No need for the NMEA kit unless you want to use an external GPS with the units. The Gen 1 can't do the map sharing. No bracket is required for in dash mounting an HDS.

Appreciate the info! Thank you!

If you gonna use Xi5, you gotta have the pinpoint NMEA gateway kit and use NMEA 2000 network.

Be sure to follow the Gateway instructions on updating you XI5 software.....especially powering up and powering down your XI5 and Lowrance

Sorry but I missed the Xi5 part of your comment, so you do need the NMEA.

Just make sure that ALL of your Lowrance units are running the latest firmware updates. They are available directly from Lowrance as a download. You put them on an SD card, pop them in your unit, and then turn the unit on. It will automatically update. Some of the Gen 1 units have issues speaking with different modules unless you are running the proper firmware.

Here is what I would do. I use RAM mounts for all of my units. The smaller ones work fine for the HDS 7 and below. For the 8 and above, go with the big RAM mount. The two units at the helm both need to be connected to the LSS module via Ethernet cable. The LSS obviously has the transducer cable (for structure scan) connected (as well as power). Your stern transducer will be connected to ONE of your helm units. At the bow, your HDS 5 will need an Ethernet cable connected to the LSS module. If you are running a bow mount transducer, hook that to your HDS 5. MAKE SURE you connected the yellow wire from each power cord bundle (together). You should have one from the structure scan, one from each HDS 7, and one from the HDS 5 (total of four). The reason for this is so that you can control power. IE, your structure scan unit does NOT have a power off and on button so, unless you connect the yellow wires, when you turn the key (or if you hook directly to the battery) your structure scan will always be on. By connecting the yellow wires, when you power on ANY of your devices, it will power up your structure scan.

For the XI5: you will need the NMEA 2000 network cables. You will need two terminators, a power lead, at least one lead for a fish finder, one lead for the trolling motor, and a minimum of three "T" connectors. This is called "Bus" topology. You will also need wires to connect the T" connectors". IF you want to connect ALL the fish finders, you will need a total of 5 T connectors, and three fish finder leads. Start at the trolling motor, you need a terminator connected to the end of one "T". Then in the middle of the "T" you will connect your trolling motor lead. At the other end of the T you will have a piece of wire (depends on the length to your next device). Next you have your HDS 5. Hook in one T, then in the middle, install the Fish finder lead, at the other end of the T will be your wire lead to your next device. Continue in the chain. Somewhere in this you will need to connect a T with the lead for "power". Remember to finish with a terminator at the other end of the line.

Hope this muddies the water for your.

For the XI5: you will need the NMEA 2000 network cables. You will need two terminators, a power lead, at least one lead for a fish finder, one lead for the trolling motor, and a minimum of three "T" connectors. This is called "Bus" topology. You will also need wires to connect the T" connectors". IF you want to connect ALL the fish finders, you will need a total of 5 T connectors, and three fish finder leads. Start at the trolling motor, you need a terminator connected to the end of one "T". Then in the middle of the "T" you will connect your trolling motor lead. At the other end of the T you will have a piece of wire (depends on the length to your next device). Next you have your HDS 5. Hook in one T, then in the middle, install the Fish finder lead, at the other end of the T will be your wire lead to your next device. Continue in the chain. Somewhere in this you will need to connect a T with the lead for "power". Remember to finish with a terminator at the other end of the line.

Hope this muddies the water for your.[/QUOTE]

To muddy your water more - the trolling motor lead he refers to is called a XI5 Pinpoint Gateway Kit. It is not included with your XI5 (sold separately) or Lowarance NMEA 2000 Starter Kit. They sell for $250 to $270. I found one on Ebay last week for $215.00, with 2nd day delivery included.