Originally Posted by
rnvinc
I have found the 800kHz to be definately clearer than the 455kHz....
Myself, I would only use the 455 in very deep water or very shallow water...
My home lake being KY and Barkley (with maximum depth of 70ft but most in <30 ft) the 800kHz works well...
Because of the shape of the 800kHz only being 130 degrees left to right I would use the 455kHz in shallow water of less than 3ft...
Try this test....
Take a snapshot of any bottom structure that looks interesting...
Scroll thru the views until you get to the "Snapshot/ Recording" view....open the snapshot you just took....
Then change the sonar beam frequency from 455kHz to 800kHz and back...notice the difference in the clarity of the 2 frequencies...
As a matter of fact...while you are studying the snapshot...
Change all kinda of different settings to see how the individual settings change the image....
The actual image that the unit has captured is in very "raw" sonar data format....the user controlled settings in the unit are basically different kinds of filters and such that will change that "raw" data to be the most pleasing to your eye in that certain water condition/depth/clarity...
This is why I don't play well with "Auto"....I will change the settings to please my eye..not what the unit "thinks" I want to see.....
You can also change settings while viewing a recording back on the unit for the very same reasons...the data is in there...change the settings to be the most pleasing to your eye......
I feel that I have learned more by playing with the settings in played-back "Snapshots" and "Recordings" than any live sonar viewing i have done....
Take lots of snapshots and recordings and play with them at home when you are not distracted by fishing....
Make a DC to AC converter so you can take your unit in the house and use the very valuable tool that HB has provided in these units...the "Snaphots and Recordings" feature...
Rickie