Looks like the Humminbird 798ci HD SI Combo is next.. advice b4 buying?

I've been reading through the archives here and it looks like the 798 will be my first purchase for the bow of my boat. I'm typically fish waters from about 3' - 15'. I love the idea of the side imaging. I have a 747c that came with my boat that will stay on the console. Any thoughts/advice? What else do I need to pick up with it when purchasing? Of course, I'm looking for the best price and best unit for the money otherwise I'd go larger... but I think this will fit my needs well. Others to consider for the same money? Do we have any sponsors here to buy from? Do I need to buy an additional transducer to work the side imaging? Any & all thoughts please... Thank you!

The HB comes as a complete package...head unit, internal GPS antenna. 2d/DI/SI xducer...

You might consider buying a Navionics map for your home lake...

Check here....NAVIONICS: The Leader in Electronic Charts

Maybe greg or someone can post if your 747 is able to connect to the 798 via interlink to share sonar info..I'm not sure..

Ask lots of questions...many people here very knowlegable in SI/DI

Rickie

X2 on the mapping.

I'm looking to buy the same unit and the best price I have found is universal mania. I hope we are buying a finder that we'll be satisfied with.

I have the 798 interlinked with the 778 and the Navionics. Pretty satisfied so far.

Try BBG Marine Electronics they gave me the best price this spring when I bought my electronics

Thanks guys!! Looking forward to a new kind of fishing... ;)

I've had mine since 09 never had a problem with it. Started out installed on transom then moved to TM. You may want to consider getting the mounting bracket & HD transducer for the TM. (Mount -HB adapter AD STM 7) & Transduceri XHS 9 HDSI 180 T. The transducer you get will be for the transom but HB will exchange it for the TM but it will be the puck type (Not HD). The puck works ok but doesn't compare to images using HD. It's extra cost for this but find it's worth the money. I got mine from Amazon just because you get the mounting assy with the transducer. I assume other places may have the same but I found some places where you have to buy separate. I wasn't a CC member at the time so I probably missed out on getting a good deal from one of the vendors on here.

If you run around in trees, stumps and rocks a lot you may want to consider a trolling motor adapter bracket that will help protect the transducer as well. Transducer Shield & Saver, Transducer Armor and Raptor all sell adapters for converting the transom transducer to trolling motor mount plus some added protection as well.
Transducer Shield and Saver - See More Fish, Catch More Fish!

Transducer Armor :: Home of the "Wee Vee" Guard :: Protection for your transducer

Raptor TransMount


That 747c would not be a good candidate for InterLinking to a second unit, especially a new 798ci HD Si unit as it does not have the needed software for this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

If you run around in trees, stumps and rocks a lot you may want to consider a trolling motor adapter bracket that will help protect the transducer as well. Transducer Shield & Saver, Transducer Armor and Raptor all sell adapters for converting the transom transducer to trolling motor mount plus some added protection as well.
Transducer Shield and Saver - See More Fish, Catch More Fish!

Transducer Armor :: Home of the "Wee Vee" Guard :: Protection for your transducer

Raptor TransMount


That 747c would not be a good candidate for InterLinking to a second unit, especially a new 798ci HD Si unit as it does not have the needed software for this.

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Thanks all!! Good stuff :)

Greg... someone suggested to me looking for a 10' model 798 (non HD) that would be compatible with my 747c?? Is this a good idea? Are there big changes from the non hd to the HD versions? I'm going to hate the waiting game when I place the order the next day or two. ;) Thank you!

I guess you could Shawk, but that would limit the 798 unit to the older software set and you would not be able to have the newer features that have been added.

The main changes are that the “HD” version units have Ethernet capability that the older units do not (and cannot be made to) have.

Consider as well that you would need to find a 2010 model 798c Si unit that was still new in the box in order to have a warranty on it. I think that the better bet would be to get the 798ci HD Si unit now and replace your 747c later with a newer Ethernet capable unit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

I guess you could Shawk, but that would limit the 798 unit to the older software set and you would not be able to have the newer features that have been added.

The main changes are that the “HD” version units have Ethernet capability that the older units do not (and cannot be made to) have.

Consider as well that you would need to find a 2010 model 798c Si unit that was still new in the box in order to have a warranty on it. I think that the better bet would be to get the 798ci HD Si unit now and replace your 747c later with a newer Ethernet capable unit.

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Thanks Greg... I'm sure I'll go with the HD version... just wanting to be sure all things are covered before a drop this much money on a gizmo for a weekend fisherman. ;)
All the best!
Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

If you run around in trees, stumps and rocks a lot you may want to consider a trolling motor adapter bracket that will help protect the transducer as well. Transducer Shield & Saver, Transducer Armor and Raptor all sell adapters for converting the transom transducer to trolling motor mount plus some added protection as well.
Transducer Shield and Saver - See More Fish, Catch More Fish!

Transducer Armor :: Home of the "Wee Vee" Guard :: Protection for your transducer

Raptor TransMount


That 747c would not be a good candidate for InterLinking to a second unit, especially a new 798ci HD Si unit as it does not have the needed software for this.

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Greg... a quick question regarding setup if I could please. I fish local smaller lakes mostly... trolling and casting from the front of my boat. My understanding is that the transom transducer is better quality (image wise) than the troller transducer? I like the idea of having the transducer up front with me but is there that much diffference? Which leads me then to... how would a 2 transducer setup with switch work exactly? This is all new stuff with me... I was going to drop you an email, but assume there are a few other newbies with the same question this could help posted here as well. Thanks again!

Thanks all who posted... ordered a 798 today and should arrive by the middle of the week.... can't wait to get it set up. ;)

Shawk,
The only differences between the standard transom mounted Compact Side Imaging transducer (XNT-9-Si-180-T) that comes with the unit and the trolling motor version (XTM-9-Si-180-T) are the housing that it comes in, the trolling motor version has some additional noise shielding and the hardware packaged with it. Usage wise they are the same as they use the same elements inside of the transducer.

You could install both transducers and use the TS3 Transducer Switch to change from the transom mounted CSi transducer to the trolling motor mounted CSi transducer. It would be as simple as connecting and installing the switch and than just toggling the switch when you want to use the trolling motor transducer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

Shawk,
The only differences between the standard transom mounted Compact Side Imaging transducer (XNT-9-Si-180-T) that comes with the unit and the trolling motor version (XTM-9-Si-180-T) are the housing that it comes in, the trolling motor version has some additional noise shielding and the hardware packaged with it. Usage wise they are the same as they use the same elements inside of the transducer.

You could install both transducers and use the TS3 Transducer Switch to change from the transom mounted CSi transducer to the trolling motor mounted CSi transducer. It would be as simple as connecting and installing the switch and than just toggling the switch when you want to use the trolling motor transducer.

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Thanks Greg.... decided to go with a second station up front since I'm already buying the biggest dollar item in the additional transducer. Here's what I'm going with.... look OK? Placing an order shortly this morning. ;) Unit to show up tomorrow... hopefully will get the goodies below within the week. Hands Clapping
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http://www.crappie.com/crappie/thumb...es/25568SM.jpg	HUMMINBIRD AS-SYSLINK 10' Y CABLE 2 UNITS TO 1 GPS SENSOR
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/asset...ges/spacer.gif
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/thumb...es/40699SM.jpg	HUMMINBIRD AD STM 7 TROLLING MOTOR BRACKET FOR SIDE IMAGE
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/asset...ges/spacer.gif
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/thumb...es/28701SM.jpg	HUMMINBIRD XTM-9-HDSI-180-T TROLLING MOTOR TRANSDUCER
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/asset...ges/spacer.gif
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/thumb...es/16350SM.jpg	HUMMINBIRD MS-M MATRIX / 500 SERIES QUICK DISCONNECT MOUNT
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/asset...ges/spacer.gif
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/thumb...es/40822SM.jpg	HUMMINBIRD PC11 POWER CORD

Shawk,
You are buying the 798ci HD Si unit, right? This unit has an internal GPS Receiver in it, so you would not need the As-SysLink cable as the GPS Receiver moves with the unit.

I see that you are going with the HDSi transducer for the trolling motor. That is the correct part number for the trolling motor mounted version of this transducer; but it comes with the AS-STM-7 hardware. So ordering a separate AD-STM-7 is unneeded. If you occasionally hit the trolling motor against rocks, stumps and the like, than you may want to look at the trolling motor adapter brackets from the companies I mentioned in an earlier reply as the AD-STM-& does nothing to protect that expensive transducer while these others do (I recommend the one from Scap at Transducer Shield and Saver).

The MS-M you listed is for the non-HD units (actually it is for the non-Ethernet units). The 798ci HD Si unit has the Ethernet connector on it and so uses the MS-700E (part number 740119-1) unit mount. Really the same thing as the MS-M except that the parts that hold the connectors are different.

Correct power cable.


So your shopping list should look something like this:

XTM-9-HDSi-180-T HDSi Trolling Motor transducer
MS-700-E 700 series Ethernet Unit Mount
PC-11 Power Cable

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

Shawk,
You are buying the 798ci HD Si unit, right? This unit has an internal GPS Receiver in it, so you would not need the As-SysLink cable as the GPS Receiver moves with the unit.

I see that you are going with the HDSi transducer for the trolling motor. That is the correct part number for the trolling motor mounted version of this transducer; but it comes with the AS-STM-7 hardware. So ordering a separate AD-STM-7 is unneeded. If you occasionally hit the trolling motor against rocks, stumps and the like, than you may want to look at the trolling motor adapter brackets from the companies I mentioned in an earlier reply as the AD-STM-& does nothing to protect that expensive transducer while these others do (I recommend the one from Scap at Transducer Shield and Saver).

The MS-M you listed is for the non-HD units (actually it is for the non-Ethernet units). The 798ci HD Si unit has the Ethernet connector on it and so uses the MS-700E (part number 740119-1) unit mount. Really the same thing as the MS-M except that the parts that hold the connectors are different.

Correct power cable.


So your shopping list should look something like this:

XTM-9-HDSi-180-T HDSi Trolling Motor transducer
MS-700-E 700 series Ethernet Unit Mount
PC-11 Power Cable

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Nope, I found a great price on a new non HD from one of your dealers. However I'm sure down the road I will pick up a larger unit which will be the HD, therefore I figured since I needed to pick up a second transducer for the troller then I would just get the HD now and run my 798C SI on it now. The unit is als the C external antenna as well. So am I thinking correctly? Should have posted that in the last post. thanks Greg!

Okay, than you would be correct except for the AD-STM-7 than:

AS-SysLink
XTM-9-HDSi-180-T HDSi Trolling Motor transducer
MS-M Unit Mount
PC-11 Power Cable

2x what Greg says about Transducer Shield and Saver great products they will pay for themselvesThumbs Up

I too am planning on buying a 798ci HD SI unit but have a stupid question on using it with the transducer mounted on the TM. With the TM turning left and right so often, would the side imaging be as effective as it would be mounted on the transom? I could mount my old transducer on the TM and mount the 798ci on the transom. Also thinking of using just the 798ci with a TS3 which would work in my boat since I have stick steering and do everything from the front seat.

The Si units give the best images from a transducer that is pointing straight ahead. So mounting it on a trolling motor that gets turned can skew what it is showing you, but you can also turn the trolling motor sideways and use the transducer like a search light and scan and area ahead of the boat. It’s like any of your other fish catching tools: learn to use it and it will help fish in the boat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mitrisin

I too am planning on buying a 798ci HD SI unit but have a stupid question on using it with the transducer mounted on the TM. With the TM turning left and right so often, would the side imaging be as effective as it would be mounted on the transom? I could mount my old transducer on the TM and mount the 798ci on the transom. Also thinking of using just the 798ci with a TS3 which would work in my boat since I have stick steering and do everything from the front seat.

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Look at this thread...http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...s-antenna.html

Especially look at post #21 of the thread where Cane Pole posted pix of the effects of turning a TM with an attached SI Xducer. "Image skewing" is a distinct possibility basically because SI Xducers are designed to operate running in a straight line parallel to the boat's path. Any deviation in this straight line shows up as "image skewing"...

There are definitely many people that use this setup with the SI Xducer on the TM and are able to effectively deal with this "image skewing" by turning the TM slowly when scanning with the SI Xducer...

There are really only 2 other options for mounting a SI Xducer ....
1. Mount the SI Xducer on the transom
2. Use an external mounting Xducer mounting bracket (similar to da 'ducer apparatus...)

Rickie