Lowrance HDS (original) vs HDS GEN2

Recently got an HDS5 original to put on the TM and am looking at getting an 8 or 10 to put on the console. Iv done some looking online at the new features the GEN2 has but its kinda a blur to me. Can someone help me understand the differences in the old HDS models and the GEN2 models? What is the StructureMap view and what would the primary uses for it be? From what I have seen, its approximately $200 more for an HDS10 original than it is for an HDS8 GEN2. Are the features the HDS8 GEN2 offers better enough than the original HDS10 that I should drop screen sizes to get the GEN2?

I primarily fish for crappie in the warmer months and catfish in the cooler months if that makes any difference. Might also look into getting into some hybrid fishing in the future.

Thanks in advance

Lowrance HDS Gen2 - Structure Map View - YouTube

Rickie

Thanks for the link. That was helpful in understanding what structuremap is.

Thanks for this educational post!!! Good Stuff!!!!!


BRM

I'll have a HDS 10 GEN2 in tomorrow---looking forward to trying it out.

rockmike, did you have a gen1 HDS before your gen2?

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Originally Posted by big10

rockmike, did you have a gen1 HDS before your gen2?

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I have two HDS8's. Been wanting the larger screen for the console, so I got the Gen2 when it became available.

Once you get some use with your gen2 let me know what you think about it. Based on budget im trying to decide between the gen1 hds10 and the gen2 hds8. Id like to speak to someone with experience when the gen2.

Is there a chance Low will make a software update to upgrade the gen 1 units?

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Originally Posted by lcookie

Is there a chance Low will make a software update to upgrade the gen 1 units?

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That would be awesome! I could buy a gen 1 hds 10 for a much cheaper price than the gen 2 and then update the software and have basicly the same thing. I would think they wouldnt do this because it would lower their sales on the gen 2 units.

I wouldnt think so. According to the U-tube video the Gen2 has a much faster processor which allows for the structure map view. Besides, even if they could, it would hurt the sales of the Gen 2's.

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Originally Posted by lcookie

Is there a chance Low will make a software update to upgrade the gen 1 units?

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No, there will be no update that will make a gen-1 into a 2. I went for another gen-1 HDS-8 when the rebates came out, mine was $1249 shipped after the rebate. To me the faster, more powerful processer is a better selling point than the structure map.

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Originally Posted by justinp61

No, there will be no update that will make a gen-1 into a 2. I went for another gen-1 HDS-8 when the rebates came out, mine was $1249 shipped after the rebate. To me the faster, more powerful processer is a better selling point than the structure map.

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Yep. They probably took out a lot of garbage do nothing program patches on the new Gen 2 also.

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Originally Posted by justinp61

No, there will be no update that will make a gen-1 into a 2. I went for another gen-1 HDS-8 when the rebates came out, mine was $1249 shipped after the rebate. To me the faster, more powerful processer is a better selling point than the structure map.

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Iv never owned or used a hds. Are the processers that slow in the gen1 to make much of a difference? What is it that is so slow about them? Sorry for all the questions. Im pretty new to the hi-tech electronics and want to make sure im getting the most out of the money I spend on this unit because it will be the only unit I use for a looooong time.

Thanks for all the help. This thread has already been very informative for me, and im sure many others.

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Originally Posted by big10

Iv never owned or used a hds. Are the processers that slow in the gen1 to make much of a difference? What is it that is so slow about them? Sorry for all the questions. Im pretty new to the hi-tech electronics and want to make sure im getting the most out of the money I spend on this unit because it will be the only unit I use for a looooong time.

Thanks for all the help. This thread has already been very informative for me, and im sure many others.

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I would guess that the "new" "faster" processors are to run the StructureMap overlay feature of the Gen 2....

The StructureMap overlay probably takes a lot of "thinking" to make happen...

Rickie

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Originally Posted by big10

Iv never owned or used a hds. Are the processers that slow in the gen1 to make much of a difference? What is it that is so slow about them? Sorry for all the questions. Im pretty new to the hi-tech electronics and want to make sure im getting the most out of the money I spend on this unit because it will be the only unit I use for a looooong time.

Thanks for all the help. This thread has already been very informative for me, and im sure many others.

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I'm sure Rickie is right about the overlay of the structure scan. It also probably boots up a little faster and is faster when going from one page to another. I don't think the gen-1s are slow. These things are little computers and they're going to get faster and faster with each new model. Thats a good thing, personally I saved the extra money and bought a gen-1. I won't fuss over the few extra seconds a day I'll miss. Just my $.02.

Thanks guys. Im leaning towards going with a gen1 and stepping up the screen size to a 10. I know they have an internal antenna but do they make external antennas for them that can be purchased seperatly if I wanted to do so?

Yes they do make an external and you will want the 4000. The external mounted over the transducer will make getting back on the spot (waypoints) again much quicker.

Big 10, If you haven't already, go to you tube.com and type in Lowrance structure, and there is all the info you can digest in a couple of hours. Some of it is older, but still good stuff.

Thanks for all the help everyone. I decieded to go with the a 10 gen1. I should have it in couple days. I also have a hds5 i am going to put up front on the trolling motor and network both of them together and both to the LSS1. What all networking cabels ect. is needed to do this?

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Originally Posted by big10

Thanks for all the help everyone. I decieded to go with the a 10 gen1. I should have it in couple days. I also have a hds5 i am going to put up front on the trolling motor and network both of them together and both to the LSS1. What all networking cabels ect. is needed to do this?

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There will be one ethernet cable in the LSS-1 box, and you'll need to purchase one additional.

Nothing more.

Does anyone know if they have a thru hull transducer(glass boat)or do you have to mount externaly?Thank You

The lss is external, the 2d uses a puck or skimmer and either can be installed in the bilge for the 2d

Hey Everyone.

I'm trying to figure out exactly which files from the download of the Gen 2 software update I need to put on the SD card. I'm a MAC guy. Any insight is very very much appreciated!

The files their site told me to dump on the card weren't readily apparent when I downloaded the zip file. I kept them all and put the card in the unit today and it acted like nothing had happened at all....

Thanks for your help!!!

Bruce

I have a Gen 1 Hds 10 and a Gen 1 Hds 8 with Structure Scan, Sonic Hub and Sirius Satellite. The processor in the Gen 1 is solw. When I am going across the lake at speed the boat will be out running the updating of the map on the Navigation page. I would definately get a Gen 2..

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Originally Posted by 32RACER

I have a Gen 1 Hds 10 and a Gen 1 Hds 8 with Structure Scan, Sonic Hub and Sirius Satellite. The processor in the Gen 1 is solw. When I am going across the lake at speed the boat will be out running the updating of the map on the Navigation page. I would definately get a Gen 2..

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From what I understand from Canepole is the out running of the map is because of the refresh rate of the internal antenna. I think he said it refreshes once per second, and an external would refresh 5 times per second. Maybe someone can confirm this??? Also, if you want to add the external, you can't just buy the Puck and add it. You also have to get the nema add on....whatever that is.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

You won't reget the bigger screen size. I've got an HDS 5 Gen 1 and got to play around with the Gen 2's today at bass pro and the Gen 2's are faster at going through the menus and features, but not enough to justify a smaller screen IMO. However, if Lowrance could come up with a way of incorperating structure map and a software program on the PC's that would allow us to make and view 3-d maps of our own lakes, well that would be to kewl:cool: and a must have.

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Originally Posted by rip-a-lip

From what I understand from Canepole is the out running of the map is because of the refresh rate of the internal antenna. I think he said it refreshes once per second, and an external would refresh 5 times per second. Maybe someone can confirm this??? Also, if you want to add the external, you can't just buy the Puck and add it. You also have to get the nema add on....whatever that is.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

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I would love to know if this is true and I would definately buy the external antenna!!

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Originally Posted by 32RACER

I would love to know if this is true and I would definately buy the external antenna!!

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The LGC-4000 does refresh at a much faster rate than the internal receivers. As stated above, you need the NMEA 2000 Network in your boat to use the LGC-4000 receiver. The NMEA 2k Starter Kit (124-69) runs about $50. It comes with 2-T connectors, 1-Power node, 1-2' ext. cable, 1-15' ext cable, 2- 120 ohm terminators and will give you enough parts to connect 1 HDS unit and one LGC-4000 receiver. Another advantage of the external antenna is increased accuracy when you mark a waypoint. By placing the receiver as close as possible to the transducer, you will have a more accurate coordinate when you press the waypoint button.

This may have been mentioned earlier but you can also increase the refresh rate of your internal receiver by following the steps below.

1) Press “Page” button

2) Press the right arrow on the cursor pad to scroll over to “Waypoints, Routes and Trails”

3) Use the arrows to select “trails” and hit the “menu” button.

4) Use the cursor pad to highlight settings, then press the enter button

5) Change the “logging type” to “Time”

6) Finally, set the time to “1 sec”. Press close and exit out.

NMEA 2000 NETWORK
Attachment 93738


Brian

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Originally Posted by Brian@BBGmarine

The LGC-4000 does refresh at a much faster rate than the internal receivers. As stated above, you need the NMEA 2000 Network in your boat to use the LGC-4000 receiver. The NMEA 2k Starter Kit (124-69) runs about $50. It comes with 2-T connectors, 1-Power node, 1-2' ext. cable, 1-15' ext cable, 2- 120 ohm terminators and will give you enough parts to connect 1 HDS unit and one LGC-4000 receiver. Another advantage of the external antenna is increased accuracy when you mark a waypoint. By placing the receiver as close as possible to the transducer, you will have a more accurate coordinate when you press the waypoint button.

This may have been mentioned earlier but you can also increase the refresh rate of your internal receiver by following the steps below.

1) Press “Page” button

2) Press the right arrow on the cursor pad to scroll over to “Waypoints, Routes and Trails”

3) Use the arrows to select “trails” and hit the “menu” button.

4) Use the cursor pad to highlight settings, then press the enter button

5) Change the “logging type” to “Time”

6) Finally, set the time to “1 sec”. Press close and exit out.

NMEA 2000 NETWORK
Attachment 93738


Brian

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I agree. Above is how my HDS is set up. The HDS is more accurate set up this way especially at slower speeds. However, your trail droppings will run out much sooner and your trail will rap around and write over your ongoing trail. This is 'cause your drop more trail dots. In auto mode, droppings is based on SOG.