Shoulda Done More Research (998 SI & 788 HD DI Ethernet)

Somebody please enlighten me...

I recently bought a new 998 SI, a new 788 HD DI, and the Ethernet cables to connect the 2.

I Knew the 2 would not share sonar. Not a big deal... What I didn't know was... 1. They will not share navigation information (routes). 2. They will not transfer waypoints from 1 unit to the other when you mark a spot. 3. They will not share accessories like my Weather Sense. What good is the Ethernet Connection?

I was better off with the Interlink. It does all of the above!

I see ABSOLUTELY NO advantage to linking these 2 units via Ethernet. It is a useless waste of money!

If I missing something please let me know!

The advantages in Ethernet (good or bad is up to you)...

1. Ethernet allows hooking units without a "extra" box (Interlink)
2. Future HB accessories will all be Ethernet compatable (Interlink will probably eventually be lowered into "Legacy" status and not produced any more)...
3. Allows each unit to hold a total number of waypoints allowed in each respective unit...(the interlink only allows a maximum number of waypoints limited to the waypoint capacity of the smaller unit)...
Example:
The 998 holds 2750 waypoints...
The 788 holds 2500 waypoints...

With Interlink, the total number of waypoints able to use is 2500... (because the waypoints are actually transferred and stored into the memory of the other unit AND in the Interlink)...

With Ethernet, the total number of waypoints shared is 5250....(2750+2500)... (because Ethernet allows each unit to "see" the other's stored waypoints)...(both units have to be powered on for each to "see" the other's stored waypoints)..
this is the way I understand it anyway...

Rickie

So, if you mark a waypoint on the rear unit you can't see it on the bow unit?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slab Junkie

So, if you mark a waypoint on the rear unit you can't see it on the bow unit?

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Using Ethernet... Marking a waypoint on either unit will allow the other unit "see" that waypoint as long as both units are powered on and the setting is set to share waypoints...

If you mark a waypoint on the rear unit, turn the rear unit off, and then turn on the bow unit... The bow unit will not "see" the waypoint that was marked at the rear unit...(unless you leave the rear unit powered on)...

Rickie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

Using Ethernet... Marking a waypoint on either unit will allow the other unit "see" that waypoint as long as both units are powered on and the setting is set to share waypoints...

If you mark a waypoint on the rear unit, turn the rear unit off, and then turn on the bow unit... The bow unit will not "see" the waypoint that was marked at the rear unit...(unless you leave the rear unit powered on)...

Rickie

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That was my understanding of how it works but it sounded as though Wiskers is saying his is not working that way?

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Originally Posted by Slab Junkie

That was my understanding of how it works but it sounded as though Wiskers is saying his is not working that way?

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No. That is the way mine works. But if I want that waypoint loaded on the other unit I have to physically put it on there with the other unit's card. With the Interlink when I mark a spot on 1 unit it automatically puts it on the other unit.

If that's how HB ethernet works, It needs some perfecting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wiskers

No. That is the way mine works. But if I want that waypoint loaded on the other unit I have to physically put it on there with the other unit's card. With the Interlink when I mark a spot on 1 unit it automatically puts it on the other unit.

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This statement is true (to my knowledge)...

Interlinked units allow you to mark a wp on one and it automatically physically loads that same wp data into the memory of the other unit...

Etherneted units allow each unit to "see" the waypoints in the other unit's memory....both units have to be powered on for ethernet to allow one unit to "see" into the other unit's memory...

Here is info on Ethernet...
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/in...p?topic=2052.0

Rickie

My HDS units record waypoints to both units through Ethernet, and hold 5000 waypoints on each unit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

This statement is true (to my knowledge)...

Interlinked units allow you to mark a wp on one and it automatically physically loads that same wp data into the memory of the other unit...

Etherneted units allow each unit to "see" the waypoints in the other unit's memory....both units have to be powered on for ethernet to allow one unit to "see" into the other unit's memory...

Here is info on Ethernet...
Humminbird Ethernet Overview

Rickie

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Rickie here's my beef. If you keep the same waypoints on each unit, like I do, what is the benefit? In fact it creates problems

Here's a scenario for you. Alright... Say I start out with 2000 identical waypoints on both Units. I have the units set up to share waypoints. BTW this locks my new 788 up. Now... I'm cruising along Sidescanning with the console unit. I find a good brush pile, and mark it. Now I have 1 extra waypoint on that unit. I do this several times during the day adding several waypoints during the day. During the day I also, while sitting in on the bow & running a ledge, mark several on the bow/trolling motor unit. Now I have 2 units with additional, waypoints but the additional way point are different.. Each has their own "new" waypoints file that includes 2000 that are also on the other unit. Now... I want to get all these waypoints on each unit. Now I have to load those 2 separate files of waypoints into Humminbird PC & physically sort thru over 4000+ waypoint and pick out the ones that aren't common to each unit, then create a new file of waypoint to load on each unit. Humminbird PC has no way of automatically sorting out duplicate waypoints.

The only way I see of effectively managing this is delete ALL the waypoint off 1 of the units and keep all your waypoint on the other unit. When I mark new stuff on the empty unit I can transfer them to an SD card & merge the 2 files on the main storage unit. Then... wipe the other unit clean again. This would eliminate the "duplicates" issue but would be a lot of work.

Now everything is hunky dory till the unit with ALL the waypoints on it crashes! Now your SCREWED if you haven't remembered to export that merged file to an SD card!!!

Oh... There's a way to manage the issues but MY GOODNESS!!!

Plus... I'm still dealing with that flip'n DONUT!!! banghead

I've been a Bird Man for years & years but Lowrance is look'n better and better to me all the time!

I may as well have these 2 units connected with a piece of string! :mad:

What's the "donut"?

Do you still have interlink? If so, remove your ethernet connection and both units will sync up.

I like the ethernet myself, but just personal perference, it doesn't bother me if i have different colored marks and I haven't found a reason for both units to have all my waypoints as long as I can get to them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stymie

Do you still have interlink? If so, remove your ethernet connection and both units will sync up.

I like the ethernet myself, but just personal perference, it doesn't bother me if i have different colored marks and I haven't found a reason for both units to have all my waypoints as long as I can get to them.

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Naw... I sold the 798 & the Interlink to a buddy at the campground. Wish I had kept it.

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Originally Posted by Slab Junkie

What's the "donut"?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C3O9...e_gdata_player

Rickie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stymie

Do you still have interlink? If so, remove your ethernet connection and both units will sync up.

I like the ethernet myself, but just personal perference, it doesn't bother me if i have different colored marks and I haven't found a reason for both units to have all my waypoints as long as I can get to them.

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I agree! I manage my waypoints after each trip or two also. Mostly save mine on console, though I swivel my console unit when at the bow. Also can save waypoints on SD cards and only load the ones you want for that day. This works well on smaller lakes so your map isn't cluttered. Change is always aggarvating, but ussually good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wiskers

Rickie here's my beef. If you keep the same waypoints on each unit, like I do, what is the benefit?
The only way I see of effectively managing this is delete ALL the waypoint off 1 of the units and keep all your waypoint on the other unit. When I mark new stuff on the empty unit I can transfer them to an SD card & merge the 2 files on the main storage unit. Then... wipe the other unit clean again. This would eliminate the "duplicates" issue but would be a lot of work.

Now everything is hunky dory till the unit with ALL the waypoints on it crashes! Now your SCREWED if you haven't remembered to export that merged file to an SD card!!!

Oh... There's a way to manage the issues but MY GOODNESS!!!

Plus... I'm still dealing with that flip'n DONUT!!! banghead

I've been a Bird Man for years & years but Lowrance is look'n better and better to me all the time!

I may as well have these 2 units connected with a piece of string! :mad:

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I'm not gonna defend (or bash) HB for Ethernet's functionality for 2 reasons...
1. I don't have definite HB reasoning in their decision
2. I don't even own two HB units to connect together

I will offer my opinion on what may have been their reasoning...

*Interlink makes a "2 unit HB setup" more complicated (more hardware)...
*Future HB innovations are more conducive to Ethernet functionality...
*Ethernet allows more total waypoint capacity shared than Interlink...

I agree with the idea that having the actual waypoint data physically stored in each separate unit would be beneficial for the way some would want to manage their waypoints..(if I had 2 units I would want the wps on each unit)...

If I had to guess... I would say HB sees no problem with both units being on constantly to allow the sharing of the wps in each separate unit into a total wp capacity of more than double the capacity of wps usable with Interlink...

Is there an easy solution..?? I don't know...because I don't have 2 units....
Is there a workable solution...?? Maybe someone will chime in with their experience in wp management with Ethernet....

Is Ethernet better than Interlink...??
In some ways (to some users) ...probably so....
In some ways (to other users) ....probably not....

I would like to see the HB units allow physical transfer of wp data and more total wp capacity...like someone mentioned the HDS units allow.....

Maybe in a future update if there is enough uproar on the boards about it...

I don't hear the bass boys complaining about it (on the other boards I watch)...so you tell me....do you think they listen to crappie fishermen...??
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...-hb-donut.html

Rickie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

I'm not gonna defend (or bash) HB for Ethernet's functionality for 2 reasons...
1. I don't have definite HB reasoning in their decision
2. I don't even own two HB units to connect together

I will offer my opinion on what may have been their reasoning...

*Interlink makes a "2 unit HB setup" more complicated (more hardware)...
*Future HB innovations are more conducive to Ethernet functionality...
*Ethernet allows more total waypoint capacity shared than Interlink...

I agree with the idea that having the actual waypoint data physically stored in each separate unit would be beneficial for the way some would want to manage their waypoints..(if I had 2 units I would want the wps on each unit)...

If I had to guess... I would say HB sees no problem with both units being on constantly to allow the sharing of the wps in each separate unit into a total wp capacity of more than double the capacity of wps usable with Interlink...

Is there an easy solution..?? I don't know...because I don't have 2 units....
Is there a workable solution...?? Maybe someone will chime in with their experience in wp management with Ethernet....

Is Ethernet better than Interlink...??
In some ways (to some users) ...probably so....
In some ways (to other users) ....probably not....

I would like to see the HB units allow physical transfer of wp data and more total wp capacity...like someone mentioned the HDS units allow.....

Maybe in a future update if there is enough uproar on the boards about it...

I don't hear the bass boys complaining about it (on the other boards I watch)...so you tell me....do you think they listen to crappie fishermen...??
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...-hb-donut.html

Rickie

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Beginning to wonder.

I have studied on this for several days & I believe I can manage it. It just sucks to have to do what I'm gonna have to do to make it work for me.

Wiskers, don't forget to come back later and detail us on what you did and how it worked it out for you. Could be useful information for others.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stymie

Wiskers, don't forget to come back later and detail us on what you did and how it worked it out for you. Could be useful information for others.

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What I am do'n Stymie is... I have deleated all waypoints off of my Bow unit (788 HD DI). I have all my waypoints loaded on my console unit (998c SI). I have both units on "Share."

If I mark something on the 998 while side scanning it is on that unit in that group of waypoints. No problems. If I find something with the 788 & mark it at the end of the day I move the waypoint to an SD card & add the waypoints to the 998. After doing this I wipe the 788n clean again so I don't get any duplicate waypoints. It is manageable, but it takes some effort.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C3O93OBpJE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Rickie

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Gotcha, I've got the "donut" to. Just didn't realize what you were referring too at the time. I'm not too found of it either but all in all I do like my H-Bird.