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Looking at getting one of these fairly cheap with the gps option; 2 requests from the knowledgable audience:
1) can you install maps on the Matrix 17 and if so what can you install on them?
2) any pros/cons from those folks out there with experience using them.
Thaanks for any help.
Quote:
Originally Posted by easton405
I have the Matrix 17. I use it on the bow of my boat and the Matrix 15 by the cockpit. It's a very easy to use unit...as a matter of fact, once it was installed, I made all of my adjustments w/out looking at the manual. As far as the GPS option, I haven't used it...I prefer using my handheld. I can sync my handheld to the unit, but I haven't bought the cable...rather use that money on gas :D
Thanks for the reply...good to know there is a positive opinion on the Matrix. I think I am going to pull the trigger on it.
These days, folks like Garmin and some others have come up with really affordable handhelds that offer a lot more flexibility than integrating your GPS in with your fishfinder. You can take the handheld off your boat and use it in you car as well. A nice hand held unit is the Garmin GPS Map 76CSX. Combine it with Blue Chart maps software and you're pretty well set GPS wise.
I have a Matrix 17 I was given. It's simple to use and I really like it. The Matrix 17 is a dual beam and includes temperature sensing in the puck as well.
Dave
you may look at some of the 700 series humminbirds. I think these are a little more advanced for around the same $$.
Queston for you humminbird owners will the gps speed read below 1 mph?
Easton, You cannot add maps to the Matrix 17! It can save tracks and waypoints. Also a great fishfinder. The speed will go to about .3 mph accutately. You may want to look at the 383 or the 595 for mappping capabilities. Though, I love the 700 series.
It will register a speed but I question how accurate it is. According to our resident Electronics GURU ( AKA Cane Pole ) GPS isn't accurate at speeds of less than about 1.5 mph.Quote:
Originally Posted by speck chaser
i have the 717 and find it to be easy to work with and decent detail for the money.
i would recommend it but i think this actual model has been discontinued. but i would get the replacement unit without hesitation.
i realize that is what they say i have had a garmin and lowrance
they would both read down to .3 i was just curious if the humminbirds will read that low. This is how i judge my speed trolling may not be accurate but it works for me.Thamks for the help i have a 787c2i on the way will have to do till i get the 997
The 717 is still in our 2008 catalog. The answer to the question will the Humminbird units read gps speed below 1 mph. The answer is yes it will.
Accuracy of GPS are deceiving just like the cone angles of depth finders. Manufacturers use different methods to predict accuracies. So what method does Huminbird use to determine its accuracy?
If the accuracy of a gps is 10 feet (which most manuf refer), then how can anyone honestly say it can measure accurately 1mph? Heck, lets just use the radius of this circle. 5 feet. Now at 1mph, you are moving about 1.5 foot per second. It would take over 3 seconds (at 1 mph) to get beyond the radius.
Now a start/stop data string from heaven is about 1 second (the best info I can get is 1.5 sec epoch). Pings from heaven every second, no way.
Accuracy no, estimated accuracy yes.
I have two Matrix25s which have been discontinued and it looks like the 17 was a replacement for awhile. I'm happy with them. I CAN connect the 25 to the GPS and have the cable and all, but find no reason to do so. the GPS76 I use has plenty of power to do everything I need it to do, without needing the 25 as a backup storage unit, which is essentially what it can be used as. Rather than buy another unit for a second boat of mine, I just bought another base, wiring, and transducer for the 25s I already have.
The only issue I have ever had with my Matrix, is I get incorrect readings at a couple particular very muddy and stained lakes, like the unit cant punch through all the clutter. It could probably be fixed if I knew how to adjust the settings!
Get a 17, you won't be disappointed.
Joe