PDA

View Full Version : Lowrance HDS with SS vs Humminbird SI



Strewth
14-01-2010, 04:54 PM
I would was thinking of trying the structure scan feature in a Lowrance HDS-5, but running two cables and having two transducers plus another processor box, seems to be an inelegant design. The Humminbird 798cx SI seems to have the same features for a similar cost, but only uses one cable/transducer and no box.

Am I missing something here? Anyone compared these two units who can comment on the relative merits of the sonar images/ease of use?

O-3
14-01-2010, 05:42 PM
The hummingbird doesn't have downscan, sidescan only.

I read somewhere Hummingbird may introduce downscan for existing units though.

Strewth
14-01-2010, 06:14 PM
Thanks O-3, but precisely what is the difference between down scan and side scan? The images I have seen so far look very similar.

O-3
14-01-2010, 08:17 PM
Here is a pic of Sidescan:

http://mediabase.edbasa.com/erez4/cache/navipic_j2009_m07_t13_0004093_2_tif_dbd50c8bef1719 ab.jpg

O-3
14-01-2010, 08:22 PM
Here is a pic of Downscan:

O-3
14-01-2010, 08:26 PM
Strewth:


This vid explains the differences between sidescan and downscan.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SlO6naQL0m0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SlO6naQL0m0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

O-3
14-01-2010, 08:37 PM
After a bit of googling it looks like Humminbird have released a firmware update for Downscan(they call it downimaging) on their units only two days ago.

Tuff choice now I would imagine.

Maybe wait for some more feedback on the update from Humminbird owners and then make your decision.

Strewth
14-01-2010, 10:54 PM
Great information there O-3.Tough choice indeed. Do the Humminbird transducers cause much of a rooster tail ? Where is the best place to put them?

O-3
14-01-2010, 11:01 PM
I would go a thru Hull ducer mate, no rooster tail then.

hodges4
15-01-2010, 10:59 AM
From what I've read so far, side scan/side imaging won't work through hull, it has to be mounted externally where it can clearly see sideways.

Strewth
15-01-2010, 11:50 AM
OK, so that still leaves the question of the best place for the transducer. I recall reading a suggestion somewhere that it should be mounted in front of the motor?

hodges4
15-01-2010, 01:48 PM
Try this site. You will have to join group first to be able to view photos. There's a heap of photos of installing transducers and other info. The info will be the ame no matter which brand you go for.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/

John