797si First review...

[Cane Pole]

I finally got some cockpit time in on the 797. I rigged up a battery eliminator circuit and eliminated the need for the 9v batteries to run the simulator. This worked out great. I can now run my 797 sitting in the house in my lounge chair for as long as I care to do so. Lots easier sitting in the lounge chair than sitting in the boat all day. ha

It was easy to eliminate the 2 batteries since they were connected in series to produce 18 volts to run the 797. The spec states 10 to 20 volts at 650 ma. Nine volt batteries want last long in the simulator mode. Probably, at best, get 15 minutes "cockpit time" with new batteries. Humminbird gives this usage warning.

The simulator is a great learning tool. I can navigate thru the unit now with ease. It also allowed me to setup different views and configurations and look at them. This helps a lot, but it doesn't replace on the water time. I don't have to fiddle with the buttons much now, as I have pretty much got it down with the simulator practice.

Lots of stuff I will never use in the 797 menu. So I disabled, hid, or turned it off. Makes it simple when you don't have to pan through a bunch of stuff you don't use.

I also visited the side imaging yahoo groups. Some good poop there. It is hard to search specific items thru the groups.

What I need now is water time. 31 more days and I will have plenty of time..
after I get the 200 page honey do list finished.

Thus far, I like it. There are a couple of things I ain't too fond of, but all in all, I think it is a good unit. Time will tell, that is if I live that long.

[1weezer]

You da man Tom!!!! My hero.
Once you get your water time and get it figured out, get in the boat with me and show me all the in's and out's. :-)

[Cane Pole]

You da man Tom!!!! My hero.
Once you get your water time and get it figured out, get in the boat with me and show me all the in's and out's. :-)

I hoping you would show me how to use it. I just know what the buttons do..

[gonefishing]

Tom Good luck on retirement @ 54 I am thinking or wishing for it too.



I have been looking at the 997 and may be buying it. I have a matrix 27 on my boat now. If it was you where would you mount the two. (Stick steering boat)
Thanks Sam

[btts]

CONGRATS ON YOUR 797 I have the 997 & love it.I done same thing you did I played with mine for about 3hours in the simulator mode learing how to run it,then took it to lake after I got off work for the next 3 days just to learn on how I needed set up.

[willsjwills]

Dang it guys, I just bought a new Eagle, now ya'll start talking about all this new fangled stuff. Gnnnnnnnnn.

Hope you enjoy your retirement, CP. I am over 65 now and don't plan on retiring any time soon. Would like to have more fishing time, though. Retiring may be the only way to get it.

[pstone]

Yep, you guys make me sick!:rolleyes: No way I can afford one, and here you guys come talking about how good they are.......sickening.:D

Now, as long as I'm sick of you guys you might as well get out on the lake and find some cool stuff, and get some pics of it to post for me.:D :D :D

[wannabe fisherman]

Yep, you guys make me sick!:rolleyes: No way I can afford one, and here you guys come talking about how good they are.......sickening.:D

Now, as long as I'm sick of you guys you might as well get out on the lake and find some cool stuff, and get some pics of it to post for me.:D :D :D

yeah and for the rest of us that can't justify the expense!!!:rolleyes: notice I didn't say can't afford it?

[pstone]

LOL:D Notice I DID say can't afford it!

yeah and for the rest of us that can't justify the expense!!!:rolleyes: notice I didn't say can't afford it?

[J White]

justify fishing equipment

well, maybe I can justify NOT buying something,
like "If I buy this new boat I'm gonna have to sleep in it
because my old lady will take the house and my shed"

or "I can get four more crankbaits, OR I can eat lunch this week"
Hey buddy, You gonna use that cup o' dried noodles??? :D