Thread: Discussion on Lowrance Elite 5 DSI/Chartplotter ....

Originally Posted by crappiepappy

Eli ... I have the clip-in mount for mine, and it's rock solid. Check & make sure you get the unit hooked into the mount real good. I have my transducer on the TM head, with the plastic sleeve thingy .... and got no interference from my TM.

I wouldn't (& don't) put my unit on until I get to the lake. I never trailer with it mounted/hooked up. It gets a nice cozy ride in the truck, until I get to the loading lane at the ramp. That was what I was "told" to do, back with my old 2d units I've had over the last 35yrs ... and it's just become a habit.

... cp

Thanks CP.

It seems to be on there correctly, but when I give it a wiggle, it wiggles. Maybe it is nothing, I will let you all know.

I am glad to hear there is no interference. And I will take your advice and not drive with it. I did that with my old, new one, but then after a year or so it wasn't so new so I just left it on.

OK .... more questions :

IF I should decide to update my unit .... what exactly is changed (updated) in my unit, and what "equipment" will I need to perform this update ??

Am I looking at having to purchase a card reader ?? (don't currently have one) And I would guess I'd also need a blank SD card, to transfer the update data onto & then into the unit ... but, what size card & how much memory ?? The units card slot looks like it would only take a micro card.

And just for the sake of asking .... for those that have this unit & a map card, and have recently updated : Did you notice any significant differences, and did you experience any problems/glitches as a result of the update ?? Also ... should I happen to wait & skip an update or two, then decide to "catch up" .... would I need to sequentially do all the past updates, or can I just do the latest update ??

... cp

You need a micro SD card and something that will attach that to a computer. Most micro SD cards come with an adapter for an SD reader but you still need a reader if you computer doesn't have a built in port for it. You download the update from the site to your card and follow the directions that are printed on the Lowrance update page for the update. Not hard. I noticed no difference after the update but I don't have a map card, just the built in maps. As far as I know, there is only one update for the Elite 5 DSI at this time. Make sure you get a low capacity micro SD card. The unit can't take anything more than a 2 GB card.

That's kinda what I thought, FAADAN. I'll need to get a card reader w/usb plug & a 1-2Gig micro SD card. I should be able to get those for < $20 so that's not all that bad. Just wish I knew what the updates were, or knew where to find out.

I don't have a map card, yet, either ... and probably won't get one until I find out whether or not this unit will make my fishing more productive.

Anybody have any thoughts on what card reader brands SHOULD NOT be considered ?? I'll probably get a Sandisk Micro card, if that has any bearings on what card reader works best with them.

... cp

This is from Lowrance's web site.

What changes are made in this update?
Elite-5 DSI 1.2 includes the following:

• Updates the Navionics selection to allow for either US coastal or Canadian coastal charts to be loaded. This eliminates any gaps that could have appeared because the US and Canadian chart boarders were overlapping
• Improved depth color shading when using Navionics charts.
• General software and performance improvements.

Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill

This is from Lowrance's web site.

What changes are made in this update?
Elite-5 DSI 1.2 includes the following:

• Updates the Navionics selection to allow for either US coastal or Canadian coastal charts to be loaded. This eliminates any gaps that could have appeared because the US and Canadian chart boarders were overlapping
• Improved depth color shading when using Navionics charts.
• General software and performance improvements.

Like I said, I didn't notice any difference before or after the update.

Thanks, guys !!

Man I hate ambiguity Rofl .... I mean, just exactly WHAT "general software & performance improvements" are they talking about

The first part, the coastal overlaps/gaps, doesn't affect me ... so that's not a reason for me to update.
The second part ... depth color shading, seems to be exclusive to Navionics maps, so it doesn't affect me (yet). I still have to do a little "on the water" testing, without a map card, to see if I think it necessary to purchase the $100+ lake map card.
The third part, "general software & performance improvements", sounds important ... but if updaters can't really tell any significant difference, I may just wait & see if another update comes out anytime soon.

I do like the idea that "improvements" can be made with FREE updates, though I do wish Lowrance would be a little more specific on what they were or what differences I would/should notice. That is, of course, IF they CAN divulge that info ... and not in "rocket science" terminology Rofl

... cp

whats up fellas, i just bought this unit took it out for the first time yesterday.i'm having a problem showing shorelines/conture lines i only get a brown screen with my location. so in otherwords i have a brown screen with an arrow, can anyone help with this problem. thank you.......