Lowrance / Hummingbird Question

[jayhawkcrappie]

I am considering adding down imaging to my boat. Currently have Lowrance units on console and bow. I was considering purchashing the HB 596c HD DI, putting the transducer on the transom and the unit on the console next to the HDS-7.

My intent is to use the hummingbird solely for down imaging. It seems to be the cheapest way to add di versus buying the Lowrance bundle. Also let's me have a 5" screen for my downimaging while keeping full screen sonar on the Lowrance or splitting the Lowrance screen with maps.

Are any of you running a set up similar to this? One concern I had was the possibility of interferrence between the Lowrance and HB with both transducers being mounted on the transom and running at the same time.

Please share if you have any experience or input on running this type combination or one similar. That particular HB unit is only $399 right now.

[KAG]

Lowrance 5x DSI are cheap (sort of)

The only thing the dsi has done for me is help my know what I am looking at on the color fish finder. I don't use my dsi much but sometimes I run a split screen.

[jimp]

why not buy a HDS 5 or 7 with the bundle and then you could have DS/SS on both FF's, lots more options available to you that way. Probably find all you need used and get a good deal on it all.

[HaleDamage]

I would stick with one brand.
Easier to network together...Learning curve..All the menu's

Rick

[ragnar]

I have close to the same. Have a 7 touch on council for side scan. Have the hummingbird on front for down scan and sonar. It works but I prefear the lowtance down scan much more. Hey its only money

[Crappie Chatt]

You should look at the Elite DSI units. I have been really impressed with the Elite-4 DSI. It list @ $199.00 making it a real bargin for DownScan only units. Even the 5in list for just $399.00. Look at the Lowrance site for more details. Also if you have a chance to visit Cabelas or Bass Pro, play with them, and compare. You just might be surprised. <*)}}}><

[shane]

Keeping them the same brand has several advantages like being able to transfer way points without having to put them on a computer and converting them. Sometime electronics have problems and if you don't have this ability on the water, your day might be unproductive. Also networking is very cool. Learning one format and not several. Just some info...

[jayhawkcrappie]

Went with the recommendations from you Lowrance proponents. I have the HDS-7 on the console and had the Elite 5x on the bow. I didn't like the Elite at all. Sold it today so bought an HDS-5 Gen2 to replace it on the bow. Bought the StuctureScan HD separate to take advantage of the current Lowrance rebate. As I read the rebate terms...if you buy any HDS Gen2 + StructureScan HD...you get a $300 rebate. This rebate is not given if you purchse units as bundle pack with StructureScan.

Anyway...BOE Marine had the best deal I could find. $582 for HDS-5Gen2 and $537 for StructureScan HD...minus rebate came to roughly $763 bucks. Now i can network it to the HDS-7 on the console.

[ghinshaw]

I lurk around the boat ramp until I see someone in a fancy rig that looks like they can catch fish and then I follow them. I stay a little ways back so that they don't realize I am following, thats where the binoculars come in handy. If they are portly fellers I am likely going to follow them over the skinny guys. Better chance they will have chicken and beer.