Todd Driscoll

Here is a pic from an HDS-10 and the downscan from StructureScan. It is a school of 12-16 inch bass between two brushpiles. I know because I caught them every drop with a dropshot for 45 minutes,

Yes, your X51 came with a gray connector 200 kHz ducer. These are compatible with blue connector units like your 332C, minus the temp sensor. Since you indicate your current grey connector ducer is without temp anyway, you are good.

Very good advice. This is a common problem, especially with older boats. Run HDS power wires directly to battery and this problem will go away. Don't forget to include your 3 amp fuse link.

Call Lowrance CS regarding repair - 800-324-1356

Could be a bad ducer, but if you haven't already, be sure to select Shallow Water (for fishing less than 100 feet) under Fishing Mode in the Sonar settings.

Lowrance will be offering demo rides at the BASS Elite at West Point Lake in LaGrange, GA. Demo rides will be 8:30 through 12:00 noon on Thursday May 5, Friday May 6, Saturday May 7, and Sunday May 8. Demo rides will be the same times the following week (Thursday May 12, Friday May 13, Saturday May 14, and Sunday May 15) at the BASS Elite on Lake Murray in Columbia, SC. Both events are weather permitting.

Unusual for sure, as I've updated a good many units without a single glitch. First, just try reinstalling update. If there are still problems, I would delete the current update files, download again from the Lowrance site, then reinstall.

Cool all the way around. I remember our PMs, glad it worked out.

Appreciate that, just here to help!

The new 4.0 software is a free download from the Lowrance website and is recommended for all HDS multi-function displays worldwide. Key HDS Update Enhancements Performance Improvements – HDS 4.0 provides users with faster boot time, improved key response, charting speed improvements and system stability improvements. Ease of Use – HDS 4.0 includes several new enhancements to make HDS units easier to use. HDS-8 and -10 users can program up to six of their favorite screens using the quick access keys. In addition, HDS-5 and -7 users now can show chart or traditional sonar images with side-scan views and DownScan Imaging™ in a three-panel display option. Other improvements include: • Auto-detection of chart cards with user option to activate • Setup wizard for HDS optimization • Quick toggle of Insight mapping contour lines Sonar Improvements – HDS 4.0 software provides better sonar performance, including: • Less interference from trolling motors • Improved noise rejection overall • Faster high-speed recovery For a complete list of improvements, please see the release notes available on the download page. http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads/Product-Software-Updates/HDS-Software-Update/

If your problem reappears (which I bet it will), you or a dealer will need to trace your unit power wires thoroughly. You say each unit is powered by a different battery, but this would be very unusual. Typically, both units are powered from your cranking battery. Also, given both units are having trouble powering up, this suggests a wiring problem common to both units.

No doubt, the best place is where your old ducer is. You should be able to remove it, preferably by hitting it with a rubber mallet. If it's hard to hit directly, get a pry bar and a hammer. I've removed a good many old ducers and never had one I couldn't get out. I will say the more stubborn ones did come out in pieces. Once removed, make sure you sand away all the old epoxy and clean/dry area thoroughly.

It's a good buy for $40.

There should have been adapter sleeves for the iPhone 4 in the box (Top A , Bottom D). Are you using AT&T or Verizon? The software that Apple is using in the Verizon iPhone 4 does not currently work with the SonicHub, but work is being done on that now to get Verizon compatible.

GPS up front is obviously your call, but personally I would never go without it. For the DSI units, there is an optional trolling motor mount - it does not come with the units. Part # 000-10261-001 http://www.lei-extras.com/store/search.asp?SearchType=Unit&Unit=Elite%2D5+DSI

Yes, both units are fully compatible with NMEA 2000 networking. With NMEA, level of wpt sharing is newly created waypoints, with both units powered new wpts will be shared between units.

There are no emulators available for HDS units or the LSS.

Personally, I would put the DSI unit at the console. I find this technology most useful while idling and looking for places to fish. Don't get me wrong, DSI functions well up front too. But, given the choice of only DSI or 2D sonar up front while fishing, I prefer 2D sonar.

No, the Eagle units are uniplug style, while the Lowrance units have threaded lock collars.

Yes, you can share 2D sonar ducers by directly connecting the units with an Ethernet cable. The depth overlay will change with the corresponding 2D ducer you select.

Regarding your HDS 7 and the returns you are getting, it could be due to the quality of the shoot-thru mount. Instructions (page 13 of link below) must be followed to ensure maximum performance and highest-quality returns. http://www.lowrance.com/upload/Lowrance/Documents/Manuals/Skimmer_xdcr_0147-582_041703.pdf Also be sure to have the current software (3.5), check at Menu, Menu, System, About. Here are some sonar settings that may improve returns. First, under Sonar Settings, select Shallow Water (for our purposes this is water < 100 feet deep) (the default is General Use) and set scroll speed to normal. Also, under Installation select your appropriate transducer. Under Sonar Menu, I run Ping Speed at 18. Colorline I like at 85. For shallow water, especially around grass, I prefer color palette 1. For deep water or with lakes void of grass, I like palette 13 (bottom color tracking in the older units, helps separate fish from the bottom/cover). To share 2D ducers between units (network sonar), all you need to do is Ethernet-link them (yellow cable). Then, you select ducer source in the sonar menu. You can do this directly from unit to unit, or link them thru an LSS box or Ethernet expansion port. Your LSS has three Ethernet ports, so it will link three devices. You would only need the expansion port if you were linking 4 or more devices. The broadband 2D sonar is built-in to the HDS units.

Huh? Lowrance has provided free updates on the internet for years. http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads/Product-Software-Updates/

I'd suggest everyone run 2D sonar and downscan side by side at the console when first learning the technology. After a few hours of idling and making the comparisons, you realize that downscan shows you everything that 2D sonar does, but in much greater detail with way more target separation. Personally, I very rarely run 2D sonar at the console at idle. When necessary, I do run 2D sonar on plane to monitor depth. As Wayne pointed out, I still prefer to run 2D sonar up front while fishing vertically. Keep in mind with downscan, it is a very narrow beam - hard to keep your lure in the beam. With 2D sonar you have the wider cone.

Take a look at the Mark/Elite series of Lowrance units - 2D sonar units and DSI downscan units. http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Marine/Mark-Elite-Series/