LMS 522 C/ HDS 5 debate questions.

I recently bought an LMS 522 C IGPS. I have not installed this yet and I am debating on whether to keep it or exchange it plus a little extra cash for the HDS 5.
I like the fact that I can buy a kit to use the LMS 522 for ice fishing. This would come in handy when my dad comes up to ice fish so I don’t have to give up my Vexilar FL-20. It would also be great to use the GPS in the truck or on the ATV while moving around on the ice. Does anyone know if the ice fishing kit will be compatible with the HDS 5?

Next question, I have a 16.5 foot Lund Explorer, I don’t really target a specifac species all the time so I don’t need to gear towards any one species. I would like to put my new sonar/gps unit on the console which leaves me with a decision on what to put up front. I have a Lowrance X47 and the Vexilar FL-20.I would be using the Universal sonar on my Terrova trolling motor. Looking for input as to what unit to put up front. Do any of you guys use GPS up front and on the console?

You probably have seen me post these comments on the site before but, the inability of teh hds 5 to read navionics chips makes it a poor choice. Lowrance is extremely slow in providing the updates for the unit that would enable it to read the cards. I have two of the hds 5’s right now and am not impressed at all.

I have heard nothing but bad things about the new HDS units so I will be steering clear of them for a while until they get the kinks worked out. I have the same feeling that is whats going to happen on there new side imaging but thats only a feeling. I had 2 of the LMS-520s on my boat last year and loved them all I did was upgrade to large screen units this year. My motto is “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”

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You probably have seen me post these comments on the site before but, the inability of teh hds 5 to read navionics chips makes it a poor choice. Lowrance is extremely slow in providing the updates for the unit that would enable it to read the cards. I have two of the hds 5’s right now and am not impressed at all.

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Any idea if they have problems with Lakemaster Cards?

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Any idea if they have problems with Lakemaster Cards?

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The Lakemaster chip works fine.

The Navionics chip is really only beneficial if you fish in the whole upper midwest.

If you pretty much fish in Minnesota, the Lakemaster chip is the better choice.

I have upgraded from the LMS 522 to the HDS 5.

So far, I am really happy. It was worked very well on the ice. I have not used it on the boat yet, but very soon.

The transducer and power cables are the same as the HDS/LCX series units, so the PPP-16 ice pack will work for the HDS 5.

The GPS locks on really fast, and the colors and screen clarity is amazing.

It also worked very well over weeds.

I have had lots of problems with my old LMS 522 loosing bottom over weeds. That problem seems to be eliminated with the HDS units because of the “broadband sonar” feature.

Good luck in your decision.

So speaking of side imaging…that add on module will only be available for the HDS units. If you have the 522 it won’t interface with the SI module…only the HDS will. Just something to think about.

And yes…Some do use their GPS up front. I use it instead of a marker buoy at times. Especially when other boats are around. I can also see my track if I’m following a weedline or trying to stay on a hump. Plus the saved waypoints are easier to come back to and get you at least close to your structure if not right on it.

Besides the fact that the early units need a software update to run Navionics, what specific problems have actual users had with the HDS units?

Wade,
I heard April was the target month for the Navionics. Is there any truth to that? How can a guy tell by the box if it’s ready to go or not. Is there a date code or something?

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Wade,
I heard April was the target month for the Navionics. Is there any truth to that? How can a guy tell by the box if it’s ready to go or not. Is there a date code or something?

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Not that I know of. The update should be available some time later this month.

As far as purchasing the new HDS units, I wouldn’t base my decision based on the fact that it won’t run Navionics for a few weeks. The HDS units are incredible. There are other options of course, but I advise everyone to make their own decision and don’t rule these out just because of the software update issue.

Lowrance .com gives the date of the update on thye hds page.

That I do not know for sure. I have a lakemaster chip around the house Ill have to try it

Jake, The lakemaster chip will work without the update.