Multiple HDS Unit Setup…

Here is what I am thinking about doing…

I would like to have an HDS5 in the bow and an HDS7 and another HDS5 at the driver’s console. I have to work the rebate offer right now which prevents me from getting into the HDS8 or larger unit. So, I plan on having the HDS5 console unit dedicated to sonar while the HDS 7 unit will be for structure scan and for GPS.

What do you think?

Thanks!

Andy

I have 2 HDS 7. The bow one uses US2 on Terrova and Down and Side from LSS1 Dash uses glassed in 200mhz and LSS1. They share waypoints. I side scan from dash mark way points etc. then come back and fish from bow of my Stratos 186. It works very well. You do need map chip for both units as they cannot share maps but can share waypoints and routes. I am very happy with the units. I also have the sonic hub for radio and Ipod which can be controlled by either HDS unit. On thing you must do with the new high end electronics is make sure the circuit that powers them can be turned off when not in use. The LSS1 can draw power even if units are off. The boat dealer installed a electric kill switch when rigging the boat. When I put boat on trailer I kill power to everything with flick of that switch.

Mwal

Quote:

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I have 2 HDS 7. The bow one uses US2 on Terrova and Down and Side from LSS1 Dash uses glassed in 200mhz and LSS1. They share waypoints. I side scan from dash mark way points etc. then come back and fish from bow of my Stratos 186. It works very well. You do need map chip for both units as they cannot share maps but can share waypoints and routes. I am very happy with the units. I also have the sonic hub for radio and Ipod which can be controlled by either HDS unit. On thing you must do with the new high end electronics is make sure the circuit that powers them can be turned off when not in use. The LSS1 can draw power even if units are off. The boat dealer installed a electric kill switch when rigging the boat. When I put boat on trailer I kill power to everything with flick of that switch.

Mwal

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You would also have a NMEA 2000 with having the sonic hub stereo system.

If you looking at running Just the units and structure scan you can run up to 3 units off the ethernet network through the structure scan. If you’re going to add any engine sensors, sonic hub, gps pucks, etc… you will need to now add the NMEA 2000 network along with your ethernet network. Before I switched to Bird I ran 2 HDS sevens on my dash and a seven at the bow along with nmea 2000 network, 2 gps pucks, structure scan, sonic hub, fuel flow sensor, and engine managment system. Ended up being a lot of cabels and connectors all over the boat under the decks. Worked pretty good though.

I forgot to mention that side scan does not work well with a bow mount LSS1. Plus it is meant to be used at 2 to 4 mph to get a good scan. If your intent is side scan from while slowly fishing you will not be pleased with the results. Structure scan is also to best used from a fixed position LSS1. Doc Samson explains how the beams of structure scan and side scan are not round cones like the traditional transducer signal and should not be used on trolling motors.

Mwal

I will be getting the SS and will be linking all the units together off of the SS transducer at the rear of the boat, so I wont be using the SS off of the trolling motor.

Also, what is this NMEA 2000 network?

Thanks!

Andy

If you were to get an 8 (or 10) for the console would you eliminate the other 5?

Did a little looking on Jolly Ann, if you got the 7+LSS2 combo (for the lowrance rebate) and then just an 8, its only $300 more than the set up you described, not inlcuding any add ons (gps puck, NMEA wiring, that stuff). Then you’d have a 7 for the bow and 8 at the console.

NMEA 2000 is a computer communication protocol. It is used by the Sonic Hub to talk to the HDS units and to my 115 Evinrude Etec. They do not use Ethernet cat5 connectivity. The HDS unit can talk to each other with standard Cat5 Ethernet connectivity like your home or network PC. Unless you are going to use Sonic hub or monitor your outboard you will not need the NMEA 2000. Make sure to consult a knowledgeable dealer before purchasing.

Mwal

NMEA 2000 is the network required to run other lowrance accessories other then structure scan. Any accessory will link together through the network and any unit you want to use those accessories will need to be linked into that network.

If you plan on running the structure scan you can plug up to 3 units via ethernet network cable (yellow connector tan cable) into the structure scan module box. This will allow you to share structure scan and waypoints between all the units.