Lowrance Hds Questions

Hey guys this winter I will be putting two hds units on our boat. I have some questions for you guys. I will be putting a hds10 on the console and a hds7 on the bow. Can I network these two units together or do they have to be the same number? Also can I put the structure scan on at a later time or does that have to be bought with the unit. I had a guy tell me that use to fish the pwt that lowrance had lots of problems with water getting inside the unit when they first came out. He is sponsored by hummingbird? Is there any truth to this and if so has lowrance got it fixed? Thanks for the help guys

You can hook up any nema unit to each other I have LMS520C and a HDS7 hooked up together so there shouldn’t be a problem w 2 HDS units also w/ eathernet hook up you share more info,the LSS1 side scan can be added at any time the units will see and ask to add when they are started after addding the LSS1,both units get hooked to the LSS1 to comunicate, with the eathernet cables .I just got my units in may and haven’t heard anything about wet units,so far I’ve had good luck with my units.
Stan

So whats the difference between the base map and insight usa map? Thanks for the help

My buddy had one of the Hds units out of the first batch and there were problems with water getting in it but they changed a seal or something early on and fixed it. No problems since.

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So whats the difference between the base map and insight usa map? Thanks for the help

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I have no experience with the insight mapping, but I think it is the high def maps with the shaded relief depth. There is probably more difference than just that. I think it gives the details on the Lowrance website.

Link to Lowarance<<<

I run LakeMaster over the Insight.

Hello boos1906,

As usual these guys are correct with their responses. The ethernet cable connects any two HDS units together to share sonar information and the NMEA backbone connects any two units together to share GPS information. The HDS units don’t have to be the same model. The LSS-1 or Structure Scan is an add-on for the HDS units. It has a module that will connect to up to three HDS units and display the structure scan on all three units at the same time. This means you can connect it to the HDS 10 you plan on installing at the console only and view it as you are idling around. Or you can run an ethernet cable up to the HDS7 at your bow also and view the structure scan up front as you are fishing, just remember you are viewing a picture that is from the stern.

The difference between the Insight USA and the base map is that the Insight USA has contour lines, points of interest and navigation aids in the pre-loaded mapping. The base map units have generic mapping in them so if you are going to run Lakemaster like Brian indicated he does then don’t spend the extra money on pre-loaded mapping, just get the base unit and then select the mapping card from the menu for the unit to read it not the default mapping in the unit.

As for the early problems with a few units getting water inside them, yes Lowrance fixed that problem very early on. They have also done random testing on units from shipments since to make sure this problem is solved and it has been. The only water problems that may pop up now is if a shop has an old unit on the shelf and finally sells it.

Guys thanks for the replies. I will be only buying one structure scan for the boat and networking them together. I am starting a list now about what all I need to buy before next season. Can you guys tell me what all I need to network the two of them together. Thanks guys for the help

You have quite a few options on how to set up your system. I’ll tell you how mine is, and maybe it will give you ideas on what you want to do.

I run an HDS7 at the console, and then have an HDS5 that I move between the bow and the transom.

Under my driver’s console, I have the LSS1 mounted along with the NMEA network backbone. I have ethernet connections off the LSS1 that go to the HDS7 at the console, one run to the bow, and one run to the transom location.

The transom location is just a power connection and the ethernet connection. When I have the HDS5 back there, I run the downscan off the LSS1 and have the side scan running on the console location.

At the bow, I have power, an ethernet connection, an NMEA connection, and a universal sonar connection off my trolling motor. I can either run side scan or the regular sonar off the bow mount.

I also have an NMEA connection to my e-tec so I can see engine stats on my console unit.

So, what I needed for parts to set mine up was the following. HDS7, HDS5, LSS1 (comes with one 15 foot ethernet cable), 6 foot ethernet cable, 25 foot ethernet cable, NMEA power cable, extra head unit power cable for transom location, evinrude interface cable, and a 15 foot NMEA cable (to bow).

I think that is everything.

John thanks for the reply. What exactly do you mean by the stats on your etec?

Also guys you can run both navionics south and north right? Just take one card out and plug the other one in correct?

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John thanks for the reply. What exactly do you mean by the stats on your etec?

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RPMs, engine load, engine temp, fuel mileage, engine hours, etc. I think there are about 10 or 12 different engine stats you can display, but I don’t remember for sure. I like having digital RPMs, engine temp, and MPG visible when running.

Wow that’s pretty sweet. We also have a e tec and I may have to look into that.

Part #120-62

$69.00 from LEI extras. It isn’t quite as nice as having the smart gauges, but it was a whole lot cheaper.

Can you also get them at like bass pro or cabelas?

Maybe, but they don’t usually carry anything but the most basic network parts. Extension cables, network tee connections, ethernet cables, power cables, etc., and they don’t always have those.

I usually either order them through LEI or go through Wade at Jolly Ann Marine.