Electronics guru needed(MIKE, ECT)

[Happy Camper]

Last july I got a hds 7 gen 2 bundle,last Friday the screen locked and wouldn't let me do anything,accept disclaimer,load maps nothing.Came home tried a soft reset,then a hard reset nothing called support this morning told me to calibrate screen,again nothing.Said to send it back for replacement.

OR I could upgrade to a hds 9 gen 3 for $512.I have been a little dissaponted in the screen size and detail being so small.I am considering it even though I really don't have the money for this at this time,i feel like if I don't I may be missing a chance to be more satisfied with my unit.

I guess my main question is will this unit chrip threw my existing sonar transducer ? I know you have to buy extra to 3d structure scan,but don't think I need all that.What would be other atvantages other than the screen size? having buttons ? tech said it would be plug and play.Thanks for thoughts in advance...kenny

[mwardncsu]

$500 to upgrade to a HDS 9 Gen3 Touch is certainly a good deal - better than you'd get selling your HDS 7 Gen2 and upgrading. I assume you have the existing 83/200 skimmer xducer - you can use that with the CHIRP sonar, and it is OK as I understand it but you may only have a limited range of chirp frequencies. The higher performance option is the Airmar CHIRP xducer but it is more $$ - you can always add it later of course.

[Happy Camper]

Yes I have the 83/200 and lss2.So I would get cleaner returns from this unit with a standard sonar transducer? I guess I'm just trying to talk myself into it.LOL The larger screen is very appealing played with a 7 and a 9 side by side at field and stream store in Greensboro,right much differance in demo mode.

[BentRod]

I'd do it! I can't even get mine to break so I can get a Lowrance upgrade offer. Going on 10yrs with the LCX 37 and 4yrs with the Gen 2 - never a problem.

[mwardncsu]

Mar 21, 2016 12:05:17 GMT -5 Happy Camper said:

Yes I have the 83/200 and lss2.So I would get cleaner returns from this unit with a standard sonar transducer?

There is pretty large diff in the 4:3 HDS7 (non-touch) and the 16:9-ish HDS9 Touch in screen real estate & resolution.

I can't speak to do difference in the Broadband Sounder and the CHIRP using the 83/200 - others here may be able to..... I'm still slumming with the non-CHIRP

[Happy Camper]

I know what you mean Bentrod,my last graph was an x 17 monochrome,never felt the need for another until all this sidescan tech.lured me in and yall threw fuel on the fire with screenshots

[mwardncsu]

Mar 21, 2016 12:20:00 GMT -5 Happy Camper said:

I know what you mean Bentrod,my last graph was an x 17 monochrome,never felt the need for another until all this sidescan tech.lured me in and yall threw fuel on the fire with screenshots

I'm still awaiting my commission check from Lowrance...............

[striperjohn]

Hey Happy just a thought but is Lowrance offering you a refurbished hds9 or new one? If its new I agree with these guys its a good deal. But refurbished Id make sure I got a new type warranty on it.

[steviejayvaughan]

I have a gen 2 with sonarhub that can chirp. I wouldn't upgrade just because it has chirp, but I would for the bigger screen size/resolution plus you always have the option to add a true chirp transducer TM150 if you want to down the road for around $250. I never chirp my 83/200, the picture was not as great as running standard 200khz, has something to do with the Q factor of the ducer...read about it over on the hull truth a while ago.

[Happy Camper]

Good point John,they said upgrade to gen 3 hds 9, I will make sure about warranty as I still have 15 months left on the hds 7 and should at least get that with option to buy extended warranty.

Thanks for commenting stevieJ was just curious about chirp,don't know much about it,the bigger screen would be my main reason.Had saw some team old school video about chirp on a simrad,very clear.

I was in a rush to get it out today but am waiting till tommrow while I decide,don't think i'll regret the bigger screen.

[Pete D.]

First off, GO FOR IT!!! That gen3 has a much faster processor. Also you can add LSS 3D once they get the bugs all worked out.

Anyways, I started chirping with the 200/83 and it was a little cleaner than the 200KHZ. Nothing really worth mentioning. I have some screenshots that I took of the sonarhub running chirp through the 200/83 ducer. Ill dig em up.

The TM150 which is the "budget" chirp ducer has a lower Q rating like SRV said, and that is what improves the target separation. Running standard 200khz through the TM150 is already a huge improvement IMO. Honestly, I like the fixed frequency function of the sonarhub (which is inside the gen 3's) set at a certain frequency depending on depth. You can run the wide beam of 105KHZ through the TM150, and get a nice wide coverage area and actually have great target separation, vs. running 83 with the standard ducer and getting a sloppy screen.

Anyways, that screen will be much bigger, as the hds7 is only a 6.4" screen, and you will have SO MANY capabilities. Not to mention, you can sell the LSS box cause you wont need it anymore. Go for it!!

[Pete D.]

These are all with standard ducer and chirp:
























And heres some 200khz on the same day:

[Happy Camper]

Thanks for posting those up Pete.I have already said,that I would pay the difference to get the next size up,so even though its not a perfect time to spend the extra money I think i will upgrade it.
Thanks for all the replys and if i can ever help any of you spend YOUR money let me know,I'll be setting on the sidelines screeming,
DO IT,DO IT, DO IT !!!!!

[Pete D.]

You're saying this to the guy that has a 12 touch

[mwardncsu]

Happy - we're always happy to help you spend your money