Redfish,

I would be glad to help you learn the basics of your unit.

http://www.lowrance.com has helped me get started.

You shouldn't have to convert the coords to decimals in Google Maps or Google Earth. Just leave a space between the numbers.
Example: N 32 59 07.7 W 97 04 24.7

Your unit will also can display coords in decimals if you'd like. In the 'GPS Setup' menu select 'Coordinate System' and then 'Degrees'.

This is also useful when your buddy gives you a spot and you are creating a waypoint from an entered position. You can enter it in either format but you have to change the 'Coordinate System' first.

Tell me again what the advantage is of upgrading my unit from 1.8.0 to the most recent 2.3.0? It seems the Zoom in and Zoom out features take forever to show up now and happen in larger increments than before. Is this the ol' "if it ain't broke fix it anyway" scenario?

I don't like it. How do I change it back to 1.8.0 version or can I?

To change back to an older version. You will need to call Lorwance Customer Support and if requested they will send you (via Eamil), an older version, if requested.

How do i get my waypoints on the GDM 6 to my Lowrance 28c HD? I know the sd card has to be used, but I cant pull them up on my unit?

When you saved the file in GDM6, did you save it as a .usr file? If so, insert the card into your 28c. Select Menu --> Menu --> System Setup --> Transfer My Data. Select Load and then scroll to the file saved on your sd card.

Hard to find some good map software for my X15mt. Unit can't really read any of the newer stuff like Navionics premium 08 (which I would die for since it has Lewisville). Does anyone have any suggestions on the best map software for lakes around DFW like Ray Bob, Lavon, and Grapevine. I know that navionics classic maps work, but has anyone used the Fishing Hot Spots or know which versions will work on my unit. Any suggestions on which one to get? I just bought this unit this week off of here )classifieds and am looking for as much info and suggestions as possible. Feel free to PM me. I've also got tons of abu garcia reels to trade if someone has upgraded to premium and has some of the Hot Spots south maps to trade.

Thanks,
Eric

Can software updates be loaded into a Fishmark 320?

UT Fisher, i don't believe there are any software updates for the 320. Here is the Eagle website if you would like to look at it. http://www.eaglenav.com/en/

The 320 does not have any card slots so I would think that the 320 unit can not be updated. But I'm just now learning all this stuff so don't take my word for it.

I was on the phone with Lowrance customer support today. They suggested I update my LMS 520C from 1.8.0 to the current 2.3.0 on an SD card. So I went to Office Max and got an SD card.

Problem is, the software download supports Windows XP, and my computer is running Vista. I get a "system not supported" error message. Short of getting back to Lowrance tomorrow with another 30 minute phone wait, what do I do now?

Found out a bunch today... Lowrance support techs HATE Vista!!

This morning I got the emailed instructions to download the installation files, only to find the downloaded files wouldn't install on the computer. ARRRGH!!

After 3 very frustrating hours I finally I got through again (another 1/2 hour phone wait... those folks are BUSY!), and this time another tech simply emailed the correct files (instead of download instructions), which I saved to the SD card. BIG TEXAS THANKS to Adam at Lowrance!

Then the install went fine when I went out to the shed and loaded them into the 520C. Now let's see if the problems get solved when I get back on the water tomorrow.

Keeping my fingers crossed...

UPDATE: software install went fine, no problems, smooth sailing. Did it the other day, sorry for the slow reply.

not sure if my question is a lowrance issue
or a navionic issue,
we installed south 08 premium in my friends
unit. when we go to map select the only
option are lowrance and " miami demo "

the chip is new , and unlocked.

The unit shows no detailed data. I put one
just like it in my humminbird and it is working
perfect, amazing detail.

What are we doing wrong in his unit?

MO

What unit is it? Does it have two draws? If so you need to select the drive/drawer that has the card in it.

I bought the instructional DVD by Bennett Marine and it solved my problems as far as using my Lowrance 522c. I mean it's great! Cost $15.00 at Bass Pro Shop. I can't recommend it highly enough. It doesn't talk about setup and which chip is required, but for usage, it made the lights turn on. It's only about 30 minutes long, but man, what great thing.

BTW, the SD chip which you must buy in order to get any real detail out of your set cost $100 at Academy. $150 at Bass Pro Shop. However, you can't do without it. Be sure to get the one for your part of the US.

IMO the #1 thing you should do is get the DVD instructional video for your unit. Bennett Marine Video or Bass Pro can order it for you. It costs about $15 and is the best thing I ever did regarding my Lowrance units. I've been using them for 15 years, and this 40 minute DVD taught me more than all the reading and trial and error I've done. Believe me, you'll NEVER understand the manual. It's the worst. I can't believe Lowrance doesn't include the Bennett video with their units.

The SD chip everyone talks about is for advanced users. You will have to buy it when you get your unit to get any detail. Get the one for your area. Academy sells them for $99. Then you can just leave it in there and you may never need to touch it again. What you see the guys talking about on this forum is "fancy" stuff. Nice capability, but not necessary to enjoy a functional unit.

I have a new LMS-522 and got a rebate for a Navioncs HOT SPOT chip. I had to upgrade the software to 2.3.0 and I dont see any difference. Am I doing something wrong?

have you gone into the menu options and chosen the navionics software in the map options?

Got the bennet marine video today. It's easily worth the 15 bucks.

I know this is a month after the fact, but mine dies that sometimes too. I just take the card out and out it back in and the map pops up. Other than that you will have to do a reset by pushing in both the Zoom In and Zoom out buttons at the same time. It will reboot the unit back to factory settings, so save your GPS coordinates or anything else that you have in there before doing it. Afterward you will need to put all your overlay data back too.

This question is for Capt'n Wings, or anyone else that has an opinion on this. I know it's late in the thread, but I just found it today. I also have the 522. Would you mind sharing which card you got? There seems to be several options out there on map cards, and I just don't know which one to get. Just got my 522igps, and really like it so far.

thanks,

Navionics Premium 2008 version. its retail is $149, but you get to mail in a rebate form to recieve $50 back on the purchase.