quick question jumping back to the 798. i used it yesterday for the first time and when toggling thru the views i didn't see a DI view. i thought with the 798 i could see both DI and SI. just curious....

is it a brand new 798 or a older model? the older models didnt have DI on it from the factory. register your unit on the humminbird website and download the updates, then you will have DI

Glad we're off of that front page. All the pics take it forever to load.

holy moly... i just did the update and not only does it now show DI but i have a good 1/2 dozen more views. (now i wish i had a few more short cut buttons)

what is the depth when you should change the setting from salt shallow to salt deep?

one thing I always thought would be cool was if humminbird threw three buttons on the I-pilot remote and allowed you to change quick views from your i-pilot remote

i haven't had this too long but i think the 3 preset buttons would be improved if each button was capable of 2 settings. that would give fast selection to 6 views using 3 buttons. (button one-push once for view A, push again for view B)

someone could just jump to view 5 just by hitting button 3 once.

just a thought

Doug has a video where he explains how the 3 buttons can be used to make 9 presets. you do this by programing the three buttons then use the view and exit button to go forward one page and the exit button to go back one page. when you use these one button pushes the quick view actually makes it very easy to get to 9 screens. The video I posted below, after I watched it isnt actually the one I was looking for, but im sure doug will jump on here and explain it better.

here ya go, this should help get 9 quick views with only a couple buttons pushed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Je2KYuzn2Jw

OK, so looking at a Bird 898si combo, due to what seems to be everyones more favarable reviews of that unit over Lowrance HDS8. But I have 2 Lowrances, 1 at bow and 1 at console I would keep as not enough $ to make a complete transition. How is the best way to use this mixed combo?

You can get 9 Presets in just 2 button clicks with the Favorites and VIEW or Exit Button. Here is how one user set his up:

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Here's what I've done (regarding the number of presets);

Button 1 = Split Screen DI / SI
From that view;
> Press Exit = Full Screen DI
> Press View = Split Screen 2D / DI

Button 2 = Full Screen SI
From that view;
> Press Exit = 3 Way Split DI over 2D / SI
> Press View = Full Screen 2D

Button 3 = Full Screen Navigation Map
From that view;
> Press Exit = Bird's Eye Navigation (this view is great for river buoy navigation)

This helps me get more screen/view shortcuts with extra "quick-cuts" by the press of one extra button.

You may have to hide or un-hide certain screens to get these exact combinations but I've found it to be quite helpful. Especially with the addition of DI. I just wanted quick access to more screens than there were buttons.

But that's 9 presets with 2 key strokes :glasses:

One way alot of people are doing is buy an extra transducer and set up second location then more the head unit back and forth that way they can utilize one head unit till they can upgrade both.

Others are using the SI at the console and then upgrade bow unit later as the funds become available.

Any questions let me know.

I'm here to help!

bassndad, if you are not familiar with the imaging technology, the console with transom transducer is the best way to learn. After you get the hang of it, you will want that technology at the bow whether you switch mount locations or get another unit.

What two lowrance units are they? Are they HDS or traditional sonar? if they are traditional 2D sonar then I would set the 898 at the console and use it there to find the piles, then use your lowrance to fish them. If you can spend an extra 200-300 then buy a second station and put that up at the bow and this will allow you to find the spots with your unit at the console then you can move it up front and use it to fish with and stay on where you need to be.

j, FYI the Lowrance HDS units are traditional 2D sonar with dual beam 83/200 kHz. They only become something else if the LSS-1 accessory is added for Structure Scan. Not everyone with HDS units has purchased the LSS-1 accessory.

At the bow I have a 520c at the console its a 27. Just running down the lake I understand that you do not use the si on the bird, just 2d down. correct?

where my unit does not have the internal gps antenna, if i install another mount up front and the trolling mtr transducer, how do i connect into the existing gps antenna? or is it not worth the hassle to connect it?

You can use the SYSLINK cable to use the single GPS antenna at two locations.
The only issue you will have is the GPS wayponts that are based on sonar returns will be off by the distance between the transducer and antenna. If exact accuracy is not an issue, that is the least expensive way to go rather than purchasing another GPS antenna.
I use that cable with the GPS antenna mounted at the bow. Just about all my waypoints are saved when at the bow while fishing.

additional note: with Side Imaging, it is not as critical as with regular sonar when trying to return to a waypoint of a feature even if it is 20'+ off.

i'm not sure what the cost of the trolling mtr transducer is or the proper one but i thought of another question.

is there a cable like the syslink cbl that would allow me to use my existing transom transducer all the way up at the bow instead of the trolling mtr transducer?

btw thanks again for everything,

You could use a Graph Switch between units and it would allow you to use one transdcuer between two units.

whats a graph switch? it would be between 2 locations with one unit.

Here is link to Humminbird Graph Switch: http://store.humminbird.com/products/425543/US3

wo... thats a pricey switch. so to do a second mount on my bow but use the existing transducer and gps antenna i am looking at aprox $145 (80 for switch, 30 for mount, 35 for syslink cbl) this sh-t ads up quickly

LOL...yes it does....may be cheaper just to buy another unit and ethernet them together...HAHA
I bought an 898 the other day and while it was a great deal i also bought a raptorcap, ram mount, screen protector, weather sense, and tansducer sheild and saver.....sll the accessories add up very fast

i think i'll wait till i catch my first fish before i go spending the mortgage money on any more stuff.