If you guys have Gen2 all you need to do is update it to 2.0? or better and you get 5 or 10 gps updates a second. The original firmware was slow as malassas like one update every couple of seconds. There is a way in the menu to turn up the gps update speed once you are on 2.0+ software. The point-1 really only comes into play if you want the compass in my opinion. It will give you true heading and would be great if you are using a HDS up front etc. and want to face nearby brush that you want to move too without firing up the outboard and driving over. Least that's my case, not sure about you guys but just some observations with the HDS GPS and point-1 which I'll get someday but only for the compass feature .

I have Gen 1 currently and would greatly benefit from the faster updates.

I think the only thing that Benny forgot in his explaination is that the antenna on the Point 1 has an arrow on it. The arrow must point directly forward (toward the front) of your boat. I think it has something to do with the compass.....or could be that it aligns the moon with the stars or possibly Mars Anyway, Ernest and I (well, really Ernest and Benny) installed my Point 1 on my HDS10 Gen 2 yesterday morning. It was a little tough supervising all that activity but after three beers, it was tolerable. Benny remined me that when I first put it on the water, that I had to go around in a big circle to calabrate it. Little does he know that going around in circles in my boat is my speciality

Awesome and thanks to you and Ernest for the fish Friday.

I installed my Point 1 today. That has to be the easiest install I've ever done. Let's hope it works tomorrow?

Me & a buddy installed my Point 1 today and I agree, it was very simple. I'm a little confused though. Benny mentioned a "Switched" BACKBONE, like 2 cigars, and that it needed to be turned off to save battery. My Starter Kit didn't have anything like that included, just 3 "T's" and the fuse holder w/battery wires and a coil of network cable. There's not much else I can do in my driveway but when I get on the water and turn it on for the 1st time, could someone lay out the steps to get everything just right? All help is appreciated.

The power line that goes to the backbone needs to be switched so when you use your unit its powerd up and when you stop and park boat you need the power to backbone to be switched off. Mine is hooked up on my boats accessory switch.

PM SENT

I haven't installed an extra switch yet. So I just pull the fuse when I'm off the water.

Txmedic,

I too have a gen 1 hds 8. I am thinking about adding pt 1. Have you used your point one set up on the water enough to comment? I would appreciate your thoughts.

terry

I updated my gen 2 unit and it is night and day difference in how smooth it is when turning the boat. Anton went with me yesterday to Ray Roberts and he immediately said he's getting the update! As good as mine works now I don't think I personally would spend the 300+ dollars for point 1 unless there is some other benefit to it. I installed the HDS Gen 2 - 3.0 and like I said it's extremely fast. The old software was frustrating with how badly it lagged.

I will be on the water for the first time since I hooked it up tomorrow evening. I will let you know how I like it. I'm gonna hit a few piles and then turn the lights on and let the fish come to me once it gets dark.

If you can find someone that has a "point 1" that is installed properly then go out with them and take a look at what it can do. You will be shocked at how much better it performs than the built in antenna with new software. Updating the newest software is always smart, "point 1" or not.
The main thing that the "point 1" does is shows the direction the boat is pointing no matter how fast you go or how still you are setting or even if you are driving in reverse, it points the direction the front of the boat is pointing. Drive as fast as your boat will go in reverse and it will leave a trail that comes out of front of boat because you are going backwards. If you get blown sideways in a strong wind, it will leave a trail that come out the side of your boat from where you have been blown from... WORTH EVERY PENNY

I am totally unsure if it works on gen 1 units but work great on gen 2...

It works fantastic on Gen 1 graphs. Instead of a stuttering arrow that updates every few seconds, it is now a smooth, constantly updating position that make finding waypoints on the first pass almost guaranteed. Worth every penny!!

ABSOLUTELY! I loved the image quality of my Gen1 HDS 8, but was disappointed with the GPS capabilities.
Not anymore, I can hit my waypoints on the 1st pass, new waypoints are now dead on. Love IT