I have a 859 HD DI that runs 200/455/800 no 83mhz. Running 455 in DI I get good returns but if I put it in 800 screen looks terrible - what's the 800 MHz setting for?

800 kHz is for Down Imaging, you have to use different settings than with 455 kHz DI. The 800 kHz has a more focused sonar pulse and when tuned properly it gives sharper images, but suited for shallow depths.

You do have 83 kHz if you use the correct settings and transducer.
The DI transducer that is tuned for 83/200 kHz 2D sonar is the XTM 9 WIDE DI 20 T which is a trolling motor puck.
Out of the box, the unit uses 200 kHz and 455 kHz for 2D sonar.

I have done all of this and there is still no tab in the menu for charts and no charts can be viewed. What now?

800 kHz is for Down Imaging, you have to use different settings than with 455 kHz DI. The 800 kHz has a more focused sonar pulse and when tuned properly it gives sharper images, but suited for shallow depths.
Shallow depths such as...1 to 10 feet or something less than say 40 feet?

On the 899HDSI can you move the information bar to the bottom of the screen ?
Right now it shows on the left side of the screen.
if so, HOW.
I have looked & read and looked and read, but cannot find any info on this.
THX

You can not move readouts from side to the bottom. You can remove them all together on side image view only.

[video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0kcnh8nVcGo[/video]

Thanks;
One more issue on my HB 899......
works great when not on plane,,,,,but when running the lake it will not read depths.
The ducer is located on the jackplate. Where should it be mounted to get a good reading when going fast ?

All SI units will loose depth, SI and DI while on a plane. You need to get the Humminbird AS SIDB Y Cable f/Side Image & Dual Beam and the Humminbird XP-9-20 Puck Transducer in order to achieve depth readings while on plane. You will still not have SI or DI on plane. Only depth with the added in hull transducer.

Thank You for the response.
Now I do not have to move that transducer.

Maybe you don't understand how a boat functions on the water.
When on plane, the bottom of the hull is on the surface. There is no water on the transom. Your jackplate does not extend all the way down to the bottom of the hull so there is no way for a jackplate mounted transducer to give you any data when on plane.
Sonar doesn't work through air, it has to have water contact either directly or shooting through the bottom of the hull.

Does anyone have any ideas of how I can improve my images? I was wondering if my transducer is tilted to much, can anyone tell judging from my pictures? This is a Humminbird 999 on 455khz traveling at 3-4 Mph chart speed 4 contrast and sensitivity at 10-12 each. I know this bridge area has a lot of crappie but how can I distinguish crappie from baitfish to locate them better? I want to hone in on the big groups better. Any ideas?

Give us an image of your transducer mounted to your boat.....

Here are some images.

Transducer mounting looks to be fine. I would try trimming it up a tad to a bit more level. Review the video from Doug below and play with your settings to get the unit dialed in better. Try the regular Humminbird blue template. It will show detail much better than the green.



Also recommended:

Take a trip out to Lake Fork and visit with Slade Doughtarty (aka) forkfish here on this forum. He would be very happy to get you schooled on the how to's for your bird. His info is below....

Lake Fork Electronics Training Guide
Slade Dougharty
817 797 8762
slade.dougharty.sd@gmail.com

I had the same problem. Called Humminbird and they told me to run the power directly to the battery. Fixed the problem. But also check your battery. My battery was also completely charged but that means nothing if it's a year older or better. Bad cells don't show their ugly faces right after a good full charge. They creep up intermediately like while your at the bow fishing.......