I’m currently running (2) Lowrance HDS12 GEN3’s, console and bow. I’m considering adding Garmin set-up with LiveScope at the bow. I’d like to know what unit/transducer combo your using and why if some of you are doing this with another brand up front. I’d like some first hand knowledge before I go drop some coin. I’d also like to hear about LiveScope versus Perspective View if you have some insight please.

Thanks in advance

I've got a GPSmap 12" (Livescope) and a 10" Ultra (54 UHD) on the bow with a 10" GPSmap and Echomap 73 plus at the console. The GPSmaps are linked so the backseater can see the Livescope. I have the Perspective mount but don't use it that much. I have not used it during spawn though. That could be interesting. I really like this set up.

Retired Grass Grower

I got rid of my lowrance gen 3 touch and replaced them with Garmin' Echomap Ultra 122 with LiveScope. There is a big difference in quality of picture plus Garmins are so easy to use. Even if the latest Lowrance are the same quality, I would switch to Garmins because they are so much easier to use.. Garmin technical reps told me the biggest issue with problems have to to due with installation problems. I had mine installed at an authorized dealer and I have had zero problems,

I’ll look into that and thanks for the info.

Please feel free to call me at 469-853-5389 and I would be happy to answer any of your questions. You can even jump on my boat and I can show what it is all about.

I’ll give you a call Nitro, thanks

you can buy garmin with no transducer or maps for a whole lot cheaper then just hook up livescope.

I have 2 93sv plus (bow/console) and got a 92 head unit only for panoptix livescope.

n_fish I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions on your thread.

If I just want a Garmin for Livescope use only on the bow, Should I buy it with or without a GT54UHD-TM Transducer? Could it be used with both the GT54UHD-TM Transducer and the livescope transducer, or will only one connect at a time? What about their maps? If I am only using this for Livescope, do I need any maps at all? If neither maps nor standard transducer are needed, should I spend that money to go to a larger screen Garmin? I am looking at the ECHOMAP™ Ultra 126sv for the bow. I already have a Humminbird Solix 12 on the console with mapping. Thanks for the help.

I’m considering leaving my HDS12 GEN3 at the bow for sonar,DI, and maps. What do you think?

Thanks

I’m looking at a 1222 gps/chart plotter as well to run the LiveScope on as well and leave my Lowrance unit up front as well.

pretty sure you can run panoptix and the gt54, probably side by side as well. I already had 2 93sv plus and the force has the uhd ducer so all my bases are covered and I can run a full 9" for each. if you are planning on a dedicated shaft for the livescope ducer you could run the gt54 on the tm you can put both on the tm but risk interference. only had mine out twice now and still have to figure some stuff out. awesome to have tho.


that 126 will have an excellent picture with livescope.

I have the Echomap Ultra 122 on the bow. 126 on the console. I had Gen 3's which I took off. After using the Garmin compared to the Gen 3, I would only use the Gen 3 for the mapping function if I left it on. There is no comparison between the Garmin Echomap Ultra and Gen 3 in sonar, downscale or side scan. Now the new Lowrance top end unit might be able to compete, but not the HDS Gen 3. Just my observation. Also I have no power issues with just running Garmin's. With the 12 inch I set up a combo screen with the livescope on the top half and the fishing chart on the bottom half. The outline of the livescope area of coverage is super imposed on the fishing chart which I think is pretty cool.

If i'm spending someone else's money, i'm buying a Garmin GPS map 1222 and only use the livescope transducer at the bow. the knob on the GPS map units make livescope adjustments easy. i really don't see any value in adding additional transducers or even a second screen to the bow. raise that unit up as high as you can get it.

my decision was to use a bird at the console because i wanted mega SI. i have to do a little work to sync waypoints between the units using the Active Captain (garmin) and Fishsmart (Bird) apps but it is only a little inconvenience. i think the UHD units now are much closer to Mega technology but several still think bird has the advantage. my helix 10 Gen 2 bird was an inch bigger and a cheaper than the Garmin UHD 9.

BTW the Garmins are SO EASY to use and the customer support is top notch. Call BBG Marine or Shut up and Fish to get some real details and advice.

I have Garmin EchoMap Ultra 126's on bow and console. I could not imagine anything less than a 12 on the bow. My eyes aint what they use to be. If I were going to pic a place to put a smaller one it would be the console and the larger on front. Especially with LS. Garmin units to me are about as good as they get and so easy to use.