My understanding from what I've read is that the LSS transducer has to be mounted close to the HDS transducer in order to do down imaging. So, if I've got one HDS at the console networked through the structure scan module to another at the bow, will the down imaging I see at the bow be a picture from the two transducers working together at the stern?

If so, it seems to make more sense to put one of the new DI models (either Lowrance or Humminbird) at the bow so you could see what was right beneath you while on the troll motor. Am I wrong about this? How have you guys done this on your boats?

Not so! The only reason for having the LSS-1 transducer very close to the 2D transducer is if you want to use the HDS overlay mode which overlays the Down Scan image over the 2d image. If you don't use the overlay mode (I don't), the Down Scan will work just fine no matter the distance from the 2D sonar.

Opinions vary, but I prefer the conentional 2D sonar at the bow!

C.

Me personally, I dont hardly use the side imaging at all. I primarily use the downscan and 2d sonar split screen on my HDS-10.

Ok, that makes sense.

Thanks!

It makes perfect sense to me. I am a Humminbird customer for life. I will never not have Side Imaging at the bow again. It is the ultimate tool in locating structure, creekbeds, timber, brush, rocks, fish and bait balls. Traditional 2D sonar and down imaging for that mater see in a cone. So what you see on your screen depending on depth could be 20 feet or more to one side of the boat or the other. With Side Imaging you can determine exactly which side of the boat it is on and exactly where it is.

Bobcat1. Humminbird DI and Lowrance DS are not "cone" shaped beams. Both of them are wide but narrow front to back beams that create the images that are unlike the 2D sonar cone returns.
The Humminbird units create DI from the SI beams. Lowrance LSS-1 has a separate crystal for DS.

Thanks Wayne for that detailed description. Oh well in my country boy terms does it mean pretty close to same thing without the word "cone" in there? The point I was making is the object may not be directly under the boat. If you doubt me split your screen with DI on top and SI on the bottom. When you pass over a log you will see it on DI but SI tells you the exact location of the log wheter on either side or directly under the boat. "Cone" or "Zebra" the point was I like SI on the bow.

rcs-- I tried to answer your questions below. If not, post again and I will try to answer, If I do not know the answer. I will get you one.

(Q) My understanding from what I've read is that the LSS transducer has to be mounted close to the HDS transducer in order to do down imaging.

(A)The LSS(Structure Scan) transducer is your SideImage and your DownScan. The other transducer that comes with the HDS units is the 2d. The only reason to mount the 2d ducer close to the StructureScan is for overlay.

(Q) So, if I've got one HDS at the console networked through the structure scan module to another at the bow, will the down imaging I see at the bow be a picture from the two transducers working together at the stern?

(A) If you have your bow and console unit connected via the LSS-1. You will see the SI and the DS on both. It is in the menue's as Structure Scan.

(Q) If so, it seems to make more sense to put one of the new DI models (either Lowrance or Humminbird) at the bow so you could see what was right beneath you while on the troll motor. Am I wrong about this? How have you guys done this on your boats?

(A) This answer is strictly my opinion; If you Bass fish, to me having a StructureScan transducer mounted on the trolling motor is going to be a waste, unless you are going in a straight line. The picture will be distorted because of the constaint movement. Now, if you are a crappie fisherman then I guess it would be okay. As you are in one position for longer periods.


I have and HDS-7 at the console and an HDS-5 on the bow. They are networked via the "ethernet" and both are connected to the LSS-1. I have the 2d ducer that goes to the HDS-7 mounted in the hull and the 2d ducer that goes to the HDS-5(bow) mounted on the trolling motor.

Thanks Bob. I used the split screen a lot just for what you explained. I use a 1198c SI on my bow and have a 798ci SI and another 1198c SI on the console.

Bennie, you are wrong with your assumption of the SI or SS technology on the trolling motor. If I had only one unit with the imaging technology, it would be on the bow. I only bass fish.
I get very sharp images sitting still and scanning an area by turning the trolling motor. It makes sight fishing this time of year very easy and you don't have to even see the fish visually.
For boat positioning on breaklines, you don't even have to go to the break to see where it is when fishing and can fish it from a distance just by watching the Side Imaging.
I was seeing bass in 2'-3' of water out from the boat about 25' yesterday, caught some of them too.
When you are in less than 10' depths you don't get much bottom coverage with down looking imaging or sonar. With the side looking imaging, your field of "view" is the limit you set the range to.

You just "Splain" it better! Bennie may not be wrong on Lowrance units because I don't own one (and won't) but he is on Humminbird. Maybe someone with an LSS-1 unit on the trolling motor will chime in. I know 2D is a thing of the past for me altogether now since I switched to Humminbird and I have learned and used SI/DI exclusively.

Thanks for the correction on the assumption Wayne.

I just do not see a need for one up front. Heck, I do not even know why I have it on my boat now. I cannot catch fish.....lol