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.