Will the Navionics Platnum work in the 798SI? I will like to use it for the 3D mapping.

No, Platinum only works in the 800, 900 or 1100 Series Units.

I have a 597 ci hd. If I want to go to a random fishing spot coordinate for the very first time, can this unit do this or do I have get a handheld GPS to punch in my coordinates?

I have a 997 at my console and love it. I want to get a HD DI unit for my trolling motor to replace my x-135. What's a nice HD unit? Don't need SI in front

The only HD DI unit is the 788ci HD DI. But coming for 2012 is the 858c Di, 998c Di and 1198c DI if you want a larger screen.

When will the 2012 models be available?

Normally 2012 Product is released in the first quarter of the year.

597ci hd di? But it can't be linked. Also the 596c hd di would be a little cheaper since no GPS.

The 500 Series are Stand Alone Units ONLY no linking. For Networking only the 700, 800, 900 and 1100 Series are Networkable.

The 788ci HD DI is basically the same as the 597ci HD DI except it has Networking (InterLink or Ethernet), 3 Favorite Presets, ContourXD BAse Maps, and 2 Card Readers are the difference the 788ci HD DI has over the 597ci HD DI.

Can you hook a 597 di to a stardard 2d transducer? I was trying to figure out a way to mount a 2nd transducer on the trolling motor and installing the switch that let's you select between 2 transducers. I figured that with the constant turning back and forth of the trolling motor, I might not get very good down images that way, or would I? Thanks.

Down Imaging will not be effected by turning the trolling motor. Since Humminbird has both DI and 2D Sonar built into one transducer you can select combo view or 2D or DI so you can get the best of all worlds with a single transducer. Just change the Screen View.

I kind of typed that last question without much detail. I was wanting to be able to switch between 2 tranducers (one on the trolling motor and the one I have on the rear. I want to be able to see what is under me up front instead of the rear transducer 16 feet behind where I would be sitting. I was looking at buying just a much cheaper 2d transducer for the front since I usually just switch to my 2d and not use the down imaging while I'm fishing. I'm not sure if a regular 2d transducer would plug in and work well with the 597 di that I have. Thanks.

You would only get the 200kHz with the 597ci HD DI. That is all the 2D sonar the unit is capable of operating. But should work fine.

Put a 596 HD DI on the bow last week and mounted the transducer on the trolling motor. It's a new Minnkota saltwater series. I ran power back to the console to a fuse block that runs off a dedicated battery. When I'm not using the TM the screen looks great. When I use it I get intermittent interference in the form of lines. I have tried the noise filters in advanced setup and it doesn't seem to help. In fact usually makes it worse. Any ideas?

Contact Humminbird Customer Service for assitance with the RF interference.
Be prepared to descibe your set-up with the model numbers for the motor and sonar and how both are powered.
They will probably send you the PC-11 power cord that has a choke built-in.