I just bought a used Pond Prowler that came with a Hmminbird 500 series downscan sonar. I have never fished with a fishfinder before so I'm not very saavy with the nuances of the transducer, engine noise, etc., but took it out yesterday fro a test and to my dissapointment didn't get a thing to display after it powered up. After th power up screen I get a screen that says to hit menu for startup options. Once I do the display goes blank however the unit still makes noise when I hit buttons.

Does anyone have any tips that I can try? I didn't see any debris or buildup on the transducer. I also don't knw what the charge remaning on the battery was.

If you didn't get the manual with the unit, you can look up your unit on the Humminbird web site, then read or print the manual. You can also call Humminbird Customer Service for manual.

When it gives you that message don't do anything until the next screen appears, then push the EXIT button.
Additionally, where is the unit transducer installed?

I checked the manual online but haven't called humminbird yet. According to the manual I should get a settings menu once I hit the menu button after the start up screen loads but nada. That is where it goes blank.
The transducer is mounted aft on the bottom right. It appears to be mounted properly. The previous owner insists that he never experienced the issue. ???

I would check the Power Supply to make sure you are not dropping voltage or current at that point. If that is fine I would call HB Customer Service 800-633-1468 and they can help or get the unit back into to repair the problem.

Here is some of the New 2012 Hardware Accessories from Humminbird:

NEMA 2000 Bridge to connect to NEMA 2000 Backbone:



5 Port Ethernet Hub (Can be stacked if you need additional Ports):



Humminbird 12" Radome for Radar:

Question? I have a 788c on the bow and in the console, the one in the console shows a split screen like a side scan, can these be made side scan with a side scan transducer? The one on the bow does not show this screen.

No 788 model can be a Side Imaging unit.
Which of the four different models of 788 do you have (the whole model name)?
788c
788ci
788ci HD
788ci HD DI

The non-DI units can use the Quad Beam transducers which some call a poor man's side imaging.

Sounds like you are looking at the QuadraBeam View which the 788c can use that transducer.

I have the 798ciSi HD combo on the console and am running a y cable with a transom mount for the side imaging and a thru the hull ducer for higher speed operation.The system works great but now for my question.I would like to add a larger screen model to the console and move the 798 to the bow off the trolling motor.Will the transducers I have currently wired to the console work with the 998 model with SI or do I have to start rigging it all over again?

I have the 788c, the book ( that I just aquired) says the 700 series supports wide side sonar with the purchase of the optional transducer. It says the side beams are 16 degree 455 khz.

Anyone, can you interpret this screenshot. I seldom see the same features in sonar as DI. Is this a school of fish or some other feature?

Thanks

It could be fish or it could be brush/tree. It must have been windy also. If you remain stationary and those returns move, it's fish.

Thanks. We were drifting at about .3 MPH. I've never seen brush on the bottom in this area, so I guess I can assume it is fish.

This is a pod of baitfish moving by as the boat was just about stationary:

Looks like a school of fish chasing a bait ball. Once you go over them they fish are diving. Could be Whites.