I've got an HDS 5 and planning on getting an HDS 8 in a few months. Should I go ahead and get the Structure Scan installed now on the 5 or wait until I get the 8 and get it all at once? If I wait I won't have to pay for the install twice. Do it now or wait? What are the chances I'll be satisfied with SS on the 5 and never get an 8? Thanks for any and all responses.

pay for the install?

Yes! For me the Structure down scan has made it easier to tell the differance between a arch on the sonar,actually being a small group of baitfish rather than a single fish.And thats just one of the advantages,seeing brush on the bottom is another.And the white dots do not lie as far as the size of the fish.Complete your unit with structure scan!

What all does it require to do an install? Forgive me for my ignorance, but I do not know. I am a bird guy and I have also done installs on (my)Lowrance units in the past. I don't understand what the Sturcture Scan actually is... a transducer? I am sure that it is more like a processor and an upgraded X-ducer, but how hard could it be to install?

ps. I do believe that you should get the SS now

Lss-1 is a transducer that hooks up to to your HDS unit. Most put it on the back of the boat but I have seen some on trolling motors. The install is not hard as all you have to do is run the cable to your hds unit.

The Lowrance LSS1 is a box with several cable connections, like a hub that you mount somewhere dry and out of the way (it's supposedly waterproof, but there have been reports that suggest otherwise; mine has been rained on and has been ok), and a big transducer. Mount it off the back of the boat, jackplate, or trolling motor. Mine hangs off the transom.

Just go ahead and get it. It's no harder to install than a standard transducer. All you'll have to do when you get the HDS8 is hook the ethernet cable from the LSS1 to the 8 rather than the 5.

You'll like what you see on the HDS5, but you'll like it a LOT better when you get your HDS8.

If you can afford it now, get it now.
The setup is simple as follows:

1. StructureScan transducer (mount wherever, thru-hull, back of boat, etc, most are back of boat of course)

2. LSS1 control module (the "box", install in a hatch or under a console, somewhere out of the way and secure).

3. LSS1 wiring to power source.

4. Ethernet cabling from LSS1 to each desired device (up to 3 ports built-in).

You can enjoy it (even on a small screen) until you get the larger unit. When they install it, if you are planning on installing the "2nd" unit elsewhere (for instance, putting in a "bow" unit now, wanting a "console" unit later), ask them to go ahead and pull another ethernet cable from the LSS1 location to the "future" location. Don't connect either end to anything, just tie it to the bundle for now. When you are ready in the future with unit #2, simply make the appropriate connections as needed at each end. (The initial installer should be able to tell you what you'll need in the future, for instance terminators, and provide them, or you can look on Lowrance's website for wiring diagrams).
There is nothing to making the network connections, simply twist-lock and done.

Go for it get it now. We have had the LSS1 on the HDS 5 for at least a year now. It will defiantly improve the experience. We now just upgraded to the HDS 10, and was able to move the 5 to the front. Installation is fairly simple. I do recommend an electrical snake to run the wires. I've heard of some using old fishing rods to fish the wires through. No pun intended.

Also...isnt there an LSS-2 now?

There is an LSS 2

Now. And it really isn't hard to install. I installed mine in about 2 hours and if you have questions just post them on here and someone will answer it in 5 minutes. Installed our new HDS 10 last night and had a question and some kind person answered in less than 5 minutes.

When you buy the HDS8, you might save some money if you buy it bundled with the LSS2. Not sure about this though. Check with shut-up-and-fish (http://www.shut-up-and-fish.com/). He is here on the forum and he might be able to help you out.

I installed my LSS-1 inside my less used rod locker. super easy install.