Hey guys, I have a generation one HDS 5, which is my main unit at my console and am considering buying the Elite 5X DSI....to also put near my console...is this something worthwhile? I would appreciate yours thoughts. TIA.

Just bought and installed an Elite 7 HDi combo. Also purchased a Navionics South premium card. Put the card in the slot and the only mapping that shows up is the US, Mexico, and parts of South America. How do I have the lake maps show up? Late coming to the new technology so would appreciate any help.

JWRid, how about a report on the Elite 7? Very interested in others evaluation before buying one.

I see that the Elite 7 uses the 2D sonar transducer. Is this the same transducer built into my Fortrex trolling motor? If so, can I use it successfully instead of the one that comes with the unit?

yes Bob that transducer will work.

I used the transducer that came with the Elite 7 HDI Combo and am still not certain that it is the correct transducer for down imaging???? Is there another transducer I need for DI? I also have an HDS 8 and it has two transducers, one small one for 2D sonar and one for side imaging/down imaging that runs via the LSS 1. I know it works but, have to assume the transducer that came with my Elite 7 has crystals for both 2D and DI....is that correct?

Here's my story. Any and all opinions will be appreciated.

I have an X125 that served me well for 4 years. After a year or so the screen began to get foggy (condensation) with the light on. It got a little worse over time.

After about 3 years the screen started to lose accurate bottom depth (25-30') over rock bottom and show 2.3 feet digitally and show clutter on the screen. This lasted at first for a minute or so and would go back to normal operation.

The frequency of the events and the duration increased over many months to a point where half the time it was accurate and half the time it showed 2.3 feet.

I trailer my tin boat and store it indoors. My power runs through a 3A fuse block. No difference if motor is running or not.

I have wiped the transducer during an event with no positive results. I have wiggled all connections and also no positive results. I have turned on & off (but NOT a soft reset) still no help.

At this point I assumed the X125 was more trouble than it was worth.

I replaced it with a Mark-5x because it was affordable and I like the 480x480 screen. Basic sonar is adequate for my needs.

I installed the Mark-5x last summer. It worked just fine for my needs. 3 weeks ago it would not start up by pushing the light button. I took it to a local dealer and connected it to his demo cable...nothing. I called Lowrance and they took great care of me. I had a new one back in seven days. It worked perfectly for about 3 hours continuous use and then went to 2.3 feet for about 15 minutes.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

tia for any help.

Lew

is this on your stern or trolling motor?

if its on the trolling motor make sure the motor is well submerged and not getting cavitiation and air bubbles under it.
also check the pin connectors where they plug into the unit. they could be corroded, l or bent or loose. look very closely at the female pins . sometimes they will open too much, and cause intermittent contact. you can take a stiff little nail, and close them in tighter. if none of this helps, call lowrance and ask them to walk you thru a Hard reset of your unit. do it while on the phone with them.

If its on the transom check to see if it is picking up the lower unit on your motor. My HDS will pick up the lower unit sometimes when drifting or sitting still and read 3'.

You can test this by trimming your motor up next time it is reading 2.3 feet. If it starts to pick up the bottom again then you have figured out your problem.

Thanks for the response!

The transducer is on the transom and is under about 6 inches of water at rest and trolling speed.

The Mark-5x head is only 4 hours old.

I will fiddle with the female pins on the connector.

I looked-up the directions for both "soft" and "hard" reset. They are simple enough for this unit.

Going out tomorrow for a few hours. I'll get back with results, if any.

Thanks big10, I'll give that a try.

The biggest problem with intermittent problems is the fact that they are intermittent.

Was out today for 4 hours with no problems. That's good I guess.

At least I caught a couple walleyes for dinner.

New HDS-8 hooked up. the down scan image is not as clear as the side scan. Side scan looks like Hi def TV, down scan not so much? In order, what should I check? Any help appreciated.