Wayne P.

The XTM 9 SI 180 T Compact SI puck and the HDSI transducer both have the extra internal shielding that the transom Compact SI does not have. Either is OK for the trolling motor. The transom Compact SI transducer should be OK for trolling motors that are not variable speed. It is just best to start an installation with the right parts for the application so you have a head start in dealing with RFI IF your motor is broadcasting on the frequencies that the unit uses. The electronic speed control of the variable speed models is typically the cause of the RFI experienced by some. There are several other causes though.

You got bogus information. The HDSI transducer is 2" longer. CS will tell you that you cannot use 800 kHz with the Compact SI transducer either, but you can. You can connect the Compact SI transducer to the higher end models and loose some image clairty and you can connect the HDSI to the lower end models and gain some imaging clairty. Been-there-done-that, got the T shirt. When I just had one SI unit, I used both transducers several times a day since I swtiched the display between the console and bow. I have several HDSI transducers, a couple of Compact SI transom transducers and a Compact SI trolling motor puck. Plus a unit that is 455 kHz for Side Imaging and units that are 455/800 kHz Side Imaging. It's all about the length of the SI crystals and the thickness of the sonar pulses front to back. Same unit with the two different SI transducers. Not the same location, but you can get the idea since both are of a creek channel.

"vastly improved" using the HDSI transducer is overstating it quite a lot. Somewhat sharper images is what you can expect. You may or may not notice the difference. I am very familiar with the use of both SI transducer models and the ONIX SI transducer also. If you are going to do the swap, do it when you first get them. Humminbird will exchange an UNUSED transducer and UNOPENED mount package for about $80 including shipping. Otherwise the MSRP of a HDSI transducer is $270

You can get "something" up to 60 mph if you have the transducer installed so it can. Typically for sharp/clear images, a speed of less than 12 mph is required. Most consider imaging an idle speed or slower function. The units are adjustable for boat speed and the Chart Speed range is 1-10

As P51 stated, do you have the correct transducer for Down Scan? If you do, just follow the installation instructions. "It ain't that complicated"

I use the uni-uni knot with 8# mono equivelent diameter superline and 20# fluorcarbon leader sometimes. I use 6-8 turns on the superline side and 6 turns on the mono side and cut the tag ends flush with the knots. I have no issue with micro guides or any other guides.

The Navionics data is updated daily " somewhere ". All you do is check the web site's Web App for current data and update your map card if there are any changes.

The imaging technology has to be installed correctly to produce the best images. That takes the face of the transducer parallel with the water's surface. Once you do the correct install. you have to know how it works. The technology has to scan (takes movement) for the sonar pulse to pass over subjects so they can be recorded. If you are on a featureless body of water, the unit certainly cannot make up stuff that is not there. You have to pass over stuff to see stuff displayed.

1.Sight fishing without visually seeing the fish. Seeing what is where in real time all around the boat. It can be used for SI/DI by selecting those views. The transducer stops rotating and orients the imaging crysals like a SI transducer. It can use used with current models in a 2D-only model, a DI model, or a SI model. 2. It doesn't function like Side Imaging so you cannot get sharp images when running the outboard or trolling motor at any speed. It works the best when sitting still or less than 2 mph. Use SI for searching and 360 for fishing. Use it for the purpose it was made for and you will be pleased. 3. It works well with any size display. As with Side Imaging, BIGGER is better though. I have only used it with a 1198c SI Combo and ONIX 10 NT SI.

To get solar for what you want, it may cost 10 times the 200' A/C run.

If you update your Garmin, you will loose the Navionics capability. New units will not be Navionics compatable.

You have that backwards. 83 kHz is 60 degrees at -10db 200 kHz is 20 degrees at -10db

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James River, Smith Mt. Lake, Lake Moomaw, Potomac River, Philpot Lake, Rapidan River, Rappahannock River are a few where I have caught smallmouth bass.

I purchase superline by its diameter, not its strength. Most brands of superline in the 30# rated strength is the diameter of most 8# nylon monos. 20# rated is the diameter of 6# nylon mono. I use 40# superline that is the diameter of 8# nylon mono and 30# superline that is the diameter of 6# nylon mono on my spinning gear. Those are Daiwa Samuari. 4# nylon equivalent diameter and smaller superlines have very little shock strength. I have been using superlines since Stren Kevlar and the first generation of Spiderwire.

There is one specfically setup for the quick disconnect base of those units. Use the RAM compatability feature for that model.

Stren is owned by the same company that owns Berkley and Spiderwire. "Braid Superline" is the only one shown on their website. Changing their products should be no surprise.

Slant distance. When you do that, you can return to that location by watching the distance number change and do not have to create a waypoint.

Good looking settings and I agree with your image analysis.

The one that does what you want at a price you are willing to pay.

The Sonar Charts Live function works well to create contour maps where there are none, or adjust the Sonar Charts map layer. This is a sonar log track I used to correct some contour lines. There is another one without the track displayed below it.

A similar device, the Vexilar Sonarphone, uses a WiFi connection with up to 100 yard range. I use the boat mounted/powered transducer version, There is a portable battery pack version with suction cup transducer mount. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/152389-vexilar-sp100-sonarphone/

#1. Is the 898's power cord extended directly to the battery with at least 16 guage wire--larger is better? #2. Is the battery fully charged?

Yes I would be too at that price difference. It's the right one though. A good price on the HDSI transducers too.

As far as mapping, if your waters are HD with Lakemaster, that is a good choice. Check the coverage on the Humminbird/Lakemaster website