How To Set Up 2 Hds7's And An Hds5?

[G3Steve]

I'm looking to get a boat that already has 2 HDS7's - one flush in the bow and the other flush in the dash. I won an HDS5 last year at my TOC and haven't decided if I should keep it. The boat doesn't have structure scan, but I plan on installing it later this year.

Now on to my question...

I could move the HDS7 in the dash onto a ram mount at the console, and flush mount the HDS5 in the dash. Then I could use the 5 for just maps/GPS and dedicate the 7 to SI/DI.

 

Or I could just get rid of the HDS5 and use the cash to buy structure scan.

If you had two HDS7's and an HDS5, how would you set it up?

[Jig Man]

I'd get rid of the 5 and buy the LSS.

[aavery2]

LSS

[BradGuenette]

LSS can't go wrong

[G3Steve]

Thanks guys. I was going to get structure scan no matter what.

My main question is what I should do with the HDS5. Is it a good idea to just use it for GPS and use the 7 for structure scan only?

Anyone have a similar setup?

[Jay Ell Gee]

You are right up my alley... I actually set these systems up for a living.

 

The LSS2 system will have three Ethernet outputs that can support up to, well, three units. I have seen many setups that dedicated two systems to the dash area and another up front.

 

Mounting the 5 in the place of the 7 may require a new insert for your dash, if your boat's console has pre-made inserts. That's some money right there. I would have to see it to be sure.

 

If I just had a free HDS-5 Gen 2 sitting around, I would place it in the dash and use it for GPS function. The 7 would be RAM swing-arm mounted just off to the side for imaging. The other 7 would be up front. You would tie both transducers (the sonar and side/down imaging) into the LSS2 and then run Ethernet cables to each. Keep in mind that you will have to update all three units to the most current software for them to properly sync.

 

But heck, with the new structure overlay feature, you can do a lot of structure scanning ON the GPS screen. However, I would still use the 5 in-dash with structure overlay turned ON, a full SI/DI/Sonar/Combo/Whatever on the 7, and keep a 7 up front. All waypoints will sync, as will options and settings. It's a very handy piece of kit.

 

Keep on the lookout for more rebates coming from Lowrance. You just missed a decent rebate program for the LSS2 around Classic time, but you may see another before summer ends. That is just a GUESS, not a *cough cough hint hint nudge nudge.*

 

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I'll answer anything that I can.

[Todd Driscoll]

I'd get rid of the 5 and buy the LSS.

 

I agree with Jig Man.  Given the 5 is not already installed, I just don't think the slight benefit you would get with using a 5-inch screen as dedicated mapping would be worth it.  I would sell the 5 and put that money towards StructureScan.