Main "Depthfinder/GPS"

[hootersdoug]

I want to update my fishfinder to a newer combo unit, what do you suggest??? :-/

[CJ]

Check out the new Eagle.Same thing as a Lowrance,you just don't have to pay as much.

[5bass]

The best deal going right now is at BPS.

They have the Eagle Fishstrike 1000C on sale for $499 regular price is $749......that is the big color screen,along with GPS.It really is a smokin' deal.If I could've seen those going on sale,I would not have purchased two other units last week.One color finder and a LCF-1440 FLASHER.I'd rather have just that one Eagle 1000c.

I would definitely give it a look.

[basser89]

How about this one?

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=52532&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

I have a FishMark480 and really like it. IMO, this one should serve you well.

[paparock]

Side Imaging GPS Wide Screen Fishing System

The 987c SI delivers it all with breakthrough Side Imaging sonar for picture-like images of the bottom, precision GPS Chartplotting, and a no-compromise ultra wide screen.  

Key Features

View enormous areas of the bottom with picture-like detail using Side Imaging sonar

Brilliant, 7" sunlight viewable color display with 480V x 854H resolution

Dual frequency 50/200kHz sonar and revolutionary Side Imaging sonar technology

16 channel WAAS GPS receiver included

Built-in UniMap of the USA coastline, and inland lakes and rivers to 4nm detail

Tidal graphs and port services information available with optional Navionics Gold Charts

750 Watts RMS, 6000 Watts PtP (200kHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 1000 ft depth or 1000 Watts RMS, 8000 Watts PtP (50KHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 2500 ft depth*

Dual microprocessors and triple channel sonar transmitter/receiver deliver fast, smooth operation

Full screen chartplotter, 3D bird's eye view chartplotter and split screen sonar/chart with adjustable split

Programmable view presets access important screens with one touch

Plug & Play compatibility with WeatherSense® Barometric Pressure, and Wireless Sonar Link Advanced Accessories

In-dash or Gimbal mount.

Click here for the 987C SI manual in PDF format. If you need Adobe Reader to open PDF documents, click here to get it.

Additional Features

Fresh & saltwater set up options for optimal performance in any environment

Water surface temperature included in transducer, GPS speed included

PC Connection capability to save waypoints, and upgrade internal software

Accelerated Real Time Sonar operates at up to 40 times per second to instantly capture the action under the boat

X-press menus place most important setting at your fingertips

Freeze Frame pauses the sonar scroll for detailed inspection of the screen

Instant Image Update immediately shows the results of setting changes for the most accurate fine tuning

Sonar Echo Enhancement technology is so sensitive it'll track a jig to over 40ft and separate targets within 2 ½ inches!

Fully gasketed waterproof design & it floats

Selectable large digit screen for easy-to-read number display

Backlight for night viewing

TripLog with distance, elapsed time, and average speed

Totally automatic operation or totally manual operation with upper and lower range control

Temperature graph overlay and audiable temperature alarm

One-touch Zoom with 2x, 4x, 6x, and 8x zoom levels

Adjustable chart speed

Feature memory retains your settings

One-year limited warranty

Assembled in U.S.A.

See 900 Series Video

Windows Media Verison

QuickTime Version

Side Imaging Technology

Click here to learn more about Side Imaging Technology

Advanced Accessories

WeatherSense Barometric Pressure Monitor

Wireless Sonar Link

System Link Cable

MMC/SD Card Reader

Click Here to Buy Accessories in the Humminbird Store or use FIND in the upper right hand corner of this page to find specific accessories for your product.

Specifications

Add-on Accessory Capability: Wireless Sonar Link, & WeatherSense Barometric Pressure

Depth Capability: 100 Feet Down, 240 Feet to Each Side (262kHz) Side Imaging

1000 Feet (200kHz), 2500 Feet (50kHz) 2D

Display Window Size: 7 Diagonal

Display Matrix: 480V x 854H

Display Type: Color TFT, Sunlight Viewable

Power Output RMS:

Power Output P to P 750 Watts (200kHz), 1000 Watts (50kHz)

6000 Watts (200kHz), 8000 Watts (50kHz)

Operating Frequency: 200kHz, 50kHz & 262kHz

Sonar Coverage: 50kHz: 74° @ -10db

200kHz: 20° @ -10db

262kHz: (2) 84° @ -10db

Target Separation: 2 ½ Inches

Temperature: Included in transducer

Speed: GPS speed included

Transducer: Transom Mount

Power Input Range: 10-20 VDC

Mounting: Gimbal or In-Dash

Unit Size: Installed on Gimbal: 11 1[ch8260]4" W x 63[ch8260]4" H x 4 1[ch8260]4"D

Installed In-dash: 10 ¾ W x 6 H x 1 3/8 D; Required Minimum 3 behind dash clearance

Communication: NMEA O183 Data Output, Advanced Accessory System

GPS Features: WAAS, 3000 Waypoints, 50 Routes, 50 Tracks with 20,000 Points Each

[Gatorbassman]

Why not get the best. The Hummingbird 987c.

[hootersdoug]

Boy, Y'all are quick....When it says it has the GPS-WAAS option, is that something that needs to be added on???  This is coming from a gut who dosen't even own a cell phone.  Nothing like moving into the 21st century!!

[hootersdoug]

Oops, should have told you that I do have a budget.  That 987c looks awesome, but the eagle is closer to my price range!

[5bass]

Oops, should have told you that I do have a budget. That 987c looks awesome, but the eagle is closer to my price range!

Yeah,I understand.I'd like to have a 987 too but my pockets arent quite deep enough.

[hootersdoug]

Sorry Chris...I will learn as I go.

[Glenn]

Ya know, there was a time when I thought a GPS built into a depth finder was a novelty.  Now.... it's essential!  If you can afford it, get it.  You'll never go back.

[Gatorbassman]

I enjoy living vicariously with other peoples wallets.  ;D

[paparock]

What is your budget and what are you looking for it to do.?

In answer to your GPS-WAAS question.

GPS WAAS ACCURACY

The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is a form of differential GPS (DGPS) giving enhanced position accuracy developed primarily for aeronautical navigation but usable by other users.  Each Wide Area Reference Station (WRS) provides correction data to a Wide Area Master Station (WMS), which computes a grid of correction data to be uplinked to a geostationary satellite (GEO) via a Ground Earth Station (GES) in the Ground Uplink System (GUS).  The geostationary satellite transmits the correction data (and also navigation data) to the user on the L1 GPS navigation frequency (1575.42 MHz).  The user GPS receiver uses the downlink WAAS data to correct received navigation data.  The goal of WAAS is to obtain at least a 7-meter horizontal and vertical accuracy.

It comes with most highend units. Right now I have a hand unit with it but I am looking to upgrade to the Humminbird 987 myself. What makes that type unit extra nice is the ability to return to a great spot on structure within less tha 30 feet. That cuts off a lot of searching to find the spot you are looking for.

[Master_Hunter_1977]

I am also looking to buy a new fish finder with a GPS system on it.  I don't want to spent a fortune but want a good quallity product.  I have looked at the Lawrances and the bottom lines also the Eagles.  I right now am leaning toward the Hummin bird 787 c.  The specs are as fallows.

Add-on Accessory Capability: Wireless Sonar Link, WeatherSense Barometric Pressure, PC Connection Kit & SystemLink

Depth Capability: 1500 ft

Display Window Size: 5 Diagonal

Display Matrix: 640V x 480H

Display Type: Color TFT, Sunlight Viewable, Hemispherical Viewing  

Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS), 4000 Watts (Peak to Peak)

Operating Frequency: 200kHz & 83 kHz

Sonar Coverage: 20° & 60° @ -10db

Target Separation: 2 ½ Inches

Temperature: Included in transducer

Speed: GPS speed included

Transducer: Inside Hull or Transom Mount

Power Input Range: 10-20 VDC

Mounting: Gimbal or Optional In-Dash

Unit Size: Installed on Gimbal: 6.9W x 7.7H x 4.5D (min)

Installed In-dash: 6.9W x 5.4H x 1.25D; Required Minimum 3 behind dash clearance

Communication: NMEA O183 Data Output, Advanced Accessory System

Cartography: Built-in 4 nm UniMap; Optional Navionics Gold HotMap Premium on MMC or SD Cable

GPS Features: WAAS, 2000 Waypoints, 50 Routes, 25 Tracks with 20000 Points Each

For the $/unit.  I feel this one is the best.  I can find it around $630 if you search the internet.  Give it a thought and let me know what you think.

Good luck fishing

Scott

[hootersdoug]

One thing that sucks about living in Chicago is that the baitmonkey has 2 BPS Jungles to live in here.  Right now he is going......E-E-E-E-go shop with your BPS card!!!!  I might have to listen to him.  I will post the results....

[Guest ouachitabassangler]

For $650 I've not been able to find any combo to come close to the value of a Lowrance LMS332C. I'd love to have a side imager, but after playing with one I can't see triple price since I aleady know how to interpret sonar images. I just got full credit for a second one returned, wanting one without antenna so I can network two to share one antenna. So far best price on a second is $460 less antenna, with transducer. I've have two very good units for a little over a grand. One will have a Navionics lake map card at the console for 1 foot interval GPS mapping, the bow unit having a memory card to record sonar sessions while fishing, to be reviewed on the home computer later. GPS accuracy with external antenna bow mounted is usually within 10 feet with WAAS with 3 satellites, often within 3 feet with 5 satellites received. Color display is so good you would never go back to grayscale.

Jim

[VekolBass]

I've been struggling with the same question myself. It's always a tradeoff between cost and features. My conclusion is to purchase a Humminbird 737C.

Reasoning:

a. List of $379.

b. Has GPS as an add-on feature. This makes sense because all-in-one units have the drawback that makes them attractive--all in one. If one half of the gadget breaks, you've lost both the GPS and the sonar. Also, I'd like the GPS to be available for duty in my truck when I'm out hunting.

c. Humminbird has the Quadrabeam transducer which permits a 90 deg view beneath the boat. With the WideSide transducer (which I already own) I'll get almost a total view of what's beneath me.

d. Yes it's black and white, but I'm not completely sold on the value of color in sonar. Perhaps someone can educate me. If so, then the color unit is Jusssst a little more.

Now all I have to do is recover from the 2700 that I dropped today at the furniture store. (Have to keep the wife happy so she'll permit me to continue to feed the Bait Monkey)

[Guest ouachitabassangler]

It goes both ways with a breakdown. If one unit is GPS you still have sonar in the other, but then you're still sending a unit off and sorely missing it. Lowrance has been doing about a 3-4 day turnaround, fixed the day they get it or replaced. I like combo units so I can view sonar and map on the same split screen with less equipment clutter, comparing top view of map to side view of sonar. When I went to high resolution color I knew then I'd never consider going back to grayscale. Images are much easier to figure out, separated better according to density, and easier on the eyes in full sunlight. You can get a 332C sonar (GPS ready) without getting the GPS antenna, adding it later. But THE most important feature to me is screen pixels, never again to accept less than 480x480. The sharp images are worth the money. In the combos my second required feature is color, third power. 1500 watts is plenty for inland freshwater, but I have 3000 watts. I have to turn it down in shallow water.

Jim

[Triton_Mike]

Having used the 987 SI for over 7 months.  I can honestly say that was the best 1700.00 I ever spent on ANY fishing appliance!!!  Absolutely incredible technology!!  I've been told it's about to be improved upon even further in 2007 .  

T Mike