Lowrance HDS help and advice please

[Ender]

Ok...so I went with the Xi5 trolling motor with the pin point GPS, best thing I have bought besides the boat. The anchor feature is the greatest thing ever, went out in some inclement weather last weekend and I was able to fish at the same time as my son, normally i'm doing all i can to keep the boat off the shore or slamming into docks. Now its time to pick up some electronics...I have set my mind on Lowrance HDS units (only because my trolling motor has a built in transponder) I realize that all the companies are close, but this is just easier. My question goes out to the folks running Lowrance HDS gen 2 units. I am planning on putting two HDS units on the boat (bow and console), now here are the questions. I don't have a good grasp on the hardware needed, and I my not have a good grasp on the terminology used to explain myself...but here goes.

1. The MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motor came with a universal integrated sonar utilizing Lowrance® 83/200kHz transducer pre installed. will this transponder work for side scan imaging, or structure scan imaging or both? Also how are the two different kinds of imaging used.  

2. If I want to have both side scan and structure scan will i need two different transducers? ( if so please give part numbers or explain the difference so I know what I need)

3. Can I run side scan and structure scan on the same unit, if I only purchase one unit?

4. If I was to purchase only one unit at a time, (I will buy two, might have to wait a couple of months for the second one) Should I mount it at the bow or at the console, and why?

5. would most people mount the side scan transducer in the trolling motor, or on the transom, or mount the structure scan scan transducer in or on the trolling motor, and why?

I understand some of the questions are straight forward, and some will be influenced by personal preference, but more information is better then less so I can get a handle on this sonar stuff!

I would just like to buy once, so thanks for the help in advance. 

Ender

[junyer357]

If its the gen 2 (pre touch screen) you will need an lss module and transducer do have imaging. 

1 the built in sonar will only work for traditional sonar

2&3 the lss module and transducer is a single transducer that handles side and down imaging and can do both simultaniously on one screen 

4 i would reccomend console, due to being able to use gps while running as well as most folks use scanning while searching for fish unless you drop shot alot. 

5 would need to be transom mount and low on transom to keep water contact for imaging transducer. Especially on older gen 2 units. The gen 3 have a new single transducer that handles everything and can be mounted to troll motor with minimal interference as i understand it. 

 

After a second unit is mounted they should be able to share info, waypoints, and both do imaging with the appropriate ethernet cables connected to each.