Transducer & GPS antenna locations?

[skippinfool]

I am looking to upgrade to the Lowrance GPS graph (LMS-520C). I wanted some feedback from current GPS/Graph users as to where to install the external GPS antenna? My existing graphs are recessed in console. Also, would you recommend to have separate transducers for the front deck & driver's console graphs or have one thru-hull transducer for both graphs?

Thx. Skippinfool

[Matt Fly]

I have the Lcx-27c mounted on the console with thru-hull puck. You can get the RAM mount, that will swivel so you can see it from the front as well.

Most graphing is done searching with big motor running. You may spend more time on the TM so mounting up front is option for you.

Also, I never look at speed any more on dash, I use the GPS speed.   GPS speed testing has shown that GPS units are very accurate.    Also, the 520 will help you navigate with your gps waypoints you install as you find honey holes.

Thru hull, in my timberfilled lakes, it was best option.

No problems, great units.

[Long Mike]

I have the 522. Believe me, once you install it, you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

[skippinfool]

Thanks Matt. I bought a hand-held gps and saw first hand how it was more accurate than my speedometer. Very humbling. My initial thought is to have thru hull puck on console graph and front deck transducer on TM. Now, I just need to find a qualified installer?

[skippinfool]

Thx. LM. How do you have your 522's transducer & graph mounted?

[bassdocktor]

Not sure which one exactly the 520c is but I know it came form the 330/332 series. I really like my 332c. The only problem I ever experienced was my unit was bad when I got it but they took care of me. It should be a very nice unit. The menus are easy to navigate and it's an easy screen to see.

If possible I'd make sure what ever 500 series you buy has the maps built into it unless you already have a card. I might be mistaken but I thought I was told that one of them comes with more detailed maps and that is nice to have. This is sometimes I've been on lakes that aren't even on the gps.

[Long Mike]

Sorry Skippinfool, I read your question too hurriedly to answer it properly.  Your unit has an external antenna.  I have seen several boats with the antenna mounted directly behind and to the right of the drivers cockpit.  My unit has an internal antenna, so I'm really not qualified to answer the question.  Also, I have an aluminum Tracker, so I had no other option but to mount the transducer on the outside of the stern.  I don't know the water you fish, but a lot of my water consists of stick-ups (timber) and creek channels.  Having the GPS at the console is a necessity for me to navigate the channels.

[skippinfool]

Bass Dr.- I plan on buying a card for my unit. Plan on traveling to new lakes and I've got to believe easier than to navigate a paper map.

[skippinfool]

No problem LM. I could get this with an internal antenna but my existing graph is recessed. I am struggling with either Ram mounting my new graph or taking out my X-65 Lowrance and recessing the 520C. I may leave the X-65 in and use the flasher mode? I have a 2000 Triton TR20.

[Al Wolbach]

Skippinfool- I suggest you recess your 520. After you have looked at a color unit you probably won't look at the x65 again. I mounted my antenna next to the drivers console but only for convenience( only out of the way flat spot ). I had a x75 recessed and the 520 fit the cutout without a hitch.

One problem I had when I purchased mine was the supplied transducer was a skimmer with built in temp sensor. I wanted mine to shoot thru the hull and if I installed the supplied transducer I would have only had the temp of the bildge. I had to order a different transducer with external temp probe. If you want to shoot thru the hull and have water temp check your transducer type..............Al

PS- I have a totally separate unit up front

[skippinfool]

Al- thanks for the advise- glad to hear the 520C will fit in the same recessed space. I will want the thru hull transducer & already have someone lined up to do the work. Any advantage to spend the money for a 2nd 520C model or leave my recessed X-65 there?

PS- what do you have up front?

[BillyBob]

The ultimate is a 520c up front, 27x in console, and 997csi gimbeled on the side. Tie the two lowrance units to one GPS antenna . Make sure its 3 feet from either head unit, or you run the risk of burning the antenna unit out. I like it right in front of the console, starboard side. Antenna for 997 in the back corner of the boat. Have three different transducers! Trolling motor skimmer, thruhull for 27, si on transom.

Temp. on bow and 997,  use GPS on 27 and 520 split screen, side imageing full screen, no ziggin and zaggin, its great.  Don't use thru hull for front...you loose maybe up to 20% detail on thru hull tranducers and no temp.

I only live 20 miles from you if you want to see the setup.

[Al Wolbach]

Al- thanks for the advise- glad to hear the 520C will fit in the same recessed space. I will want the thru hull transducer & already have someone lined up to do the work. Any advantage to spend the money for a 2nd 520C model or leave my recessed X-65 there?

PS- what do you have up front?

A second 520 up front would be nice for locating deep structure you have saved in your gps. I just could not justify the addition money. I go to the structure that was saved by using the big motor then drop a bouy. This works well for me but if money is not an issue a 520 up front would be nice, however, always use separate transducers. I have an Eagle 480(recessed) on the bow.................Al

[Al Wolbach]

The ultimate is a 520c up front, 27x in console, and 997csi gimbeled on the side. Tie the two lowrance units to one GPS antenna . Make sure its 3 feet from either head unit, or you run the risk of burning the antenna unit out. I like it right in front of the console, starboard side. Antenna for 997 in the back corner of the boat. Have three different transducers! Trolling motor skimmer, thruhull for 27, si on transom.

Temp. on bow and 997, use GPS on 27 and 520 split screen, side imageing full screen, no ziggin and zaggin, its great. Don't use thru hull for front...you loose maybe up to 20% detail on thru hull tranducers and no temp.

I only live 20 miles from you if you want to see the setup.

Jeez, I took my wife to Hawaii for 2 weeks for less money than you have in electronics. Great set up though.

Billybob, you mentioned a 3 foot space for the transducer from the unit. I don't remember reading this before. Must there be a 3 foot physical distance or just  3 foot of wire for impedence matching? I don't think my antenna is three feet from my unit but I do have three feet of wire.

Thanks.......................Al

[skippinfool]

Thx BillyBob. After resarching I may consider Hummingbird's sidefinders and have the best of both worlds. Not sure if smaller Hummingbird will fit Lowrance X-65 recess up front? I really want to keep recess unit up front & larger console graph mounted to right of windshield.

[skippinfool]

BillyBob- i would like to see your setup. drop me an email and let's hokup after this 10-12" snow! I wanted to ask you about transducer mounting- if I mount console gps graph with thru hull transducer, how can I capture water temp? I will change my profile to show email icon (if i can figure it out).

Skippinfool

[Hot Rod]

You may want to check out the LowranceNet packages.  They come with everything you need to put a 520 on the console and one on the bow.  Plus they have all the networking lines so they can share the same GPS antenna and when you mark a wpt in one unit it is stored on the other unit too.

The best part is that the package is less expensive that it would be to buy two individual units let alone the networking hardware.

I've been thinking about upgrading to this too.  

If you don't want to permanently affix a gps antenna to your boat they have RAM mounts that hold the sonar/gps unit and the antenna as well.  The antenna is tucked in right behind the unit on the mount.  I think a saw the Network package in Cabela's Catalog.

[skippinfool]

I saw this today in my Cabela's catalog. Nice setup!