Humminbird Side Imaging Forums
Side Imaging Forums => 997c SI, 998c SI & 999ci HD SI => Topic started by: 4d-rock on April 30, 2013, 12:12:54 PM
-
Hey Guys,
I just received in the mail my second hand 997c SI. I am very stoked to have this because I had a budget of max $600 and if I wouldn't have found this, I wouldn't have had the money to get a SI unit.
I do have some questions for the vast knowledge of these forums.
I am looking into installing the unit on my console, however the dash seems to be made of a thin fiberglass. Should I be reinforcing the underside, and with what?
I'm thinking about getting a RAM mount, mainly because the spot on the dash isn't big enough for this beast. I'm attaching a picture of the console, and you can see that i'll be putting it in the place where that old Lowrance X47 is sitting. So I'm looking into a swing arm model (RAM-109HU), does anyone use this model with a 997c or similar unit? Are the holes on the bracket correct for the 997c?
http://www.gpscity.ca/ram-mount-horizontal-bent-swing-arm-with-2x6.25-inch-post-plate.html (http://www.gpscity.ca/ram-mount-horizontal-bent-swing-arm-with-2x6.25-inch-post-plate.html)
The unit has Version 4.95 installed onto it. Is it worth it to upgrade to 6.3? I've read the list of changes for the versions, but not having used it before I don't know how beneficial it would be. Especially with some of the stories of people's units crapping out on them after upgrading.
Lastly, a minor thing. But in the system information screen it logs how many hours are on the unit. I know with motors and mechanical things the number of hours makes a difference, but is this something to be worried about? Mine came used with 860 hours, so it has seen it's fair share of time on the water. Is there an average expected hour lifespan of these units before it self-destructs? (sorta joking)
Once I start the installation process I may pop back in here for advice on transducer placement, though I think I have a good idea from many of the posts I've been reading here.
Thanks
-
Usually with electronics, if you make it past the first four hours of operation they should work for a very long time without failing. I’ve got a 987 with over 700+ hours on it and a 998 with 1,000+ hours on them and they both still work.
-
Thanks Greg. I figured that would be the case, just thought I'd ask.
Anyone have any ideas on the mount or the update?
Thanks
-
Yes go with the ram mount!! as for hours my 997 now has 2164 hours on it and still going Strong!!!
-
Nice!
Ya I did end up going with the RAM-111U mount. Works very well and loving my 997c. Gotta play around with the map making next.