Topic: I'm finally upgrading my 1197c to an 1198c - Most stable software version?

[ITGEEK]

Guys,
I have been looking and looking for a new 1198c.
They are getting extremely hard to find.
The ones that sell on a discount go very fast.
I finally ordered one.

I would like to know from other 1198 users, what is the best
and most stable software that they actually have experience with?
I will be using XM Weather, Weathersense, and eventually a 360.

Once I get everything installed and checked, I'll be selling my 1197c.
That thing has sat in a dry garage, doesn't have a scratch on it, and
has been treated with tender loving care.  I think I fished in a little rain
drizzle with it, but that unit has never had a big downpour of rain on it.
Stay tuned.

[sonar2000]

Wow, what convinced you to go to the 1198? Chuck

[ITGEEK]

No internal GPS (1199 has one).
Can use XM Weather (1199 can't).
Can use Weathersense(1199 can't).
Can use same wiring harness/plugs as the 1197 (1199 is different).
And, the 1198 will work with the 360 transducer, which I want to eventually get.  Radar will also work.  I don't need it, but it's nice to have that option.

I thought about it for awhile.
I like the fact that the 1199 has a faster processor, and is a cheaper price.
But, the 1198 is a proven design, and it's actually the second generation of the 1197.
I guess the biggest factor is, that I've gotten used to XM Weather, and the 1199 won't support it.  I use XM Weather even when I'm not fishing.

[sonar2000]

wow, someone has done their homework.  I will agree with you on all points. We might be going the same direction as you.  I have another team I work with and they have the 360. We are not real sure about it and what value it will provide. A lot of money without a lot of benefits..
let us know how you go and what you decide. I would guess since you follow this forum closely you will make a decision on the level of code.. Thanks for all your contributions in the past.
Chuck

[Bob B]

ITGEEK.....How important is the 83Khz 2D to the way you use the unit?

If it is very important to you, I would stick to the 6.49 release until you get the 360.  Once you get the 360, you are going to have to go to the newest release.

If the 83Khz 2D isn't a big deal for you, or if you are willing to utilize some "get arounds." to have th 200/83 2D work well, you would be best with the newest version 6.74.
Most are reporting that the newest release has even better SI and DI than 6.49, and soft targets (fish, etc) seem to show up better.......The tuning is different from the 6.49 and requires a learning curve.

On other forums, Humminbird has reported that they are still working on a permanent solution for the 83Khz pixelation problem.  It seems that the new releases actually sacrifice some internal bandwidth for the 2D to improve the SI and DI......They are trying to insert a software switch so you can choose which to optimize.

[ITGEEK]

Chuck,
I'm already committed to the 1198c SI, and I've already pulled the trigger
on buying one.
I looked around, and there are not a lot of used ones being sold.
And, the new ones that are available are going like hotcakes.
That goes to show how good a unit it must be.

There's no question, if the 1199 would have supported XM Weather,
then I would have bought one.

My wanting the 360 is for mostly anchoring up and baitfishing.
I invision that I could cast bait and/or lures to targets, but I've never
actually seen a 360 in action, and I don't know how good it really
might work.

I really don't like real-time side imaging, because there is too much stuff moving
all at once (boat and sonar screen).  Recording, then looking at the recordings at
home and creating new waypoints is absolutely awesome.

I guess in your line of work, once a possible target is spotted, you could
ease up on it with the 360 for a better look, but again, I don't know
how clear the 360 images are.  The 360 has dropped down in price to about
$1,500 (from $2000), so, that is good.

I see your dilemma.  You have to upgrade if you want to use the 360.  My 2 cents is if
you are ready to upgrade, and you don't care about XM weather, then I'd go with the 1199.  It should be blazing fast.  At least the mounting bracket is the same as the 1197.
I'd get the KVD model.  There is no difference than the regular model except a red decal, but it
would probably fetch a few more dollars if you ever wanted to sell it.

Thanks for the input Bob.
I will rely mostly on 200khz, since I don't fish in water any deeper
than 50 feet.  I would probably start with the most recent update.

[Danco]

I fish down in Cocodrie, La.  Love my 1198 with 360.  My only issue is intermittent re-booting.

[Danco]

I fish down in Cocodrie, La.  Love my 1198 with 360.  My only issue is intermittent re-booting.

[Scrutch]

I use ver. 6.74 in my 1198. I have the 360 and I'm working through a few smaller issues. The only software related issue I have seen is a periodic screen switch to the Birdseye nav view screen. I have a suspicion that this minor glitch is more related to the 360.

With the 360 switched off, I haven't seen any software issues with 6.74

I just need some stinking time on the water to work with it!

[salvor6]

My 1198 says I have the 6.64 version. I have no trouble with it. Works great!