Topic: Transducer on the new 899ci hd si

[jjbch]

Is the transducer that comes with this unit adequate?  I know there is an upgrade, but how much better would it be?
Thanks

[Bob B]

Without it, you won't have the option of using the 800Khz capabilities of the 899.

The 798 got pretty good SI images with the same transducer that now comes with the 899, but got better images with the HDSI transducer.....even though it could not do 800Khz.

I think it would be worth the cost of exchanging it.....but that's just me.  Problem is that once you have used it you won't be able to exchange it if you decide later that you want the HDSI transducer.

[jjbch]

Thanks very much.  I guess the next question would be, am i better off with the 898c hd si or go with the 899 and upgrade the transducer?  You would think this would be easier. 

[Bob B]

That's a tough choice, but I would go with the 899 myself.

The reason is that the 899 is more current technology and has a faster processor.  We don't know yet, but it is very possible that the 898 will not support some future accessories because of the slower processsor.  The pricing on the 99 series is also very good.

I bought a 1197 when the 1198's first came out.....good sale on the 1197....Now, the 1197 won't support accessories like the 360....Wish I had spent the extra on the 1198 at the time.

[jjbch]

Bob thanks for the help.  Probably will do the 899 and upgrade.  Appreciate the help.

[sfw1960]

If you decide on the 899 & the HDSI XDCR, be mindful they have a bug with 800 KHz washout they are working on and unless you back the sensitivity way way down & diddle with contrast a bit - you will want to use the 455 KHz for now. I have the same setup ~
They should have that ironed out shortly IMO.