Topic: Besides an HB SI unit, what else should I get?

[bigkahuna]

I'm trying to finalize a shopping list to go with the HB 398ci SI I plan on getting.  I will be using it with ReefMaster Pro:

1)  a 12 volt power source - I'm thinking of maybe a small, 5 ah sealed lead acid battery?

2)  a HB to USB cable - where can I find one or instructions on how to make one?

3)  a SD card - are there any specs that are required?

4)  a laptop - I've got this already

5)  anything else I'm missing?

[bigkahuna]

Searching the net I found the "AS PC3" cable kit which I assume will answer question #2, is the HB-USB cable available alone or is it only available with the battery pack cable?

Still looking for info on which SD card to buy...

[rnvinc]

1. Several use small 12v lead acid batteries for in home use ... Some make their own 120v to 12v converters using a minimum 1amp (1000ma) converter with the HB PC 11 power cord ...
http://www.humminbird.com/Products/PC-11/

2. Here is the HB verbiage for the intended use of the AS PC3 connect ...

----------
AS PC3 | Networking | 700051-1

The Advanced Accessory System PC Connection Kit includes: PC USB port connector, AA Battery Power Cable and detailed instructions. The PC Connection Kit requires: PC USB Port, 8-AA Batteries, HumminbirdPC Software (see the Support section for details.)For use with upgradeable and GPS products without a card reader.  Used with your home PC, internet connection and the HumminbirdPC application to access software updates. to enhance performance, download entirely new featues and capablities, store waypoints, routes and other navigational data in your PC 
 
Note:  Units with a card reader would only need the PC connect kit to personalize the unit.  The kit is not needed to update software and manage tracks/waypoints/routes for the units with a card reader.
----------

Your 398ci SI can do everything with the SD Card ... The AS PC3 would be an un-necessary added expense ...

3. HB recommends the Sandisk brand SD Card (up to 32gB) ... Faster write speed cards have a small advantage that will allow the unit to write snapshot and recording data to the card more efficiently ...
 
4. You will most likely want a mapping card for better map data ...HB can use LakeMaster and Navionics (Navionics Platinum will not work in the 398) ...

Check the lake list for you area ...
http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/Find-a-Lake/

http://www.navionics.com/en/hotmaps-premium

Rickie

[bigkahuna]

Thanks Rickie,

Good info.  My goal is to use the 398 for coastal / shallow water surveys here in California.

Your 398ci SI can do everything with the SD Card ... The AS PC3 would be an un-necessary added expense ...

I hope to use the 398 with ReefMaster to build real time maps on my laptop.

You will most likely want a mapping card for better map data ...

I plan on using NOAA / ENC maps with OpenCPN on my laptop for coastal navigation.