Topic: 360 imaging unit

[alnash]

To say that I'm unhappy is to say the least. It has very poor images hard to make out structure and even harder for fish. If setting dead still it is better but not good. I've had my unit now since Feb so I've had plenty of time to play with it. My recommendation is don't waste your money. I have a 1198  and a 898 they are great wish I would have replaced my 898 with the 1198 for trolling motor instead of 360 its a waste of good money!

[hays47]

Sorry to hear about  your troubles with the 360. I was initially interested in it myself. Until I seen the price and then all the production delays. Production delays can be good if the delay is used to insure that a faulty product does not hit the market.

If all the delays were used just to cobble something together that may work that is a different story altogether.

Judging by Humminbird's customer service I think and hope they will eventually get the " bugs " out. I have not read any glowing reports on the 360 yet. What few I have read have been all on the negative side.

As a former R&D person I know that what looks good in theory and on paper does not always translate into a success. As an engineer once told me " Hey we just design these its up to you techs to get them to  actually work ."

[ITGEEK]

It's a new product.
Give Humminbird time to tweak the software.
I want to get one in the future, but it won't work
with my 1197c.
I'll have to get an 1198.
And, the 1198 may become a legacy model this fall.
It's time for Humminbird to copy the Lowrance huge
screen model.

[alnash]

Its hard to wait on humminbird to tweet the new product when they are playing with my $2000.00. I know I should have waited, but the way they advertise it, it was going to be great, I had nothing but trouble right from the start, first unit was bad right out of the box they sent me another on after messing with that one for a couple of weeks. This unit works mechanically where the other one didn't, yes right now I would recommend all Lawrance equipment over Humminbird and I have over $6000.00 worth of humminbird stuff.

[ITGEEK]

The problem is, if the 360 is a mechanical patent,
then Lowrance can't copy it, for I think 16 years.
From what I've seen and read, the 360 is best viewed
while sitting still.
It's still cutting edge technology and is extremely neat.
The one thing I've learned about sonars is that there is
great expectations of how you think they will perform.
Then, when you get on the water, there is the reality of
how they actually perform.  The two don't necessary
match up.
I would be patient and see if Humminbird can come out with
more software updates to improve the 360.
You've still got the best that's available right now.

[Bob B]

There is no doubt that there were a LOT of problems with the 360 when HB released it.  There is really no excuse for that.  I totally understand your frustration of being on the "bleeding" edge of the implementation of this thing.

From what I have been reading, most people who have the latest software updates for the 360.......and maybe had their units replaced are now learning to get good results and would not give up their units.

I also think it is necessary to do a re-alignment of expectations for the image clarity on the 360.  The image quality is nowhere near as good as SI or DI.  This can be improved by reducing the range.

The real strength appears to be the ability to position the boat precisely to fish various structure....without having to throw a marker bouy,  the ability to scan in front of the boat, the ability to observe fish as they move around on structure, and the ability to follow a suspended school of fish or baitfish........The pictures aren't pretty, but there is invaluable information.

It is kind of like the difference between 2D and DI.  People who are very experienced with sonar actually seem to like the 2D information better even though the DI offers a lot "prettier" pictures.

This is info I have gathered by watching several forums.....I don't personally have a 360.......I sure would like to have one though, in spite of the remaining "issues."  Right now, I don't get enough time on the water to justify buying one, so I am just waiting and watching.