Topic: network 798CI HD SI to 899ci HD SI

[vkjanzen]

I have 798CI HD SI and am considering buying a 899 ci HD SI.  Plan to put larger unit on console and 798 at front of boat.

2 questions:

1) Can these 2 be networked with Ethernet or does it require the Interlink? 

2) Advantage is sharing waypoints - but I heard that each unit will use the stronger signal (GPS and sonar) from the units - and sometimes this can result in GPS from one being combined with sonar of other.  Is this true?

Thanks.

[Monticatgeek]

these can be ethernet joined together. once networked you will need to go into each unit and set which unit will be the GPS source and the sonar source for each unit. in your example I would set the 798 to use its GPS and the 899 to use its GPS and the  the transducer on the transom for both unless you have a SI transducer hooked to the trolling motor then I would set the 798 to that transducer.

[Humminbird_Greg]

1) Etherneted only.  The 899 does not work with the InterLink.

2) Nothing to do with a stronger signal, so someone was blowing some smoke your way.  like Monticatgeek said; you can pick and choose which GPS Receiver and sonar you want to use on each unit.

[vkjanzen]

Well the 899 is on the way - so excited about getting these hooked up.

1 - to hook up ethernet - all I need is one cable to plug into each, correct?  Didnt realize the 798 had an ethernet connector?

2 - when I save a waypoint on the console unit - sonar and GPS are on the transom ---- then access THAT waypoint on the bow unit (sonar and GPS on the bow) - I can go to that waypoint - correct?  Sounds like a dumb question, I know ....

Thanks for ALL your help

vkj

[Humminbird_Greg]

vkj,
1 – You will need an Ethernet Connection Cable and two (2) AS-EC-QDE Ethernet Adapter Cables.  These are needed to go from the non-standard Ethernet connector that we use on the 899ci HD Si and 798ci HD Si units to the more standard M12 type Ethernet connector on the connection cable.  Those Ethernet Connection Cables come in a variety of lengths and this is a part of the part name.  They are all As-EC-XXE but the “XX” gets replaced by the cable length, so a 15-foot cable would be an AS-EC-15E, while a 20-foot cable would be an AS-EC-20E.  They come in 2,  10,  15,  20 and 30-foot lengths.

2 – Correct and it is not a dumb question.  Although the data for the waypoint is stored on the console unit, it is made available to the bow unit just like it was stored there.  So this means that when you shut the console unit off; all of its waypoints are now not available to the bow unit (and vice-versa).

[vkjanzen]

Greg etal - thanks VERY much for your assistance and patience.  Hopefully 2 final questions:

1) regarding software versions on the units.  Should I just be sure the most recent updates are on the units - is that almost always required?  Or, is it best to hook them up and see if it works with whatever version is on the units?

2) Do most keep load waypoints for a lake to the console unit only - and access those from the bow unit?   Doesn't seem necessary to load on both units if networked.

Again thanks - Verlin

[Humminbird_Greg]

Verlin,
1) I would check the software versions before connecting the units.  It won’t hurt the units if the software versions will not communicate but it may cause you some stress if they don’t work as is.

2) I do not know what most folks do.  I would probably keep the waypoints on the console unit though.

[vkjanzen]

Greg - have my 798 and 899 graphs installed and working great.  Next time I want to connect with ethernet (you hvae me cables I need) and connect my external GPS puck to the 798 so it is near the sonar transducer for accuracy.  I assume the ethernet cable and gps cable plug into different ports on the back of the 798ci SI HD - correct?  Just want to be sure I get all the parts I need so on my next trip to the lake, I can get it FINISHED!

THanks for your help

Verlin

[Humminbird_Greg]

"I assume the ethernet cable and gps cable plug into different ports on the back of the 798ci SI HD - correct?"
Correct Verlin.