Topic: Software version compatibility with linked units

[Bombercraw]

Hello all,

Last spring I purchased a 998c SI HD for the helm of my boat.  It currently has software version 6.490.    My question is, will I have any issues linking the new unit with the old one that contains version 6.490 or will it work fine with no issues?  Do I need to try to update the 998 to have the newer software and if so, how do I go about doing this?

My last question is, should I install the GPS antenna on the bow, or will it automtically utilize the rear GPS antenna puck through the ethernet connection?  Any advantages of installing the second one at the bow?

Thanks

[Rotus623]

I'm also wondering about a newer update from 6.49. The software should match between units, so if the newer 898 has a newer version you will have to update the 998. You will want the GPS puck to be over the transducer, as Im sure you know. The units will both use the same GPS puck so you should now have a spare GPS puck as well as transducer (unless you are planning on putting a transducer switch for a trolling motor ducer.) Lastly, look at the FAQ section of the forum. It has all of the answers on how to update your unit(if need be). Simple way is to just use your SD card.

[Bombercraw]

Thanks Rotus,
I do plan on installing the side scan transducer on my trolling motor.  That being the case, do I need to install the second GPS puck on the bow close to the trolling motor?"

Thanks

[Rotus623]

Well ideally you would have that 2nd puck near the second transducer so that when you mark GPS points that they are more accurate, although I'm not sure if you can do 2 GPS pucks and switch back and forth.

[Bombercraw]

Yeah, that is the question in my mind as well.  Not sure if that can be done or if it will cause confusion between the units.  I am hoping someone on the forum will have the answers to this.   Regarding the software differences between the two units, I was told by someone a couple days ago that as long as the software is 6.49 or newer on my 998, it should function fine linked to the newer unit with newer software, but I don't know if that is true or not.  I may just try to do the upgrade to be sure.  Only problem is, I have way points on my older unit and if I understand correctly, to do the software upgrade, I will have to wipe all of those out prior to updating the software.  This is all new to me so I really don't know.  I was hoping that I wouldn't have to worry about doing the updates.

[RuffWood]

I run two 998's and a 898 unit with 6.490 at the console and 6.610 at the bow and connected by Ethernet cable. Works great for me. This is the best combination of software I have found to keep from crossing that line in the sand that Humminbird drew for software updates. I also upgraded and exchanged the GPS puck that came with the bow unit for the Heading Sensor puck, that contains a compass so you are able see the direction the bow is pointing and is very helpful when fishing and staying on waypoints and traveling at slow trolling motor speeds. Contact Humminbird customer service for the GPS Heading Sensor upgrade if you think that is something you might want to do but be sure you DO NOT OPEN the package the GPS puck was shipped in or they will not exchange it and that is understandable. Also there is a additional charge for the upgrade but well worth it. 6.680 is the software version that drew the line in the sand so once you update to this version of software or higher you units must be running the newer version to communicate with when connected by Ethernet. If your units are not Ethernet connected you can run any version of software you want. Bow and console units can share all information from one unit to the other if Ethernet connected: waypoints, gps pucks, and transducers.

[Bombercraw]

Thanks Ruffwood,

Can you advise what the upcharge is to upgrade the GPS puck?

Thanks

[RuffWood]

Your best bet is to call Humminbird Customer Service. Price may not be the same I paid back in 2013. By the way the GPS HS puck works with 6.610 so no need to update.

[Bombercraw]

I will call Humminbird first chance I get.  I was just curious to get an estimate from you as to how expensive it was to do the exchange.

[RuffWood]

Around $50.00

[Bombercraw]

Thanks Ruffwood !!!

Hey, just one more question:  When you added the GPS to the front bow unit, did you have to do anything special with the settings on that unit to make sure it was reading from the front GPS puck instead of pulling data from the rear puck through the ethernet connection?

thanks

[RuffWood]

No, the Humminbird unit that the transduce and GPS puck is originally connected to will be recognized by that unit. When you connect them with the Ethernet cable then you can choose which GPS puck or Transducer you want the unit to use, front or rear. When I am fishing with someone I will switch the console unit to the trolling motor transducer so the guy in the back of the boat has the same view I have at the bow. It works really well when using side imaging at the front and your partner can see what is coming up for him to fish. The only catch to this is you have to have the same type unit front and rear. You can not display side imaging for a 998 for example on an 958 down imaging unit.

[Bombercraw]

Hi Ruffwood,

Thanks.  Your feedback has been very helpful to me.  I purchased my 998 late last year and didn't get to use it much so this is all still very new to me.


thx

[RuffWood]

Glad I could help. Make sure you register your new unit with Humminbird and also Humminbird Select to get the additional year of warranty.

[Bombercraw]

Thanks Ruffwood.

What's Humminbird Select?

[RuffWood]

You should have a brochure in the box your 898 came in explaining how to sign up and the benefits. Here is the link to Humminbird Select. http://www.humminbirdselect.com/modelregistration.aspx
Here is the link to register your unit at Humminbird: http://www.humminbird.com/Support/ProductRegistration.aspx

[RuffWood]

Good luck and good fishing Bombercraw! Hope the links I posted above help.

[Bombercraw]

Hi Ruffwood.   Yes !!!!  You have been extremely helpful with all the information you have shared.  Thank you so much.  I really appreciate you.

Best regards and happy fishing !!!!