Topic: smallest unit computer connected

[bell47]

Well it's been quite a while since I've been on this site. I was shopping for a SI hummingbird, but ended up getting another boat, so the SI had to wait a bit. I'm back looking at options for a SI unit for looking for wrecks in <250' salt water. Most would be less than 150' deep.  One question I have is: What is the smallest unit that can be viewed with a laptop? I'm not even sure what the option is called by HB that allows a laptop to be connected to the SI unit. If I can watch the laptop screen, instead of the small screen of the SI unit, why spend the extra money on a more expensive unit. In other words, if I can buy a 700 series unit and get the same image on a laptop screen, why buy a 1100 series unit? The boat already has a good chartplotter so I don't need that capability, just really need SI. Thanks guys. 

[xSilmarilSx]

You are correct that the 798C SI is the smallest "computer" connectible unit..

Why people choose a 1100 unit is because it's easier to setup than a computer on a boat.

Waterproofness and screen brightness will be 2 point you will be missing with a computer.
Since Humminbird target the Bass crowd, their boats don't have cockpits to protect a computer nor the place to put a full computer on the console.

 

[Rüdiger]

Hi Bell

For your purpose, the 898 option is the smallest. This unit is equipped with video and ethernet out. Here are two ways to use your laptop monitor , via ethernet and DrDepth or via video.
But the objections of Xsil are of course also be considered.

mvh
Rüdiger

Ps. I use Drdepth via ethernet, it works very well.

[bigkahuna]

Just to clarify an earlier post, the model xSilmarilSx is referring to is the 798ci hd si.  The previous year's model does not have the ethernet port so won't work for what you want to do.  I just ordered one and hope to do exactly the same thing with mine.

[ITGEEK]

You also need to consider the picture quality of the video out feature.
It won't be as good as the picture quality on the units screen.

Also, the difference in 1100 versus 700 would be the power of the unit.
1100 would more robust, faster, with more memory.

[havingfun2]

Might be in the same situation or close to as bell47.. only I’m fresh water and all less than 150ft. Unit also used for fishing.

Questions from research I have done to date.
The whole issue of Ethernet I find confusing or poorly described on these units.
Dealer told me Ethernet is mainly HB to HB connections..I guess mainly to share transducers? Correct?
To connect via a pc, requires the specific cable, then only used for firware upgrades and or waypoint etc transfers (without ethernet cable can be done via the sim card) correct?

The newer, seems either 2010 or 2011 model years? in the 798ci HD si, have this Ethernet port.

Shared real time video connections.
If I’m correct no 700 series allows?
The 800 series moles up can via a VC 1 cable part number 72cc54-1.

If all true to so far, I can understand that even if a monitor or laptop screen is able to display higher res, it cannot create it, as that is controlled by the base unit’s, lets call it video card.
If I read the specs correct
700 is 640 X 640
800 is 480 x 800
1100 is 600x 800

while the res does increase, it’s not leaps and bounds.
I can understand bigger is better for scene size and open scene views, but now I’m wondering if having a remote view is really all it’s cracked up to be?

[Humminbird_Greg]

havingfun2,
Mainly the Ethernet connection is for Humminbird unit to Humminbird unit connection but also to Humminbird accessories too.  There is support (or will be) for connection to NMEA 2000 devices as well.  You should also be able to connect it to other Ethernet devices like the laptops running the Dr. Depth software as was mentioned.

You can either purchase the PC Connect Kit and get the cable you mentioned that was developed for software updates and waypoint transferring for some of our units; or you can make your own.

All 798 units that have the “HD” designation are Ethernet capable.  We started building these for the 2011 model year and are continuing to build them this model year.

The 700 series units do not have the video output connection and so no video output.

Right, the video output is at the same resolution as the unit’s display.

[havingfun2]

Wow..thanks for the speedy reply.
Been reading your site..lot’s of good info!

To the question of smallest unit to connect HB to a pc.

Would the answer then be as simple as
(a)   any HD unit for data transfers (with proper cable)
(b)   800 series and up to include not only data, but also video (with proper cable and rca monitor inputs)

If true, I think my upgrade will be a 898c si

[Humminbird_Greg]

Yes

[havingfun2]

hope this thread helps bell47

answered my issues, so thank you HB support, you just made another sale!
just ordered a 898c si from my local ontario dealer.

yep, ontario canada..issues of mapping still flacky(other than lack of) so thought I'd try the contour default..see what I get, then go from there.

application is a replacement for an older Eagle Magna III plus. unit still works..but.
 have a old Eagle AccuVav Sport "handheld" still works...great for point A to point b

boat and fish only on Erie, Rondeau Bay and St CLair.
locally I could not find anything from a dealer with SI..always an order issue.

Waters are mostly 30 ft and less.
Max is maybe 80ft.

While all the waters I boat and fish in are rather "flat" for structure ..I kept reading great things about DI then SI and people who fished the same waters for years..grew to learn so much more because of.

I'm also a small scale treasurer hunter.. so I thought..what the hay..to spend more on a unit..might as well have the option of treasurer hunting the bottom also!
Not sure yet, but I'm hoping the option of video out to a larger monitor, just makes it all the more fun.