Topic: New HB annoucement

[stillbear]

Looks like something .http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5a16787160057a7113&m=fe6615707767027b7016&ls=fdca15727567047d7c1c757c64&l=fe55157772660c7a7310&s=fe25107170670174771d74&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe171772726d0d7a721276&r=0

[ITGEEK]

Does that mean that our legacy models have now dropped
to the next lower category, of old crap?
 

[Double Digit]

A new product coming out and my tax refund on its way.......Boy the wife is gonna be PIST...

[ITGEEK]

Well,
Lowrance has their new Gen 2 units.
So, Humminbird has got to come out with something new.

[Irishrover]

This came just as I was about to order a 898c SI Combo...hah sometimes timing is everything.

[navionic]

Well,
Lowrance has their new Gen 2 units.
So, Humminbird has got to come out with something new.

Yes! For example 587 DI.   
 Interestingly, the online stores already offer them, such as Cabelas

[Bob B]

RUMOR is that it is going to be a 360 degree transducer that will work with current model SI units......Have to wait til tomorrow afternoon to find out for sure.

I've been beating Humminbird up for not innovating......lf this is true, they are innovating big time.....and doing it in the stealth mode.

[Irishrover]

This Humminbird announcement...ii says its to be announced at the Bassmasters Classic at 2 pm. If this is televised...does anyone know what channel this will be on?

[George]

Here is the address to watch the press release at 2:00 pm CST.

--> http://www.humminbird.com/leading_innovation/humminbird-sonar/latest-news.aspx <--

George

[sonar2000]

George, for those who are not able to be on at the time of the broadcast, do you know if it will be recorded and available for playback later?

Chuck

[Trytoofish]

look whats on cabelas web pre -order Interesting tho expensive at $2000 for a transducer

http://www.cabelas.com/sonar-and-sonar-gps-combos-humminbird-360-imaging-1.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=1345278&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=DB4B183B-BF5D-E111-88CA-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA

[Double Digit]

Well ain't no doubt about it...That's what the announcement is gonna be about.A transducer that drops down below your boat and sweeps 360 degrees...Can't wait to see some footage of this thing in action....

[sonar2000]

It said older units can get a software upgrade.  Hopefully this will be in the announcement also..
I would hate to think our 1197 has hit the bottom of the rocks...
chuck

[Trytoofish]

on older units it says they have to be eithernet capable, so that will leave out most of the xx7 series.

[ITGEEK]

Chuck,
If the 1197c isn't at the bottom of the rocks yet, it's
definantly sitting on the rock pile (somewhere).

[sonar2000]

I can feel it rubbing though...

I went to the web site and looked at the announcement that George linked us to.

Maybe this is premature and I will have to wait for the 2pm cst show.  But:
On the web site it shows (3rd picture from the left ) that the scanner beam is able to  drop over a ledge and return a display..
I would be interested to see how it does that...or is this just a computer dramatization for the announcement.  I dont see the picture as a realtime snapshot..

chuck

[Trytoofish]

chuck
 i don't think that picture is depicting a drop off, it looks more like the sonar beam going(rotating) through the water column
TTF

[sonar2000]

Thanks.....

Chuck

[ITGEEK]

Wow.
I saw the video.
It looks like impressive technology.
I don't trust anything Kevin Van Dam says about it because he's on Humminbird's payroll.

I would like to know if we can use our existing transducer, and also use the 360 transducer.
This is going to generate many more questions than answers in the beginning.

[sonar2000]

Exactly.....I did not get a lot from the presentation.  Of course we knew it was a marketing promo.  I heard him say it was ethernet compatable but the other web site said it was only the X98 units.  Older units with ethernet would need some type of software installation.  I see this as send it back to HB.,

Hopefully by Aug they will have figured it out. 
I dont want to dump our 1197 and have to buy a 1198.   Maybe HB should consider a program to upgrade going out of style units..

chuck

[navionic]

http://www.humminbird.com/leading_innovation/humminbird-sonar/360imaging.aspx     

[Trytoofish]

I got nothing out of the power point show, I sure hope those screen shots end up posted somewhere!! I like the thought on not needing to be moving and still read sonar. but my wallet dont. lol.

[George]

It is probably neat, but do not think I want to pay $2,000 for a 360 degree transducer.  I can imagine forgetting it is down and running into a stump or a rock.  I am disappointed, I thought the big to do was something unique technology with the units.  I did see a little bit with KVD talking about this transducer, but he was just trying to sell it.

Ice fishermen would like it except that it cost too much.

George 

[sonar2000]

Seems a litle high and I was looking for something else in detail...I would like to see more actual scans and not the generated ones.

I would like to try one out....but my 1197 may not support it.   
We definately need more information at this point...Hopefully it will follow soon...

Chuck

[LocDown]

Maybe there is a failsafe built-in to where if you're moving faster than X speed then it would retract. Also, since it's asking for ethernet capabilities, it sounds like you will still need your standard transducer(s). 2000 bucks is a lot of cash for a transducer that could probably get smashed on deployment. heh

[rnvinc]

I wish HB would have spent that engineering and development $$ on "true DI" in the SI units instead...

Rickie

[Triton Mike]

Here is a post from Doug that he told me to disperse.  Doug is at the Classic getting this info.

I've been learning all I can about the new 360 Degree Sonar and it's really cool. Seen fish swim thru the transducer coverage and got to talk to KVD and he got to see it last week in action on Cross Lake.

One of the cool things is it is Ethernet Compatible so it does not require new product to use works with current 798ci HD, 898c, 998c, and 1198c at this time. With Ethernet the 360 Imaging will be able to be shared over the Ethernet Network to all SI Compatible Units on the Network so you can have unlimited number of SI units hooked to Hubs and share the data. You could have 500 SI Units and 100 Ethernet Hubs and have the data displayed to all the units at the same time.

You can scan 360 Degrees or forward only or left only, or what ever you want.

It does require the transducer to clear under the boat and outboard so it does not block any of the imaging. It's like underwater imaging radar and it has patent pendings.

Talking to several Elite Anglers here of both brands and they see immediate impact to fishing and their success. Couple even asked about wanting to make the switch now...

If your fishing a road bed, grass line, brush piles you can see exactly where you need to cast...Looking out to 150' in all directions so its the first time you can get updating imaging with out having to have any movement. Sitting and fishing a brush pile has total changed.

Kevin Van Dam says "It the most amazing technology that he has ever seen since his fishing career started, that will have immediate and drastic impacts"

There is protection capabilities that warn you the transducer is retracted.









Sure I'll learn more about this exciting technology tomorrow...it's really cool to see and learn about ways this technology will impact fishing.

I'm on a pretty busy schedule so if you have questions I'll be on the Humminbird Forum trying to get as many as I can fit in the busy schedule I'm on at this Classic.

 
I am so pumped I want one tomorrow! I see so many benefits to this technology. It's going to be the bomb for vertical fishing you can watch the school of fish and see if they move and where they move to and know exactly where to cast with their position from the boat. You can save waypoints in 360 Imaging...I feel the same as KVD this technology will take imaging and fishing to the next level...All you have to do is learn how to make them bite!

[chet]

For 2 grand for that 360 degree view thats over priced  i won't be buying one.

[George]

I do not understand the value in having a transducer on a boat that rotates 360 degrees, requiring a boat to be standing still or risk damaging the unit. 

Aside from that it looks like a power pole which I would rather spend the money on.

It will be interesting to see how the 360 is used and whether or not this product will last in the market place. 

I cannot see anyone in a tournament using this.  I did not see a remote to deploy the transducer and would not expect anyone in a tournament running to the back of the boat to deploy it then going back up front to run the trolling motor.

I can see the value in have a moving transducer to give a clearer view of the surroundings, but not at a costs of $2000 and something that could be damaged so easily.

George

[ITGEEK]

The only way we're going to know if this thing is really worth it,
is to wait until some users who actually fish buy it, and put up review information.

I feel, I won't be able to make a decision on this until the Fall of this year,
when enough feedback has come in.

Also,
I have an 1197 which has the ethernet connector on it.
But, from what I've read, I fear that I might not be able to use it anyway, without upgrading to a newer unit.

Can Greg please chime in and tell us 1197 users if we will be able to use the new 360
transducer or not.

Thanks.

[sonar2000]

I wonder about the underwater "radar" and patent pending.  It seems to me this is sector scanning and that is already available.

I am with ITG,,,,,will our 1197 with ethernet and 5.8 work with this.  Or do we need to budget $5000 for new unit and add on 360....

Kind of expensive since we already have sector scan..But this also makes me wonder if legacy products are obsolete and we will see no upgrades for them......or worse...support...

chuck

[FuzzyGrub]

I remember some people doing this a few years ago, and posting pics on one of the forums.  I believe they were manipulating the data afterwards, not realtime.

Like what it can do, but the price and won't work with my non-ethernet unit.

I'm wondering if it is mechanical rotation or multiple elements which are are switched on and off. 

[sonar2000]

Fuzzy, dont know the mechanics on how.....

I forget but someone as you suggested had done something similar to this on ice fishing. And with the existing units. Dont know the exact mechanics on this either. 

I will see if I can find the ice posting..

Chuck

[sonar2000]

Hers is one posting I found but it is not the exact one I was thinking of. 

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=2900.msg16515#msg16515

Chuck

[drpelle]

I remember some people doing this a few years ago, and posting pics on one of the forums.  I believe they were manipulating the data afterwards, not realtime.

Like what it can do, but the price and won't work with my non-ethernet unit.

I'm wondering if it is mechanical rotation or multiple elements which are are switched on and off.

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=2900.msg16515#msg16515
http://www.drdepth.se/xtools.php?l=gb

Works live with both HB SI units with ethernet, and Lowrance LSS1.

Per
www.drdepth.se

[sonar2000]

Here is the one I was thinking about :...from Rickard....

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=1308.msg7040#msg7040


PER....I would like to know more on the operation and how it does this also......(the 360 addition)

Chuck

[Trytoofish]

Chuck
Our 1197's just got closer to the rock pile. Doug just posted this.
"Unfortunately the 1197c Ethernet componentry is the first Generation E-Net
and the 360 Imaging needs was not planned at the time of it's production.
As of right now it will not be compatible. Due to internal component
differences.

Once things get settled down they are going to take a hard look to see
what or if anything can be done to make it work with the 1197c Components.
No guarantees unless you update to a Current Model which are compatible.
That 1197c has some of the best resell values in the industry and if 360
Imaging is in your future might be a step you could take to update your
unit then add 360 Imaging."

The first person(to my knowlage) to do rotational scanning was WarrenMN ice fishing 5 years ago or so. he posted screen shots but i could not find them.

[Trytoofish]

here is his website.
http://www.accuemap.com/Ice_fishing_with_Humminbird_997.html

[Double Digit]

Well the fact that this "super Xducer" costs more then I paid for my 998...I will be holding out to see exactly what this thing is capable of and if its right for my situation.Ill tell ya what I couldn't agree with Rickie more Humminbird should work on a new transducer that has a dedicated DI crystal in it and let us have true side image as well ass true down image in 1package...

[drpelle]

PER....I would like to know more on the operation and how it does this also......(the 360 addition)

Chuck

I have built my hardware/rig from Minnkota spare parts - the transom mount clamp + main shaft
from the Endura series.

A stainless steel tube, inside the composite MinnKota shaft, acts as the main rotational axis.
The SI transducer is attached to the bottom end, at the top a RC servo (USD 20) controls the rotation
(+/-90 degrees to give a full 360 view using L+R channels).

Theres a locking mechanism to fix the transducer axis when not running the scanner (normal SI use).

The trolling motor parts makes it very easy to lift/lower the transducer for various needs.

The control of the servo is managed through a servo controller (another USD 20) which in turn
is connected with USB to the PC running DrDepth. The scanner is activated in DrDepth
with a simple menu command and there is a set of controls appearing on the map
page to control the scanner functions.

The scanner can be run either in a fixed location mode (as HB) or taking the position in to account
to georeference the mosaic (as in the movie you can watch on the DrDepth web site).

Besides rotational scanning, there is also a function that aligns the transducer with
the true direction of travel (COG) rather than boat heading. This improves sidescanning
performance a great deal as soon as there is a bit of current (implements a 'software' towfish).

Per
www.drdepth.se

[sonar2000]

OK, so this is not a 360 continous rotation but a 180 left and right sweep and returning.
I was wondering how they would rotate this in a circle after circle.

Thanks.

Since we have sector scanning I dont see this in our future but for teams that may have purchased a 1198 this might be an investment ($2000) over a $10,000.00 true sector..
Some budgets are slim today......

Thanks Per and to DD and Trytoo.  We are getting closer to understanding this device..

Chuck

[sonar2000]

I still wonder why the Cabela's site page says this:

Requires an Ethernet-ready, Side Imaging®-equipped Humminbird fish finder (not included). Older side imaging units will need a software update.

Leads us to think we can upgrade our existing 97's. 

Is the left and right hand not talking again...

chuck

[tshirts]

"I cannot see anyone in a tournament using this.  I did not see a remote to deploy the transducer and would not expect anyone in a tournament running to the back of the boat to deploy it then going back up front to run the trolling motor."

According to the HB site:
 
TWO DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS
When the timing’s right, you can deploy 360 Imaging™ using your Humminbird unit or the control buttons found on the Transducer Deployment System. Easily manage the depth to which the Transducer Pod deploys to avoid grounding in shallow water.

[Trytoofish]

Chuck
 Here is a hope,maybe our 1197's wont be able to control all the 360 imaging aspects but will be able to display the sonar. as they can be on the eithernet hub. Maybe a software update will allow that.

[sonar2000]

It would be nice to have that optional display.  However I am still concerned about funding the cost.  We will have to wait until we can see a hands on demo of the operation. 

Dont know how HB will do that though... 

Another question.. Will we be able to set distances for the circle?  Might be nice to see only 50 instead of 150...

Next question.   Will the external viewers write new code to suppor the circle view..?.

HMMMMM....

Chuck

[stillbear]

Chuck the actual size of this unit is quite large. Gary

[sonar2000]

Thanks, Gary......I missed that in the announcement yesterday.  Holy Cow that is big.  Wonder what the weight is...

chuck

[ITGEEK]

The size of that thing looks ridiculous.
Maybe it's for salt water only boats.

[ITGEEK]

I think new technology is great, and I am tickled to death that
Humminbird is paving the way in fishing sonar technology.

But,
I don't know why they can't also offer improvements on existing equipment.
Like, for instance, a bigger, clearer, more powerful transducer.
Or, maybe a more powerful chip and/or more memory that you could have
installed in your existing unit.

That way, people with older units can still be improving what they have
for a few years, instead of shelling out the multiple thousands of dollars to
upgrade.

I'm going to keep my 1197c until it either stops working, or until I throw it
into the water.  Whatever occurs first.

[Roddy]

Well that wont be mounted on a kayak!!!