Topic: XTM 9 SI 180T Versus XHS 9 HDSI 180T

[Bayou Basser]

I recently moved my 899 to the console (xducer on transom) and installed a Helix 5 SI on the bow (xducer on trolling motor). I miss having a larger screen unit and thinking about purchasing another 899 but would like to use the "puck" type xducer that is already installed on TM.  My question is has anyone compared the quality of the data between this "low def" xducer with the HD?  I know I will not have 800KHz with the low def but I really don't need it as I rarely fish in water deeper than 15 feet.

Bayou Basser

[rnvinc]

Neither the 899 nor the Helix 5 SI come with the XTM 9 SI 180 T ...

Did you exchange the stock XNT 9 SI 180 T for this TM puck style cSI xducer ...??

There will be minimal detail difference in the 455kHz frequency of the cSi and the HDSI ... The piezoes are not that much longer ...

I don't have images of the comparison of the cSI vs the HDSI ...

The "upgrade" benefit is the added 800kHz frequency ability of the HDSI ...

There is a stark difference in the 455kHz and the added 800kHz ability ...


Rickie

[Bayou Basser]

Rickie, when I installed the Helix I also installed a XTM 9 SI 180 T on the trolling motor.  I would like an image comparison between this xducer (455KHZ) and one with the HD xducer set at 455KHz on the 899 to see if there is any difference.

BB 

[rnvinc]

The cSi xducer is one I do not have to experiment with ... (I need to round one up for this very scenario) ...

Maybe someone has both that can show us a 455kHz comparison ...

Rickie

[Bayou Basser]

Thanks Rickie for the response.  It probably does not have to be the XTM version.  The Compact SI that goes on the transom will do as both of them do not have 800KHz.  I am headed to the lake Monday and I know a point that has a nice tree top laying in about 10 feet of water.  I'm thinking about taking a snapshot or recording with the 899 connected to the HD xducer and doing the same connected to the XTM "low def" and make a comparison.  I'll let you know the results.   

BB

[rnvinc]

Please post your screenshot results here ...

I don't recall seeing any comparison shots at any forum with this very scenario ...

Rickie

[Bayou Basser]

I went fishing today (Monday, 3/23) and was going to make some comparison screen shots.  However my ignition switch started acting up (at one point I didn't think the outboard was going to crank) so I cut the trip short.  I ordered a new switch so it will be about a week before I can get back out. 

BB

[coy]

Has anyone used the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T for the Helix 5?  I think I am going to have to replace my transducer for my Helix,  and if this is beneficial,  I will upgrade.   Thanks

[Bayou Basser]

I'm not sure if it would be worth the extra expense Coy, maybe Greg, Rickie, or Bob can answer that question.  That brings up an interesting question.  Does the HD transducer provide a better picture in 455KHz than the Compact?  Or is the only advantage the HD provides is 800KHz?

BB

[Humminbird_Greg]

This would be the same scenario as for the 500 and 700 series Side Imaging units that used the Compact Side Imaging (CSi) transducers but users swapped out for the Hi-Definition Side Imaging (HDSi) transducer.  The 455kHz Si sonar of the HDSi transducer is more detailed due to the longer length of the piezos that are used.  However, with the smaller sized display of the HELIX 5 SI units you may not be able to see it on the unit itself.  However, if you are going to look at the Si sonar on your computer you should be able to see the difference.

Even with the HDSi transducer connected, the HELIX 5 SI model units would not have the 800kHz capability.

[coy]

This would be the same scenario as for the 500 and 700 series Side Imaging units that used the Compact Side Imaging (CSi) transducers but users swapped out for the Hi-Definition Side Imaging (HDSi) transducer.  The 455kHz Si sonar of the HDSi transducer is more detailed due to the longer length of the piezos that are used.  However, with the smaller sized display of the HELIX 5 SI units you may not be able to see it on the unit itself.  However, if you are going to look at the Si sonar on your computer you should be able to see the difference.

Even with the HDSi transducer connected, the HELIX 5 SI model units would not have the 800kHz capability.

Thanks Greg.  I appreciate what you do.  That includes answering the same questions asked over and over again.   

[Bayou Basser]

I echo what Coy said, you do provide a quality voice on the forum.  Have you seen any comparisons between the Compact and HDSI ducers when viewed on the 899 using 455KHz?

BB

[Humminbird_Greg]

No, not the 899 but I would expect that you would be able to see the difference.  The last time I looked at something this in person would have been with the 998c Si model.

[Bayou Basser]

Thanks for the response Greg.  Since I have the compact ducer (puck style) mounted on the trolling motor for my Helix I'll make a comparison myself.  If there is not much difference I may replace the Helix with another 899.

BB