Author Topic: Pulling the trigger: 998c SI vs 998c HD SI  (Read 7794 times)

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Offline 220BayFox

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  • Location: Pensacola, FL
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Pulling the trigger: 998c SI vs 998c HD SI
« on: December 14, 2012, 10:22:36 AM »
I really appreciate all the great information and answers on here.  As a newbie, it's been very helpful and a large part of the reason I'm putting a HB on my bay boat (that and the LSS-2 could function as a trim tab).  Thank you!

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger but am struggling between a 998c SI at ~$1400 (with tax, Academy.com) and a 998c HD SI for about $400 more.  The specs on the units look almost identical and I'm having trouble figuring out the differences.  I note the HD has 8000w peak but requires a special transducer but that's about all I've found.  Are there networking differences?  Any other differences?  I'll be putting on a Minn Kota Riptide 101 with i-Pilot; will i-Pilot Link work on the non-HD?  I'll use the MK to hold the boat over spots in 50-100ft of water, occasional use on the flats, and sometimes drifting specific paths in the pass and bay.  Would i-Pilot link be helpful?  Even after researching it, I don't understand the i-Pilot Link capabilities.  Is there a difference between the two units in NMEA connectivity?  For instance, if I wanted to connect my Yamaha F150?

I apologize if these questions have been asked before.  I've searched but did not find much.  Any advice or insight you can provide I would appreciate.  Thanks.


Offline Jim Jack

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  • Joined: Mar 2009
  • Location: Valdosta,GA
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  • My electronics cost more than my BMT
  • Unit(s): 998
  • Software: 6.6
  • Accessories: AS-WX1, AS GPS-HS
Re: Pulling the trigger: 998c SI vs 998c HD SI
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2012, 11:40:03 AM »
The only difference between the 998 and the 998 HD is that the HD is has LED Backlighting versus the Cold Compact Fluorescent Light (CCFL) of the 998. This will produce better full sunlight viewing. There is no difference in NMEA connectivity between the 2.

Both units will be I pilot link compatible.

I pilot link can be hooked via ethernet to the HB fishfinder. This allows you to store ispots and itracks on the fishfinder as well as the remote. Not only can you store these on the fishfinder but you can see them on the ff map. The normal I pilot you have to either remember where spots 1-6 are or write them down, the same is true of tacks 1-6. This is a real pain.

Ipilot is a huge help in in Arti reef fishing, no more dropping anchor trying to get over spot. Drive to spot drop TM see reef or live bottom on FF hit spot lock button, DONE. Want to go to the next reef ball or pyramid ether TM there or lift TM drive there drop TM hit button DONE.

Offline 220BayFox

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Re: Pulling the trigger: 998c SI vs 998c HD SI
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2012, 04:59:14 PM »
Thanks, Jim Jack.  That's disappointing.  I would have expected at least some upgraded hardware other than the screen after two years (am I right on that?) of the 998 being on the market.  But it sure makes my decision easier...

Offline Jim Jack

  • Full Member
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  • Joined: Mar 2009
  • Location: Valdosta,GA
  • Posts: 130
  • My electronics cost more than my BMT
  • Unit(s): 998
  • Software: 6.6
  • Accessories: AS-WX1, AS GPS-HS
Re: Pulling the trigger: 998c SI vs 998c HD SI
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2012, 12:10:23 PM »
Bayfox,
Kind of, as for the actual components in any brand of FF we get shafted for the price. Just look at the specs of a 2K computer and this becomes obvious. We carry the premium on engineering for waterproof, sunlight viewable, durability and custom software.

Given where we are in CPU design and Non Volatile RAM and SSD storage you would think that all the FF/CP makers would step it up.



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