Humminbird Side Imaging Forums
General => Articles and Tutorials => Topic started by: RGecy on August 05, 2011, 02:33:41 PM
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Live data with Humminbid Ethernet
If you have a Humminbird SI unit with ethernet port, you can connect a PC to it to get sidescan data live. The unit transmits the same sidescan data that goes into a .dat/.son log file on the Ethernet bus.
Important: DrDepth does NOT store live data to file, it simply draws the data. If you want to record data, log data on your unit.
To use Humminbird Ethernet you need:- An Ethernet port on your computer.
- A cable for Ethernet.
- Make sure you have updated the firmware in the unit to enable the Ethernet port (firmware 5.41 or newer).
The Ethernet cable:
The round ethernet connector (called 'M12/8') Humminbird uses is also used in 'industrial' Ethernet applications so it is possible to get ready made cables from electronics suppliers. However, it is easy to make your own cable. If you have a 798HD unit get a Humminbird Ethernet adapter cable or accessory bus cable. If you have a unit with the round connector, get Humminbird Ethernet cable. Cut off one end, strip the wires and connect a standard RJ45 plug this way:
[attachimg=1]
All numbers refer to the RJ45 (i.e. you will only use 1,2,3,6 on the RJ45). You do not need to connect the shield wire.
You can either press a RJ45 plug directly to the cable if you got the tools for it, or simply cut off a standard Ethernet cable and connect bare wires. If you do the later, make sure not to untwist the wires more than necessary, they are twisted for a reason.
Firewall:
Either turn your (Windows) firewall off, or make sure DrDepth can access ethernet data:- Control Panel/Windows Firewall/Exceptions.
- Use the 'Add program' button to allow DrDepth get through.
Settings in DrDepth: - Tools/Settings/NMEA/COM. Check 'Humminbird' in the 'Ethernet' pane.
- If you want to use a different GPS than the Humminbird check 'Use NMEA GPS'.
- If you want to use the Humminbird GPS and do not need NMEA for a heading sensor, check 'No NMEA' - you will then get both position and sonar data from Ethernet.
- Scan/Settings. Check 'Read Humminbird data on Ethernet'.
With your instrument running and all cables plugged in, connect in DrDepth with Tools/Connect (or shortcut 'F3'). Everything should now work! When sidescan data is received and drawn, the Show Scan Mosaic menu item and toolbar button will be enabled - click to view your side scan data.
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HMMMMMM. HB gives us an ethernet product but does not provide cables......wow.
Chuck
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They do, you just have to modify it for computer. I may make a few and offer them for sale here.
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Great info Robert....Hope to get 1/2 way to where you are using this technology.
I haven't used Dr Depth, would this be a way to direct feed data to create your own maps?
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Yes, I know they make ethernet to ethernet. Just wondered why they did not take the next step and think of those folks who want to go to a computer...
After all.........having seen all the related computer posting ovewr the years I would have thought there would have been a cable...or connector
for output to a computer...
It seems a lot is falling on the abilityof the user.
some out here are electronically challenged..
You might be onto something to build and offer for sale the cables..
Look out Roddy....you might have competition... ;D
Chuck
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It is not a great job to build the cable self.
You need a original HB-ethernetcable, a plug and a presstool. Then cut the cable in two parts, prof witch wire you need after that you must press the plug on these end.
I think, a good computershop can do this all for you.
mvh
Rüdiger
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I agree but why should we have a shop do this for a product built by HB?
Chuck
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Hey Chuck
We are waiting for a lot off thing's ( transducer with long cable, towfish .... ) why you waiting so long ?
mvh
Rüdiger
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As a matter fact we are having a tow fish being built. Normally for tow fish we use the MST side scan, but have reently seen a need (smaller body of water to use the tow fish on the HB.
I guess we are kind of slow but do have additional units to supplement the HB. Each has its own good points and each has limitations...
But we are moving ahead..
Chuck