Topic: Please help me choose what unit to buy next

[mike82]

I currently have a 998 HD si and am thinking about upgrading to a better unit. The main two reasons are bad 2D sonar (pixilated) and the does not read the correct depth. When I get a double echo from a hard bottom it will read the deeper echo which is wrong. I was wondering if the 1198, 1199 or onix series have these issues. If not which one would you recommend. Also if there are known issues with any of these could you please list them.

[Bob B]

Your problem is not with the 998....it is a great unit.

The problem is that you had to update your software past 6.49 in order to support the i-pilot link you have.
Since you need the newer software, make sure you go get the newest available....They have made a few improvements.

[mike82]

I read that is was the software and I actually just upgraded to the newest version but it didn't make it any better. I also found if I switch the transducer to dual beam in the settings the 2D looks 100% better. I was gonna ask you is my bottom reading issue also software related? I have learned to deal with it but now I want to get autochart and create a more accurate lake map of my lake. But im not gonna be able to do that if my unit wont read the correct depth. Im pretty sure it will mess up the map.

[Bob B]

Should just be able to turn the sensitivity down some when on a hard bottom......Using the dual beam setting for the transducer is the recommended "get around" for the pixelation problem.

[mike82]

I have tried everything that humminbird cs recommend. I tried doing a factory reset, changing to clear from max, adjusting surface clutter, turning down sensitivity, changing to salt water deep, changing max depth in both areas to 40ft. Only thing I haven't tried is swapping a different unit in. If there is anything else you can think of to try let me know.

[Bob B]

It sounds like you have done everything I could think of.  Maybe Greg or Rickie will check in and give you some more ideas.

Have you always had this problem with the 998, or did it come along with a software update?  I have not heard of that being a common issue.

I'd definitely try it on another boat if that's an option for you.

[mike82]

I have had this problem out of the box this spring with this unit. I wish I knew someone that I could try swapping it with but all my buddies run lowrance units. I also posted in the 998 forum with pictures of my transducer mounted to try to get feedback for the depth issue. I would rather just fix my issues than upgrade but it seems like there is no fix so far that ive found.

[rnvinc]

The double echo is a combination of Enviromental (hard bottom is very reflective)...and a lot of Sensitivity (which is basically less filtering)...

The disadvantage tradeoff with this is the fact that backing the Sensitivity off also backs off on showing the echo targets well...

Your installation in the 998 forum looks OK to me ... So I think this is just a difficult scenario to overcome...

You might try setting the Beam Select to 200kHz/83kHz ...and then Max out the 83kHz Sensitivity setting under the Sonar tab ...and then backing off on the Global Sensitivity setting in the 2d view Xpress menu...

This may filter out the double echo (less global sensitivity)...but still be able to have a strong sensitivity in the wider 83kHz 60° cone (more 83kHz sensitivity)...for showing fish echos...

Rickie

[rnvinc]

Also ...

Set the Lower Range setting in the 2d Xpress menu to a manual choice that puts the lake bottom detail at the bottom of the display...

You won't see the double echo this way...and it maximizes the water column to use more of the available screen resolution...

Rickie

[mike82]

Thanks for the info Rickie, I will try turning on the 83k/200k beam and then crank up the 83K and turn down the xpress sensitivity like you said. As far as setting the lower range in xpress menu ive done that to a extent by setting it at like 30ft. But I can try to set it less than the double echo and see if that works. Thanks again.

[mike82]

I was also wondering does the depth reading come from the 200khz/83khz part of the hdsi transducer. If so I was thinking about just adding a dual beam transducer with the y cable to see if that fixes it.

[rnvinc]

I was also wondering does the depth reading come from the 200khz/83khz part of the hdsi transducer. If so I was thinking about just adding a dual beam transducer with the y cable to see if that fixes it.

The digital depth comes from the 200kHz beam...

It is definately a possibility for you to add a Dual Beam xducer with the AS SIDB Y cable ....

The AS SIDB Y cable will disconnect the 2d piezo in the HDSI ...and all 2d data (digital depth included)...would come from the Dual Beam xducer...

Rickie

[mike82]

Thanks again for the info Rickie, thats good to know. I think im gonna try that. I sold my 597 on my bow and I think im gonna order a 859 HD to replace it. From there ill use the dual beam transducer for the 998 and use my dual beam transducer in my terrova for the 859. Now if I would get that issue with the unit reading the wrong echo after that, would it be safe to assume there is a issue with my 998 head unit. Because according to the manual double echos are a normal thing. So I dont think thats the issue. Its the fact that its reading the wrong echo for my depth readout.

[sfw1960]

The "work around" Bob mentioned was to set your XDCR type to dual beam or US2 (depends on unit) so the SI/DI is shut off and you'll get more CPU power for better 2D processing.
I generally only use a small portion of one screen for 2D on one unit - my 998 is usually split screened with SI/DI.
Depth comes from the 200 KHz regardless of the XDCR you use.

[rnvinc]

Thanks again for the info Rickie, thats good to know. I think im gonna try that. I sold my 597 on my bow and I think im gonna order a 859 HD to replace it. From there ill use the dual beam transducer for the 998 and use my dual beam transducer in my terrova for the 859. Now if I would get that issue with the unit reading the wrong echo after that, would it be safe to assume there is a issue with my 998 head unit. Because according to the manual double echos are a normal thing. So I dont think thats the issue. Its the fact that its reading the wrong echo for my depth readout.

Double echoes are common in certain situations...hard bottoms are usually the culprit...

I'm still not sure about this unit reading the double echo as the depth reading...

Testing the 998 on other xducers can help determine if there may be an issue in the head unit...

Rickie