Topic: Better Transducer?

[lmannyr]

I have the 798 SI Combo unit with the transducer that came in the box.  I don't know what model transducer it is. 

Is there a better transducer  with MORE power that will improve the clarity of the returns?  Or is the transducer that came with the box all that can be used? 

[Humminbird_Greg]

The 798c Si uit comes with the XNT-9-Si-180-T Compact Side Imaging (CSi) transducer in the box.

Although not more powerful, you can use the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T (HDSi) transducer which is longer and uses a Side Imaging transducer element that will give clearer Si readings at 455kHz than the CSi transducer will.  It will not allow you to get the 800kHz Si readings though and some cannot see the increase Si sonar detail on the small screens of the 7987 units.  Call the Humminbird Customer Resource folks at 1-800-633-1468 and ask them about what is involved in exchanging your CSi transducer for the HDSi one.

[lmannyr]

Called as suggested and they said the HD version transducer will do me no good since I don't have an HD main unit. 

Are there any aftermarket SI transducers that are compatible with my 798 si?

thanks

[Del]

The compact transducer is actually giving you an return that your 700series can display. You can get a much better transducer without having a big change on your screen. The HD transducer WILL be an improvement due to the improved SI elements in it, not mentioning if your 789 will be able to display the change in a way you're expecting.

Thats basicially what Greg told you already. You will have an improvement, but it might be slightly. Maybe not strong enough as what you're looking for. But looking for another, better transducer doenst make much sense, the HD transducer is what you're looking for.

Greetings,
Del

[Humminbird_Greg]

I know of no aftermarket Si transducers for the 798 unit.

The “HD” part of the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T is considered to be the higher frequency 800kHz transducer.  However, as stated, the longer Si elements in this transducer are capable of a smaller sonar beam angle and therefore better detail in the 455kHz frequency.  Not everyone can see this difference in detail on the smaller displays of the 798 units though, so it works better for some and for some it doesn’t.  Now if you are making screen snapshots or sonar recordings and reviewing them on a much bigger display (like on your computer), than I don’t think that there is any denying that the longer HDSi transducer has better detail in the 455kHz sonar.

[spes]

Hello,
Just read this post and had a question.
I am close to getting a
798ci Hd Si Combo 
Part Number 407970-1
Does this come with the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T (HDSi) transducer ?
Thanks,

[LocDown]

The 798HD Si combo does not come with the HDSI transducer.

[Humminbird_Greg]

The 798ci HD Si unit comes with the smaller XNT-9-Si-180-T Compact Side Imaging (CSi for short) transducer.

[goosemanhnt4fud]

Would you be able to use the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T ducer on the 798ci HD SI COMBO?

[FuzzyGrub]

Yes, I use that transducer on the boat, and have the compact transducer for portable set-up.

[goosemanhnt4fud]

FuzzyGrub,
The transducer you have on your boat, the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T, does it enhance any features of the 798? Do you have the HD model 798?  The XHS has the 800mHz capabilities but they are not active out of a 798...which without knowing if there is a difference between the stock ducer and the XHS ducer, it would be worth the money to purchase if they do the exact same thing?? Or am I confused here?? 

Thanks for explaining...

[FuzzyGrub]

I think the images are somewhat sharper, but it is rather subjective.  I have a 798ci, ie the first version of the 798.  The 798ci HD was just a change to the internal maps (from Unimap to Contour XD) and latter, added the ethernet port.   All three versions are able to run that transducer. 

I had the HDSi transducer from a prior 797 noise kit.  Also purchased a second one used that will be going on my current project boat.   Would I buy it just for the slight clarity improvement, unlikely.  If setting up a second station, such as bow, or portable, it makes more sense.