Topic: New DI/2D units

[rnvinc]

I find it interesting that HB is now coming out with 5 new models with DI/2D capabilities..

In all the previous models, the DI was a software upgrade and generated from the data from the SI crystals in the Xducer.....

With no SI crystals in these new DI/2D units .....does this mean that the DI now will have it's own dedicated crystals in the Xducer..??

And if that statement is true.....then is it possible there may be an Xducer upgrade for all previous SI units to employ the use of dedicated crystals for DI....??

[kosmo]

i hope so,because the di we have now doesnt really work all that well.

[kosmo]

as soon as i can aford it im going all hummingbird on my boat.no more lowrance for me,looks like anew di/2d unit for me, in 2011.

[FuzzyGrub]

If you are asking if a current SI/DI unit can be upgraded to a dedicated DI w/SI, I'd think the answer is no.   Head unit would need new H/W along with S/W and transducer.

They probably could convert a current SI/DI to a dedicated DI with a transducer and S/W change.  They could adapt an auto transducer detect, or manual setting.  I imagine that is quite a bit of S/W change and it might not fit in the current EEPROM.   Even though the current DI is not ideal, don't think there will be much of a market for converting SI/DI to dedicated DI. 

Note: All speculation, of course.

[rnvinc]

I was just curious...

Now that HB has crystals  dedicated to DI and no longer rely on the SI data to get the DI image.....

I think it would be a very interesting xducer upgrade so the previous SI units could have dedicated crystals for SI and seperate dedicated crystals for DI...

I've heard that lowrance has dedicated crystals for DI and that's why their DI images are generally better than HB....

[FuzzyGrub]

I suspect that HB will come out with a new three element transducer that will have a dedicated DI element.   There hasn't been any info indicating that, but just seems logical based on having new dedicated DI units.   Probably a 2012 or latter release. 

But, this transducer will not work in any current DI/SI unit.  It is missing the channel to transmit and receive the new DI element.  They only have two high frequency channels.   As stated above, I think they could make any current SI unit a dedicated DI with a S/W and transducer upgrade. 

I think it is great that HB came out with dedicated DI in lower end units.   I think they will be hot sellers next year.

PS: Yes, Lowrance uses a dedicated element for DS with their Structure Scan add-on.

[RzorbackAngler]

I'm wondering if my 788 ci can be upgraded to support the new DI?  I don't know if the H/W is capable.  The old 788s do support the quadbeam ducer (455).  Could the unit use the new DI transducer with a software upgrade?

[FuzzyGrub]

I'm wondering if my 788 ci can be upgraded to support the new DI?  I don't know if the H/W is capable.  The old 788s do support the quadbeam ducer (455).  Could the unit use the new DI transducer with a software upgrade?

Speculation hat back on:  I think there is a slight chance that could be possible.  Probably no 800kHz DI support, but still might be OK with just 455kHz  for DI display.   We will have to wait and see.   

I have been mulling over a 788ci for my front trolling motor for some time.  Might have to wait and see what the 788ci HD DI can do.

[RzorbackAngler]

I have the 788 on the bow.  Unit works great.  I have 898 si on the console.  I agree that you should see about the new DI units.  If my 788 ci can not be upgraded, I'm also thinking about getting a new DI unit for the bow.

[pboerjan]

Ok,
so ... my question is ... why is this image posted on the humminbird.com website for the 998si unit?

Am wanting this clarity esp. since dishing out the $$$. Tried everything.
Suggestions.  Thanks for the reply in advance!

[sonar2000]

Marketing does funny things with a web site.  And it aint always the whole truth.

Chuck

[rnvinc]

I agree Chuck...

Marketing "rules of ethics' dictate that HB can say...."You can get images like this"...

HB never says ..."You will get images like this"...

I've seen impressive DI images from users using DI from SI..but I've never been able to get any that was acceptable...

I keep all my DI views hidden...

But then...I didn't buy my unit for the DI anyway....

Rickie

[ITGEEK]

I think that if HB comes out with an SI transducer with
dedicated DI, then the transducers would have to be
huge.
The SI transducer is already pretty big.

I look for HB to come out with stuff next year (2013) that
will be totally awesome.
I'm not talking about the 360 either.
They need to build their units more rubust, with ample speed and memory
to support current and future software and accessories.

[rnvinc]

Lowrance is already in the "huge" xducer market...

There seems to be very little in restrictions in this technology..



Rickie

[Humminbird_Greg]

Ok,
so ... my question is ... why is this image posted on the humminbird.com website for the 998si unit?
(Attachment Link)
Am wanting this clarity esp. since dishing out the $$$. Tried everything.
Suggestions.  Thanks for the reply in advance!

pboerjan,
That is a screen snapshot from either an 1197c Si or a 1198c Si unit (digital readouts on the bottom of the screen).  It was incorrectly posted on the 998’s web page but cannot be changed from our end.  I don’t have contact with the company that runs our web site but am sure that a request has been made to get it changed as it has been mentioned.