Topic: Ethernet between a 788 ci and 898 si

[RzorbackAngler]

HB indicated that last year's 788 ci HD was ethernet capable.  I read the ethernet manual and see where I can share transducers.  I was wondering in lieu of purchasing a QB transducer for my 788 ci if I can use the si transducer from my 898 and get the same results.  The SI transducer has the 455 frequency.  Any thoughts?

[RzorbackAngler]

I can not believe that Greg at HB can not answer this question?  What gives with HB customer service... my marine dealer just went to back Lowrance ( actually took down his HB sign and put a new Lowrance sign) due to what he claims is a lack of HB service here in Arkansas.  Apparently Lowrance now has a full time customer service and Tech support rep to cover Arkansas.  He indicated that he can call and get most problems resolved on Lowrance units he sells over the phone or he can schedule a visit by a Lowrance rep in a week.  The dealer says he will give me a great trade-in on my HB units (that I just brought last year) to go to Lowrance.  He maybe just blowing smoke and getting a better return from Lowrance products.  Don't get me wrong, I'm just providing info on one dealer.  I am sticking HB. I will call HB tech support and see what they say about the ethernet.

[RzorbackAngler]

I just got off the phone with HB tech support.  The simple answer is "Even with ethernet...no the 898 si transducer can not be used by the 788 ci in the Qbeam mode.  You have to purchase the Qbeam transducer for the 788 ci. :sweating

[Humminbird_Greg]

RZB,
I replied to your other post about this. What exactly are you trying to do here?

The 788ci HD does not have the circuitry or programming to use the Si transducer as an Si transducer.  You can connect an Si transducer up to the 788ci HD unit and use it as a QuadraBeam transducer but the results will not be the same as you would get with a QuadraBeam transducer (as the Side Beam sonar elements are shaped differently) nor will it work as an Si unit would since the circuitry and programming differs.

You cannot get Si sonar on the 788ci HD unit even over the Ethernet connection because the 788ci HD unit cannot use Si sonar.

[RzorbackAngler]

Greg,  Thanks for your reponse.... I'm will be ordering a new QB transducer for the 788 ci and in the future intend to go with ethernet.  With ethernet, I assume that I will be able to eliminate the interlink.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Yes, the Ethernet will eliminate the InterLink.

[lcookie]

If you have interlink why bother going to ethernet?  If it ain't broke don't fix it is what I say.  What benefits are you seeking?

[RzorbackAngler]

I was considering using ethernet to share the 898 si transducer with my bow mounted 788 ci unit.  The 788 ci is capable of using a qbeam transducer.  The qbeam (I had seen posts calling it the poor man's si) has the 200/83/455 frequencies...so does my 898 si transducer.  According to the experts at HB,  the 898 si transducer is not configured like a qbeam transducer.  Therefore I will purchased a qbeam transducer for the 788 ci and forget about ethernet unless I have interlink problems.