Topic: I am back and helping protect customers from buying the 788 ci DI!!

[kwelklin]

Unreliable software for the GPS clocks me at 4.8 in my driveway on the trailer. It is unusable for trolling slow speeds as it loses it's direction. Do a search on it it's pretty well documented, I didn't . . .now I'm paying for it. Was massaged long enough by CS that the seller won't take it back they are reffering me to HB who have no fix. GREAT STUFF!

[Humminbird_Greg]

Have you tried testing your 788ci unit on someone else’s boat that has an external GPS Receiver to see if you get any better results?  The problem could be in the internal GPS Receiver of your 788ci HD DI unit.

What does the GPS Diagnostic View show for the Fix Type, HDOP and Est Pos Error?

[ITGEEK]

Kwelkin: What steps have you taken to help diagnose this problem?
Have you called Humminbird customer support and asked them what you
should do?
Have you double-checked all of your wiring, connections, and battery condition?
In your driveway, did you have anything else electrical on at the time your
gps was giving inaccurate readings?
Have you looked through the owners manual for trouble-shooting tips?
Have you looked on the Humminbird Website for trouble-shooting tips?
Have you searched forums to see if other people had a similar problem, and
what they did about it?

Sometimes things just don't work like they should for various reasons.  Patience and research will eventually get this fixed for you.

[ncsark9]

Mine works fine

[edwardpic]

................BOUNCE.................

[calli1]

Some people just can't be satisfied.  We have  "tech" dept. to help with our problems.  He needs to use them to the fullest.

[sonar2000]

It sounds like a "squawker" to me.  Only a complaint and no details...
Chuck

[Roddy]

Thank goodness he has not left his driveway! Maybe he should read a few NOAA pubs on GPS.
He might find out why his house is only going 4 mph.
Try  putting the boat in the water(remove trl first). Ck readings at speed of 15 mph, re ck over same corse at 3 mph.  Roddy

[ITGEEK]

A squawker.

[kwelklin]

STROKERS!!  You guys sound like the ones who answer the phones at HB CS, with the exception of the inquisitve questions by Greg.  My original post is below from early June.  And your right I'm hitting every site, store and forum that has anything to do with this unit and Humminbird as I wish someone had done for me.  I'm  SQUAWKING PISSED that HB was selling these units to people knowing full well they had a problem and now I'm stuck with it.  It may not mean much to you all but I had to save for more than 6 months to get the money for a locator and thought I was hitting a home run with this all in one unit, nope.
Now I'm out $900 and I'm the bad guy! 

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=2688.msg14947#msg14947

[kwelklin]

Have you tried testing your 788ci unit on someone else’s boat that has an external GPS Receiver to see if you get any better results?  The problem could be in the internal GPS Receiver of your 788ci HD DI unit.

What does the GPS Diagnostic View show for the Fix Type, HDOP and Est Pos Error?

It shows no error that I can see,  it just does not function properly.   The only thing that really changed after the adjustments was the direction indicator is on more at low speeds pointing the wrong direction instead of going to the circle icon as quick.

[kwelklin]

Kwelkin: What steps have you taken to help diagnose this problem?
Have you called Humminbird customer support and asked them what you
should do?
Have you double-checked all of your wiring, connections, and battery condition?
In your driveway, did you have anything else electrical on at the time your
gps was giving inaccurate readings?
Have you looked through the owners manual for trouble-shooting tips?
Have you looked on the Humminbird Website for trouble-shooting tips?
Have you searched forums to see if other people had a similar problem, and
what they did about it?

Sometimes things just don't work like they should for various reasons.  Patience and research will eventually get this fixed for you.

Yes x 8.  And I have been on the water plenty of times with it testing out  HB Gregs instruction!

[kwelklin]

I don't think he is looking for a fix.....seems to be just copying and pasting this post on every Humminbird site he can find.   Going anonymous also.

Anonymous?!  Its my name XXXXXXXXXX

[ITGEEK]

Words like "Now it's on" seem awful confrontational to me.
You're problem is that you have a bad attitude.
Any human being confronted by a bad attitude is most likely going to give a bad attitude back,
that's why the HB customer support told you to change brands.  They probably felt talking to
you was very uncomfortable and wanted to get you off the phone.

Electronic things sometimes go bad or are bad from the start. Sh@t happens.
Just deal with it and be nice to the customer support people and they will take care of you.
They will switch out your unit, or suggest a software upgrade, or do something positive.
They may even suggest a hardware upgrade at minimum cost to you.
Continue with the attitude and you might just get what a bad attitude deserves, which is nothing.

[kwelklin]

Thank goodness he has not left his driveway! Maybe he should read a few NOAA pubs on GPS.
He might find out why his house is only going 4 mph.
Try  putting the boat in the water(remove trl first). Ck readings at speed of 15 mph, re ck over same corse at 3 mph.  Roddy

Yes thank goodness!! 

[kwelklin]

Words like "Now it's on" seem awful confrontational to me.
You're problem is that you have a bad attitude.
Any human being confronted by a bad attitude is most likely going to give a bad attitude back,
that's why the HB customer support told you to change brands.  They probably felt talking to
you was very uncomfortable and wanted to get you off the phone.

Electronic things sometimes go bad or are bad from the start. Sh@t happens.
Just deal with it and be nice to the customer support people and they will take care of you.
They will switch out your unit, or suggest a software upgrade, or do something positive.
Continue with the attitude and you might just get what a bad attitude deserves, which is nothing.

I was calm and had no attitude when I called them the first time, but being flippantly told that "it's on me" was definetly a turning point.  But your really on to something there . . . I am have a bad attitude now and tired of "dealing" with it.

[ITGEEK]

kwelklin,
Calm down.
I understand you are very frustrated.

I would suggest you start over with HB customer service.
Ask them what do they suggest you should do next.
It may take some time and a few phone calls, but be patient.
Remember, to be nice.
If you do that, I guarantee you will be a happy camper in the end.
Best of luck to you.

[edwardpic]

There are a lot of people here that can help, Greg being one of them. If you are that "Squaking pissed" Go buy a Lowrance and try and get any help at all. Oh and calling people Asshats wont get you very far here. Post all the Neg you want, things can be fixed, your attitude is another story. be careful what you post you will be deleted n banned. No room here for name calling at all......

[ITGEEK]

Well said Big E.

[kwelklin]

Again I really did start my dealings with HB CS with no attitude just looking to find out what was wrong.  With all the glowing CS reports on here and elsewhere I was completely suprised by my encounter.  My objectivity quickly left after being told that they knew they had a problem but it could be up to a year to fix and there was never any instructions to remedy the problem and I mean nothing in 3 or 4 calls.  Then the no call backs or returned e-mails, yes my temp started to rise.

My appologies for calling names however if you read back I did not throw the first stone ( squwaker ).

I cannot appologize for the rotten taste in my mouth for this company and I would buy a different brand if I could return this one and get the money back out of the Lakemaster chip I bought for it.  But  the place I bought it from won't take it back because I held on to it to long waiting for a "fix".

[ITGEEK]

You know kwelklin,
My guess, is that when you first called HB CS you were quite angry.
You may not have realized how negative you sounded on the phone to the CS people.
Remember, those are just people doing a 9 to 5 job and if someone
is nasty to them, it's pretty hard for them to stay in a good mood.
People can pick up on negativity pretty quickly.
I think with each phone call, you got more upset.

Think about this:
I had two problems with my unit.
First, the screen started blinking off and on.
So, I contacted HB CS and they suggested that I send the unit in.
Since it was under warranty they fixed it for nothing.

Then after it was off of warranty, the screen went really dark.
I could barely see it at the brightest setting.
I sent it in for repair, figuring it was going to cost me
a few hundred bucks.  But, because of the great shape my unit was
in, and the low hours I had used it,  CS fixed it at no charge.

Each time was a pain in the @ss for me to remove the unit from the boat,
box it up and ship it, but I had two choices:
Live with it, or
Do something about it.

I am now a happy camper because I did what was necessary.

You also have two choices:
You can say you made a bad purchase decision and hate Humminbird products for the rest of your life
or
Start fresh with HB CS.
It sounds like your unit is still under warrantly.
Maybe you can send it in and see if you have a faulty unit.  This is a very distinct possibility.
Who know, if your unit isn't bad, then the next software update may fix your GPS problem.

If you do send in your unit, ask HB CS for a prepaid mailing label so it won't cost you anything to ship.
Humminbird does not want unhappy customers.
I'm sure, if you work with them in a civilized manner, they will do right by you.
The key here is to be calm and friendly.  Tell them how frustrating the whole thing has been for you and ASK
THEM WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NEXT.

It's going to take a little time and work on your part, but in the end, you will be happy you
put in the effort.  I hope your unit gets fixed to your liking.
Good Luck.

[kwelklin]

There is no emotion in internet conversation.  When I tell you I started without irratation you don't /won't believe what I'm telling you.  I was never asked to send it in until just a day or two ago by HB Greg not CS.  There is no question that I started this thread being furious from frustration.

I am glad you had a good experience with CS I did not.  Why is it so impossible for you to believe that could have happened?!

[edwardpic]

Ive had good and yes bad with CS, but all in all very happy even with a few minor issues....I vented in a thread about it, but in the end all got worked out and lifes good....I understand your frustration, I spent 4400 on my electronics and when an issue arose i was upset...so im with you there....Greg is awesome and helps a lot of us here on the forum....Not too many other forums do we have access to someone that actually works for the company.....Its a pain sometimes to send a unit in but the bottomline is you have to from time to time....Hope all goes good and you can get up and running!!!

[kwelklin]

Well, I guess I started this down the wrong path, and if I had you pegged wrong, I apologize.  I would be P'Od also if I was being wrongly accused.

I still am not convinced, however, that you want to do anything except complain.  I saw Greg giving you suggestions for troubleshooting on another site that seemed to be being ignored, and you immediately tried to condemn the entire product instead of asking for suggestions to resolve your problem.

I personally have not had to call HB customer service, but I have read posts from a LOT of people who had a good result with them.

I didn't know what an asshat was til I Googled it and now I can add a word to my vocabulary.  I have found, however, that it usually takes one to know one.

If you really would like suggestions for a fix, maybe start over with a more civil tone.

P.S. If I turn out to be wrong about this I will remove my posts.

Why would I not want to resolve this issue?  Why would I not want to have this unit fixed?  So I can waste time online bitching about Humminbird for fun?  Highly illogical my friend, I'd much rather be fishing just like anyone else. 

When the internet is the only means of expressing my frustration what are you gonna do?  Gets people fired up though, holy smokes.  You would think these people have stock in Johnson Outdoors or getting a paycheck there, certainly more than your casual customer.

Relax guys I'm glad that your units work, mine doesn't and I'm stuck presently.  My fishing season is over half gone and I haven't had a working unit yet would you not be upset?

[ITGEEK]

I'm not saying that HB CS is perfect.
I don't know for sure if you got bad service or not.
I do know that based on your tone in some posts, if you used
even a fraction of that tone talking to somebody, then they probably
weren't too eager to help you.  And who could blame them?

Remember, Humminbird does not want you unhappy.
It's not them against you.  They want happy customers.
Calling customer service is not to do battle with somebody (Remember the It's On statement).
It's to work with them to try and get to the bottom of your problem and to ultimately get you satisfied.

The only thing you can do is start fresh with Customer Service or live with your unit the way it is.
It's unfortunate you missed some of the fishing season.
They'll be other seasons.
Do you absolutely need a sonar to catch fish?

[edwardpic]

Why would I not want to resolve this issue?  Why would I not want to have this unit fixed?  So I can waste time online bitching about Humminbird for fun?  Highly illogical my friend, I'd much rather be fishing just like anyone else. 

When the internet is the only means of expressing my frustration what are you gonna do?  Gets people fired up though, holy smokes.  You would think these people have stock in Johnson Outdoors or getting a paycheck there, certainly more than your casual customer.

Relax guys I'm glad that your units work, mine doesn't and I'm stuck presently.  My fishing season is over half gone and I haven't had a working unit yet would you not be upset?

Your adding more fuel to the fire......Send the unit to HB...get it fixed....Move on and fish....Pretty simple IMO

[jimf]

No one should be calling anyone squawking. The guy might of been trying the unit on the water first before writting back on the post.
I too have a small problem with my 788 HD DI in shallow water like 2 feet. the unit lose bottum now and then but it gets it back. It is the 997 Si is giving it the problems. When I turn my 997 off in shallow water the 788 works great.  I feel its the 997 2 D sonar that might be the problem.  I also have a eagle 480 fishfinder and the 788 doesn't pick up that sonar beam.
So I am just trying to bear with the small problem until HB updates that shallow problem software for my 788.
I see they have a new software for my 788   its 5.590 maybe that will fix it. I have not did it yet.

Jim

PS we all payed good money for this units and we all go carzy if they don't work right.
Hope we can all get along. Its a long ways without help.

[ITGEEK]

jimf:
It sounds to me like you have interference from your 997 that is affecting your 788.
Either electrical or accoustic interference.
No software upgrade is going to fix that.
You may have to do some rewiring or moving of things around.
Maybe up the filter setting on the 788.

[jimf]

I have the noise fliter set on High 3 for now. My 997 and the eagle fish finder are right next to each other and the wiring for all three fish finder run right next to each other. The 788 dosn't pick up the eagle fish finder just the 997. If it was wiring problems it should pick on both fish finders not the 997 only.
You think ?

[ITGEEK]

I guess it depends on the type of wire used,
the thickness of the wire,
the power draw of each unit,
which units are hooked to the same battery.
The 997 may be drawing more amps than the eagle and
causing interference.

Maybe your eagle is running at a different frequency than the 788 and is
not affecting it.
Also, is the 997 transducer closer to the 788 than the eagle transducer?
That could have some affect.

You've got 3 units running and 3 sonar beams bouncing around.
There's bound to be some interference issues.

[Humminbird_Greg]

jimf,
It sounds lime sonar-to-sonar interference.  I do not know that the newer software will help that any.  Since you already have the Noise Filter menu set to its maximum you could try setting a Lower Range setting on the 788ci HD DI unit that is different from what the 997c Si unit is using (I would use at least a 10 foot difference).  Either that or stopping the sonar on the 997c Si unit.

It’s hard for two devices that are transmitting and receiving on the same frequency to not interfere.

[kwelklin]

No one should be calling anyone squawking. The guy might of been trying the unit on the water first before writting back on the post.
I too have a small problem with my 788 HD DI in shallow water like 2 feet. the unit lose bottum now and then but it gets it back. It is the 997 Si is giving it the problems. When I turn my 997 off in shallow water the 788 works great.  I feel its the 997 2 D sonar that might be the problem.  I also have a eagle 480 fishfinder and the 788 doesn't pick up that sonar beam.
So I am just trying to bear with the small problem until HB updates that shallow problem software for my 788.
I see they have a new software for my 788   its 5.590 maybe that will fix it. I have not did it yet.

Jim

PS we all payed good money for this units and we all go carzy if they don't work right.
Hope we can all get along. Its a long ways without help.

Jim does your GPS lose it's direction when coming up slow (less than 2 mph) on a way point?  Mine acts like it is not sampling enough times per sec. and so by the time it gives me direction and I adjusted to the last info the new position is totally wrong and the boat icon is actually facing away from the "bread crumb" trail.  It is impossible to get on a specific spot.

Now my buddies 788 ci doesn't have that issue at all.  I have actually walked with it on the ice and it tracked my every step, as well as my Oregon 450.  Heck my etrex has a better GPS than this Humminbird.

[jimf]

Jim does your GPS lose it's direction when coming up slow (less than 2 mph) on a way point?  Mine acts like it is not sampling enough times per sec. and so by the time it gives me direction and I adjusted to the last info the new position is totally wrong and the boat icon is actually facing away from the "bread crumb" trail.  It is impossible to get on a specific spot.

Now my buddies 788 ci doesn't have that issue at all.  I have actually walked with it on the ice and it tracked my every step, as well as my Oregon 450.  Heck my etrex has a better GPS than this Humminbird.

Well when I sopr the boat and set at a way point the boat Icon turnes into a round cicle. and it moves to the right to the left a little but I feel the US GPS doesn't want to give you a good GPS spot.
HB said they have new software for the 788 to stop/help that part but I didn't do it yet. I have a small bass open this weekend so I will do new software after that day.
I just know the GPS spots are not prefit on any units. They are all off some. I can set in my driveway also and the boat will move a little right to left on the screen but . I think that is all GPS units. 

[Humminbird_Greg]

At less than about 0.6 mph the units may not show you moving in the correct direction due to the accuracy in the GPS system.  We cannot reliably predict the direction of the boat because we cannot pinpoint your exact location.  But at speeds higher than this it should work fine – unless there is something blocking the satellite signals or something is wrong with the GPS Receiver itself.

The 5.590 software is supposed to fix the slow response of the boat icon at slow boat speeds but not the ability to predict your boat direction at 0.6 mph or less.

[kwelklin]

Your adding more fuel to the fire......Send the unit to HB...get it fixed....Move on and fish....Pretty simple IMO

Ah . . What? . . . how about . . . . If it was that sim . . . never mind edpic move along nothing to see here!

[RGecy]

I don't step in too often.....but we usually don't have too many issues here.  Everyone on this forum is here to help.  Greg has stepped up and offered some desire to help.  We really have a great group of people here but I am sure they don't want to hear the rantings of someone who is just pissed off and doesn't seem like he wants to get help.

If you are here just to post negative remarks and don't try to resolve the problem amicably, I WILL DELETE THIS POST!

Sincerely,

Robert Gecy
HBSI Forums Administrator

[kwelklin]

I don't step in too often.....but we usually don't have too many issues here.  Everyone on this forum is here to help.  Greg has stepped up and offered some desire to help.  We really have a great group of people here but I am sure they don't want to hear the rantings of someone who is just pissed off and doesn't seem like he wants to get help.

If you are here just to post negative remarks and don't try to resolve the problem amicably, I WILL DELETE THIS POST!

Sincerely,

Robert Gecy
HBSI Forums Administrator

I appologized for the name calling and yes Greg has been trying to suggest a few things and I thanked him for that however these guys jumped all over me because they don't agree with my point of view.  That its unthinkable that Humminbird might have treated someone wrong and or continued to sell a product that was flawed a long time ago.  Not once before yesterday in another forum has HB offered to have the unit sent in to check it out.  And it wasn't HB CS it was our representative from Johnson.  I wanted a peaceful end to this a long time ago but when I called HB CS for help I got nothing.  I am sure that I come off as a caustic jackhole however I'm a fairly level headed person with a ton of friends and love a good time as much as the next guy.  I am just feeling ripped off frankly and I am hating that.

You want to shut it down that your prerogative, I'm simply using my 5th ammendment right to declare an unjustice.  If and when HB fixes or gets me a reliable unit I will gladly quit spouting off.

Thanks,  Kevin

[Bob B]

Greg indicated that 5.590 version of the software has some fixes in that you could benefit from. 

Haven't seen any response from you indicating any interest in that or what version of software you are running.

[ITGEEK]

Kwelklin,
The reason you didn't get any help from HB CS is because of you're attitude.
From seeing your posts, I guarantee that you pissed somebody off.

Damn man, stop bitching about old history and deal with the present.
If you want your unit fixed, then do what is necessary to have it sent in.
Otherwise, throw it in the trash.
I for one I'm tired of seeing your rantings.

[kwelklin]

Greg indicated that 5.590 version of the software has some fixes in that you could benefit from. 

Haven't seen any response from you indicating any interest in that or what version of software you are running.

I have been in contact with Greg off the forum, have installed the new software and some other fixes none off which have made a difference.  For those who think I am just sitting here screaming hoping the unit is gonna fix itself that is not the case.  I have tried to do what I can.

[sonar2000]

Can you get the unit back to HB so the techies can look at it...
Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

Easy here guys.  Kwelklin has been trying to get this resolved.  I even got the CRC folks to send him some beta software to try that I thought had the 5.590 fixes in it (before the 5.590 software was released) but now there is a question about whether those fixes were really there.  That was where I left it: with him getting the software and being in contact with someone in the Customer Resource Center.  It looks like we may have dropped the ball so to speak, and there was some language that was misinterpreted during a phone conversation that didn’t help matters either.  If the 5.590 software does not fix this problem than he either has a bad GPS Receiver in his unit or we have a problem with this product – either way I’m going to follow this until it get resolved (as I should have done to begin with).

[sonar2000]

Greg,, would it not be better in this case to send the unit to you guys.  Hands on problem determination and with the extra visibility behind the covers from you all may bring the solution to light quicker...Chuck

[kwelklin]

Kwelklin,
The reason you didn't get any help from HB CS is because of you're attitude.
From seeing your posts, I guarantee that you pissed somebody off.

Damn man, stop bitching about old history and deal with the present.
If you want your unit fixed, then do what is necessary to have it sent in.
Otherwise, throw it in the trash.
I for one I'm tired of seeing your rantings.

All you have to do is stop reading, it's just that simple.  This post must be like a car wreck with over 500 views, just can't not look!

[kwelklin]

Thanks Greg, I did as you told me last evening and essentially the same.  I wish I had time to youtube a video of the screen but I am leaving to go fishing in Ontario tommorrow for a week and I work till 21:00 this evening with lots of last minute packing left to do.

When you bring up the GPS the arrow indicator is staying on (the boat is parked), not going to the circle icon. whether the software won't let it go to it because the speed is higher than .6 mph I don't know it fluctuates between 1.2 and a little over 4.  More interesting is the direction arrow just spins sporadicly left then right.  Upside is the locator and DI part are functional so at least 2/3 of the unit will be available for this 7 day trip.  Just have to use the Oregon 450 for my GPS which is not the best scenario but have to due for now.

[sonar2000]

KW, when you get back can you send the unit in to HB?
And post some picture of the fish you catch on the trip...
Chuck

[kwelklin]

KW, when you get back can you send the unit in to HB?
And post some picture of the fish you catch on the trip...
Chuck

Yeah no problem just need an address.  Just the head, and is the shipping on me?  Just asking no angst.  I am just watching my step in the world of misread emotional internet convo;)

[RGecy]

Kwelkin,

You must admit though, your post was meant to attract some ATTENTION!  So, everyone, lets let it go and move forward!

And since I have been off the forums for a while, let me start by welcoming you!  Sorry the initial Welcome was more of a HOT one than a WARM one!

You will find a really great group of people here who are PASSIONATE about Humminbird and helping others.
 
I hope you get your problem resolved quickly.

Good Luck,

Robert

[Humminbird_Greg]

Darn, I was hoping that the software would have fixed this…
Here is the address for shipping your unit in:

Humminbird
Attn: Service Dept.
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula, AL 36027

Shipping is on you unless you want to call and see if they will send you a return shipping label – which with you going on vacation may be a good idea.  Be sure and reference your customer number on the paperwork that accompanies the unit.  Be sure and list what has been tried with your unit and ask them to contact me (they will have to reference your posting name: kwelklin).

[Bob B]

Thanks Greg, I did as you told me last evening and essentially the same.  I wish I had time to youtube a video of the screen but I am leaving to go fishing in Ontario tommorrow for a week and I work till 21:00 this evening with lots of last minute packing left to do.

When you bring up the GPS the arrow indicator is staying on (the boat is parked), not going to the circle icon. whether the software won't let it go to it because the speed is higher than .6 mph I don't know it fluctuates between 1.2 and a little over 4.  More interesting is the direction arrow just spins sporadicly left then right.  Upside is the locator and DI part are functional so at least 2/3 of the unit will be available for this 7 day trip.  Just have to use the Oregon 450 for my GPS which is not the best scenario but have to due for now.

Just curious, when you say the boat was parked, was it in the driveway again?  The reason I ask is that my 1197 will get a GPS position even hooked up in the house, but it wanders around a lot with the poor signal.  Maybe you are getting a poor signal in the driveway with trees, houses, etc.
Just a thought
Be interesting to seo how it works for you in Ontario.