Topic: Interlink 997C with 955C problem.

[w2f4]

The plan is to run a new2me 997C next to my existing 955C chart plotter.
View only sonar on the 997C, and only GPS on the 955C.
When using side scan, could mark on the 997C and send the waypoint to the 955C via InterLink.

Ran into a problem setting up these 2 head units with Interlink Module.
Searched this site for procedures, found and followed this info from Greg –
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=3216.0

Unit 1 being the 955C, with latest release 4.950
Unit 2 being the 997C, with latest release 5.840

With only unit 1 (955C) connected for starters – auto reprogramming of interlink module successful. Could see the interlink in accessories menu, no saved nav data as expected.
Then when connecting unit 2 (997C), message – “The software on this 997 is not compatible with the software on the connected InterLink. You must upgrade the other unit to use the InterLink”.

Would greatly appreciate advise on how this could be resolved.

Thanks

[sonar2000]

Just curious...
why even interlink them. If you want sonar on one and charting/mapping on the other just run them as single installs.
We do this on one of our sonar boats so the sonar operator can concentrate on the scan and the boat driver can concentrate on where he is driving so a grid search can be tightly run..


Chuck

[sonar2000]

Ah...just reread your post.  I see now the GPS crossover.  for our purpose we just manually mark but I see now you may have more information to cross over.  There are a couple of posts on interlink connecting.
What you might consider is the ethernet connection as it get working.

Might be cheaper that way also..

Chuck

[w2f4]

Ah...just reread your post.  I see now the GPS crossover.  for our purpose we just manually mark but I see now you may have more information to cross over.  There are a couple of posts on interlink connecting.
What you might consider is the ethernet connection as it get working.

Might be cheaper that way also..

Chuck

Thanks for your comments Chuck.
Unfortunately the 997C ad 955C models don't have an ethernet port.
From the info I received, only method is the InterLink module via the comm ports.
I already purchased a new InterLink, so i'm determined to get it setup properly.

[sonar2000]

OK, look on this forum for interlink and you should gets some hits for connection issues.

Chuck

[panman_va]

Update the software on your 955C to version 5.xxx if it is available. 4.xxx and 5.xxx software are not compatible with Interlink.

[w2f4]

Thanks for the suggestion Keith.
Latest SW version listed on HB site and installed on my 955C is 4.950.
I emailed HB customer service wed, for fyi I'll follow up here with their reply / solution.

[panman_va]

You may have to put an older 4.xxx version on your 997.  HB customer support should be able to tell you if the two units can be Interlinked and email the version of software you need. They were very helpful when I was working through communication issues between my 997 and 858.

[w2f4]

You may have to put an older 4.xxx version on your 997.  HB customer support should be able to tell you if the two units can be Interlinked and email the version of software you need. They were very helpful when I was working through communication issues between my 997 and 858.

Keith,

You're spot on - that was HB suport's recommendation.
Back down the release on the 997 to 4.995, for which they sent me the install file.
I have no idea what newer functionality and fixes I would loose reverting from 5.840 to 4.995 - DI? Switchfire? bug fixes?
So now i have to reconsider - is the interlink worth going backwards vs keeping the units isolated and fully updated, and manually driving back over the 997C SI waypoint, and then marking on the 955C.

[panman_va]

There may be another option for getting waypoints from the 997 to the 955. Use an SD card on the 997 to export all nav data. This will create a data.hwr file in the Matrix folder on the SD card. If the 955 uses the same folder and file structure, just put the SD card in it and it will read the file and load the waypoints into memory.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Late to the party here…
What Keith has said is 100% correct – even to his solution of the SD memory card.  As long as you do not rename the files on your 955 unit it will only load the new waypoints you mark with your 997 unit.  Of course this would entail opening the memory card doors on both units while you are on the water… that is if you want to share the waypoints ‘live’ or as close to it as you can get without downgrading the software in your 997 unit.

Something that may not have been mentioned about downgrading the software in your units: if you downgrade to a software older than what the unit was originally built with you could render it inoperable.  Sometimes we have to use substitute components in the units that require a change to the software and using an older software may make the unit not work.  If you want to explore the software downgrade option; send me your serial number and I will check and see what version software it was originally built with and if it should be safe to load that 4.950 software.

[w2f4]

Thanks to all for the info and advice.

I don't want to down grade the 997c with older software.
So going to abandon the interlink plan.
When i get out on the water in april/may and put the electronics into action,
especially the new2me 997c, will try the alternate methods suggested.

Next project, transducer mounting plan....

Tight Lines
Joe

[sonar2000]

Joe, take a few minutes and search this forum on transducer installations. Also go to the gallery and look at insatallation pictures.
This may help you in selecting the location of the transducer.
They can be sensitive to the physical location.

Chuck