Topic: What can I do with Ethernet in 798HD?

[asm]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a new fish finder.  After few hours of research, it appears the only difference between the 798HD and original 798 is the ethernet capability.  Of course, there is also the extra $200 price tag on the 798HD unit.  Naturally, the task now is to evaluate the benefit of ethernet capability.  So far, I only come up with three. 

- Link two Humminbird unit without using interlink
- Ethernet can be use to connect the $2000 360 Scan
- Connect to Dr Depth software for bottom mapping

If you can think of any thing else I can do with ethernet, please do share.

Thanks

[Humminbird_Greg]

With the release of the Ethernet hub (AS-ETH-5PS) you can connect your 798ci HD Si unit up to four other Ethernet devices (other units and accessories).

The NMEA 2000 accessory should be released this summer (?) which would allow you to communicate with other NMEA 200 devices (like some engines).

Future Ethernet capabilities to include: gotcha guys… you know I can’t talk about these!

[asm]

I had hope I can trick you to reveal any up coming project.   

While we are on the topic of ethernet, is Humminbird ethernet protocol open to third party developer?

[ITGEEK]

What about radar?
I don't know how it hooks in, but maybe through ethernet.

I think I can answer your last question about  Humminbird letting a 3rd party
develope their ethernet protocol.
Hell No.

[Shooter00]

Your forgetting one of the most important....Software Updates.
The HD units receive updates with new feature sets that the legacy units either can't handle or even if they can HB might not issue them for the older units (Only their hairdressers know for sure
Right now the 798HD has been issued update 6.250 and the older legacy is at 5.840....
6.250 added some nice new feature sets that I would love to have available for my legacy unit.

List of new features in 6.250:
http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?ContentId=3501

[ITGEEK]

Some of the updates can't be handled by any unit.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Thanks ITG, I forgot about the radar.
I would guess that you are also right about a 3rd party develop our Ethernet protocol, though I have not asked this yet.  I’ll have to figure out just who to ask about this.

[asm]

What about radar?
I don't know how it hooks in, but maybe through ethernet.

Really??  My understanding is that Radar capability will only work with 800, 900 series unit. 

I think I can answer your last question about  Humminbird letting a 3rd party
develope their ethernet protocol.
Hell No.

I certainly hope that's not the case.  Now, how is DrDepth able to obtain the protocol information? 

[Bob B]

In my world, we call this integration.

The protocol is typically discovered by monitoring the raw data and figuring it out.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Really??  My understanding is that Radar capability will only work with 800, 900 series unit. 

I certainly hope that's not the case.  Now, how is DrDepth able to obtain the protocol information?

Doh!  That is correct!  Radar is not available as an accessory for the 700 series units.  Sorry about that.

Oh I’m sure that someone will (if they have not already) cracked the Ethernet protocol.  I’m just saying that I don’t think that we would willingly release it to the public.

[asm]

Oh I’m sure that someone will (if they have not already) cracked the Ethernet protocol.  I’m just saying that I don’t think that we would willingly release it to the public.

Greg, thank you for that information.  I figure I should just ask for the information first before committing the resource to analyzing the data stream, and just to find out HB have the standard published on the web for any one to see.

[asm]

By the way, considering the legacy unit may not receive further software update, I'm convinced the HD unit may be the better way to go.  Now, I just need to figure out how to hook up the paddle wheel speed sensor to the new HD unit.  My understanding is that I'll need some kind adapter.

Thanks you all.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Speed Wheel only or a Temp/Speed Wheel?
 - For Speed Wheel (SW accessory) only you will need the AS-SW-Y cable.
 - For Temp/Speed (TS-W accessory) you will need the AS-T-Y cable for that.
Not sure?  Just get the AS-T-Y as it is only about $5 more.

[asm]

Speed wheel only.  so, AS-SW-Y should work for me.   

I also want to mount the new 798 on the second boat.   Besides adding another SI tranducer, do I also need "Humminbird MS 700E Unit Mount - 740119-1"?  Or could I can get away with only "Humminbird MBCC 700E Cable Binder - Cable Manager - 740120-1" only?  The second boat is currently equipped with 400TX.

Thanks.  I know this is getting off topic....

[Humminbird_Greg]

You will need the MS-700E (740119-1) if the 400TX unit mount IS NOT in good shape and the MBCC-700E (740120-1) if it is in good shape.

You may possibly need a power cable (PC-11 720057-1) unless your 400TX power cable is in good shape too.

[asm]

That's a good point.  I'll check when I get home.