Topic: 998SI down imaging - how

[pboerjan]

This is a picture taken from the humminbird.com website:

I've had my 998SI for over a year and cannot get this clarity. Did the last update do this?
The transducer is mounted fine. The boat speed and chart speed are equal. I've tried everything to get this clarity.
Most water in North Iowa is 30 feet or less.  Have left the settings to factory default; have tweaked settings after viewing Doug V.'s videos.
In addition, after the last update, seems the demo video is shorter.
Thanks for any help in advance!

[Weekend Warrior]

That picture is an advertisement.  Have you EVER got a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese that REMOTELY looked like the sandwiches in MacDonald's commercials?  I'm trying not to over simplify, or suggests that the screen shot was "altered/doctored" in any way, but if it wasn't, you can bet it was one of dozens that were sifted through to earn its place on Humminbird's website.  Have you considered the possibility that your 998 may have some type of issue or malfunction?  Just playing devil's advocate here....

Best regards,
Mark

[George]

Mark

Nothing is ever as good as the advertisements, but do not be disheartened, as you gain experience you will optimize your unit  as you learn how you use it. 

Go to >>> http://www.dougvahrenberg.com/  <<<  He has a lot of videos including a 9 part seminar on how to get the most out of your unit.

[Weekend Warrior]

George, please don't misconstrue what I said. I love my unit and love the images it produces, just trying to let the OP know that that pic was the"pick of the litter" so to speak. 

[Stevebrownfnr]

I have actually shot pictures this clear with my 998 and 1198 in colder water. I do notice that my summer time shots are not as vivid. Anyone one else see this also? Does colder water allow for sharper images?

[newkid4si]

 Stevebrownfnr
      I agree with you that the images appear sharper in the early spring and late fall/early winter.

  pboerjan
      Note that the SI range is just over 2X the depth. I'm sure this enhances the image.
      I think what HB is trying to show in the image is the potential display when all the conditions are just right.
      I've had excellent images and images that make you say 'Huh'.

                Mike

[Bob B]

I have actually shot pictures this clear with my 998 and 1198 in colder water. I do notice that my summer time shots are not as vivid. Anyone one else see this also? Does colder water allow for sharper images?

I don't think it's the water temperature itself that gives you the clear images, it is that with the warmer water there is much more algae, etc in the water which cause a lot of "noise" in the return.

[ITGEEK]

Unless Humminbird has a statement with that image that says it's an
unaltered image from a 998si installed on a boat, I guarantee it was doctored to
enhance the detail.
What does Humminbid have to lose if they doctor the images?  Nothing.
They have everything to gain, with increased sales.

I'm sure Lowrance enhances their advertising images also.

[Humminbird_Greg]

While the coordinates may not be correct (undoubtedly to protect the location of this tree); this image came from Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George Impoundment).  Mark Gibson in our Marketing department took the original image and has said that if anyone would like to come here; that he would be happy to take them to this location and show them how he made this image and what settings he used.

The image itself is unaltered.

[ITGEEK]

Thanks for the info Greg.
I'm really surprised the image is not altered.

Maybe Humminbird should put a statement on their images that they are
unaltered.  It would really alleviate any and all suspicions.

[Weekend Warrior]

I'm wondering how much this Mark Gibson fella would charge for private lessons on using the SI fish finders. 

[Humminbird_Greg]

ITG,
I actually thought it came from a Customer until I asked about it.  Now I’m wondering just where this tree is and whether there are any Bass on it…

Here are some more DI images from Si units.  Some are pretty impressive.
http://www.bbcboards.net/humminbird-image-interpretation/172543-humminbird-di-si-units-0-50-a.html


WW, Don’t know about that.  He is very knowledgeable on all of the Humminbird products though.  Who knows?  Give him a call and see if he has some on-water time to share with you.

[Weekend Warrior]

That question was a little tongue-in-cheek, but it is a terrific image.  I am doing very well with my new 898 thank you very much! and my use of it improves almost everytime I go out with it.  I have caught more walleyes already this season than I normally would catch in a whole summer season, and 95% of that success is due to the 898 locating the gravel banks, humps and rock piles I've been fishing.  I have absolutely NO complaints!   In case you are wondering about the other 5%,  It's the dogged persistence I now have when fishing a particular spot because of the confidence the unit has given me that that spot will produce fish.

[ITGEEK]

Those are some amazing shots Greg.
I wonder why I could never get any good fish images on my 1197 DI?
It could be there were no fish in the lake.

[sonar2000]

Marketing sells.  Customer support has to support.  A big difference  and especially in ads.
You can say one thing but someone else has to back it up..
And it is not just HB......
Chuck

[muskietim]

I doubt that image is even from a 989 SI unit. Only the 1198 Si can display the overlay data on the screen at the bottom unless it is just in SI mode. That being said I have never gotten that kind of clarity on my 898 SI but my 858 DI has great clarity.

[Roddy]

Yep ck the numbers, downtown south FLA. Marketing.

One day marketing may get the right pix next to the item description in the web store!

Roddy