Topic: How to link a 898c SI and a 788ci???

[honda460ex]

All new to this... Just made a couple of purchases and wanted to know, can I link these two units, what will I need, and is there anything I need to know about setting them up? Neither are HD by the way. The 788ci I plan to place at the bow of the boat and the 898c SI at the console. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks All!

[Humminbird_Greg]

Since your 788ci is a non-HD unit (it has no Ethernet connection) your only possible chance to link both units is through an InterLink accessory module.  Before even attempting to do so; make sure that both units are running the same level of software.  By “level” I mean they are both running a software that has the same beginning number.  Example: the current software versions for these units are: 788ci (6.300) and the 898c Si (6.420).  Since both are level 6 software they stand a better chance of working with the InterLink accessory.

A better, though more expensive, option would be to sell the 788ci and buy 788ci HD or other “HD” 700 series unit (or go bigger!) and connect them with the Ethernet connection.

[honda460ex]

Should they definitely work together though if I get the interlink and software level right? Lol, bigger would be better, but with a wife and the budget she gave me, unless I want divorced I will have to wait until next year to upgrade the 788.  maybe get an 1198 and then move the 898 to the bow! Another question if you don't mind... Like I said, this is all new to me. The 788 I have is internal gps and the 898 is external. Can I still use both gps signals from each unit when the interlink or do I have to use one or the other signals if I interlink? I understand one would have to be in standby or something I would think, but could I switch the gps signal back and forth depending on where in the boat I am fishing? My thought was if my 898's gps is sitting just over my transducer off of the transom then that's great for marking waypoints, but if my 788 (which I plan to mount the transducer for it on the trolling motor) had to use the gps signal from the 898 also, then my gps coordinate to screen shot would be off around 17-18 feet.

Thanks Again!

[lcookie]

With the interlink each unit can use it's own GPS receiver.  If one goes out while on the water you could switch to the other as a backup until you got it fixed.

[honda460ex]

Thanks lcookie! The guys at Bass Pro today didn't think I couldn't switch between gps signals on the two units. They told me to contact humminbird directly. I'm sorry but I haven't even started to get my two units hooked up and like I said, this is all new to me. The only unit I have had on my boat up to this point was a little $100 thing that gives NO detail at all. So what would I do to switch the signals? Say I was at the console and marked something on my 898 while idling and then wanted to move up to my bow and use my 778 to get over top of that spot and fish it. What would I have to do to get the gps up front to take over and get me right over that spot?

[sonar2000]

The guys at Bass Pro today didn't think I couldn't switch between gps signals on the two units. They told me to contact humminbird directly.

this is what makes this forum so great. Shops and retailer dont know the units much beyond the name of the unit. Here on the forum we have many folks who use these units and KNOW exactly what it can and cant do..

Keep posting..

Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

Thanks lcookie! The guys at Bass Pro today didn't think I couldn't switch between gps signals on the two units. They told me to contact humminbird directly. I'm sorry but I haven't even started to get my two units hooked up and like I said, this is all new to me. The only unit I have had on my boat up to this point was a little $100 thing that gives NO detail at all. So what would I do to switch the signals? Say I was at the console and marked something on my 898 while idling and then wanted to move up to my bow and use my 778 to get over top of that spot and fish it. What would I have to do to get the gps up front to take over and get me right over that spot?

honda,
You would not need to do a thing other than to just use the 788ci unit as is.  When you connect two units together with the InterLink and if they both have functioning GPS Receivers, you will get an additional menu that allows you to select which GPS Receiver each unit is suing.  By default, each unit will use its own GPS Receiver, so you should not have to do anything.

As the software for these units gets more and more advanced/complicated; we have seen more and more problems with InterLinked units.  Some of this may have to do with the units being more susceptible to corrupt waypoint data but the end result is the same: InterLink problems.  Since you are just starting out with these units you may just want to save your money (somewhere that the Wifey can’t find it) and buy a bigger Ethernet capable unit next year.  You can still transfer waypoints between units by using a memory card but it just won’t happen in real time.

[honda460ex]

Thanks Greg. I understand completely. I guess the SD card method will suit me for now. I'll just have to be more active in copying them at the end of the day from one card to the other and take a few more notes for myself so I remember what I am doing. Then like you said, I can move the SD card back and forth for now. I found a new interlink box for $99 shipped and all, but if you think I would be better off waiting then I will. Lol, I guess that's 99 more dollars that can go in the upgrade fund for next year!