Topic: 998 software

[ALOTANOTA]

What software version is recommended for the 998C? My current version in 6.620. I don't get images of brush and baitfish like I see posted here, actually I have never seen either on my machine. I will get some snapshots posted after the snow thaws.

[sonar2000]

for the HB products you don't get an out of the box best quality pictures. There are a lot of input variables that help to produce better pictures on the screen. You can search this site (forum) for arguments that will help you with unit settings. Those will get you in the ball park. A lot of picture that arte posted are the results of a recording and then a viewing program. Unfortunately HB does not make any of these external products. so you will want to download a viewer program. Humview, SIview, and others available here or thru internet links,  take the raw recorded data and develop great pictures above that which is on the display. Take some time and look around this forum. Always ask you question(s) by posting. There are a number of folks here who have good experience and will help you.
Chuck   

[ALOTANOTA]

After watching Doug Vahrenberg tips videos on YouTube I have made some adjustments to the setting. I'm not looking for crystal clear images, I would just like to be able to find brush and baitfish. I have been in areas where I know there is bush but not able to see it on the screen. If the issue is just lack of experience with the machine I am fine with that. After reading about software issues I wanted to make sure I was running the best software for my machine.

I would also like to move the depth and cord. readouts to the bottom of the screen, I don't think that is an option with my current software version.

[rnvinc]

There is an untalked about SI image phenomenon in which structure in SI shows at about 1/4 size of what we normally see structure in 2d/DI...

The structure you are looking for in the SI image may be there in the image...but it may be being displayed "smaller" than you are expecting to see it in the SI image...

Setting the SI Range to a shorter side to side distance will make structure look bigger in the SI image...

(Notice in the following image how "small" the brush is in the SI image as compared to the same brush showing in 2d/DI...)



It is the same brush showing at the top of the SI image that just came into view when I captured the screenshot...

Rickie

[RGecy]

One of the reasons is the range is much greater than the depth on 2d, so you are trying to fit more information into a smaller space.  Yes, adjusting the range down will make it look smaller.

But the reason this happens is because SI is taking a small slice each time it pings, where the 2d sonar is in a cone shape.  Therefore each ping with the 2d sonar is showing data from all around (front, back, left and right) the one point directly below the transducer and reproduces it as you move and the chart moves, the SI is only showing the little slice to the left and right!

So, the 2d is not an accurate display of whats down there.  It duplicates more of the data and therefore it appears denser or larger lets say.  Not saying that's a bad thing though.  Both have their merits!

Robert

[ALOTANOTA]

I appreciate the responses I have gotten. I now have an SD card so I can make a recording of my next outing.

And from what I have read on this site the readouts cannot be moved on the 998.

[newkid4si]

Rickie-- good point.  Robert-- good explanation.   BobB's post on boat speed, range and ping rate reminds us that there is a lot of things involved to arrive a
that nice looking image.

           Mike

[rnvinc]

I appreciate the responses I have gotten. I now have an SD card so I can make a recording of my next outing.

And from what I have read on this site the readouts cannot be moved on the 998.

In the newer versions of software...the readout boxes can be removed in the full screen SI view only...(800 and 900 series units)...

This is found under the Sonar tab in the main menu system as "SI Readouts" (On or Off)...

Rickie

[ALOTANOTA]

I do have the SI Readouts turned off. Wish this was possible with all of the views.

Last night I was able to downgrade from 6.620 (factory installed) to 6.490. I will get some pics posted as soon as the snow melts and I can get on the lake.