Topic: Ipilot compatiblity

[wickerbill]

Is the 798ci HD SI compatible with the Minkota Ipilot?  I've got the 798d....does it have what I need to connect to the Ipilot?  If not I'm looking to upgrade....Color me confused......

[sfw1960]

Same place I am?
I have non HD unit, a 798ciSI which is still a great machine, just won't network with the other 'Birds.
The HD has network capability the non HD does not - and you need network capability to "talk" to the i-PL
It DOES NOT list it being compatible here:
http://www.humminbird.com/Products/798ci-HD-SI-Combo/
But they just released a firmware that might now support it, if Greg chimes in he may know - other wise give them a call.....(...and so the answer goes!)
This says YES:
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/_docs/Products/Accessories/i-Pilot_Link/i-Pilot_Link_Humminbird_Compatibility-1-17-14.pdf
I stand duly corrected by the great one; and i-Pilot LMIK support has been built in for some time....
I've have an i-Pilot for about 4 years and the i-Pilot LINK is the robo-command control unit your are probably referring to?? I've played with one, and I likey....LOL!

[Humminbird_Greg]

wickerbill,
Are you meaning the Minn Kota i-Pilot or the Minn Kota i-Pilot Link?
These are two different products.

The i-Pilot cannot be connected to any Humminbird unit.

The i-Pilot Link can be through an Ethernet connection.  You will need the AS-EC-QDE connector to go from the i-Pilot Link’s connection cable to the 798ci HD Si unit.

Look at that Minn Kota file again Robert. I see the 798ci HD SI Combo unit listed under the 700 Series units.  You may have missed that.  The 798ci HD Si model units had i-Pilot Link support back in software version 6.570

[sfw1960]

Yeah, kind of a rushed edit on my part....
I see that - but that's why you make the big bucks!
Keep us minions straight....LOL

I should edit that a bit....   

BTW Greg is there any "unofficial" support of my LakeMaster MICHv2 card running on a i-P-link (no iPL logo)??
Not that it matters a great deal - I do have a v1 Great Lakes (missed the v2 by a few weeks!) and will probably be getting the next iteration of the (v3?)  card when it comes out next season...LOL

All good?

RAS

[Humminbird_Greg]

Robert,
There is no official or unofficial support for any of the non-I-Pilot Link labeled mapping cards running with the actual i-Pilot Link.

[sfw1960]

So the worst I could do is plug it in & see if it will follow a contour then?
I guess I was asking if you knew if it *might* follow a contour......

Thanks Greg!   

[Humminbird_Greg]

I don't think anything will happen Robert.  It is my understanding that there is additional software on the i-Pilot Link mapping cards that is need for this(or any of the other iPL features) to work.

[sfw1960]

You're usually 100% right Greg - like I said, I'll probably have a 3rd card before you know it.....LOL! 

[wickerbill]

Yeah...I'm kinda of bummed...I know this is the Humminbird forum but here's what I have learned.....

With the information here plus what I've been able to find out from Minnkota it doesn't look like a plug and play solution for we existing Ipilot owners.  In order to make it work you can't just buy the new controller, cables and software and make it work.  Your head unit on the trolling motor must be the "Ipilot Link" head...which means you replace your current "Ipilot" head and controller...that you paid a premium for when you bought it...with an "Ipilot Link" head and controller.  The "Ipilot Link" head and controller is $700.  As slick as this is I just can't justify the expense.  For $700 I can lay a lot of courses in using my 798 for guidance and my current Ipilot record function to do what I need....

I can see where it would be beneficial to guides who do charters or fishing pros....I hope others find this information useful....

Thanks all for your input.....

[sfw1960]

I can get a better price, WB (PM if you want) - but you gotta pay if'N ya wanna play!
I payed about $450 for for my Gen1 add-on  i-P close to 4 years ago, and I have no complaints - it's not perfect but I do plan on getting the new one (i-PL) when I can swing it.
I just plopped 2 new steel roofs on so OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

It will be a while...... 

[wickerbill]

I think what adds to my frustration is the fact that I just had the Ipilot trolling unit installed as an option when I bought my new boat last May. 

I guess I have to blame myself as I didn't keep up with the technology and didn't know Ipilot Link existed.  Had I known I would have opted for it then.  Problem I have now is trying to convince the wife that a relative expensive 3 month old trolling motor that I just had to have needs a multi-hundred dollar update.   Don't think that's going to happen....

That's a tough sell under any circumstances let alone for a device less than a year old.  Women are funny like that.....

Too bad Minnkota doesn't have an exchange program for the Ipilot heads to allow easier upgrading.....

[sfw1960]

Either unit you're limited to GPS accuracy, and FWIW - having used mine for about 4 years - you will surely find it takes a LOT of work out of running the boat and adds valuable concentration to your fishing time at hand.
Not the latest & greatest thing - but an awesome accessory to have on your side.
 
Make the best of it and enjoy what you have, many are less fortunate the we are ~ TRUST ME, that thing rocks!
 

[wickerbill]

Oh yeah...I've used it a lot already and love the operation.  Was just trying to stay ahead of the curve.  I like you will probably spring for the "Link" head when the budget allows at which time I'll probably upgrade to an 800 or better series hummer as well to have a compete compatible package.