Topic: 998c SI software update...

[Thecatman]

Is there a particular update version that works best or is "the one" to have for the 998c SI? I don't have anything extra connected to the unit aside from the transducer so I'm not concerned about ipilot, networking, NMEA or any of that stuff. Looking for the clearest possible image from SI and DI and reliable 2D.

[Bob B]

6.49 was the release before the 2D got broken.....That is in the download section for the 998HD version.....I think this same software would work for the non-hd version....but not 100% sure.

What version do you have now?

[Thecatman]

Not sure which version I have on there now, my boat is in the shop for a tune-up but I'll check when I get it back and try the version you recommended. Thank you!

[Humminbird_Greg]

All of the 998 model units used the same software, so you can’t get the wrong one (as long as it is made for a 998 unit).

I will warn you about loading an older version software: if it ‘bricks’, breaks or otherwise has a problem due to loading an older software version; you will be charged a repair fee when you send it in.

[Thecatman]

So Greg, does that mean that I don't have to worry about this pixelated 2D stuff? If I download the latest release everything will be fine? Or are you guys working on a fix for whatever is going on there? Pardon my ignorance here with this update stuff but why would HB recommend users to always download and install the latest software/firmware releases if the new releases were degrading a vital part of the unit's operation like 2D sonar?

[Thecatman]

Ok so I have ver. 6.74 on my 998c SI. If I go back to 6.49 will it kill my unit?

[Bob B]

If your unit has had 6.49 before you can go back to it.

The only time going backward is a problem is when you go back further than what originally came with the unit.

[Thecatman]

Thank you sir. Is there any way to know which version it shipped with? It was probably something below 6.49 because the unit is about 2 years old.

[Bob B]

HB customer service can probably help with that.....Make sure you have the serial # if you call them.

[Thecatman]

Got 6.49 installed and I can tell a big difference in the unit! Mostly 2D but seems like side imaging might better than before too. In contour mode when not viewing the water column the left and rights sides would seem to "slip" out of sync but now they're tracking together. Just seems improved to me, thanks guys!