Topic: Connecting 981 to PC

[fivealive]

Hello everyone,
I just bought a used 981c SI. It came with a PC connection kit (old 9-pin RS232 cable) without any CD-ROM (should it have one?).
What do you suggest me to do take the maximum advantage aout of it? I heard I could download a newer software version and even a Down Imaging version.
So, first started by ordering a RS232 to USB adaptor cable, because my laptop (which runs on Windows 7) doesn't have that kind of 9-pin receptacle.  What do I have to do then?
Basically I just would like to be sure that my unit has the best software available, then I would like to occasionally connect my Unit to the PC to download GPS routes, points, and so on...
Sorry about my lack of knowledge on this subject, hope someone could help me.
THANKS, again
Last question: will the Down Imaging upgrade exclude the Side Imaging?

[Humminbird_Greg]

Your 981 has an SD card slot which can be used to update software and load/export Nav Data (waypoints, routes and tracks) to/from your unit without the need for the cable.

You may have to load some software or drivers for the RS232 to USB adapter, but all that should come with the adapter.  You will need to install the HumminbirdPC program to be able to communicate between your PC and the unit.  This is a free download when you register your unit on the Humminbird web site (even though it is used).

[fivealive]

ok, I got it, thanks a lot for your help.
So, i registered my product (fortunately the previous owner hadn't registered it yet ) and I noticed that the leatest version available is v4.950 (July 2010). The descriptios says: "Improved shallow water performance".  Then , I noticed that in the download section of this forum there is also version v4.750 (January 2010). Description:  "Adds Down Imaging. Adds GPS improvements. Adds new 2D sonar color palettes. Adds New SI sonar color palettes. Improves trolling motor noise rejection. Fixes Track offset issue. Changes Depth Alarm Setting to be maintained in memory upon Power Off. Automatically restores defaults when reprogramming unit. Adds additional AIS message support. Fixes Disabled GPS output. Fixes Snapshots not displaying in POS mode. Fixes Navionics library drawing when no map is available. Fixes various cosmetic and minor operational defects."
SO, I know it's a very stupid question, but does version 4.950 includes all these improvements? What do you suggest me to do, going straight to the 4.950 or trying 4.750 first?
thanks a lot for your help and excuse me if some question might sound kinda stupid.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Your questions do not sound stupid to me fivealive.

The software version you load will contain all of the changes in any previous software version for that unit as well.  So loading the 4.950 software will also include all of the 4.750 software changes too.

I would just load the 4.950 software.

[fivealive]

ok, I'll go with the 4.950 then.
thankkkkk youuuu soooo muccchhhhh 

[fivealive]

oh, last question: because I'm from Europe, my unit displays metric units.
Will the metric units remain after I upgrade the software? I'm not familiar with non-metric systems.
Thanks

[Humminbird_Greg]

Yes it will.  Updating the software should not change the units identity whether that be model number or Domestic/International type.

[fivealive]

Ok, everything's clear now.
Today I finished mounting everything. I mounted the transducer using the same holes of my previous fishfinder (it was not a side imaging model). I noticed that humminbird suggests to mount it at least 15 inches from the propeller, but because I liked trying to reuse the existing holes I have mounted mine a little bit closer  (there are 15 inches fron the center of the transducer to the shaft of the trolling motor, I only use trolling motor on my boat because you can't use internal combustion engines in the lakes I fish). Do you think I will experience some interference issues?
Last time I went out fishing I  tried to hold the transducer in my hand in the same position as I was trolling and there didn't seem to be any problem... but I tried only for a minute or so (the water was really cold ahahah )

[rnvinc]

The 15" spec in the manual pertains to problems with the xducer creating aerated water in front of an outboard which can cause "spinout" of the outboard drive ...
--------

I would suggest trying your chosen installation and test for interference ...

If interference is present ... Post back here and we will diagnose ...

Rickie

[fivealive]

everything seems to be ok.
just one more thing: some days ago I upgraded the software to the newest version using the sd card. The unit seems to work properly, but later I noticed that humminbird suggests to disconnect advanced accessories like the gps rerceiver before the operation. Well, I'm not sure, but I think that my gps receiver was connected during the upgrade. Do you think I have to downgrade it and then re-upgrade it again?
thanks a lot again
please let me know what you think

[Humminbird_Greg]

No, not at all fivealive.  If there were going to be problems you should have seen them by now.  That warning is for some of the newer version units and the accessories that they can use.

[fivealive]

Clear. Thanks. Here's my first trip with the unit

 

I was only wondering if there's a way to zoom in when in GPS mode... the scale is too low and 981 does not have the "zoom in" button...
 

[Humminbird_Greg]

There is fivealive.  Look at the attached handheld GPS Connection Kit manual as it tells you what new features, functions and menus you should have in your 981c Si trackplotter unit since you added a GPS Receiver to it.

Do you have an operations manual for the 981c Si unit?

[fivealive]

Problem solved - I just had to press the MENU botton once in Gps view, highlight the ZOOM option and then adjust the zoom using the left and right cursor arrows.
I do have a manual but it doesn't say this, cause it just refers to 987 c models (which have the ZOOM +/- button) regarding GPS functionality.
Anyway, thanks again greg!