Topic: Ulterra & 899

[seanatx]

Hi Folks, i have an 899 ci si HD Nav combo and I have an Ulterra with iPilot link coming.  Will I be able to connect the ulterra and the ducer that comes with the 899 and use both without getting into ethernet?  If so, how does the ulterra's iPilot link connect to the 899?

thanks in advance!

-sean

[Humminbird_Greg]

Welcome to the Humminbird Side imaging Forums sean.

The Ulterra will connect to your 899ci HD Si unit via Ethernet, but it will also come with a connection cable for this.  You will need an Ethernet Adapter Cable though: AS-EC-QDE.  I don’t think that they package these with the iPilot Links.

The 899’s transducer you can mount on the Ulterra if you buy or make an adapter.  You can also make use of the Transducer Exchange Program and swap your out for a trolling motor style transducer.
http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/TransducerExchange/

[seanatx]

Thanks Greg.  I was under the impression that the Ulterra's body would be turning and trimming and would not be able to have a transducer attached to it.  I take it from your response that is not the case?  I have a dongle on order too so that will work out.

How can I tell which transducer model I have and which one would provide the same functionaity under the Ulterra?

kind regards,
-sean

[Humminbird_Greg]

The Ulterra will turn so you have to watch out how you rig the transducer so you won’t end up pinching or pulling the cable apart.

The transducer you have should be the XNT-9-Si-180-T Compact Side Imaging transducer (CSi for short).
The direct trolling motor replacement for it is the XTM-9-Si-180-T.  This is a made for the trolling motor transducer. 
You could exchange your CSi transducer for the XTM-9-HDSi-180-T transducer and get better 455kHz Si/Di sonar and have the 800kHz Si/Di sonar capability.  This is the same as the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T transom mount transducer except that it comes with an adapter for the trolling motor.
Even more expensive but offering better protection for the transducer would be the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T transom mount HDSi transducer combined with a Transducer Shield & Saver adapter.

[seanatx]

Thanks for the super helpful responses Greg, very helpful!  I do see the XNT to XTM trade in the chart linked above, but not the XTM HD Si XHS HDSi upgrades.  Do I understand you correctly; that either HDSi upgrade would be the 455hz and 800hz SI/DI sonars?  If so, can you point me to the cost chart or other place I can do that upgrade?  I also assume the XTM would not need protector/shield setup. 

It 'appears' to me that the transom mount units with the protector/sheild would be the best way to go - I think you suggested thats best too.  Doug Vahrenberg says he saw a guy who had used a coiled air hose to house the transducers cable down to the Ulterra's lower unit directly allowing full range of movement.  Any thoughts on that?

wkr,
-sean

[Humminbird_Greg]

I believe that the HDSi transducers are still part of the Transducer Exchange Program, not sure why they are not listed.
Yes, the HDSi transducers are 455/800kHz Si/Di sonar capable.
Call the Humminbird Customer Service folks at 1-800-633-1468 for pricing and to set it all up.
No, the XTM-9-Si-180-T will not need a protector (I do't think one exists for it) but the XTM-9-HDSi-180-T will as it is more exposed in my personal opinion.
I agree with the XHS-9-HDSi-180-T plus the TS&S adapter/protector being the way to go.  I've seen some beat up transducers that were still working because of it.  I also like the air hose protection for the cable, though i have yet to rig one like that.