Topic: newbie questions 798ci si

[riven1950]

I just purchased a 798ci si and still have to install it. I have been reading some posts and have a few questions.

Someone posted that they wanted to be sure and get a 2010 model vs an older version. I thought the 798ci si was a new model. Is there a difference in 09 and 10 models? How can I tell which I have? Mine was purchased online in a sealed box but i have no idea how long it has been sitting on a shelf.

Once installed do I need to update software before using it? How do I tell if software updates are current?

Thanks....great site
TR

[sonar2000]

Welcome and great question.   Look at your serial number and you should see the date of mfg.  If you can power up the unit on a desk or workshop you can select the menu option  on power on.  then select the system status and look at system information  it will tell you the code level. You can also configure the view screen to show system status as a selection.  Do you have a book or a cd? On this site under the software topic you can compare to the current releases of code. 
Chuck

[rnvinc]

Here's an example...I think I have this right...

Serial No 9100802 0085

  9      month
10      year
08      day
02      production line
0085  unit produced that day

[sonar2000]

I think it is year, month, day......chuck

[riven1950]

I do have a book that came with  the unit. Have read a lot of it and am itching to get it on the water.

My serial number starts with 90930...so I take it was made end of Sept 09.  So would that make it a " latest version " production?

Thanks,
Ted

[sonar2000]

I think you may or could be one level down.  I think the latest is 4.78    check your system status screen and compare with the level in the download section.   If you are down level then you can dowload and install.  Be sure to check the forum for proper steps to follow to upgrade code. 
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=14.0
chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

Year – Month – Day is the correct format.  For those units produced in 2010 and beyond we had to add another digit to the front end so the year would start “10” for 2010.

The 798’s did not receive the new software until the start of 2010 so I doubt that your unit has the 2010 year model features yet.  You need to update it to the 4.780 version software.

[riven1950]

Thanks, I'll make sure to update the software.

Should that be done before using the unit or just ASAP?

TR

[sonar2000]

I would go ahead and update the unit.  Then if you have any questions you will be on the latest code.
Remember to follow the instructions here on the forum for updating your unit. 
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=14.msg17#msg17
Chuck

[rnvinc]

Yup...you guys are right again...I got my day and month reversed....

[littleman]

i have a new 798Ci Si combo used it 4 trips it lake warteree south carolina cant make heads or tails of it ,i dont think if i went over the titantic  you could see it . if you are getting a new one on what the sales man tales dont get your hopes up to high its nothing like they say you may think you know what your looking   at         but you dont .and for finding fish the old sonar works better ,  on mine if every white dot was a fish all  i would have to do is drop the anycor over board . wish i had my money back , its also has the navionics  package in side and  the botton down load. which  is also  a joke. wish i could see one that really  works .

[RGecy]

littleman,

Do you have any snapshots from your unit?  I hate to hear you are not having success, but i can tell you that when used correctly there is no comparison to traditional 2d sonar.

Now, I will admit that the 798c screen is certainly smaller and harder to make out some details, but you should be able to tune your unit to see superb detail in fresh water.  You do have to spend some time learning to understand what you are seeing.  I tell most people you need to go out the first couple times and just leave the fishing rods at home.

Can you share some of your settings with us?  Also if you have any recordings, I would love to take a look at one of them.

I live in down in Beaufort and do offer training on the unit if you like. 

Robert 

[littleman]

sure wish i were   in beaufort i sure would take the lesson .wish i knew how to operate the unit  may be just to dumb . i need to record and let you see what mine showes and you till me what it is. i was told when i got mine if you go by a pier you could see under it , will on wateree there are plenty of piers and mine will not only not show whats under but will not show even the pier . it will some times show bridge pilings .  do you ever fish wateree , i thought this thing would be the trick ,if you can help it sure would be welcome thank you

[littleman]

robert  look on the image gallery and tell me what im looking at on the 8 photos  that say stumps logs and trees it looks like a bunch of clouds

[salvor6]

Littleman what did you pay for your 798?

[littleman]

 i bought it with two transducers and two mounts  798Ci Si combo with navionic  nvb model  i think it was close 14