About to Update my GPS/FF to the HDS-10

[Nelly]

Hey Dan!
I think you'll love that DSI (or Down Scan Imaging) unit! You'll have a new operating frequency so there will be less interferance with other boaters but the real advantage is the DETAIL you'll get from that unit!
I'm looking forward to hearing your review of that unit!!!

[Dan Carney]

One of the last things that helped me to decide that this is the unit I want is when you had the Lowrance rep talking about this unit on your radio show, and he said they decided to port the DSI module from the SS unit since it is the function used most by people that had the full HDS/SS setup. I'm sure I will like it for what I am doing, I did a lot of research and for the type of fishing I do it should be exceptional.
L8R
Dan

[Salmonhawk]

One thing to keep in mind is to log on to the Lowrance website and download the software updates. I just updated my HDS 10 to version 3.5.

[rick rysemus]

Nelly,

On routing the Transducer cables how far do they need to be from other cables. The best side to run them on my boat happens to also have the power leads too. The max I can get them apart would be 5-6 inches.

[Nelly]

Hey Rick!
The only depthsounder interference problems that I've ever had directly attributable to transducer cable routing involved motors.
Once, I had an issue with a 'ducer cable running too close to a TR-1 autopilot and the other occasion was a trolling motor.

Make sure your engines have resistor or ES (Electronic Suppression) spark plugs and this includes your kicker or trolling motor.

Make sure you follow all the anti interference procedures stated in Lowrance's installation manual, be careful with your routing and electrical connections and you should be fine!

[Bucket]

Doesn't happen very often but I gotta agree with Nelly on the above comments.

[rick rysemus]

Thanks for the info guys.

Started the install today... What an undertaking... Luckly the previous owner put pull rope thru all the wire passages... That made it possible to pull the new cables thru locations that would have been impossible without them.
The Radar is bolted down and the cable is routed up to the dash.
Structure Scan module is mounted and Transducer cable is routed to it. Still need to mount the transducer.
I also move my old LCX-16ci to back window. It will be nice to have a Sonar unit near the back of the boat to show bottom and downriggers depth.....
Plan to mount the HDS-10 and power everything this week after work...
Hope to have everything finished before the this weekend so I can install a Airmar B164 transducer ....
Plan to be back on the water on the 19th or 20th....

Have I missed anything? Oh yeah I tiled the back splash in the kitchen on saturday...

[Nelly]

Rick is a busy man!
Way to go checking a box on the "honeydo" list! It's too bad the wives don't give us credit for all the boat work we have to do!!!

Keep in mind that your LSS-1 Structure Scan head unit has extra Ethernet ports that will accomodate your radar and another Ethernet device (Satellite weather, etc).

Despite the fact that you're giving the boat an electronic "overhaul" you do not have to run a wire for each and every device!

The same Ethernet cable that carries your Structure Scan info to your HDS 10 will also carry radar returns, sattelite weather and a second HDS units sonar information!

Remember to power the yellow Ethernet "Wake-up" wire once and then connect all the yellow wires together. The key to a successful do-it-yourself installation is understanding how all the pieces fit together and studying the installation manual...which I'm sure you've done!

Good luck and happy honeydo-ing!!!

[rick rysemus]

Update:

Just finished installing a Airmar B164. Man their web site doesn't do them any justice. That thing is just bad ass. I had no idea that I was getting a 3 3/4" dia by 4" tall chunk of brass that they call a transducer...Talk about getting what you pay for...Not some PLASTIC thing you just dropped a bunch of coin on...

Everything else is in, wired, updated and ready to rock.

So far it's night and day from the old to the new. If you're thinking about updating don't try to save money by buying a small HDS...buy the Big Dog...you'll thank yourself later...So far I haven't kicked myself once for the amount of money I'm spend on the upgrade...

Plan to test it this weekend...

[Robbo]

That was fast! I'm installing an Airmar in the charter boat when I get north again. If you have time can you take a photo of where you have it installed and post it. Nervous about drilling a 4 inch gaper in the bottom of the boat

Thanks Rick!