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Random Quote: It'll make sense when it happens. . .
I like mine alot. I have the smallest screened one 400 but the features are the same I believe. You will get a mixed bag of responses. The key is that you have to get the gain set right for your circumstances. It is easy to do. Then you change the gain for what you are doing. For example, I have a super shallow water setting, a setting for running on plane, a setting for trollling and a setting for bottom fishing. I think that precision is part of what makes the detail sooooo good. I am going to buy the larger screen for my bigger boat. I just bought the 400 a few years ago to try it out.
I picked up DS400X this year. While installing it I found the transducer cable nut missing when I went to plug it into the back of the unit. I'll have to tear the boat apart this fall to sent it back for a new one. I also found the unit does not like direct sun. On warm days I will get an alarm saying " internal Temp is over 176 degrees" and have to shut it off to cool down. Since the first time it happened the screen has fogged to some degree every time I have used it. I have to say though, it does see the fish well. Even for a small unit I can see fish at 250 feet right on bottom. Running, It picks up the bottom up to 25 mph. Not sure what I need to do to get it to work going faster. I always run it on Auto and have never had to calibrate anything on the unit.
Check out the FURUNO 585 or 620. Takes digital technology further than Raymarine does without the issues and condensation problems. Better reliability!
I do not like my ds600. It's really designed to run on automatic, but whenever I go over a sharp depth change, or come off plane, it tends to go into a self-calibration 'hunting' mode, and is all but useless right when I need it most. You can keep it from doing this by setting it into a maual mode, but that is very awkward to do with software menus in place of traditional knobs. Even simple adjustments require you to go 2-3 levels deep into some menu tree and then back out again one layer at a time.
Also, I'm having a hard time with the transom-mounted transducer popping up whenever the boat goes airborne a bit, even though the adjustment is screwed in as tightly as I could. The transom bracket really needs a better design.
Have had the 400 for over a year. Using it with the transom mount ducer as a "shoot thru" in my bilge. Have had absolutely no problems with the unit and I really like it. Use it mostly off shore trolling and deep dropping. It will read bottom to at least 1800 ft. at slow troll or drift. It will read bottom to about 300 ft at 28 mph cruise. I have it rigged so that if I need more deffinition when deep dropping (800-1500 ft) I can take it out of the bilge and hang it over the side. Many on this forum have had fogging problems...none here, but I take it off the boat when I get back to the dock. Good luck!
My ds600x works pretty well for me. I improved the performance considerably this past year by installing an airmar tilted element through-hull transducer. This is a much better setup than the transom mount transducer, the installation is not difficult, and the cost is not prohibitive. I also take my ff off the boat at the end of my trips and have had no problem with fogging. I think the ds600 is enough ff for me. When I don't catch fish it is not because of my ff.
You have a transducer install issue. Mine did that, then I spent more time installing the transducer and getting it correctly aligned. Now the thing is rock steady up to 46 mph and over many depth changes.
I really think that alot of problems people have really are installation related. I have had issues with mine. It fogged once. That was it. But listen, in auto mode, these displays are the best! I've looked at Furuno, side by side. Hands down, this Ray 600 is the best looking display. If I don't see a red shape, then it ain't a fish! I have taken some 18-20 people out on my boat the last two seasons. EVERYONE agree's about the validity and trustworthiness of marks on this display. I use the hell out of this thing. It's just like anything else, it can be quirky, but I love it. Furuno's display seemed more jagged or less high def. It isn't bad, it just seemed to need more interpretation. If you want a unit that is kinda idiot-proof, go Raymarine. If you want to fiddle with it, go Furuno. Just my .2 cents.....
I have a DSX 600. I have had no fogging problems, but take it off the boat before storing the boat. Performance-wise, I am very pleased. I use the standard transom-mount transducer, and fish in up to 250' water.
Buddy has one now that he likes, but like Josko I find the menu system to be a bit tough. He's happy though and is a Furuno convert at this point.
Calm Seas seeing as they are pretty new units, how do you know what the reliability is ?
Josko, I had the same problem with the Airmar P66. When I spoke with Airmar they indicated a dab or two of 4200 would do the trick and it has. Not sure if you have the Airmar, but a little 4200 may solve the kickup problem.
scottaboat - 9/22/2006 8:59 PM
Calm Seas seeing as they are pretty new units, how do you know what the reliability is ?
I don't confuse reliability with long term DURABILITY.
Can't make the durability call yet, agreed. But can definitely say FURUNO has nowhere near the number of issues as the RAY HD units when first released (and still do). Those are signature differences between the 2 manufacturers. Enough so that 'loyal' Ray owners I know have tired and switched camps!
raymarine ds600x , good or bad? 
?
Enough so that 'loyal' Ray owners I know have tired and switched camps! 
