New humminbird down imaging pics (available in 2010)

pastaman1234 · 11-19-2009, 07:29 PM

New pics released on the side imaging forum. Looks good. Down Imaging will be available on all 2010 model year units. There will be a download on the manufacturer site for existing/older side imaging units. This download will be free and you can use your existing transducer. The regualr 2D sonar is the new switchfire that is also availabe now as a download or standard on new models.

slief · 11-19-2009, 08:09 PM

This down imaging and structure scan stuff is really amazing! When is HB expected to release their new down imaging software?

I wonder what Furuno has planned as well as Garmin???? Logic would stand to reason that one or both must have something in the works. I'm so used to seeing the standard sonar images that I'm dumbfounded every time I see new images like these!

VanW · 11-19-2009, 08:13 PM

Well this gives me a reason to hang on to my Matrix 97! Hopefully there will be an update for it, but I have my doubts.

pastaman1234 · 11-19-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slief

This down imaging and structure scan stuff is really amazing! When is HB expected to release their new down imaging software?

I wonder what Furuno has planned as well as Garmin???? Logic would stand to reason that one or both must have something in the works. I'm so used to seeing the standard sonar images that I'm dumbfounded every time I see new images like these!

2010 standard on new units and a free download for older side imaging units!!

pastaman1234 · 11-19-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanW

Well this gives me a reason to hang on to my Matrix 97! Hopefully there will be an update for it, but I have my doubts.

Unfortunatley your doubts are correct. I cut and pasted the below older units that can be updated. You had to have at least SI to get the update.

FREE Software Upgrade for 798c, 981c, 987c, 997c, 998c & 1197c - Available January 2010

middleofnowhere · 11-19-2009, 08:48 PM

Very cool postings. I am impressed with the screen snaps showing the conventional fish finder image right next to the downscan. Both are very good quality. Kudos to HB for stepping up. Especially for offering the free upgrade to some of their older units.

pastaman1234 · 11-19-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinvee260ex

Very cool postings. I am impressed with the screen snaps showing the conventional fish finder image right next to the downscan. Both are very good quality. Kudos to HB for stepping up. Especially for offering the free upgrade to some of their older units.

Exactly.......most other companies would make you spend money on a new unit or at least offer it as an option and make you buy a new ducer.

Rolngthun · 11-20-2009, 05:29 AM

Beautiful.

txtightline · 11-20-2009, 06:45 AM

I may be wrong...wife says that is common.

But, what I have heard is the the software update for the existing HB units won't give the same level of downscan that the new units will have because the side imaging transducer cones don't overlap as much as they will on the new 2010 units. In other words, there is a "gap" directly under the boat.

Again, I don't know this for fact, just what I've heard from a reliable source.

Impressive images!

Rolngthun · 11-20-2009, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txtightline

I may be wrong...wife says that is common.

But, what I have heard is the the software update for the existing HB units won't give the same level of downscan that the new units will have because the side imaging transducer cones don't overlap as much as they will on the new 2010 units. In other words, there is a "gap" directly under the boat.

Again, I don't know this for fact, just what I've heard from a reliable source.

Impressive images!

Even if that is true. A guy could buy a new ducer instead of a complete unit and be up to date. Humminbird transducers are not that bad, price wise.

pastaman1234 · 11-20-2009, 07:21 AM

bout a hundred bucks or so.............I think!!

pastaman1234 · 11-20-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txtightline

I may be wrong...wife says that is common.

But, what I have heard is the the software update for the existing HB units won't give the same level of downscan that the new units will have because the side imaging transducer cones don't overlap as much as they will on the new 2010 units. In other words, there is a "gap" directly under the boat.

Again, I don't know this for fact, just what I've heard from a reliable source.

Impressive images!

Good question. I havent heard that. Id like to know the answer as well. Ill ask the HB techs on the side imaging site and get back to you.

pastaman1234 · 11-20-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txtightline

I may be wrong...wife says that is common.

But, what I have heard is the the software update for the existing HB units won't give the same level of downscan that the new units will have because the side imaging transducer cones don't overlap as much as they will on the new 2010 units. In other words, there is a "gap" directly under the boat.

Again, I don't know this for fact, just what I've heard from a reliable source.

Impressive images!

Totally not true. They have not changed the ducers with the new 2010 models. The paste below is straight from Humminbird!!

No, not that I am aware of as I have not seen any change notices from Engineering. As far as I know there are no changes scheduled for any of the side imaging transducers we have been making. Where was this posted? I hope that this is not the start of another dis-information promotion by those other guys…

Greg Walters at Humminbird

bc22 · 11-21-2009, 06:36 AM

Furuno's main market is commercial, coastal, and offshore.
I don't see them entering the freshwater and skinny water sounder market anytime soon. To achieve similar results (2D, or 3D picture like images of what's below the surface) in Furuno's markets would require boats to have satellite compasses such as the SC30 installed at a cost of about $2500. As many have stated in other theads, the side imaging and 2D, 3D pics only work when the boat is in calm waters. I think even a small 2' chop would render the feature useless. The ultimate sonar (true sonar) IMO for coastal and offshore is Furuno's searchlight sonars coupled with an SC30/50.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slief

This down imaging and structure scan stuff is really amazing! When is HB expected to release their new down imaging software?

I wonder what Furuno has planned as well as Garmin???? Logic would stand to reason that one or both must have something in the works. I'm so used to seeing the standard sonar images that I'm dumbfounded every time I see new images like these!

I think this product would be very cool for the Sturgeon and salmon fishery on the Fraser and Harrison River systems in BC as it could be used to definitively spot the ledges, troughs, structures, and even sturgeon themselves on the river bottoms.

DarthBaiter · 11-21-2009, 08:38 AM

Very good info, Pastaman1234.

I'm so happy they are gonna update the current SI units.

P.S. Is it me or does tyhe 2D shot of those pictures look more like a Lowrance than a Hummingbird FF?

P.S.S. Pastaman1234, you erver get the DSC connected and running on your VHF?

slief · 11-21-2009, 09:11 AM

I have a question for your HB side scan gurus..

It was mentioned in a previous thread that HB has a dual transducer option for boats like my cat. The only thing I could find on HB's website is a tranducer switch that allows you to switch between 2 transducers. Near as I can tell, you can run one or the other but not both at the same time. Is there an option for seperate left and right trandsducers that can be on simultaniously? If so, will that option support down imaging?

Rolngthun · 11-21-2009, 10:10 AM

It's not a switch your looking for. It is a Y cable. The right side will be your normal sonar plus right side imaging. The left ducer will just be used for the left side imaging. The cable can be bought from Humminbird web site.
I do not have any idea how splitting will effect the down scan.

"AS SILR Y
Accessories

Side Imaging Splitter Cable

Y Cable - Separates Side Imaging into Left and Right Beams - for Side Imaging products only. Allows the use of two side imaging transducers with one unit without the need for a transducer switch. Used in applications where the a plastic thru the hull transducer is required on a boat with a deep V hull. Can also be used if the motor or other items on the exterior of the boat may block one side of the transducer and distort readings.

pastaman1234 · 11-21-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarthBaiter

Very good info, Pastaman1234.

I'm so happy they are gonna update the current SI units.

P.S. Is it me or does tyhe 2D shot of those pictures look more like a Lowrance than a Hummingbird FF?

P.S.S. Pastaman1234, you erver get the DSC connected and running on your VHF?

You know it really does look like a lowrance broad band type of picture. The broadband might be a little better (never used one) but i am very happy with the humminbird even before the update.

Negative on the DSC......I think what i need to do is purchase a seperate GPS antenna just for the VHF. Im not sure why but maybe because i have other nmea stuff hooked up that its not gettting enough juice. Or i could buy the humminbird VHF and plug and play it right into my interlink box which is what i use to link my two units together so they share data....there is still an open port. Id hate to get rid of my icom though as its prolly a better unit. We'll see what happens.

pastaman1234 · 11-21-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slief

I have a question for your HB side scan gurus..

It was mentioned in a previous thread that HB has a dual transducer option for boats like my cat. The only thing I could find on HB's website is a tranducer switch that allows you to switch between 2 transducers. Near as I can tell, you can run one or the other but not both at the same time. Is there an option for seperate left and right trandsducers that can be on simultaniously? If so, will that option support down imaging?

Rollingthun explained it perfectly. It will work with two ducers the same way as if you had one ducer with a y cable. I dont know how it will tie in with the down imaging yet but i will post the question on the side imaging site and get back to you.

slief · 11-21-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pastaman1234

Rollingthun explained it perfectly. It will work with two ducers the same way as if you had one ducer with a y cable. I dont know how it will tie in with the down imaging yet but i will post the question on the side imaging site and get back to you.

Thanks a bunch! Please let me know what you find out.

I have an LSS-1 in hand that arrived the other day but mounting it might be a problem. I started a seperate thread here on that. You can see what I am up against.

I love the idea of this structure scan and down imaging. It seems like it could be really useful where I boat, assuming it will work in salt water in depths from 30' to 300'. I currently have an FCV585 with a 1Kw through hull transducer that works really well but I am not great at finding the smaller structure with it. This new technology would certainly help if I can make it work on boat.