Humminbird question

[delcecchi]

I was looking through the bass pro catalog tonite and happened to notice a couple of items by Humminbird that seemed strange. If one of the experts here would explain I would appreciate having my curiosity satisfied.

The first item as a "high accuracy GPS module, drop in replacement for various bird units" claiming 1 meter accuracy. I thought WAAS was only like 3-5 meters and besides most standard units these days support WAAS, so what is this?

Second item was a "50 channel GPS receiver". I didn't know there were that many satellites, and I have never heard of that many channels. What is the deal?

Thanks.

[fishwater]

The high accuracy module is discontinued this year (due to poor sales.) From what I heard, it did perform as specified.

I'd guess that the extra receiver channels might assist in faster linking to transmitted signals? Not sure, I believe there are only 25 or so operation satellites.

[PerchJerker]

The high accuracy GPS receiver updates its position reading more frequently than the standard GPS receiver, something like 5 times per second instead of 1 time per second. More updates gives it more data to calculate its position, hence the increase in accuracy. To put it another way, it "jumps around" a lot less.

The 50 channel GPS is a marketing ploy. There are only about 2 dozen satellites out there and only 1/2 of them are visible at any time, so being able to track more than that doesn't do anything for you.

[hanson]

So the rumor is the new Humminbirds will accept Lakemaster chips. If so... when are the "new" models coming out, or is it going to be a software upgrade that will allow older models to run Lakemaster. Anyone know anything?

[PerchJerker]

New units for next year are supposed to come LakeMaster enabled. Existing units will have a software update that you need to load. Due date is around the first of the year.

You will need a Humminbird LakeMaster card, the Lowrance and Garmin LakeMaster cards won't work in HB units.

[fishwater]

Lakemaster support is included in the 4.7 update already out for the 1100 and 700 series. The 900 series will be released in January along with the DI rollout.

Description:

10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM - v4.700 Adds support for LakeMaster chart cards. Adds new SI

sonar color palettes. Adds new 2D sonar color palettes. Improved GPS performance to

provide higher chart update rates. Corrected problems with depth offset algorithm.

Corrected SD card reporting incorrect size. New menu item for sound control.

Corrected issue of GPS output becoming disabled in certain navigation modes.

Corrected problem of snapshot not functioning in POS mode. Fixed centering issue

when changing chart orientation. Corrected problem of displayed track becoming

offset from boat. Sonar processing improved to increase trolling motor noise

rejection. Fixes various cosmetic and minor operational defects.

[hanson]

Sweet!

So if I happened upon an 1197 now, I'm good to go with the 4.7 software update?

Wasn't sure if I should wait or not.

[delcecchi]

Thanks. I am a little skeptical about the update rate thing helping accuracy, but it is possible. They ought to know.

[delcecchi]

Did a little research and it is true. That was a surprise.

[MN Mike]

If you want to see a great video of what you should expect from Humminbird / Lakemaster, type those words into the search area on Youtube and check out the first video you see, should be about 7 minutes long, pretty impressive. Now you just have to wait for the chip to come out.

I ran my 798 this season on Lake of the Woods and can't say that I ever had any gps accuracy issues ( 50 channel receiver ), even tested it on the last outing looking for a couple boulders I found on the first outing of the season, found them with no problem at all.

By the looks of this pic below with the Navionics chip, it was pretty accurate minus the lake depth, I was pulling 2 downriggers that day, had to act fast!

I did have the offset tracking though but that didn't bother me, it would come back again. Downloaded the new software last week but haven't installed it, can't wait to see the new color palletes.

Mike

[PerchJerker]

Thanks. I am a little skeptical about the update rate thing helping accuracy, but it is possible. They ought to know.

Lowrance has a similar high-accuracy gps receiver that you can use with their units. From what I've heard both the Low and HB high-accuracy receivers work well and improve your accuracy.

[JohnMickish]

That is a cool video, makes me glad I left the Lowrance bandwagon last year and joined team Humminbird.

[Northlander]

What video?

[hanson]

What video?

[fishwater]

I'm hoping that the lakemaster maps will allow a black background, that's my favorite part of how Humminbird displays navionics maps. The black background is awesome for night trolling, easy to see.