Harvey Lee, got a ? for ya.

[RonZych]

I finally got rid of my 522c. Was on my 3rd $70 transducer.

I'm moving to Hummingbird.

I really liked the 522's regular sonar.

How does it compare to your Hummingbird's regular sonar mode?

I am looking at getting the 898c si which should have the same regular sonar as your 1198c si.

I want to pull the trigger but need a little push.

Thanks,

Ron

[harvey lee]

Sorry for the late response.

I have found that my Birds are pretty easy top operate and are very user friendly. The only issue I have had with mine is learning how to set up the Sidescan and how to read what I am seeing.

I called Birds CS and asked some questions and they offered some useful advice.

So far, very happy with the Birds.

In regards to reading the sonar, no issues. It gives me no problems except the digital depth reading may bouce a few feet when under 3 ft of water. I can still look at the depth line on the sonar to see the exact depth. There may be a setting or something in the menu to cure this but rarely am I in 3 fow.

Thats the only issue I have had and it more than likely can be cured in the menu setting but its of no real issue to me.

[Black_Bay]

Get one. How's that for a push. I have the 898 and it works great. As HL said the depth reading bounces in shallow water but HB has software updates for the 1000, 900, and 800 series that will fix that. I'm impressed with the unit so far.

[NoWiser]

I just got the 1197c SI, and installed the update late last week. Last night was the first time I got a chance to check it out, and the update did not fix the shallow water problem (if you can even call it that). Its only in water under 6 feet that I get the double signal and, like Harvey said, by looking at the depth signal its still easy to see how deep it is.

I was very nervous switching to Bird from Lowrance mostly because I heard the old fashioned sonar wasn't as good. The first true test I had was in Canada fishing for crappies, walleyes, and lake trout and there was no comparison.....the bird was MUCH better. For once I could actually see my lure and trout on the graph. We spent two days jigging for lakers and it was a hoot.....we could all 3 see our jigs on the sonar and watch as a laker came screaming up for them....a lot of times you couln't tell whose jig was whose, so everyone would brace themselves for the hit. It was a blast!

I have absolutely no regrets switching to HB, none. I am more than happy. Go for it!

[RonZych]

I'm sold, thanks.

Now waiting for a sale/discount if I can hold out that long.

[RonZych]

Just found a great deal a pro fishing supply in Waconia. I'm going there tomorrow.

[RonZych]

Get one. How's that for a push. I have the 898 and it works great. As HL said the depth reading bounces in shallow water but HB has software updates for the 1000, 900, and 800 series that will fix that. I'm impressed with the unit so far.

It says external gps. Does it come with an external antenna?

[Black_Bay]

Yes it does have the antenna. I got my 'bird through Pro Fishing Supply also. They have a good price on the 898.

[harvey lee]

One cannot go wrong with Dave at Pro Fishing Supply. Very knowledgeable with these units and fast shipping.

[yaggie]

I switched this year from Low. to two Bird units. Side scan and sonar is excellent. I do not like the GPS as well at all. With my Low. I dropped hundreds of icons all with different symbols which I knew what they meant a year later. The bird does not have this ability and when you drop waypoints they are all the same. I can't tell the difference from my 'rocks just under water' waypoint from my anchor here spot. New Triton hung up on rocks= not good.

[Northlander]

My Bird lets me put different icons down. I would think yours will as well.

[RonZych]

I got mine installed.

I dont like not a having a paper manual.

When u save a snapshot does it automatically select the correct sd/mmc card? I dont want it ruining me lakemaster card. Cant find info on that.

It is going to take some time learning this thing.