Humminbird & Ethernet??

[hanson]

Sooo.... who has details?

Just got a copy of the Humminbird 2011 brochure and on page 12/13, it talks about Humminbird Ethernet Networking.

Literature says "Find the content you want - faster. Humminbird high-speed Ethernet lets you share sonar, GPS, waypoints and more between compatible units. Compatible with new Humminbird 700HD, 800, 900 and 1100 Series models plus Ethernet-equipped legacy models**."

The ** footnote reads "Ethernet-equipped legacy models include Humminbird 800,900,1100 Series units. To create a network that includes a legacy model, you must download the required software update at humminbird.com"

Sounds awesome! Eh?

So I have 2 now legacy models with ethernet ports, 1 on the dash and 1 on the bow. I've got them networked at this point with Interlink. I run SI & the standard transducer with a splitter wire to the dash and have a transducer on the bowmount for the bow unit. Both units use their own external GPS antennas. Technically, the only info that I can share between the 2 units is Waypoints at this point, if I enter a waypoint on one unit, it shows up on the other unit.

What I'm wondering now with ethernet is map sharing. I just (like 2 days ago) bought another Lakemaster Minnesota chip for the front unit so I'll have the same map in both units. With Ethernet, can I share the same map information on 2 units with 1 chip in 1 unit?? Anyone know what the Ethernet cable costs?

[PerchJerker]

I don't think there's any specifics out there yet on the HB ethernet capabilities --- they've been saying it's on the way for almost a year, but it's not here yet.

It sounds very similar to the Lowrance ethernet capabilities. One thing you asked about was the price of an ethernet cable -- assuming they are similar to Lowrance, the ethernet cables are much cheaper and simpler than the nmea networking or the HB Interlink. Lowrance cables are about $50 and all you do is connect the 2 ends.

I doubt if you will be able to share map card info between multiple units. I think it has more to do with the map data and the companies that own it, than it has to do with the electronics companies. When you buy a map card you are in essence getting 1 license to use that data --- that's why you can't copy it onto a blank card for your buddy or anything like that. Being able to share map card data across multiple units would be like making a copy of your card. So although I haven't heard for sure either way, I doubt that you will be able to share map data.

I'm also curious if the side imaging and down imaging will be shared over the ethernet? They say "sonar data" but they don't give any specifics. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it gets here, that's for sure!

[kg2]

There are 4 lenghts available (2', 10', 20' 30'). The pricing I have seen range from $35-$65.

It definitely won't allow you to share maps. LakeMaster/Navionics won't allow this. It will allow you to share waypoints, use one GPS receiver for multiple units, and/or use one transducer for multiple units.

[hanson]

It definitely won't allow you to share maps. LakeMaster/Navionics won't allow this. It will allow you to share waypoints, use one GPS receiver for multiple units, and/or use one transducer for multiple units.

Thats what I was thinking about the map chips. Like I mentioned, just bought another Lakemaster the other day and its still in the box on the kitchen counter. Then I read about the Ethernet and thought, geeez can I share that info or not. Better find out before opening the new Lakemaster chip.

The way I currently rigged my boat, I'm not sure what else I need to share between the 2 units. I've got them Interlinked already so I can share Waypoints, my transducers serve specific functions, and I really don't need/want to share GPS as I want the antennas as close to the transducer I'm watching as possible.