Humminbird Question

[bigstick56]

I have a H-Bird 788ci HD, and am looking at getting a 898 si. I currently have the 788 on the dash, I want to put the 898 on the dash and move the 788 to the bow. But, I also have the I-pilot and really dont need to be in the front of the boat, so I was wondering If H-bird sells just the base for the 788 so I could buy an additionall base for the bow and just move the 788 from the dash to the bow when needed? Also how would a person interlink these 2 systems? Just want to hear what everyone thinks. Thanks

[TooTallTom]

The MS-M should be the mount you're looking for for the 788ci HD. They're about $30 IIRC. If the 898 SI has the ethernet connection, that's what you'd use to connet to your 788ci HD. The 788ci HD's have ethernet, the non-HDs do not.

Do a google search for Humminbird side imaging. There's a HSOforum devoted to this kind of stuff that's super helpful, and full of great people (at least one of whom is a Humminbird employee). They have a section on the forums for the non-si units as well.

[bigstick56]

Thanks, I guess another question that I have is can I run the Universal sonal cabels to the dash and to the bow? is this possible? I want to be able to switch the 788 from the dash to the bow? I would only need to interlink it when it is in the bow? Is this even possible or should I just stick it on the Bow and not use it as much as I would want to.

[bigstick56]

If anyone really knows hummingbird units, and installation processes shoot me an IM, I really want to talk shop with you and need to go into great details. So if you are H-Bird savvy shoot me an IM, and ill get back to you, Thanks

[TooTallTom]

This is beyond my limit of solid knowledge, so take this post with a grain of salt.

Is your goal to be able to "see" sonar from both transducers (trolling motor and transom-mount) both at the dash and on the bow, using only the 788 that you currently have? I think you could do this, but you'll need to run two sets of cable to both places, and a switch in both places in order for you to manually set which signal is displayed on the unit.

If you're happy just using the bow signal when in the bow, and the transom signal when at the dash, it's a much simpler setup (and cheaper). You just run power to both places, and the individual transducer cable to each MS-M mount (trolling motor to bow, transom to dash). Then you can just out your 788ci HD wherever you want to use it.

The interlink system is one that Humminbird is getting away from. I guess they've been having problems with it, and are going over to ethernet networking of units because they feel it will be more reliable. So, I'd try to avoid the interlink system if at all possible.

You really should check out that other HSOforum I mentioned. That will be a much better resource for you.

[bigstick56]

Thanks too tall tom, Yes my goal is to be able to take my 788ci HD locator and when im driving my boat use it at the dash with the transom transducer, then when im using the trolling motor be physically able to take the same 788ci HD locator and move it to the bow using the trolling motor universal sonar transducer. Then some how be able to link with my 898si HD on my dash when using from the bow. Hope this clears things up. Thanks for any advice.

[fishwater]

Just to clarify another point. The 898si unit always pings at 200khz, there isn't any way to turn it off, so running an additional transducer off the transom isn't really that great of an option.

I'd just run the extra mount and power cable to use the 788 off the console for mapping, possibly run a transducer extension up to the front for viewing the front sonar from the back of the boat. Using the 788 for mapping would allow you to focus the 898 on the sonar readings.

[bigstick56]

Thanks Fishwater, Very good point. So i guess this is what I am going ot do, have my 898si on dash at all times using the transome ducer. Have my 788 on dash when traveling with only power running to it for mapping options only, have an extra mount/power/universal sonar all hooked up on the bow (trolling motor) and use that wnen up front. Hopefully this works out. Thanks for the help guys.

[TooTallTom]

Keep us posted as far as what you end up doing/ not doing/ why, and how it all works out.

[bigstick56]

Can do, picking up the new boat this weekend, already have the new Bird in hand, Ill let you know how it goes...

[TooTallTom]

Ooh, new boat. Good luck. And if things don't go smoothly, find that other HSOforum or get Humminbird customer service on the horn. I've heard lots of good things about them, but haven't had any experience worth noting. Knock on wood.

[bigstick56]

Thanks again, Ya im pretty pumped to get the new rig on the water, I bought a brand new Alumacraft Dominator 175 sport with a 150 optimax on it...Toys in clud the 2 birds mentions above along wiht the terrova 80 w/I-pilot...Super excited to get on the water...