Lakemaster Chips and Handheld GPS

[AsianSensation89]

Hello Guys,

So I'm considering getting a handheld GPS for this ice fishing season along with a lakemaster chip to help ease my suffering of guessing where I'm at along the contours of the lake. Problem is that I already own a Triton 500 only to realize lakemaster chips don't work in them (and that Navionics hotmaps would not work in this model???). I'm considering getting a Lowrance Endura Safari since I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, that Lakemaster chips are combatible with Lowrances? However, from doing some researching, it seems everything's gotta be the right "fit" for things to function properly (such as the right Lakemaster chip made just for handheld gps) and was wondering if anyone can offer some expert help.

Also, I know that Lakemaster chips are now being made in microSD form but does come with an adapter. It seems that the Lowrance Endura Safari only has a microSD slot (which I have no problem with), but am curious as to which year did the lakemaster chips convert to microSD? That way, I won't have to spend the extra money for a brand new lake chip if I can get away buying a used one to save the extra cash. Just been a bit confused about this whole thing and didn't want to just throw my money around so hoping you guys can help me out.

Thanks!!!

[delcecchi]

Why not buy a Garmin?

[Tom7227]

I think Lakemaster was bought by Hummingbird and now is only compatible with their products. Check carefully before you commit.

[schweady]

Using a Garmin 62st with LakeMaster chip. Far much better than the Lowrance ExpeditionC it replaces for me... no contest.

LakeMaster chips are still available in the stores for Garmin, it's just that they're about a year or so old or more by now and I'm told they will be updated after some details of Johnson's purchase of LakeMaster gets ironed out. (Not sure what I'd be looking for in yet another chip upgrade, anyway...)

[delcecchi]

BOGUS

From lakemaster web site

LakeMaster Lake Maps has been acquired by Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. Because of the transition to new ownership, LakeMaster Lake Maps online sales of Lowrance® and Garmin® Digital GPS maps has been suspended. These products will remain readily available through LakeMaster Lake Map retail outlets listed under

Where to buy on the LakeMaster Lake Maps’ HSOforum.

[Tom7227]

I have just downloaded all the public hunting areas for MN, KS and ND onto my Garmin. It seems as if Garmin is very much supported by the various DNR agencies. Big plus IMO as you can get them fairly easily and for free.

[bigbad401]

The old Lakemaster chips for Lowrance will not work in the new Lowrance GPS -- different file format. So the H2O Lakemaster will not work in the Endura series Lowrance. Get a Garmin and a new Lakemaster chip. There is a lot of free maps for Garmin also, not necessarily just lake stuff but topo and street maps too.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Dakota 20 Garmin and then go to Garmin HSOforum register your unit. They will give you a code for 10% off for doing so. get 010-10537-00 its cdrom witch is the way to go because lets face it sometimes we loose stuff. Its on sale for $49

Just my opinion. After dealing with Lowrance customer service on my H20 It will be a long time before i try that brand again. screen just went out and they will NOT stand behind it.

Do a web search and you will find that Garmin for $199.99 with free shipping. card exceptable and sun free color touch screen. check out the 4/4 video on youtube very well done.

[311Hemi]

Just my opinion. After dealing with Lowrance customer service on my H20 It will be a long time before i try that brand again. screen just went out and they will NOT stand behind it.

Are you in warranty on the H20 (I am pretty sure not)? Maybe you should clarify what you mean by they wont stand behind it. They wont fix it for free while out of warranty or they wont fix it at all?

I only ask because you probably don't want to go with a Garmin either considering your statement/expectation above. I have a Garmin 60CS that was released around the time the H20 was released and Garmin no longer will repair this unit.

Everybody jumps the Lowrance hater band wagon....and maybe there is due reason for that...I would agree. But, don't assume that other companies are the saviors and will repair whatever you buy a few years out of warranty.

Sorry for the rant...just sick of hearing people say they can't stand a company because they wont repair an old unit.

Oh, and what lake mapping software will Garmin have going forward? Don't think Lakemaster is going to be working with them or Lowrance....right?

[311Hemi]

BOGUS

From lakemaster web site

LakeMaster Lake Maps has been acquired by Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. Because of the transition to new ownership, LakeMaster Lake Maps online sales of Lowrance® and Garmin® Digital GPS maps has been suspended. These products will remain readily available through LakeMaster Lake Map retail outlets listed under

Where to buy on the LakeMaster Lake Maps’ HSOforum.

What's available in stores now is all there is, they are not building more and are not coming out with new maps for Garmin/Lowrance...at least based on what Lakemaster says when you call them. Give em' a ring!

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Quote:

Everybody jumps the Lowrance hater band wagon....and maybe there is due reason for that...I would agree. But, don't assume that other companies are the saviors and will repair whatever you buy a few years out of warranty.

You have a valid point,but after dealing with Lowrance HORRIBLE!!! cs for 8 years I am ready to try another company. That's all I'm saying, and the Lowrance band wagon is pretty darn full after reading blogs on various other sites.

Yes this unit is out of Warranty but think about how many things you own that you expect to last far past that if you take care of the item. Ask yourself this question. Last year you purchased a 50" tv to watch our awesome football team. You spent$1000.00 Now its December and your warranty is up. The Tv goes out. You call the company and they say sorry Warranty was up last month. You tell me that your not now on a hater bandwagon.

The point is they need to build a more durable product! Also if they are consistantly having a simular problem (screen going out) they should stand behind it past warranty. If they cant, they should at least not charge so much to fix it. Its not a good way to do business in my opinion.

I only wish Humminbird had a handheld gps that accepted lake chips. Try there cs once they know how to treat loyal customers.

Just say'in