Using HDS as GPS in the winter

[UKCM]

I want to use my Lowrance HDS as my GPS. For the price of a power cord, I can have a GPS with a mapping chip (I already have a flasher). However I am a little worried about what will happen to it in the cold. Can I use this to get me to the spot and then leave it in the truck when it is cold or do I need it somewhere that is heated? I fish out of a portable so even if it is in there it is likely just sitting in the tub on top of the snow.

I guess bottom line is will the cold and especially if it is really cold hurt it.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have mine rigged up as a gps I just throw it in the tub when not using since the shack is heated...I put mine on a Vex Pro Pack I got off the bay for $25 and a buddy had a spare power cord for cheap and already had a spare battery laying around... I have about $40 in mine, alot cheaper than buying a new handheld....If I remember right the HDS is ok down to like 5 or 10 above....

[GoneFish'n71]

i got a bracket and power cord kit for $50 I have had mine mounted my polaris ranger with no problems. I have flashers also, but i wonder how well the one on the hds would work with the iceducer.

[UKCM]

Thanks guys. That is exactly the type of info I was looking for.

I love this site! I do not post often because many times someone else asks or answers the question before I do.

[Stick in Mud]

I've read that some guys are having problems with theirs when they're in the cold, but I've heard from many others who haven't had any problems at all. One would HOPE they'd be fine for the cold, considering Lowrance is now marketing the ice packs for the HDS line.

[SXViper]

I used a HDS 7 2 years ago on the wheeler. Used it on LOW when the temp dipped t o -20. It almost seemed to work quicker in the cold. Used it all winter with no problems. Sure makes it nice on a ram mount on the handlebars with the 7 inch screen over the 2.5' of the H2O.

[GoneFish'n71]

anyone tried an iceducer, if so how does the flasher work compared to a vex.

[slammer]

There is a thread on this a few pages back. They talk about using a HDS 5 on the ice. Good stuff.

[UKCM]

Thanks slammer. Not sure why I did not find that thread in my previous search.

I am going to get my HDS 5 set up and try it as a GPS. I did try my old 510c as a flasher. It would stop working after it got cold. Now I was using my skimmer transducer mounted on a board. Maybe the 510c would have worked better if I had an iceducer, I do not know.

Bottom line is now I do not need the HDS 5 for a flasher but now that I have used the lakemap chip on open water, I cannot imagine not having it in the winter as well.