Lowrance HDS & Gen2

[fasternu]

I am looking at getting a slightly used HDS5 as a good deal. I see they now have the GEN2 out. I was wondering when the Gen2 came out, if there is a way to update the older one, what the difference is? Is the "old" HDS (purchased 2011) the one that was giving everyone all sorts of problems?

Thanks for all the help.

[PerchJerker]

There is no way to update a 1st gen to a Gen2. The differences are that the Gen2 has a new processor which is much faster, and the Gen2 has the StructureMap feature if connected to an LSS-1 or LSS-2 module.

Not sure what you mean by "giving everyone all sorts of problems". The 1st gen HDS units have a good track record. The very first ones that were on the market had issues with bad seals letting in water, but that hasn't been a problem for over 2.5 years now.

[fasternu]

Thanks for the help, PerchJerker. Another question for you: What is the difference between the Lake Insight and the Nautic Insight for the HDS? If I am going to buy a new one, what is the difference, besides the price?

Also, I have an X52 currently, is it true I can hook an HDS5 right up to that transducer without having to run a new one?

[PerchJerker]

The HDS-5 is available with 2 options for built in maps, one is Lake Insight and the other is Nautic Insight. Lake insight covers inland lakes, Nautic covers coastal areas. Assuming you will be running a map card, it doesn't matter which built in base map you have.

As long as your x52 has a transducer with a blue connector, probably an HST-WSBL, it will work with an HDS.

[Big Jeff]

If you look a little frther in the manuel I beleive you can select the modle of transducer you are using on the HDS unit. I have a HDS7 Gen1 and just added the lss1 and it rocks. With all tecnology it is out of date as soon as you buy it so get what you like and save for the next one!