Klutz wants to run a Navionics backup + do handhelds float?

[ScottND]

I get to be rather klutzy in 40 degree, rainy, 30 mph winds. (hmmm....opener?) Also during hardwater, well, you know where the bullseye is.

Which handhelds, using Navionics chips, float?

Can a Navionics chip be copied to a backup and the backup used?

I just know if I get a handheld or full sized Navionics capable graph I'll send that expensive chip into the depths!

[berke99]

I have a Garmin E-map gps. and I know for a fact that it does not float while ice fishing. I don't know for sure about about summer fishing, but I am a lot more careful now no matter what time of the year it is!

[hitthebricks]

The lowrance H2O does float and seems to be a real good unit when coupled with a Navionics chip, otherwise its pretty generic mapping thats factory installed. The Navionics chips are protected from downloading and will not be warranteed from the factory. Try to demo one, it is a slick setup. HTB

[ScoutII]

I think I remember Lowrance stating you want to use Lithium bratteries in the H2O if you want it to float. Alkaline batteries weigh a little more than lithium.

[hitthebricks]

thanks Scout thats good to know. The H2O drains batterys real fast if it has a chip in it anyways. HTB

[ScoutII]

I have been having trouble with my H2O running on the CA cord. I checked the cord and have power at the end of the cord, but the H2O doesn't use the available power from the adapter cord. Was wondering if anyone else has this problem. Just thought you might have the same problem when you were stating that you go through a lot of batteries. Have you seen my posts on Navionics HotMaps Premium cards? The new cards are avilable at the Cabela's store in Owatona, over the counter. Just thought if you didn't want to wait until March you might want to make a trip to Owatona. I would suggest calling ahead, but I think I remember them saying they had 200 cards. When you see the lake list on the new card you will be amazed.

[bkft]

When I first got my H20, I ran on batteries, then tried to use the CA once the batteries died. Nothing worked. The unit did not even turn on. It took some trial & error, but I finally figured out that if I take the dead batteries out and use the cord, it works great. There must be some bug in them to always try to use the batteries if there are any in the case. Try this and see if it helps at all...

Also, I heard Navionics was going to recall the Premium cards. Any truth to that?

[Kylersk]

bkft, as I understand it.. Navionics was calling back all of the premium region 10 chips (and similiar) that stores had on the shelf, because they are changing the chip to 4 regions (N,W,E,S) of the country instead.

[bkft]

Thanks Kylersk. Now, I just have to figure out how to inform my wife that I will be spending $200 on another gps toy...

[Kylersk]

Lowrance will have a chip out early part of march. It'll have 58 HD lakes and a bunch of other lakes (not sure quality), retail is right around $100.

[ScoutII]

Go to Anyone have info on the soon to be released lowrance lake maps, posting I have information there on how to obtain MMC cards at Cabela's over the counter NOW. Oh, and thanks bkft, I tried that once already but will try leaving the batteries out one more time.

[hitthebricks]

Havn't tried the cord yet, but will today and any one heard of any type of exchange program for the new chip and old ones? HTB

[davev]

Navionics has a trade in program on their HSOforum. It is called "Special Programs". You can only do it thru them and not at retailers (I think).

[hitthebricks]

Tried my H2o out with the cord today, found it worked with or without batterys installed and it gave the batterys a charge. I also found out there is a exchange program and the chip is worth $98.50. Great buy for that price. HTB