LMS-332C Thanks for the help!

[river-rat4]

Looking at picking one up this week.

Includes-

LOWRANCE LMS-332C Color Combo Chartplotter/Fish Finder with Single Frequency Transom Mount Transducer. $608.00

Is this the unit to get?? Or will a new version come out in six months and this one will be yesterdays news?

I have read about you guys loving this unit, so I thought I would ask.

Also, would you guys upgrade to the 480x640 LCX-25c ($1490.00) or the LCX-26C HD ($1580.00). What does the HD give that is so great?

Would a guy know the difference between the 480x480 (LMS-332C) vs 480x640 (LCX-25C, LCX-26C HD)

Lots of questions, sorry.

Thanks in advance - RR4

[AWH]

The one thing with depthfinders is that they're always coming out with upgraded models and discontinuing the old ones. Lowrance does this more than anyone. So I don't think there's ever a model of theirs that's out there for more than about two years. So yeah, there will likely be an upgraded model available in a year or two. Six months? Maybe, you never know! But I wouldn't let this be a reason not to get it, otherwise you'll never get one.

Aaron

[dockehr]

river-rat4,

the LCX-25c has a larger screen (7" diagonal) as well as two chip (mmc/sd) capability vs the 5" diagonal screen and single chip capability of the LMS-332c. Getting a HD (hard drive) version at this time would appear to be overkill. Some might say that in split screen mode (half gps and half sonar) might be a little harder on the eyes if using the LMS-332c.

I currently have the LMS-332c and it's a sweet unit. I have a LCX-25c coming from Lowrance. Frankly, if I were you I would go to a retailer who has both units on display and base your decision on what would work best for you. Myself, I would suggest that you get the LMS-332c along with the Lowrance/Lakemaster chip. You'll be one happy angler. Good Luck and good fishing.

dockehr

Dr. Roland E. Kehr, Jr.

Lindy Tackle

[Captain B.R.K]

River Rat-

I too agree with Dockehr and suggest you take a look at the unit that might best fit your needs. I too have an LMS-332c and love it. But that doesn't mean you will.

I bought the unit because I had never owned a nice graph, liked the color screen, and the MMC chip capabilities! Plus it is powered just right for the size lakes I fish.

BY NO means did I worry about if it was going to go out of style or be discontinued. Don't make a decision on that factor. LMS-332c is doing better than Lowrance anticipated....so I don't think you need to worry about that.

YES that sounds like a good deal you got there. I paid $649.99 for my unit and the whole works. Then I bought the Lowrance/Lakemaster chip for another $99.99.

I'm all set!

[river-rat4]

Thanks AWH, Dock, Cap'n!

Well-

I went for the LMS-332c and Lakemaster MN chip.

I opted to go local and throw Thorne Bros a bone.

John Nelson, Manager was very helpful. Even said if I have any problems, give him a call. That makes a guy feel good about spending money at the local boys shop!

I mounted the GPS puck (in the on/off rain) this evening. I hooked up the power to both GPS & Display, red through the in-line fuse. Mounted Duc'er.

I'm going to try it in the morning.

My question to you is; Should this unit be ready to go after I take it off of simulator mode (both GPS & Sonar)?

Any other tips from you guys who have been through it before would be appreciated.

Thanks again- Brandt

[dockehr]

river-rat4, glad to read that you bought a unit. Rather than wait until your're on the water, go ahead and power up your 332-c in the garage. The sonar reading won't be accurate, but you'll be able to note if it's scrolling across the screen. The GPS module may even be able to lock on in the garage. If you get a screen notice "GPS module is not responding", then carefully recheck your wiring. BOTH sets of black/red wires must go to your battery (along with the shield wire[with negative/black wire]).

Just another thought, in bright sunlight, some people are having a difficult time making out the contour lines with the Lowrance/Lakemaster chip. I guess they thought it would be nice to "color co-ordinate" the the contour lines. Anyway, at least in the GPS mode try using the "Night View" screen. It's really slick. A number of us dentists were up on Winnie this past Tuesday and Wednesday. After my suggestion, most switched to the "Night View" screen while running their GPS-only units or their combo units.

Good luck and good fishing.

dockehr

Lindy Tackle