Lowrance Broadband Sounder - Anyone have any advice / experience??

[goose89]

I tied up too much $$ in a lcx38 and 112 last year to upgrade to the new and improved (supposedly) HDS models. I've experienced all the previously mentioned problems that we've all talked about recently, esp. loosing bottom in weeds. I've also tried different "upgrades" in the software without much success.

Has anyone out there used the seperate Broadband Sounder on their "older" lcx models with any success. If so, did it clear up the issues, esp. reading bottom in weeds?? Was it worth the hefty price?? Any help appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[goose89]

Did anyone buy one of these??

[Skeets]

I did not.

I do not know of anyone that bought the sounder as a add on.

I did recently purchase a new HDS 5 with built in broadband sounder.

Had it out on the ice one time so far.

It read depth easily shooting thru 2' of ice.

Nice crystal clear display with a great new menu system.

GPS fix was very fast as well.

So far, so good!

[fishwater]

You might want to just get the HDS-5 to run your ducer and network that. Unless your getting a deal on either broadband unit, it would only be a hundred more for just the head unit of the HDS-5 vs. the bbs-1. I'm assuming you can network the sonar screen to an lcx unit? Maybe not.

[goose89]

You might be onto something there. Hadn't thought of that.

[Skeets]

Quote:

I'm assuming you can network the sonar screen to an lcx unit?

Yes you can, lots of networking options.

The transducer and power connections on the HDS are the same as the LMS & LCX units.

They did however change the face plates, gimbal brackets and knobs.

[goose89]

I'll ask once more. Anyone buy / use one or ever thought of getting one?? Please don't tell me I'm the only on with $4K stuck in "old" (LMS/LCX) units that would like better results without ponying up for the new HDSs.

Info is pretty, and most is open / deep water fisherman on different sites. Looking for some inland / shallow lake reviews / experiences. Thanks again.

[Haack]

I purchaced one a couple of weeks ago, I'll let you know when the ice goes away. I purchased lms-520c last year and didn't want to purchase the 2009 units, since the 520 works great. I figured if Lowrance thought it would be good to have in all the models, I might as well add it to my setup. It was a little pricy to add all the cables to get it to work with 520 and 27c, but I didn't have to sell off the 520.

John

[goose89]

Thanks Haack.

Hoping you're ice is gone soon. Keep in touch. I'll keep my eyes open for your "review." I watch this forum pretty closely. Thanks again.