Lowrance elite DSI problems (problem found)

Could be a bad unit.  Rare but it does happen.  Exchange where you bought it or Lowrance will take care of you.  Either way.

The shots you see on the demo aren't computer generated.  Those are actual shots taken in a unit.  Sounds like some settings could have been adjusted.  Make sure the transducer is parallel to water so it can get a reading/signal.  Play with the 455 vs 800 frequency settings if desired.  Factory reset.  Check current software version.  Reset will loose waypoints so back em up if they are important to you.  Sounds like changing the unit out may be the best option or take it into a store & hook it up to their power/transducer cord to make sure it isn't a cord related issue regarding power.

If all else fails, they have a good toll free helpline to get the ball rolling if you decide to send it into them.

Bill

thanks for the input bill, I read the manual a bunch of times, looks like the only adj was the contrast, yeah I was thinking the ram arm wasnt really parallel to the water so I was gonna do an in hull install but this happened. the new hdis look interesting, might look into those also

Yeah, the dsi "only" units are no more.  All are now HDI which have broadband and dsi (check to make sure it comes with the quad freq ducer) if you upgrade & go that route.  Wasn't a huge fan of the dsi only units ... once I had the HDI unit. Lol. Let me know if you run into any roadblocks.  I'm just Pro-Staff but I can do what I can do to help out.

Bill

Wonder if I could swap out my Elite 5 DSI Gold unit for an HDI and pay the difference? Heck, I'd even swap it for a non-DSI Elite 5 if that was possible. Because I'm not a fan of the Elite 5 DSI unit. I'll have to call Lowrance and find out if I have options.

Pat, what is your opinion of the Lowrance Elite 5 DSI?  Do you think it is a good fishfinder?

Wonder if I could swap out my Elite 5 DSI Gold unit for an HDI and pay the difference? Heck, I'd even swap it for a non-DSI Elite 5 if that was possible. Because I'm not a fan of the Elite 5 DSI unit. I'll have to call Lowrance and find out if I have options.

I highly respect Pat for his opinion of the DSI units.

The non DSI (Elite 5) are no-more.  The closest, other than finding one still in-stock, would be an Elite 5 HDI with either tha HDI transducer or w/o a ducer & just buy a separate 83/200 ducer.  There are still the older Elite 5 (non DSI) units with GPS available thru West Marine & some on-line/B&M retailers.

I will admit, I am not for certain I, myself, would choose to place all my eggs in a 'DSI Only' basket.  I love it when used in conjunction with Broadband as part of an 83/200/455/800 package.  For me, it all goes back to the right tool for the right job & having more than one "tool" in my tool box (ie. Broadband & DSI) is, in my mind, no different than carrying an assortment of rods or lures.  Sure, you can catch something with 1 rod & only 1 lure, but you'll almost always catch more with an assortment or rod types matched with a lure type.

Lastly ... I think it also comes down to personal preferance .  What works for one, may not be best for the other.  If you find me on the water, you are welcome to come try my HDI unit out.

Bill

I'm of the same opinion as Bill...in that I wouldn't put all my eggs into the DSI-only basket. My opinion would probably be different if I only fished shallow freshwater lakes (in which case it w/b fine; albiet overkill for that application).
I still have an older Lowrance 83/200 [or 50/200, can't remember] transducer gooped into my Revo. So if I got the HDI, I wouldn't need to buy the quad-transducer quite yet. That's why I was considering a swap of head-units for the HDI. 

Sorry for threadjacking your post Freedom-Yaker!

Sorry for threadjacking your post Freedom-Yaker!

all good! some good info there..

I'm of the same opinion as Bill...in that I wouldn't put all my eggs into the DSI-only basket. My opinion would probably be different if I only fished shallow freshwater lakes (in which case it w/b fine; albiet overkill for that application).
I still have an older Lowrance 83/200 [or 50/200, can't remember] transducer gooped into my Revo. So if I got the HDI, I wouldn't need to buy the quad-transducer quite yet. That's why I was considering a swap of head-units for the HDI. 

Sorry for threadjacking your post Freedom-Yaker!

Since they have the 'Advantage Service' program that allows for upgrade, I wonder if that "intermitten" problem would then qualify you to make an upgrade to a new HDI Base model (head only - no ducer)?

Bill

Might as well fit my Lowrance problem in this thread.
My Elite 4 (which was repair or replaced by Lowrance last year) seems to only operate in 200 KHz mode. No matter how many times I select dual mode 200 / 83KHZ it keeps reverting to 200KHz while in use. After selecting dual mode  I often hear a clicking sound. Lasts a couple  minutes or such and then stops. Sure enough when I check my settings OTW it's back on 200KHz. Is this likely a transducer or a head problem?

so figured it out, when I have my micro sd lake insight card in it shuts off at ready screen, when I take it out ff works fine. tested it out all day. anybody seen or heard about this problem? has minor corrosion around the sd card area. only took it out to the salt once

The corrosion issue on the Elite 4 has always been an area of dispute throughout the community.  I always make sure my seal is securely closed.  Some have gone as far as to use goop to seal it closed.  I've seen these used on modified fishing jet ski's.  Mine, personally, has not encountered any corrosion in the chip hatch as of yet.  I personally like the door design on the Elite 5 & above series as compared to the design on the Elite 4 series.  I believe they will swap the unit out if this is the area of problem (corrosion in the card reader).

Other option is to check the current version of software.  New software updates are posted on their site & are free to download.  Course, it would require that the card slot be working

 
  Glad you were able to narrow down the problem!  It sounds like you might beable to get a new head or updated one now.

I'd start with you place of purchase & work from there.

~Bill