Lowrance GPS Seminar, October 22 @ 6:30pm @ Kayak Connection, S.C.

I'll come to the sacto class... Might even have my NEW Lowrance and boat by then!!!

Will the class only be covering Lowrance GPS fishfinders?  I recently purchased a Lowrance Link-2 marine radio with built-in GPS.  Does anyone know if there is enough similarity to make the class worthwhile for me to attend?

The bulk of the seminar will cover operation/use of the Lowrance gps as part of the Elite series units (since these are most common with kayakers; Elite 4/5/7)  I haven't used the Link-2 vhf too much yet so I wound't be the best to discuss its full operational potential.  From my understanding, it has built-in gps for VHF/emergency purposes, up to 200 waypoint storage and capability to navigate to a saved waypoint.  No map capability so you need to have a good understanding of your surroundings.  It doesn't distinguish between safe/open water, rock jetties & a mountain.  It will take you from pt A to pt B so if A-B has a rock jetty in between, you need to understand your surroundings.

Frank "Ghost" will be there.

Thanks for setting up class.

Bunny ... which one, Santa Cruz or Sacramento?

Santa Cruz

The bulk of the seminar will cover operation/use of the Lowrance gps as part of the Elite series units (since these are most common with kayakers; Elite 4/5/7)  I haven't used the Link-2 vhf too much yet so I wound't be the best to discuss its full operational potential.  From my understanding, it has built-in gps for VHF/emergency purposes, up to 200 waypoint storage and capability to navigate to a saved waypoint.  No map capability so you need to have a good understanding of your surroundings.  It doesn't distinguish between safe/open water, rock jetties & a mountain.  It will take you from pt A to pt B so if A-B has a rock jetty in between, you need to understand your surroundings.

Fishing . . .

Thank you for the info.  Only had it less than a week.  Still trying to learn how to use it.  It does have track app as well as a MOB app.

No can do on that date...maybe the next one?

Happy B-Day!

I Zod Out

Bill, if you don't mind, perhaps I and others can post questions to you that we have so you can be prepared to address those at the Sac seminar.

If so, here are a couple I already have and I just got it today;
1. I have a Elite-4 HDI with no memory card in it.  What card do you recommend and would you recommend any map card/chip for our use here in CA?
2. The power cable has a pigtail for some sort of communication, called 'NMEA 0183'.  What's that for?  Manual doesn't say anything about it and the installation guide is quite cryptic; not even describing what it is.  Two configurations; RS232 and RS422 (My guess; an interface to a computer or VHF radio)
3. Is there some way to update a rev on the software?  If so, how?
4. The little rubber plug that covers the memory card slot also covers some other little port.  What is that?
5. Can the transducer that comes with the Elite-4 HDI shoot through the hull if I build a well in the bottom of my kayak?

Jerry ...  I can pre-answer most of these for you but I will also talk about this at the event.  I'll give you a reply to these tomorrow when I'm not using my phone to type on. Lol. Good questions & answers coming.

Thanks!

Bill, if you don't mind, perhaps I and others can post questions to you that we have so you can be prepared to address those at the Sac seminar.

If so, here are a couple I already have and I just got it today;
1. I have a Elite-4 HDI with no memory card in it.  What card do you recommend and would you recommend any map card/chip for our use here in CA?
2. The power cable has a pigtail for some sort of communication, called 'NMEA 0183'.  What's that for?  Manual doesn't say anything about it and the installation guide is quite cryptic; not even describing what it is.  Two configurations; RS232 and RS422 (My guess; an interface to a computer or VHF radio)
3. Is there some way to update a rev on the software?  If so, how?
4. The little rubber plug that covers the memory card slot also covers some other little port.  What is that?
5. Can the transducer that comes with the Elite-4 HDI shoot through the hull if I build a well in the bottom of my kayak?

Ok ... at a keyboard now (aka. "work")

1.  Memory cards / chart chips  There are a number available on the market.  The 'Gold' chip that is included as part of the upgraded packages are just that, an upgrade to the basic maps included in the unit.  There are also the V14 (2014 version) of the Lowrance chips available.  The two that might be of interest to you are West Coast or Inland Lakes & Rivers.  I'll have both at the seminar for you to see in a unit what the map coverage looks like.  Another option is Navionics chips & there are a large variety of those available.  Take a look at the V14 chips ... I think you'll like what you see.

2.  NMEA 0183 is an "older" data transfer/communications method/system.  If this GPS were installed in conjunction with a fixed mount vhf radio, they could be interfaced together to provide GPS data via VHF to other boaters, coast guard, emergency transmission & secret spy fishing stuff.  For kayakers, it is not needed.  It will transfer limited lines or bits of data from one unit to another (GPS > VHF or GPS > Autopilot).  It is typically limited to lines of data such as coordinates, speed, heading, etc...  It was, primarely, replaced a few years back with NMEA 2000 which allows for easier data transfer but is still limited.  NMEA 0183 takes skill to connect wire to wire (in a boat installation for example).  N2K is universal & more "plug-and-play".  On the larger Lowrance units, they use Ethernet connectivity to allow for larger amounts of data from unit to unit.

3.  Free software updates are posted on the Lowrance web site at http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Software-Updates/  You will need the smallest GB memory card you can find.  The Elite 4 & 5 units won't read larger memory cards even though they physically "fit" into the unit.  I use 2GB cards & had to order them online.  One 2GB memory card holds ALL the software updates for ALL the Lowrance units made.  The software update is FREE to download & install.  Once you get it downloaded & unzipped (some files are zipped), load it to a blank card.  DON'T load it to a chart chip.  Turn the unit off, insert the card, power the unit on & the upgrade should start.  takes about 2-3 minutes depending on the unit.  It will then tell you to remove the card.  Remove the card.  Reboot the unit & go into Menu > Settings> About & verify the version of software.

4.  The rubber boot only covers the memory card slot.  If you took the boot completely off the unit, then the empty hole you are looking at is the hole that is used to hold the boot in place (aka. the hinge).  Make sure the sealing edges of the boot stay clean to ensure a good seal.  Also make sure it is securely inserted before each use.

5.  The HDI transducer (either 83/200/455/800 or 50/200/455/800) will shoot thru the hull.  There is always a minor loss of quality with a shoot thru the hull in the higher freq. of 455/800 but it is just that, minor.  The key to ANY transducer is that it cannot shoot thru air.  I made a foam block in my AI with a cutout just smaller than the transducer.  Gooped it inside the hull REALLY good to ensure it can hold water, allowed that to dry for a few days, then a couple spoon fulls of water and press the transducer into the foam block.  Check water as needed (before each launch).  Works fine.  Just remember, no air gaps (hence the use of water).

   I can talk about this stuff further in the class as needed.  Hope this helps a little bit.

Bill

That was so awesome of you to post, Bill.  Thanks a lot!  How great is it to have our own personal expert for Lowrance here on NCKA? 


 
Cheers!

No expert ... FAR from that.  I strive to be vaguely informative.   Always willing to help a brother out!

Follow-up question; is there a accessory power cable available for the Elite-4 that JUST has power and not the 2nd umbilical for the data?  It's not needed, so can I just chop it off?