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ChooChooSnakeMan

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I've had my FX21 for almost a year now and am very happy with it except for the electronics. Not the units themselves but the way they are linked and the software. I've got a HB 997 c SI at the helm and a 798 c SI on the bow. Both units are external antenna and both units are linked using the HB interlink box. The first thing I wish was different is that I have to have the helm unit on to have gps and map on the bow unit. I notice that there isn't a cable hooked to the gps plug on the interlink box so the external gps antenna must be hooked to the 997 and the 798 can see the gps info off the 997 through interlink. I have registered both units on myhumminbird and it lists a software update for both to version 6.3. I've been told that I will have to download and then load both 6.3 software versions because 6.3 for the 997 will not be the same as for the 798. If anyone knows that to not be true please speak up. I want to update the software because I think I want to purchase the Lakemaster southeast sd card. I learned that my units with the latest 6.3 software version won't support any higher level maps than the plain Lakemaster maps. My questions for any of you Humminbird gurus out there is: Should I leave the external gps cable connected to the 997 unit or should I try to connect it to the interlink box so that both units will have gps independent of each other? Second question, is the standard Lakemaster maps worth investing in? I understand that if I purchase the Lakemaster sd card that I will have to either move the card between the two units or purchase two cards (ouch!) because the interlink connection does not share maps --- true or not? Lastly, if I don't purchase the Lakemaster card / cards should I even bother to upgrade the software to the highest level supported which is 6.3?

Sorry for the length of this but these units, even though used, make all the other units I've owned look primitive by comparison. I really like the color and side scan. The resolution on the units seems really good, at least compared to the low end finders I've had. Any help / advice is appreciated and where is the best place to buy the Lakemaster cards, direct from HB?

Thanks and I hope everyone has a very blessed CHRISTmas season.
 
I have a 898ci and 899c linked. The 899 is external antenna, puck. the 898ci is internal. I have my puck mounted above the transducer on the transom for the 899 on the helm. The 898 is internal antenna. It's on the bow as close to the transducer on the TM as I can get it. Before I bought a external antenna I set the 899 on the helm to read the 898ci antenna on the bow. It may be as simple is going into the units setup and telling each unit which antenna to read. If you only have one antenna then there is no need. If the antenna you have is plugged directly into the helm unit then I would think the antenna would not be powered up when the unit is off. If you don't want to purchase another antenna if you can plug the one you have into the network box you may achieve what your looking for. I know when my helm unit was reading the antenna on the bow I had to have both units powered up to get gps location information for my helm unit. Hope this helps. Also both my units are directly connected with out the interlink box.
 
James I have the lakemaster chip in my helix 5. Without a doubt the best investment I have made to date in my opinion. Especially with the lake at winter pool. Its like having a car with or without headlights to me thats how important it is. It also helps me narrow my fishing spots down drastically.
 
Idk about your units. I have helixs units. But lake master card is the best cards to have on the chick. Now on some other lakes I have been to they are not so good. Alot of the mapping is not there. But for the chick you will not beat the lake master cards. When I go to a lake that the lakemaster cards don't have everything on them I use my old cards. As for where to buy them. I will only recommend one place. That is because he is a great guy and will help you anyway he can. If you ever have a problem with something from him he will make it right. He is here on the forum. It is djmarineeletronics. If you see his prices online talk to him before you rule him out. He can usually do a little better.
 
Everyone,

Thanks a lot everyone, I knew I would get advice based upon real world experience from people I trust--- that's just one of the reasons that CFF is so great emoParty . So now I'll get my units software versions updated soon and then contact DJs about the Lakemaster chip emoThumbsup .
 
You’ll love the shallow water offset once you get the chip James. Set it at -6 ft and never worry about running aground again during the winter
Months.

Bill
 
i have used HB stuff for years but have never used the interlink(it was kind of quirky) the ethernet hub links my 4 units and 360 and its solid.

from what you described i would certainly plug the gps into the interlink so the units can use the antenna independently.

those units will not share mapping, onix and solix are the only ones that do(that i am aware of)

definitely update the software, the updates are different for the different units but its easy to do.

the lakemaster mapping is the deal and worth the $$
 
Does everyone just buy two cards or is it practical to move the card from helm to bow? Maybe just having it on one unit it works ok from a practical standpoint and if so please give me your opinions about is it better to have the Lakemaster map on the helm for when the big motor is running or on the bow for actual trolling and fishing? Thanks again to everyone for all the great help.
 
camaro88z - 12/10/2017 11:25 PM

Have to get 2 cards. Moving them everything you stop will not be worth it.
Click to expand...

Somehow I thought that would be the verdict emoBang I guess if you're going to play you got to pay emoEnforce but I hadn't planned on buying 2 cards. Oh well maybe I've got Santa fooled --------- emoHoppingmad No probably not emoAngry .
 
So I just found a killer deal for you. It's lake master version 2.0 southeast for 15 bucks!! Crazy price! Version 4.0 the cheapest I found was 84.</p>

Here is the link.https://www.ebay.com/itm/HUMMINBIRD-LAKEMASTER-PLUS-CHART-SOUTHEAST-STATES/263371827650?hash=item3d522f29c2:g:4BsAAOSwySVaKPFH</p>
 
porthos33 - 12/10/2017 11:36 PM



So I just found a killer deal for you. It's lake master version 2.0 southeast for 15 bucks!! Crazy price! Version 4.0 the cheapest I found was 84.</p>

 Here is the link. https://www.ebay.com/itm/HUMMINBIRD-LAKEMASTER-PLUS-CHART-SOUTHEAST-STATES/263371827650?hash=item3d522f29c2:g:4BsAAOSwySVaKPFH</p>
Click to expand...

Awesome THANKS -I'll check it out. The "published price" for v4 is $124. Does anyone know how much difference there usually is between versions. V2 for $15.00 is crazy and if it is practically the same information as v4 then would I be crazy to get it and save the $$$??? I really value the opinions from those who know and use this product.
 
I use version 3 and 4 and there is not much difference accept I think version 4 now has parksville and a few other lakes. I'm not for sure about version 2
 

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