Dual Frequency??

[cnags]

Looking to buy a new X-15mt,do I need the dual frequency?I rarely fish over 60ft.The dual comes with a 12 deg.and a 37 deg. cone and the one without the dual comes with a 21 deg. cone.Which is better??

[Dutchman]

My first responce is a question. Do you use 2 different locators? If so then you'll need the dual frequency to prevent crosstalk between the units if their sigal frequency's are close or the same. If you do not use 2 locators and don't intend to in the future then the single 20 degree cone will fit your needs. The twelve degree cone is a good choice for precision spot on spot presetations such as jigging structure, but is a less than favorable choice for open water trolling, because of the narrow cone. I also should add the 12 degree cone operates at 200khz providing great detail. The 37 degree cone is at 50 khz and will provide less detail but will also give you a wider view of the bottom, and or open water, making it a better open water trolling choice. I use a 50khz/192khz with my LMS 350 and both have there moments to "shine". If possible I would check to see if the 200khz/50khz is avaiable with a 20 degree/34degree transducer. I know there are others that have used the X15 on this board, that will be able to help you.


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[Thom]

I like the response you just got. If I had shot off an answer I would have simply said, no, don't need it. I would have based that on just water depth. The 50 kHz unit doesn't really do you a whole lot of good until you get into deeper water, greater than about 250 feet or so. But then I never think in terms of boats with multiple sounders so I missed that point about crosstalk. Good point there. Anyway I don't think you'd really have a lot of use for the 50 kHz setting out there in the real world. I also think folks spend far to much time thinking about cone angles. The cone angle doesn't really define what you can and can't see and most discussions of them seem to help continue the mistaken impression that a bottom boxes' screen is akin to a TV screen where you have a real time view of the bottom and all stuff beteen it and you. Nothing could be further from the truth of course.

Let me suggest this one thing to you though, have you looked at the Furuno 600L? I think its a better bottom box than the Lowrance and the cost isn't much different. While those new Lowrance units have great screens, the best in fact, the lack the selectivity and sensitivity of the Furunos. Just my opnion of course and there is an awful lot about the sort of fishing you do that I don't know anything about so take it with a grain of salt if you like.

Thom

[bobco]

I'm considering the same question. I'm leaning towards the duel freq because of the wide cone of the 50khz for searching and as another post referred to the 200khz to look at the spot on the spot. I'm concerned though that the 12degree cone may be to tight? Wtih my 21 deg on mmy X85 I have to be on the same side of the boat and positoned well to get the jig into the cone angle, Maybe thinking wrong and maybe the 50khz with the wide cone will shine in shallow water, goes against what Lowrance says but a master laker fisherman told me that we prefers the 50 in shallow water.

[JimRK]

Just a heads up on installation of the dual frequency transducer from Lowrance. I brought a X15 last year with the intention of doing a "shoot thru the hull" install. After talking with Lowrance techies, their info was that the 50 degree signal loses a lot of strength going thru the hull, and did not recommend it. If you do decide on the dual freq. transducer, you should plan mounting it on the transom. I really like this unit, and am hoping for some more software upgrages to improve screen build options.

[bobco]

Screen build options. Are you referring to customizing split screens etc..? Have you heard of any updates planned for this?

[KP]

I have dual frequency on my Interphase Advantage and use the 50KHz often for broader searching. Especially where there is lots of varying bottom contour. And I rarely fish in water deeper than 40 feet. I switch over to 120KHz when I'm settled in and want more detail. I also use the same sonar for ice fishing and like the wider cone of the 50 KHz setting.

I also agree with the earlier post that screen detail on many popular sonars have little benefit if they don't balance it with power selectivity and high sensitivity. I learned that the hard way with Bottomline. Great picture, but I wasn't buying a TV.

[JimRK]

Exactly bobco!!! Version 2.1 has been out for quiet a while, and was hoping that a newer version would be released this winter. A lot of us fisherpeople who own a X15 would like to see more options on the build screen. If you go back thru the archives, you will read what I mean. Waitin for spring.

[Goose]

I am also looking at buying an X-15 to use with another Depth finder. Do you know if the dual Depth finder (50/200) has the Temp on it to?

Goose

[bobco]

I emailed lowrance and made a formal request for ability to zoom only on 1 side of the split freq screen / theres power in numbers email them and let them know what you want!, basicly the same thing I'm asking for, I posted a question for the Pros on this , I would think they would be asking for the same functions and probably have more clout than you and me.......

[bobco]

the transom skimmer duel freq has the temp built in,, it looks like all the new models skimmers have the temp built in, the thru the hull of course does not have the temp ....

[Goose]

Do you like your Dual Transducer? I want to run an x-65 (195khz)in the front of the boat and run the X-15 (50khz/200khz) in the back of the boat. Do you run the 50khz in water shallower than 50'? Is there a huge difference in what you can and can't see compaired to the 200khz?

Goose