Can I Save More Trails with Hard Drive Unit ?

[JiMinneye]

I have been using my X-25C along with 3D Field to map a small lake that has never been surveyed. After I record my data and run it through 3D Field,I can only load so many trails onto my X-25 then it won't take any more. If I had a Lowrance Unit with a Hard Drive (i.e. x-26cHD)would I be able to load more trails on the map already incorporated into the unit ? This lake mapping is really a lot of fun and sure is a great tool to have on board. Thanks, Jim

[Bruce Samson]

Sorry Jim,
Lowrance GPS models have maximum trail storage of 100. The hard drive is like a giant MMC/SD card for us, we can only use it for storage. You can shrink your trails in 3DField by double clicking contours and delete the contours you won't need.

[JiMinneye]

Thanks Bruce! Your willingness to share all this information about 3D Field and mapping is very appreciated. I can't believe how being able to map out points and humps and then inputting them back into the unit and then fishing those spots has made this year. I would like to eventually map this entire lake as it is only 1200 acres. I wish I could somehow put all the information on a map and use it like I do my lakemaster chip. Maybe in the near future! Thanks again, Jim

[Bruce Samson]

Jim,

Email me at doc@hightechfishing.com and I will help you with the new map.

[Terroreyes]

Wow, that software looks interesting. From what I read, you can import Lowrance .USR files and make the 3D maps. Question: is the process pretty much automated? I've tried others where you had to modify the data in Excel and that was a real pain in the rear.



Visit DOWNRIVER TACKLE in the Walleye Central Directory
http://www.walleyecentral.com/wcdirectory/fullpage.php?ckey=47

[Bruce Samson]

You use the log chart feature to record charts (.slg files). 3DField creates the maps. You can do this with DrDepth also. The process is easy once you learn it. I highly recommend the tutorial if you want 3DField. Jim can tell you how easy it is. This link shows examples of maps. http://www.hightechfishing.com/mapinfo.html

[JiMinneye]

It sounds to me like you are very computer savvy. You would not have any problems. 3D Field is a easy to use program and the Tutorial you get with it when you order it from "Doc" gets you started in the right direction. I have used it for mapping spots on small lakes that I fish that have never been mapped other than what the DNR did back in the 1960's. I can't believe how many times I tried to figure out how bars and points were laid out and the time I spent with as many marker bouy's as I could get and still not completly getting the whole picture. Now I can run over these spots and record the information on a SD/MMC Card, bring it home,use the Sonar Viewer and 3D Field and create my own maps. Once you create your map in 3D Field you can save it and input it back into your Lowrance unit and save the contours as trails and when you get back on the water you will see the contours and where you are positioned in relationship to them. If you have a lap top for your boat that will interface with your Sonar/GPS I think you could really do some cool stuff. I am sure that there is way way more that can be done with the 3D Field program as it has alot of stuff I haven't even tried yet. I have only had the program since June and I have only used it as "Doc" has recommended for what I want to do with it. If you are interested in purchasing the program I would order it from "Doc" as he will supply you with the tutorial and other information that you will not get if you order it on line. I use to wish I knew how to scuba dive so I could go down to the bottom and see how various pieces of structure were laid out...now with this technology I can see it and fish it all at the same time. Now my only fear is that some big mapping company will map my little walleye lakes and everyone will see my spots. Thanks, Jim

[Terroreyes]

Two questions.

Are trails the only way you can do contours on the Lowrance units? And if so, I assume you can still show those trails over a Navionics map?


Visit DOWNRIVER TACKLE in the Walleye Central Directory
http://www.walleyecentral.com/wcdirectory/fullpage.php?ckey=47

[JiMinneye]

As far as I know the only way you can save the contours are as trails. That is why I was wondering if you can save more trails with a hard drive unit. As for the Navionics, I have no idea as I don't have a Navionics card. I do have a lakemaster card but have never tried the two together as the lakemaster card does all the mapping for me. Jim

[perchjerker]

yes to both

[Bruce Samson]

The trails will overlay any map displayed in your Lowrance. You can create other maps for your Lowrance. I put an example in my photo gallery. http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4824&cat=500 This is an example of what I teach at my mapping classes.