2009 Lowrance HDS GPS Internal Antenna

[HAJ]

In spite of the reported performance issues of the internal antenna on the Lowrance 334 and 522 GPS /sonar units, I have been debating whether or not to buy the 522 at $499 or the new HDS 5 at $699. I intend to use this on the bow of my 1800 Lund Pro V, and on the ice in the winter as a portable.

I have been very close to taking the plunge on the 522 a couple times now because it is such a great deal and there is actually a large number of great reports. But I keep geting cold feet due to the other common reports of sonar losing bottom and GPS losing signal. Do I roll the dice on the 522 at $499? So now I am trying to convince myself to maybe reach alot higher for the HDS, which is unproven.

Here is what I have learned so far about the HDS units. Tha internal antenna of the HDS units will be on TOP of the unit, so even when tilted it will still see the sky. On the 522 the antenna is on the back, so it makes sense that with some tilt for viewing, the antenna loses the sky. Why Lowrance did not realize this improvement when they upgraded the 334 is hard to figure.

I also have been told that transducers from late model Lowrances with blue connectors will work with the HDS head units. I need to know if the same is true of the power cords, because I want this new unit to be my emergency back-up on the console for my LCX-25 if it goes out. I know the 522 will do this, but I need confirmation that the HDS units work with the old blue connector power cords as well. If they do, I will likely buy an HDS unit due o the theoretically better antenna. I don't have unlimited funds in this economy so I am trying to get the most for my dollar. yet not have trouble.

Please let me know what you have heard about the new HDS units, I know they are not out yet, but someone must have demo'd one by now.

[yarcraft91]

Your question about the 522- I have the similar 527. The latest version of software for that unit (2.4.2 Beta) seems to have solved the shallow water problem. However, I had little opportunity to run it in weedy water, as the beta software came out so late in the season. All I can say is the newest, beta software works much better in shallow water than earlier software versions, at least in the LMS-527.

Based on Lowrance's track record on the last two generations of sonar/gps units, I'd want to hear lots of positive first-hand reports before spending my money on an HDS unit.

Good luck with your decision.

[HAJ]

Thanks for the note about the 522 software update working.

So now someone is telling me that the internal antenna on the HDS uits is on the FRONT TOP. Can anyone verify this? Makes sense that would solve previous reception problems.

Also looks like that HDS-5 with Ducer is more like $799 vs only $499 for the 522. So can anyone who deals in the 522 in any kind of volume tell me roughly what percenatage of buyers reported being disappointed with the 522? Are we just hearing from a very vocal few that had problems, or were these issues common? I may be back to considering the 522 based on price if I have a decent shot at getting a good one. Thanks

[VaGuy]

the antenna(on igps units) for the receiver is located in the top of the unit. Make sure that there are no obstructions and the unit has a clear view of the sky. Most people create there own problems with how they install them (and not just the igps models!).
HDS has a much more sensative 16 channel antenna. The LMS will work just as well as long as it can see the sky.

[I Walleye]

The new HDS antenna is built into the front cover as you said. Lowrance did it this way so the unit can be flush mounted.