Si-tex color graphs

[Brad]

I am looking for some feedback on the si-tex color graphs such as the Profish II and the CVS 106L. A friend of mine got a look at the Lowrance x16 and really was impressed with the detail. Only problem was that it carried a pretty hefty price tag for an old guy who would love to do nothing other than yank perch out of winnebago all day. Any feedback on the si-tex color graphs would be a big help.

Thanks in advance.

[PJM]

Brad

I have a X-15 Lowrance that I use most of the time but in deeper water I use a Si-Tex 106 graph. The 106 reacts faster the X-15 because it a TV type picture tube in it and not liquid crystal. It draws 5 amps and it the 106mark II is not water proof is the only draw back. It will out perform a liquid crystal and will pick up fish on the bottom. It's like a Genetron graph...........

[stevefellegy]

I've used the Si-tex units you refer to and agree they function well, as you say, much like my Genetron. BUT, although all depthfinder screens struggle a little in the open boats,dealing with sun issues, these units, like all color screens, are impossible to read in direct sunlight. I vaguely recall a warning that Lowrance issued in that regard concerning their color screens, the past couple years. My early Genetron had bad sun issues as well. Although, most likely never totally fixable without a roof over my head, it ain't bad these days.
I just had a conversation, coincidently, in regard to the color screens with a VERY veteran guide on Mille Lacs, last night. Not only he concurred with my experiences with the sun problem, but also, as I have conveyed previously, that it is hard to interpret the many color variables that appear in regard to bottem make up and size of fish. "Too much thinking and guessing", he said. Interesting....

[stevefellegy]

If I may, I will add that studies involving 'color' screens relative to seeing them in sunlight, show that 'green' bottem/fish readings, are the best when using in an open boat. I was convinced of this differential when I observed a PWT pro having to use a towel over his color screen graph in the heat of the day.

[Thom]

For the life of me I can't figure out where most of these incorrect notions about depth finder come from.

The SiTex 600L has only been on the market for a few months and they aren't a very popular brand anyway so there's not much chance you're going to run across anyone who has experience with them. The Profish lineup (models II and III) are poor-mans's LCD clor boxes and to tell the truth neigher of them is much worth having, though the II would do in a pinch. All LCD machines get darker when they get hot and all CRT machines loose it in direct sunlight. The difference is that while the LCDs are generally still usable the CRTs aren't. At this moment the very best color screens availabe are being produced by Lowracne and Raytheon. The difference between the two is that the Raytheon backs up a great screen with superior electronics. That can't be said of Lowrance, be it of their top of the line or bottom of the line or any line inbetween. The only claim to fame Lowrance has at the moment is that they have incorporated very good screens, but if you want a screen of that quality and superior electronics behind it (in order to actually get a great fish finder) then you must go with the Raytheon and forget the Lowrance. As to the use of color machines, well, there is simply no comparison between multi-tone monocolor screens and color. With any of the newer generation of LCD machines the color will be just as readable as a gray-scale (or whatever color the one you're looking in uses) and if you compare them to any CRT, and I mean any at all, out there in the sun there is simply no compairson. And finally, if you are considering one of those Genetron things why don't you take a look at the very old technology Furuno FCV-667. They are every single bit the equal of Genertron only they cost about a third what the Genertron does and they make and service them year round.

Thom

[stevefellegy]

My dear Thom,

I welcome, as many I hope do also, your knowledge of fish finding equipment. Sharing this knowledge helps us all to decide what has the best potential for optimum performance on our fish hunting ventures.

I spend about 1200 hours a year staring, intensely, at my underwater fishing eyes. My ability to subside is highly dependant on how well my graph performs. Although I'm sure I have missed some opportunities to equip my boat with better sonar equipment, I think I bring fairly creditable info to the table. That said...I won't debate this, personally, with you here. However, I welcome the opportunity to meet you on the water someday, soon I hope, so we can compare notes...and equipment. Please let me know where you are from and how I may get a hold of you, to set up a friendly day on the water.
I'm willing to learn!

[PJM]

stevefellegy

With my 106 I put on a Griz Sheild that covers the whole unit and that helps alot in direct sun light. The Griz, the fishing guide came up with the idea...........

[Brad]

Thanks for the feedback. Si-tex claims to have solved the direct sunlight issue with the new Profish II model of LCD color graphs. I know that at least one of the local walleye pro's likes his lowrance color graph, but like I said, $1850 for the 16 is a little steep for some old guy that is going to fish perch most of the time.

Thanks again to everyone for the feedback.

[stevefellegy]

lol... After review, and too late for editing, I miss used a word, in a sense, in the above post. Although "subside" could fit in a certain context, I meant to say "subsist" in reference to how important my graph is to me.

[bob oh]

Thom, wonder why you're talking abouthe Si-Tex 600 and question was about the 106 which has been around for a long time since I've had one for 5 seasons??? I have friends who have Raytheon sonars which are nice, but don't really do any better job that my 106. Actually can't remember one of them that can match it for showing bottom fish??
JMO,

[stevefellegy]

Thom,

I assumed you would get back to me on my invitation but didn't leave you my e-mail address, sorry. Here it is...Hope to meet you and talk shop. I'm like an old dog that's hard to teach new tricks, but it seems you might have info I need.

sf@mlecmn.net

[Jesse-WI]

Hey Thom,
My research turned up this http://www.nauticalcommunities.com/htm/r20010208.057127.htm

and other things similar to it. I like the product but it is not made for the vast majority of walleye boats. I like the manufacturer manual talking about where on the bridge you could place it.

I suppose it might work in my electronics box on my Lund, but then again it might not work all the time. Color video screens and sunlight just do not mix.

I went and checked out the other sites you listed and read all kinds of interesting posts. It might be true that most 30'+ boats use the fishfinder you prefer, but since the company does not make a product for us at this time what good is it. I suppose I could take the money I am saving and install a bridge and thru hull transducer to get it to work.

Perhaps you could clue me in on what I could reasonably do to ensure your unit of choice will function at all times in my Lund Pro V?