View Full Version : Graph settings
Jim. C
03-12-2002, 03:45 PM
In reading the post on the X-65, I have a question on an X-85, and the X-15, as to what you set the sensitivity, grayline, chart speed, etc. On normal conditions on lakes and reservoirs, fishing depths from 10-60' deep. Do you leave them on automatic, or do you set them to manual and adjust as necessary. If manual, what are you looking for once you get the settings where you want them? Also, there has been some good things said about the Genetron product on this site, but how much better is it than say a X-15, Pinpoint or Raytheon, (I dont want to start a bit scuffle here!), I am just curious. Thanks Guys!
stevefellegy
03-12-2002, 07:20 PM
Yes, in my opinion, the settings for the X-65 and X-85 would be the same. I have used both alot, and set them on manual mode, 75-78 percent sensitivity, 32-33 percent grayline, max chart speed and set upper and lower depth range so average depth is at or just below the middle of the screen. The X-15 is a little new to me but in the few hours I ran one last season, I ran it at these same settings and thought it did fine. Someone else with extensive use of the X-15 should jump in and answer more qualified.
I DO have extensive experience with the Genetron ,as you refer to.
I have used Genetron as my MAIN graph for about 8 years. The Genetron is a totaly different technology than the LCR units. Therefore has different capabilities. In testing all the popular LCR units against the video, I find two key places where the video excells. Target separation and speed that I can mark fish at. There is not a walleye, without a shovel or wings, that can hide from the video. Fins on the bottem is not a problem. The LCR units fail when the walleye's fins are on the bottem. I can run my video at 30-35 miles an hour, and easily mark fish anywhere in the water column. Half that speed, max, for the LCR. By having the choice of a 72 degree cone angle, I can see fish suspended that are set up 6-8 feet under the surface or TIGHT on the bottem. Those two things would be my answers to your question about the differences between the units you talk of, which are GREAT machines, and the Genetron. Of course, the resolution is high quality as well on the video. Very expensive in comparrison but only when you don't look at the whole picture, no pun intended. The most expensive walleye boat on the market doesn't find fish, the graph on it does. I'd cut corners on the boat/engine before I'd skimp on the graph. Good luck!
Texeye
03-12-2002, 08:51 PM
Steve, it sound like you have quiet a bit of experience with the Genetron units.You say you can see walleye while running 35mph with the Genetron unit.Does the Genetron unit have a color screen? Does it show fish as arcs like the Lowrance?I like my lowrance, but to get really good definition I have to move pretty slow.I find I pass over fish quiet often.I can slow way down and start marking fish.The reason I am asking, is because I have an older unit, and want to upgrade sometime in the near future.I am really interested in the Genetron.The new lowrance finders are in the $1300.00 dollar range and I just wonder if it is worth the extra money for a Genetron.I saw somewhere a while back they were around $1800.00.I sent an e-mail to Dick for info. but never recieved any.If you or someone else could help me find some information on the Genetron it would be apreciated.Thanks to all. (I may have sent the e-mail to wrong place)
stevefellegy
03-13-2002, 04:56 AM
Hey Texeye,
In answer to your question on the shape of the fish marks on the Genetron, yes, like any other sonar, when the boat is moving or the fish is moving, meaning into the cone, through the cone, and back out of the cone, the mark is an arc. If the boat is hovering over the fish or the fish is swimming with the boat, therefore staying IN the cone, it appears as a straight line.
My boat goes only about 35 miles per hour, being a tiller, so that's what I know for sure about marking fish, easily, at high speed. However, I hear some of the PWT guys, that have faster boats, being able to read fish at even higher speeds, with the Genetron.
Do you justify the expense? What part of your boat/fishing investment finds the fish? $35,000 boat...NO. High tech $200 rods...NO The graph and the angler smart enough to use it....
The e-mail address for Genetron is sonars@juno.com
The phone # is 701-298-0900
By the way, you ask about colored screens. The Genetron is NOT a color screen as in the units that are described as such. The Genetron video screen prints in the color green, which is proven to be the best in sunlight. I don't have to put a towel over my screen to read it in the sun, in other words. Nor use a fan to "cool" it when it is hot, as Thom mentioned one time, about some sort of unit and the effects of heat. Good luck!