Side Imaging Units

[jayem]

Does the SI units from either Humminbird or the new Lowrance need more than one transducer? I'm thinking of upgrading soon and haven't been able to find that info on either manufacturers websites but I could be missing something too.

TIA, Jay

[veha44]

Humminbird doesn't need a seperate transducer. However, a lot of guys with fast boats do put on another transducer and a switch, as the transducer you get has a hard time reading bottom when going over 30mph. Lowrance, I don't know as it isn't out yet, but I would assume that you would need a seperate transducer to run the side imaging.

[Jim Carroll]

Any Lowrance HDS unit will be side viewing sonar ready with a side-view transducer and a simple software update.

Jim Carroll NPAA #13

Coming Attraction
Lowrance to Add Side-Viewing Sonar Option for HDS Models in 2009

Proving, once again, that HDS (High Definition System) is the most versatile and expandable consumer
marine electronics choice, Lowrance announces an exciting new sonar technology for release later this
year.

In 2009, Lowrance will introduce a side-viewing sonar option, with wide-angle coverage to the
sides of the boat and the best underwater field of vision ever achieved -- an exclusive option for all
HDS users.

Presenting a new dimension in bottom and structure viewing, Lowrance side-viewing technology
delivers the same legendary total sonar performance that anglers have come to expect from
Lowrance. Plus, it can be displayed in tandem with existing high-definition 2D sonar images --
powered by the built-in HDS Broadband Sounder.

As a simple, cost-efficient add-on accessory module, the new sonar technology is easily networked
using Lowrance ethernet connections - allowing anglers to enjoy this Lowrance sonar advantage on
all HDS displays mounted on their boat. The side-viewing sonar technology can be added at any
time after the HDS display is installed on a boat, and it will work with all HDS displays, including
GPS chartplotter-only models.

Designed by the leader in recreational fishfinder innovations, the new Lowrance side-viewing sonar
option for HDS is great news for serious and pro anglers, as well as those involved in underwater
search and recovery, marine archeology and marine ecology sciences.

Further details on Lowrance side-viewing sonar technology will be released later this year. At this
time, no additional information is available. For more information on Lowrance’s revolutionary HDS
multi-function display systems, please contact Lowrance Sales Service at 1-800-324-0044.

[blueicecpa]

The solution is to use two transducers deals with the Transom. Some are not able to send & recieve the SI due to an obstruction( engine/ mount)


One dual setup solution has one and another on the other side of the obstruction with a special Y cable gets the job done.


Most do not have a problem using one transducer on the Transom and another on the bow Trolling motor .

[Stripehunter]

like blueicepa said, it depends on your particular boat's application. two, or three transducer setups can be used to solve problematic installs, but 1 transducer is all that's necessary much of the time. I have a single transducer humminbird setup, and get great SI on each side, and hold bottom to almost 40mph (my WOT max) up to around 100 feet depth.

The transducers are very large, and very sensitive to mounting location. They must be clear of obstructions in a 180degree arc around the transducer. SI is also quite sensitive to water turbulence around the motor. So in some installs, the only position where SI will work well is not good for downlooking sonar, and vice versa. In those situations, a multiple transducer setup may be the only way to go. I had the benefit of being able to rig my boat around an SI transducer from the start, so it was easy for me to have a good single trans setup.

[TomP.]

" They must be clear of obstructions in a 180degree arc around the transducer. SI is also quite sensitive to water turbulence around the motor "

I find this not to be true. You do not need a 180 degree clear arc around the transducer. You need a point on your transom where the ducer can see clearly from side to side. Turbulance is not an issue unless the ducer is mounted to high and that is at high speed only. SI only works at slow speeds. . My SI ducer in 2 D mode reads fine up to 50 MPH GPS my rigs top speed. The issue is the SI ducer is expensive and some mount a second 2D ducer like a normal ducer to protect the SI from obstructions hitting it.

[jayem]

I'm running an '01 1750 Crestliner Fishhawk with 70hp Suzy tiller. At wot i'm going 32mph sog on my current Lowrance unit/GPS so I probably won't need the second transducer for any speed problems.

How about depth? The lake I'm most concerned about I troll open basin eye's over 100 fow and sometimes well over that up to 200'. What I'm looking for especially is seeing the fish that move off to the side when I'm trolling through them. The fish never seem to go below 30' and follow the migrating (vertical) tullibees that move up to the surface in the evening.

Of course I'm also interested in structure to the side of the boat on my home waters (reservoirs mostly) in Illinois.

Thanks again!

Jay

[colt100]

This is going to be my 3rd year with my humminbird 797. I love my unit. I only have 1 transducer as my boat is goign 30-31 WOT. Almost never have a problem with the downward looking sonar, even at WOT. Of course, if I'm looking for fish, SI, or on unfamilar water, I'm sure not going WOT.

As far as seeing fish with SI, it depends on the size the of the fish in my experence. You will see bait balls or schools of fish like crappies. Seeing a single fish may or may not happen, depending on size. I have found that the SI is much more useful in finding the contours of the lake and also cribs, wood, rocks, and assorted structure you would have never known was there. I then fish the structure or at least go over it with my downward looking sonar.

Most of my fishing is in N WI on small lakes for panfish, walleye, and some bass.

Even if the fish are not biting, looking at the bottom will at least keep you occupied!

[Hunter4]

What kind of boat are you running?

[TomP.]

My SI will show schools of bait fish and also individual fish. The smaller crappies and sunnies have to really pay attention. Bigger fish off of bottom are easy they will show a shadow behind them.

[colt100]

What kind of boat are you running?


I have a 16 ft mirrocraft 1616 troller. It's nice, light, and very easy for me to handle (loading/unloading) by myself.