Lowrance Networking Questions

[eyeboom]

My winter project is to replace my LCX series units with HDS, add the LSS-1 Structure Scan, add iPilot and network the units for FULL data sharing. I'm still waiting for a reply from Lowrance so I thought I would throw it out to the great minds on this forum.

My main questions are:

Do I need the NEP-1 for FULL data sharing or will this be achieved through the LSS-1 module?

The Lowrance website states:

"Networking.
But why settle for one screen to view? The ingenious
StructureScan™ sonar imaging black box networks with up to three
HDS multifunction displays to share SideScan, DownScan Imaging™
and 2D sonar screens for boat-wide underwater surveillance with
independent control.

Just purchase additional ethernet cables, and you’ve got a full
underwater imaging network working in your favor."

Imaging, but nothing about data.

Are there any infterface solutions availible to network Mercury Smartcraft gauges to Lowrance units for engine management? I see Suzuki, Yamaha and Evinrude mentioned.

For HDS owners, do you feel the addition of the LGC-4000 external antenna was beneficial?

Included are a couple of system diagrams.

Thanks in advance,

Boomer

[acar555]

My understanding is the LSS-1 works as a NEP as well. You can connect upto 3 HDS units to it and share transducers from any as well as sync waypoints and navigation info.

[hondo]

I agree with acar555, that is my understanding as well regarding the function of the LSS-1 module.

I have never seen Merc motors connected to the Lowrance NMEA network --- info management for Mercs comes through their SmartCraft gauges.

Re: the LGC4000, it will give you a more accurate GPS fix ---- but it's up to you if having a 10 foot EPE is beneficial compared to a 20-30 foot EPE. And it depends on how you fish and how you use your GPS and your Sonar. I have toyed with the idea of adding an LGC-4000 to my boat all year but haven't done it yet as the 20-30 foot EPE isn't causing any problems for me. I use the GPS to get me to my spots, then use my Sonar to see the fish, weededges, breaks, etc.

[eyeboom]

Thanks for the replies. Hondo, that answers my question regarding the LGC-4000. I'm glued to my GPS both front and back, marking structure and contour lines so the added accuracy is very important to me.

The engine management info on the Lowrance units isn't critical as the Smartcraft gauges supply a wealth of info as is. Just wanted to network everything if possible.

Boomer

[eyeboom]

I was able to talk to Lowrance today. The LSS-1 will act as an NEP so I'm good there. The tech brought up the issue that if I network both graphs via ethernet, the graphs will use either the front transducer or the rear. I will NOT be able to run the front graph on the front transducer and the rear graph on the rear transducer. Problem is that when I'm up front running the trolling motor, I'm going to want to run the front transducer. When I pull up the trolling motor and make a run, I'll need to switch the transducer to the back. Certainly is a hassle to switch each time.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Boomer