350A vs 7520

[Fred]

Interested in others opinions on comparisons between Lowarance 350A with GPS vs. Pinpoint's 7520 unit and a less expensive handheld GPS. Does the 7520 work well by itself or does it need to be part of the "system". Thanks to all for the help!! Fred

[Hans]

Without regard to the merits of the 7520, I don't like the gimicky idea of both a fish finder and a GPS in the same box. I feel both become compromise instruments when designed in this way. I also feel that you become disadvantaged in taking advantage of any technology changes -- you can't upgrade one of the instruments without changing out the other. (By the way, I use the word 'instrument' deliberately.)

Now, about the 7520. It can be used standalone without the Pinpoint trolling motors. I've owned or used all of the current crop of high-end sonars, and the 7520 is just plain better than any other that I've ever used. Then add the "system" (now or later) and it just blows you away.

Hans

--
"There is nothing; absolutely nothing; half so much worth doing,
as simply messing about in boats." :-)

[Smitty]

Hans, would you recommend the 7520 over the other PinPoint models as a starting point (no motor in the works yet)? If so, what was your reason for going to the 7520 vs the 7820?
Thanks.

[Hans]

I chose the 7520 for the wider screen and easier-to-navigate menu system. I also have a 3700 series motor (which has 5 transducers) so the wider screen format was desireable to me to be able to observe more than one transducer at the same time. On the narrower 7820 screen, that would get crowded.

On the other hand, the 7820 has greater vertical resolution so it might appeal to those who work in deeper water, or are sensitive to the $100 greater price of the 7520.

Hans
--
"There is nothing; absolutely nothing; half so much worth doing,
as simply messing about in boats." :-)

[acp]

Do your statements mean that you wouldn't recommend upgrading the 7520 to GPS, thus "dual" purpose?

I currently have both a GlobalMap 2000 and two 7520s. The GM 2000 is great for GPS but the sonar leaves a lot to be desired, low power and low resolution. The 7520 is great for sonar.

For inland fishing here in Florida I use Lowrance cartridges. For Lake of the Woods I use C-Map. I can't get any advance info from PinPoint as to what kind of mapping technology they will be using in the LONG awaited GPS upgrade for the 7520s.

Right now I plan to wait and see just how good the PinPoint GPS will be. I may just forget about upgrading the 7520s for GPS and continue with the GM 2000. Unless...they do something fancy where the positioning motor is some how linked to the GPS and you could input some creative trolling patterns. With what these guys have come up with so far, I wouldn't be surprised if the GPS has some blow-out features. The way I like "toys", especially electronic, I'll probably end up with Lowranace and PinPoint GPS!!

Later....

Al

[Hans]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-10-00 AT 02:19PM (CST)[p]If the forthcoming PinPoint GPS "goes into" the 7520 (not a separate unit) then I want no part of it.

If, on the other hand, it is a unit which can standalone without the 7520, but can also be integrated into the PinPoint system as another intelligent agent in the system, then I'll have my checkbook open faster than you can yell "get the net"!

Now, if they'd only do something about those **** fragile looking connectors they use!

Hans

--
"There is nothing; absolutely nothing; half so much worth doing,
as simply messing about in boats." :-)

[Walleye Master]

I've owned both units within the last two years. I thought the 350a was a good unit until Matt Thompson from Thorne Bros. gave me such a great deal on the 7520 and 3700 series motor. The 7520 graph is so much more defined than the 350a its unbelivable. Not to mention the great trolling motor. If you want the best fishing system on the market Check out Thorne bros.'s Pin Point systems. They will beat any price on the market. (612)-572-3782

[AquaMan]

I havta side with the Lowrance for just the opposite reasons that Hans stated. The LMS350A offers, in my mind, the best comination of GPS and Locator in one simple, EASY to use package on the market. Since the current GPS is 12 channel and the locator offers great resolution, for the mony I think you would be wise to consider the 350A a little more closely. HOWEVER.....if you plan to purchase a trolling motor because you don't have one yet, then PinPoint is the only way to go. I have a MinnKota AutoPilot and with the LMS 350A, I would have a hard time justifing a complete make over when the sytem I have is excellent.

I have a question for Hans. If upgrading is an issue, would it not be wise to wait for the "next generation" of PinPoints which will incorporate the GPS with the trolling motor AND the displays and will not be downward compatable? Just a thought.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Grampa_Joe]

Al,
I run the same setup as you. A GM2000 for GPS and 2 7520's and a 7500. All the GM2000 does is gps. I guess I have to disagree with Hans about the GPS thing. I will be upgrading my 7520's to gps when it becomes available. I have heard some of the things going into their gps and it sounds pretty exciting. No, I'm not spilling the beans either.
Hans, have you had problems with the connectors? I've run them for 3 or 4 years now and it hasn't ever been an issue. Heck, I never even worried about it.
Joe
-Joe

[Hans]

Grampa....

Nope, no trouble yet with the connectors, but I've seen a lot better ones more suited to the "outdoors" environment. I work in electronics manufacturing, so maybe I'm more picky than I need to be? <grin>

Hans