2 sonar units - 1 boat - Mission Impossible?

[Chadster]

This has to be the most talked about topic on this board. As I result, I am frustrated & confused. All I want to do is the following:

- One display at the rear of the boat
- One unit at the front of the boat
- Run boath units at the same time without getting interference
- Utilize 20 deg cone transducers
- Keep costs resonable...

Can this be done? I know I need to have a difference in the operating frequency of the transducer(just how much seems to be of question...5, 8, 10%, 40 KHz???).

I have read lots of good things about the pinpoint systems. I already have a Minnkota Autopilot, so not really interested in the entire pinpoint system. It sounds like I could pick up 2 of the pinpoint Standalone Sonar Displays. My question about these displays is they all appear to be 200 KHz; won't they interfere with eachother?

I currently have (2) Lowrance X-65 units. Haven't installed them yet. Based on all the problems reported on the board, I'm not even going to try. Also, I may run the transducer for the front dsplay off the back of the boat to keep the "mess" out of the trolling motor.

Very interested in folks who can accomplish all of the above with success. Let's hear it guys; what really works?

[JT]

You can run as many Pinpoint units as you want at one time, even though they're the same frequency. That is because they network together and pulse at exactly the same time, thus eliminating interference. The only thing you must do is link them together via a "y" cable. This is also cool, because now you can split screens and view what is happening at the front and back of the boat simultaneously.
Good Luck with it, I'm finding that rigging a boat is a lot of fun, but expensive.
JT

[music man]

i run a BOTTOMLINE HR on my front trolling motor and a 350a on the back and have no trouble

[CJW]

Pinpoint is the best way to achieve what you want they are the only ones that set up their units to be syncronized. Plus when there's an update to the unit, you send yours back and for a certain fee they'll put the new stuff in. We're all waiting for the gps update, they say coming soon. Thus you don't have to pay again for a new unit everytime they improve it. You'll have to pay for the update but not the full price of a new unit, unless of course its a gps add on look at all the others and what they charge for gps combo unit. Plus you can buy the trolling motor someday with up to 5 sonar beams built right inside, not hanging on the bottom. Your call but I tried what you want to do before. It never worked all the time without some glitch till I got the pinpoint. Craig

[mlc]

Chadster, I feel your pain. I've been asking similiar questions and have done some research. I also am running a Minnkota PD with a Lowrance X85 and 2 transducers(a narrow 8 degree and a standard 20 degree skimmer). Lowrance markets a saltwater version of the X85 and the ONLY difference is the transducer angle. So, I do not want to run a pinpoint TM. Period! Here is what I have discovered.

1. There must be at least 40 kHz of frequency seperation between units to handle the interference problem. As I understand it the Pinpoint system forces you to use their units exclusively if you want to be able to run 2 units at the same time. This is a shame as it forces consumers to rerig with ALL Pinpoint equipment. There stuff is good but not cheap. They have seriously reduced their market share by doing such a thing. It is unfortunate that consumers cannot be offered stand-alone units that differ only in frequency. I already own a Lowrance fishfinder and a Minnkota TM. I am forced to take my purchasing dollar elsewhere.

2. The Vexilar seems to solve this problem by offering "The Edge" that runs dual transducers. They transmit at approx. 100kHz and 400kHz. Cannot remember the exact frequencies. Both transducers can be mounted on the bow TM with a special bracket! It is a split screen unit also. The problem is that I do not hear much about these. I have no idea as to their reliability. Have only seen 2 or 3 comments about them at Walleye Central. Also, they are strictly a mid-west company. The dealer network does not extend out West, East or South.

3. I believe the Bottomline product may transmit at the accepted freq. but have not given them serious consideration yet.

Pinpoint may be your best option if you are willing to get rid of your Lowrance units or keep one Lowrance and investigate Bottomline.

It aint much but hope it helps.

mlc

[Chadster]

Thanks for the input guys. I really do want to stick with my Minn Kota 65 AP. I just bought it and I feel for the money I want to spend, it's the best thing going. I really like the idea of what the pinpoint TM will do, but I don't like the price. Also, I have read too many bad things about reliability. I know there are some loyal Pinpoint TM guys out there and I am glad it is working for them. However, when you read through the discusion boards, there are a good number of people that have had trouble. Bottom line is I just can't justify spending twice as much money and risk running into difficulties.

As for the Sonar, again, I like the idea of being "networked". and being capable of upgrades, but again, the price....ugh. I really looked hard at the Lowrance 15MT, but when I started realizing the problem of interference, I started looking else where.

I really don't want to run two different manufacturers products. I think I am either going to stick with the (2) X-65's and use one at a time or go with the pinpoint.

In addition to all of my wants layed out in my original post, I also would like GPS & Mapping some day. One of the follow-ups noted that Pinpoint is comming out with a GPS unit or upgrade. Does anyone know if it will have mapping capabilities?

I think "Networked" sonar is my #1 priority. With that, I may have to just bite the bullet and buy the Pinpoint. Down the road, if the GPS becomes availible, I can consider it then. Same old problem...money goes out of my pocket faster than it comes in...

Would like to hear from more pinpoint guys... What units/dsplays do you like? What do you recommend for the front and back of the boat? Wht?

[REW]

Since you already have the 65's - I would install one of them on the bow - and then pick up another unit for the console.

I really don't want to be in my boat by myself or with other folks - such that I can't have both the bow mount and console depth finder on at the same time.

I find that each is useful for the same or different reasons - and don't want to give up that flexability.

I currently have a lowarance unit on the bow, and a pinpoint on the console and they work very well together.

If you want to spend less money - you could probably exchange the 65 for one of the raytheon units - they have a decent press release - and the frequency is 200 khz.

Take care

REW

[Paul Dickson]

I have an LMS350A on the rear and an Eagle 9000 on the front and have had no noticable interference between the two. A buddy has an X85 on the front and an LMS350 on the rear and likewise has had no noticable interference between them. The boats are Lund 1775 and 1800 respectively.

It makes sense that once the bottom depth is down to 40' or so that some interference may be expected but I really have not noticed it. Have others gotten by with this as I seem to?

[Chris G]

Chadster,
I run a x75 on the bow of my 19ft Warrior and a X85 at the dash which the transducer is on the rear of the boat. In water around 20ft if I remember right, I haven't noticed any interference problems. I think its because of the size of the cone at that shallow of a depth. When we are vertical jigging rivers, which is the only time we run two units, we just go like this and it hasnt really been a problem though we haven't done it very often. I know you would have trouble in deeper water but depending on your application and size of your boat, you may be able to save some money and just go with what you have. I also think Cabelas offers a junction box that allows two units to work off one transducer that would allow two fisherman to see the same thing and might work out well if your in a smaller boat where the guy in the front isnt half way across the lake from the guy in the back.
Good luck and let us know what you come up with.