Help with viewing Humminbird 898 SI in sunlight

[IronFisherman]

I have a humminbird 898 and the problem I am having is viewing the side imaging in sunlight. I contacted humminbird and they where no help, they basically told me to check my transducer and read the manual. Well that was no help. This was a big investment for me and I am very disappointed with the SI. I asked humminbird if they have even tried this unit on a sunny day. I have heard of some people getting the raptor shield, but it sounds like it isn't much help. Is there anything I can do??? It is pretty evident that humminbird will not stand by there product, the only reason I did not go with lowrance was humminbird was supposed to have great customer service. I was going to pick up another unit for the bow of the boat next year, but I think I might cut my losses and make the switch to lowrance next year. Just really disappointed and needed to vent.

[ShimanoElite]

Humminbird is adding LEDs to their units for 2013. I believe LEDS are in Lowrance Gen 2 models. LEDs are supposed to be brighter for easier viewing in sunlight.

[Juls]

Do you have the backlighting up as far as it can go during the day? You change that setting by hitting the power off button (don't hold it down or that will turn it off).

I have the 1198 and I don't have a problem seeing the screen in direct sunlight, so I'm wondering if you have your lighting down too low?

Juls

[BBG Marine]

Humminbird has been using CCFL(fluorescent) backlighting on their 800 and 900 series units since they came out. They have finally "seen the light" and are making all their models LED screens ....Like the 1198 and the 798 are now.

It's a change that is long overdue and I'm glad they listened to their customers.

Brian

[ohiojmj]

Why on earth do these overpriced ff/gps/chartplotters not have a snap on hood option to block the sun, duh? Nevermind LED's to the rescue. Seriously, even my ultra-bright 788ci isn't bright enough to overcome sunlight glare and I have to turn or tilt the head unit. So why on earth do these overpriced ff/gps/chartplotters not have an anti-glare screen like my Sharp LED tv, duh? Too bad Apple or Samsung won't join the fray and shake up the market. While I'm on a rampage, here's my final pitch. Why on earth do these overpriced ff/gps/chartplotters not have a a simple waterproof plug connection somewhat near the transducer to make relacement an easy "plug'n'play". In closing, these units could be more reliable too. I feel better now.

[1860Angler]

Originally Posted by ShimanoElite

Humminbird is adding LEDs to their units for 2013. I believe LEDS are in Lowrance Gen 2 models. LEDs are supposed to be brighter for easier viewing in sunlight.

Any idea when the 800 and 900 series will be out with the LED backlighting?

[BBG Marine]

Originally Posted by 1860Angler

Any idea when the 800 and 900 series will be out with the LED backlighting?

The news I heard was December.


Brian

[Jason Halfen]

Originally Posted by 1860Angler

Any idea when the 800 and 900 series will be out with the LED backlighting?

At ICAST last week, we were told that the release was going to be staggered. 800 series units in December and 900 series units in January.

[IronFisherman]

That is great they are going to led for tjhe 800 and 900 series. But if humminbird does not take the old units back in exchange, how does that help? Am I just supposed to layout another 1200.00 and toss this unit out. I thought humminbird as a company was supposed to be better than that. I bought a 788 on my last boat and really liked it, getting the new boat I figured I would upgrade and get SI and a bigger screen, my mistake. And now I am supposed to be happy that they fixed the problem on the newer models and just through away my 3 month old unit. Burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me.

[1860Angler]

Originally Posted by IronFisherman

That is great they are going to led for tjhe 800 and 900 series. But if humminbird does not take the old units back in exchange, how does that help? Am I just supposed to layout another 1200.00 and toss this unit out. I thought humminbird as a company was supposed to be better than that. I bought a 788 on my last boat and really liked it, getting the new boat I figured I would upgrade and get SI and a bigger screen, my mistake. And now I am supposed to be happy that they fixed the problem on the newer models and just through away my 3 month old unit. Burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me.

Does Dell take back your computer when they make a better faster one? Does Samsung take back your TV when they come out with a bigger better picture? Just like anything in the electronics world, products change and are made better, why is it Humminbirds fault that you bought one before they improved the product. They didn't hide the fact that it was a CCFL Backlight and that the 788 you had before was an LED backlight, do your research, buy the product that fits your needs at the time and expect that something better will come out shortly after you make your purchase, if you keep these expectations you will only be a little disappointed when your product is outdated in less than a year!!

As far as fixing your problem, make sure the backlight is turned up all the way and adjust the angle as best you can. If that doesn't work for you, buy a new one in December when they come out.

I'm just glad I waited to buy a new boat until 2013, 998 w/LED backlight and iPilot Link, SWEEEEEET!! I'm sure something better will come out in 2014, and I'll be disappointed but that's just the way it is.