lowrance structure scan

[BlueBack79]

just curious if anyone here has one of the lowrance hds w/the structure scan? been looking at them and good lord they look amazing. if you haven't seen them, check out the numerous videos on youtube.

[MackayGuy]

Just installed it yesterday....haven't had it out on the water yet to check it out. Works ok in the driveway.

[Lunddude]

Which HDS unit do you have?

[MackayGuy]

Lund.....if that question was for me.....HDS8

[BlueBack79]

must be for you. i dont own ANY hds. ha ha. keep us posted on how well it works for you. i've heard they run ideal about 3-4mph. i'd be curious to know how well they work at slower trolling speeds...say .8 - 2mph. anyway, you're a lucky dog. those things look awesome!!

[MackayGuy]

I am hoping to find an hour or so to put it in the water and mess with the settings before I head out to Wallowa on thursday. mememe If not I'll let you know when I get back.

[BlueBack79]

good luck.

[Lunddude]

Lund.....if that question was for me.....HDS8

Same setup I'm saving up for. Is your HDS a Gen I or the new Gen II?

[MackayGuy]

Gen I. I've had the HDS 8 for a year so it was pre II. I've used the gen II.....it's faster with chart refresh, which I don't use that much, but you don't get the little wheel control around the cursor keys, which I do use. Gen II has some cool new functions with maps, etc.....if you live somewhere where the maps are good. I'll report back on the structure scan next week. Hopefully I'll be too busy boating fish to spend too much time messing with it.

[Mojo]

Structure scan works great for showing structure, but it isn't much for showing fish. I fished 4 days with a guy that is very good with one, and he used the fish finder mode more often. It did point out some killer rock piles that had a bunch of huge bass hanging on them. Never saw a fish on the structure mode, but they really show the sticks and rocks well.

[MackayGuy]

I just got back from using the Structure Scan for 4 days. I agree it is great for showing structure. I disagree that it isn't much for showing fish. On a split screen of 2D sonar and SS in 'Down' imaging mode it is a great tool for verifying what you think are fish in the 2D sonar. It's pretty amazing that you can see the fish which correspond to the arches on the other side of the split screen. I need to have more time with the settings and use of it to give a really good assessment of the technology.

I can tell you it does use some battery. I would add a switch or means to cut the power to the LSS-1 unit when you are not using it to save battery. I have my LSS-1 unit located so I can easily get to it and remove the power cable if I'm not using it. If plugged into power the HDS head unit will wake the LSS unit up if wired together.

[conservationist]

I just wired in a Humminbird 587 ci HD with DI. Haven't had a chance to hit the water. This is a Cabelas unit with DI added to the 587 (smaller screen than the 597).

Anyways, looking forward to split screen DI and sonar but was curious about your comment regarding the battery usage. I have it hooked to main panel which is powered by my "starting" battery rather than my trolling motor.

Am I going to need to worry about starting the boat (no alternative pull start) after running a DI and Sonar unit??

Thanks,

Bob

[MackayGuy]

Bob....If you have a strong starting battery I wouldn't worry about it. Set up your unit with voltage data overlay on your screen so you can monitor your voltage. If your voltage drops below around 11 volts start your motor and charge the battery a bit. I don't know much about the HB units. The Lowrance Structure Scan has a separate unit from the head unit which draws about .75 amps.....in addition to the .50 amps for the head unit. I run this plus stereo, livewell pumps, etc off my main battery without issue for 8 hours. Keep an eye on your voltage as you get used to the unit. Not too much tho....keep an eye on your rod first.