Lowrance to Add Side-Viewing Sonar Option for HDS Models in 2009
![]() A sample image of an underwater channel as seen through Lowrance side-viewing sonar technology to be released in 2009. |
In 2009, Lowrance will introduce a side-viewing sonar option, with wide-angle coverage to the sides of the boat and the best underwater field of vision ever achieved -- an exclusive option for all HDS users.
Presenting a new dimension in bottom and structure viewing, Lowrance side-viewing technology, Structure Scan, delivers the same legendary total sonar performance that anglers have come to expect from Lowrance. Plus, it can be displayed in tandem with existing high-definition 2D sonar images -- powered by the built-in HDS Broadband Sounder.
As a simple, cost-efficient add-on accessory module, the new sonar technology is easily networked using Lowrance ethernet connections - allowing anglers to enjoy this Lowrance sonar advantage on all HDS displays mounted on their boat. The side-viewing sonar technology can be added at any time after the HDS display is installed on a boat, and it will work with all HDS displays, including GPS chartplotter-only models.
Designed by the leader in recreational fishfinder innovations, the new Lowrance side-viewing sonar option for HDS is great news for serious and pro anglers, as well as those involved in underwater search and recovery, marine archeology and marine ecology sciences.
Further details on Lowrance side-viewing sonar technology will be released later this year. At this time, no additional information is available. For more information on Lowrance's revolutionary HDS multi-function display systems, please contact Lowrance Sales Service at 1-800-324-0044.
This is truly some exciting news for dedicated Lowrance users not wanting to switch to Hummingbird just to get Side Imaging technology. Hopefully it is as good or better then what is out there. Sounds like you will be able to just add this feature on to any HD unit you have bought or will buy in the near future.
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Hopefully the competition will also force an adjustment to the pricing from both manufacturers.
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That’s great, I never thought about this like that before.
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My experience with the HDS 7 has not been good. The unit does not have the ability to change the time so it will match the actual time of day. A time was set at the factory, and it is not accurate, and there are no instructions in the HDS 7 guide as to how to set the clock.
My unit will not hold the bottom, most of the time there is no depth displayed, just a series of dashes. The instruction manual is poorly written. I talked to a tech today at Lowrance and he tld me to do a hard re-set of the unit, and then return it if that did not work. The Lowrance website says to push both zoom in and zoom out buttins and to press and hold the power button, then release both buttons. But, which two buttons are to be released? The unit does not display the location, so putting waypoints into the system seems useless. The unit does display water temperature, it may not be accurate, but it does display a temperature. The HDS 7 is a very expensive water thermometer at least that is I have. Hope anyone else who buys the HDS 7 has betterluck then me.
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I have heard rumblings that are some bugs to get out of the HDS systems, not any specifics, but this is typical with most technologies. On the up side, Lowrance usually continues to publish software updates for these units. You should be able to take your unit, just the head to a local electronics store and they will do updates for you. Not sure if updates are ready for the new HDS, but I would call around to your local sporting goods stores to find out!
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I found your site on delicious today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later ..
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Nice clean looking blog with great information. I have some Bass related articles that go hand in hand with your blog stop by and take alook.
thanks matty
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I am looking forward to installing an LSS-1 module on my boat this week! We'll be heading out in the Gulf (from Sarasota) & down to the keys for a week of fishin. I'll post a full review soon...
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A full review would be awesome, I am planning to order a LSS-1 or a Humminbird Side Imager this winter
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I have just purchase a hds5 with insight so I will now have to sit down and try to understand the owners manueljst to use this tool but it looks like it will take a lot of time on the water playing with the unit to finally understand everything that the unit is capable of.
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Wow, sonars for fishing? I mean, it's awesome that we get all this new technology to accessorize our hobbies, but my idea of fishing involves the patient waiting for a fish to bite, not actually looking around for where it will most likely happen. I suppose I have a bit of a naive view, but oh well, if it helps other fishermen/women, then I'm glad!
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The film conveys the enigmatic, complex life and exploits of an eccentric, rebellious, desert-loving, messianic, Oxford-bred British Army officer/Welsh cartographer (repeatedly referred to as an "Englishman"), who unites the desert-dwelling Arabian Bedouins against the oppressive Turks (allies of Germany) during World War I.
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being new to side imaging, what exactly am I seeing in that picture? why is it split down the middle? looks like sunken trees???
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You see a split in the middle because the sonar is shooting off to the sides, the white bar down the middle is a blind spot, but you can watch that with your regular sonar or down imaging. Yes that is brush and trees lining the drop in this image.
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Presentinga new dimension in bottom and structure viewing, Lowrance side-viewingtechnology delivers the same legendary total sonar performance thatanglers have come to expect from Lowrance. Plus, it can be displayed intandem with existing high-definition 2D sonar images -- powered by thebuilt-in HDS Broadband Sounder.
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I researched the "Lowrance customer service anomaly" and found evidence in reviews on Bass Pro and Cabelas. After reading the reviews, (and listening to advice from my Bass club members), me and my tourney partner decided to go with Humminbird.
But, to be honest, trying to compare these two company's is a "preference" issue. It's like trying to compare Shimano and Daiwa.
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Here's another option to save you money. Look through Craigslist in your State and surrounding States. Although you don't get a warranty, I see VERY nice used units pop up on Craigslist, (and Ebay) frequently. With the economy slowly taking a nose-dive there are plenty of people who want to unload good used fishing equipment for a reasonable price.
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I researched the "Lowrance customer service anomaly" and found evidence in reviews on Bass Pro and Cabelas. After reading the reviews, (and listening to advice from my Bass club members), me and my tourney partner decided to go with Humminbird.
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I have just purchase a hds5 with insight so I will now have to sit down and try to understand the owners manueljst to use this tool but it looks like it will take a lot of time on the water playing with the unit to finally understand everything that the unit is capable of.
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