Hey guys. I saw a great sale at GM and picked up a 798si Hummingbird. I was wondering if there is anything I should be aware of while or before installing it? I have heard some horror stories about software updates so should I hold off updating it? Also I have a Tracker Pro 165 and want to mount it at the console. Does anyone else have this boat with any mounted pics? This will be my first time installing one. It seems pretty simple the only thing that worries me is the transducer placement so any pics of that would be awesome too. I am excited to learn this unit. I am going from the stock Lowrance X4 so it it a huge upgrade. I know the screen is small but I opted for smaller screen with side imaging vs larger without it. Eventually I will probably get a larger one and move this to the bow. Thanks again guys.
Frank
What does the transom look like--straight or stepped? Where is the present transducer.
You're gonna love that thing. Sure it's small, but what it does makes up for it (I've lived by that motto for years btw...) There are pretty good instructions with it that really narrow the installation down for you. I watched a couple of vids on youtube also that helped. Just don't rush, do some homework on it and take your time; you'll be good.
Transom is straight. Present one is mounted at the bottom. My issue is that will it work ok if the transducer is above the bottom of the hull to protect it from debris?
On 2/10/2014 at 9:22 AM, DelcoSol said:Transom is straight. Present one is mounted at the bottom. My issue is that will it work ok if the transducer is above the bottom of the hull to protect it from debris?
It has a kick up bracket if you hit anything. If it kicks up you would need to manually put it back into place. Transducer Shield and Saver makes a spring back bracket which pops it up if you hit anything but automatically springs it back into place.
^^^This, and you want water moving over it so they recommend the bottom of the ducer to be about 1/8 under the bottom of the boat. You'll see all that in the instructions too.
Just got it in the mail today. Installation seems to be pretty simple. Learning to use it is another story all together..
Do I need to buy a map card? Most of the lakes I fish are not anything huge or well known. Also, could the unit be powered by the trolling motor battery to display battery volatge on screen or will that cause too much interference?
Power it off the starting battery. The TM battery will surely cause interference. As far as map cards, the unit has built in mapping. If your lakes aren't on there, you can check for coverage on the Navionics web app http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp and the Lakemaster website http://www.lakemap.com/Find-a-Lake/#.Uvr1r6-YZqM
I just purchased this same unit and installed it on a Tracker 175 TXW. I've had it on the water once. The unit seems to work excellent. My original installation of the transducer proved to be a little low so I raised it slightly but haven't had it back out yet.
One neat thing about this unit is if you put a SD card in it, it will take a screen shot anytime you set a waypoint.
Yes...
What I have...
(1) Humminbird Model: 798CI HD
(1) SanDisk 8 GB Class 4 SD Flash Memory Card SDSDB-008G-AFFP - $7.57
(1) Lakemaster 6000151 Digital GPS Electronic Fishing Chart - $91.46
(Great Lakes - Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky)
I was reading in the forums about the max speed of the Flash Memory card you select.
Some were posting online that they bought a faster memory card, but it wasent working well with the 798. ( determined by Class )
I wrote Humminbird, told them I had the 798, and wanted the biggest, fastest memory card that works with my unit.
I told them to go to Amazon, and post me a direct link to what they think would work best for me.
The above card was it, with the caution to not pass a Class 4 speed.
Pictures of my install, which was done by the Lund dealer for me.
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130241-in-love-with-my-2014-lund-fury/
I know nothing about the software updates.
On 2/15/2014 at 4:10 AM, Talonman said:Yes...
What I have...
(1) Humminbird Model: 798CI HD
(1) SanDisk 8 GB Class 4 SD Flash Memory Card SDSDB-008G-AFFP - $7.57
(1) Lakemaster 6000151 Digital GPS Electronic Fishing Chart - $91.46
(Great Lakes - Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky)
I was reading in the forums about the max speed of the Flash Memory card you select.
Some were posting online that they bought a faster memory card, but it wasent working well with the 798. ( determined by Class )
I wrote Humminbird, told them I had the 798, and wanted the biggest, fastest memory card that works with my unit.
I told them to go to Amazon, and post me a direct link to what they think would work best for me.
The above card was it, with the caution to not pass a Class 4 speed.
Pictures of my install, which was done by the Lund dealer for me.
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130241-in-love-with-my-2014-lund-fury/
I know nothing about the software updates.
I use the SanDisk Extreme in my 798. The write time is faster so you can take consecutive screen shots with less delay.
Been saving screen shots and recording since November 2009. Class 10 cards are recommended by their Pro Staff.
Humminbird units can use up to a 32 GB size card.
I tend to use smaller size cards for screen shots when not recording--takes less time to format them.
The faster cards do work...
But your recordings may suffer...
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=lbk8vchiq6f53gr9v7nknq8lj4&topic=2884.0
Be sure to check the last post for the image problem solution...
I found a 2GB SanDisk SD Ultra card, Speed class 4 (15 MB/s) and tested on water today - all gaps are gone!! I used the latest firmware update for the 981, 4.950. The newer and faster cards will rest in the drawer until there is a fix for them. Or perhaps my stepdaughter wants them for her camera?
Relieved...
Rickard
On 2/15/2014 at 7:16 AM, Talonman said:The faster cards do work...
But your recordings suffer...
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=lbk8vchiq6f53gr9v7nknq8lj4&topic=2884.0
Glad I didn't have the 'Pro Staff' answer my question!
Be sure to check the last post for the image problem solution...
I found a 2GB SanDisk SD Ultra card, Speed class 4 (15 MB/s) and tested on water today - all gaps are gone!! I used the latest firmware update for the 981, 4.950. The newer and faster cards will rest in the drawer until there is a fix for them. Or perhaps my stepdaughter wants them for her camera?
Relieved...
Rickard
You are correct, I only have 4 years of experience doing recordings and snapshots. About 200 recordings so far.
The 981 has a very slow processor compared to models after that one. Software versions are past 6.000 now. The 981 has been left in the dust as far as capabilities and processing.They were 2005/2006 models..
BTW, Rickard is in Sweden and that post was from 2011 and his unit was already two generations old.
I guess the guy at Hummingbird gave me bad info in July of 2013.
Funny how both the thread, and the dude at Hummingbird went with a Class 4. Odd...
I would think the problem has more to do with the hardware of the reader, than a software update, but who knows.
OP will have to go with what he thins is best for him, as we both like our current cards.
Talonman out!
Thanks for the info guys. I can't wait to install and try this thing out. So which card should I get then?
On 2/15/2014 at 8:27 PM, DelcoSol said:Thanks for the info guys. I can't wait to install and try this thing out. So which card should I get then?
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/127262-navionics-or-lakemaster-sd-card/
My 798. Finally got warm enough to mount it.
Looking good Man!!
I have also confirmed my info was incorrect about Max Class speed that you can successfully use being 4.
Listen to Wayne P.
The fact is... He is an expert on these units.
Apologies to you Sir, I stand corrected.
I would just like to say I did suppy Wayne with a picture, to insure I wasent just telling a fish story about contacting support.
I have the 598 si, It has the same screen as the 798, just remember to set your si view to about 75 feet or less. it will help the screen image size big time.
Enjoy
On 2/28/2014 at 11:14 AM, dfris said:I have the 598 si, It has the same screen as the 798, just remember to set your si view to about 75 feet or less. it will help the screen image size big time.
Enjoy
Good suggestion.
Another one is choose to view one side only in the SI view. That will make the displayed subjects twice the size on the screen with the same SI range setting.
On 2/15/2014 at 6:16 AM, Wayne P. said:I use the SanDisk Extreme in my 798. The write time is faster so you can take consecutive screen shots with less delay.
Been saving screen shots and recording since November 2009. Class 10 cards are recommended by their Pro Staff.
Humminbird units can use up to a 32 GB size card.
I tend to use smaller size cards for screen shots when not recording--takes less time to format them.
Being a new user with the same unit as the OP I have to ask, what is the avg format time of a 32gb card and how often does this need to be done? Do I need more than one card? What is the "smaller" size card you use? I plan to do mapping if that matters.
On 3/2/2014 at 4:51 AM, camovan said:Being a new user with the same unit as the OP I have to ask, what is the avg format time of a 32gb card and how often does this need to be done? Do I need more than one card? What is the "smaller" size card you use? I plan to do mapping if that matters.
Don't remember. I only used the 32 GB twice and found out I don't NEED that much memory for the recordings I do.
I just remember it takes a lot longer than I want to wait for a format.
I format every time after I upload recordings to the Sonar Charts program then copy the data from the card to a flash drive for storage.
I have over a dozen cards of various sizes and speeds. I use an old 128 MB card for unit software updates.
I use the 8 GB the most since I am used to the file sizes and how much data I typically record. I don't randomly record, I do that for a specific purpose and location. Right now I have 16 GB cards in two units and 8 GB in one.
I'll be doing some recording tomorrow while testing the 360 so I'll be using a 16 GB to gather more data for improving a contour map of that location. I'll take an 8GB with me just in case. I will be just using one unit tomorrow since the lake is electric-only.
Your results may vary.
On 3/2/2014 at 5:11 AM, Wayne P. said:Don't remember. I only used the 32 GB twice and found out I don't NEED that much memory for the recordings I do.
I just remember it takes a lot longer than I want to wait for a format.
I format every time after I upload recordings to the Sonar Charts program then copy the data from the card to a flash drive for storage.
I have over a dozen cards of various sizes and speeds. I use an old 128 MB card for unit software updates.
I use the 8 GB the most since I am used to the file sizes and how much data I typically record. I don't randomly record, I do that for a specific purpose and location. Right now I have 16 GB cards in two units and 8 GB in one.
I'll be doing some recording tomorrow while testing the 360 so I'll be using a 16 GB to gather more data for improving a contour map of that location. I'll take an 8GB with me just in case. I will be just using one unit tomorrow since the lake is electric-only.
Your results may vary.
Thanks, will start with a 16gb card. Does the 798 take sd or micro sd cards?
On 3/2/2014 at 7:04 AM, camovan said:Thanks, will start with a 16gb card. Does the 798 take sd or micro sd cards?
It has SD card slots.
You can use the microSD cards in a SD card adaptor.
Most current Navionics mapping cards are microSD in a SD adaptor.
Thank you!
Finally got it installed. Just wanted thoughts on transducer placement. Sorry the pics aren't the best but the seam at the center of the transducer is even with the bottom of the hull and it is level both ways. I am not sure what the white thing is next to it? Speedo maybe? if its in the way I will just take it off because it doesn't work too often anyway.
Yes, that is the speedometer pitot tube. Remove it, your unit has a GPS speed readout.
The only thing prettier than the 798 in that last pic is the bare ground!
+1... Fing mounting job DelcoSol
I can't tell in the pictures, did you insert the rooster tail plug in the mount?
On 3/5/2014 at 1:56 AM, Wayne P. said:I can't tell in the pictures, did you insert the rooster tail plug in the mount?
Not sure what you mean? It basically fit exactly where my old lowrance unit did. the base holes almost were the same too. I just ran the transducer and power wires to the unit through the console the same way it was and plugged it in.
On 3/3/2014 at 8:54 AM, Smokinal said:The only thing prettier than the 798 in that last pic is the bare ground!
It's not bare here anymore
On 3/5/2014 at 10:03 AM, DelcoSol said:Not sure what you mean?
There is a small rectangular adaptor piece that prevent the transducer from shooting up roostertails. It should have come with the mounting hardware
Do you have a picture of it?
On 3/5/2014 at 10:21 AM, DelcoSol said:Do you have a picture of it?
Yes I have that. The instructions do not mention it. I was wondering what it was. How does it go on?
Thanks for the post!! Now I finally know what I am missing...
I did not get one, and I have the rooster tail issue BAD!
I wish Hummingbird would have given us all one.
It's no wonder it is not mentioned in the instructions, 50% of us never received that part.
I am trying my best to mod their mount with black tape.
I also wish the Lund dealer would have correct that during the install, and informed me that they picked me out a bad box, with a critical missing part.
I bet they knew about this issue too. I am calling them in the AM to insure they dont do this to their other customers.
I think it goes near where your transducer meets the mount, so it wont scoup water up and throw it into the back of your boat, like mine does.
Update: I just wrote hummingbird, requesting my missing part, and linking to this thread.
What I would really like to know is who decided that only 50% of their 798's get the anti-rooster tail part, and why was that ok?
My stance is: When you spend over a grand on a unit, the plastic part that keeps you, and the inside of your boat dry, should have been included.
Now it's back on me to get the missing part, that some others got for free. Needless to say how that makes me feel.
That means I received bad SD card advice when contacting them directly, and my unit was missing a part that caused my friends to ask, why does your new boat shoot water in the back?
A question that I had no good answer for, until now.
Thanks again for the info, and picture posted. I now hold the answer!
On 3/5/2014 at 10:57 AM, Talonman said:I did not get one, and I have the rooster tail issue.
I whish Hummingbird would have given us all one.
I am trying my best with black tape.
I also wish the Lund dealer would have correct that during the install.
I think it goes near where your transducer meets the mount, so it wont scoup water up and throw it into the back of my boat, like mine does.
Update: I just wroth them, demanding my missing part, and linking to this thread.
Call HB up. I'm sure they'll send you one
I got one. It just wasn't in the instructions so I figured it was some kind of shipping thing rather than a crucial part.
On 3/5/2014 at 11:24 AM, slonezp said:Call HB up. I'm sure they'll send you one
I hope so...
They now know.
On 3/5/2014 at 10:57 AM, Talonman said:Thanks for the post!! Now I finally know what I am missing...
I did not get one, and I have the rooster tail issue BAD!
I wish Hummingbird would have given us all one.
It's no wonder it is not mentioned in the instructions, 50% of us never received that part.
I am trying my best to mod their mount with black tape.
I also wish the Lund dealer would have correct that during the install, and informed me that they picked me out a bad box, with a critical missing part.
I bet they knew about this issue too. I am calling them in the AM to insure they dont do this to their other customers.
I think it goes near where your transducer meets the mount, so it wont scoup water up and throw it into the back of your boat, like mine does.
Update: I just wrote hummingbird, requesting my missing part, and linking to this thread.
What I would really like to know is who decided that only 50% of their 798's get the anti-rooster tail part, and why was that ok?
My stance is: When you spend over a grand on a unit, the plastic part that keeps you, and the inside of your boat dry, should have been included.
Now it's back on me to get the missing part, that some others got for free. Needless to say how that makes me feel.
That means I received bad SD card advice when contacting them directly, and my unit was missing a part that caused my friends to ask, why does your new boat shoot water in the back?
A question that I had no good answer for, until now.
Thanks again for the info, and picture posted. I now hold the answer!
The rooster tail plug is part of the XNT mount. Several transducers use that mount.
It has been included with the mount for at least 5 years.
Your unit model makes no difference.
I have several since I break the XNT mount in stumps occasionally and have spare mounts.
Send me a PM and I'll send you one of you can't find yours.
On 3/5/2014 at 9:35 PM, Wayne P. said:The rooster tail plug is part of the XNT mount. Several transducers use that mount.
It has been included with the mount for at least 5 years.
Your unit model makes no difference.
I have several since I break the XNT mount in stumps occasionally and have spare mounts.
Send me a PM and I'll send you one of you can't find yours.
Dealer rigged the boat and dealer threw out the part because they didn't know what it was for
PM sent! Thanks again Wayne, you are the man...
This is how it currently looks: Black tape and Zip ties was my mod.
Bofore that, you could see straight through. No rubber stopper to fill the huge gap.
I tried to fix this myself, unsuccessfully. I thought it look good, but it still shoots water in the back of my boat, with some water deflectiong off the engine first.
Wayne, If you havent found one yet, you don't have to worry about it brother!!
The Lund dealer took care of me in Aces.
They Fed Ex me one overnight, including install instructions, and alen wrench. I am now taken care of.
Install instructions:
1 - Unscrew the transducer mount arms to loosen the mount space.
2 - Push the Transducer Incert up through the mount space until it is fully incerted. If the space is not easily accessible, lift up the Transducer.
(picture shows slots pointing down towards the ground, and the smaller end of the incert going in first. The larger end with the ridge is toward your boat, and the smaller end being incerted into the gap.)
(also your incerting the Transducer Incert from below the transducer, not from above)
3 - Once the Transducer Incert is fully incerted, reposition the transducer and tighten the mount arms. Adjust the transducer for on-the-water operation as needed (see your transducer installation guide for details).
I am not sure if Hummingbird is also going to send me one because as of yet, there has been no responce to my letter submitted on their web page.
Thanks again Wayne for trying to help me out.
Could you post a pic of it installed? My boat is not here and I just want to get an idea of where it goes.
On 3/7/2014 at 7:21 AM, Talonman said:Wayne, If you havent found one yet, you don't have to worry about it brother!!
The Lund dealer took care of me in Aces.
They Fed Ex me one overnight, including install instructions, and alen wrench. I am now taken care of.
Install instructions:
1 - Unscrew the transducer mount arms to loosen the mount space.
2 - Push the Transducer Incert up through the mount space until it is fully incerted. If the space is not easily accessible, lift up the Transducer.
(picture shows slots pointing down towards the ground, and the smaller end of the incert going in first. The larger end with the ridge is toward your boat, and the smaller end being incerted into the gap.)
(also your incerting the Transducer Incert from below the transducer, not from above)
3 - Once the Transducer Incert is fully incerted, reposition the transducer and tighten the mount arms. Adjust the transducer for on-the-water operation as needed (see your transducer installation guide for details).
I am not sure if Hummingbird is also going to send me one because as of yet, there has been no responce to my letter submitted on their web page.
Thanks again Wayne for trying to help me out.
Rather than writing HB, Give them a call. There customer service is excellent.
On 3/7/2014 at 7:27 AM, DelcoSol said:Could you post a pic of it installed? My boat is not here and I just want to get an idea of where it goes.
Will do... I have to go to work now on my Night Shift job.
I will post one in the AM.
I have time to post this...
Install shot will still be in the AM.
Thank you sir. Just what I needed. I wonder why my instructions do not include this?
Glad to help!
To me this part looks like an after-thought.
I would bet real money that the first units did not include this part. That is specifically why is there was no mention of this part in our manuals.
Then people starting having rooster tails that reached up into the heavens, and also having a up-hill jet of water pounding their engines, and made it known to Hummingbird.
Hummingbird then made this part, along with a single sheet of instructions to resolve the issue.
But there was no way that they were going to reprint the manual, or re-open some boxes to incert the part.
That is why it is not mentioned in either of our instruction books, or probably any for that matter??
I still don't really know if the dealer threw mine out, or if it was never included in my box when they packaged it.
When I called the dealer, and told them all my friends were asking why my new Lund Fury was spraying water in the back of my boat, it hit a nerve with them. (Good on the Lund delaer!)
They then had the very dude who completed my install call me, and he told me that he knew exactly what I needed, and was going to send one to me.
(Fed-EX over-night showed me that thay do care, and was unexpected to me.)
That is why I can't believe that he didn't know what this part was for, on my boat install day, and just threw it into the trash...
He has been working there for a while, and this was not his first Hummingbird install, I can assure you...
I still think it was not in my box, and it was an after-thought, after the initial production run.
If not, why no install instructions in the manual, rather than a single stand-alone yellow sheet of paper?? I think there is a story behind this part.
The end result being no mention of the part in the manual, and some boxes made it out the door with this part not included, like mine...
Granted, all conjecture on my part, but the customer is always right!
Bottom line, I am just glad I now have it, and you helped to rub my nose on exactly what I was missing.
I didn't get time to install it yet, my 12 hour shifts take most of the day, along with seep and road trip, I simply ran out of time.
My weekend starts Sunday at 8AM this week. I will do my install shortly after that.
I will have to take my friends out for another ride after my install, to redeem the fine Lund name.
They were giving my boat credit for the abnormal rooster tail, not Hummingbird. I full well intend to correct that.
Still no contact from Hummingbird, other than an email confirming that they had my correct email address after contacting support.
There was a conformation link in the email, which I did click, and was added to their email list for adds.
The adds are comming in just fine.
Now that I have the part, I am just going to let nature take it's course, and see if they ever call or write me.
My cell phone number, and unit serial number was included when I sent them my request.
The timer is still running.
Do let me know how your install goes!
On 3/7/2014 at 9:51 AM, Talonman said:Glad to help!
To me this part looks like an after-thought.
I would bet real money that the first units did not include this part. That is specifically why is there was no mention of this part in our manuals.
Then people starting having rooster tails that reached up into the heavens, and also having a up-hill jet of water pounding their engines, and made it known to Hummingbird.
Hummingbird then made this part, along with a single sheet of instructions to resolve the issue.
But there was no way that they were going to reprint the manual, or re-open some boxes to incert the part.
That is why it is not mentioned in either of our instruction books, or probably any for that matter??
I still don't really know if the dealer threw mine out, or if it was never included in my box when they packaged it.
When I called the dealer, and told them all my friends were asking why my new Lund Fury was spraying water in the back of my boat, it hit a nerve with them. (Good on the Lund delaer!)
They then had the very dude who completed my install call me, and he told me that he knew exactly what I needed, and was going to send one to me.
(Fed-EX over-night showed me that thay do care, and was unexpected to me.)
That is why I can't believe that he didn't know what this part was for, on my boat install day, and just threw it into the trash...
He has been working there for a while, and this was not his first Hummingbird install, I can assure you...
I still think it was not in my box, and it was an after-thought, after the initial production run.
If not, why no install instructions in the manual, rather than a single stand-alone yellow sheet of paper?? I think there is a story behind this part.
The end result being no mention of the part in the manual, and some boxes made it out the door with this part not included, like mine...
Granted, all conjecture on my part, but the customer is always right!
Bottom line, I am just glad I now have it, and you helped to rub my nose on exactly what I was missing.
I didn't get time to install it yet, my 12 hour shifts take most of the day, along with seep and road trip, I simply ran out of time.
My weekend starts Sunday at 8AM this week. I will do my install shortly after that.
I will have to take my friends out for another ride after my install, to redeem the fine Lund name.
They were giving my boat credit for the abnormal rooster tail, not Hummingbird. I full well intend to correct that.
Still no contact from Hummingbird, other than an email confirming that they had my correct email address after contacting support.
There was a conformation link in the email, which I did click, and was added to their email list for adds.
The adds are comming in just fine.
Now that I have the part, I am just going to let nature take it's course, and see if they ever call or write me.
My cell phone number, and unit serial number was included when I sent them my request.
The timer is still running.
You are correct that the plug is a remendy added later than the printed unit installation instructions. BUT the plug has been included in a separate package with instructions for 3-4 years. There is no need to re-do the installation instructions to include the plug instructions.
If you just buy a mount (MXH XNT), it comes in a bubble package with installation instructions and the package with the plug that has the installation instructions.
I break the mounts in trees/stumps. That is why I have all those plugs. I don't use my SI transducer at the bottom of the hull so I never needed to install the plug. I do my own installs so I know they are done correctly.
Probably a wise thing to do.
Wayne,
Just wanted to let you know that I did receive your package in the mail today.
Thank you agan...
After seeing your full name, I Googled it and found your outstanding article on "A Better Wacky Rigging Method".
I found it to be a good read and very informative, and am going to use your part.
I figure a fisherman of your caliber, some good mojo just might still be on the part!
Your are indeed a scholar and gentleman. Keep up the fine job...
I think that I should post that Hummingbird did also send me the part for free too.
It showed up by UPS yesterday.
My install did go fine too. No complications at all.