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Posts: 8
| Anyone currently running the Humminbird 998c HD SI? I am thinking about buying one for my boat (figuring that I can take it with me when I upgrade the boat). Do you like it? Any issues? |
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Posts: 304
Location: Lino Lakes, MN | I just put one on my boat this spring. So far I love it. I am still learning.
There are not many of those units left out there. I may consider upgrading to the 999 CI HD SI. It will allow you more upgrades.
I am running the latest software version of 6.74 on my 998 C HD SI.
Good Luck
Steve
PS send me a pm if you want a link to a good source for buying a new locater. |
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Posts: 7
| I just installed the 999 two weeks ago and so far like it. Not sure I have the transducer installed in the perfect spot since the starboard side imaging doesn't seem to have near the detail as the port side imaging but i'll have to tinker. My buddy has had the 998 for a couple years and likes it. I found the 999 new online for pretty much the price of the 998 btw. |
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Posts: 337
Location: Watersmeet, Michigan | Love my 998c SI. If I had a place to mount it and the cash to buy it, I'd add a second unit in a flash. (The cheaper 999 does not impress me.)
Fr. K |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | I run the 1198 s. I have them hooked up to my trolling motor. They're great tools |
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Posts: 3
| I just bought a 998 on clearance, awesome detail, I had never used side/down
imaging before and it was money well spent. I put it on my 17' center console 2 weeks ago (not an easy install). After a couple small trips with it I took a big trip Memorial Day weekend. Half way thru this trip the GPS shut down, it would not recognize the GPS receiver. I had to send the unit and receiver back to Humminbird (the transducer stayed on the boat). I did not want to be missing some prime fishing with it so I offered to buy a new receiver. They could refund this purchase after they receive my old one and see it is busted. They could not do this because new GPS receivers are backordered and a repair of the old one would have been faster. I now see why the new units have internal receivers. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I run the 998c with Side Imaging. Really a nice sonar. |
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Location: MN | A few questions.
What is the difference between the 998 HD SI and the 999 HD SI? I read the description on HB site and they are just about identical. Yooper indicated he isn't impressed with the 999. What is the difference and what don't you like?
Do I need two transducers (right and left) for the side imaging to work properly? I read on here (can't find the thread) that some people have had issues with the side imaging interfering with their outboard using the single transducer that comes standard with the unit.
Do I need a GPS puck for the 999 to have accurate positioning?
Thanks |
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Posts: 337
Location: Watersmeet, Michigan | The 999 is has a faster processor, but I have yet to see evidence that is gives better, more accurate returns. The new unit, unlike the 998, does not have built-in networking, so if you want to network two units, you'll need to buy a $200 network hub.
You'll only need one transducer, and as long as it's mounted properly, you won't have any problems with interference. (BTW, the slightly smaller, lower priced 899s come with much inferior transducer.)
My biggest concern with the 999 is the internal GPS antenna. I have the puck antenna mounted directly above my transducer, so that my position and sonar image are on the exact same piece of structure. When I'm fishing structure for walleye, that accuracy becomes very important. With the 999 your GPS antenna and transducer are 10-12 feet apart.
Finally, though I've never read any complaints regarding GPS accuracy on the 999 series, that was a problem on older units utilizing an internal antenna.
Fr. K |
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Posts: 117
| A lot of people are having issues with a software bug in the new xx9 units where the side imaging will be washed out even with the sensitivity adjusted all the way down--humminbird is fixing this for free but reports Ive heard are that there is mixed success with the fix. The xx9 units have a faster processor and a built-in gps reciever which makes them cheaper, but the xx8 processors are fast enough and you can add a gps puck to the xx9 if you want. The xx9 units do NOT need a network hub unless you have more than 2 units networked--2 units will network with only an ethernet cable and some of em require an ethernet dongle to connect to the ethernet fitting, but thats a $25 part not a $200 part.
Edited by Macintosh 3/25/2015 7:39 AM
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| you can network two units without the ethernet port. it's only if you add a third connection (another unit or terrova) that you need the ethernet port. the xx9-series units do need an ethernet cord adapter "dongle." if it's two units direct, you'll need a dongle for both ends; if you're running from unit to ethernet port you only need it on the unit end. i don't get why you can't just get the cord with the new style connections already installed, but it is what it is.
i did notice lag at times on my previous 998 and 1198 units when scrolling complex maps and running SI at the same time, etc. i'm expecting my new 999 and 1199 units to handle this more smoothly.
the internal gps on the xx9-series units helped reduce cost, which is nice. some people claim the internals are more prone to line-of-sight blocks than external pucks, but the capabilities are the same for internal as external puck: accuracy within 8 feet (2.5m). this accuracy is light years ahead of what we were happy with just a few years ago. there is an external gps puck available which includes a directional compass that helps keep your boat icon pointed properly on the gps screen when moving at extremely slow speeds. i plan to add an external puck for my new console unit, placed in the back of the boat, but that is solely so that it's co-located with my transducers rather than an extra 10' away in the boat. my bow unit is already right over the transducer, so no need for an external puck there.
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Location: MN | Thanks for the info guys. A few follow up questions.
Has Humminbird worked out the SI software bugs for the 999 SI's that they are now sending to retailers? I am buying one from a retailer who received their shipment of graphs this Spring.
Do I need a dongle if I am linking my 999 in the back of the boat to a 859 in the front? I only have two units and do not have the link on my terrova so I will just be linking two graphs.
When you link the graphs do they share any data other than waypoints?
Thanks again! |
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Posts: 270
Location: SE WISCONSIN | 1) I can't tell you if the 999 will have the 800khz wash out you would have to call humminbird with the serial # they will tell you.
2) yes you will need 2 dongle's ! for yhe 999 & 1 for the 859 and a eathernet cable long enough to reach the 2
3)yes they share more than waypoints you will be able to see the side/down imaging from your 999 on your 859.
4) they do not share map card data so you will need 2 map cards or just swap one card bewtween the 2 units |
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Posts: 1023
| You will need two dongles and an ethernet cable to connect your 859 and 999.
Units made after sept 2014 do not have the 800hz washout problem. Mine was made before that so I will need to send it in to have that fixed. the washout issue only affects 800hz not 455hz, which is what most use 80-99% of the time. I have researched this heavily and have my new 859 and 899 rigged and ready - just waiting for winter to end. |
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Posts: 270
Location: SE WISCONSIN | For thoes who don't know the 899 units can't display 800khz with out upgrading to the HDSI transducer. |
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Posts: 1023
| That's true. I upgraded my transducer for around $70. |
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Location: MN | Thanks for the info guys! |
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Humminbird 998c HD SI