Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | TJ DeVoe - 5/5/2010 12:26 PM
Reef, actually, that unit is more like 4-5 years old if you look at it from the day it was released. A unit is only current until the next generation unit comes out. Same goes for the IPhone, three generations of IPhones in four years, that's how electronics work.
TJ, actually the unit is in fact 3 years old, as was sold by an authorized Lowrance dealer within that time frame. Understand, I am not ripping Lowrance here. I wouldn't own them if I didn't feel they best suited my needs at the time and understood that the thing wouldn't be supported forever. As far as how electronics work, that is not completely accurate. We spend thousands on new computers that become outdated the day we buy them, but low and behold there are constant updates to install in even 10-11 year old computers that allow them to be used with current software. Apple even allows new itunes to be installed and updates old ipods to add ability to download musiic from the new version of the software.
My point is that there is going to be some shock when alot of folks head out to purchase a replacement chip or even the first ever chip for their 3-5 year old unit, and it won't work. It would probably be as simple as a few keystrokes by folks at Lakemaster(Lowrance) to also offer a chip with the updated lake list that works in slightly older units. I am not arguing that it isn't available now, but I don't buy that it absolutely cannot be done. Heck there are chips for 'birds now, would be cool if they'd alow for an updated chip for the older Lowrances. I'll bet there are a bunch of guys with the lmx 15's and 17's that would lay some cash down for lakemaster if they could pop them into their units as well.
With that said, something I found quite amusing while I wade through this issue with making sure I purchase the right chip for both of my units. I have a friend who runs a couple 4-6 year old Humminbird units. He just found out there was an update released for his unit so he could run the Lakemaster chips. Long story short, update loaded, and Lakemaster chip now working. Interesting and ironic option, for someone to be able to buy an older used Humminbird to read a new Lakemaster chip made by Lowrance.
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