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Posts: 159
| I have a Lowrance X-17 on dash and a X-15 on the bow both hooked up for GPS with separate pucks and separate transducers.
Can I upgrade to the newest Lowrance units simply by plugging them into the existing chords?
My guess is no way---Far to simple and logical that all Lowrance units would be using the same power, transducer, and GPS pucks.
Any info would be appreciated---
Just as a footnote how much better are the newer units compared to what I already have---Is it even worth making the change?
Thanks in advance. |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | I can't remember on the 17 and 15, but what color are the power cords? If they're blue, then yes, they'll work. If they're grey or the small black ones, then no. My 25C and 27C both crapped out, and their cords all worked.
And GPS pucks are a non-issue, as HDS has internal pucks and if you do go external you'd want to use the 4000 puck.
As far as if they're worth it...that's only up to you and how you use your electronics. I think so. The conventinoal sonar is amazing and the ability to plug and play LSS, sonic hub, Sirius radio is awesome. But I'll also say that if your units are still running fine, run them until they die. It's expensive getting new electronics and they can fail a year into it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Especially if you haven't seen the newer units and are happy with what you have now. Don't change just for hte sake of changing. |
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| I just read your post and went out to my boat. I have an X-15 and a HDS 7 side by side on my bow. I switched the Sonar and the Power cords around and the power cord worked and powered up my HDS 7. Not sure about the sonar, but it appeared to plug in just fine so my assumption is it might work. (I would double check with a marine dealer's rigging department to be sure on your questions)
As far as GPS, the HDS 7s are internal unless a person hooks an external one through the NMEA system. I'm not sure if the older X-17s and 15s are compatable.
In terms of how much better are the new systems.......I think that is depends on the amount of time and the uses the fisherman desires are.
Jeff Anderson |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | The X-15 and 17 should be grey connectors. I would highly suggest against using any old connectors on the new units, they will void your warranty. They may work, but there will be features that won't work, temperature being one of them that I know of.
If you buy a new unit, use the new cords, you know it'll work correctly then. Like the Jeff's said, the HDS units have an internal antenna built in, no external pucks if you don't want. However, the LGC-4000 is well worth the money, so much faster.
Personally, the new units are light years ahead of the 15 and 17, don't even compare in my opinion. As E-fly said, the capabilities and the networking opportunities that HDS units offer makes it well worth it.
I know electronics aren't cheap, but I always look to sell any old units the moment new ones come out or within a year of them coming out. You can still manage to get pretty decent money for them and that way it keeps you up to date with the newest equipment, plus you have warranty when needed with newer units. |
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| Thanks for the clarification TJ.
I didn't power up the Sonar just the power plug. Makes sense that it shouldn't work though.
The new technologies are amazing if one can justify the purchases for sure.
Jeff Anderson |
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