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| Two questions:
1.) If money wasn't an option, what sonar would you own?
2.) What's the most accurate GPS system (including software of course)? Someone told me that the XL maps are the most accurate....and that the Hot Spot maps are not very accurate. So, I'm looking at a Lowrance that uses MapCreate 6....are these very accurate?? Do all GPS's use XL and Hotspot maps?? I'm still confused on this one.
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| I have a Garmin 168 that uses the Hot Spots V4 software, from what I have seen to date it seems to be very accurate. This is how I tested the system
Picked a spot (Hump)on the lake that any one can find using a topo map and Depth finder, using the software I set this spot as a way point and downloaded into the GPS, After launching the boat my partner watched where we were going while I slowly motored across the lake and only looked at the GPS Screen, when we got to the way point the arrival alarm went off and I turned on the Depthfinder we were right on the hump!
For another test I put a marker overboard over open water and set that spot as the waypoint then went to the other side of the lake again we slowly motored back to the waypoint while I only watched the screen when the arrival alarm went off we were only 4 ft away from the marker, this could have been from the marker drifing or the GPS was off by 4 ft.
Either way the point is that for me anyway the Hotspots maps seem to be very accurate, I will find out for sure on LOTW in Aug big water and lots of Islands and structure
One thing to keep in mind however is that no matter how good of a unit you get it is only a tool and nothing can replace your own eyes and common sense
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| If money was not an option? How about space?! Probably the newest LCX-104C from Lowrance. 10.4" color, 640 X 480 resolution. GPS capable, too!
For the GPS, the new GlobalMap 7000C. Same size and resolution. It will use Navionics and HotSpots maps. Connect it to the 104C via the NMEA port, and you'll have GPS there, too.
I have the LCX-15 MT. Great sonar! I just received the updated HotSpots MMC's for it. They are supposed to have corrected the accuracy problem of the maps. Plus they added a lot of lakes for each region. I have not used them yet, but will report when I do. Probably some time in March. |
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| Hey Shep,
Thanks a lot. I'm looking into buying a LCX-15MT or the LCX-16 color version.
So, you buy HotSpot map MMC cards?? On the MapCreate6 software, you create maps on your PC using data that is burned on a CD, then you download the detailed map you created from the CD's to your MMC cards and plug them into your trays. So it sounds like the HotSpot cards come ready to go....only difference is MapCreate6 has all the details on CD's, then you create your own card for any body of water you want. Am I right so far??
Does anyone have any experience with the XL charts??
What other options are there?? |
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| MapCreate will not show structure details. I had heard of somebody recording to the MMC, and then loading the info to MapCreate6 to make his own lake maps. I have not done this.
If you get the HotSpots MMC's, DO NOT try to copy them! I think they will selfdestruct, and you'll have to buy them again. No known way of getting the info off them.
I have the XL Chart for LOTW for my GlobalMap 100 handheld. Looked to be almost the exact same thing as the HotSpot's version.
X-15 MT is a great unit. The X-16's should be coming down a little in price. |
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| Steve.....
You get serious about an X15 call me... The Ranger I bought this fall had one on it that was one-month old...yes one month and the guy only turned it on twice. He used the LMS 350 that is parked next to it on the dash... Looks like a sports bar when staring at my consol.
Quite frankly I was very impressed with Shep's unit when I fished with him last summer. But I have become an awefully big fan of Garmin products over the past few years.
You get interested, I may seriously consider making you a deal. I need to do a little more checking on my end but right now it looks like I'm going to have an X-15 and possibly an LMS 350-A for sale along with a two month old Minn-Kota Maxim.
715-836-7463 |
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| I'll try to call you tomorrow (Friday). |
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| I would say Shep hit the nail on the head. Go Lowrance! |
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| Mr. Moderator (Mark Hintz)........
You've Got Mail. |
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