Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

[Dick Sorensen]

Getting serious about a Hummingbird Matrix 12 fishfinder/depth system. It indicates that it is 'GPS Ready.' Anybody got any idea what type of GPS device it will work with? Also please share your thoughts about the internal sending unit....has your experience indicated that this is a good way (as in performance) to go? Thanks.

 

[John_S]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

On most HB units, being "GPS ready" means you need to add an external GPS antenea. It is about $100. Check all the features though. Many times these "GPS Ready" units are not as capable or have all the features that come with the "GPS included". Download the users manual and compare features to a new GPS included manual. It might only be a differance in features that are not important to you.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

If the Humminbird is GPS ready- it means that it is most likely only capable of being a trackplotter only. Humminbird has various models that are of course also chartplotters- some have internal antennas and others require an external. Humminbird sells that external GPS receivers for about $100 as stated or if you have the right hand held GPS, you can capture it's output. The handheld GPS needs to be data output capable (NMEA 0183). Many GPS manufacturers have cradles with data cables that will work. Humminbird sells an interface cable that will work with many of the hand helds. BUT, the easiest way to go is with Humminbirds external receiver. Or, but a Humminbird unit with an internal receiver. Those units will have an "i" in their model designation.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

I was hunting for a new GPS/FF just a few months back and looked at the Matrix. It was hard to find out much about the martix models at all. From my research though, I would agree with the others, you need the $100 add on GPS reciever/antenna. FWIW, I found it cheaper (and risk free) to hunt up a deal on a "Combo" and get it all togeather. ( Got the 767 combo for $280 NIB from Cabelas bargan cave.)

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

Thanks. Stopped by the local West Marine outlet and asked the same question. The staff went on line and discovered that while they are still selling the unit they aren't selling the GPS antenna/source. He tried to move me towards a Garmin, fulled tricked out, but also carrying a price point of $500. Way out of my league....especially when you consider that I only paid $1,300. for boat and trailer rig! Thanks again and I'll check out the combo units..

 

[ziemann]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

The Matrix Series units are older units but GPS antennas are readily available. With that being said, I would agree with you that you should look into newer combo units- they will be compatible with the latest features and are well supported. I recently upgraded one of my units with a great find on ebay. The Cabelas Bargain Cave has occasionally yielded some deals... Maybe a 757 or a 787 would be great. If you can find one with an "i" in the model designation- those units have the internal GPS antenna. I would stay with a 700 series if you can afford it.

 

[gss036]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

I have a Matrix unit and did not any problems finding the antenna. It is just a plotter unit where you have a screen with marks on it, no charting capabilites. I also has and use a Garmin color gps with the bluewater system. No comparison. I bought the antenna just to have a back up if I should ever really need it. It works similiar to my "OLD< OLD" Impulse Loran plotter, so iwas able to figure out how to use failry easy.

 

[dreadinger]

Re: Hummingbird Fishfinders & GPS

I use a Garmin GPS with mine. Like it was said in the earlier post there is only waymarking and tracking, no chartplotting.