Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

[LX Kid]

Just got my Lowrance HDS-7 installed and have never used a fish finder before. Probably bought the wrong unit as it seems like a basic unit with the 83/200 transducer. Don't understand a lot of the termionology used in some of the menus. Took me a couple of hours to figure out I was in the "simulation" mode and how to disable it. Does anyone have a recomendation for a DVD to learn how to use this darn thing? The manual is very basic and vague, "to me," and doesn't explain things very well. Youtube not much help either. Thanks

 

[Jeremy Williams]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

I have a HDS-5, which is basically the same with a smaller size screen. I have to agree with you, the whole interface is awkward to use. The key things are using the 'Page' button to change views, and when using GPS the 'exit' button will toggle views between map mode and tracking mode (map stationary, using cursor to move display or map moves as your boat moves).

I hope this is somewhat helpful - sorry if it isn't.

I spent some time at the dock just messing around with the menus to explore. Still finding stuff. Also note that there is an update at Lowrance you can download (version 3.0)

I applied the update, but it wasn't easy! I ended up 'cheating' to get it to work. (I have a Mac, and the updater has some glitches). A nice thing about the update is a new low voltage alarm.

 

[valleydawg]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

Ok guys I am looking at the HDS 7 for my boat and was ready to pull the trigger. Are you saying do not buy? What would you buy then? Thanks

 

[RicMic]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

Wow, the HDS-7 is anything but a basic unit, IMO the "basic" units start about 700 or 800 dollars south of there! I think its the opposite the HDS series just has a whole lot of things included that most people don't use. I know some of the fishing guides around here, run classes on the water to teach people how to use them. Its probably not the best first unit to use. However, I was told that before the came on the market, they gave them to some of their employees with NO instructions, to see if they could figure them out and they did, but they basically had to forget what they already knew and start over, since the HDS use a different operating system than their older units.

 

[LX Kid]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

My whole reason for getting the HDS-7 was because I liked the side scan capabilities and already knew that I had to buy the structure scan to get everything. After buying the unit it "appears" that side scan doesn't come with it. I just could not find out enough information to make an informed buy. I probably would still have bought it just the same because I've heard that Lowrance is good quality equipment and not seen too many complain about their equipment line.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

I have been using the Lowrance HDS-8 for a couple of weeks. It is fantastic. Someone who says he "never used a fish finder before" is the last person I would take advice from on what to buy. I think the NAVICO operating system that runs the HDS-series is really quite straightforward and in general is very simple to learn.

If you can read technical sales literature with any sort of comprehension it is quite clear that the side scan capabilities are in the add-on LSS-1 unit, and not included in any of the HDS units. Here is the first sentence from their web page on the LSS-1:

"Presenting the most incredible tool for improving fishing success ever devised by Lowrance, and an add-on option for all HDS displays."

I don't understand how anyone would get the impression that the LSS-1 was included in the base price of a HDS unit. The first sentence on the web page says "an add-on option."

 

[valleydawg]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

I would prefer something that is fairly simple. Any suggestions?

 

[RicMic]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

You might take a look at the Elite 5, thats what I ended up with, I think it is Lowrance's answer to "something simpler than the HDS". It only comes with the 5" screen and sonar and gps.

 

[DucknFish]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

I have 2 HDS5 and they are easy to use. I also have the LSS-1 (stucture scan) which i love. It does take some time to learn the correct way to use but it is very easy to navigate the pages once you know what you are looking for. I have looked at and used the HB's that are the same "quality" as the HDS and hands down the lowerance is the better choice IMHO.

I have mine networked together and have the either net connected to both units so that i can see structure scan on both. i can be hard getting the nework setup i will say, but well worth the trouble when you can be at either unit and save a waypoint.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

I have very little experience in this area, but my boat has a Humminbird (yes, I do believe that's how they spell it) and it seems easy enough. The unit does not have GPS, but it does side scan. I found the manual (which can be found on-line) to be very helpful.

I realize this is no help to the OP, but to others thinking about this accessory, Humminbird seems like an OK choice (since I had no part in buying the unit, you won't hurt my feelings if you tell me otherwise).

 

[Quietguy]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

Ok guys I am looking at the HDS 7 for my boat and was ready to pull the trigger. Are you saying do not buy? What would you buy then? Thanks

Don't be discouraged. It is a great unit and as a fellow learner user I found that taking it bit by bit it was easy to learn how to use the range of functions. Start with the quick guide and just attempt new features as you master one, and its ok and well worthwhile.

I wasted hundreds of $$$ by starting with an inferior unit, then after a month changing up to a hds5

David

 

[Don S]

Re: Lowrance HDS-7 "learning to use!"

Welcome to iboats Quietguy, this thread is over 2 years old, I doubt they are still trying to figure out how to use the sounders.

Might want to give a look at our forum rules regarding old threads, #12 in particular.
http://forums.iboats.com/forum-rules-guidelines/forum-rules-397820.html