Gen 1 vs. Gen 2. SS xducer

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Tue May 26, 2015 4:48 pm

Currently have a SS xducer/Down/side scan mounted that came with my Gen 2 HDS-8. Purchased a Gen 3 unit with a newer SS xducer (HD). I don't feel like removing the old version due to time and effort of getting the wires rerouted and pulled thru the gunnel again. Then I have to install the new SS xducer. The old version SS xducer from the original works seemingly fine with the new unit, but how much detail am I missing by not using the SS xducer that came with the Gen 3 Unit.

Ken Sauret · Post by **Ken Sauret** » Wed May 27, 2015 11:38 am

The new LSS-2 transducer is about 50% longer. This is because of the much larger crystals contained in the "HD" LSS-2 transducer. This will give you better detail and a little bit further range when compared to the LSS-1.

If you want to keep the older version, LSS-1 transducer, then you will need to get an adaptor cable for the LSS-1 ducer as all Gen 3 units are Touch units and the Structure Scan transducers plug directly into the back of the units. They don't use the black box like the Gen 2 and Gen 1 Key Pad units needed.

I know it is a little work but I would change to the LSS-2 Structure Scan transducer as the picture is better and you don't have to have the adaptor cable which is probably $50 or so. Just my 2 cents. Good Fishing.

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Wed May 27, 2015 11:49 am

Thanks for the Reply Ken. Guess I have to bite the bullet and spend time fishing cables in my gunnel. Its almost a 3/4 day project.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Thu May 28, 2015 6:55 am

Brian,
See if you can use the old cable as a pull cord to bring a heavy duty line, like some stout braid, back through the gunnel when you pull the old cable out. That way, all you have to do it tie/tape your new cable to the line, and pull it back through. I use construction twine, because it is a little thicker and won't get cut on anything it rubs against.

Did the thieves do much damage to your truck?

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Thu May 28, 2015 5:38 pm

Thanks Mark.

reddog · Post by **reddog** » Fri May 29, 2015 8:40 am

I was just trying to eaves drop to pick up info on how these work and realized you're going to have a freed up lss 1. do you have a home for that? I've got a hds 12 gen 2 but dont have the structure/side scan equipment. Let me know thanks

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Fri May 29, 2015 4:10 pm

reddog wrote:I was just trying to eaves drop to pick up info on how these work and realized you're going to have a freed up lss 1. do you have a home for that? I've got a hds 12 gen 2 but dont have the structure/side scan equipment. Let me know thanks

Ahh.. no worries Red. It does have a home. I will have a HDS 12 Gen2 for sale shortly once I get the Gen3 all situated. The Lss1 module and Downscan xducer will be going with it.

reddog · Post by **reddog** » Fri May 29, 2015 5:45 pm

cool let em know when that happens. I'm extremely interested.

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 6:55 am

Well, just spent nearly 5 hrs trying to fish the old SS cable thru the access hole under the console. There was absolutely no way I could pull that wire/with connector without damaging other wires in the process. I was such a hard 45 deg turn where the wire bundle comes thru the starboard access port underneath the console. The other option was to cut the wire and ruin a $200 xducer. Therefore, I am keeping the old Gen 1 SS xducer in place as it works. Chirp or not, its still very functional. Now this brings up a new question... can a Gen 2 Touch 12 unit use a Chirp SS xducer? Connector fits, but what about functionality?

NoCAL · Post by **NoCAL** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 8:00 am

You are mixing terminologies. A Gen 2 Touch is not CHIRP enabled but neither is what you are calling SS. Do you mean LSS? Perhaps some ideas of frequencies is required here.

1)The standard 2D transducer for Lowrance broadcasts at 200 kHz and with software can also show images at 83 kHz.
2)The LSS-1 and 2 broadcasts at 455 and 800 kHz
3)A true CHIRP transducer (Airmar TM150) broadcasts at multiple frequencies from about 105 on up and can be tuned for any specific frequency.

A Gen 3 Lowrance can use a standard 2D plus an LSS-2 OR a CHIRP 2D and LSS-2
A Gen 2 Lowrance can use a standard 2D plus an LSS-2
A Gen 2 Lowrance with Sonar Hub can do everything a Gen 3 can do.
So does this answer your question? If not feel free to post again with more precise terminology.

NoCAL