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Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 7:29 pm
by ChuckP
I will be installing Structurescan on my Ranger boat. It took a bit of research to discover how. Thanks to Lowrance, Ranger, and others. I'll share what I learned here and maybe save someone else some time.

The LSS-1 will be located directly under the drivers console. Two stainless steel screws will mount in about 12 inches up on the back wall, back side of the rod locker. The ground - black lead to a ground tab on a common connector block and the + red power lead to a tab on the ACC console switch. An in-line fuse installed in the + red power lead. Here it will be out of the way and protected, on a solid wall for rough water, and the LED indicator lights can easily be checked.

The HDS unit on the front will be connected with a 15 foot Ethernet cable routed along the the starboard gunwale where the old cables were run. An elecrticians snake was used. No problem. Run the Ethernet cable, attach one end to the HDS unit on the front, the other end to the LSS-1. All done.

The HDS unit on the console will be connected with a 15 foot Ethernet cable. A 2 foot cable would work. Excess cable was coiled and tie wrapped. Connect Ethernet cable from LSS-1 to HDS on console.

The transducer cable will be run from the console back to the transom on the starboard side, in parallel to the steerning cables, through existing hole. An elecrticians snake was used. A few knuckle scrapes because there is no conduit at the bend. Through the boot that all other cables exit. Down the transom, tie wrapped to the motor mount. An electricians snake is available at Home Depot and well worth the cost.

The transducer will be installed on the step directly above the drain hole. There can not be anything to the left or right of the transducer to block the signal. I don't have a jack plate so there is not enough room on the transom as lower unit would block the signal. The Structurescan view is not useful above about about 5 mph so it is not critical that the transducer be in the water while on plane. Use the old 2D transducer while on plane. A couple of stainless steel screws and marine sealant. All done. This places it about 1.5 feet from the old transducer in the bilge area, needed to take advantage of overlaying the 2D image over the top of the Downscan image. Overlaid together you can see how bass relate to cover and structure.

As mentioned in a previous post, you must install the latest software update. Download to an SD chip. Simple, but with a HDS-5X the update requires an Ethernet cable.

My Structurescan will arrive Monday 11/30/09. I'll post again when I have tried it on the water.

Any comments or suggestions on installation welcomed.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:16 pm
by Marc
Very good. That looks very similar to the write-up I posted on several internet forums (including the Ranger Owners Board). Here is what I posted after installing the LSS-1 on my Ranger Z20:

I finished installing my LSS-1 in my Z20, and if you are wondering where to mount one I thought it might help to tell you what I learned.
My installation came out great, and the only holes I had to drill were pilot holes to mount the black box. None were needed for the two ethernet cables (console and bow HDS-8's) or the LSS-1 transducer, or the power cable.

I installed the black box inside the starboard rod locker, on the firewall that separates the driver's console and the rod locker. I positioned it dead center in front of the driver's console, and as high on the wall as possible and still be able to drill the pilot holes in the top two corners of the black box.

This location puts it on a solid wall where screws will hold it tight in rough water conditions. I did have to use longer stainless steel screws than the four that came with the unit. Even though the LSS-1 is waterproof, it is protected even more inside the locker. By being above the floor and next to my fire extinguisher it doesn't get in the way of rods. It is also easy to get to all connections.

Best of all, all cables can go through an existing opening in the back wall of the rod locker, in the top corner next to the gunwale. I ran a 15-foot ethernet cable in the gunwale up to the bow, and a second to the console unit (could have used a 3-foot ethernet cable here if I had one). I also ran the power cables through this same corner, and the LSS-1 transducer cable here.

I fed the transducer cable through the same conduit that houses the two steering cables. I did this by running a snake from the rod locker. First take off the round vented access grate below the driver's console and locate where the conduit is that houses the two hydraulic steering cables. Guide the end of the snake into this conduit, and then you can push it all the way through towards the transom with no problem. Guide it out the boot that all cables exit to the engine. Then, at the transom tape your LSS-1 transducer cable plug onto the snake, and pull it all the way out of the rod locker.

I attached the power (red) wire and black (negative) to the push on spade terminals under the console, and attached the yellow switch wire to the Accessory 1 button (orange with blue stripe wire). This accessory switch allows you to shut down power to the box so it isn’t powered 24/7, even if you leave your circuit breaker on so your auto bilge pump will continue to work when moored overnight on the water. Tie wrap everything up, and it is solid and neat.

Next will be mounting my LSS-1 transducer to my jackplate once my Transducer Shield and Saver bracket arrives.

Very clean and organized, and solid as a rock.
ciao,
Marc

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:31 pm
by ChuckP
Thanks Marc. Your post on the Ranger forum was a key source and was very helpful, just did not know it was you. I also got this from Ranger:


We have only installed a few Lowrance structure scans, but what you want to do is make sure there is nothing to the left or to the right of the transducer. Anything in this area will block the signal and will be seen on the depth finder.

This unit will not be able to produce a structure scan view while going at speeds above 5MPH. It is not as critical to make sure the transducer is in the water while the boat is on plane. Mounting the unit in the area you are talking about will be a good placement for it. You will need to make sure the cable attached to the transducer is secured and will not be "flopping" around while the boat is on plane.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:36 am
by 619
At Bass a thon the lowrance folks said to connect the yellow wires on all three units together. This will eliminate the need for a switch. when you turn on your bow or console unit it will power up the box lSS-1.

Also mount the xducer more forward and centerline on jackplate plate.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 6:09 am
by JW Wheat
Chuck,

Do you have any pics? I just bought the LSS1 at BAT and will be nstalling on a Ranger 519. Pics of how you connected the yellow wires will be helpful

Jon Wheat

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:07 am
by ChuckP
Thanks for the information on the "yellow wire"! You are correct. I changed my installation procedure and a new version is posted here. Changes in Bold.


The LSS-1 will be located directly under the drivers console. Two stainless steel screws will mount in about 12 inches up on the back wall, back side of the rod locker. Here it will be out of the way and protected, on a solid wall for rough water, and the LED indicator lights can easily be checked.

The ground - black lead was connected to a ground tab on a common connector block and the red + power lead connected to the yellow wire from the HDS unit.
( SEE POST BELOW - This may be an error)
The yellow lead is the Accessory wake up line. From the back of the HDS find the Power/Data cable (blue connector with 2 cables). One cable is 5 wires for RS232 or ES422 and may not be used at all. The 3 wire cable will already be connected to power. The yellow wire may not be exposed and back in the cover. The Lowrance installation manual says that all yellow wires ( Accessory wake up) from each power cable should be connected together. Mine was not and it is factory installed by Ranger. For the moment I'll assume that ranger knows what they are doing.
An in-line fuse installed in the + red power lead.


The HDS unit on the front will be connected with a 15 foot Ethernet cable routed along the the starboard gunwale where the old cables were run. An elecrticians snake was used. No problem. Run the Ethernet cable, attach one end to the HDS unit on the front, the other end to the LSS-1. All done.

The HDS unit on the console will be connected with a 15 foot Ethernet cable. A 2 foot cable would work. Excess cable was coiled and tie wrapped. Connect Ethernet cable from LSS-1 to HDS on console.

The transducer cable will be run from the console back to the transom on the starboard side, in parallel to the steerning cables, through existing hole. An elecrticians snake was used. A few knuckle scrapes because there is no conduit at the bend. Through the boot that all other cables exit. Down the transom, tie wrapped to the motor mount. An electricians snake is available at Home Depot and well worth the cost.

The transducer will be installed on the step directly above the drain hole. There can not be anything to the left or right of the transducer to block the signal. I don't have a jack plate so there is not enough room on the transom as lower unit would block the signal. The Structurescan view is not useful above about about 5 mph so it is not critical that the transducer be in the water while on plane. Use the old 2D transducer while on plane. A couple of stainless steel screws and marine sealant. All done. This places it about 1.5 feet from the old transducer in the bilge area, needed to take advantage of overlaying the 2D image over the top of the Downscan image. Overlaid together you can see how bass relate to cover and structure.

As mentioned in a previous post, you must install the latest software update. Download to an SD chip. Simple, but with a HDS-5X the update requires an Ethernet cable.

My Structurescan will arrive Monday 11/30/09. I'll post again when I have tried it on the water.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:53 pm
by 619
You will only connect the yellow wires if you have a unit to wake up. IE LSS-1. Just installed one today and all worked well. Just use butt connectors to join them and some yellow wire. Ranger will not connect them because they didn't need to unless a structure scane was factory installed.

When mounting on a Ranger Boat the folks from Lowrance recommended to mount the LSS-1 under the drivers console. This will enable you to see the lights and ensure it is operating.

Don't connect the red lead to the yellow lead. Just connect all three yellows. This is incorrect. Call me if you have any questions.

Chuck wrote>>>

and the red + power lead connected to the yellow wire from the HDS unit.

Art Bailey 619-449-3474 Anglers Marine San Diego.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:15 pm
by ChuckP
Thanks Art. I changed my post to point to yours.
Chuck

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:39 pm
by Ron T.
I ran the yellow wire from the structure unit to the same switch as I use for the primary + lead going to the HDS10 . I use a switch for the graph becouse I was told when I bought my LCX 111 that the graph itself will draw power from the batteries even when shut down . Cant wait to get out this weekend and try the structure scan out !

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:49 am
by Schneider Fishing
I need an additional lowrance ethernet cable to get mine done. Anybody know where there might be some in stock? As of yesterday, Tuesday, Angler's nope, basspro shops nope.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:12 pm
by tunaman
Lowrance store (LEI Extras) perhaps???

http://www.lei-extras.com/store/default.asp

Roger

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:55 pm
by hooks2bset
I just got my LSS today and hopefully will be able to get it installed tomorrow. Thanks for the info!

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 8:03 pm
by ChuckP
I got mine at Cabellas for $29, but it takes a week. As people start installing the LSS-1, there will probably be a local shortage.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:16 pm
by ChuckP
My original plan was to mount the transducer on the step above the drain hole and run the cable up the transom next to the motor, securing it with nylon cable clamps every foot or so.

What I am thinking now is that it might be better to route the cable up through the drain hole from the motor well. It would be better protected and there are fewer holes in the transom. The drain hole is almost directly above the planned transducer location.

Anyone have an opinion as to which way is better and why?
Chuck

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2009 8:50 am
by JW Wheat
Chuck,

You may or maynot be able to feed the cable throug thetransom drain. I found out the hard way, when I was locking my boat down for Lake Casitas. They wanted us to run the cable down through the drain hole. The cable would only go half way. My understanding that there is a Y that prevents you from running the wire completly through. If your able to run it that way it sure will look clean

Good Luck

JW

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 8:53 am
by BLAZER 210
I just built a bracket and mounted my LSS transducer on my trolling motor last night cant wait to try it out it looks great.

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:58 am
by tunaman
Hope you have better luck than most of the guys who tried that with the Humminbird Side Imaging when it came out... any turn on the trolling motor will skew the image, as it is expecting a straight-line feed to accurately draw the sonar returns.

Curious why you didn't just rely on the 'ducer being mounted in the rear, and available via Ethernet to the front console?

Roger

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:48 pm
by BLAZER 210
because it would be showing information that would be 21 feet behind me making it more difficult to cast to what you see on the screen

Re: Lowrance Structurescan LSS-1 Installation notes

Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 4:01 pm
by tunaman
Not really... you know where the back of the boat is, and can move the cursor off to determine exactly how far off the target is. You don't usually want to cast right on top of your target anyway, do you? Don't you usually want to cast past, then bring the bait through the strike zone?

A lot of folks tried to do that with the 'Bird and found it wasn't a viable use...

Roger