HDS5 Depth?

[Bassimus]

Hey Ken,
I recently purchased both the HDS5 for the console and HDS8 for the bow with Structure Scan. I have tried to dial in both units and encountered a problem with the HDS5 with respect to reading accurately the depth I'm in when traveling above idle speed. I don't need to tell you how important it is to get an accurate depth read. I am using a split screen with map and fish finder and the HDS5 will initially read depth yet, when I get up on plane and run, the unit flashes and all I see for depth are ---
Can you suggest a possible solution?
Thank you.

[Ken Sauret]

If your transducer is glassed into the bilge area of your boat, make sure that when you are on pad good clean water in contact with the bottom of the boat where the ducer is located. You don't want any air or air bubbles under the boat or the signal is interrupted and you won't get a reading. If you have a skimmer transducer on the transom then be sure the same cautions mentioned above are observed.

[Bassimus]

Thanks Ken,
The Dealer says they mounted the Structure Scan transducer where they always do. It may be a problematic unit. I'll continue trying to dial it in. Do you recommend using "Default settings" to start over?

[Ken Sauret]

Did the dealer also mount the Broadband transducer in the back of the boat along with the Structure Scan transducer? If not then when you get on plane the Structure Scan transducer is usually out of the water and will not give a reading at all. If the Broadband transducer was installed along with the Structure Scan ducer, then make sure the HDS 5 is using the Broadband ducer for it's depth reading.

[Bassimus]

Thanks again Ken,
Spoke with the Dealer who informed me the Structure Scan Transducer should be able to handle all of the HDS5 settings and configurations and a second Broadband ducer should not be needed. They further suggested the position of the SC Transducer may be an issue here. I'll attempt to dial in the HDS5 one more time, after that, it may be time to see the Dealer again...

[Ken Sauret]

The 200khz Broadband sonar is a completly different pic and essential if you want to fish for suspended fish and see your lure on the screen while it's dropping down to the fish. The LSS-1 will not allow you to see your lure.

I'm positive that the depth is gone at any speed over idle because the water is either not in contact with the ducer or there is too much turbulence or air bubbles for the depth to be shown.

If you want depth while running you will need to install the 83/200 khz ducer. This ducer came with the unit so should be installed. If you only wanted a Sturcture Downview then the Elite DSI would have been half the cost of an HDS 5 with Structure Scan.

[Bassimus]

Ken,
At the risk of sounding like a complete "tool" here, can you tell me if, in your opinion, both the 83/200 khz Broadband and the LSS-1 can be wired to work on the HDS5 at the same time? I guess I want the best of both scenarios.
I understand about the air bubbles/turbulance and will try and remedy this. I did want the HDS5 with Structure Scan as I was under the impression both units (HDS5 & HDS8) were going to be able to be sync'd with the Structure Scan ducer and all functions on each unit would operate, especially the very basic stuff like temp.,depth,time, etc...
Geez, I may have bought too much equipment here...

[Ken Sauret]

Yes, the Broadband sonar and the LSS-1 can be used at the same time. Go to pages and choose Sonar + Structure and your HDS 5 screen will be split in half with each sonar option being viewed at the same time. Then when you get on pad the Broadband sonar side will still show depth but the Structure side will go blank until you come off pad. Then the Structure side will immediately pick up the bottom.

Then if you want your HDS 8 up front to see the Structure Scan just run an Ethernet cable from the front to the LSS-1 module and plug it into the #2 ethernet port and you're online.

You didn't buy too much equipment. You have the best combination of equipment available to get the best picture of the bottom and out to the sides of your boat. You just need to hook all of it up.

[NoCAL]

Very difficult to believe a dealer would sell you an HDS unit without an 83/200 transducer and especially tell you you don't need one! Without having a glassed in 2D transducer you will not be able to see depth on plane. The SS transducer is out of the water. At least on my Triton it completely looses depth as soon as you get on plane. Why would a dealer treat a customer this way? The 2D transducer is much less than $100.

[Ken Sauret]

There are some misconceptions and these conversations are very helpful for everyone to learn and maximize the potential of these units. I encourage everyone to start new topics so not only the person who asked the question learns but everyone who reads this will learn and sometimes one thread will lead to another and so on.

[Bassimus]

UPDATE: As you know I've been struggling with getting a proper "read" of depth on my HDS5/ LSS-1 hardware. Well, I did end up taking my boat back to the dealer and they solved the problem. I am now enjoying the unit with the Structure Scan and it's working. I learned they had to move the transducer to eliminate interference/turbulence. The unit now reads depth at all speeds.
BTW: Structure Scan is awesome!
Thanks for your assistance Ken.