Motor Guide Xi5

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Anybody have one of these yet? And if so, what do you think?

After a lot of debating between that and the I-pilot i finally pulled the trigger on one. Read a lot of reviews and the MG got my vote. Also for the fact that i have Lowrance electronics

[Bird Watcher]

I've had one since February. I love it. I can't compare it to the ipilot except it's a lot quieter than the minnkotas I've been around.(the steering servo motors, not the main motor) I think it also holds on a tighter spot while anchored than the minnkota does. I think MG holds to a 5' circle. It doesn't have the lcd screen on the remote, which I think would be nice, but learn what the audible beeps mean and you'll be alright. FYI, they just released the software and network cable on 12/4 which makes it compatible with Lowrance for autopilot. Mine should be here anyday. I can't wait. That's the only thing I can think of that would make it even better. Oh, I almost forgot, I haven't been able to get it to sync with the foot pedal, but I don't care. I thought it would be important to have a foot pedal, but I never find myself wishing I had one.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

That pretty much sums up most I what I have read. Nice to hear it from someone on here though. I also read that when you use the anchor feature it doesn't speed up as hard as the MK. It kinda gradually comes on which I was a little worried about in my light tin can.

Where do you get the cable that links it all togather? I have an gen 2 hds7. I hope it will work with that

[Bird Watcher]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/MOTORGUIDE-PINPOINT-GPS-NMEA-STARTER-KIT/1932256.uts?productVariantId=4041865&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=38-12511245-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04052622&rid=20

[Bird Watcher]

I thought I'd give you a head's up, I received my motorguide NMEA 2000 starter kit tonight. It does not include a backbone cable to get from the trolling motor to my graph. I think it includes everything but that. I'll let you know after I get it set up. Hopefully I can work on it this weekend. I'll report back once I complete it.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

That would be great, I havent really found any clear instructions on how to rig all that up on the web yet. or what exaclty is needed. I should have mine by Thursday, Snow or shine im gonna go tinker with it on Friday.

[Bird Watcher]

Its not real clear if you ask me, but then again it rarely is. Here is a link to the installation instructions.http://www.motorguide.com/pinpoint-lowrance-gateway/compatible-products.

I ordered a generic 20' NMEA cable to get from the trolling motor back to my console, a red connector Lowrance NMEA cable to get from the last T connector up to my graph, and an extra T connector for the end of the run. (the wiring diagram shows 3, but the kit came with 2) last night.

Best I can tell, I'll need these things but the network starter kit didn't come with them. I'm only hooking it up to one graph, so you'd need another lowrance cable if you are hooking it up to two graphs.

More to come I'm sure.....

[oldasdirt]

I have one and I'm not sold on it if your on the deck it's fine. To operate but if u can't see the head ur in trouble I've been waiting for a year to hook it up to the Lawrance unit to follow contour lines. There is a good delay on the anchor lock but it does hold good. The other think it seems to not hold the auto direction that well. Could be the operator. The plastic seems a little lite to hold up over a long period. Just my 2 cents.

[Bird Watcher]

To operate but if u can't see the head ur in trouble ......The other think it seems to not hold the auto direction that well.

I'd agree with these two. It did take me a long time to get accustomed to the auto heading. I've learned to just leave it alone and not over correct it, make little adjustments and let it catch up if that makes any sense.

[oldasdirt]

I really wanted it to work but not having a screen to work with is a real issue. On the hand control that's the worst. The service has been outstanding.