What do you think about CHIRP?

[slothman]

I guess for my needs it looks like non-chirp will work. Especially since this unit will be my console unit. If it was going up front, I think I'd want chirp for sure for the better separation and detail. (The free installation is attractive too.)

 

Thanks for for all the input. 

[Dutch]

Bill I use the down scan to fish cover.  It shows so much more than 2d sonar does for me.  I can see limbs in brush and sometimes the actual fish.

[Bill Babler]

Dutch it is always great when you get these wacky machines to work for you.  Continue to do what your doing.  Like the old saying if it Ain't broke don't fix it.

[Bill Babler]

On ‎2‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 5:44 PM, rps said:

Bill,

I have been here only 15 years, but I have been using electronics since the metal green box stage. I am still learning the upper end, Houseman to Emerald Beach. Side scan saves me 10 to 20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 casts.

However, once I know the layout, the sonar becomes the tool you describe.

I understand.  Go out today and take a few mental pictures and you won't need any electronics.  Loved the one of Flat Creek that was posted.

[Longball22]

4 hours ago, Dutch said:

Bill I use the down scan to fish cover.  It shows so much more than 2d sonar does for me.  I can see limbs in brush and sometimes the actual fish.

This is how I typically operate as well.  Having sonar and DS side by side on my graphs, particularly over trees, helps me give a sanity check of where the fish are in the trees.  

Bill hit it on the head, the CHIRP definitely helps with target separation, but I think having downscan would be the better value.  Just my personal opinion though. 

[176champion]

In my helix 7 on the bow i run a split screen, down image on one side and sonar on the other, it kind of verifies what im seeing on sonar and down image...i dont have SI on it or gps.

[Sore Thumbs]

I have an extra Hds 7 laying around since I got my new Gen 3 hds 9. Thinking about putting it on the front with my other 7. That way I can utilize 2 screens. All I would need is another mount and power cable. Then take structure plug in off existing unit and plug in the newly added one. Hate just leave a good unit laying around. 

[slothman]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

I was really leaning toward the chirp version. A few of your accounts convinced me that I would probably be alright with the non-chirp version which saved me a few hundred bucks when I made the drive to Bass Pro this evening to purchase the one they have on sale. I'm pretty excited about it. 

[Dutch]

14 hours ago, Sore Thumbs said:

I have an extra Hds 7 laying around since I got my new Gen 3 hds 9. Thinking about putting it on the front with my other 7. That way I can utilize 2 screens. All I would need is another mount and power cable. Then take structure plug in off existing unit and plug in the newly added one. Hate just leave a good unit laying around. 

I'd definitely do it.  When I traded boats last summer I had an HDS 8 Gen 1 and a Touch 9 Gen 2.  I was only offered $600 trade in so I kept both units.  I have the 8 to my fishing partner and kept the 9.  I went for broke and put a Gen 3 12 on the bow.  I use it split screen and put the 9 under it and use it strictly for mapping.  No need letting a perfectly good unit collect dust.

 

[Champ188]

i'm waiting to add a second bow unit until they come out with a satellite TV option so I can watch football while fishing on weekends.