lowrance sucks

[salty pirate]

f-ing hate getting the run around. Don't buy lowrance product's unless you like shit doesn't work. I bought the elite-7 hdi in February this year. the thing is bad ass except the amp scope cuts out at 100ft. I have been going through it with tech support since about week 3 of having it. well they sent me a new unit and I got it back on the water after fishing without sonar for 2 weeks and its the same f-ing problem. This is the response I got yesterday.

Hello Eli,
Sorry to hear that this issue seems to be continuing with the replacement unit. I submitted the information and screen caps to Product management but we have had no other reports of this in the field from other users so I'll admit that I'm not sure what may be occurring with regards to the amplitude scope. The only thing that I can suggest (and I realize that this isn't a fix but rather simply a "workaround") would be to turn the amplitude scope off for the time being and I'll try to keep you notified should a change occur.
Thank you for choosing Navico products!
C___________h
CS Technical Operations Lead

Navico Technical Support

Corporate a-hole's. That is what the first guy told me when I called the first time I noticed the problem! I paid $800 for a product that has a broken feature and all they have to say is don't use the feature.

Anyone else have this crappy unit?

[old_rookie]

Did they have you check you source voltage?

[TJones]

thinking i would switch from hummingbird . i had a bad unit from the get go myself .:eek: . returned it to bass pro , bought same unit from west marine but lost the rebate because i was not with in rebate date of purchase anymore . bass pro did not have a new unit at time , and is on national back order .

[Cadillyak]

I bought a lowrance elite 5 HDI in may from west marine. After a few months I realized I wasn't satisfied with my purchase when I compared it to an HDS 7. I brought my unit into west marine, told them I was unhappy with my purchase. They let me trade my unit in no questions asked. I now have an HDS 5. Where did u purchase your unit? I would suggest an HDS unit if u spent That kind of $$$. Just my 2 pennies. I have yet to deal with Lowrance directly.

[Fiskadoro]

I'll give you fifty bucks for it....

[TJones]

i down graded from a 898 si which is bas ess . unbelievable picture . just a little over kill , what am i saying ? no such thing .

[jorluivil]

Is there a possibility that the you're expecting more than the unit was built to handle? I did a sh*t load of research before I bought my HDS-5, most of it had to do with the differences between the 83/200 transducer and the 50/200. After talking to a Lowrance Rep at the FHS I came to find out that the standard 83/200 gives lower quality reading in depths exceeding 100 feet. I'm no Lowrance guru but I'm willing to bet that the scope on your unit isn't setup to perform in depths exceeding 100'. If you're having issues with it in all depths its safe to say the unit is bad but if its only happening in depths exceeding 100' than (like I said earlier) you're expecting more than the unit was built to handle.........just my 2pesos



P.S.
Lowrance DOES NOT suck:D

[salty pirate]

ok here is the screen shots for those that want to see what mean. I got the unit from bass pro and will see if there is anything they will do. It has been months though so I don't expect much.

[salty pirate]

Did they have you check you source voltage?


do you mean whats on the display? it's over 12v

[icelogger]

I picked up the Elite 7 last week. I'm waiting on my battery from OEX which should arrive tomorrow to install it in my new PA. I will test this issue as soon as I can and reply back. I will be doing the through hull duct seal mount until I figure out how to install the 83/200 on the new lorance ready mount in the hobie pro angler(which was not designed for the 83/200 by the way)

I too bought this unit for depths greater than 100 ft. Even though I don't pay much attention to the amplitude of the waveform for interpretation, this should of been worked out in R&D if that's the case.

What type of transducer mount are you using? Could your ducer mount have anything to do with this issue.

[Lipripper92592]

So when the unit is fired up amplitude cuts out like the 3rd shot, just a blank white background? How long does it take until it comes back on the display? I'm guessing you have tried setting back the factory defaults and get the same result? IF you shot some video of the behavior and sent it to Lowrance, it might convince them it is not user error but a faulty unit or bad programming.

[salty pirate]

I picked up the Elite 7 last week. I'm waiting on my battery from OEX which should arrive tomorrow to install it in my new PA. I will test this issue as soon as I can and reply back. I will be doing the through hull duct seal mount until I figure out how to install the 83/200 on the new lorance ready mount in the hobie pro angler(which was not designed for the 83/200 by the way)

I too bought this unit for depths greater than 100 ft. Even though I don't pay much attention to the amplitude of the waveform for interpretation, this should of been worked out in R&D if that's the case.

What type of transducer mount are you using? Could your ducer mount have anything to do with this issue.

83/200 455/800 ducer. it is mounted to the lowrance ready mount on pa12. I had no problem installing the transducer.

[salty pirate]

So when the unit is fired up amplitude cuts out like the 3rd shot, just a blank white background? How long does it take until it comes back on the display? I'm guessing you have tried setting back the factory defaults and get the same result? IF you shot some video of the behavior and sent it to Lowrance, it might convince them it is not user error but a faulty unit or bad programming.


the amp scope goes blank like the in 3rd shot at about 110ft. I still get bottom readings, just no amp scope. the scope then goes back on once I get to about 90ft.

I recorded about an hour of sonar through all different depths and the amp scope works at all depths when played back at home

[Fiskadoro]

the amp scope goes blank like the in 3rd shot at about 110ft. I still get bottom readings, just no amp scope. the scope then goes back on once I get to about 90ft. I recorded about an hour of sonar through all different depths and the amp scope works at all depths when played back at home

Ohhhh the horror!

Actually those screen shots are beautiful. Is there any chance you have a setting that's shutting it off at depth?

If not did you use the same transducer setup for both units?

The fact that both units had the exact same rather bizarre issue suggests that it's not the units themselves but either default setting they came with or a issue with the transducer install. Default setting seems unlikely because there's not a bunch of people with the same problem.

That leaves the transducer... I'd pull the transducer out of it's mount hook it to the unit direct then drop it over the side down away from the yak and see if it's still's a problem.

[Cadillyak]

Is there a possibility that the you're expecting more than the unit was built to handle? I did a sh*t load of research before I bought my HDS-5, most of it had to do with the differences between the 83/200 transducer and the 50/200. After talking to a Lowrance Rep at the FHS I came to find out that the standard 83/200 gives lower quality reading in depths exceeding 100 feet. I'm no Lowrance guru but I'm willing to bet that the scope on your unit isn't setup to perform in depths exceeding 100'. If you're having issues with it in all depths its safe to say the unit is bad but if its only happening in depths exceeding 100' than (like I said earlier) you're expecting more than the unit was built to handle.........just my 2pesos



P.S.
Lowrance DOES NOT suck:D

X2. There the difference between 83/200 transducer and 50/200 transducer is like night and day.

[Fiskadoro]

X2. There the difference between 83/200 transducer and 50/200 transducer is like night and day.

X3

Try the transducer bare or just another transducer. Chances are that even though the unit still reads the scope is cutting out because it's not getting enough information back from the transducer to fully function.

[salty pirate]

X3

Try the transducer bare or just another transducer. Chances are that even though the unit still reads the scope is cutting out because it's not getting enough information back from the transducer to fully function.

thanks I am using the original transducer. I will bring the extra one they sent with the new unit and try hanging it over the side. I did not install the new one because it is the 83/200 only and not the 83/200 455/800

[Fiskadoro]

thanks I am using the original transducer. I will bring the extra one they sent with the new unit and try hanging it over the side. I did not install the new one because it is the 83/200 only and not the 83/200 455/800


There you go. You're definitely going to be able to fix this. It only makes sense it's the transducer or the transducer install.

It's kinda in the math. You have had two units, they both failed in the exact same manner. That's a 100% failure rate. Yet if you type in your problem into google even though they sold a bunch of these units no-one else seems to have had the same issue.

When I saw that I was like hmmmmmmm.....even if only 10% failed like yours the problem would be all over the web.

That suggests that it's not the units but something with transducer or install, because you used the same transducer setup with both units, and they both failed in the same manner.

With that in mind I RAISE MY OFFER to $350 :D

[old_rookie]

do you mean whats on the display? it's over 12v

I was thinking from the battery - but the display value might be good enough - I'm thinking back to my electronic troubleshooting days. Good luck.

[salty pirate]

Ohhhh the horror!

Actually those screen shots are beautiful. Is there any chance you have a setting that's shutting it off at depth?

If not did you use the same transducer setup for both units?

The fact that both units had the exact same rather bizarre issue suggests that it's not the units themselves but either default setting they came with or a issue with the transducer install. Default setting seems unlikely because there's not a bunch of people with the same problem.

That leaves the transducer... I'd pull the transducer out of it's mount hook it to the unit direct then drop it over the side down away from the yak and see if it's still's a problem.

I brought the new transducer with me to test today. I hung it over the side like you said (had high hopes) it did the same thing. amp scope goes blank past 100ft. I cant believe I'm the only one with this problem. I guess that solves the mystery of a boched install or bad ducer, the unit is also new. all this leads me to believe that lowrance still SUCKS!!!

I will return to bass pro if they let me. I might try the same unit but with the 50/200 455/800 if I could get some proof that the amp scope works on that one. I really like the layout of the elite-7 but cant accept the amp scope not working.

Thanks guys for the help/ ideas on how to test this p.o.s.

Eli

[Fiskadoro]

I brought the new transducer with me to test today. I hung it over the side like you said (had high hopes) it did the same thing. amp scope goes blank past 100ft. I cant believe I'm the only one with this problem.

Damn!!!

I'm going to do some reading and try and figure it out.

First off what mode is it set at? General? Freshwater? Clear water? etc...

[salty pirate]

X2. There the difference between 83/200 transducer and 50/200 transducer is like night and day.

This looks good to me except the amp scope. Do you have any screen shots so I can see what i'm missing?

[salty pirate]

Damn!!!

I'm going to do some reading and try and figure it out.

First off what mode is it set at? General? Freshwater? Clear water? etc...

I have it in the freshwater mode. I have also tried general use and deep water. did the software update. did a restart of the software. put it in advanced mode. reset everything do default. played with every setting that there is on the thing. all the same result. been goin through it with tech support doing what they say and testing it 1-2x per week. If you can think of anything else let me know.

Please can anyone else who has the same unit get a screen shot of the amp scope working? It must be a conspiracy!

[salty pirate]

bump for the screen shot of one of these units actually working.

[Dannowar]

Did you try a soft reset?

[icelogger]

I went out in 100+ FOW and I had the same issue with amplitude not showing.
I was able to get down to 111 before it stopped reading. When the screen automatically switched to a deeper screen range I lost amplitude at those depths. I've noticed the screen range automatically switches sometimes around 100 and other times around 110 depending on speed of travel.


Red decks.

[CR Yaker]

I went out in 100+ FOW and I had the same issue with amplitude not showing.
I was able to get down to 111 before it stopped reading. When the screen automatically switched to a deeper screen range I lost amplitude at those depths. I've noticed the screen range automatically switches sometimes around 100 and other times around 110 depending on speed of travel.


Red decks.

Why is the amplitude so important on depths over 100ft.? Your still getting the depth and detail, right?
What are you reading in the amplitude that can't be viewed on the screen?

[salty pirate]

Why is the amplitude so important on depths over 100ft.? Your still getting the depth and detail, right?


You sound like you work for Lowrance.:D $750 for a ff that should work to 1000ft. only works to 100ft.

Sorry to here that Icelogger. This confirms that lowrance SUCKS. I can only recommend you take it back before it's to late.

I lucked out and am sending the unit back to basspro for a full refund! Basspro is a cool company they are taking back the ff that is 6 months old when there store policy is 30 days on electronics. Wow I could not recommend a company like Basspro enough, they have been great!

[CR Yaker]

You sound like you work for Lowrance.:D $750 for a ff that should work to 1000ft. only works to 100ft.

Sorry to here that Icelogger. This confirms that lowrance SUCKS. I can only recommend you take it back before it's to late.

I lucked out and am sending the unit back to basspro for a full refund! Basspro is a cool company they are taking back the ff that is 6 months old when there store policy is 30 days on electronics. Wow I could not recommend a company like Basspro enough, they have been great!

You sound like you work for Hummingbird.:D I was just asking a question. Take it you don't have an answer other than you like to see the different colors on the right side of the screen (amplitude)???
Thought I might be missing some key cryptic information in the amplitude that would enhance my fishing experience.:D Guess not??:doh:

[salty pirate]

You sound like you work for Hummingbird.:D I was just asking a question. Take it you don't have an answer other than you like to see the different colors on the right side of the screen (amplitude)???
Thought I might be missing some key cryptic information in the amplitude that would enhance my fishing experience.:D Guess not??:doh:


Sorry I didn't mean to come off like an ass. Its just, that is basically what Lowrance told me.

here is one instance you want your amp scope working. say you are fishing 120ft of water drifting for wsb with you bait on the bottom all the sudden you start to see a section of the amp scope with a thick yellow bar at 60 ft. well I want to get my bait to that depth asap.

[CR Yaker]

Sorry I didn't mean to come off like an ass. Its just, that is basically what Lowrance told me.

here is one instance you want your amp scope working. say you are fishing 120ft of water drifting for wsb with you bait on the bottom all the sudden you start to see a section of the amp scope with a thick yellow bar at 60 ft. well I want to get my bait to that depth asap.

No problem, okay, I'm seeing what your saying. But don't you also get the image on the screen? Or does the amplitude scope add something more?
Thanks
Mark

[Siebler]

Eli,

Lucas from Lowrance should be in contact with you soon. I passed along to him your email along with this thread to see what he can do on a more personal level.

[salty pirate]

Eli,

Lucas from Lowrance should be in contact with you soon. I passed along to him your email along with this thread to see what he can do on a more personal level.

Thanks Siebler! Unfortunately I literally just got back from dropping off the box for return. I would love to hear form someone with inside info. I really loved the layout of the elite-7 over all the other ones I played with at the store and am more than willing to buy the same unit if I can get some proof that they work.

Good lookin out

[Siebler]

Sounds like there may be another software update but he needed more info from you on the problem to see if this will fix it. Hopefully you guys can figure it out!

OEX Sells hundreds of Lowrance units every year and would not carry anything else. Our experience with their units and the company have been outstanding. Their relationship with kayak fishing is becoming one of the strongest with support from Hobie and Malibu i see these guys growing to better meet the needs of this industry.

[icelogger]

Here are a few screen shots to show my amplitude findings. FYI, my screen shots look different because I have fish id ON in these pictures.

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg616/icelogger/2013-08-17160917_zps50ece6e8.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg616/icelogger/2013-08-17161017_zps1b65eec4.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg616/icelogger/2013-08-17161035_zps9a034fdf.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg616/icelogger/2013-08-17142553_zps16ec96ce.jpg

[dmrides]

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg616/icelogger/2013-08-17160917_zps50ece6e8.jpg


Brrr

[salty pirate]

Sounds like there may be another software update but he needed more info from you on the problem to see if this will fix it. Hopefully you guys can figure it out!

OEX Sells hundreds of Lowrance units every year and would not carry anything else. Our experience with their units and the company have been outstanding. Their relationship with kayak fishing is becoming one of the strongest with support from Hobie and Malibu i see these guys growing to better meet the needs of this industry.

I got a call from Lucas today. Nice guy, he told me he has a fix and emailed it to me. The fix should be available sometime soon on their website.

I plan on buying another unit with the 83 transducer as soon as I get the refund from the one I sent back. I wish I had been a little more patient before sending it back. Oh well I learn by living.

My finale conclusion lowrance does NOT suck.

thanks ice logger for posting the screenshot. check your email!

[icelogger]

Thanks for the email Eli. I'm glad Lowrance has a fix for that. This unit is starting to grow on me. It produced more fish today.:cheers1:


http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg616/icelogger/f30fcdd7-e1ce-4e77-804c-fbd44bcd74ab_zps9169b94e.jpg

[Big Daddy]

Man I'm glad they don't suck... I just bought one. LOL. I am having problems mounting the TD in the Malibu slot, as the transducer I got is larger than the recessed part. I got it from Andy and just sent him an email regarding a possible swap for the smaller TD.


I got a call from Lucas today. Nice guy, he told me he has a fix and emailed it to me. The fix should be available sometime soon on their website.

I plan on buying another unit with the 83 transducer as soon as I get the refund from the one I sent back. I wish I had been a little more patient before sending it back. Oh well I learn by living.

My finale conclusion lowrance does NOT suck.

thanks ice logger for posting the screenshot. check your email!