Updating to HDS

[SteveHall]

Just wanted to post on here and show some photos of the change on my Ballistic. Its not quite as impressive as some of the refubs on here, but still my little effort.

So I had the standard setup on my Ballistic, the Lowrance x102x and 3500c that went faulty so it was time for a change.



First it was a case of stripping down the old units, and I think they were held in by a 'few' cable ties





I decided to take the old gauges out as well, as these had fogged over and needed some TLC.

Ive gone for the HDS Gen 2 5m and 5x, over all they seem to be impressive units and I just can't wait to get out on the water with them.



My plan now is to add NMEA2000 so I can link the Evinrude into the HDS

The only thing is that they don't seem to be quite level - so thats upset me a little but going to see what they are like when its on the water.

[Barrowboy]

Looking good. Touch of OCD there with the 'level' though. Think about how many times you and the instruments are 'level' out on the water.

Classic case of knowing where the little tear in the wall paper is coz you hung it......No-one else will ever notice!

[kerny]

I agree with Barrowboy Steve its only cos you know its there mate.

BTW looks good

[SteveHall]

Cheers guys. I hope it won't look as bad out on the water, I hope it's the trailer that's not level and making it look a little off.

Can't wait to get my hands on a NMEA2000 cable for the evinrude!

Then I have the drama of what to do with the gauges. I'd love the icommand but £££, so think they will have to wait.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Then I have the drama of what to do with the gauges. I'd love the icommand but £££, so think they will have to wait.

Try a google search for Lowrance LMF400 Somewhat cheaper if you grab them from Sails Marine in the US. (they do ship-I've had them ship to the UK before)

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Try a google search for Lowrance LMF400 Somewhat cheaper if you grab them from Sails Marine in the US. (they do ship-I've had them ship to the UK before)

In "theory" it should be possible to upgrade the stock LMF400 with the Evinrude I-command firmware to give you the Etec functionality.

[SteveHall]

Went down today and moved the unit on the right up a little bit.





So now almost level

But noticed the door on the SD card slot on the HDS 5m has fallen off? Anyone had any experience of this? I noticed when I installed them a few weeks ago when I removed the front cover, the door seemed loose but it clipped back into place and appeared to be OK, but now it seems not..

[willk]

Tch! I had a Raymarine A-65 on which the card holder door never stayed shut properly. For the few years I owned it, I had a piece of cork wedged in it. If open, the IP rating was "clear to sky" so a PITA.

So much of this leisure stuff is overpriced junk but what choice do we have?

[SteveHall]

Will have to see what I can get when at the boat show, but I have sent them an email to see if they will help.