Matt wrote: Small addition - you don't need to physically swap SD, you may transfer logs via FTP, use Reefmaster to create map and upload new map to device.
Elite TI WiFi can work as hotspot, so you need only laptop with FTP client and Reefmaster.

Vol wrote:
Thank you Vol, you just answered a question I had before I could even ask it! ;) So it IS possible to transfer data wirelessly from the Elite TI, that's very useful. What FTP client are you using on the Windows side? I have FileZilla would that work?

bigkahuna wrote: Seems you may use any ftp client, FileZilla will work. I use CrossFTP, small freeware client.

Awesome! Thanks!

@Matt - Since you already have the Elite 7ti, is it possible to send live data from the Elite 7ti to a laptop for mapping wirelessly (ie. via Bluetooth or Wifi)?

I just learned that the Lowrance Elite 7ti (and likely many other models) support real-time side scan overlays. Lowrance calls it "Structure Maps". That's simply amazing that they offer that feature in such a low cost unit.

Yeah it is good, but a word of warning: it *seems* that using the real-time structure overlay can cause some timing issues when logging sonar, and produce some quite strange, variable, intra-file latencies. I have observed this myself on an Elite 7, and have seen and heard reports of it on some other HDS units as well. It is not totally confirmed that this is the case, but the problem does not seem to occur when the overlay is not running so for that reason I no longer use it when collecting data (which is a shame, as it is very useful for seeing where you have mapped!). If you do try it, I'd be interested to hear if you get the same issues.

Do you think that issue could be related to the speed of the SD card used?

I'm also looking at possibly spending a lot more on a Gen 3 HDS7 + 3D Structure Scan. On paper it should allow me to do Structure Scan 3D, Structure Scan 2D, StructureMap, and save depth/position data. That's a lot of options and to have 3D multi-beam might be worth the extra money (although $2000 USD is a lot less than any "professional" level sonar I've looked at).

I have the HDS7 Gen3 (v3.5) + 3D Structure Scan +TM150M (+ thru-hull transducer 200Hz? in nmea2000 network) Using SanDisk SDHC 32 GB Class 10. Using Wifi nmea to stream data also to Ipad. Recording data with HDS and YachtD recorder (www.yachtd.com/products/recorder.html)



This is my first set, so steep learning curve :-) Reading that 2D performance of 3D unit is also better than previous 2D transducers.

When scanning use, Live Structure to keep track, didn't experience any issues described by Matt. The idea is to use also Live SonarChart on the Ipad, but sonar still not recognized by Navionics Boating App.

The 3D option is a nice to have, but not using often. Expect to see more developments/updates in future....

@Roberteb - Wow, that's an impressive set up. So Structure Live is working well for you but SonarChart Live isn't able to recognize the HDS7? I hadn't thought to use the Navionics Boating app, I keep a copy of that app on my smart phone. Don't use it often, but it's great to know it also supports live sonar plotting.

The idea behind using Navionics SonarChart Live is to give an understanding of the 'quality' of my track... All data is available on the ipad (incl depth), only need to find out why app not seeing/accepting sonar :-)

I use the Ipad also as poor man's plotter, with the go-free app can mirror the picture of the HDS..but larger screen..

Roberteb wrote:
Have you used your data with Reef Master yet? How is the quality of the data? What version of Go-Free are you using? Google Apps says that the Lawrence version is out-dated and replaced by a Navico app of the same name.