Can I network a new Elite Ti2 with an HDS-7 Gen 2 Touch?

[bman5150]

I need to replace my original HDS-7 Gen One unit on my bow but I'm keeping my HDS-7 Gen 2 touch that's at the console. I'm really interested in the Elite Ti2 series by Lowrance because I think it does everything I want it to do (side/downscan; sonar, GPS, etc.)

I see the Ti2 networks wirelessly. Is there a way to network with my older HDS-7 Gen 2 Touch? From what I've read, I don't think the Elite Ti2 has an external hardwire network connection port?

[Team Colibri]

Only with NMEA2000, so no sharing of maps and sonar.

[bman5150]

Right now, my two HDS units are networked via a hard connection. I can share sonar between the two units. For example, I’ve got an HD transducer mounted to the stern of my boat. I can access this transducer (is, use the side and down scan functions) on both units. I thought the two units were connected thru Ethernet but now I’m thinking I’ve got an nmea connection. Does that make sense? I’m getting confused between nmea and Ethernet.

does the fact I can use downscan between my two current HDS units mean I’ve got a nmea network that I can connect a new Elite Ti2 and my older HDS-7 Gen 2 touch?

[bman5150]

Also, both of my HDS units can access the temp gauge if that helps. In fact, they both do so.

[ecoast]

your hds are connected via ethernet

ti2 only has nmea2000


two separate ways of 'networking'

[bman5150]

So I just looked at my HDS-7 Gen 1. All four connectors in the rear are connected to a cord. One is an NMEA connector. But so is the Ethernet cord. How can I determine what is connected to NMEA and also what’s connected via Ethernet?

[berudd]

Also, both of my HDS units can access the temp gauge if that helps. In fact, they both do so.

Sounds like you have both NMEA2000 and Ethernet which is pretty common. That's the set up I have. If you are sharing transducers, that is done over Ethernet. Its the cable with the yellow connector. When you say temp gauge, I am assuming you mean a remote water temperature probe mounted on the boat and not the gauge in your console, correct? If its a remote temperature probe, as far as I know, that only works via NMEA200.

[bman5150]

Yes; my temp gauge is remotely mounted (external sensor mounted to the stern of my boat.)

Now that I think about it, I do have a nmea network on my boat and I think that’s how both units get the temp reading. So, now I’m just wondering if I could also use this network to share waypoints and transducers between units? I wonder if I even need the Ethernet connection I’m currently using?

[ecoast]

go into graph setting for network and choose your sources

[NoCAL]

You can “share” waypoints over NMEA as long as both units are on. Waypoints “sync” over Ethernet. Sonar wise, you can share depth and temp over NMEA but the actual image can only be shared over Ethernet. Really, they are for two separate things and most people find they need both. I would not own a boat without both networks linking my units.

NoCAL

[bman5150]

I want any new unit I get for the bow to be able to:

1.) share waypoints between units.
2.) access my NMEA temp gauge
3.) access either transducer (my trolling motor mounted standard ducer, my thru-hull standard ducer or my hull-mounted HD ducer for side imaging.

I’d also like it to be plug and play - just get the new unit and install the trolling motor ducer cord; the power cord; and the NMEA cord. If I can do 1-3 above without an Ethernet cord then I’m good to go. I just need to figure out if I can do those things via NMEA alone and no Ethernet connection.

[bman5150]

You can “share” waypoints over NMEA as long as both units are on. Waypoints “sync” over Ethernet. Sonar wise, you can share depth and temp over NMEA but the actual image can only be shared over Ethernet. Really, they are for two separate things and most people find they need both. I would not own a boat without both networks linking my units.

NoCAL

right now, I can select a different data source from either unit and see the sonar from either unit, with either transducer. Is that thru Ethernet or NMEA?

[NoCAL]

Ethernet

[Bill Reynolds]

I want any new unit I get for the bow to be able to:

1.) share waypoints between units.
2.) access my NMEA temp gauge
3.) access either transducer (my trolling motor mounted standard ducer, my thru-hull standard ducer or my hull-mounted HD ducer for side imaging.

I’d also like it to be plug and play - just get the new unit and install the trolling motor ducer cord; the power cord; and the NMEA cord. If I can do 1-3 above without an Ethernet cord then I’m good to go. I just need to figure out if I can do those things via NMEA alone and no Ethernet connection.

You will have to have a unit with Ethernet connection.

[bman5150]

Ok thanks guys. That’s a bummer. Guess I’ll be looking instead at a used HDS unit.

[mak747]

You've received the answer to your question, but just for reference purposes you can see the differences between what the NMEA and Ethernet networks do on post #19 of the following thread.

http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=174227

[bman5150]

Thanks for all the help guys. It’s clear I need to retain the functionally of both the Ethernet and NMEA network If I want to keep the functions I listed above. I’d either have to buy two new Lowrance Wlite Ti2 units; buy a single new HDS unit for the bow; or buy a used older HDS unit. I’m going to look hard for a used HDS Gen 2 touch 7 or 9 for the bow.

[berudd]

Agreed you need Ethernet to do what you want. Note the difference between sharing and syncing waypoints. With NMEA, if both units are on and you set a WP on one unit, it will transfer to the the other. If the other one is not on, no update will occur. With Ethernet, in addition to them transferring while both units are on, if you do set one while the other unit is on, it will get updated on the other unit the next time both are powered on at the same time. Also, if you edit or delete a WP, that change will be reflected on the other unit as well.

[bman5150]

Thanks Berudd. I assume standby mode is considered “on”, correct? I always keep my console unit on all day but keep it in standby mode when I’m fishing to conserve battery.

I’ve also always wondered what happens when I backup my waypoints if everything is captured. I have waypoints that I created on both units. I usually just turn both units on and backup from one unit. Am I backing up all global waypoints doing that?

[flyinghappy]

No, standby would be considered off from the NMEA2K waypoint sharing standpoint