HDS Compatibility Matrix

[berudd]

It seems like we have questions about 2 or 3 times a week asking if a certain combination of HDS units and features are compatible. These are all valid questions that usually are not well documented by Lowrance. So, I thought we could crowd source a compatibility matrix and if the mods think it is useful we could make it a sticky to aid anyone who has a compatibility question. I'll start the matrix with a few of the things I've seen asked and the rest of you guys can post comments for things to add. I'll then edit this post to expand the matrix as we add new things. I hope the community finds this useful.

If there is a ? in a field that means I am not certain of the answer and will need your input to update the matrix.

	HDS Gen1	HDS Gen2	HDS Gen2 Touch	HDS Gen3	HDS Carbon
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
NMEA 2000	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
StructureScan	Yes1,3	Yes1,3	Yes2	Yes2	Yes2
Map Sharing	No	Yes3,8	Yes​3,8	Yes3	Yes3
Transducer Sharing	Yes3	Yes3	Yes3	Yes3	Yes3
Point-1	Yes4,9	Yes4	Yes4	Yes4	Yes4
HDI Transducer	Yes6	Yes6	Yes	Yes	Yes
TotalScan Transducer	No	No	?	Yes	Yes
WiFi	No	Yes5	Yes5	Yes2	Yes2
CHIRP Sonar	No	Yes6	Yes6	Yes2	Yes2
StructureScan 3D	No	No	Yes7, 10	Yes7	Yes7
SpotlightScan	No	Yes6	Yes2	Yes2	Yes2

1. Requires separate StructureScan module
2. Built-in to head unit
3. Via Ethernet
4. Via NMEA 2000
5. Requires separate GoFree WIFI-1 wireless module
6. Requires separate SonarHub Sounder module
7. Requires separate StructureScan 3D module
8. Requires software version 2.0 or higher
9. Excludes GPS damping, filtering and calibration features
10. Must be on an Ethernet network with a Gen3 unit.

[prostaff1]

Hi Bruce, That is a great idea and VERY well done++ It would certainly be a very useful tool. These systems are far more complicated than in years past so it is very difficult to find dependable and accurate condensed information. Navionics has done similar in their compatibility charts and that is also a very valuable tool, easily read. Excellent idea and work !!
Tommy
Prostaff Lowrance/Navico
Prostaff Marine Specialist/Navionics

[Flashpoint]

VERY GOOD!!!!

[berudd]

Thanks. If you guys have any corrections or additions please pass them along.

[Dave in Mpls]

Nice job, Bruce!

A couple comments:

- Gen1 will not share maps
- Gen2 (and possibly Gen1?) can utilize the HDI transducer, but requires SonarHub

[berudd]

Nice job, Bruce!

A couple comments:

- Gen1 will not share maps
- Gen2 (and possibly Gen1?) can utilize the HDI transducer, but requires SonarHub

Thanks Dave I corrected the map sharing. I knew that one just got sloppy with the cut and paste.

I'll go see what I can dig up on the Gen 1 with SonarHub.

[Dave in Mpls]

Also, (and it may not even be worth mentioning, as most are probably beyond it), Gen2 and Gen2T require software version 2.0 or greater for map sharing.

I'm unsure as well on the ? items.

[mak747]

Great idea!

Gen-2 touch Will not display StructureScan from Totalscan transducer.

Gen-1 and Point-1- Gen-1 will not have GPS damping and filtering features, as well as lacking the ability to initiate heading calibration from the HDS head unit Though there is a calibration method which can be used. Other than that, GPS and heading sensor work properly.

[berudd]

Nice job, Bruce!
- Gen2 (and possibly Gen1?) can utilize the HDI transducer, but requires SonarHub

So I looked on the SonarHub page and it had this:

"Plug-and-play compatibility with Lowrance HDS Gen1 (not including SpotlightScan™ and CHIRP sonar), HDS Gen2 and Gen2 Touch fishfinder/chartplotter models."

So, I guess that means with Gen1 you can use SonarHub to get SS but that is it. Their was no mention of SonarHub being able to use HDI transducers. Is this something you have seen documented somewhere or rather something that others have reported works?

Update: Just found this on the page about the HDI transducer: Recommended for use with the SonarHub sounder module, Lowrance Elite/Mark HDI fishfinders & Lowrance HDS multifunction displays.

So, give that you can get StructureScan to a Gen1 from the SonarHub and I THINK the HDI transducer connects to the same port that the LSS transducer would connect to it seems like you could use and HDI transducer with a Gen1.

[berudd]

Great idea!

Gen-2 touch Will not display StructureScan from Totalscan transducer.

Gen-1 and Point-1- Gen-1 will not have GPS damping and filtering features, as well as lacking the ability to initiate heading calibration from the HDS head unit Though there is a calibration method which can be used. Other than that GPS and heading sensor work properly.

So, what does G2T use from the TotalScan transducer? Their website states the following: Compatible with Lowrance Carbon, HDS Gen3, and Elite Ti models

[Basshopper]

3D SS and Gen 2 touch can only happen on a network with a gen 3 in the network if you want to use 3D .

[Jbmitch]

Sticky, this thread is awesome

[berudd]

3D SS and Gen 2 touch can only happen on a network with a gen 3 in the network if you want to use 3D .

Updated. Thanks.

[berudd]

Anyone else have info to add? I've seen a few other threads that would be answered by this one so I think it would make a good sticky if possible.

[NiteBite6855]

Sticky!

[Itismemc]

Update with live?

[Ed R]

As a side note. Anyone that has the older G1, 2 non touch units laying around, they can still be utilized as slave units to the G2T, 3, or Carbon. Simply Ethernet the image from the G2T, 3, or Carbon to the non touch units...All you need is power, and Ethernet. Works like a charm.

[piketroller]

3D SS and Gen 2 touch can only happen on a network with a gen 3 in the network if you want to use 3D .

Shouldn’t it be for a Gen 3 or later in the network, or does it specifically have to be only a Gen 3?

[CrankinStein]

As a side note. Anyone that has the older G1, 2 non touch units laying around, they can still be utilized as slave units to the G2T, 3, or Carbon. Simply Ethernet the image from the G2T, 3, or Carbon to the non touch units...All you need is power, and Ethernet. Works like a charm.

so does this mean, if I have a carbon and a gen2, the gen2 can effectively mirror the image on the carbon? Or does it mean that I can send snapshot images from the carbon to the gen2 ?

[bronco71]

would like to see compatibility with Elite Ti and Ti2 added!