Lowrance Elite-7 HDI Review in 2024 – Fish Finder

Lowrance Elite 7 HDI Review

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“Elite” is the name of this series of fishfinders/chartplotters from Lowrance. You get excellent images from the Broadband and 3D SONARS or GPS mapping programs thanks to a brilliant, 800×480 pixel widescreen 7 inch display. The 7-inch screen is hands down the most significant feature. In order to put things into perspective, consider that the screen is simply a bit smaller than that of an iPad Mini.

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Configurations

  • No Transducer
  • 83/200/455/800 kHz Transducer
  • 50/200/455/800 kHz Transducer
  • 83/200/455/800 kHz Transducer, US/Canada Coastal, Great Lakes, Major Canadian Lakes Charts
  • 50/200/455/800 kHz Transducer, US/Canada Coastal, Great Lakes, Major Canadian Lakes Charts

Hdi Technology

Hdi Technology

The HDS-965 is Sony’s latest HDI model, delivering stunning 4K/60p video and stereo sound quality with a variety of features including Super Hi-Vision technology. The HDS-965 uses the same super clear picture transmission standard as earlier Sony handheld models like the HXR-NX5U (with hybrid DV camcorder). It also supports 1080i Full HD video and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound recording, as well as MP3 audio compatibility for easy sharing on YouTube or Facebook.

You can now view both broadband SONAR and high-resolution DownScan SONAR on one device from just one transducer that is about the same size as a traditional transducer, so installation is simple. So you may see typical echoes from the broadband SONAR next to high-resolution 3D SONAR echoes.

You can use the SONAR Track-Back option to go back in time and rewind the sonar readings, allowing you to examine them at your leisure to ensure you didn’t overlook anything. If you have the GPS turned on, the trackback will also display GPS data; so if you spot something that escaped your attention in the SONAR history, you may return there using this feature.

Powerful Downscan Imaging:

The DownScan Imaging innovation offers crystal-clear picturelike pictures of structure, bottom, thermoclines, baitfish, and predator fish directly below the boat. There’s no need for interpretation. For broader and deeper sonar imaging coverage, use 455 kHz sounding. 800 kHz is a better choice for viewing targeted areas because it has higher frequency sound waves (455/800kHz). It also includes standard 83/200 kHz sonar to find locations in deep water or at higher speeds.

Multiple Charting Options:

Make waypoints at your favorite fishing locations so you’ll never forget where you caught the “big one” again! With BaseMap or Navionics pre-loaded, it’s ready to go. The Basemap is a simple map that isn’t completely trustworthy for navigation. If you intend on using this extensively for charting, you’ll need a separate charting program. Navionics Gold Charts provide contour lines similar to paper charts but can also show whole continents and have an accuracy of up to 1 meter when zoomed in!

16-Channel internal GPS receiver with built-in memory for up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes/100 waypoints per route and 100 retraceable plot trails/up to 10,000 points per trail.

Bridge Between Elite and Hds

Bridge Between Elite and Hds:

The Lowrance Elite-7 HDI is a bridge between the lower- and higher-end Lowrance HDS series. The ability to have both Broadband SONAR and DownScan SONAR in prior HDS series units was only available with the LSS-2 StructureScan Module, which was extra.

At just slightly higher price points than the HDS, the Elite-7 HDI gives you a bigger screen and all of the SONAR and mapping technology that was previously available in the HDS at a more affordable rate!

If you don’t need the HDS Series’ more sophisticated networking capabilities but still desire a SONAR with Broadband and DownScan, the Elite-7 HDI is an excellent option.

Split Screen Viewing With Ease:

The large 7-inch screen allows you to see a lot of information on one screen without any problems. You can choose to just look at charts, only Broadband SONAR, or simply DownScan SONAR. To compare two readings side by side, you may view Broadband and DownScan SONAR simultaneously, and you can even conduct a three way split to observe all three variables at the same time.

There’s also a setting in the menu to alter the size of either panel. The standard setting is that all three panels will be equal in size, but if you want one with more room, you may quickly change their sizes.

Use It With One Hand:

The Elite-7 HDI has a huge touchscreen display for you to use. On the left side of the screen are all of the buttons, so you can easily operate it with just one hand – or even one thumb, for that matter! A tap of the “pages” menu will switch through pre-set split screen choices, and the menu and four-way keypad are also accessible for on-the-fly operation so you may hold one hand on the wheel or motor while using the Elite-7 HDI device with your other hand comfortably.

Nmea 2000 Networking

Nmea 2000 Networking:

The Lowrance Elite-7 HDI has three ports on the rear for battery, sonar, and NMEA 2000 networking. In all marine applications, NMEA 2000 is the standard means of data transmission.

You can communicate GPS and waypoint information between your current chartplotter and your Elite-7 HDI unit using the NMEA 2000 port. This is particularly beneficial if you’re upgrading from a non-GPS model and have lots of waypoints on your old GPS device.

Rather of having to manually construct new waypoints (because you would have to go to each and every location again!) You may simply connect both devices using the network connection and exchange information instantly.

Easy Installation:

The Lowrance Elite-7 HDI is simple to install. To mount the device flat on any surface, use a gimbal mount. The gimbal mount allows you to raise and lower the fish finder, but it won’t swivel.

The second alternative is to install a flush(or in-dash) mount, which will fit into your boat’s dashboard comfortably. If you aren’t sure how to do it yourself, hiring someone to do it for you would be the best option.

The installation Manual has a thorough schematic that you may put on your dashboard to assist you with cutting, and it’s a helpful reference. It’s rather simple to install because it works like any transom-mounted transducer. It should be mounted on the transom, with the water surface (not tilted) in mind, and always submerged beneath the surface of the water.

You only need to run two wires: one from the transom-mounted transducer to your head unit, and one from the head unit to the power source.

If you have an existing transducer that has a blue plug (Airmar or Lowrance) and want to use it with the Elite-7 HDI, you will be able to do so, but only with Broadband SONAR.

Warranty Information

Warranty Information

Lowrance’s MMS-60TTSS Fish Finder/Chartplotter is backed by LowRance Advantage Service, which includes a one-year warranty.

What’s in the Box:

  • Elite-7 Combo plotter/fishfinder
  • Mounting bracket
  • Transom mount transducer
  • Installation hardware
  • Owner’s manual
Shane Baker

Shane Baker

My name is Shane Baker and when I am not with my family or working here I am out fishing! I caught my first fish when I was 6 – it was a trout at a stocked pond here in TX. Ever since fishing has been a passion of mine!

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