Lowrance questions

[Otis857]

Greetings and Salutations,

I have an opportunity to pick up a used Lowrance HDS-7 GEN 2 (NOT HDS 7m, not Touch) for pretty cheap. I'm just getting in to off road GPS and the idea of picking up a unit I can switch on to my boat is intriguing. But I wont use it very often so I cant justify the high price of a new unit. Youtube isnt much help on the Gen 2 unit for off road, lots of fishing info.

Questions;

Is this unit suitable for off road use or just a fish finder? If so, do I need to do anything to adapt it?

DO I need a GPS external antenna? It will be dash mounted

How do I download trail maps for organized Raptor runs on this unit?

Any other questions I dont know to ask now?

TIA

 

[Trick.Raptor]

Many ROC members have a Lowrance (and more and more are going to LeadNAV) and they have no issues with them off-road.

Most don't need the external antenna but many use it as its faster and get get better coverage than the unit inside the cabin.

You will put the map files on a micro-SD card then import them to the the Lowrance. It's not all that hard to do either. Best thing to do is just start playing with it and seeing all its features!


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[Otis857]

Thanks TR. I dont know if the Gen 2 can download maps via SD card, and the seller says its above his skill set and doesnt know either. I know the HDS Gen 3 can. That said, which model is the most common Lowrance model used in the weekend warrior off road community? I'm thinking the unit I'm looking at is an older model from what I can find online about it.

 

[zombiekiller]

Thanks TR. I dont know if the Gen 2 can download maps via SD card, and the seller says its above his skill set and doesnt know either. I know the HDS Gen 3 can. That said, which model is the most common Lowrance model used in the weekend warrior off road community? I'm thinking the unit I'm looking at is an older model from what I can find online about it.

stick to gen3 and newer.

the gen2 will really struggle if you tried to use satellite imagery map data.

 

[Otis857]

Good to know. I had a killer deal available, but I had the feeling there was a reason it was so cheap ($150). I suppose it would still be a good deal for the angler who just wants to check out the fish in the lake. Oh well.