Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 is one of the most commonly used fish fider/chartplotter devices by professional angler on FLW and BASS tournaments. The precise GPS features. high quality Sonar images, preloaded maps ,easy to use interface are some of the many highlights of this devce.
In this article we shall delve into the features of Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 which makes it stand out from its competitors in the market.
LOWRANCE HDS-7 GEN3 Features
DISPLAY
Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 Touch Insight comes with a 7” display, supports both touch and keyboard controls, with easy access to all essential functions and panels on the home screen, functioning like a regular tablet.
The resolution is 480 x 800 pixels WVGA color and backlit by LCD uoto 1200 nits, making the screen well visible during daylight and night time.
The display is waterproof, compatible and aesthetically pleasing. The screen is easy to access all essential functionalities without having to spend much time looking for it. The split screen option allows 3 screens to be viewed at once.
The user interface is quite simple which allows even beginners to get a hold of it pretty swiftly.
SONAR AND TRANSDUCER
Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 Insight features two transducers: the 83/200 kHz one paired with the 455/800 kHz LSS-2 for 3D Structure Scan. The Structure Scan HD tech provides users with photo-like clarity with both Side Scan and Down Scan imaging. The broadband sonar utilizes CHIRP technology which uses multiple frequencies which in turns gives a more detailed, noise filtered, accurate image. It also removes excess clutter and even lets you differentiate between individual targets in a baitfish cloud.
800 kHz performs better in shallow waters whereas the 455 kHz can be used for all available depths. One can simultaneously view the CHIRP and Structure Scan sonars side-by-side on the wide display screen.
Additional features:
- The TrackBack function is an excellent feature that allows you to review certain locations, which saves a lot of time and adds considerable versatility.
- SpotlightScan (requires an additional SpotlightScan transducer)
- Flasher sonar: ideal for ice fishing
- Fish ID: to mark sonar images defined as fish
- Bottom Lock: provides better view of potential targets
- Split Zoom : for magnification of certain parts of the sonar results
Fish are displayed as arches approximating the size and shape, and their behavior and location are updated continuously.
NAVIGATION
The Lowrance HDS 7 Gen3 comes equipped with a highly accurate, quick-locking and potent built-in GPS with the position update rate of 10 Hz with WAAS/EGNOS corrections and navigation software. Comes preloaded with Insight USA charts for coastal and inland waters as well as a generic reference map. it is also fully compatible with Insight HD/PRO, Navionics, Topo Insight, C-MAP MAX-N+, and others. You can also use the Insight Genesis online app to customize and configure your own maps and pair them with sonar recordings or simply use fishing maps created by other users
The software helps with planning of water routes , helps avoid potential hazards and redirect you to spots where one could haul more fishes. Users can also include their updates and also additional software can be downloaded to make it more functional via the GoFree system. This ensures that the data on the Lowrance HDS 7 is up-to-date, hence allowing fellow fishermen to be aware of the changes in the bottom of any waterway or its contours quickly.
Gen3 devices also come with a StructureMap, which is an excellent feature that works together with the sonar to customize your maps instantly and increase your situational awareness by overlaying live or recorded sonar results onto them.
The unit can store up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and 100 trails with up to 10,000 points per trail. Finally, it also supports Broadband Radar, SiriusXM Marine Weather and audio, Class B AIS, and multiple autopilot systems like MotorGuide, SmartSteer, Lowrance Outboard Pilot, and PinpointGPS.
WIRELESS NETWORKING
Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 Insight uses the Insight Genesis mapping feature to customize one’s own maps and use those already made by other fishers.it can wirelessly connect to HDS Gen2 Touch and HDS Gen2 multifunction displays for additional display or input options, which is ideal when multiple fishermen are using the same boat. One can also just use their phone and the Lowrance GoFree App. The system also has a LAN port for software updates for those who do not have wireless internet access.
It comes with Ethernet connection facilities and a NMEA 2000 port. The unit can be connected to a camera used as an underwater surveillance device. The device features 2 microSD card slots (up to 32GB).
HDS-7 Gen3 comes with built-in wireless connectivity, which means you can use your tablet or smartphone not just to control the display but also to download software updates, upload personal sonar logs, use the Insight Genesis platform, and other means of transfer.
Can be mounted easily anywhere without any need for wired connections except for the power outlet.
Pros
- High-quality 7” multi-touch/keypad screen with an LED backlight
- vBroadband CHIRP sonar and StructureScan transducer
- 2 microSD card slots, wireless connectivity, video input, and Ethernet/NMEA 2000 networking
- High-sensitivity GPS
- Up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and 100 trails with up to 10,000 points per trail
- Preloaded Insight US charts + compatibility with many others
The Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 is one of the most affordable fish finder devices that comes with an unique set of features and an added advantage of easy to set-up and use. The advanced , accurate GPS system, high quality sonar imaging and preloaded maps and navigation software makes this device one of the must haves for anglers.
