Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

[Dodger1234]

I'm not sure if this is where to post this?? But, has any one used the Humminbird add on GPS receivers ( AS GR16 or AS GR50 ) on there 700 series Humminbird? I'm not fishing big waters but I have many small lakes in my area and I want to start saving the "special" spots I come across when fishing.

If your not impressed with these then do you think I should drag a hand held GPS along??

Anyone's thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Dodger1234.

 

[HONKER1]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

I feel that being able to mark a waypoint whenever I get a fish on is a advantage. Marking the fish schools or underwater structure will make your time on the water more productive.

 

[John_S]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

, has any one used the Humminbird add on GPS receivers ( AS GR16 or AS GR50 ) on there 700 series Humminbird?

It depends on which 700 series HB you have, which of these receivers you can use. The newer receivers (GR50 and AHGR50) require more power than the older GR16. The older 700 units can not supply enough current to the connector, and may damage it.

Post back on which 700 series you have, and I will post your options are and benefits, including how to make the 50ch work with older units (requires cutting gps receiver cable).

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

I use the AS GR16 on an old Matrix 25 unit. Had this setup for about 5 or 6 years. The GPS works fine for tracking waypoints and speed, and I have no complaints...well other than that the old Matrix unit has no mapping.

 

[Dodger1234]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

Thanks for the info so far.

I have a 1 year old 718, I have local suppliers that stock the GR16 but no one has the GR50 here ( Canada ). I wanted the GR50 but no one is able to ship it internationaly for less than $80.00 which when you total it up with the cost of the GR50 it is a little steep.

So I want to go with the GR16 but was curious if the seperate unit performs well with the 718 or as mentioned I just go and buy a hand held to mark my waypoints.

Thanks, Dodger1234.

 

[John_S]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

The GR50 will aquire sats more quickly, and seems to hold lock better than GR16.

FWIW, the unit only powers the receiver and receives the data. The receiver will not work differently with your unit or a 1197.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

The GR16 can take anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds to acquire at power on, but I have not had it lose lock even once in 5 years. I do have my antenna button on a short riser mounted on the bow rail, no obstructions at all and away from everything else, which I am sure helps a lot.

 

[Dodger1234]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

The GR16 can take anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds to acquire at power on, but I have not had it lose lock even once in 5 years. I do have my antenna button on a short riser mounted on the bow rail, no obstructions at all and away from everything else, which I am sure helps a lot.

Thanks for your info!
Dodger1234.

 

[John_S]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

The GR16 can take anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds to acquire at power on, but I have not had it lose lock even once in 5 years. I do have my antenna button on a short riser mounted on the bow rail, no obstructions at all and away from everything else, which I am sure helps a lot.

Actually, I meant to say lost WAAS lock, as opposed to complete sat lock loss. ie these are the error corrrecting ones that fly directly over the equater, and are harder to receive the further north you are.

The GR16 is probably fine, but the GR50 is a little better.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

Technical Clarification---

From the Garman site -
WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

 

[Dodger1234]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

Actually, I meant to say lost WAAS lock, as opposed to complete sat lock loss. ie these are the error corrrecting ones that fly directly over the equater, and are harder to receive the further north you are.

The GR16 is probably fine, but the GR50 is a little better.

I wanted the GR50 but as I mentioned if I try and get one up here the price goes from high to stupid high. I'll settle for the GR16 and maybe in 4-5 years I'll go with a fishfinder with the built in GPS. Hopefully by then they will have the bugs worked out.

Dodger.

 

[Woodrow246]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

GR16 here, flawless for a couple of years now here in Puget sound waters. Dont forget the Sat. signal indications No Fix, 2D Fix, 3D Fix, or enhanced fix. Have had enhanced or 3d in most all locations in WA and OR. East and West side of the Mtns. FWIW

 

[Dodger1234]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

GR16 here, flawless for a couple of years now here in Puget sound waters. Dont forget the Sat. signal indications No Fix, 2D Fix, 3D Fix, or enhanced fix. Have had enhanced or 3d in most all locations in WA and OR. East and West side of the Mtns. FWIW

I have never heard of 2D fix, 3D fix etc. I suspect this is signal strength. My hand held works flawlessly so the GR16 should.
Dodger1234.

 

[John_S]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

I have never heard of 2D fix, 3D fix etc. I suspect this is signal strength. My hand held works flawlessly so the GR16 should.
Dodger1234.

It has to do with the number of satalites it is receiving from.

2D Fix = Latitude and longtitude
3D Fix = Elevation added to the above
Enhanced = Recieving correction from WAAS satalite(s)

There is a HB diagnostic screen that will show the satalites it is currently receiving.

 

[Woodrow246]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

It has to do with the number of satalites it is receiving from.

2D Fix = Latitude and longtitude
3D Fix = Elevation added to the above
Enhanced = Recieving correction from WAAS satalite(s)

There is a HB diagnostic screen that will show the satalites it is currently receiving.

Thx for the additional info John...

 

[Dodger1234]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

Thx for the additional info John...

X2 !!
Dodger1234

 

[Boatist]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

I agree. A 2D position takes 3 satellites locked and a 3D Position takes 4 satellites locked. WAAS error correction improves accuracy and requires a WAAS satellite lock.

 

[Dodger1234]

Re: Opinion on Humminbird GPS.

I received my GR-16 and hooked it up last weekend to my 718. I am very pleased with the result as it did not take any time for it to fire up and within minutes I had a very good Perch bed marked as my first waypoint. I did a little trolling and then tried using it to go back to the waypoint.

It puts you within 15 - 20 feet of where you marked your spot. I have not tried any settings to see if I can tighten this up a bit to maybe 5 - 10 feet because the fish were biting

Doder1234