New 4.1 software release for Lowrance HDS Gen1 units

[Todd Driscoll]

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads...ftware-Update/

What changes are made in this update?
HDS 4.1 includes many new features including:

Sonar Performance – Improvements include better bottom tracking at high speeds, enhanced deep water depth tracking (greater than 1,000 feet), and shortened lock on time for trolling motor mounted transducers.

Charting Enhancements – Quick access mapping selection is now available with Lowrance/Navionics chart toggle under Chart Options or soft key accessible on HDS-8 and HDS-10. Also, users can now display points of interest supplied by the Navionics User Community.

Fixes– Updates include accurate distance measurement between vessel and active cursor as vessel moves, correct altitude overlay for altitudes greater than 9,999 feet, and EP-60R fuel flow sensor corrections.

[Steve Wood]

Todd, I just upgraded the software on my HDS-5 unit before going fishing for a week in Canada. I'm not sure the updated software had anything to do with it, but the GPS unit will no longer read Lake Master map chips nor will it access waypoints on my networked LCX-25. I thought the problem was with the Rainy/LOW chip I put into it, but that isn't the case. My MN chip that I've always used in this also doesn't work now. I went through all the settings and menus I could find, but couldn't fix this. Some commands such as hitting the Zoom Out button caused the device to reboot itself. I mostly was using the front unit with the trolling motor transducer and the sonar, but I had wanted to switch over to the GPS while traversing the lake or operating the trolling motor on structure. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this? I really don't believe anything is broken.

[Todd Driscoll]

Todd, I just upgraded the software on my HDS-5 unit before going fishing for a week in Canada. I'm not sure the updated software had anything to do with it, but the GPS unit will no longer read Lake Master map chips nor will it access waypoints on my networked LCX-25. I thought the problem was with the Rainy/LOW chip I put into it, but that isn't the case. My MN chip that I've always used in this also doesn't work now. I went through all the settings and menus I could find, but couldn't fix this. Some commands such as hitting the Zoom Out button caused the device to reboot itself. I mostly was using the front unit with the trolling motor transducer and the sonar, but I had wanted to switch over to the GPS while traversing the lake or operating the trolling motor on structure. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this? I really don't believe anything is broken.

Try updating the unit again, then report back.

[Steve Wood]

Note to others planning to upgrade to HDS V4.1: This software is not compatible with the LakeMaster map chips. I had to re-install V4.0 in order to restore the map functionality for my LakeMaster MN and Rainy Lake map data chips. The older software is not available online either so I had to contact Customer Service to have them send me the files needed. The updated HDS software undoubtedly works fine with other map data, but not with LakeMaster.