What is HDI?
Hybrid Dual Imaging, or HDI, is the new sonar technology from Lowrance. HDI combines the BroadBand™ technology found in the traditional sonar of the HDS series with the DownScan Imaging™ technology found in the Mark/Elite DSI series. This capability allows the user to have unparalleled image definition and clarity in any water column.
What networking capabilities does Elite-7 have?
The Lowrance Elite-7 comes with a NMEA2000® port on the back with the Power and Sonar connectors. Currently, the Elite-7 allows for external GPS data input and waypoint sharing via a NMEA2000® connection.
What are the transducer options for Elite-7?
The Elite-7 uses the same Lowrance Blue-connector transducer and power inputs as the current HDS line. This means the Elite-7 is compatible with any Lowrance Blue-connector transducer, including Airmar. However, only the HDI transducer contains both traditional sonar and DownScan™ views. Without an HDI transducer, DownScan Imaging™ will not be available. The HDI transducer can also be plugged into a Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch to provide traditional sonar and DownScan™ Imaging, making it ideal for trolling motors. If plugged into an HDS Gen2 or Gen1, the unit will only yield traditional sonar images.
The HDI transducer is capable of producing both a traditional sonar image and a Lowrance DownScan Image™. It comes in two frequency configurations: 83/200/455/800kHz and 50/200/455/800kHz. The 455/800kHz frequencies produce the DownScan Image™, while the 83/200kHz or 50/200kHz frequencies produce the traditional sonar image.
- 455/800kHz DownScan Imaging™: Capable of maintaining depth and water column information to 300 feet.
- 83/200kHz traditional sonar imaging: Capable of maintaining depth and water column information to 1,000 feet.
- 50/200kHz traditional sonar imaging: Capable of maintaining depth and water column information to 2,500 feet.
It is important to choose the correct transducer for your application. While both transducers feature the standard Lowrance Skimmer® style transom mount, the 83/200 HDI transducer has a modular design for an optional low-profile trolling motor mount. The 50/200kHz HDI transducer does not feature this modular design due to its size.
What is different, or the same, between an Elite-7 HDI and an HDS-7 Gen2 (non-Touch)?
| Feature | Elite-7 HDI | HDS-7 Gen2 (non-Touch) |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging Features | Lowrance DownScan Imaging™ & traditional sonar with ASP™ and TrackBack™. Not compatible with Lowrance StructureScan. DownScan™ overlay standard. | Standard traditional sonar with ASP™ and TrackBack™. Optional StructureScan for Down- and Side-Imaging. DownScan™ overlay capable (when connected to a Lowrance StructureScan™ module). |
| Connectors | Lowrance Blue-connectors | Lowrance Blue-connectors |
| Networking | NMEA2000® (for external GPS and waypoint sharing only), NMEA0183®. Does not have an Ethernet port. | Full NMEA2000® and NMEA0183® networking and Ethernet capability (compatible with all Lowrance Ethernet devices). |
| Storage | MicroSD card slot (1) | Standard size SD card slot (1) |
| Mapping | Detailed U.S. background map, with optional charting upgrades to Lake and Nautic Insight PRO, Navionics® Gold and HotMaps® Premium, Fishing Hotspots® PRO, and Navico Cartography Toolkit developer content. | Built-in Insight USA mapping, with optional charting upgrades to Lake and Nautic Insight PRO or HD, Navionics® Gold and HotMaps® Premium, Platinum and Platinum+, Fishing Hotspots® PRO, and Navico Cartography Toolkit developer content. |
| Page Layouts | 8 preset page layouts. | Page layouts change depending on networked peripherals. |
| Gimbal Bracket | New gimbal bracket manages cables and covers the pass through, eliminating the need for clamshell covers. | Standard metal Lowrance gimbal bracket. |
How does Elite-7 HDI compare to Elite-5 and Elite-5 DSI?
| Feature | Elite-7 HDI | Elite-5 | Elite-5 DSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7" Widescreen (70% larger than comparable 5" screen models) | 5" square aspect ratio | 5" square aspect ratio |
| Imaging Type | Traditional Sonar and DownScan Imaging™ | Traditional Sonar | DownScan™ Imaging |
| Transducer Connector | Capable of accepting all Lowrance Blue-connector transducers | Lowrance D-connector only | Lowrance DSI connector only |
| Networking | NMEA2000® networking (external GPS and waypoint sharing only) | No networking capability | No networking capability |
| GPS | Built in GPS | Built in GPS | Built in GPS |
| Mount | New gimbal bracket manages cables and covers the pass through, eliminating the need for clamshell covers. | Lowrance Tilt/Swivel quick release mount | Lowrance Tilt/Swivel quick release mount |
What accessories are available for the Elite-7?
- Trolling motor adapter for 83/200kHz HDI transducer (Lowrance part number 000-10978-001)
- Elite-7 Sun Cover (Lowrance part number 000-11069-001)
- Elite-7 flush mount kit (Lowrance part number 000-10979-001)
