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tfyoung1 (old school) told me to post on here and request a setup and illustration for a 520C. I plan on putting a 520C on the front of my boat and console. I am using a 16.5 foot crestliner angler boat if that helps
Lowrance 520C setup / illustration
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Welcome to the Bassholes!
Will you network them together or run each independently? Are there any sensor modules to add on?
The manual for the LMS 520C covers installation of the unit. You can download it free at http://www.lowrance.com/Manuals/default.asp
Notice there are other downloads about networking and sensors on that page. You'll find lots of instructions with photos and drawings. Since those graphics are worth more words than can be written here, I recommend studying them first. When you get into it there are likely to be questions, so ask away.
Jim
Will you network them together or run each independently? Are there any sensor modules to add on?
The manual for the LMS 520C covers installation of the unit. You can download it free at http://www.lowrance.com/Manuals/default.asp
Notice there are other downloads about networking and sensors on that page. You'll find lots of instructions with photos and drawings. Since those graphics are worth more words than can be written here, I recommend studying them first. When you get into it there are likely to be questions, so ask away.
Jim
I was suggesting that he might want to go with a X-102c for the front unit with a temperature probe bracket in lieu of 2 XMS-520c's to save some money. Having 2 units is an advantage to be able to have a back up unit if something does go wrong. I don't use the front GPS much when on the trolling motor, however I know Jim does. I use the console GPS for getting close to outside structure and stay on it with the sonar, however I have been doing this for a lot of years and tend to rely on old habits. I do use the GPS to relocate onto outside structure if wind moves me too far off while retying or landing a bass.
Tom
Ps; I would love to have the new Motorguide with GPS anchor feature to keep me on a spot when off the trolling motor and fooling around doing something in the boat.
Tom
Ps; I would love to have the new Motorguide with GPS anchor feature to keep me on a spot when off the trolling motor and fooling around doing something in the boat.
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I think my real question is now that I have ordered two 520c units from basspro.com I am hoping I got the right tranducers. I got a transom and bow transducer I believe. My second question is where is the prime spot to put the GPS receiver?
also whats the benefit of linking them together?
also whats the benefit of linking them together?
Here we go again. Prepare to get your brains scrambled. You will definately have to take notes because these guys are gonna blow your mind with facts. We had a fairly lengthy thread last week on this but I don't remember what the heading was. Good luck!
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Actually im all set now I think. The manual on the lowrance site is extremly in depth and gives me a chance to look things over while the units are being shipped. Everyone has been helpful
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AHHHaaaa. A Reader of the Manual! GREAT. Smart. But don't hesitate to ask questions. You already have again so here's some talk back...
If you will be using just one antenna and sharing it between the two 520c units, the best location is.......
well, it depends on which unit you will use most to set waypoints. I set and follow routes from the console unit, and set waypoints on the fly, like when running over a big shad school.
Most of my fishing time is under trolling motor power, so I want full functionality at the bow. When i set a waypoint, say a hot stump, I want that to be very accurate so I don't run over it next time. I put an antenna right over where the trolling motor transducer sits in the water. That gives me pinpoint position accuracy of what I see with sonar. I could get by with that antenna shared at the console, but then the GPS position would always be 17 feet off from what the transom transducer shows me on sonar. Lots of folks accept that. But I wanted pinpoint accuracy at the console too, so installed a second antenna right above the transom transducer.
While at it I put a transducer splitter at the bow, a switch that allows me to use a backup transducer, a second one on the transom. I can now get a second look at a target while trolling over it. That helps me know whether fish are moving off target.
Jim
If you will be using just one antenna and sharing it between the two 520c units, the best location is.......
well, it depends on which unit you will use most to set waypoints. I set and follow routes from the console unit, and set waypoints on the fly, like when running over a big shad school.
Most of my fishing time is under trolling motor power, so I want full functionality at the bow. When i set a waypoint, say a hot stump, I want that to be very accurate so I don't run over it next time. I put an antenna right over where the trolling motor transducer sits in the water. That gives me pinpoint position accuracy of what I see with sonar. I could get by with that antenna shared at the console, but then the GPS position would always be 17 feet off from what the transom transducer shows me on sonar. Lots of folks accept that. But I wanted pinpoint accuracy at the console too, so installed a second antenna right above the transom transducer.
While at it I put a transducer splitter at the bow, a switch that allows me to use a backup transducer, a second one on the transom. I can now get a second look at a target while trolling over it. That helps me know whether fish are moving off target.
Jim
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Meanwhile, download the free product emulator for LMS330C, which is almost identical to the latest model, your 520C. http://www.lowrance.com/Downloads/Emulators/default.asp You can get to know all the same functions, both for GPS and sonar, and keep using it even after installing the 520Cs, practicing whenever you are not on the lake.
Jim
Jim
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You have to punch the Power button with the mouse pointer to start, then use the pointer to punch other buttons to keep going. On that same download page there's a sample of maps to use with the emulator. You can also wipe out the Program Files/Lowrance Electronics/Demo/Maps0 folder contents (probably Miami, etc in there now) and put any one of the free Enhanced maps in there, then view it on the emulator.
Jim
Jim
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Hey guys long time no chat. Well I upgraded my boat to a new 2006 nitro 482 with a 115 merc optimax. It came with a x96 unit in the dash and I am going to put my 520c in the dash instead. My question is now how similar is the wiring and will I have to re-run everything? I assume the transducers are way different. i almost think my x96 is internally mounted.
thoughts on the best solution? I will be putting the x96 up front.
thoughts on the best solution? I will be putting the x96 up front.
I suggest you mount the new unit on a RAM mount to the right side of your consul, in lieu of dash mounting. Several reasons for this, the most import is placement for the best viewing. It's hard to look between the steering wheel and try to read the unit, depending on where you site verses the sun glare etc.
The second and maybe the most important is trailering and boat storage with the unit mounted in the dash.
Your unit will come with a skimmer mount transducer with an internal temperature probe. You must use the newer transducers, through hull or skimmer, with blue and red connectors. You should also locate the GPS antenna near the transducer location for accurate way points and remember the way points are at the rear of the boat for consul mounted units. You will need to patch the hole with a piece of 4" X 6" black piece of plexiglas or something similar.
Lowrance makes a adapter cord for the old to new power cable, the transducer cable will need to be rerun and the GPS cable will be needed. You will need a trolling motor transducer for the X-96 unit, mounting bracket for the bow and a power cable with connector the same color as the one under the dash. Power should be there some place in the bow to connect to, make sure it's fused properly.
Tom
The second and maybe the most important is trailering and boat storage with the unit mounted in the dash.
Your unit will come with a skimmer mount transducer with an internal temperature probe. You must use the newer transducers, through hull or skimmer, with blue and red connectors. You should also locate the GPS antenna near the transducer location for accurate way points and remember the way points are at the rear of the boat for consul mounted units. You will need to patch the hole with a piece of 4" X 6" black piece of plexiglas or something similar.
Lowrance makes a adapter cord for the old to new power cable, the transducer cable will need to be rerun and the GPS cable will be needed. You will need a trolling motor transducer for the X-96 unit, mounting bracket for the bow and a power cable with connector the same color as the one under the dash. Power should be there some place in the bow to connect to, make sure it's fused properly.
Tom
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You'll be using two different transducers. Maybe you can remove the old one and fit it to your trolling motor to serve the X96. The 520 comes with its own model. The wiring of the two is very different. The X96 is simple, just needing a pair of power wires. The 520 is more involved. The head unit gets powered like the X96. A network cable comes with the 520 that also must be powered to its exposed red & black wires. The 520 needs both in-line fuses used, one for the head unit, one for the network. The network power is to run the antenna. In addition you need to use an existing unused switch or mount an auxilliary SPST switch in the console that breaks the power to the network cable. If you leave power on it the battery will drain at the rate of 3 amps per hour.
Jim
Jim
My suggestion is to have a good bass boat dealer in your area install the units or have someone who knows how to help you, if you are not good at this type of installation. It's not that difficult to do, however it can be difficult if you don't know what you are doing. Jim suggested using the old through hull transducer and that is a good idea, however it requires breaking the epoxy bond without damaging the transducer or cable, if it's through hull mounted. This can be done but you need to know how to do it. Installing the new transducer, you will lose the temperature readout if you through hull mount the new unit and will need to add an independent temperature probe to the transom and rewire the plug to the head unit. The 520c is a good product and you should have it installed properly.
Tom
Tom
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After reading all this I think I will have my dealer install the units. Most likely I will just get a new transducer for the trolling motor on the x96 and leave the through hull installed as it is since I won't be needing it. Is there any issue with leaving the through hull transducer installed but not plugged in?
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