Hi there, I am looking at purchasing this unit. Ha

[JasonV]

Hi there, I am looking at purchasing this unit. Has anyone got one or have any comments about it? Below are the spec's






[align=center]M52i S/GPS   FEATURES[/align]

View Points

High-brightness 4" (10.2cm) diagonal Film SuperTwist LCD

Highly visible 240V x 160H pixel resolution

Amber LED backlit screen and keypad for night or low-light viewing

Transmits NMEA 0183 data

Complies with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) requirements for transmitting position, time, and date to DSC equipped VHF marine radios

Simplified keypad with Menu and Pages keys

Overlay Data feature displays GPS information over sonar screen, and sonar information over GPS screens

Space-saving case design with adjustable tilt, quick-mount/release convenience
Sonar

Depth penetration to 600 feet* (183 m)

True 800 watts peak-to-peak transmit power

Unique full-screen LCD flasher mode with GRAYLINE® displays real-time sonar readings

Other unique sonar features include: HyperScrollâ„¢, Advanced Signal Processing (ASPâ„¢), Advanced Fish Symbol I.D.â„¢, FishTrackâ„¢, and more

2X and 4X zoom, with zoom-bottom-tracking

Auto or manual sensitivity, surface clarity, noise rejection, and depth range controls

Selective on/off shallow, deep, zone, and fish alarms

Low-profile high-performance 200 kHz Skimmer® - with built-in water surface temp sensor - optional sensors for livewell/baitwell temp and speed/distance log readings

Up to 60-degree coverage area using high sensitivity

Operates up to 70 mph (61 kts)
GPS/Mapping

Full 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS receiver with advanced internal satellite antenna

Mega-memory saves up to 1,000 waypoints, 1,000 event markers, and 100 routes (up to 100 waypoints/route)

100 savable plot trails with up to 10,000 points per trail

42 graphic icons to mark important spots

40 map ranges - 0.02 to 4,000 miles - with easy zoom-in/out control

Off course/arrival/anchor alarms; trip calculator, sun/moon calculator; and Man Overboard features
Plus

Internal back-up memory keeps stored sonar settings and GPS data accessible for years

Completely sealed and waterproof for use in the harshest environments

Full one-year warranty

 

[Redhawk]

Hi Jason

I have one and found it robust and simple to operate. It is good value for money as a starting kit.

Only thing that is a pain is that you are not able to connect to your pc, but in this price class nothing does.

A good buy.

Regards

 

[Fishton]

Hi Jason,

As an entry level bottom finder / gps unit I think it's a great little unit, and for under R3500 you can't go wrong.

Keep the following in mind though:-
http://www.fishtec.co.za/q6.htm

 

[JasonV]

Thanks guys for the advice. Some good points to consider.

I am looking for a GPS plotter and the problem is I want my wife to still like me after she see's what I spend. I have a navman fish finder also a basic version so thats why I was looking at this as a 2 in 1 option.
Do you guys have any other one's that you could recommend. I am looking at spending upto R5500.

 

[Fishton]

JasonV wrote:

Thanks guys for the advice. Some good points to consider.

I am looking for a GPS plotter and the problem is I want my wife to still like me after she see's what I spend. I have a navman fish finder also a basic version so thats why I was looking at this as a 2 in 1 option.
Do you guys have any other ones that you ould recommend. I am looking at spending upto R5500.

Jason,

I have a FishElite480 demo unit that has been used twice:-
1. 31/05/2009 - see article  http://www.fishtec.co.za/limestone.htm
2. 05/06/2009 - see article http://www.fishtec.co.za/aliwal.htm

This in my opinion is one of the most under rated systems available today. 
It retails for R6 940, but you can have it for R5 500. (keep your wife happy)

Or I can supply you with a new one at R6 200 http://www.fishtec.co.za/eagle.htm

 

[BrentC123]

Hi Jason I am using one of these at the moment. They are great units and mine has given me no problems. Apart from the link to the computer, the only other thing that bothers me is that it doesnt show charts - but hey for the price you cant go wrong. With the ping speed set to max I have had no problems scanning the ocean bed even at 60km/h. I am looking at upgrading mine in the near future to one of the HDS units. If you can stretch your R5500 to one of those, you will have a really top notch unit, but really you cant fault this unit.

 

[JasonV]

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the great advice. I think I am complicating matters for myself as I was very impressed with the FishElite480 and am serriously looking at taking Fishton up on his offer. I have also now started looking at the Garmin GPSMAP520S or the Lowrance HDS-5 as if I am going to get myself in the dog box I may as well do it properly. I guess I just have to see if I will have a home to come back to if I purchase any of the above. But thanks all of you for the great advice and offers.

 

[JasonV]

I see from other posts that you cant really compare the two but I guess at this stage I have to base my choice on the price.

 

[Fishton]

JasonV wrote: 

Lowrance HDS-5

R9 615.00 built in 16 channel GPS receiver, Broadband and transducer 83/200kHz skimmer (choice of trolling motor/in-hull/transom mount type)

This price does not include postage / courier.

 

[JasonV]

Hi Fishton,

I have just sent you a PM.

 

[Fishton]

Thanks, I have replied.

 

[Xander]

Jason just be carefull. It is about the same price as getting a handheld and a fish finder seperately. I was also looking at that one when getting new gear when I got my boat. A mate of mine had that one, it works well and is acurate etc, but the display is so small when you use it as a combo. You have a very small area (remember combo beans split screen if you want GPS and fish finder to work at the same time) to try and get a accurate reading of what is fish and what is not. Look at the Furuno LS-4100 and a hand held. Nice fish finder for great price.