Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 versus HD side imaging - Is it worth the upgrade?

[@deshoup1]

Really like the idea of this video and it is super helpful to those considering the upgrade. That said, it would be awesome if you could do this again and 1) use same distance range (AI unit was usually at 300' and the HD was around 120-160), 2) use the same color pallet, 3) either dial in the best contrast (same person's opinion) or use auto contrast, and 4) do several at same frequencies then also some comparisons with mega on the HD and 800 (highest option) on AI. My take away is that there is some difference, but probably not enough to justify the cost for me...but it is hard to know for sure as I've got so many variables changing between the comparisons this comparison might look as different if this had just been 2 units running AI transducers but with different settings, ranges, and color pallets. A true controlled side by side would be golden. Thanks for the video though...this is one of only a few things like this on KZbin and it is very valuable! The screen shots were really useful given the glare on the live recordings...thanks for taking those!

[@garrywoodruff960]

Hi, thanks I glad that you appreciated the video. After I reviewed the footage I noticed the differences in the setting between the boats. In hindsight, I should have verified that we had the same settings. It was annoying to me looking at the footage because I usually perform comparison tests using the same standards. I really appreciate your comments. I'll have to come with a detailed plan before we just get on the water and film. Your list will be a great start, thank you. Now that I have the HD installed on my boat, I am planning on a video running through all of the settings. But I'm thinking that I can get a port side mount for my jackplate and temporarily mount the old AI transducer on it. Then I can do a true side by comparison using both units on my console. That way I can control all of the parameters. The only issue may be getting good video of both screens, maybe I'll work out a bracket for the camera/cameras. The other option is to log the sonar files and then use them if I can find a good viewer for my computer. And yes the glare was a problem. I'm not proficient enough at my video editor to attempt to remove the glare and I was concerned about the loss of detail. I know that the HD transducer is an expensive option if you don't have a Pro unit. Hopefully I can get that bracket in a timely manner (Transducer Shield & Saver is usually very quick) and do a second side-by-side video.

[@deshoup1]

@@garrywoodruff960 glad to hear there might be more to come. Even captured screen shots would be useful. I use reefmaster to view my recorded files...not free, but is a nice program in case that helps. I'm not sure if there is a free viewer that works with Lowrance, but that would make for very clean video if you can find one. Thanks again for a great video!

[@garrywoodruff960]

I looked at Reefmaster ($49 USD isn't too bad). Right now that looks like the only program available and I don't have the time write the program, maybe over the winter. I think that it would be useful tool. I used to use a tool from Lowrance to view the files but I think that it was just sonar (.sl not the .sl2 format). You're welcome.

[@RonnieSprangerJr]

Would have liked to have seen the comparison in the same color palettes for a true comparison

[@garrywoodruff960]

I agree. As I have said many times everyone has a different color perception and preference, so color choice is definitely personal. But in the case of comparing the two transducers, the same colors would have definitely helped. I'll be doing a second video using the same settings, color palettes, etc. soon. I am going to have both transducers mounted on my boat to make the syncing better. I'm hoping to get that done in the next couple of weeks. So keep an eye out for the release.

[@Cman12972]

My goodness I think you could almost read a road sign on the bottom with the HD. I for one am impressed.

[@garrywoodruff960]

It is that good. Now that I have it installed on my boat, I'll be looking for underwater signs now.

[@krisfishllc]

Great comparison video!

[@garrywoodruff960]

Thank you! I'm glad that you liked it. I tried to do an apples to apples comparison but we were using different, yet similar, settings. The "second look" comparison video is a truer comparison using mostly sonar log files.

[@TheSinistral]

I’ll subscribe and wait for an exact comparison. A great idea but hoping for all settings identical including the colors, kHz, etc. would be good to also change settings on both. That would be a great resource to decide if HD is worth $1400 (I have HDS so need to add S3100 ($$950))

[@garrywoodruff960]

Thank you for subscribing. I did a follow-up video where I had both transducers on my boat which allowed me to easily check the settings and do a better side-by-side comparison. I also did a separate video for the down imaging as well. This is the updated HD vs 3-in-1 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqKtk5iEaNpspZo Let me know if this helps. I have a couple more videos planned when I can get back boat up here from the dealer. (Still recovering and I'm not able to drive the 2000 miles RT to get it.)

[@rickvann3489]

Should use same color pallet and frequency at same time

[@garrywoodruff960]

Yes. If you look at the second take video, all of the settings are the same. And the transducers are located on the same boat, so they are getting the same images ( or very close, they are separated by a little over a foot.)

[@account2292]

The one on the left just has some weird image of an underwater ghost that keeps pointing out the structure. Interesting feature.

[@garrywoodruff960]

Maybe you should subscribe to the channel and watches for updates. You never know what you'll see. (all safe images!) Actually that's Clayton, he owns the Vexus and he helps do some filming for the channel. That was his guest appearance.

[@dn142s]

But it's not a true comparison. All of the numbers should match , your zoom distances are different , among other things. it would be better comparison if every thing matched exactly.

[@garrywoodruff960]

I understand that. If you read the prior comments, you'll see my plans for an apples-to-apples comparison.

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Gary is the 2 in 1 HD AI transducer (which is what I’ll purchase) any less in performance for SI & DI than the 3 in 1 HD transducer ? Just wondering because I’ll be getting my 2D from my shoot through transducer. Great video !! 👍

[@garrywoodruff960]

The only difference in the 2-in-1 versus the 3-in-1 is that it the 2-in-1 does not have sonar. The side and down imaging are the same. Thanks! I'm glad that you liked it.

[@johnhelems721]

Looks like the hd doomed in closer

[@garrywoodruff960]

Yes, I had the 3-in-1 in auto zoom (you can see the range changes at times) and the HD was set on a fixed range. When I redo the comparisons, all of the settings including range will be the same or as close as possible (800 KHz on 3-in-1 and 1 MHz on the HD).

[@kostasevia]

What about depp sea water …?

[@garrywoodruff960]

I haven't done really deep with the transducer yet so I don't have firsthand knowledge. However, these are the specs for the transducer. Range -- Max 150 ft at 1075 kHz Max 300 ft at 455 kHz I checked on the Simrad site, the transducer is the same over there.