Tips 'N Tricks 133: Custom Mapping with Auto Chart PC Program

[@benjohnson4421]

Doug, I don't comment enough, but I felt like I should let you know I love watching your videos. I just ordered a Autochart pro and I'm trying to learn how to use it. Keep up the great work you do!!!

[@DougVahrenberg]

Thanks for the nice comments. It's people like you that I continue to produce help videos!

[@Askeyb2011]

Problem I'm having is when I click Map Here my map is not all in the square box. Part of it top and bottom is cut off. I have seen multiple boxes with blue dot on the lower right of each box. Just can't get it to include all of my map. Any suggestions?

[@1977scoutII]

Doug, thanks for this. I was reading the instructions from Humminbird and was frustrated halfway through page 2. They took 8 pages to tell me what this video said " click here, click here, click here, done." The only part that was left out was how to save the info back to the Autochart Pro chip. I would contact Humminbird but they aren't available when we need them. I have an 899ci HD SI nav combo, what do I need to do to use the chart on the fish finder. Thanks

[@KipKiperMusic]

Doug Vahrenberg, would you suggest Autochart for the Tensaw River and Mobile-Tensaw Delta in Mobile, AL? if you're familiar with the area. Also, I don't know if my area is on the Zero Line card because the bank contours aren't on any other mapping card.

[@Askeyb2011]

I followed directions for AutoChart PC. Went to the area I wanted to map. Recorded Sonar to a blank SD Card on our Helix Chirp Mega Si G2N unit. Have AutoChart PC installed on my Windows 10 PC. Came home imported the .dat file and converted to map. Then put the Zero Lines card in the card reader and saved the map to the card. It created a folder AC with a lot of .bin files in it. I tried to check the area on the Helix powered up and no map. I finally copied my ACL files to the ACData folder and it read that but I can't get the unit to read the AC folder map that I saved to the zero lines card. A few people and video I checked said to change the base map to the AC or LakeMasterAC and there is no option in the menu for Base Map which would be on Default. I tried removing the Navionics card and put the Zero Lines card in either slot and did not read the AC files.

[@Askeyb2011]

I ordered the Autochart PC. I mainly want to have depth for an area that is not on any commercial map. We anchor and troll the area for salmon and Steelhead. For Anchoring I need to know where the drop offs are and where fish are likely to travel. Do you think that would be plenty for what i'm wanting to do? I think the Pro has a lot of great features but not sure I really need that. We have the Helix 12" Chirp Mega Si G2N. I don't really like the Auto Chart Live that is built in the system. I think the Sonar recordings and convert to map will work better, I hope.

[@DougVahrenberg]

The Biggest Difference in Standard AutoChart PC and the AutoChart PRO is the PRO allows for viewing Bottom Hardness Data and Side Imaging Mosiacs Overlays on your PC.

[@Askeyb2011]

Based on the fishing we do I don't think I need the bottom hardness and side image mosaic. Everything else I should have right.

[@DougVahrenberg]

Then get the Standard but the Side Imaging Mosaics is a cool feature and one of the added features of the AutoChart LIVE in the SOLIX Unit. Might take a look not that much more to get all the goodies and features. Bottomhardness can be done on either AutoChart LIVE (HELIX or SOLIX)

[@Askeyb2011]

I figured out why I couldn't bring up the map I created in AutoChart PC. I had to have Charts in Auto and then got the menu items to change to the AutoChart PC map. I later wanted to bring up the map on my computer again and could not figure out how to retrieve what I already created. I ended up retrieving the sonar recording again to view 3D etc. Is there a way to retrieve a map that you have created and view it on the computer again for 3D and other options with the AutoChart PC software?Also I noticed something to do with adding AutoChart Live. Can't remember the specifics but I noticed the option when working with creating map from the sonar recording.

[@nilssporbert4118]

Hello,i m a new user of autochart pro. My question to you: If I watch your great video tutorial I see at the time 7:50 that the 3d map dont cover the whole lakemaster map (which is under the 3d map). I mean the left end and the top end of the map. Why ? I have the same problem with the tutorial map of the autochart pro program. Could you help?

[@DougVahrenberg]

It can only show a certain amount of data you have to move to other areas to see the data in 3D. It's there but limited on how much can be displayed at one time.

[@JoseRodrigues-rg1fr]

Dear Doug thanks a lot for the vid, sorry for the silly question. I have a a HB 598 CXI HD SI and the standard AC. When I click the xxx.DAT, AC imports everything including SI and DI? meaning no need to select and import the .IDX and . SON files? When, as in you case you have two SD card recordings from the same lake, you need to do the Lake Master Update using the first SD card and then go for the second SD card? Thanks a lot in advance

[@45bloodshot]

Can you get the bottom hardness map to overlay your contours on your unit?

[@dougsmith6896]

Hi Doug, your tutorials are great. I live in Ontario Canada and the Lake master doesn't have much data here, I have to use Navionics cards. Can I make a lake from nothing with Auto Chart Pro or do I need zero line? I like to do Depo Lake here in Elliot Lake ontario which links 4 great fishing waters with Bass, large Pike and Walleye + . Thanks Doug Smith

[@DougVahrenberg]

You can use the AutoChart Pro that come with zero line card to save the data or use the AutoChart LIVE feature to create cusom mapping

[@BassMonkey]

Doug do a on water with a smaller 5 inch unit side scan and down image tips tricks video for the working class weekend warrior great channel

[@DougVahrenberg]

The 5" Units Operate similar to the bigger screen units. So it would be the same information as the CORE Series Products 800, 900, & 1100 Series Units. Only thing I recommend on smaller screen unit is to reduce coverage area to make data larger and easier to see.

[@PhillipSiddiq]

Doug, this maybe just what I need. Can you print the maps? Excellent video!

[@antbanks7548]

Phillip Siddiq You can print anything on your computer screen. Press control+p and go from there.

[@PhillipSiddiq]

Thanks! I'll have to try that out.

[@antbanks7548]

No problem Phillip. Certain programs, like this one with the mapping, might have a better option to print within itself. But if you can't find it, Ctrl+p should usually work for anything.

[@tuiflies5869]

After I Updated Lakemaster I realized I had some bad spot readings that I meant to delete. Is there a way to correct this? I tried opening the .ACD file again and deleted the bad points and then creating the map and Updating Lakemaster again but it didn't remove the bad data.

[@DougVahrenberg]

There is a way to edit. I have not personally done this but you might try Huminbird Customer service they may be able to assist better. 800-633-1468

[@cretins]

Hi Doug, I've saved my info on my Autochart NA Zero line card for a local lake and can see the 3D features and contour lines in 2D on my computer. I've saved that data to the same card but when I try to use it in my 999ci si the only thing that shows up are my old tracking lines, I can't get the contour feature to show up on the Humminbird. Can you go through a sequence that I can follow to allow me to do that?

[@DougVahrenberg]

You turn on Autochart Data as source in the Chart Menu?

[@kc5psd]

Doug I'm getting the autochart pro. I have the 899 si and a friend have the 859 di. We will both have zero line cards. My question is if he records with the 859, will it be the same as my recordings from my 899 si?

[@DougVahrenberg]

+Keith Herbert THe 2D sonar Recordings will be the same. Side Image Mosiacs will not be able to be used with the 859 DI or from it since it is a DOwn Imaging Unit but you can create map data for sure

[@michaeledgecomb5550]

Hi Doug, I have an1199 and just put a 999 on my dads boat. We purchased a 32 g sd card to start recording a lake that he fishes. Want to get head start before buying the program. Do we leave the pings per second on auto? Can we record different lakes on the sd card? Does it record si and sonar? Sonar does not read well past 10 mph. Assume we will have to stay under that speed? Thank you for help and all the videos.

[@DougVahrenberg]

+Michael Edgecomb When you record you record everything being inputted SI, DI, 2D Sonar and GPS. You can record where ever you want and be able to import into AutoChart PC

[@rdnprops]

DOUG its almost fishing time in Illinois im wanting to make a few maps of local fishing spots with autochart zerolines map card v1.0 on my 1198 im having problems locating your video on itsince the new hummingbird onix came out with it im thinking I have to be in 488 or something like that instead of 900 to be successful in record mode while making a map please help thanx

[@DougVahrenberg]

+rdnprops You need AutoChart PC Program to create maps with 1198c. Record sonar recordings then using AutoChart PC import them into PC and convert and export to S=ZeroLine Card.

[@rdnprops]

+Doug Vahrenberg thanks Doug

[@muskbeard3924]

Sooo I’m a little confused… I recently purchased lake master eastern area and it doesn’t have mapping to a lot of the lakes. So I purchased the zero lines card to map it myself, so what your saying is after mapping it myself I can down load my lake I mapped to the Lakemaster eastern area card?

[@DougVahrenberg]

No. this is optional purechase PC Computer Program that allows you map your own lakes. Or you can use the Auto Chart LIVE program built into many of the new units to do it too.

[@michaeledgecomb5550]

Doug, I still haven't purchased the autochart pro yet. We have recorded some of a lake on a blank sd card. Can I record with my 1199 onto a blank sd card while I have my lakemaster map in my unit, or will it mess it up. Thanks again

[@DougVahrenberg]

You can record with map card in the unit

[@motorcycleislife8296]

Hey Doug, How many times do you have to circle the lake with side imaging to get the whole lake view with contours? Thats my only issue. btw whats the price difference between the hummingbird ONIX and 1199 unit? -thanks

[@DougVahrenberg]

The more times you scan the more details. Depends on how much detail you want in your maps. There are two series of ONIX Cross Toucn and coming Non Touch Models. About $500 to $1000 more than the CORE Series Units but they feature alot more features and technology. They are incredible for details.

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Can the charts be printed? Still confused at difference between Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro. Do I need both programs and Lakemaster?

[@DougVahrenberg]

+gerard haubert AutoChart PRO includes SI Mosiacs and Bottom Hardness Readigns

[@andreandreasi]

Doug. I have a 1199ci hd si and a 999ci hd si I live in brazil Is it possible is it possible to use any autochart here in brazil? If so what should i have? Thanks in advance

[@DougVahrenberg]

+Andre Andreasi You need the AutoChart or AutoChart Pro PC Program for South America. There are ZeroLine Card for different continents of the world.

[@richardkropp1272]

What is a good speed. What distant for side imagging Should you increase the GPS speed When I put my SD card in , it comes up with Matrix files, it won't let me import them even with the bottom saying dat.files, I have waypoints and recordings on he SD card.

[@DougVahrenberg]

Speed is based on contours of the lake and the details you want. I would start with onplane speed then if you need more details slow down. Flatter lakes lack detail so speed up until you see changes then slow down for the drastic structure changes. Recordings will create a Recording File like "R0001"

[@jovanjalivay1461]

Doug, how are you? I'm a new subscriber to your page. I just purchased a helix 5 si (getting it installed as we speak). Does Autochart work with the Helix as well. Just bought a lakemaster Great Plains Map card and wanted to know if this will work. Small lake I fish that is not on the map card and would like to see contours on it

[@DougVahrenberg]

Jovan Jalivay AutoChart PC Program will work with the HELIX units. Just make sure you get the ZeroLine Card that is MicroSD. The first release was full SD Cards and now the ZeroLine cards are shipping as MicroSD with Adpater to work with all compatible models.

[@jovanjalivay1461]

What about Autochart Pro

[@DougVahrenberg]

Jovan Jalivay AutoChart and AutoChart PRO are the same with the exception that AutoChart Pro features SI Mosaics and Bottom Hardness Features.

[@jovanjalivay1461]

Ok thanks. Keep up the good work

[@wethepeople1909]

what is recommended speed for map charting?

[@DougVahrenberg]

Depends on the level of detail, I have created maps at 50mph but the details are lower. You can build very good detailed maps at onplane speed 20 to 30 mph but the highest level of detail is idle speed. Just depends on what you need. I start out fast and if I need more slow down.

[@wethepeople1909]

cool thx.

[@bobluyk5378]

Help base map does not work, (onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=93D643053F0F6246!432&authkey=!AMxNdqI2Z-MkH9k&v=3&ithint=photo%2cpng) this is all that comes on even when zero line card in pc.