Humminbird Sonar Data File Converter - Download! *** NEW RELEASE ***

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Well, Here it is! The following link is to the HBSI Sonar Data File Converter Windows Installer download. The program will convert the Humminbird Sonar Files to different Sonar File Formats that can be played back on the PC with the corresponding viewer.

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=16.0

This release is 1.01 and includes the YellowFin .872 Converter and the Deep Vision Technologies .dvs Converter. You can download the Viewers at the following links.

YellowFin109c_Installation.zip

Deep Vision Technologies - Deep View FV

The YellowFin Viewer is by far a more capable Freeware player and offers the option to save the .872 File over to XTF Format. Deep Vision offers more capable Viewers on their site, but they are not Free. They do offer the DeepView SE that will do playback and mosaic.

There is a help file with the program and links to the downloads above as well. If you have any problems with the install or any questions, please use this post as a support forum. We would like to hear feedback on the Unit you use, the software version, and the file sizes you have successfully converted. So far, we know it works on the 987 with ver. 3.740, the 997 with ver. 3.63, and has successfully converted up to a 428Mb file. It should work fine on the other units as well, but would like to confirm this.

As new versions and updates become available, they will be posted on the support forum at  http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=16.0

Future update should include direct conversion to .XTF Format as well.

Thanks,

Robert Gecy

Robert you are the man!!!  I'll give her a try tonight.

Many thanks,

Scott

Hey Robert...

Like pcolaboy said, "You Are The Man!!"  BooYaah....

Now if I can just finish the work on my boat, install the 997C and start playing with it... I can't wait.  I might just have to take that trip down to see you so I can get a tutorial on the use of the 997C and the conversion use/playback software... ;)

Thanks for all the you do for us novices,

Wayne

HOLY COW!!  I want one!  How much is the hardware?

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Wayne,

I am sure you have few more dives in than me and probably better technical skills!  So when it comes to novices, I would have to stand up!  I am just a "Jack of All Trades, Master of None!"

Signumops, as for the Humminbird Units, they start out at $1000 for 797 and go up to $2000 for 997.  They will also be coming out with an 1197 in the spring, with a 10.5" screen, for around $3000.

Check out the models and differences here: http://www.sideimaging.com/

The 797 will do exactly what the bigger models will do, but the screen is small!  So for $1k, you could have a pretty decent side scan, and use the free playback software to review the scans.

Robert

Lake Lanier, GA...  cold, nasty, 2ft visiblity.....  LOTS of standing trees in the bottom of the lake.

The boat is lying upside down in the right in the top image... alittle hard to see

the prize...  Elinemator GO FAST BOAT!!!!!  Lots of high performance goodies..

Hummingbird images....

Robert,
Am about ready to buy one of the Humminbird units. Have been to the website and have been unable to find any information concerning the mounting of the transducer. Can you provide some clarification on this?

Thanks,
Mike

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Hey Mike,

The transducer performs best where there is the least amount of turbulence and airflow coming from under the hull. 

What type of boat do you have? Outboard, Inboard, I/O, flat bottom, V hull, etc.

Can you get a picture of the stern?

Robert

Hi Robert,
I am using a couple of different boats at the moment. Both are single screw inboards. You gave me the answer that I was looking for though, you asked about a picture of the stern. So that tells me that it's externally mounted. Now I need to build a portable mount that I can move from vessel to vessel.

Thanks much!
Mike

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Mike I have wanted to build something similar.  I have seen one over on the Unofficial Humminbird forum www.sideimageforums.com that a guy built for just the same reason.  I want one that will mount and can be lowered below the hull a little deeper to get better images.  The turbulence from a deep v hull will interfere with the image.

Robert

Robert,
Since the boats that I am using here are wooden hulls (1-1/2 inch hull at that!) with 3-foot freeboards, I already have a design in mind for mounting the transducer on the outboard side of the boat using a 1-3/4 inch galvanized pipe about 6-feet long with a ratcheted web sling attached to the top, run over to the other side of the boat and underneath the boat to attach to the galvanized pipe just below the half-way point. At low speed I don't see a problem with the attachments. Keeping the transducer outboard will reduce the amount of turbulence from the deep-V hull somewhat (especially at slower speeds), but may be a problem in anything other than flat calm seas due to the roll of the boat. The only other flaw that I see by doing this is that the canvas strap that is run underneath the boat is aft of the propeller, which will cause vibration. However, a "run and drift" strategy may offset this problem. (i.e. move forward with the propeller and then stop it and drift). I am not new to sonar technology as I have worked with it for years with both the US and Egyptian militaries, just have to adapt the Humminbird to what I have available here.  As they say: Necessity is the mother of all invention. Am ordering a 997C today or tomorrow and will play with it when I get it.

How does the Humminbird perform in shallow water? (less than 60 feet) This is where I plan on doing most of my searching in the near future.

Mike

If you mount the transducer on a long pole we anchored to the boat (we are talking a serious pole here with a ratchet winch to lower it and recover it.) and get it down below the prop vortex, essentially in clear water then you will get a good image, the thing to watch are roll as it will be extenuated at the end of the pole, also speed vibration on the pole, unless you have a waterdynamic pole then it will vibrate and distort the image, so you will need to slow down to get a good image. (do not forget to lift it up for shallow water). We used a similar arrangement for tracking ROV's in shallow water, get the transducer below the hull of the ship so we get a good 360 degree shot at the return from the ROV. (saves running over it all the time, and having to fix it up every shift).

Another way is to make a fish and tow it behind, and deeper then the prop wash or at least a fair bit behind it.

A bit of imaginative thinking and you will have a rather ugly but functional new part to your boat.

Cablava (Mike),
I deal with "rather ugly" all the time here in adapting things to what the Egyptians believe is "Normal" here. Have to be able to adapt.....that's the trick here in Egypt (as I'm it's like in many places the world over). Will test, play, modify, re-test, re-modify, and eventually get everything working correctly.

Mike

Mike

I lived in the Middle East for 20 years I know all about it.

Regards

Mike

Robert,

Im a little behind the times. Your images are just as good as the side scan images I use to get with my Marine Sonic Sea Scan Pc side Scan Sonar. I am very impressed. How expensive is the hummingbird unit? I have a 40' down east style dive boat. The boat has a full keel. Do you thin the hummingbird would work well on this type of hull or do you think the scan would be blocked in one direction by the keel.  What depth have you been able to use the hummingbird while still getting good images?

Sorry for all the questions but like I said was very impressed by your images!

Thanks in advance
Capt. Dan Berg
www.aquaexplorers.com

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

The Humminbird 997 will set you back just under $2k and the 1197 with the 10.5" screen will set back about $2800.

As far as the depth, if its mounted to the keel it would get you down to 100'.  Others have made a towfish to eliminate any problems with keel issues or turbulence from the hull.

I just got my 997 and cant wait to try it out.  I have had the 987 for the last two years.

Good Luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

Robert

Well, Here it is! The following link is to the HBSI Sonar Data File Converter Windows Installer download. The program will convert the Humminbird Sonar Files to different Sonar File Formats that can be played back on the PC with the corresponding viewer.

Robert,

Hope you don not mind a couple quick questions. Im considering buying a Hummingbird but need to know if it will work in the 120- 150' depth range. Also how far will the unit scan on either side of the boat (when scanning in 120').

Thanks in advance.

Capt. Dan Berg
www.aquaexplorers.com

[I have not tried my 997 at 150', but it says it will go to these depths.]

Robert,

Hope you don not mind a couple quick questions. I'm considering buying a Hummingbird but need to know if it will work in the 120- 150' depth range. Also how far will the unit scan on either side of the boat (when scanning in 120').

Thanks in advance.

Capt. Dan Berg
www.aquaexplorers.com

I have not tried my 997 at 150', but it says it will go to these depths.   My 987 had trouble at 100', but the 997 is supposed to have a better transducer.  I would certainly recommend making a towfish and putting some low-impedance cable on it to extend the length to say 60-80'.  But this will only get you down 10-15' or so unless you add lots of weight.  But it will give you a better image and remove any rocking back and forth from the boat and waves.

As for the side distance, the 987 was 240' per side, but the 997 says it can go up to 360'.  I am going to try to get on the water tomorrow and test my new 997 and see how well it does.

Good Luck,

Robert 

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

I have released a new version of the HBSI Sonar Data File Converter Windows Installer download. Please uninstall any previous versions first using the Control Panel - Add Remove Programs.

HBSI Sonar Data File Converter

This update will fix the error for those using the 1197 and 997 with software version 4.100 and 4.110.

Please let me know if you have any problems with the latest fix.

Thanks,

Robert Gecy

Robert,

Wanted to thank you for providing the playback software.  It has been very useful to me.

Do you know if there are any other playback softwares that allow you to break out some of the data from the .SON files?

I am specifically interested in breaking out the X,Y,Z from the echosounder (x-position, y-position, z-depth) to draw bathymetry maps in Surfer.  Anything that would breakout the x,y,z from the Humminbird .SON file into an ascii text file or .xls file or any other popular format that can be manipulated.

Thanks in advance.

That would be sweet.

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Currently, Humminbird is not recording the depth to the sonar files.  They have included it in upcoming versions. 

There is currently some other software like Dr.Depth that will do what you are talking about.  I think it is done live with the NMEA output, not with the sonar files.

Thanks for using the converter.

Robert

Robert,

Okay thanks.  But I am pretty sure that the depth is in the file.  When you playback the data on the Humminbird unit itself, you can see the echosounder data scroll across the screen during playback through the various views, so depth data must be stored in the data for playback.  Would you be willing to make a software data extractor to extract x,y,z from recorded files?

Robert,

Have you tried this yet?  Can it be done after the fact during playback from the Humminbird machine?  If so, then I'll have to get one of the AS-PC2 cables.  A simple extractor program would be easier and faster though.

It is from Humminbird support page:

Outputting Digital Depth

The digital depth is output from any Fishing System unit over the NMEA interface once every second. This can be directed to a personal computer or laptop computer for real time depth recording. The AS-PC2 cable accessory is required to connect the computer to the accessory connector on the Fishing System. We recommend using Hyperterminal on the PC to capture the data. Hyperterminal is common on most Windows based PC’s. It can usually be found by clicking on the Start button and selecting Programs->Accessories->Communications->Hyperterminal.

Note: The default setting for NMEA output on your Fishing System unit is Off. To turn the NMEA output on, press the MENU key twice to bring up the main menu system. Use the RIGHT cursor key to select the Setup tab. Use the DOWN cursor key to select the User Mode menu. Use the RIGHT cursor key to select Advanced. Use the DOWN cursor key to select the NMEA Output menu at the bottom of the list. Use the RIGHT cursor key to select ON. Use the EXIT key to exit the menu system.

Hyperterminal will capture the NMEA messages, called sentences, as they are output from the Matrix and display them on the computer screen. Hyperterminal can also be setup up to save the captured sentences to a text file. You can then use Microsoft Excel to read in this text file using the comma delineated input feature to separate out the depth and offset values.

Digital Depth is embedded in the DPT sentence. Its format is as follows:

$INDPT,d.d,o.o*hh

where:


d.d is the decimal depth value in meters relative to the transducer
o.o is an offset from the the transducer to the surface.
This Depth Offset can be programmed into the Fishing System unit under the advanced main menu system (see Fishing System User’s Manual for more details)
hh is an automatically generated checksum for communications error checking
- stands for “carriage return” and “line feed” which indicates the end of the transmitted sentence.

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Robert,

Okay thanks.  But I am pretty sure that the depth is in the file.  When you playback the data on the Humminbird unit itself, you can see the echosounder data scroll across the screen during playback through the various views, so depth data must be stored in the data for playback.  Would you be willing to make a software data extractor to extract x,y,z from recorded files?

Starboar,

At this time, the depth is not recorded in the .SON files.  I am quite sure of this since I have been working with Humminbird on this for a while now.  It will be in the next software upgrade for your unit from HB.

What you are seeing at playback is the calculated depth.  In other words, they playback the file and calculate the depth just like it was in real-time.  We thought the same thing for a long time until we got confirmation from HB that it was not in there. This will stay the same as far as playback, but the depth will be recorded to the .SON files so it can be exported via the converters. 

Once this has happened, it would be nothing to write a program to do what you are asking.  But until then, I do not know what bytes will be affected to extract it.

Robert

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

I have not tried the Hyperterminal yet.  I have never had a need to use it, but it sounds like exactly what you need or very close.  Once it is saved to a file, you could easily extract only the data you need. 

And yes, the unit is sending NMEA data out on playback.

If you can dissect each record line, the depth (from transducer) is equal to the distance from the centerline to the first solid echo. Can you write something that would figure out that value?

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Starboar,

Which unit are you using (997,987,797,1197,etc.) and what Software Revision do have installed?

I will make a slight revision to my previous statement based on your answer.

If you are using an 1197c, the depth may be recorded in the .SON file because they have released S/R 4.100 for the 1197. The current version for units like the 997,987,797, etc are at 3.940.  I do not have an 1197 and cannot verify this, but if you have one and would send me a .SON file, I will check it for you.

If you can dissect each record line, the depth (from transducer) is equal to the distance from the centerline to the first solid echo. Can you write something that would figure out that value?

Brad, I have already worked on this and is a little more challenging than it sounds! It is not nearly as accurate as HB's algorithm and is not something I included in the converter because of this.

Robert

Robert,

I have the 997.  Almost bought the 1197, but at the last minute I cheaped out.

Guess I'll have to get the AS-PC2 cable and playback the data and extract out the depth from the NMEA string.  Seems like the long way round but I guess that is my only option.

Thanks for all your help. 

I agree with Robert and Brad, the Humminbird is a neat little unit and great as a low cost unit for max 125ft depth.  But even at the shallow depths it cannot replace the new conventional sidescan units (most of which are dual freqency).  With sidescan it is important for data quality and represenation that the transducers (towfish) is 10-15% of the range being used.  That is difficult to do with the Humminbird.

Robert, have you tried running the Humminbird on a longer cable?  If so, what kind of cable?  I cannot get clean data on the existing Humminbird signal cable if I use more than one 30ft extension.  I just have the extension wet spliced onto the transducer cable.  But soon as I add a second extension, the data gets very noisy.  With just the one extension I get good quality data.  I have an idea to mount the transducer onto a G882 mag towfish and utilize the mag tow cable (if their are any free wires in it) to act as a signal cable for the Humminbird as well.  What do you think?  This would kill two birds with one stone, give you mag data simultaneously as well as provide a longer signal tow cable for the Humminbird.  All depends on the wires in the mag tow cable, length of cable, and whether the Humminbird can drive the signal down the cable.  Does Humminbird offer a signal booster or anything like that?  Sorry to inundate you with so many questions but you and Brad obviously know alot about survey, sidescan and the Humminbird unit and I'm eager to learn as much as I can from experienced and knowledgeable people like you guys.

Jeff, would be interested in having you make me up a towfish.  I have made several very rough fish which have worked fine but I like the look of your fish.  Could you send plans and cost?

Tom

Robert,

Any help on the Humminbird cabling issue?  See my previous post.

Tom

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

In order to go longer than the 30' extension, you will need to get some Low-Impedance cable like Belden 9730 or something similar.  Basically 3 pairs individually shielded with 12-15 pf per foot and 22-24 gauge.

Use this to splice in near the transducer and make up the bulk of the length of your cable.  You should be able to go up to 75+ feet.  I would start at 100' and see what you get, then take some off if no good.  You will probably need to turn the sensitivity up on the HB a little.

There is no in-line booster that I know of, but I am sure it could be done.

Robert

Well I just got my 997 SI for the sole reason to do side scanning here around Oahu, Hawaii. Already have a tow fish built...and bought the 262KHZ transducer today...you are a wealth of information.

I plan on downloading the software below and having a go with it....thanks!

Well, Here it is! The following link is to the HBSI Sonar Data File Converter Windows Installer download. The program will convert the Humminbird Sonar Files to different Sonar File Formats that can be played back on the PC with the corresponding viewer.

HBSI Sonar Data File Converter

This release is 1.01 and includes the YellowFin .872 Converter and the Deep Vision Technologies .dvs Converter. You can download the Viewers at the following links.

YellowFin109c_Installation.zip

Deep Vision Technologies - Deep View FV

The YellowFin Viewer is by far a more capable Freeware player and offers the option to save the .872 File over to XTF Format. Deep Vision offers more capable Viewers on their site, but they are not Free. They do offer the DeepView SE that will do playback and mosaic.

There is a help file with the program and links to the downloads above as well. If you have any problems with the install or any questions, please use this post as a support forum. We would like to hear feedback on the Unit you use, the software version, and the file sizes you have successfully converted. So far, we know it works on the 987 with ver. 3.740, the 997 with ver. 3.63, and has successfully converted up to a 428Mb file. It should work fine on the other units as well, but would like to confirm this.

As new versions and updates become available, they will be posted on the support forum at  http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/viewtopic.php?t=181

Future update should include direct conversion to .XTF Format as well.

Thanks,

Robert Gecy

Thanks for bringing this topic back up. I am trying to figure the best way to install the transducer for my 987 on my transom, WITHOUT having to haul the boat for 30 mins work, and am eagerly looking forward to using the software.

Taking suggestion on mounting as well.    A bit apprehensive about drilling holes into the transome, below the water line, with the boat in the water, but not able to haul it for about another 3 1/2 months. 

Robert,

I saw that Humminbird has a .SON file converter available for download.  Did they use your code engine for this?  Just curious if they ever followed through.

Pcola

Jim, for a simple setup, make a little towfish and hang it over the side. Even with only a 20 foot cable it get's the transducer below most of the boat noise and takes some of the pitching and rolling out of the images. I transfer mine back and forth between several vessels this way, and it works quite well. The towfish doesn't really have to be all that scientific, it just has to fly straight.

You could even just mount it on a pole or PVC pipe and hang it over the side. Either would make a suitable temporary solution. I'm re-doing my towfish right now if you want to play with the old one. It's got a custom mount for a transom transducer built onto it.

Best of luck.

Jason

Jason, thanks for the offer and ideas. Check your email when you can.

Jim

It's not rocket science, but it's close. Here are some pics of mine, maybe it'll give somebody some ideas.

 

wow those are great pics thanks! Now, has anyone actually followed through on the Beldan 9730 wire to extend their towfish past the 50' mark?

I just ordered the 262 KHZ transducer for the 997 as I am going by the advise from this and other boards....I have a small 16' zodiac...and keeping it stable in ocean conditions is "fun"...

Anyways, should I mount the 262 KHZ on the towfish or keep the 455/800 on the towfish and transom mount the 262? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Hey Robert,

I finally got the high-speed SD card and it made all the difference like you suggested.  I downloaded your latest HBSI converter and loaded it up in YellowFin....works awesome man!!!!   I've started on a very basic towfish built with 2" PVC and I'm going to use cheapo poly cutting boards from Walmart as the material for the stabilizers.  Will post my results.

Pcola

Hey Poola,
thanks for the idea of material to use for the stabalizers. I am looking at building one myself. Any suggestions for the "wedge" that the transucer is mounted to?

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Pyrate Jim,

If you go to Lowes, they have a brown rubber door stop that we used to mold the wedge.  The cavity in the back of the door stop can be filled with resin and maybe a little cloth for strength, then attached to the towfish while the resin is still curing.

pcola,

Glad you got it working, just dont upgrade the bios right now since I have not update the software in a few months.


Robert

Pyrate Jim,

If you go to Lowes, they have a brown rubber door stop that we used to mold the wedge.  The cavity in the back of the door stop can be filled with resin and maybe a little cloth for strength, then attached to the towfish while the resin is still curing.

pcola,

Glad you got it working, just dont upgrade the bios right now since I have not update the software in a few months.


Robert

Too late...it's running great WITH the latest bios update.   

Pcola

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

If its working, thats great!  You are only one in a few that it works for with the lates bios!

Email me one of your recording files so i can compare to others. 

Robert

If its working, thats great!  You are only one in a few that it works for with the lates bios!

Email me one of your recording files so i can compare to others. 

Robert

Robert,

I sent you the raw .SON file folder and associated .DAT file to your external email address.  I used HBSI v1.0.1.3 to convert the file to the Yellowfin .872 format, which then played like a charm.

Pcola

Pyrate Jim,

If you go to Lowes, they have a brown rubber door stop that we used to mold the wedge.  The cavity in the back of the door stop can be filled with resin and maybe a little cloth for strength, then attached to the towfish while the resin is still curing.

Robert

I dont want to hijack this thread from what it is truly about, so I hope I can get away with hopefuly one final question on building a towfish since it was introduced here.
As for the "resin" to use, I am assuming just regular fiberglass resin is what is called for here?
As for mounting the stabalizers to the body, I have been told to use resin, JB weld, 5200 marine adhesive and regualr PVC adhesive. Is there any type that is better than the other?
Is there any benefit to securing the stabilizers to teh outside of the body vs. knotching them out and inserting them into slots cut into the bottom of the body?

Dont laugh too hard at my "Towfish Building 101" questions. We all had to start somewhere. 

I have all my "parts" and am ready to put it all together.

Jim, the rubber door stop worked well, but if I had it all to do over again, I'd just buy a trolling motor mount transducer and strap it to the fish. I used the orange industrial grade PVC glue (Home Depot) and it held up very well. Someone threw a dive bag on top of mine and it broke a fin, but it was easy to repair.

I would definitely slot the back of the fish and fins to add strength and help with the alignment. Alignment is critical...my first fish flew a little crooked and caused me to get better data from the left side than the right. Good luck, and take pics.

Jas

Hi.... just purchased the humminbird 997..... i am trying to convert the sonar file but keep geting an error..

  incorrect checkbit35 at position 35.... anyone know whats up?

thanks...

One way to attach the fins is to slot the PVC.Make several sets of fins,this way if the fish snags something,you just lose the fins.Or make the fins retractable into the tube useing coiled springs or metal strap spring type of metal,kinda like a safety pin.Look at a teckna DPV trigger how it works.its just a metal wire with one loop in it for a spring.the trigger retracts into the handle to contact with a reed switch to engage the motor.No snags that way and no loss of fins.And if some bozo drops a dive bag on them they retract instead of breaking off.

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Hi.... just purchased the humminbird 997..... i am trying to convert the sonar file but keep geting an error..

  incorrect checkbit35 at position 35.... anyone know whats up?

thanks...

Greg,

No fix right now, but I am working on it this week! 

Robert

Dont know why this didnt hit me before, but I have a seaview underwater camera system. I hook it up to my 13" tv/vcr combo unit and can tow it behind the boat and record the camera. Why not just mount the 797si transducer to this fish (rubber door stop and epoxy) and that way I can record the video from the camera while matching the same with the side scan readings.

I wonder if there is a way to combine both on one?

Why not just mount the 797si transducer to this fish (rubber door stop and epoxy) and that way I can record the video from the camera while matching the same with the side scan readings.

I wonder if there is a way to combine both on one?

Jim,

I'm sure it could be done.  I'm not a towfish expert but I'd say that you might have to add a bit of weight to the towfish part as well as some extensions to the fins to counteract the additional drag induced by the added cable and the transducer.  Scubafinder and RGecy should probably chime in on this. 

My two cents,

Pcola

Hy Robert
i was try several times , to make it works...but no chance..
It seems i have a Error during the convert proces.
Error :Inccorect CheckBit35  at Position : 35

Again and again.
After that , the Convert proces Failed and Yellow Fin Says :
 "File has no data "

I have an 797 c2 Si
Soft version 3.460
It is with International Metric System
Please give me an ideea.
Thanks

Hy Robert
i was try several times , to make it works...but no chance..
It seems i have a Error during the convert proces.
Error :Inccorect CheckBit35  at Position : 35

Again and again.
After that , the Convert proces Failed and Yellow Fin Says :
 "File has no data "

I have an 797 c2 Si
Soft version 3.460
It is with International Metric System
Please give me an ideea.
Thanks

I too, have this same unit. Wont be installing it on the boat for a few more weeks, but would like to know if it will work, with  your program. I have it downloaded, but since I can use the unit yet, I dont really know.

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Are you using Windows XP or Vista.  There have been some issues with compatibility and Vista, but usually works if you set the copatability mode to XP.

Robert

Are you using Windows XP or Vista.  There have been some issues with compatibility and Vista, but usually works if you set the copatability mode to XP.

Robert

Hy Robert

I use Windows Xp ...service pack 1
Thank you

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

You should not have any problems with XP.  I think I have fixed the HBSI converter for Vista as well. 

The new version is going to have some pretty significant new features.  I am going to have to take it one step at a time and add them as we go.  I have a few people bugging me for a Beta version and should have it out very shortly.

Robert

Consider this to be a person bugging you for VHS too!!!:)

You should not have any problems with XP.  I think I have fixed the HBSI converter for Vista as well. 

Unfortunatelly , i still have problem with.HBSI...and Os is Windows Xp.
Any other ideea ?
It may happend the folowing ?
In my computer is posibille to exist another soft , that may have influence.......to HBSI ??
Have you seen this problem previously..
Other solution is simply to reinstal Windows on my Pc ...or .?


Thank you

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

What problem are you getting?  Is it giving an error name or code?

Robert

What problem are you getting?  Is it giving an error name or code?

Robert

That one :

Error :Inccorect CheckBit35  at Position : 35

Again and again.
After that , the Convert proces Failed and Yellow Fin Says :
 "File has no data "

I have an 797 c2 Si
Soft version 3.460
It is with International Metric System

And the Operating System is : Windows XP

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Could you send me a small file.  I will need the .dat file, and the .son files in the coresponding folder. Looks like you have a new software version that has made changes to the header structure.  Shouldn't be a issue to find out what has changed.

Robert

Could you send me a small file.  I will need the .dat file, and the .son files in the coresponding folder. Looks like you have a new software version that has made changes to the header structure.  Shouldn't be a issue to find out what has changed.

Robert

Hy Robert ,
I had send you couple of files.
Have you receive it ?
Thanks

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Got it!  I will let you know.

Got it!  I will let you know.

Thanks

Got it!  I will let you know.

News...?...

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

I didn't catch it to start with, but you are running old firmware 3.6.  The latest is 4.180.

Have you registered your unit with Humminbird?  You will need to do this to get the latest updates. The header file in your unit is much older and is not compatible with the HBSI converter.  I have broken down the header and may add it to the HBSI structure, but it will be some time before this gets done.  The easiest way would be to update the firmware.

Good Luck,

Robert

I didn't catch it to start with, but you are running old firmware 3.6.  The latest is 4.180.

Have you registered your unit with Humminbird?  You will need to do this to get the latest updates. The header file in your unit is much older and is not compatible with the HBSI converter.  I have broken down the header and may add it to the HBSI structure, but it will be some time before this gets done.  The easiest way would be to update the firmware.

Good Luck,

Robert

i has already try ....but...
in that registry formular , it is no Romanian country.
otherwise , they ask me a valid adress from other country and i do not have that.
Unfortunatelly , i can not registry my device.
I try again tomorow...let's see what kind of solution i can find
Thanks

I didn't catch it to start with, but you are running old firmware 3.6.  The latest is 4.180.

Have you registered your unit with Humminbird?  You will need to do this to get the latest updates. The header file in your unit is much older and is not compatible with the HBSI converter.  I have broken down the header and may add it to the HBSI structure, but it will be some time before this gets done.  The easiest way would be to update the firmware.

Good Luck,

Robert

Ok. I Got it.
I have register my product ..

News.
I has register my sonar.
After that , i was download the new soft version.
now , it works , but only the recordings i made after i was instaled the new version.
The old recordings......no.....that's it.
Thank you for all your advice.
Grettings from Romania
 

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

I can probably fix you up a quick fix for the old recordings if they are important.  The old 58 byte header was before I created the new HBSI converter.

Robert

["SideImagingSoft.com - Humminbird Side Imaging Forums"]

Here is the link to the updated release of the HBSI Converter. I have fixed the Vista Compatibility Issue and all should be working. You will need to have 3.940 or later installed on your Humminbird Unit.

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=16.0

Please let me know of any issues.

Thanks,

Robert

I like the new forum Robert!!  I signed up today and will be pestering you with tech questions soon!  LOL j/k.  Thanks for the great application bro.

Pcola

Robert,

Would like to get the $INGGA string out of the 997SI realtime to go into a PC (serial) for input into a logging program which is storing other sensor info.  Do you know the best way to do this?  Can I get the GGA string directly from the GPS receiver (as a second device hooked up) or do I have to use the NMEA out function of the HB unit?  The HB NMEA string that comes out of the unit has alot of other strings I don't need.  Just wondering what the best way to do this is.  I am not interested in playback, just in realtime.

Thanks,

Tom

Dumb question here from a guy who simply found this thread interesting:

To get greater depth, why not run your towfish a short distance behind a downrigger weight, suspended from a regular heavy duty fishing downrigger ?  Easy to lower to a known depth and easy to retrieve.  A surgical rubber tubing "snubber" could be used between the downrigger weight and the attachment for the towfish to help dampen any vibrations from all of the upline cabling.

Just an old engineers 2 cents worth.............................

Diggem'

      I too have thought of doing this, since the humminbirds can link through a cannonlink downrigger, you can automatically raise and lower for depth.

  JT

Dumb question here from a guy who simply found this thread interesting:

To get greater depth, why not run your towfish a short distance behind a downrigger weight, suspended from a regular heavy duty fishing downrigger ?  Easy to lower to a known depth and easy to retrieve.  A surgical rubber tubing "snubber" could be used between the downrigger weight and the attachment for the towfish to help dampen any vibrations from all of the upline cabling.

Just an old engineers 2 cents worth.............................

Diggem'