| Walleyedude |
02-22-2018 12:20 PM |
I've got the Gateway and I love it. Worth every penny.
It's very easy to install. You need a NMEA2000 network. You'll need a starter kit that has the power connections, a long cable, and possibly a couple of T connectors. The rest of what you need should be included with either the starter kit or the Gateway kit. The guys at The Fishing Hole will be able to make sure you get everything you need to get setup. You'll need to connect the NMEA2000 network to power, and run a cable to any sonar units you want connected and to the Xi5. The biggest challenge will be running the NMEA2000 cable from your sonar unit to the trolling motor. Depending on your boat and access, that can take 5 mins or be real pain lol.
The setup on your Lowrance unit is very simple. Be sure your sonar units are running the latest software to start. Then follow the instructions with the Gateway kit to get it all setup, it's pretty straightforward. Customizing the settings on your Lowrance to have it displayed the way you want it is covered in the owner's manuals.
The two biggest advantages of the Gateway are being able to see the trolling motor info right on your sonar screen - speed, heading, power level, etc..., and the #1 invaluable feature for me is the ability to "Go To" any waypoint or your cursor and spot lock on it, just by touching it on your screen. The other features like following a route, custom trolling patterns, and control from your sonar unit are nice, but the first two really make it worthwhile in my opinion.
It's a great upgrade, you'll be glad you did it.
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