Boat WiFi Server for LIVE Contour Updates!!

If you have the Navionics boating app on your phone or tablet and you want to out fish your buddies or have a competitive advantage in a tournament, then you need to install a Sonar Server from Digital Yacht!! When installed inline with the NMEA 0183 communication on your fish finder unit, it will send the depth and GPS readings to your wireless device and show contour updates INSTANTLY! Installation is simple and the sonar server is compatible with all major brands of fish finder. If you weren’t sure about the Navionics boating app because it may be a data hog, then fear not! Navionics boating app will run with the WiFi-only tablets now…No more data usage on the water!! Take advantage of their SonarCharts Live with the Sonar Server from Digital Yacht.

I only have one because I bought it thinking I would need it with Lowrance’s HDS gen3 units. They have WiFi built in, so I do not need this unit. It would be a great set up for Gen 2 or older users, or anyone else that would like to take advantage of this system.

Sonar Server retails for $119.95, but it’s shipped from the UK so it cost me about $145 to get it. I’m willing to part ways for a reasonable price.

If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
Text, call or email when you want to take the next step in boating technology!!

That’s pretty cool for sure. I was thinking about buying the Lowrance Wifi hub to enable me to use various wireless devices to display my sonar/GPS throughout the boat (not sure why I felt the need since I already have 3 displays in the boat, but.. I WANT it).
Will this update the Navionics app via the Wifi or does it require Cell Data coverage? Reason I ask is I would really like to utilize this in Canada but I either don’t have cell coverage or want to pay for the roaming.
If it would work without data coverage utilizing the wifi then I might consider it.

Sorry for the delayed response. The SonarServer will wirelessly transmit depth and GPS data through the NMEA0183 output to a device that has the Navionics App. I do not use any cell data for this operation. I have not used this server at all, but its the same procedure I use with my HDS gen 3 units. Just find the server in your wifi listings and connect to it. The Navionics map with update the contour lines automatically as you drive along. This server doesn’t allow for the screen sharing like the Lowrance hub does. If you’d like more information on the unit, I’d be happy to try and answer further questions. You can also visit http://www.sonarserver.com

Interesting, thanks for the response. My only other question (at the moment) is what sort of adaptor do you use to connect this to say a phone or a tablet with the NMEA 0183? I don’t even remember, but I don’t think my HDS even has NMEA 0183 jack on it. I know it has 2000, but I don’t recall the other one.

The server hub connects to the NMEA0183 output on your locator, and also needs to connect to a power source on your boat. That’s all. The phone or tablet connects wirelessly through the WiFi signal emitted from the server hub. Which HDS model do you have?

I checked and the HDS units I have do not have a dedicated NMEA0183, but I can wire it in to the “PWR/DATA” connection apparently. This must me a typical installation. I was expecting to see an NMEA0183 port on the back.

I have 3 HDS units. 2 Gen 1 (5 and 7) and 1 7 Gen 2 Touch.

That’s correct, the typical installation for HDS is as shown in the image I’ve attached. Before I figured out that I didn’t need this server hub, I planned on installing the system with small wiring plugs for quick removal, if necessary. As far as I can tell from their website, the unit will only interface with the Gen 2 or 3 from the HDS series (even though the Gen 3 doesn’t need the server).

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   Lowrance-HDS-Gen2-3.png