Sonar/GPS Power Ratings LMS 332C vs LMS 480M?

  • Coffee
    Burnsville, MN
    Posts: 165
    August 25, 2005 at 5:00 pm #1233625

    I am interested in one of the Lowrance Sonar GPS Units.
    the Color unit LMS 332C or B&W LMS 480M unit. I see the ratings of 2400 watts peak to peak for the color unit and 4000 watts paeak to peak for the B&W unit. Both have 500 watts output. Now I’m really confused. Whats the difference between peak to peak watt ratings and the output ratings? I’ll probably go with the color unit anyways, but I’m just wondering if there’s any advantage to the B&W other than the $100 difference in price. Also is it suggested to buy an outside GPS antenna for either of these units?
    thanks Dave

    wade_kuehl
    Northwest Iowa
    Posts: 6166
    August 25, 2005 at 5:20 pm #380301

    Quote:

    I am interested in one of the Lowrance Sonar GPS Units.
    the Color unit LMS 332C or B&W LMS 480M unit. I see the ratings of 2400 watts peak to peak for the color unit and 4000 watts paeak to peak for the B&W unit. Both have 500 watts output. Now I’m really confused. Whats the difference between peak to peak watt ratings and the output ratings? I’ll probably go with the color unit anyways, but I’m just wondering if there’s any advantage to the B&W other than the $100 difference in price. Also is it suggested to buy an outside GPS antenna for either of these units?
    thanks Dave

    Dave,

    Don’t worry about the power difference. The new color units do not need as much power as the black and white units. People tend to get way too concerned about power when in reality it is often used by salesmen to sell a product. I don’t have it in front of me but I believe the 332C has 300w of power, not 500. It’s the 337C that has 500w. It has more power because it is generally designed to be used in much deeper waters (ocean, great lakes). I’ll tell you from first-hand experience and from all the positive reviews I’ve heard back from customers, the 332C is the way to go if you’re looking at a combo in that price range. If you’re not set on a combo unit, take a look at setting up separate sonar and GPS units, such as the X102C and the Globalmap 3500C. I’d be glad to help you with any questions. Let me add my own sales pitch, be sure to take a look at our Special Packages when you do your shopping. Thanks! – Wade

    wade_kuehl
    Northwest Iowa
    Posts: 6166
    August 25, 2005 at 5:21 pm #380302

    Quote:

    Also is it suggested to buy an outside GPS antenna for either of these units?

    They both come with an external GPS antenna included.

    Coffee
    Burnsville, MN
    Posts: 165
    August 25, 2005 at 5:47 pm #380309

    Wade,
    thanks. This was exactly what I was looking for. I have another question about the GPS portion. I see on the Lowrance web site GPS accuracy good within 50ft. Is that as good as it gets? I thought GPS was much more accurate than that. All I have now is a hand held Garmin unit and it seems to be more accurate than 50ft. Do you get better accruacy with an external antenna? thanks Dave

    wade_kuehl
    Northwest Iowa
    Posts: 6166
    August 25, 2005 at 6:17 pm #380318

    Dave, GPS with WAAS is good within about 10 feet, sometimes a little better, sometimes a little worse. All these new units come with WAAS included and are as accurate as we’re going to find at this time. No worries mate.

    wade_kuehl
    Northwest Iowa
    Posts: 6166
    August 25, 2005 at 6:20 pm #380319

    Quote:

    Do you get better accruacy with an external antenna?

    An external antenna just gives you the ability to move or mount the antenna pretty much anywhere you want in the boat. They’re mainly designed to help avoid obstructions to get the best signal reception possible. They come standard on all Lowrance and Eagle units.

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