Lowrance Elite-12 Ti

The Elite-12 Ti is one of the Lowrance fish finders released in 2017 and on the list of discontinued units. This particular unit shares many similarities with the Elite-9 Ti and Elite-7 Ti, the major difference being the 12″ display. It’s a fish finder and chartplotter featuring StructureScanning sonar, the C-MAP Insight Pro charts, and comes with the TotalScan transducer. It also offers superior networking features such as NMEA 2000 and wireless connectivity. For reference, this is the Lowrance part number 000-13718-005.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 12″ diagonal, 1280H x 800V pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, touchscreen, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, StructureScan (SideScan and DownScan)
• Depth Capability:
  • 1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  • 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 50/83/200/455/800 kHz
  • 300′ (91 m) on each side – 455 kHz SideScan
  • 100′ (30 m) on each side – 800 kHz SideScan
• Transducer: TotalScan
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 12 VDC (10-17 VDC min-max)
• GPS: 10 Hz internal, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS
• Maps: Insight Pro by C-MAP
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 3,000, 100 (10,000 points per trail)

Sonar and transducer

The Lowrance Elite-12 Ti features two types of sonar, CHIRP sonar (traditional 2D) and StructureScan HD (SideScan and DownScan). It’s capable of three main frequencies for its traditional sonar, these being 50/83/200 kHz, and two for StructureScan – 455/800 kHz. However, with the included TotalScan transducer, the unit won’t be able to use the 50 kHz frequency, as this transducer supports only 83/200 kHz for 2D.

The included TotalScan transducer is similar to the older LSS-2 transducer, but it supports both StructureScan and CHIRP sonar; thus, you won’t have to use two separate transducers as for the older Elite units. It integrates a temperature sensor, has a 9-pin connector and comes with 24′ (7.3 m) of cable.

With the TotalScan transducer, the unit can use two CHIRP modes, Mid Range CHIRP and High Range CHIRP. In CHIRP mode the sonar pulse is modulated over a range of frequencies between 85-145 kHz for Mid CHIRP and 130-210 kHz for High CHIRP. The CHIRP sonar technology is superior to the traditional single pulse sonar as it provides images of higher clarity with less clutter and a better separation between targets. Differently put, the fish targets are easier to tell apart from structure, vegetation or each other.

For the 2D CHIRP sonar, the transducer uses conical beams. Their coverage isn’t specified, but they’re approx. 20° for 200 kHz, and 60° for 83 kHz. For StructureScan the beams are fan-shaped, not conical, very thin fore to aft. They’re wider than the 2D beams, and for SideScan they can extend up to 300′ (91 m) on each side of the boat, with a total coverage of 600′ (183 m).

With the included TotalScan transducer, this Lowrance fish finder can scan depths up to 1,000′ (305 m) when using the 2D CHIRP sonar. The depth capability of the StructureScan sonar is only 300′ (91 m), though. But still, it can also be used off-shore if you don’t exceed this depth. The optimal speed for the sharpest images and the highest fish target detection is maximum 10 MPH. However, the system should still be able to track the bottom at speeds up to 35 MPH.

The Elite-12 Ti offers several other sonar standard features. Two of the most important ones are DownScan Overlay and TrackBack.

DownScan Overlay allows you to combine the 2D CHIRP sonar with the DownScan sonar, in order to see the fish arches in relation to the structure viewed by the DownScan. It gives you a better picture of the fish placement under the boat or in relation to your bait. TrackBack is basically sonar recording. It gives you the possibility to scroll back through the 2D sonar, DownScan or SideScan history if you want a second look at a certain spot, or mark a waypoint.

Other sonar features in this category are Fish ID, A-Scope, Flasher sonar, Temperature Graph, Fish and Depth Alarms, Bottom Lock, etc.

Navigation features

As we’ve mentioned above, this is the Lowrance Elite-12 Ti 000-13718-005, the one that comes with the Insight Pro cartography by C-MAP. These charts include all the Lake Insight maps, many new lakes and updates from Insight Genesis, C-MAPs inland coverage, Fishing Hot Spots, as well as the C-MAP coastal charts. Differently put, you’ll benefit from high-definition 1-3 foot depth contours for thousands of lakes, newly shaded depth contours, new state fish and wildlife regulations and free updates form Insight Genesis.

Another cartography-related function is StructureMap. It allows you to overlay SideScan images on the map, making it easier to view the underwater environment in relation to your boat and your position, maximizing awareness.

The unit integrates a fast and accurate 10 Hz internal GPS, capable of corrections via WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS. It can show longitude and latitude data, along with sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset for a position based on an entered date. Via the GPS system, the unit can also calculate the speed of your boat.

This Lowrance Elite unit can save up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and 100 trails. Waypoints customizable, a wide array of icons being available. Also, it’s much easier to mark a waypoint via touchscreen. For navigation, the unit offers several alarms, including No GPS Fix, Arrival, XTE, Low Boat Speed, Anchor, and Waypoint Radius. Also, a 3D chart view mode is available.

Control unit features

As the unit’s name suggests, it features a 12″ diagonal display with a pixel resolution of 1280H x 800V, 16:9 aspect ratio and adjustable LED backlight, for excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. This unit has touchscreen technology with a user-friendly, intuitive interface. Navigation through the functions and menus is done in a similar way to operating an Android or IOS tablet.

The unit’s interface is customizable, offering views up to 4 panels. Navigation through menus or zooming are pretty fast. The sizes of the values on screen, such as depth, for example, are also customizable and you can change their position by dragging them in the locations where you want them.

This Lowrance fish finder has wireless networking capabilities. You can connect your unit to the web to access the GoFree Cloud database for Insight Genesis charts and software updates. Via Bluetooth, you can sync the unit with a tablet or smartphone in order to control it from your smart device.

When it comes to connectivity, this unit has NMEA 0183 interfacing and offers NMEA 2000 networking possibilities as well. It allows basic waypoint sharing, MotorGuide Xi5 interfacing, engine data interfacing, and external GPS/Heading Sensor integration. It also has a microSD card reader with one slot for data backup and chart upgrades.

Last but not least, the Lowrance Elite-12 Ti comes with the U-type mounting bracket; the box also includes a sun cover.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar and StructureScan (DownScan/SideScan);
• TotalScan transducer included;
• 1,000 ft. depth capability (with the included TotalScan transducer);
• Touchscreen technology;
• Fast scrolling through applications;
• 4-panel view presentation possibilities;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability;
• Wireless and Bluetooth networking;
• MicroSD card slot reader for data backup and transfer;
• NMEA 0183 interface and NMEA 2000 capability;
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID etc;
• TrackBack (sonar recording);
• High precision, 10 Hz internal GPS;
• Insight Pro cartography from C-MAP;
• Compatible with a wide array of custom charts, including Nautic Insight PRO and HD, Navionics HotMaps Premium, Fishing HotSpots Pro, Lake Insight PRO and HD, C-Map Max-N by Jeppesen, and Insight Genesis;
• Autopilot functions via SmartSteer, for Xi5 trolling motors;
• StructureMap;
• Quick-disconnect mount and unit cover included;
• Available in 31 language packs;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• Touchscreen technology may also be seen as a downside, as you will constantly have to wipe the unit’s display clean if you’re handling bait, fish etc.
• Only 1 microSD slot.

Summary

The Lowrance Elite-12 Ti 000-13718-005 is a navigation and fish finder unit, featuring a fast internal GPS, CHIRP sonar, and StructureScan sonar. It comes with the TotalScan transducer and with the Insight Pro charts from C-MAP. It’s a unit great for freshwater fishing, but since it has CHIRP sonar and decent depth capabilities, it can also serve well for off-shore fishing. It’s not exactly a cheap unit, but considering its wide array of features and functions, and its overall versatility, it’s pretty safe to say that it offers excellent value for the price.