Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 Active Imaging 3-in-1 US Inland Basemap

The Elite-7 Ti2 is one of the fish finders released by Lowrance in 2018. It is available in various bundles with different transducers and charts. We’ve already covered here the Elite-7 Ti2 that comes with the HDI transducer. So, in this post, we’re going to cover the Elite-7 Ti2 that includes the new Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer and the US Inland Basemap. For reference, this is the Lowrance part number 000-14638-001.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: Active Imaging 3-in-1 (2D CHIRP/DownScan/SideScan)
• Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1 (for SideScan/DownScan/CHIRP sonar)
• Frequency and Coverage (with the included transducer):
  83/200/455/800 kHz
  300′ (91 m) on each side – 455 kHz SideScan
  150′ (46 m) on each side – 800 kHz SideScan
• Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Supply Voltage: 12 VDC (10.8-17 VDC min-max)
• GPS: 10 Hz internal, 16 channels
• Maps: C-MAP US Inland Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 3,000, 100 (10,000 points per trail)

Sonar and transducer

As we’ve mentioned above, the new Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is included with this Lowrance fish finder. This being said, you will be able to use the 2D CHIRP, DownScan, and SideScan sonar.

This transducer is not far different from the last year’s TotalScan transducer. It basically offers the same coverage and operates at the same frequencies. It has an internal temperature sensor, a 9-pin connector, and 25′ (7.6 m) of cable. However, its transom mount is metallic and a bit smaller than for the TotalScan. It also has the top metallic plate (jackplate mounting) which allows you to attach it to a trolling motor.

For the standard 2D CHIRP sonar, the Active Imaging 3-in1 transducer uses the 83/200 kHz frequencies. In other words, it makes available Medium CHIRP and High CHIRP. The CHIRP modulation intervals are not specified for this transducer, nor are the beam angles. The 2D CHIRP beams are conical, and the maximum depth capability is 1,000′ (305 m) which can be achieved when using the 83 kHz beam.

The unit supports 50 kHz as well. Therefore, if paired with a 50/200 kHz capable skimmer transducer, you can scan greater depths up to 2,500′ (762 m).

For DownScan and SideScan Imaging, the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer uses the 455/800 kHz frequencies. Its maximum depth capabilities are 300′ (91 m) at 455 kHz, while the side range of the SideScan beams reach 300′ (91 m) on each side at 455 kHz, and 150′ (46 m) at 800 kHz (a bit better than the TotalScan transducer).

In terms of operating speed, the AI 3-in-1 transducer should be able to maintain a bottom reading at up to 55 MPH if using the 2D CHIRP sonar. However, for SideScan and DownScan it’s recommended a maximum speed of 10 MPH.

The Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 offers a wide array of sonar applications. The most notable one is FishReveal™. This feature puts all the fish arches detected by the 2D CHIRP sonar beams into the DownScan Imaging view. Therefore, it gives you the possibility to make better assessments with regards to the position of fish targets in relation to the better-detailed structure, vegetation, or the bottom.

The list of 2D sonar features also includes Overlay DownScan, Fish ID, Bottom Lock, Circular Flasher, TrackBack (or sonar recording), Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm and more.

Navigation features

The Elite-7 Ti2 comes in different bundles with various charts. The 000-14638-001 that we’re addressing here has the U.S. Inland Basemap. These charts are based on C-MAP charts and offer coverage for more than 4,000 U.S. lakes with 1-foot contours. They don’t offer exceptional detail like the premium charts, but can still offer great support for navigation, also making it easier to narrow your search for productive water and to locate fishing hot spots like ledges, drop-offs, and cover.

Of course, if you’re not satisfied with the detail and information provided by the unit’s built-in base charts, you can always upgrade its chart base. The Elite-7 Ti2 is compatible with Navionics Gold, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX-N, C-MAP MAX-N+, or Insight Pro and Insight HD.

One of the new great features included by the Elite Ti2 units is Genesis Live. This is a depth contour mapping application similar to the SonarChart Live from Navionics, or Quickdraw Contours available with most Garmin fish finders. It allows you to update the maps of your favorite lakes and fishing spots with 1/2′ contours, in real time, as you sail your boat. Thus, you can reveal drop-offs, ditches, and other points that can make great fishing spots. It offers quite a level of customization, allowing you to control transparency, add depth shading, contour density and more.

It’s important to mention, though, that Genesis Live saves its recordings on your memory card. Therefore, in order to use this feature, you will need a data microSD card inserted into the unit. Also, the maximum sailing speed recommended for the best Genesis Live detail is 20 knots (23 MPH).

StructureMap is also available with this unit. This feature allows you to overlay SideScan recorded images on the map. This way, you can visualize the underwater environment in relation to your position which can help in interpreting the SideScan images better. Also, when Live Data is selected, the SideScan imaging history is displayed as a trail behind the vessel icon. The length of this trail varies depending on available memory in the unit and range settings. As the memory fills up, the oldest data is automatically deleted as new data is added.

The unit is equipped with a 16 channel, 10 Hz GPS internal receiver. This means it can provide position updates 10 times per second. It can provide position enhancements by WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS, also making available a GPS speed function.

Waypoint, route creation, and trackplotting functions are also available. You can save up to 3,000 waypoints in the unit’s memory, waypoints which can be customized by a wide range of icons to make them more suggestive. The unit can also save up to 100 routes and up to 100 plotted tracks. Each track can have up to 10,000 points.

Last but not least, the unit has the SmartSteer feature. This offers autopilot and other function for MotorGuide Xi5/Xi3 trolling motors; however, this requires MotorGuide PinPoint Gateway. It provides control for Power-Pole anchors. It can also show data from an AIS unit but does not support Radar.

Control unit features

The Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 has an easy-to-use, highly intuitive interface. It’s equipped with a 7-inch high-res touchscreen SolarMax display, with a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V. It has adjustable LED backlight and provides excellent readability even in direct sunlight or from sharp angles up to 85°. The unit is also IPX7 waterproof.

The unit offers wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Therefore, you can access the GoFree Cloud form a Wi-Fi hotspot for Insight Genesis maps or other downloads. You can share data such as sonar, waypoints, routes, or mapping between units within a wireless network

This Lowrance Elite unit has one virtual Ethernet port, so you can transfer data between units via Ethernet cable, or connect it to other instruments. It also has an NMEA 2000 Micro-C port, plus it supports most of the NMEA 0183 sentences.

A microSD card reader is available with this unit. It only has one slot. Therefore, you can either use a chart card or a data card for sonar recording, Genesis Live recording, data backup, or software updates.

One last aspect to mention here regards the included mount. The Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 comes with a standard quick-release Gimbal mount. A unit cover is also included.

The Pros

• Active 3-in-1 sonar (2D CHIRP, DownScan, SideScan);
• Active 3-in-1 transducer included;
• Metallic transom mount and jackplate mounting for trolling motor;
• 1,000 ft. depth capability;
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, FishReveal, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording etc;
• C-MAP US Inland Basemap included;
• Genesis Live included;
• Compatible with a wide array of custom charts, including Navionics Gold, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP Max N, C-MAP Max N+, Insight Pro and Insight HD.
• Fast chart updates, fast navigation through menus;
• High precision, 10 Hz GPS;
• Autopilot functions via SmartSteer, for Xi5 trolling motors;
• Waypoints, routes, and trackplotting functions;
• Easy to use touchscreen navigation;
• 4-panel view presentation possibilities;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability;
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity;
• MicroSD card slot reader for data backup and transfer;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity;
• Ethernet connectivity;
• GPS and sonar overlay data possibilities, via Insight Genesis;
• Quick-disconnect mount included;
• Unit cover included;
• Available in multiple language packs;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• No Radar support;
• To use Genesis Live you need a microSD card as support;
• In-dash mount not included.

Summary

The Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 Active Imaging 3-in-1 US Inland Basemap is a fish finder and chartplotter that offers CHIRP, DownScan and SideScan sonar, 10 Hz GPS, US Inland Basemap, Genesis Live, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, superior networking capabilities, and a wide array of other features. It includes the new Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer for CHIRP sonar, DownScan, and SideScan. Although it includes charts for the US inland waters, it can also be used off-shore if you opt for other premium charts. It’s a versatile fishing and navigation tool, offering excellent value for the price.