Lowrance Elite-9 Ti

The Elite-9 Ti is one of the discontinued Lowrance fish finders. Like all the other elite Ti units, it has SideScan and DownScan sonar, and a pretty impressive range of navigation features. Of course, since it is one of the older units, it is not compatible with the new TripleShot or the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducers. For reference, this is the Lowrance part number  000-13274-001, the model that includes the TotalScan transducer and the U.S. charts by C-MAP. Also, one of the newer models is the Elite-9 Ti2 Active Imaging 3-in-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, 16:9 aspect ratio, WVGA color TFT, 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, transom mount, number 000-12568-001
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 12 vDC (10-17 vDC min-max)
• GPS: 10 Hz internal, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS
• Maps: U.S. charts by C-MAP
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 3,000, 100 (10,000 points per trail)

Sonar and transducer

In terms of sonar, this Lowrance fish finder can use three main frequencies for 2D, these being 50/83/200 kHz, while for StructureScan (DownScan and SideScan) it can use 455/800 kHz. Its 2D sonar is CHIRP enhanced, which means it can provide clearer images with better detail and target separation than the older Elite units.

As we’ve mentioned above, this unit comes with the TotalScan transducer (part number 000-12568-001), which is similar to the LSS-2 skimmer, but as its name suggests, it covers both 2D and StructureScan sonar. Thus, you won’t need another transducer for StructureScan. The TotalScan transducer features a 9-pin connector and also incorporates a temperature sensor.

With this transducer, the unit can use High CHIRP and Mid CHIRP, as it’s capable of 83/200 kHz. But in order to use Low CHIRP and scanning for greater depths, you will need a 50/200 kHz, CHIRP capable transducer. With the TotalScan transducer, the system can reach depths of 1,000 (305 m) for 2D, and 300 ft (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan. While when it comes to SideScan, the beams generated by the transducer can extend up to 300′ (91 m) on each side at 455 kHz, and up to 100′ (30 m) on each side at 800 kHz.

For the unit’s 2D sonar, the transducer will use conical beams. They’re angles and coverage is not specified, but it’s probably somewhere around 20° for 200 kHz, and 60° for 83 kHz.

Just as the HOOK-9 CHIRP DownScan unit, the Lowrance Elite-9 Ti features TrackBack and DownScan Overlay functions. The TrackBack function is basically sonar recording. You can save the recording into the unit’s memory or onto a blank microSD card. You can record any of the sonar feed, in order to review later, instead of re-scanning certain areas of interest. Also, the recorded SideScan can be overlayed with charts via the Insight Genesis application, on order to benefit from a better picture of what’s under the water line, in relation to the shores and other points of interest.

DownScan Overlay allows the blending of the unit’s DownScan and traditional sonar. In other words, you can overlay the DownScan feed with the 2D sonar to observe the fish arches better, in relation to the various structure targets, or vegetation. Of course, since it is one of the older units, it does not have the FishReveal function.

Several other useful functions for finding fish offered by this unit are Fish ID, A-Scope, Flasher sonar, Temperature Graph, Fish and Depth Alarms, Bottom Lock etc.

Navigation features

This unit is preloaded with a detailed U.S. chart base from C-MAP, charts that cover more than 3,000 U.S. lakes, rivers and coastal waters, contours up to 1,000, providing the necessary navigation support. It is also compatible with various charts, including Lake Insight, Navionics Gold and HotMaps Premium, Nautic Insight PRO and HD, Fishing HotSpots PRO, C-Map Max-N by Jeppesen, and custom made Insight Genesis maps.

StructureMap is a function available with this Lowrance unit. It allows you to overlay the SideScan imaging with your charts. This feature works with the pre-loaded Basemaps, and gives you the possibility to add some detail to them.

The Elite-9 Ti is equipped with a fast and accurate 10 Hz internal GPS, capable of corrections via WAAS and EGNOS. 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.

The unit is capable of saving up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes and 100 trails in its memory. Waypoints can be customized, a wide array of icons being available. Also, it’s much easier to mark a waypoint using touchscreen technology. 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.

Last but not least, this Lowrance unit has SmartSteer, providing autopilot and other functions for MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motors, via NMEA 2000.

Control unit features

As opposed to the HOOK units, the Lowrance Elite-9 Ti features a touchscreen display and Wireless/Bluetooth connectivity. Its display is 9″ in diagonal, with a pixel resolution of 800 x 480, and an aspect ratio of 16:9, also integrating LED backlight for improved readability even in direct sunlight. It’s IPX waterproof, designed to withstand incidental water exposure with no problem.

Via wireless networking, 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.

The unit’s interface is customizable, offering views up to 4 panels. Navigation through menus, or zooming, is 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.

In terms of connectivity, the Lowrance Elite-9 Ti offers NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 interfacing possibilities. It also has a microSD card reader with one card slot, for chart upgrades or data backup. It does not have Ethernet ports, though.

It comes with a tilt-swivel mount and a quick-disconnection system. However, the plastic corners of the unit are removable, covering a set of holes designed for flush mounting.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar and StructureScan (DownScan/SideScan);
• TotalScan transducer included;
• 3,000 ft. depth capability;
• 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 2000 connectivity;
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID etc;
• TrackBack (sonar recording);
• High precision, 10 Hz internal GPS;
• Built-in detailed U.S. charts 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;
• GPS and sonar overlay data possibilities, via Insight Genesis;
• Quick-disconnect mount and unit cover included;
• Available in 36 language packs;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• No Ethernet ports;
• No built-in bathymetry function.

Summary

The Elite-9 Ti is a fish finder and GPS unit, offering superior sonar possibilities, touchscreen technology, a fast interface, wireless connectivity, a wide array of superior charts options. This is the 000-13274-001 unit which includes the TotalScan transducer, which is compatible with both unit’s types of sonar, 2D, and StructureScan. 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. In all, it offers excellent value for the price.