Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 Active Imaging 3-in-1 US Inland Basemap

We’ve already covered the Elite-9 Ti2 000-14652-001 version which includes the AI 2-in-1 transducer and another transducer for Med/High CHIRP. So, in this post, we’re going to address the Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 part number 000-14648-001, the one that includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer. Needless to say, this unit is also a chartplotter and includes the US Inland Basemap and the Genesis Live feature.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal SolarMax, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, touchscreen, 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
• 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

The Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 000-14648-001 has built-in Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar. This means it can support standard CHIRP sonar, DownScan, and SideScan. It also includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer which supports all these three sonar technologies.

The AI 3-in-1 transducer is not much different than the last year’s TotalScan transducer. However, it offers better depth penetration and clarity. It also integrates a temperature sensor, comes with 25′ (7.6 m) of cable, and a 9-pin connector.

For SideScan and DownScan, the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer uses the 455/800 kHz channels. Its maximum depth capabilities are 300′ (91 m) at 455 kHz, while the side range of the SideScan beams reaches 300′ (91 m) on each side at 455 kHz, and 150′ (46 m) at 800 kHz (a bit better than the TotalScan transducer). Just as for the previous SideScan / DownScan transducers, the beams used by the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer for these sonar technologies are conical. Their exact coverage is not specified, though.

For 2D CHIRP, the included Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer uses the 83/200 kHz channels. Of course, the unit also supports 50 kHz, but in order to use this frequency, you will have to opt for a 50 kHz capable transducer. The transducer uses conical beams for the 2D sonar. However, just as for DownScan and SideScan, their exact coverage is not specified. The maximum depth capability for the 2D sonar with the AI 3-in-1 transducer is 1,000′ (305 m).

In terms of operating speed, the Active Imaging 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, the recommended vessel speed is trolling speed (max. 10 MPH).

The Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 unit makes available a wide range of sonar features and functions. To begin with, it has the new FishReveal™ application. 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

As we’ve mentioned above, the Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 is also a chartplotter. So, to begin with, it has its own built-in GPS system. It’s a 16 channel 10 Hz GPS receiver, which means it can provide 10 position updates per second. It can provide position augmentation via EGNOS, WAAS, and MSAS, and also has a GPS speed function.

The unit’s built-in chart platform is the U.S. Inland Basemap. These are charts based on the C-MAP charts. They cover more than 4,000 U.S. lakes with 1′ contours. They don’t offer super detail but you can always upgrade the unit’s charts to Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX-N, C-MAP MAX-N+, or Insight Pro and Insight HD.

On the other hand, the unit also has the Genesis Live feature. This is a depth contour recording feature that uses the GPS data and the 2D sonar data to reveal and draw the depth layout of the lake that you’re scanning. It works in a similar way to the Navionics’ SonarChart feature, or the AutoChart Live feature available with most Humminbird fish finders. Differently put, Genesis Live 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).

Just like the previous Lowrance Elite-9 versions, the 000-14648-001 has the StructureMap application as well. This feature allows you to overlay SideScan recorded images to the current maps in order to get a better view of the underwater environment in relation to your position on the map. It also helps with the interpretation of the SideScan images.

SmartSteer is also included with this Lowrance unit. 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.

Last but not least, the unit can save up to 3,000 waypoints in its memory offering a wide array of icons to personalize each waypoint. It can also save up to 100 routes, and 100 tracks. Each track can have up to 10,000 plot points.

Control unit features

The Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 features a 9-inch SolarMax display, with a pixel resolution of 800Hx480V As its name suggests, the display is designed to provide an excellent view even in direct sunlight, and when wearing polarized sunglasses. It is IPX7 waterproof and offers great readability even from sharp angles up to 85°.

The unit’s interface has touchscreen technology. In other words, it responds to all touch commands just as any tablet or smartphone. However, it also has a few side buttons for the quick access of certain functions such as zoom, change page, or power ON/OFF. Also, the display offers a split-screen view with up to three panels and the homepage can be personalized with the most used applications for quick access.

The Elite-9 Ti2 supports both Ethernet and NMEA networking. It has an NMEA 2000 Micro-C port, however, it does not have IP camera ports such as the Raymarine es98, for example. It also does not support Radar. But on the other hand, it also has wireless connectivity. This being said, you can connect the unit to an existent WiFi hotspot in order to access the GoFree Cloud base for downloads, software updates or data backup.

The unit only has a microSD card slot (not two like other units). This should be enough, though, to upgrade your chart base, backup your data, or record charts with Genesis Live.

And finally, The included mount for the unit is the classic Gimbal Bracket with side knobs. A unit cover is included.

The Pros

• Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar (2D CHIRP, SideScan, DownScan);
• Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer included;
• 1,000 ft. depth capability;
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, FishReveal, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording etc;
• US Inland Basemap included;
• Genesis Live feature for depth contour recording;
• 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;
• SolarMax display for superior readability;
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity;
• One microSD card slot;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity;
• Ethernet connectivity;
• GPS and sonar overlay data possibilities, via Insight Genesis;
• Gimbal bracket mount included;
• Unit cover included;
• Available in multiple language packs;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• The Genesis Live feature requires a microSD card as support;
• In-dash mounting kit is not included.

Summary

The Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 Active Imaging 3-in-1 US Inland Basemap is a fish finder and chartplotter that offers 2D CHIRP, DownScan and SideScan sonar, 10 Hz GPS, US Inland Basemap, Genesis Live, WiFi 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.