Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS Product And Product Reviews
September 11th, 2010Gps Hand Held Navigation No Comments
Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS Product And Product Reviews
Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS Product Features
Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS Technical Details
Technical Details:
- Comes with dual processors for higher speed screen updates and scrolling; sporty styling and a sure-grip rubber welt seal
- Features a built-in background map, including interstate exit services, of the continental United States and Hawaii
- Includes one MMC/SD digital media memory card slot for mapping and recording capabilities, an antenna port for connecting the optional external GPS
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D); weighs 8.7 ounces
- 16-channel GPS and WAAS-enabled handheld helps get you where you’re going quickly and easily
Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS Product Description
Product Description:
One of the most popular Lowrance handhelds, now with a crystal clear color display and a 16-channel GPS precision, the Lowrance iFinder H20 C comes with dual processors for higher speed screen updates and scrolling, sporty styling and a sure-grip rubber welt seal. This compact and portable navigation system features a built-in background map, including interstate exit services, of the continental United States and Hawaii. There’s also one MMC/SD digital media memory card slot for mapping and recording capabilities, an antenna port for connecting the optional external GPS and WAAS antenna, and an internal back-up memory to keep your important data secure.
Reliable, powerful, and user-friendly, the H20 C features an easy point-and-map process operation for navigation and routing, as well as dual easy and advanced operation modes. Its 2.83-inch, diagonal, color TFT display offers 320 x 240 resolution for optimum readability, and the white LED backlit screen ensures excellent direct sunlight and low-light or night viewing. The H20 C also gives you access to 1,000 waypoints, 1,000 event markers, and 100 routes, as well as up to 100 savable and retraceable plot trails, with up to 10,000 points in any trail. For added trip-planning convenience, you can take advantage of 40 map zoom ranges (0.02 to 4,000 miles) and 63 graphic icons to mark special spots.
Compatible with optional Lowrance FreedomMaps, Fishing Hot Spots Elite, LakeMaster Pro Maps, NauticPath USA, and Navionics electronic charts, the H20 C is waterproof to IPX7 standards, so you can take it wherever you go. Convenient and versatile, it operates up to 14 hours or longer on two “AA” batteries (not included) and comes with a full one-year warranty.
Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS Product Reviews
No GPS Lock!!,
I have had this unit for about 18 months but have used it only 6-8 times – never in foul weather. It worked fine at first – with TOPO downloaded maps onto the MMC card and a Navionics card for marine use. Always locked on fairly quickly. Displayed maps beautifully. Now, after not using it for about 4 months (the batteries removed for safe storage) the unit will not lock onto satellites regardless of how long it’s left on or despite performing soft and hard resets. The built-in Lowrance software on it is actually newer than what’s on the latest Lowrance software update page – which makes no sense at all. Lowrance’s minimum repair rate is $149.95 plus shipping since the 1 year warrenty has expired!! I might as well buy a new GPS – a non-Lowrance unit this time! The price and features are very attractive. But beware, I think it’s a very inferior product in the long run.
Lowrance iFinder H2Oc GPS,
We purchased the Lowrance iFinder H2Oc GPS with some Navionics maps on an SD memory card. We used new Lithium AA batteries with the unit.
Our purpose for purchasing the unit was for use in navigating waterways
between Minnesota and Ontario, specifically the Rainy Lake region.
The unit worked very well, and was very useful for navigating these rocky lakes, with many navigational hazards, such as numerous rock outcroppings, and hazards just below the surface of the lake.
The only problem we encountered was a long delay in downloading/processing map information, if you chose to zoom in/out of your current display. It sometimes took 10 seconds or more for the new screen to load, and if you are using this device as an aid, and travelling across the lake at 30 or 40 knots, the delay was a little unnerving at times, specifically if the lake has a lot of rock pile hazards. And yes, the software states you should not use this device for navigation, it is only an aid.
The batteries we started with lasted all week, and we used this unit extensively all week.
When you arrive at your destination, you need to remember to load the specific map you will use. For the Navionics maps, you will also need to
know the abbreviated file name for the area you want to view. The file names are not always obvious, so make sure you review the software to know what map to load, for the area you are using the GPS. This is a Navionics comment, so we did not add or detract from the GPS review score.
That issue aside, we would probably rate this item overall at a 4.5.
If you are heading to a large unknown lake, looking for navigation aids, and a depth chart, this is a great tool, and we doubt you will regret the purchase. If you are getting older, the screen is a little small, but it is hand-held, and small enough to put in your pocket or tacklebox.
Good luck
More bang for the buck,
This Lowrance GPS receiver has all the features needed for geocaching. Aided by topo mapping software, this device will lead you to any spot you want. To get the same features in other brands, you would have to spend more money. Also, the car adapter comes with the device whereas it is a separate purchase in other brands. We have used it extensively and never had a problem. It acquires the satellites quickly and keeps the signal under adverse conditions such as tree cover. The only small problem is that the road map overlay may be off in some areas by several yards. This is not a big concern since it’s the topographical accuracy that is important. This model doesn’t have an electronic compass or altimeter; however, for just a little bit more money you can get these features in a Lowrance Expedition C. Not a big deal for most folks.
H20 is the only handheld chartplotter,
I have been searching for a handheld chartplotter where you can string a series of waypoints on the chart and create a route. The Garmins (Colorado and now Oregon) don’t do it, you have to set waypoints then select them from an off chart list to create a route.
Yes, for more details you have to buy a chip. A great marine chip for this unit is the Nautic Path which can be found on Amazon for $119.
This unit is a true handheld chartplotter at a price even with the detailed all USA marine chip by Nautic Path defeats all competitors.NP-USA NAUTIC PATH MAP CHART
Buggy software and no tech support,
Please see my full review under “iFINDER H2O C PLUS”. This product should be avoided due to serious software bugs which cause reboots when certain key sequences are used. Making the problem worse yet is the total lack of Lowrance tech support. After 3 phone calls totaling 2 1/2 hours and 2 e-mails over a period of two weeks they have not responded. You’ll especially like the fact that you can’t leave a message for tech support until you’ve waited on hold for one hour….go figure.
Very dissipointing, I’m taking it back and exchanging it for another (non-Lowrance) unit.
Wasting your money if you buy H2Oc,
If you search the internet you will find many complaints about this product. Just stops connecting with satellites and the Customer Support response is send it in with $180 and we will replace it. Some have sent theirs back multiple times in warranty. Unfortunately mine was just out of warranty when it died. Will never own Lowrance products again.
Geocacher and I Love It!,
I have had this unit literally since it first came out–January 2006. I use it exclusively for geocaching and have the Topo Maps version 6 for it. I did a lot of research before settling on this unit because as one reviewer stated it gives the most bang for the buck. I find it gives me a great lock even under heavy forest foliage. I also get a lock inside my house still after 4 years of use. The accuracy is outstanding and matches the units that other cachers are using when we are out together. This unit has fallen into rivers twice over 2 years ago. It floated to the surface and I retrieved it easily. It worked fine after both of these episodes. I find that the topo maps load quickly-as fast as I drive. The only thing I would like to see on it is the ability to project in feet rather than the smallest being 0.1 mile. I have not had any of the other problems that other reviewers have noted here. It is easy to use and I can input coordinates faster than the other cachers who have other brands of units. I use recharable batteries and have found that the brand name batteries work the best as expected. There will always be someone who is not satisfied or who get a bad unit no matter what they buy. None of the other cachers I know with these units have experienced the problems that other reviews have noted here. I have talked to Lowrance support twice and thought they were the best I have talked to. No wait, not foreign and they knew what they were talking about. I recommend this unit to everyone that asks how I like it. When this one finally bites the dust I will check out the new Lowrance units first as I believe that they were still offer the most bang for the buck.
GPS will not lock!,
My Lowrance H2O C is like new, never dropped or abused. It worked fine when I first got it. I stored it for a few months and now it will not lock on GPS at all. I have tried reloading software, soft boot, hard boot, still nothing. Support only says to send it to them with $150 and they will look at it. NO WAY!
External antenna needed,
Upon receiving my unit I promptly turned it on and paitently waited for a satelite lock which never came. Even going up 1000 ft in elevation didn’t work. I checked to make sure the external antenna setting was unchecked, it was. Not to give up I decided an external antenna was needed and found them here at Ebay.
[...]
The external antenna made all the difference, it will even get a 3D lock indoors. I am still learning how to use my unit but I already know that with the Navionics HotMaps it will serve my needs getting around the local lakes.
Lost Waypoints,
I purchased this product 2 years ago. It is used to mark waypoints on my favorite lake. I purchased the Fishing Hot Spots chip for it and proceded to mark favorite fishing places. It worked fine until this year. Now it will not lock on a satellite so all these waypoints that are on it are worthless. I have not contacted Lowrance about the problem, but after reading the other reviews there is no need. I thought about buying an antenna for it but hate to spend the extra money if it still doesn’t work. Until Lowrance gets there act togeather they are history for me.
Just some description of Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS to you.