Humminbird 998cx SI combo - Humminbird 998c SI combo

[johndeere]

What does the X mean with these models?
1. Is the X an Aussie version versus USA?
2. or does it have an external GPS receiver?
3. Are the Overseas models geofenced?

There is a large discrepency in price between the two.

[LittleSkipper]

Gidday!

The CXI denotes that it is manufactured to Australian Specs ie: Metric & Imperial Measures.The U.S version is of course the CI model and only has Imperial measures.

I have the 798CXI model purchased from the Brisbane Boat Show back in August.Some models have an Internal Antenna and some have the External, just check the specs before buying. None of Humminbirds units are Geofenced, that pathetic idea belongs to Lowrance units purchased from the U.S only not Australia.

If you buy OS you have to send the unit back to the U.S for service/repair and be prepared for paperwork for Aussie Customs and of course their fees for importing goods into Australia over $1000 AUD. I too also had these and many questions regarding imported units and in the end I decided to buy here to safe guard myself as well as my purchase.

Do a Humminbird search on here and check out the Australian Customs website,I'm sure you'll find many of your questions answered.Good Luck

[johndeere]

If you can't buy the US version with metric units then in effect isn't it geofenced. The US model is about $1000 cheaper.

[Thunderace2]

I thought the x was for a external gps reciever, mine did
if you buy the US model, then you get feet, mpg, degrees F, no big deal
Mine had a world wide background map

[johndeere]

Thunderace, did you buy the US model? Did it have an external gps? If it did then the X must mean it is an Aussie model. ie Metric units included.

[johndeere]

Just spoke to Humminbird. The X means aussie model with metric units. No X means US ,only imperial units. X models have a tick under the serial no. which qualifies it for Aussie service, no tick, equals repair in USA. An 'i' in the model number means internal antenna. No i equals external antenna.
Simple really!

[LittleSkipper]

If you can't buy the US version with metric units then in effect isn't it geofenced. The US model is about $1000 cheaper.

Geo-fencing is incorporated into the unit at time of manufacture and cannot be changed to protect international dealers hence the reason why Lowrance have done this to there U.S units. I know for a fact that Humminbird HAVE NOT introduced Geo-fencing into their U.S units because I asked the same question on the Humminbird Side Imaging Forum website: http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com

[johndeere]

I guess by what you are saying is that the inability to select metric units does not constitute geofencing.

[Strewth]

You can get the international version (metric and imperial) for $2,150 + shipping from koalagps, or for $1900 + shipping from gpscentral in canada.

[Coodgee]

You'd think you would be able to flash the overseas unit and install the Aussie version of the software.

[johndeere]

What does "flash" mean?

[pig75]

You can't Flash them to metric. it's hardware encoded

[honda900]

Flash stands for flash rom, not really correct old terminology but the concept is right, the operating system software is stored internally on a chip in the unit. Geofencing can be applied to any and all devices, ( hummingbird have chosen not to do it) basically each device has a unique number, each number is allocated to a certain region. A simple software update can determine which region the unit was destined (not actually sold in). if the unit was destined for the US and it powers on and finds itself in australia, then it can be geofenced, its unique id, is checked by the software and its location from the gps, if they dont match the rules then it is geofenced.


Regards
Honda.

[Si]

Gidday!

If you buy OS you have to send the unit back to the U.S for service/repair and be prepared for paperwork for Aussie Customs and of course their fees for importing goods into Australia over $1000 AUD. I too also had these and many questions regarding imported units and in the end I decided to buy here to safe guard myself as well as my purchase.

same reason why i would buy in Australia. Plus you get two years warranty as opposed to a dodgy one year warranty if you buy a us model and you are up for posting and customs cost as you indicated. with the reliability of electronics, especially with me, i find the two years is a bit more piece of mind.