Big Screen Combo Review

The Lowrance HDS-10 tested here is a big screen multi-function marine GPS chartplotter and broadband sounder combo. It was loaded with Lowrance Nautic Insight U.S. Coastal cartography.



The HDS-10 package ships with the display unit, mounting bracket, dual-frequency transom-mount transducer, operations manual, installation manual, quick start guide, and a combination NMEA0183 data/power cable.
lowrance hds-10 gps chartplotter fishfinder
Lowrance HDS-10

The HDS-10 display can also be purchased as a standalone chartplotter or standalone fishfinder. The display unit measures 5.8-inches high by 7.1-inches wide and just under 3.3-inches deep.

We used the accompanying gimbal bracket to mount the Lowrance HDS-10 to our test rig. A removable front bezel allows for panel mounting without any additional hardware other than mounting screws.

The HDS-10 has a two chart card slots and can use Navionics Platinum and Platinum+ charts as well as any Navionics inland lakes cards.
Connectivity

When connected to the appropriate optional sensors the HDS-10 can also display radar data, Sirius marine weather and radio, broadband side scanning sonar, or engine gauges. A single cable with a twist lock connector attaches to the case back and supplies power and NMEA 0183 data through individual legs. The display contains an internal 16-channel GPS sensor, alternatively the unit can use an optional external GPS sensor if needed or desired. I used the internal antenna for this review. supports data transfer rates of up to 38,400 baud. This unit can also interface with NMEA 0183 devices, a NMEA 2000 or Navico Ethernet network.
Screen Size and Viewability

The HDS-10 is equipped with an 8.5-inch wide by 6.4-inch high display screen. The high contrast screen measures 10.4-inches on the diagonal and carries a very respectable 800 by 600 pixels of resolution.
Operation

This Lowrance chartplotter fishfinder uses eight pushbuttons, six soft keys, and a keypad to control functionality and manipulate onscreen menus.
Waypoints

Waypoints are identified with one of 70 symbols and one of 8 colors. The HDS-10 can store up to 5000 individual waypoints.
Routes

The HDS-10 stores up to 200 routes with as many as 250 waypoints in each route.
Fishfinder

The HDS-10 internal sounder uses Lowrance broadband sonar technology to enhance sounder viewing. Output power is not a viable metric when comparing a broadband sounder to a conventional analog unit since the sensitivity of the broadband sounder is so high it uses significantly less output power. Our test unit is capable of putting out a maximum of 31 watts of power when coupled to either a 50/200 kHz or 83/200 kHz transducer. We used a transom-mount 83/200 kHz unit for our testing.