Lowrance Hook 4 Ice machine update, ..anyone have this problem?

Everything has been working well (and I am catching fish so it's working well enough) except one thing. The sonar freezes periodically (for about 30-60+ sec) and sometimes will start scrolling again or sometimes, I just flip to another page screen and then got back to just sonar (I only use the traditional sonar page as my transducer is not a CHIRP one). Has anyone had this problem with their sonars (Lowrance or other brands) and know what maybe causing these freezes? Depth does not seem to be the issue because it can freeze when over shallow or deep water. This also tends not to happen as often later in the day. Not sure if it's a problem with me using the older transducer or the unit itself...I guess I will find out when I use it with this unit's ice transducer in 2-3 months. This freezing doesn't happen too often (maybe 2-3 times during a 3-4 hr fishing trip) and sometimes, it doesn't freeze at all so I have no idea.

Oh, the other thing I have found a bit irritating with this unit (and an older Lowrance HDS 5 unit I have used before) is the amount of time it takes to boot up and also shut-down after pressing the power button. Not sure if this is typical of Lowrance equipment.

Check if your sonar has the latest firmware installed:
https://www.lowrance.com/downloads/

I was having a similar issue with my Lowrance (Elite 4). It would suddenly freeze, and sometimes completely shut down.

I spoke to a Lowrance tech - he suggested to try doing a reset. There are two different types, one will erase your waypoints, and the other resets everything back to factory defaults, but saves your waypoint.

I tried the factory reset, and everything seems to be running smoothly since. I only use it in the winter, so I'll see how it operates this coming winter.

Usually with the freezing it means the memory in it is having trouble keeping up and it will lock up. A reset or new updated software may elevate that condition.....much like a reboot on a computer.

Arnie

Thanks all for the response. Will try a few things and see if it still occurs. If you don't hear from me, all's well.

Same issue with my Lowrance ELITE-7Ti, I mean sometime all of a sudden the sonar display will freeze, and then it will resume (or "wake up") itself without me doing nothin' about 30 to 45 seconds later. And this happens about once per outing on the water. By the way I have the latest firmware with the unit, and so far I have no solution to this issue. :-) (I have reset the unit a few time, but it made no difference at all) It is nothin' major but still a bit annoying...

So, not just the cheaper units like mine. For sure, very annoying...esp. when it happens with fish being marked and your lure is right there.

So, not just the cheaper units like mine. For sure, very annoying...esp. when it happens with fish being marked and your lure is right there.

Yes especially when you are in the middle of reeling in guiding a laker or whitefish up chasing your bait! :-)

I've been playing around with the Hook, yet to take it out of the house :-). I like it so far.

I was able to find the latest firmware on the Lowrance website. The following is the file for the ICE from the Lowrance website.

https://downloads.lowrance.com/software/index.html?r=118

Let me know if you need help with the update.

Cheers

Thanks for that. I will give it a try. Do you put in onto a microSD card to get in into your unit?

So, not just the cheaper units like mine. For sure, very annoying...esp. when it happens with fish being marked and your lure is right there.

Yes especially when you are in the middle of reeling in guiding a laker or whitefish up chasing your bait! :-)

Yup, that is a frustrating thing....and even worse if it's the only fish you had all day and was a good chaser too

The file in the link is Zip’d so there are some steps to go thru before you place the card in the fishfinder

-Download the file using your PC
-Then on the pc unzip the file and save that file to the Micro SD
-Power down the fish finder
-Insert the Micro SD into the slot on the bottom
-Then power on the Fishfinder
-It should start the update fairly quickly give it a few minutes.

Once the update is complete the unit will power down on its own
Remove the SD card
Turn the Power back on you should be updated. Make sure the SD card has been removed as it may start the update again.

Let me know if this works for you.

Must be short on installed memory right from the get......they should recall them by the sounds of the many units that have issues and repair them.

I just googled this and it seems like there are tons of them out there that freeze......come on Lowerance own up to making a piece of crap and recall/fix them or give a credit.

Arnie

Thanks for the step-by-step. Will try to find some time to do this before my next fishing trip..ir just "suffer" through it a bit longer until I can get this done.

I would agree IF I had paid their regular price for my Hook4 Ice machine (and if this is the problem that the update can't fix)....maybe that is one of the reasons for selling the entire ice package with battery and charger for only $149?? Maybe they fixed the problem in the next generation replacement model but recalling these ones would cost more than selling at a very low price. But hopefully the updated firmware will solve enough of the problem for my needs.