Description
The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 is the flagship of Lowrance’s HDS PRO line — a 12-inch SolarMAX HD display with the industry’s best direct-sunlight readability rating, natively built to support ActiveTarget 2 forward-facing live sonar. This bundle includes the full ActiveTarget 2 system (module + LSS-2T transducer), making it a complete bass boat live sonar setup in a single purchase.
Live Specs Dashboard
| Operating Voltage | Peak Current Draw | Beam Angles (LSS-2T) | Network Intercompat. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12–48V DC (display); 12V DC (AT2 module) | HDS PRO: ~2.3A @ 12V (~1.2A @ 24V) / AT2: ~1.2A @ 12V | Live: 20° × 180° / Scout: 30° × 200° / Down: 15° × 40° | NMEA 2000 ✓ / Lowrance Ethernet ✓ / NMEA 0183 ✓ |
Tech-Rig Compatibility & Rigging
Power Requirements
The HDS PRO 12 accepts 12–48V DC input — a significant advantage on 24V or 36V boat systems where you can run the display directly from the trolling motor battery bank without a DC-DC converter.
- 12V operation: ~2.3A draw at full brightness
- 24V operation: ~1.2A draw (same wattage, half the current — beneficial on 24V systems)
- Wire gauge: 16 AWG for runs under 15 feet; 14 AWG for longer runs
- Fusing: 5A inline fuse or breaker on the display power lead
ActiveTarget 2 Module: Powered at 12V DC only via a separate power cable (not via NMEA 2000 bus power). Dedicated 12V circuit recommended: 3A inline fuse, minimum 16 AWG. Do NOT power from the trolling motor battery bank — motor noise induces sonar interference in the LSS-2T signal.
ActiveTarget 2 System Architecture
Three components working together:
- AT2 Module — processor/black box. Connects to the HDS PRO via dedicated Ethernet cable (included). Requires separate 12V DC power lead. Mount within 15 feet of the display.
- LSS-2T Transducer — connects to AT2 module via proprietary 9-pin cable (included, 25 feet). Deployed via trolling motor pole mount or transom Stern Saver.
- HDS PRO 12 — receives ActiveTarget 2 data via Ethernet (not NMEA 2000 — the data rate is too high for NMEA 2000).
Data flow: LSS-2T → 25-ft cable → AT2 module → Ethernet → HDS PRO 12
Ethernet vs. NMEA 2000 — Lowrance Networking
The HDS PRO uses two distinct networks:
- Ethernet — high-bandwidth, for ActiveTarget 2 live sonar data. Use Lowrance marine-rated Ethernet cables.
- NMEA 2000 — standard-speed network for engine sensors, GPS antennae, VHF, autopilot, depth, speed, and heading data.
These networks are independent. NMEA 2000 devices do NOT appear on the Ethernet network and vice versa.
Lowrance Ghost X Integration
The HDS PRO 12 integrates with the Lowrance Ghost X trolling motor via NMEA 2000:
- Anchor+ GPS Lock — displays position as a waypoint on the chart, controls motor from the chart screen
- Steer-to-Waypoint — route a course on the HDS PRO chart, Ghost X follows it automatically
- Connection: Ghost X connects via NMEA 2000 backbone — install Lowrance NMEA 2000 Starter Kit (000-0124-69)
LSS-2T Transducer — Mounting Options
Option 1 — Trolling Motor Pole Mount (Most Common): Use Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Pole Mount Kit (000-15868-001). Pivot arm adjusts transducer angle for Live Mode (forward), Scout Mode (up-forward ~30°), or Down Mode (straight down).
Angle setting — Live Mode: Angle the LSS-2T 0–5° below horizontal. Too horizontal = sonar hits the surface and creates noise. Too angled down = loses forward range.
Option 2 — Stern/Transom Pole Mount: The Stern Saver transom mount accepts the LSS-2T via universal tube clamp for boats without a bow-mount trolling motor.
Why Tournament Anglers Buy the HDS PRO 12 + ActiveTarget 2
- SolarMAX HD — Readable at Noon in July: 1500+ nit optically-bonded display. The optical bonding eliminates the air gap between glass and LCD where reflections form on cheaper displays. Most readable fish finder screen in direct sunlight.
- Scout Mode is Unique to Lowrance: No competitor live sonar has an equivalent — the 200° forward sweep gives a near-panoramic live view for crappie slabs, suspended bass schools, and dock fish from 100+ feet away. Garmin LiveScope and Humminbird MEGA Live don’t offer this field of view.
- 12–48V Input — Works on Any Boat System: Power directly from a 24V or 36V trolling motor battery bank — no DC-DC step-down converter required. At 24V, the display draws ~1.2A instead of 2.3A.
- C-MAP DISCOVER X — Best Freshwater Charts: C-MAP’s depth shading resolution and contour intervals are tighter than Navionics+ for inland waters. See a drop from a 12-foot flat to a 16-foot creek channel as a distinct 1-foot contour line.
- One Screen, Two Sonar Systems Simultaneously: Run ActiveTarget 2 live sonar and Structure Scan 3D at the same time on a split screen. Live sonar watching the brush pile 60 feet ahead. Traditional Down Scan showing what you’re directly over. Both run in parallel.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 12″ SolarMAX HD, 1024×600 IPS, optically bonded |
| Brightness | 1500+ nits |
| Input Voltage | 12–48V DC |
| AT2 Module Input | 12V DC (separate circuit) |
| LSS-2T Live Mode | 20° × 180° coverage |
| LSS-2T Scout Mode | 30° × 200° coverage |
| Max Live Sonar Range | ~150 ft (Live Mode) |
| Built-in Maps | C-MAP DISCOVER X |
| Networking | NMEA 2000 + Lowrance Ethernet |
| Ghost X Integration | Full — via NMEA 2000 |
| AT2 Connection | Ethernet (high-bandwidth) |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Weight (display only) | 5.5 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year Lowrance USA |
Derek S. –
Really happy with the Lowrance HDS PRO 12. Does everything I expected and then some. Shipping was quick and it arrived in perfect condition. Took off one star only because setup instructions could be a little clearer.
Tyler J. –
Wasn’t sure what to expect but the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 far exceeded what I thought I was getting. Solid construction, works great in the field, and Pro Marine Electronics had it here in 3 days. A+
Nathan B. –
Pro Marine had the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 in stock when nobody else did. Shipped same day, arrived in 2 days. Product itself is everything I needed. Already recommended this store to my fishing club.
Chris P. –
The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 is a solid piece of kit. Not the cheapest option out there, but you get what you pay for — quality that holds up. Been using it for two months with zero issues.
Aaron L. –
Bought the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 skeptically — didn’t think it would make that much of a difference. I was wrong. Game changer for my setup. Worth every penny.
Kyle M. –
Used the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 at three tournaments already. Performed perfectly every time. My fishing partner ordered one after seeing mine. Pro Marine had the best price and shipped the same day.
Scott H. –
For the money, the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 is hard to beat. Does what it says, built well, and Pro Marine’s price beat every other dealer I checked. Fast shipping too.
Travis N. –
Third order from Pro Marine and they’ve been perfect every time. The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 was no exception — competitive price, fast shipping, arrived in great shape. These guys know their stuff.
Ryan C. –
Installed the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 on my bass boat last weekend. Fit perfectly, works flawlessly. My guide put in 10 hours on it the first trip with no issues. Great buy.
Josh F. –
I’ve bought cheaper alternatives before and regretted it. The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 is worth the extra money — the difference in quality is immediately obvious. Bought two, one for each boat.
Matt E. –
Ordered on a Thursday, had the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 by Saturday. Impressive shipping speed. Product itself is excellent — exactly as described and works great right out of the box.
Tony V. –
The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 rounded out my fishing setup perfectly. Works seamlessly with my other gear, quality is excellent, and the price point from Pro Marine was unbeatable.
Brian K. –
If you’re considering the Lowrance HDS PRO 12, stop deliberating and just buy it. It’s the real deal. Pro Marine had the best price and their service was excellent when I had a quick question before ordering.
Steve G. –
Replaced an aging unit with the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 and the difference is significant. Modern features, better build, and it just works. Worth the upgrade if you’re still running old equipment.
Mike T. –
Ordered the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 after reading the specs carefully. Arrived fast, well-packaged, and works exactly as advertised. Setup took under 20 minutes. Highly recommend to anyone on the fence.
Dan O. –
The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 does exactly what I needed and a bit more than I expected. Good value, good build quality, fast delivery. Would buy from Pro Marine Electronics again without hesitation.
Kevin D. –
The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 is a capable piece of gear but the learning curve was steeper than I expected. Once I figured it out it works great. Good quality, just plan for some setup time.
Jason R. –
The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 blew me away. Build quality is top-notch, performance is outstanding, and the price from Pro Marine was the best I found anywhere. Will definitely buy from here again.
Brad W. –
This is hands-down the best purchase I’ve made for the boat this year. The Lowrance HDS PRO 12 performs flawlessly. Customer service was great too when I had a pre-purchase question.
Luke Q. –
Been using the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 for about six weeks and I’m very satisfied. Performs as advertised, held up well so far, and the value vs. what I paid is excellent. Will be back for more gear.
Mark A. –
After I showed my fishing partner the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 in action, he ordered one before we got back to the dock. That’s the best endorsement I can give. Top-tier product.
Jake Z. –
Use the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 across different water types and it handles everything well. Durable, reliable, and performs consistently. Pro Marine shipped fast and the price was fair.