Humminbird Side Imaging Forums

Side Imaging Forums => Helix Series Units => Topic started by: saumon on August 14, 2017, 11:08:14 PM

Title: Helix 7DI vs 9 compatibility???
Post by: saumon on August 14, 2017, 11:08:14 PM

Hi,

I currently have a Helix 7 DI sonar/gps (1st gen) rigged on my boat and, as I badly want the Autochart Live feature, it seems I need to upgrade to the Helix 9 (with 2 SD slots).

To avoid having to buy a Helix 9 then selling my Helix 7 after and the hassle of derigging everything, I think of finding a Helix 9 head unit and simply swapping the head units. My question is: as I have de DI transducer, will a Helix 9 regular (non-DI) unit will fit (cable inlet). I don't care that much about loosing the DI view, as long as it gave me the regular sonar view.

Or is anybody having a better idea? Or better yet a Helix 9 sonar/gps for sale/trade (1st or 2ng gen, DI or not)?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Helix 7DI vs 9 compatibility???
Post by: rnvinc on August 15, 2017, 09:10:30 PM

Your HELIX DI transmits 200/455kHz  2d  ... HELIX Sonar GPS (non DI) transmits 83/200kHz   ...

So  ... yes the connector will "fit" but results will be unsatisfactory transmitting the wrong 2d frequencies thru the DI xducer  ...

All HB units come with a supplied xducer Unless one happens to find a used head unit without the xducer  ...
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There is advantage in having 2 separate units (even if not networked) such that sonar and mapping do not have to share screen space  ...

So keep the 7 if you can and purchase the needed unit for AutoChart Live additionally  ...

Rickie

Title: Re: Helix 7DI vs 9 compatibility???
Post by: saumon on August 15, 2017, 09:38:28 PM

Thanks a lot, that's the kind of info I'm looking for! I'll try to find a Helix 9 DI 1st gen. combo (there's some rebate since the rollout of the G2N).

Other than Bluetooth compatibility, what are the differences, for the same model, between a 1st and 2nd gen? Is the price difference worth it?

Title: Re: Helix 7DI vs 9 compatibility???
Post by: rnvinc on August 16, 2017, 09:22:03 PM

Quote from: saumon on August 15, 2017, 09:38:28 PM

Thanks a lot, that's the kind of info I'm looking for! I'll try to find a Helix 9 DI 1st gen. combo (there's some rebate since the rollout of the G2N).

Other than Bluetooth compatibility, what are the differences, for the same model, between a 1st and 2nd gen? Is the price difference worth it?

Gen 2 DI units will have added CHIRP for 2d and DI imaging  ...

HB will be releasing MEGA DI units this fall which will also add the MEGA 1200kHz DI frequency  ...

Some opine the MEGA imaging (1200kHz) is worth it  ...

Rickie