Humminbird Side Imaging Forums
Side Imaging Forums => Helix Series Units => Topic started by: Arkman on June 01, 2020, 12:57:23 PM
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I just got my Helix 7 Mega SI G3 today and I'm getting ready to install it. I'm hoping to get some help on set up.
My current unit (998 SI) is set up to use the side imaging ducer as well as another on for the 2D stuff. This unit came with the XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T transducer. I'm going to sell the 998 so I dont want to use that ducer for anything.
I've got a few transducers laying around from other units and wondering if there is any advantage (or even possible) to do the same thing here. As I recall I currently have a XNT 9 SI 180T from an older 700 SI series as well as the one that came with my 598 (XNT 9 20 T).
Is there any reason to hook the helix up to use two different transducers? If I do that does the unit see that there are two connected and use the proper one or do I need to change settings?
Right now My XNT 9 SI 180T is hooked up on the transom, I could remove it, but would that be an ok one to use as the second ducer? Or should I swap it out for the XNT 9 20T?
Last question, how does the Chirp function play into all of this? The 2D is the chirp right? So that means if I use a difference transducer for the 2d at high speed do I loose that function if I don't use a transducer that supports chirp?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm new to all of this fancy sonar stuff but I want to make sure I get it right.
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The stock XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T uses a CHIRP 2d piezo (the HW part) ... using any of your older fixed frequency 83kHz/200kHz xducers for 2d on your HELIX 7 MEGA SI g3 would not allow the HELIX to be used at full potential ...
There are several versions of the HW 2d xducers available to be used in a dual xducer Setup ... you would only need this application if you want high speed depth readings (the stock XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T can be challenging to get set where it will read depth at high speed) ...
Look at the XNT 9 HW T transom mount ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/transducers/xnt-9-hw-t-helix-dual-spectrum-chirp-w-temp-transom-transducer?_ga=2.142632689.598600247.1591062660-954368461.1590681324
Or the XP 9 HW T shoot thru ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/transducers/xp-9-hw-helix-dual-spectrum-chirp-hull-transducer?_ga=2.177269345.598600247.1591062660-954368461.1590681324
With either of the above HW xducers (used in a dual xducer Setup) - you will need the newer 9 M SIDB Y cable (your old Y cable will not work correctly) ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/cables/9-m-sidb-y-7-pin-si-2d-splitter-cable?_ga=2.143044081.598600247.1591062660-954368461.1590681324
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CHIRP is a different scientific way to send sound pulses into the water ...
Previous fixed frequency Sonar sends a burst of only 1 frequency into the water (83kHz or 200kHz for 2d and 455kHz or 800kHz for DI and SI) ...
CHIRP sends a burst of a “sweep” of different frequencies into the water - all at the same time ...
This, in effect, allows more data collection - more data collected = more data can be displayed ...
Your HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI G3N actually “Chirps” all three - 2d, DI and SI ...
Rickie
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Thanks so much Rickie. That explanation is super helpful! I think for me I don't care about high speed readings (not yet at least) so I'm good with the one.
Any advice on my placement?
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Where your current xducer is should be fine ...
Rickie