Topic: Helix 7 MSI /9 MSI+ G4

[Kenai]

Hi all.
I'm finally decided to upgrade fish finder for my AL 12ft V hull boat from my old 598CI HD SI unit. I fish only on shallow lakes and rivers  (up to 50ft). It looks like I will go with Helix 7 or 9 4G. No plans for live or 360 or networking, so I plane to go with whatever model I get a better deal on.

However, I have a few unanswered questions about those units.
1. Are really those units the same resolution, so the difference is only in pixel density?  (9 have bigger pixels) Is it any advantage when using it in the console?
2. Mega and Mega+ practical difference. I can't find comparison online, just some demo pictures from HB. Do you guys have any real recorded footage to share?
3. Are those Helix units compatible with maps made in HBTrackMapper_V20a in other words supporting color by depth.
4. 598 will be moved to the bow on the trolling motor. If I somehow manage to DIY that transducer to my Endura 34 modified to bow mount.  I plan to use it only for vertical fishing with 2D sonar.
5. Should I consider some other unit, Helix 8 MSI+, Helix 9 MSI G3, Helix 7 SI, Helix 7 MSI G3, Helix 7 MSI G4N, or even some legacy units from ebay 1198c si maybe ?

6. Something I missed or should consider ?

Thanks for any advice.

[rnvinc]

Hi all.
I'm finally decided to upgrade fish finder for my AL 12ft V hull boat from my old 598CI HD SI unit. I fish only on shallow lakes and rivers  (up to 50ft). It looks like I will go with Helix 7 or 9 4G. No plans for live or 360 or networking, so I plane to go with whatever model I get a better deal on.

However, I have a few unanswered questions about those units.
1. Are really those units the same resolution, so the difference is only in pixel density?  (9 have bigger pixels) Is it any advantage when using it in the console?
2. Mega and Mega+ practical difference. I can't find comparison online, just some demo pictures from HB. Do you guys have any real recorded footage to share?
3. Are those Helix units compatible with maps made in HBTrackMapper_V20a in other words supporting color by depth.
4. 598 will be moved to the bow on the trolling motor. If I somehow manage to DIY that transducer to my Endura 34 modified to bow mount.  I plan to use it only for vertical fishing with 2D sonar.
5. Should I consider some other unit, Helix 8 MSI+, Helix 9 MSI G3, Helix 7 SI, Helix 7 MSI G3, Helix 7 MSI G4N, or even some legacy units from ebay 1198c si maybe ?

6. Something I missed or should consider ?

Thanks for any advice.

1. Yes pixel density is the difference  ... not that much difference that the eye can discern  ...

2. HB advertises “+” as being more powerful and 30% more detail  ... not that much difference that the eye can discern  ...

3. LakeMaster mapping for HB does have depth shading  ... 4 shades I think from white to blue. (I also think the new LakeMaster VX cards offer more levels of depth shading  ...

4. Good plan

5. Note that none of the HELIX 7 SI units in any generation have dedicated DI. The DI image is a computer generated DI image by combining the left and right SI data  ... this is also the case with HELIX 5 SI units and all older core SI units  ...

6. G4N units will be serviceable longer and software upgradable longer  ...

Rickie

[Kenai]

Many thanks for answers.
Very good point with that DI, I did not know that. I assume that means no clear DI, when drifting sideways, and also the DI cone angle will be different. Do you think that is worth paying an extra 30% ? Does it actually make any difference in transom use ?
To my point 3.  I'm located in EU Slovakia and I fish mainly on one small lake (185 acre). I already made a nice map of my lake using HBTrackMapper_V20a http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=6040.msg58362#msg58362. So no point for buying any extra map for me, at least I hope. It depends if Helix has capability of showing uploaded tracks with color by depth option and If the depth range is adjustable for equivalent color range. Right now I use 0-50ft scale for my map on 598. Here you can see that partial created map on my 598. I don't have any newer pics. So if this is not possible on Helix it will be a dealbreaker for me. I don't want to start 2-3 weeks of mapping again and also pay for AutoChart to get what I already have. That's all only if it AutoChart will work on US domestic unit in EU and I can somehow get EU zero lines card, if that even exists. Also, that means losing recording capability on helix (single SD slot).

So If no HBTrackMapper_V20a maps, no new Helix for me. It will be Garmin, regardless of my aversion for that company.

PS: Does anyone have any recording from Helix to share with me. I will be happy to see real data from that unit in HumViewer.
Thanks

[rnvinc]

I see you also posted in the Software Downloads sub forum  ... maybe someone will pop in with experience that can advise your query  ...

Rickie