Humminbird Side Imaging Forums

Side Imaging Forums => Helix Series Units => Topic started by: saumon on July 06, 2016, 12:57:00 PM

Title: Helix 7 and Autochart
Post by: saumon on July 06, 2016, 12:57:00 PM
Hi,

I just bought a boat (demo) that come rigged with a Helix 7 DI GPS.

As I do a lot of fairly high speed (4-5 mph) trolling in shallow (2-6 ft.) rocky areas, map accuracy is really important (I use the Navionics + with SonarCharts) and, after viewing some videos, I thought Autochart or, better yet, Autochart Live were pretty awesome features.

However, it seems that the Helix 7, even if it support Autochart (regular, with the Zero Line card), doesn't have the capability to record the sonar data AND read the Navionics card at the same time, having only one card slot...Is this right? Or does it have an internal memory?

Now I'm almost considering upgrading to a Helix 9 Sonar GPS (without the DI or SI, as I don't use it)...Any better ideas?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Helix 7 and Autochart
Post by: EzyEric on July 06, 2016, 05:10:43 PM
I have been recording on my Helix 7 with my Lakemaster chip in for my last few outings.  I've since read most consider it risky to write to the mapping card, fears of overriting or corrupting the map files.  I've found recordings and screen shots created their own folders on the card so I am not sure I have this fear anymore.

Now doing Autochart (requires that special card) and mapping at the same time...don't think that is possible.
Title: Re: Helix 7 and Autochart
Post by: rnvinc on July 06, 2016, 11:08:09 PM
The HELIX 7 having 1 SD Card slot was one of the major cost cutting factors of allowing the HELIX 7 to be at its attractive price point ...

It is correct that viewing a map card and recording to a blank SD Card at the same time is not possible ...and only Nav data is stored in the internal memory ...

While it may be possible to record to a map card ...it is not recommended due to the possibility of corrupting the map card ... (and that's an expensive possible scenario) ...

Rickie
Title: Re: Helix 7 and Autochart
Post by: Beaulieu80 on July 08, 2016, 11:14:43 AM
you should sell the unit you have. and get the Helix 9 which has the auto chart live mapping feature.

it create maps LIVE on the screen of your unit...way much better feature
Title: Re: Helix 7 and Autochart
Post by: saumon on July 08, 2016, 01:41:22 PM
Yeah, I think that's what I'll do at the end of the season.

2 more questions for you guys, if you don't mind, regarding that upgrade :

- does the Navionics + card I have with my current unit will work with another unit or are they somewhat "registered" to a specific unit?

- regarding the Autochart Live feature, what happens after the 8 hours of sonar log recording?  What's the difference between saving them on the internal memory or to a card?  Can you export the data?
And, most importantly, does the maps created with Autochart were only another "layer" that you can display over another map with some transparency settings or does it really "correct" or change the data on a given existing map?

Thanks.
Steve
Title: Re: Helix 7 and Autochart
Post by: Beaulieu80 on July 08, 2016, 09:26:22 PM
it's very rare somebody will go none stop fishing for 8 hours. so between that time you may have done few savings on the way.

You can export the LIVE log file to an microSD and with Auto chart PC to fix the MAP and reimport back to the LIVE unit

Navionics++ wil lwork to all units yes, after..after and after...

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