Humminbird Side Imaging Forums

Side Imaging Forums => Helix Series Units => Topic started by: hurrro on July 19, 2021, 03:05:06 PM

Title: Helix Networking with I-Pilot Link Minnkota
Post by: hurrro on July 19, 2021, 03:05:06 PM
I have a Humminbird HELIX 7 Chirp MEGA SI GPS G3N and an i-Pilot Link (non-bluetooth) Power Drive Minnkota trolling motor connected through ethernet cable and adapter. The i-Pilot Link shows up as being connected in the Accessory Test and the X-press Remote (virtual remote) does come up by quickly pressing the power button. With the X-Press remote menu I can control prop speed and a few other things, but there is no steering. I can "Go To" a waypoint and the trolling motor will respond correctly. 

My problem is two fold. One is the top part of the X-Press Remote screen is not visible and never has been (see photos). Is this normal for the Helix 7 and I would need the Helix 9 to have this option? Do I have an incorrect setting? I did the software update from 2.280 to 2.440 before I connected the trolling motor, would that be an issue? Could the update itself create this issue and if so is it possible to go back to original software? Would it help to re-install the update with trolling motor connected through ethernet?

Second is that I have no remote control for the trolling motor. I need an older i-Pilot LINK Minnkota Remote Control (non-bluetooth) as pictured (I think it's pre-2016). It must look exactly as in the photo and the word "Link" must be as shown and circled in red on the second photo. Battery condition doesn't matter, but remote must work. If anyone knows where I can get one please let me know. I have searched the internet and I come up with a number of hits, but they all say discontinued, unavailable, back ordered, etc.
Title: Re: Helix Networking with I-Pilot Link Minnkota
Post by: ezfishn on July 20, 2021, 04:03:17 PM
Sorry, I don't have history with the non-bluetooth TMs or Helix 7 models but am using a newer model TM with Helix 9s (G3N).  The software notes for the last non-Bluetooth TM Controller update 2.150 indicate Helix 9/10/12 as being compatible and released 2015 so it is possible the TM controller software may be limiting your capabilities.  I had a similar issue with trying to use an older 998 model with the newer TM.  I'm fairly certain that the version 2.44 update for you FF is not causing the problem as it didn't require interface with the TM.

As for the TM remote, recommend you contact MinnKota.  It is possible none are available and you may need to search on-line for a source.  Hope this has been of some help. 

Title: Re: Helix Networking with I-Pilot Link Minnkota
Post by: rnvinc on July 20, 2021, 10:34:14 PM
Here is Minn Kota contact info  ...

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/contact (https://www.minnkotamotors.com/contact)

Rickie
Title: Re: Helix Networking with I-Pilot Link Minnkota
Post by: hurrro on July 21, 2021, 11:18:13 AM
Thanks guys! I have searched the internet extensively without success and I have been on the phone for hours trying to call Humminbird, but nobody picks up. Guess I could try emailing. Appreciate all and any help.
Title: Re: Helix Networking with I-Pilot Link Minnkota
Post by: hurrro on July 29, 2021, 02:34:35 PM
I was told today by Minnkota that the X-press Remote window on the Helix 7 will NOT show left steer (<steer), right steer (steer>), nor the prop speed, unless the Minnkota is a bluetooth i-Pilot Link, which mine is not. So "Follow Contour" and "Go To" are the only ways to steer w/o a hand held remote. Still looking for one. I'm posting want ads on Craigslist, Facebook any other ideas on finding a discontinued item from Minnkota? (Nothing when searched and nothing on eBay)
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