Author Topic: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7  (Read 8246 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline October1

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Michigan
  • Posts: 89
  • Unit(s): Getting ready to buy
  • Software: N/A
  • Accessories: None
899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« on: January 25, 2016, 11:38:48 PM »
Right now I can get the 899ci HD SI on sale for $600 but I'm wondering if I'm a lot better off spending the money on the Helix 7? Can anyone tell me what the differences are? So far I know the Helix 7 the 800 series has 16 bit colors vs 8 bit on Helix 7.
The 899 has dual SD card slots & the H7 has a single slot. Although I don't know why I would need two slots.
I believe the 899 is i-pilot compatible and the H7 is not.
I know the Helix 7 has more memory and a faster processor than the Helix 5, but I don't know if it's better than the 899 or how it would benefit me.

Anything else?

Or should I wait & hope for a rebate or sale on the Helix 9 this spring or early summer perhaps?

Thanks!
« Last Edit: January 25, 2016, 11:40:11 PM by October1 »


Offline Bob B

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Joined: Oct 2010
  • Location: Creve Coeur, Il
  • Posts: 1568
  • Unit(s): 1197c si, 1198c si
  • Software: 6.310, 6.490
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2016, 11:58:20 PM »
With 2 card slots, you can record and view mapping at the same time ...... If you ever want to record and playback to mark waypoints offline, or want to do your own mapping you will need 2 card slots.  I wouldn't have a unit with only 1 card slot.

Also, the networking capability of the 899 is a big thing.  If you ever want to share waypoints or GPS, or transducers with another unit, or do I-pilot link or 360 .... you would need networking.

I generally recommend going to the newest technology rather than the previous generation, but I would choose the 899 ...... With the Helix, I would save til I could budget a Helix 9.
**Looking for the one that makes it all worthwhile**

Offline October1

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Michigan
  • Posts: 89
  • Unit(s): Getting ready to buy
  • Software: N/A
  • Accessories: None
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2016, 12:56:44 AM »
Thanks for the reply Bob. Without a couple hundred dollar rebate I don't see myself being able to get a Helix 9 but you never know what might happen. The only thing I'm worried about is that the 899 deal might end (there is no ending date stated) or the supply will dry up and they won't be available anymore. I would LOVE to have Auto Chart Live though.
« Last Edit: January 26, 2016, 12:58:35 AM by October1 »

Offline fishreed

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Joined: Mar 2015
  • Location: Byron, Michigan
  • Posts: 153
  • fishreed
  • Unit(s): 899CI SI HD,1199SI HD, Helix 12 SI GEN3
  • Software: current
  • Accessories: ALL, and a HW ducer for the Helix 12 2D
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2016, 11:53:25 PM »
Thanks for the reply Bob. Without a couple hundred dollar rebate I don't see myself being able to get a Helix 9 but you never know what might happen. The only thing I'm worried about is that the 899 deal might end (there is no ending date stated) or the supply will dry up and they won't be available anymore. I would LOVE to have Auto Chart Live though.

Just wait a couple of months and that Helix 9 will be in your budget.

Offline caskey_b

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Oxford, IA
  • Posts: 45
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2016, 12:09:21 AM »
899 over the Helix 7 without a doubt....

You wont get AutoChart Live with the 7 anyways (9, 10, 12 only)


Offline October1

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Michigan
  • Posts: 89
  • Unit(s): Getting ready to buy
  • Software: N/A
  • Accessories: None
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2016, 03:26:09 AM »
After thinking about it and listening to you guys I think the 899 is definitely the way to go over the Helix 7, but I think I'm going to hope fishreed is right and hold out for a deal on the Helix 9. The only thing I still need to find out is if the maps I make with Auto Chart Live can be transferred to my dads 899 for him to use. Hopefully it can because that will seal the deal.

Offline caskey_b

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Oxford, IA
  • Posts: 45
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2016, 04:10:53 AM »
Yes they can... as long as you load them onto a zero lines card.

Keep an eye out on jet.com.... the Helix 9SI has been on there twice now for $700.. and sells out fast when it shows up...

Offline October1

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Michigan
  • Posts: 89
  • Unit(s): Getting ready to buy
  • Software: N/A
  • Accessories: None
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2016, 09:30:35 PM »
Yes they can... as long as you load them onto a zero lines card.

Keep an eye out on jet.com.... the Helix 9SI has been on there twice now for $700.. and sells out fast when it shows up...
Awesome! Thanks for the help and the heads up on jet.com!

Offline caskey_b

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Oxford, IA
  • Posts: 45
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2016, 09:37:31 PM »
just got word the maps WILL NOT WORK on the 899.. sorry for the confusion

Offline Bob B

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Joined: Oct 2010
  • Location: Creve Coeur, Il
  • Posts: 1568
  • Unit(s): 1197c si, 1198c si
  • Software: 6.310, 6.490
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2016, 09:47:44 PM »
There has been a lot of confusion about Autochart Live, and it is just beginning to get sorted out.

As it turns out, a map created by Autochart Live can only be used in another unit that has Autochart Live as part of the onboard software..... Onix or Helix 9,10, 12.

I am going to start a new thread on this subject to get the information out.
**Looking for the one that makes it all worthwhile**

Offline caskey_b

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Oxford, IA
  • Posts: 45
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2016, 10:00:41 PM »
Thanks Bob!

Offline October1

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Michigan
  • Posts: 89
  • Unit(s): Getting ready to buy
  • Software: N/A
  • Accessories: None
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2016, 10:37:31 PM »
Thanks. That's a bummer. It sure would be nice if they could figure out a way for the maps to display with previous Hummingbird units that can also make custom maps even if they were made with Auto Chart Pro. You would think there could be a download you could put on an SD card that would allow the custom maps to be used.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2016, 10:42:21 PM by October1 »

Offline Bob B

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Joined: Oct 2010
  • Location: Creve Coeur, Il
  • Posts: 1568
  • Unit(s): 1197c si, 1198c si
  • Software: 6.310, 6.490
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2016, 10:43:52 PM »
You can use a unit like the 899 to record sonar data to use in Autochart or Autochart Pro.....It just can't use the Autochart Live data.

See info on the new thread http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=8929.msg53472;topicseen#new

**Looking for the one that makes it all worthwhile**

Offline October1

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Joined: Feb 2015
  • Location: Michigan
  • Posts: 89
  • Unit(s): Getting ready to buy
  • Software: N/A
  • Accessories: None
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2016, 03:58:09 AM »
I'm assuming the Auto Chart Live cannot use the data recorded by the 899 either?

Offline fishreed

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Joined: Mar 2015
  • Location: Byron, Michigan
  • Posts: 153
  • fishreed
  • Unit(s): 899CI SI HD,1199SI HD, Helix 12 SI GEN3
  • Software: current
  • Accessories: ALL, and a HW ducer for the Helix 12 2D
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #14 on: January 31, 2016, 02:09:33 PM »
After thinking about it and listening to you guys I think the 899 is definitely the way to go over the Helix 7, but I think I'm going to hope fishreed is right and hold out for a deal on the Helix 9. The only thing I still need to find out is if the maps I make with Auto Chart Live can be transferred to my dads 899 for him to use. Hopefully it can because that will seal the deal.

Be patient my fishing friend....Be patient...your wish will come true if you just hang on your wallet and be patient....

Offline Bob B

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Joined: Oct 2010
  • Location: Creve Coeur, Il
  • Posts: 1568
  • Unit(s): 1197c si, 1198c si
  • Software: 6.310, 6.490
Re: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7
« Reply #15 on: January 31, 2016, 03:07:34 PM »
I'm assuming the Auto Chart Live cannot use the data recorded by the 899 either?

That is correct....You would need Autochart or Autochart Pro to create mapping for both units.
**Looking for the one that makes it all worthwhile**


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo

 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
5 Replies
10570 Views
Last post April 17, 2014, 10:33:23 PM
by sfw1960
2 Replies
10036 Views
Last post February 08, 2014, 01:44:49 PM
by wallywatcher
8 Replies
6158 Views
Last post February 11, 2014, 05:20:38 PM
by jjbch
2 Replies
4371 Views
Last post March 21, 2014, 10:05:46 PM
by Brismith3
13 Replies
11575 Views
Last post April 20, 2014, 12:40:42 AM
by rsouza3
5 Replies
3691 Views
Last post April 29, 2015, 07:02:27 AM
by KJ
2 Replies
3496 Views
Last post August 21, 2015, 12:13:09 PM
by Bob B
1 Replies
9149 Views
Last post November 25, 2015, 07:43:38 PM
by Bob B


anything
SimplePortal 2.3.3 © 2008-2010, SimplePortal