Topic: Swapping 898C SI for Helix 7 chirp DI gen 2 questions ????

[Chris090981]

So I have a 898 C SI ram mounted on the bow . The unit powers off and I've tried everything . It's not the wiring because I put my 858 up there with no issues . I also have the new Minn Kota Terrova . So I just use the US2 adapter and use sonar through the Minn Kota built in transducer . I realize I'm only getting 2D and I'm ok with that . Question is .... Can I just buy the Helix 7 chirp and use the existing wiring ?  Looks the same to me but not sure .  Also will existing ram mount work or is that a new style with the Helix 7 ?  Any info much appreciated !!!! Thanks , Chris

[fshndude]

 I had a 899ci si HD unit on the bow. I changed it and put it on the console. I know there is a ram mount just for the Helix 7. But I am not sure if yours will work or not. My helix wiring was for the most part the same but I don't think that you will get all of the features of the chirp unit with the just the US2 transducer in the Terrova, as I have the same T/M also. Unless you remove your T/M after every use I would mount the transducer to the T/M. I used a stainless steel hose clamp for some time till I put the HD transducer on the front. Podunkideas sells some of the best mounts, and is a member/sponsor here on this board. I used one of his and it works great. Hope this helps you out. If you Pm me I can send you pics of my set up.

[fshndude]

Oh and I forgot that my 899 would shut off all on its own then restart right back up. Never did find out why. But I know it was not the wiring. Now it has not shut down in some time. Sorry I can't help you on that one. But its now on the console with no problems at all.

[Chris090981]

So you kept the same wiring from 899 and it worked with Helix 7 ? Also how in the world do you keep your transducer wire from not getting messed up ?  I had transducer mounted and removed it because it was getting caught everywhere and there's no way to run it inside new Terrova shaft . Also ... you said your 899 worked at dash but shut off at bow and you used same wires for Helix and it doesn't shut off ?

[fshndude]

the transduce I moved to the rear, new mega chirp went in front on my mount, When I get home from work I'll send you a PM with pics of my system for mounting. It works great as I tightline and can see my baits making streaks in the water on my sonar.

[Chris090981]

So you mounted your transducer on back of boat for front unit ? I have built in transducer on my Minn Kota Terrova so I'll just use that . I drop straight down on fish a lot so I'd need transducer right under trolling motor . Basically my main question was ... I can hook my new helix up using same cables from 898 ?  I just don't wanna run all new wires .  Rather just hook it up and go .  Thanks

[fshndude]

I think you will be good to go on both counts. I put the Helix transducer on front, the Hd si transducer for the 899 on back. I want all of the features of that Helix working. I was at a tournament this weekend and I can tell you once you see it in action you never go back. But I can also tell ya that there is a learning curve to it. 

[Chris090981]

I sort of have to use the built in transducer on the Terrova . When you have it on spot lock that will twist that wire pretty good .  And when I deploy / stow it that wire will get pinched very easily . If you don't mind take a picture of your set up on how you mounted your transducer on your trolling motor .  Mostly interested in how the cord is secured running down the shaft .  Thanks

[fshndude]

I will be working late for the next few days. I will get you out a PM before the end of the week. I will have a lot of pics for you to see how I got around your problem and mine. We both have the same set up.

[Chris090981]

So I think I figured out my (turns off on its own) issue .. bent the power cord prongs up and down . It was a 5 hour process of elimination and I think that's it . I'll know for sure after Saturday when I take it out and deliberately hit waves . Thanks