Topic: Helix 9 mega SI g2n no depth

[Eroice91]

Hello,

A couple weeks ago after zero changes my unit started not displaying the depth or giving me a bottom. When I put it in max mode I’d get a bottom but it wouldn’t always tell me a depth. Also max mode is usually flooded with readings on the screen but it was pretty clear. I did all the things I could think of, restart the unit, factory reset, verify the transducer is still correct, unplug everything and plug it back in. There’s more I just can’t remember it all. Well I figured my transducer died.

I plugged in a different unit a week later and got normal readings from my transducer, so then I learned my transducer is fine. My unit still doesn’t work though. I tried to reload the 2.280 firmware on it to see if that would fix it, it will not let me load the same firmware.

So here’s my question. Has anyone else had anything like this? Did you fix it? Does anyone have an older firmware version they could send me? I’m pulling my hair out over here any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thank you
Erik

[rnvinc]

Unfortunately Humminbird has been adding a “feature” to their most recent software updates that no longer allows “backloading” older software versions  ... check the Humminbird website software verbiage that your unit has currently installed to see if this no “backloading” older software verbiage is present the verbiage  ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/support/software-updates

The verbiage reads something like “Once xxx software version is loaded, older software versions cannot be loaded”  ...
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I would suggest removing map cards, export your Nav data to an SD Card, verify in Humminbird PC your Nav data is safely on the SD Card and in Humminbird PC  ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/support/software-updates/humminbirdpc-v-4-6-1

Then under the unit Setup tab Format Nav Directories and Restore Defaults  ...

Test the unit operation with no Nav data or map card in the unit  ...

Rickie

[rnvinc]

Also … test your unit on someone else’s transducer … (if that is feasible)  ...

Rickie

[Eroice91]

Rickie,

Thank you for replying.

I didn’t have any important NAV data, so I just formatted without backing it up. I don’t run any chips or anything like that in it either.(my lakes aren’t supported by lakemaster unfortunately). Afterwards I did reset to default, still had the same issue.

I wish I had the option of using someone else’s transducer with it but I don’t know anyone in my area with a helix 9. I do have a spare helix 9 for a short time that I installed on my boat with my old transducer and it worked like a charm.

But damn, I’d understand why they wouldn’t let us backload if they had recovery settings on the units. Even just inserting a SD card with the current firmware load on it with a window popping up saying reinstall firmware or repair firmware. I was really trying to not have to send it in for the $250 repair fee, but I’m starting to think I don’t have a choice.

[rnvinc]

Did you check the verbiage for the exact software version you currently have in the unit  ... to see if the version says that older software cannot be loaded  ... ??

If your current version (in the software verbiage) does not say older software cannot be loaded - it may be possible  ...

Rickie

[Eroice91]

It actually doesn’t say it can’t be loaded, it just says it can’t be recovered. I did manage to get humminbird to agree to send me 2.180, so hopefully I’ll get that email tomorrow and I’ll be able to give it a shot and see if it works.