Topic: Helix 7 with two transducers

[rschmidt]

Hello,
I have checked other message boards and online resources,  but I haven't found a definitive answer
I received a Helix 7 Chirp Mega SI G3N for Christmas.  I also plan to buy a Minnkota Terrova with I pilot link to network with the Helix.  My question is,  should I get the Terrova with the built in DI transducer? I definitely want the SI transducer that came with the Helix mounted on the transom.  I only want one head unit in my boat, and I plan to mount the Helix on a rotating base on the steering console so I can view it from the bow where I do most of my fishing, and from the stern. Can the  Helix even run two different transducers simultaneously? Or does it even make sense to want a second transducer on the trolling motor?
Thanks.

[fishingottawa]

Hey rschmidt

I just got a helix 7 chirp MSI G3N and I've kinda been wondering the same thing. I haven't done that much looking into it but I'm ;leaning to think that it could. The trolling motor connects to the head unit via ethernet cable to transfer navigation data so it would make sense that the transducer data would be transferred via that cable as well. If that's the case I don't see why it wouldn't work. However if transducer from the Minn Kota would need to be plugged in separately from the ethernet cable then you'd need to unplug the ducer you've got on the transom and plug in the ducer from the trolling motor. If the unit can't run both transducers I'd get a base Helix 5 with DI and strap that transducer to the trolling motor cuz unless your using the trolling motor to troll lots in a straight line then SI on the trolling motor won't work that well as the trolling motor is constantly rotating. All depends on what your looking for, only issue with getting a helix 5 is they aren't networable with other minnkota/humminbird units. Best of luck

[rnvinc]

None of the HELIX 7 SI models (in any generation) have a dedicated DI piezo  ...

The DI image is computer generated by blending the data from the 2 SI piezoes  ...

Therefore HELIX 7 SI doesn’t even have a DI circuit to operate a Minn Kota MDI built in xducer  ...

Rickie

[rnvinc]

There are only 2 scenarios where 2 xducers can be connected to HELIX  ...

1. Using M 9 SIDB Y cable to split off the 2d circuit to a separate 2d xducer  ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/cables/9-m-sidb-y-helix-side-imaging-2d-sonar-splitter-cable

2. Using M 9 SILR Y cable to split off the left SI circuit to a separate SI xducer  ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/cables/9-m-silr-y-helix-side-imaging-left-right-splitter-cable

Rickie

[fishingottawa]

Thanks Rickie. That def saves some headaches for me. Looks like ill just mount my old fishfinder to my trolling motor and use that at the bow.