Topic: 899ci HD SI vs. Helix 7

[October1]

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!

[Bob B]

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.

[October1]

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.

[fishreed]

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.

[caskey_b]

899 over the Helix 7 without a doubt....

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

[October1]

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.

[caskey_b]

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...

[October1]

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!

[caskey_b]

just got word the maps WILL NOT WORK on the 899.. sorry for the confusion

[Bob B]

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.

[caskey_b]

Thanks Bob!

[October1]

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.

[Bob B]

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

[October1]

I'm assuming the Auto Chart Live cannot use the data recorded by the 899 either?

[fishreed]

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....

[Bob B]

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.