Topic: Helix 7 SI GPS G2N 800khz, sonar recording and cartography?

[October1]

OK, so I called HB customer support and they told me the Helix 7 didn't have 800khz for side imaging and they had no plans to release an update to add it which was a big disappointment.

Since there is only one card slot I then asked them if I can copy and save an autochart map to the Helix 7 for use on the water so that I can insert a regular sd card to record my sonar data in order to make an SI mosaic later or to save screen shots. They said no, so I asked if I could put the ZLC into the unit and record the sonar data for SI mosaic creation and to save screen shots to the units memory. Again the answer was no.

Then bottom hardness and vegetation with AutoChart live got brought up and she said I couldn't do the bottom hardness and vegetation with AutoChart live on the Helix 7. I told her I thought it said on their website that I could do that. Then she checked the website and corrected herself. Now I don't have a lot of confidence in the answers I was given due to the hardness/vegetation confusion so I was hoping someone on here could answer these questions.

It confuses me that HB would give us several options and then not let us utilize them in all the ways that would benefit us so I'm not real confident in the answers I received. For example, why would they not allow us to use our custom Autochart map and record all sonar data for SI mosaic creation in their AutoChart Pro software or why would they not let us use their Smart Strike and allow us to record data? It seems like these things could be done by fully utilizing the units internal memory. It also seems counterproductive in them making more money by getting additional software sales ($450 in the examples given here).

[Bob B]

You may not want to hear this............but a Helix 9 would have been a better fit for you.  If you had gone with the 9 you would have 2 card slots and 800 Khz capabilities.  Humminbird makes a whole range of units so you can get the features important to you.

Maybe consider selling the 7 and checking out the 9 SI Mega.

[October1]

Thanks for posting Bob. I haven't bought the Helix 7 yet. I would LOVE to have the Helix 9 Mega, but even if I get the 7 I will be way over my original budget so there is just no way I can swing the Mega. 

I just seen the Helix forum or I would have posted there. Don't know how I missed it.

[Bob B]

Another option would be to buy a first generation Helix or 99 series...... They can be had for a pretty good price now days.

Keep an eye on this forum for some good used deals.....   http://www.bbcboards.net/forumdisplay.php?f=12

[October1]

Thanks Bob. I was just over on that forum looking at a response to "hummingbird side imaging vs lowrance structurescan" by a guy named Bob B that I assume is you.

I like HB and planned on getting one. I have a supplier/wholesaler that has HB units so I can get a slight break on price but their prices aren't the best so I have been considering another brand that seems to be a better value feature wise.

[rnvinc]

One has to remember that the HELIX 7 is at the price point that is is because of 3 main differences from the 9, 10, and 12 series (and ONIX, SOLIX, or ION) ...

*1 micro SD Card slot is cheaper to manufacture ...
*Smaller screen is cheaper to manufacture  ...
*No preset buttons is cheaper to manufacture  ...

HELIX 7 is entry level...and priced as such...because of manufacturing cost savings in leaving some premier features off ...

Rickie

[Bob B]

Thanks Bob. I was just over on that forum looking at a response to "hummingbird side imaging vs lowrance structurescan" by a guy named Bob B that I assume is you.

I like HB and planned on getting one. I have a supplier/wholesaler that has HB units so I can get a slight break on price but their prices aren't the best so I have been considering another brand that seems to be a better value feature wise.

I don't remember that thread, but I'm sure it was me .... Everyone has to decided what features are most important to them and go with what suits them best.