Wayne P.

First post in this thread:

Catfish

I have a Humminbird Helix 7 as well as four other Humminbird units. They do what I want how I want it, that is why I got them. All of mine have 2D sonar, Side Imaging, and GPS/Mapping. To determine what you would need is to decide on what technology/s you want and how much you are willing to spend to get it.

You can do contour mapping with two products. You RECORD sonar logs to a blank memory card to get the data to create contour mapping. With Lakemaster, there is Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro computer software to generate the contour maps using the recorded data. Then the created maps are copied to the included Zero Line Card that is then inserted in the unit and it performs like Lakemaster digital mapping. Those maps would be your personal maps--not shared. With Navionics, you upload the recorded data to their Sonar Charts map server, they create the HD contour mapping that is then downloaded to a Navionics+ map card as the Sonar Charts map layer. That is a FREE service, you just purchase the Navionics+ map card. Those maps are shared to anyone that downloads the data to their map card, it is displayed on the Navionics website's Web App, and is included with the mobile app for Android and iOS devices. PM sent with more info.

Whatever you were doing last has no RFI as evidenced by the sharper upper part of the image. SI records from the top to the bottom of the display--current data is at the top of the screen. Typically when you run a variable speed trolling motor, you can eliminate RFI at the highest speed setting since the pulsing circuit is bypassed. But at any range of speed settings, the RFI frequency can be a little different and may or may not affect the sonar frequency. Connecting the unit power to the trolling motor power is one thing to avoid. BUT, having separate power is not a cure-all either. Just something you have to deal with if you experience that issue. There is no "one size fits all" to cure RFI. Each installation is unique.

Other than speed what was the difference between the top half and bottom half? You have RFI on the bottom half.

Pretty simple, you have the option to do it permanent or temp. I have done it both ways with the ones I have.

The reeltimedesign keeper is removable also if you use the rubber tape.

When I add a hook keeper to a rod, I use this one: http://www.reeltimedesigns.com/DropShotWeightKeeperSystem.html

Nope, same unit with the red bling.

I think you have done well interpreting what the images shows. I don't think all the depressions are fish beds though--maybe from construction equipment. The patterns would suggest that. I see beds that deep at several lakes I fish and those were done when the water level was much lower either during drought or filling the lake when new. I also see bulldozer tracks on the bottom at a lake that was opened to fishing in 1989.

A lot of dealers are reducing their stock of the KVD SI models. You won't see any lower any other time. Those are special reductions. May be some Black Friday sales for a couple hundred off, but not like those special sales.

PM sent

Yes, I have purchased from Digital Oasis and some others. Hodges Marine has good pricing occasionally. There have been sales on the KVD Side Imaging units lately from several marine electronics dealers. You just have to be doing your on-line searching at the right time to get the absolute lowest prices at a particular time.

Looks like a Bomber spinnerbait. Seems like that company does not do spinnerbaits anymore, just crankbaits. Did it have one or two hammered nickel Colorado blades?

SI and DI works great from Zero to about 12 mph if you can maintain good water contact. That is what the Chart Speed setting allows. The setting range is 1-10.

Thanks, I am very familiar with all of the tidal Chick. Yep, was at Sandy River Monday and Briery Creek today--tough job, but someone has to do it.

Check out the updated Navionics Sonar Charts for Diascund Creek. I have not gone as far as the railroad bridge yet.

The good thing about the side looking imaging technology is not only do you see "what's below", you see what is "over there" too.

I agree.

Those that say it is a waste of money don't have a clue how to operate their Humminbirds properly. SI at the bow with a SI transducer on the trolling motor is my fishing tool. Just look at the screen shots posted above. Side Imaging is a Humminbird product. Other brands that copied it use another term. Yes either the XTM 9 SI 180 T puck or the XTM 9 HDSI 180 T. Both of those have extra internal shielding to help with possible RFI from the trolling motor. The included transducer for the Helix 7 SI GPS and Helix 9 SI GPS is the transom Compact SI transducer XNT 9 SI 180 T. Yes there is an exchange cost since those transducers are more expensive. Then there is the shipping to Humminbird and them shipping to you. The last I saw posted for the HDSI was about $85 including shipping, but not shipping the included transducer to Humminbird--that is an extra expense. Yes in the Helix line, the Helix 9, 10 and 12 models are linkable. The Helix 5 and 7 are not.

The Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS is 699.99 MSRP and comes with a transom Side Imaging transducer. If you get one of those, exchange the transom transducer for the trolling motor puck version or upgrade to the HDSI transducer and mount that with the Transducer Shield and Saver TM-HDsi. Looks like this: Do your shopping with a marine electronics dealer rather than a big box general sporting goods place like BPS. Typically they sell below MSRP. If are in no hurry, wait for the black Friday sales.

It has just been announced, no pricing yet and no dealer delivery schedule.

I have seen a couple in use, never drove one. One of them I see often. Looked over a demo very closely to see how it worked. Looks very stable and maneuverable.

The GPS models have the processing horsepower to read the extra features of the Navionics Hotmaps Platinum that only the larger units have before. A lot of big performance in a small package.