Wayne P.

You cannot use the communication feature of the Xi5 with a Humminbird. You can use the built-in sonar transducer with a Humminbird but that is it. A Humminbird Helix 7 series and Helix 5 series are not communication linkable to anything or each other. You need at least a Helix 9 series for connectivity. Humminbirds talk to the Minnkota iPilot Link in the electric steer motors. The same company owns both products so their stuff is compatible with each other.

One more thing is the RAM Swing Arm mounts. They are less expensive than the ball types. http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-109HU

Pay attention to the whole product name. Auto Chart is not a unit function, it is computer software that processes sonar logs. The Helix 9, 10 and 12 models have Auto Chart LIVE. That is different than Auto Chart. You cannot add Auto Chart Live to any unit, it is built-in those Helix models and also ION and ONIX units. If you purchase Auto Chart or Auto Chart Pro computer software that will convert unit recordings done with any Humminbird sonar/gps model to digital mapping that is like Lakemaster.

Johnny Ray Balzout Cisco Dek-It Shock Lock Bass Boat Technologies Precision Sonar there are a few more that I can't think of right now

If you want to use the Auto Chart Live feature, the trolling motor will have to be deployed or you can share the 999ci HD SI Combo transducer with the motor stowed. If you do the latter, select the 999's GPS antenna as the GPS source so the depth data and location data will be closer together. With Ethernet, you can have SI/DI on the Helix 9 Sonar GPS from the 999. The Helix and XX9 models will cross-share sonar technologies. Ulterra with US2 for the bow 2D sonar source. Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro are computer software that will create contour mapping from recordings from either unit.

Your installation is not unique, others have done it. The rear of that mount would have to be modified so it has clearance for the prop. Contact Transducer Shield and Saver to get one custom made for your motor.

The XTM 9 DI 25 T is a Down Imaging trolling motor PUCK that has extra internal shielding to help with possible RFI from the trolling motor. You can do a half axxed installation and hope for no issues, or you can do it correctly to have a head start on dealing with RFI if it should occur. The trolling motor adapter is the MHX XNT if you want to take the chance. There is a more sturdy mount for that transducer on the trolling motor, but it costs more than the exchange would be. Transducer Shield and Saver TM-DI or TM-DI-2 http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Boat%20Stuff/DItransducer1.jpg[/IMG]

You will only know that when you do the installation. Then it is too late to exchange if for the PROPER one for the application.

Looks like two fish on the left side of that "wall" and seven others around that log/branch.

Too late, do not use spray anything in or around your boat. You can fix the white spots on the plastic case by rubbing it with WD-40 on a cloth.

Summer profile to determine the thermocline level to eliminate where the fish will not be and where they will be: http://s238.photobucket.com/user/WayneP_photos/media/Sonar%20Shots/HRoctThermo.jpg.html?sort=3&o=142

The only downside is not understanding how to interpret the images and setting the unit up for the application. If you give that priority over fishing first, your learning curve will be lessened. RFI is random for any installation. You will not know until you do your installation.

I use Side Imaging to find fish and then I try to catch them. Did you see the bass in the image in the 200' post above? The main thing is how to set the SI Range. Use a longer range for general searching of bottom feature, and then rescan with a shorter range setting to get more detail and fish.

I have 4 today, had 5 two days ago. I changed bow units and moved one of the transom SI transducers to the trolling motor. Have not reinstalled the one that I took off the bow. I do a lot of testing so I have more than most would have including some that are not mounted now for other types of units. Most choose a trolling motor attached transducer for a bow unit so the sonar data comes from the viewing position instead of a boat length away. You can use two of the same transducers for a single display with the TS3 switch and select which one to supply sonar/temp data. One on the trolling motor and one on the transom. BTW, there are nine Helix 5 models and six Helix 7 models.

With Humminbird's Side Imaging you can see left and right as long as the transducer is not buried in the bottom. It won't see through heavy weeds, but open water-- no problem. This is 200' of coverage in less than 4'.. There are shoreline weeds on the right side and a bass at the lower left side: http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Sonar%20Shots/100shallow_zps5d216a05.jpg[/IMG]

Which is better? http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00007_zpsl6li3ev1.png[/IMG] http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00008_zpshw5hska7.png[/IMG] http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00010_zpscz3vyy2s.png[/IMG] http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/WayneP_photos/Helix%2012D%20test/S00010_zpscz3vyy2s.png[/IMG]

SI is better no matter what species you seek or the waters applied on.

There is a RAM mount to match the Helix 9, 10, and 12 series. RAM 202-25-C-202U. I already have D size RAM and just need the Helix plate which is not in stock yet. I just drilled the RAM mount plate for temporary use. The Helix 10 display is larger with a higher pixel density. The physical size of the Helix 9 and 10 are the same. The 10 SI unit comes with the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T transducer. The 9 SI comes with the XNT 9 SI 180 T transducer. Most upgrade the XNT for the XHS to get sharper images. The Helix 12 series is the only CHIRP capable Helix model. I find CHIRP with the standard transducer a useless function in the depths I fish-->35'

There are two other discontinued products, the original Navionics+ on a 2GB card and the Navionics Update card on a 2GB card. The current Update card is 16GB just like the Navionics+ Preloaded. The Update card is a discount version of the Preloaded that takes a card you already own to activate it. The Update card is $99 MSRP as opposed to the Preloaded at $199 MSRP.

No, there is no Hotmaps Premium card any more. Any left over Premium cards that dealers have is just that--leftover old stock. Its replacement is Navionics+ Preloaded. It comes with all the Nautical Charts for the US and Canada already on it. You can also download Sonar Charts maps to it. Navionics knows their products, BPS and Cabelas does not.

I purchase lures based on patterns, not the lure or brand itself. If I see a new product that matches the patterns I typically determine, I will purchase it and use it if that pattern presents itself. I am not one that will buy a lure and then come on sites like this and ask how/when/where to use it.

I just add prism tape to add color. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271024548985

Percy Priest, Old Hickory Lake, Dale Hollow, Lake Cumberland, Center Hill, Kentucky/Barkley

Yep, been using recreational sonar for 45+ years. Got away from the bank and fish were most of the fish are. Yep.

Of what subject? I have hundreds of screen shots.