Super User Wayne P. Posted January 22, 2015 Super User Posted January 22, 2015 Good stuff. If one uses the hdsi on an 899ci hd si (or Helix to stay on topic), can you simply switch between the thinner pulses for detailed images and the thicker pulses for more coverage? Or would you need two transducers to produce the two different types of image? Seems like both can serve a purpose...one to locate, the other for detail. No, not even close. The sound pulses are "broadcast" by the crystals-- like a speaker. Then the crystals senses "listens" the return echos like a microphone. You use one transducer or the other, the unit itself does not project the sound and hear the echos. The TRANDUCER does that. It is not adjustable. You can't change the shape of the pulse with the unit. You choose to use to use either the high detail sound transducer or the low detail sound transducer. One more thing, the Imaging sonar crystals are bar shaped, the length of that bar determines the pulse shape, NO way can the unit change the length of those bars. This is an X-Ray of a HDSI transducer. The Compact SI transducer is the same, just shorter bars (crystals). Quote
Xped Posted January 22, 2015 Posted January 22, 2015 No, not even close. The sound pulses are "broadcast" by the crystals-- like a speaker. Then the crystals senses "listens" the return echos like a microphone. You use one transducer or the other, the unit itself does not project the sound and hear the echos. The TRANDUCER does that. It is not adjustable. You can't change the shape of the pulse with the unit. You choose to use to use either the high detail sound transducer or the low detail sound transducer. One more thing, the Imaging sonar crystals are bar shaped, the length of that bar determines the pulse shape, NO way can the unit change the length of those bars. This is an X-Ray of a HDSI transducer. The Compact SI transducer is the same, just shorter bars (crystals). Gotcha! Makes sense.Sounds like if one wanted to produce the two different images, they would need two separate sets of units/transducers (si compact and hdsi)...or...one unit, two transducers, and a transducer switch. Is it common to want the ability to produce the two si image types? Or, for those that decide on hdsi simply roll with that only? Again...appreciate the sharing of your knowledge. Quote
NJBasstard Posted January 22, 2015 Posted January 22, 2015 So by using the HDSI would the Helix be capable of running 800khz? Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted January 22, 2015 Super User Posted January 22, 2015 So by using the HDSI would the Helix be capable of running 800khz? No, a transducer does not give a unit a frequency it doesn't have. The Helix 5 SI GPS has 83/200 kHz for 2D sonar and 455 kHz for Imaging. A transducer is a combo speaker/microphone. Read the unit specs on the Humminbird web site. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted January 22, 2015 Super User Posted January 22, 2015 Gotcha! Makes sense. Sounds like if one wanted to produce the two different images, they would need two separate sets of units/transducers (si compact and hdsi)...or...one unit, two transducers, and a transducer switch. Is it common to want the ability to produce the two si image types? Or, for those that decide on hdsi simply roll with that only? Again...appreciate the sharing of your knowledge. It makes no sense to downgrade the performance of a unit. You always what the best performance and IMPROVE it if possible. Quote
NJBasstard Posted January 22, 2015 Posted January 22, 2015 Thanks again for the help. For the $60 price difference I wonder why HB dosn't just make the HDSI standard on all SI models.. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted January 22, 2015 Super User Posted January 22, 2015 Technology and parts add cost. The HDSI is designed to function with 455 and 800 kHz so it comes with most units that have that capability. The Compact SI transducer is designed to function with 455 kHz--that is the capability of the Helix 5 SI unit. Those of us with the experience know that the 455 kHz units can be improved with the HDSI transducer. Humminbird does not promote that use. They promote their design and offer products in a range of prices. MSRP of the HDSI is $270, MSRP if the Compact SI is $200. The exchange price with shipping is $85--that has been posted recently by several that have done that exchange. Quote
Bigsteve1830 Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 Quick question would the gps on this unit be faster/ better than a 688 hd di? Thanks Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted January 30, 2015 Super User Posted January 30, 2015 Quick question would the gps on this unit be faster/ better than a 688 hd di? Thanks NO, if anything it is equal or it has a slower processor. The 698ci HD SI Combo is $200 more MSRP than the Helix 5 SI-GPS Some stuff that affects the price: Display size Color or grey scale display GPS Background mapping--Uni-map or ContourXD Mapping capability Memory card reader/s Display control buttons Sonar technology-2D, SI, DI Bottom line is purchase a model that does what you want it to do and expect that to be reflected in the added cost above a basic unit. Quote
Bigsteve1830 Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 I have a 688 already but was thinking this for console. Is there any difference in the gps capabilities? Like my 688 seems to take a while to pick just wondering if this one would be faster I guess? Thanks! Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted January 31, 2015 Super User Posted January 31, 2015 I have a 688 already but was thinking this for console. Is there any difference in the gps capabilities? Like my 688 seems to take a while to pick just wondering if this one would be faster I guess? Thanks! The capabilities are the same as well as the map products they can read. Any GPS unit takes some time to startup and track enough statellites to establish position. If you use a max capacity map card, it will take longer. The units are computers, your computer doesn't instantly function when you push the power button. Quote
Doug P. Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 Good Day everyone (newbie here). I'm looking to upgrade my 1992 Bass Tracker Hummingbird (ha ha), as I cannot rely on it at all really these days. I'm not a die hard freakazoid when it comes to fishing, but I do love to get out and catch some fish, bigger the better. I've started looking at newer technology to help me maximize my time on the water, produce more fish per amount of time on my trips. I don't know much about these 2D-Sonar/DI/SI/GPS fish finder electronics, so I figured one of the Bass Pro Shop guys could take me thru the paces and show me some things. The guy at Bass Pro Shops focused on the Helix 5 SI GPS mainly for it's feature and price point (best bang for the buck). I figured ahead of time that $500 was my maximum price I'd spend on electronics. And because I am new to all these fancy tools for fishing, I need to learn to use them and hope they help me catch more fish. All that said, I've read this entire post and have a few questions for Wayne P. as he seems to have the most insight on this thread: Question: Is it possible to connect two Transducers to a "Switch" of sorts, allowing me to have one on the transom and one on my trolling motor connected thru said switch to the Helix 5? That way I could use the one Helix Head Unit with two (one at a time of course) transducers? Do they make such an animal (manual Transducer switching device)? Computer Geek Speak here: Like a KVM where multiple PC's sharing one Keyboard, Video, Mouse? But in this case one Helix 5 would/could use one or the other Transducer via switching between them?? If they do, then this could be a Poor Mans Network connection setup?? What say you Mr. Wayne?? Quote
Doug P. Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 One more question for this Tread: What is the difference in the regular Helix 5 SI/GPS and the one with the KVD option? Is KVD only a branding with a Red Button, or are there more Features and a Pack of Lures? Nevermind - I see it's just a "Signature Series" from Kevin VanDam. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 2, 2015 Super User Posted March 2, 2015 Good Day everyone (newbie here). I'm looking to upgrade my 1992 Bass Tracker Hummingbird (ha ha), as I cannot rely on it at all really these days. I'm not a die hard freakazoid when it comes to fishing, but I do love to get out and catch some fish, bigger the better. I've started looking at newer technology to help me maximize my time on the water, produce more fish per amount of time on my trips. I don't know much about these 2D-Sonar/DI/SI/GPS fish finder electronics, so I figured one of the Bass Pro Shop guys could take me thru the paces and show me some things. The guy at Bass Pro Shops focused on the Helix 5 SI GPS mainly for it's feature and price point (best bang for the buck). I figured ahead of time that $500 was my maximum price I'd spend on electronics. And because I am new to all these fancy tools for fishing, I need to learn to use them and hope they help me catch more fish. All that said, I've read this entire post and have a few questions for Wayne P. as he seems to have the most insight on this thread: Question: Is it possible to connect two Transducers to a "Switch" of sorts, allowing me to have one on the transom and one on my trolling motor connected thru said switch to the Helix 5? That way I could use the one Helix Head Unit with two (one at a time of course) transducers? Do they make such an animal (manual Transducer switching device)? Computer Geek Speak here: Like a KVM where multiple PC's sharing one Keyboard, Video, Mouse? But in this case one Helix 5 would/could use one or the other Transducer via switching between them?? If they do, then this could be a Poor Mans Network connection setup?? What say you Mr. Wayne?? Yes there is a transducer switch TS3 I know several that do just that including me when I do some experimenting. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 2, 2015 Super User Posted March 2, 2015 One more question for this Tread: What is the difference in the regular Helix 5 SI/GPS and the one with the KVD option? Is KVD only a branding with a Red Button, or are there more Features and a Pack of Lures? Nevermind - I see it's just a "Signature Series" from Kevin VanDam. Yep, same unit with BLING and a BOOK. Quote
Zjones Posted March 12, 2015 Posted March 12, 2015 So I'm trending strongly toward this unit after reading up on it and I think the forum rules suggest pm's for any insight about the best retailers - I would appreciate any input on your favorite sources for price/service. Thanks in advance! Quote
srv1990 Posted March 12, 2015 Posted March 12, 2015 Hey all, Just received my Helix 5 DI - GPS unit. When I talked with the folks at Humminbird and told them I would be mounting the transducer on the trolling motor, the only thing they told me I would need was the Trolling Motor Transducer Adapter, #AD-XTM-9. Nothing was said about needing a different transducer. Am I going to be OK with using the transducer supplied with the unit and the adapter? Also, earlier in the post (the post title actually ) was asking about Lakemaster vs. Navionics. Since I would be fishing mainly MO lakes, including Table Rock, would the Lakemaster be a quality option for the price? Thanks!! Quote
Comfortably Numb Posted March 12, 2015 Posted March 12, 2015 TS3 switch is $65 Extra transducer $200+ Keep that in mind Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 12, 2015 Super User Posted March 12, 2015 Hey all, Just received my Helix 5 DI - GPS unit. When I talked with the folks at Humminbird and told them I would be mounting the transducer on the trolling motor, the only thing they told me I would need was the Trolling Motor Transducer Adapter, #AD-XTM-9. Nothing was said about needing a different transducer. Am I going to be OK with using the transducer supplied with the unit and the adapter? Also, earlier in the post (the post title actually ) was asking about Lakemaster vs. Navionics. Since I would be fishing mainly MO lakes, including Table Rock, would the Lakemaster be a quality option for the price? Thanks!! You should use the proper transducer for the application, a trolling motor PUCK. The correct one is the XTM 9 DI 25 T. It needs no adaptor and it has extra internal shielding to help with possible RFI from the trolling motor. Exchange the transom model for the trolling motor model. Do your installation correctly the first time. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 12, 2015 Super User Posted March 12, 2015 Hey all, Just received my Helix 5 DI - GPS unit. When I talked with the folks at Humminbird and told them I would be mounting the transducer on the trolling motor, the only thing they told me I would need was the Trolling Motor Transducer Adapter, #AD-XTM-9. Nothing was said about needing a different transducer. Am I going to be OK with using the transducer supplied with the unit and the adapter? Also, earlier in the post (the post title actually ) was asking about Lakemaster vs. Navionics. Since I would be fishing mainly MO lakes, including Table Rock, would the Lakemaster be a quality option for the price? Thanks!! As far as mapping, if your waters are HD with Lakemaster, that is a good choice. Check the coverage on the Humminbird/Lakemaster website Quote
srv1990 Posted March 12, 2015 Posted March 12, 2015 Excellent feedback to both questions Wayne P., thank you! I will definitely get the XTM 9 DI 25 T, but will keep the transom mount transducer in the event we decide to move the unit to the console down the line. I searched for the XTM 9 DI 25 T and of course found it on the Humminbird site for $199... But also found it at Walmart for $98.41. Looks identical to the one on the HB site. Here's the link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Humminbird-Trolling-Motor-Mount-Transducer-XTM-9-DI-25-T/20449484 At a $100 difference I just want to be sure it is, in fact, the same before I order it. (Yes, I'm paranoid ) Thanks again!! Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 12, 2015 Super User Posted March 12, 2015 Excellent feedback to both questions Wayne P., thank you! I will definitely get the XTM 9 DI 25 T, but will keep the transom mount transducer in the event we decide to move the unit to the console down the line. I searched for the XTM 9 DI 25 T and of course found it on the Humminbird site for $199... But also found it at Walmart for $98.41. Looks identical to the one on the HB site. Here's the link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Humminbird-Trolling-Motor-Mount-Transducer-XTM-9-DI-25-T/20449484 At a $100 difference I just want to be sure it is, in fact, the same before I order it. (Yes, I'm paranoid ) Thanks again!! Yes I would be too at that price difference. It's the right one though. A good price on the HDSI transducers too. Quote
Zach Nute Posted March 13, 2015 Posted March 13, 2015 I believe that a Side Imaging unit should have atleast a 7in screen. 5 Inches is just way to small to see all the detail that side imaging offers. That's why I decided not to get it, and I picked up the HDS 9 with structure scan! Highly recommended..!! Quote
mik0317 Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 Took my new Helix 5 SI on the water for the first time yesterday and I was pleased with the results. I have never used DI or SI before and I am amazed at the detail these features provide! I am still learning the many functions of the unit, but I think I will understand what is below and around me much better now. The screen is a little small, but I found that I adjusted to it just as I do when watching a small screen TV. Also, the feature that allows me to save screenshots on the micro SD card allows me to closer inspect the images on my home computer and hopefully learn better whaat I am seeing one the water. I have posted a few of the images on the Screenshots post at the beginning of this forum. Comments/suggestions would be appreciated. Mike Quote
drewmc34 Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 I took the plunge and purchased the Helix SI unit this past weekend as well as the navionics gold. This is my first real fish finder and i wanted to see it in person and to talk to the so called "experts" so drove the hour to bass pro. So after the guy at the counter says i got everything i need i head home and try it out and I see my navionics card is a SD Card and the Helix has a Micro SD slot. How the hell do i make this work? Do i need to buy an adapter? or did i buy the wrong Navionics package? Or worse do i have do buy a blank micro SD and perform some kind of IT conversion? I have been digging through my navionics packaging thinking there might be a micro sd card in there but all it came with was an SD card and USB converter. Any guidance is appreciated Quote
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