My First Ff

[boostr]

Just got this today, and a winter project.

[Wayne P.]

Just got this today, and a winter project.

Register it on the Humminbird website to create an account for unit software updates. After you get the unit software in your account, check the software version against what your unit has. 

 

That update was released in Sept and added some good features that you would want to start out with. Depending on the day your unit was made, it may or may not have that software version. The update is done via microSD card.

[boostr]

Thanks for the info Wayne. Got the registration done, now I need to get a sd card.

[Wayne P.]

Thanks for the info Wayne. Got the registration done, now I need to get a sd card.

MICRO SD card

[boostr]

Micro SD w/O adapter

[boostr]

I haven't even taken the protective film off. Gonna check the card slot for size

[Wayne P.]

I haven't even taken the protective film off. Gonna check the card slot for size

I already know it is a microSD. It is in the specs.

 

Plus I have updated the software in the demo model at a Gander Mt. That is why I suggested you check the software version your unit has.

[Wayne P.]

One more thing, be careful with the card door, you can loose it. Make sure you seat it fully when replacing it.

[Wayne P.]

I have also Encryted a microSD card with a Helix 5, read a downloaded Lakemaster map on the Encrypted card,  read a Navionics+ card, and Navionics Hotmaps Platinum card with one.

[Wayne P.]

This is the current software description:

 

HELIX 5 SI GPS (Version 7.730) 
Release Date: 08/03/2015
Description: 

New Features:
 

·         Data Bar Off - This feature allows all readouts on all views to be turned off in favor of preset non-adjustable overlays. This feature does not apply to the diagnostic views

·         Nav Readout Support - Nav Readouts are user definable readouts that appear when the unit is in a navigation mode.

·         Color Palette Additions - There are four new 2D color palettes and four name changes

·         2D

·         Palette 1 - No Change

·         Palette 2 - No Change

·         Palette 3 - No Change

·         Palette 4 - Previously called Original

·         Palette 5 - Previously called Gray

·         Palette 6 - Previously called Green

·         Palette 7 - Previously called Inverse

·         Palette 8 - NEW - Amber 1

·         Palette 9 - NEW - Amber 2

·         Palette 10 - NEW - Modified Palette 2

·         Palette 11 - NEW - Modified Palette 3

 

·         Imaging

·         Palette 1 - Previously called Blue

·         Palette 2 - Previously called Amber 1

·         Palette 3 - Previously called Amber 2

·         Palette 4 - Previously called Brown

·         Palette 5 - Previously called Green

·         Palette 6 - Previously called Inverse

·         Palette 7 - Previously called Gray

·         Palette 8 - Previously called Green-Red

·         Palette 9 - NEW Green-Blue

·         Palette 10 - NEW Orange-Red-Purple

·         Palette 11 - NEW Red-Yellow-Blue

·         Palette 12 - NEW Blue-Yellow

 

·         2D A-Scope - this is a new type of Real Time Sonar (RTS) window. It is considered to be a very traditional way of looking at real-time analog signals.

·         Spanish Language - Added to Domestic models

General Fixes
 

·         Nature of Seabed Off - Nature of Seabed now defaults to off on International Models

·         Fixed an issue where Lakemaster PLUS cards would not load correctly on the Chart/Chart View when the stellite overlay was turned on.

·         Fixed an issue where units were not successfully encrypting large format SD cards. In this version the following sizes have been tested: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB

·         Improved the low voltage shutoff threshold to held control heads remain booted while the boat engine is started.

·         Fixed an issue where the units were missing the GPS Output menu option.

·         Fixed an issue with SI Readouts when set to off was causing an incorrect row of readouts on the top of the SI view

·         Fixed an issue with SI Range which was not working correctly while set to Auto

[boostr]

One more thing, be careful with the card door, you can loose it. Make sure you seat it fully when replacing it.

Yeah, to late... popped open and fell on the floor. You think they would attach some kind of lanyard to it, but all is good.

[boostr]

I have also Encryted a microSD card with a Helix 5, read a downloaded Lakemaster map on the Encrypted card,  read a Navionics+ card, and Navionics Hotmaps Platinum card with one.

What now, a Navionics Hotmaps platinum card works with the Helix 5

[boostr]

What size Micro SD card is good to use.

[boostr]

I already know it is a microSD. It is in the specs.

 

Plus I have updated the software in the demo model at a Gander Mt. That is why I suggested you check the software version your unit has.

Shoot forgot to check it, I had everything hooked up to see what the current draw was so I know what battery to get. I'll check it tommorrow since i have everything put away.

[boostr]

Again, thanks for all the tips Wayne.

[boostr]

I will be using this FF on a Kayak so I got a light weight battery to run it. After checking the Current draw with full backlight, and everything at max, it was only using a max of 460mA so this battery I'm getting should last me 8 to 9 hrs, and 7 at the advertised 615mA current draw. (dropping some knowledge for folks who are thinking about getting this particular FF, and wondering what battery to use) So I ended up getting this battery kit: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/17785/NOCQUA-Pro-Power-Kit-Battery-Pack.html?last=

[flyfisher]

I use a 9ah battery with my unit and i can get 2 days out of it fairly easily.  

Oh and great unit by the way...i picked one up for my kayak early this year and have been very pleased.

[boostr]

I use a 9ah battery with my unit and i can get 2 days out of it fairly easily.  

Oh and great unit by the way...i picked one up for my kayak early this year and have been very pleased.

Yeah, your review, and it being a hundred bucks cheaper on Amazon for Cyber Monday were some of my reasons to get it. On a side note, did you install an inline fuse between the battery and your unit?

[flyfisher]

Yeah, your review was one of my reasons to get it. On a side note, did you install an inline fuse between the battery and your unit?

yeah i did.  I figure it is cheap insurance but not even sure it matters really.

[boostr]

What size?

[Wayne P.]

What now, a Navionics Hotmaps platinum card works with the Helix 5

The unit will read the Nautical Charts and Sonar Charts, not the other stuff.

[boostr]

Ah, gotcha