Minn Kota Ulterra & matching electronics

[upchuck1383]

Here is my dilemna: I want to purchase the new Ulterra with I-pilot.I like the features and it matches my price range. The problem is I prefer the lowrance elite 7 totalscan units. Will I regret not getting a hummingbird to interface with the MinnKota? Plus the Helix 7 doesn't work with I-pilot, and I can't really afford a pair of $1200+ units.  My understanding is the built in transducer on the Ulterra wont allow me to have SI/DI anyway. Anyone encounter a similar situation? Or if anyone could offer me advice on what set-up they are running.

[Wayne P.]

IPilot needs no matching sonar unit. It does its own thing with no unit connected.

You can adapt the built-in US2 transducer to any brand for 2D sonar including both Sonar versions of the Helix 7. Helix 7 Sonar and Helix 7 Sonar GPS

If you want the Ulterra to benefit from control from a sonar/GPS unit it will have to be the iPilot LINK  version and a Humminbird unit that is Ethernet capable. That will give you more waypoint memory and "follow the contour" with Lakemaster digital mapping.

There are no current Helix 7 models that have Ethernet capability. According to the Bass Pro on-line catalog, there will be an Ethernet version at some point designated as G2N. It has not been officially announced by Humminbird.

[upchuck1383]

What is the benefit of having matching units at console and bow? I feel as though having SI/DI at both locations would be valuable for both me and my partner. I would also need GPS at the console for navigation. Is this overkill? Am I overthinking it?

[Wayne P.]

Matching brands allows sharing sonar and GPS data.

With Humminbird you can share SI/DI from a Side Imaging unit to a Humminbird DI or 2D model via Ethernet.

No such thing as too much information.

Additionally sharing sonar data avoids cross-talk between units and both units display the same data from the same transducer.

[upchuck1383]

Ok let me get this right: If I had a DI transducer attached to the console unit (positioned at the rear) and a SI transducer positioned on the bow to a SI only unit, both units could see the others features via ethernet?

[Wayne P.]

Yes, it is called cross-sharing.

A DI model does 2D sonar and dedicated Down Imaging.

A SI model does 2D sonar, Side Imaging, and a Down Imaging view created by blending the two SI pulses.

[upchuck1383]

Ulterra w/  Humminbird® Helix™ 9 SI Sonar/GPS Combo on the bow & 

Humminbird® Helix™ 10 DI Sonar/GPS Combo on the console.This will allow me to have DI/SI on both screens (if linked via ethernet) & will allow me to use I-pilot to follow contours and any waypoints I mark on either unit? I apologize for all the questions, I just really want to get this right the first time!

[Wayne P.]

Yes to all of that, BUT to have SI displayed on the console unit, the trolling motor would have to be deployed.

You may want to reverse the unit positions for more efficient searching/scanning.

[upchuck1383]

LAST question: The transducer in the Ulterra wont support SI or DI. Just mount one of the helix transducers on the trolling motor shaft?

[Wayne P.]

No, attach the transducer to the bottom of the motor.

If you do DI at the bow exchange for the correct transducer for that application--- a trolling motor PUCK. Either the XTM 9 DI 25 T or XTM 9 WIDE DI 20 T depending on the coverage you want.

If you do SI at the bow do the exchange for the HDSI transducer and get the trolling motor version with a 5' shorter cable XTM 9 HDSI 180 T.

 

 

[Honeyman]

I have the opposite question. If I purchase a mk ulterra with i pilot link can I use my existing Garmin striker with the built in transducer until I can afford to upgrade to  a hummingbird.  I know it would not link or do mega imaging, just want to be able to have the touch screen remote and ability to link later 

[TigerBassAU]

On 12/4/2020 at 6:02 AM, Honeyman said:

I have the opposite question. If I purchase a mk ulterra with i pilot link can I use my existing Garmin striker with the built in transducer until I can afford to upgrade to  a hummingbird.  I know it would not link or do mega imaging, just want to be able to have the touch screen remote and ability to link later 

You can buy the sonar cable adaptor to use 2d sonar from minn kota to garmin unit. Make sure you get the correct one with correct pins for your garmin. 

 

I assume you are referring to using the touch screen remote for the minn kota, then yes it will control all independent (non-link) commands for the trolling motor (spot lock, jog, etc).