Helix 5 SI poor reads?

[HeavyTwenty]

 

 

I'm assuming this is suppose to be a brush pile. My drop shot weight kept getting wrapped around a branch or something, but I could usually pull it back up. Is there any way to improve the image? It is mounted on a kayak arm, so its not really that stable while I'm paddling. Would a hull mount work better?

[Wayne P.]

Are you using the transducer that came with the unit?

[HeavyTwenty]

Just now, Wayne P. said:

Are you using the transducer that came with the unit?

 

Yeah.

 

I know there's a HD transducer available, but I thought it was only marginally better.

[Wayne P.]

When I had a 5" SI unit, I used the included Compact SI transducer on the transom and the HDSI transducer on the trolling motor. I moved the display between the console and bow.

 

This is with the transom transducer:

 

 

This is with the trolling motor transducer:

 

[HeavyTwenty]

Wow. That's a huge difference. I read some other forum posts where people said it might be 10-20% more clarity, but that looks 100% better. My reads are pretty similar to your top image.

[riverbasser]

I believe I will be upgrading transducers myself after seeing this. Thanks wayne

 

EDIT: just checked pricing, sure wish I knew about the trade in deal a few years ago. The HDSI runs around $170

[12poundbass]

Back to the question at hand...what is it? Looking at the di and the sonar I'm not seeing a brush pile. 

[Wayne P.]

1 hour ago, 12poundbass said:

Back to the question at hand...what is it? Looking at the di and the sonar I'm not seeing a brush pile. 

 

 

The position of stuff displayed on split screen with the SI side taking up more than 50% will be different on the smaller side.

His brush pile is not tall and is shown on both DI and 2D in the center of that side. It is under mph on the 2D view and not very detailed on the DI view right above it due to small parts.

 

I have this setup about the same ratio left to right ratio, it is a large brush pile centered in the DI/SI view but not centered in the SI view:

 

 

 

[12poundbass]

11 hours ago, Wayne P. said:

 

 

The position of stuff displayed on split screen with the SI side taking up more than 50% will be different on the smaller side.

His brush pile is not tall and is shown on both DI and 2D in the center of that side. It is under mph on the 2D view and not very detailed on the DI view right above it due to small parts.

 

I have this setup about the same ratio left to right ratio, it is a large brush pile centered in the DI/SI view but not centered in the SI view:

 

 

 

I see what you re saying. I noticed a subtle change on the original posters screen shot. I guess I was looking for something more defined like your screen shot. How come it just looks like weeds in the do? Is this because its the compact transducer?

[Wayne P.]

2 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

I see what you re saying. I noticed a subtle change on the original posters screen shot. I guess I was looking for something more defined like your screen shot. How come it just looks like weeds in the do? Is this because its the compact transducer?

 

Your brush pile is small stuff and Imaging displays stuff as it is, not exaggerated like 2D sonar does.

You can make it display stuff larger by using a Chart Speed that is faster than the GPS speed (stretches the images).

[12poundbass]

37 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

 

Your brush pile is small stuff and Imaging displays stuff as it is, not exaggerated like 2D sonar does.

You can make it display stuff larger by using a Chart Speed that is faster than the GPS speed (stretches the images).

Interesting, I didn't know 2D exaggerates the returns. If you make your chart speed faster on imagining like you're saying does that have any negative effects? i.e. distortion

[Wayne P.]

1 hour ago, 12poundbass said:

Interesting, I didn't know 2D exaggerates the returns. If you make your chart speed faster on imagining like you're saying does that have any negative effects? i.e. distortion

 

Of course it exaggerates the returns, just look at the difference between 2D and DI. 2D is just a blurry mess due to the time the subjects are within the sonar pulse, DI is detail.

 

Yes a faster or slower Chart Speed distorts the images from how they really are. Faster is a tool to see stuff better like fish in cover.

 

 

[12poundbass]

3 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

 

Of course it exaggerates the returns, just look at the difference between 2D and DI. 2D is just a blurry mess due to the time the subjects are within the sonar pulse, DI is detail.

 

Yes a faster or slower Chart Speed distorts the images from how they really are. Faster is a tool to see stuff better like fish in cover.

 

 

I'm still learning so every little bit of info helps a ton. Like always thanks for the info/help! 

[Rodney Smith]

I have this unit. I am the only one that doesn't find side scan to be all that useful?

[Wayne P.]

9 hours ago, Rodney Smith said:

I have this unit. I am the only one that doesn't find side scan to be all that useful?

 

If Lanier is the only place you fish, I can see why you would have that opinion.

 

Most of my fishing is with using either Side Imaging or 360 only. No DI or 2D.

[HeavyTwenty]

4 hours ago, Wayne P. said:

 

If Lanier is the only place you fish, I can see why you would have that opinion.

 

Most of my fishing is with using either Side Imaging or 360 only. No DI or 2D.

 

Does Lanier have no bottom structure or something? I was actually thinking about taking a vacation in Atlanta and bringing my yak.

[Wayne P.]

Most reports I see for there is DEEP vertical presentations or surface activity in DEEP water.

Traditional 2D sonar is the tool for that.

[Yumeya]

I think I will order a HDSI transducer soon.

 

I should have listened and traded mine in, oh well I guess I will have a back up if needed.

 

If I get images like this on my Helix 7 SI G2 it will be worth the upgrade.

 

 

On 4/24/2017 at 3:22 PM, Wayne P. said:

When I had a 5" SI unit, I used the included Compact SI transducer on the transom and the HDSI transducer on the trolling motor. I moved the display between the console and bow.

 

This is with the transom transducer:

 

This is with the trolling motor transducer:

 

 

 

 

 

[Rodney Smith]

I fished yesterday and went by a lay down tree in the water. It was 15 feet from the boat. The sensitivity was on 18 (out of 20) and I never saw the tree on the Helix. 

[Yumeya]

HDSI ordered.