Tips on setting up humminbird helix 7 and also connecting two of them

[clemsondds]

I have two humminbird helix 7s. One is the  chirp mega g3n and the other is the same but without the network capabilities. First of all, can you share tips on how you like to setup your humminbird helix? Second, what’s the best way to connect the two so they can communicate with each other?  Right now I have the g3n at the helm and it has the lakemaster chip in it. Would love to be able to share the maps with my front helix as well as marked points. Thanks again everyone! 

[12poundbass]

Everyone is different with their setup. The best thing to do with a new set up is time on the water, no two pair of eyes are the same.

 

If your other Helix doesn’t have network capabilities then you can’t share information between the two units.

[clemsondds]

Just now, 12poundbass said:

Everyone is different with their setup. The best thing to do with a new set up is time on the water, no two pair of eyes are the same.

 

If your other Helix doesn’t have network capabilities then you can’t share information between the two units.

Yeh I was just wondering if there were certain things you turned off/on that you really liked. Also, what color you find best and ranges you use for views and how you utilize them. 
also, is it possible to hardwire them together? 

[12poundbass]

10 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

Yeh I was just wondering if there were certain things you turned off/on that you really liked. Also, what color you find best and ranges you use for views and how you utilize them. 
also, is it possible to hardwire them together? 

I didn’t have a MEGA just a G2N. I played around with it and didn’t get results I was happy with, so I traded it for a Garmin. As far as the color goes I like the Amber and green. On my Garmins I prefer the green and blue. 
 

As far as I know there isn’t anything you can do to hardwire them. You can use an SD card and go around setting waypoints then transfer them to your bow unit. That’s about the extent of my Helix knowledge. 

[slonezp]

Look up Doug Varhenburg (sp) and Dr. Jason Halfen on youtube

[clemsondds]

Ok thanks! I’ll check them out. Any other thoughts? 

[Dirtyeggroll]

What is the exact model of the other unit?

 

Helix 7 Chirp Mega G3?

 

If so, you will not be able to network the units. You cannot share maps between units.

 

Between “N” units, G2N and G3N, you can however share waypoints and transducer data.

[jbsoonerfan]

11 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

What is the exact model of the other unit?

 

Helix 7 Chirp Mega G3?

 

If so, you will not be able to network the units. You cannot share maps between units.

 

Between “N” units, G2N and G3N, you can however share waypoints and transducer data.

This^^^^^

 

I was disappointed when I bought my Lakemaster map and realized the 2 Units wouldn't share the information from the map. However, after having been out on the water with it, I really find that I only need it on my console when looking for areas with my big motor. Once I am on my TM I am on DI/Sonar 99% of the time.

[clemsondds]

11 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

This^^^^^

 

I was disappointed when I bought my Lakemaster map and realized the 2 Units wouldn't share the information from the map. However, after having been out on the water with it, I really find that I only need it on my console when looking for areas with my big motor. Once I am on my TM I am on DI/Sonar 99% of the time.

You are right, but it would be nice to see those ledges/points when going along bank hitting docks and points. But mostly it's only needed on console. Thanks 

[Russ E]

I have a map card in my bow and console helix 7s. I run a spilt screen up front with either map/sonar or map/down imaging.

I would not own a bow fishfinder without a map card. I use it all of the time.

With the map on I always know where I am in relation to structure.

[MickD]

Humminbird has a great customer service dept easily accessible by phone.  It really helps to have your unit powered up while talking to them, so their power supply is very handy.  One unit powered up with it, though.

[Dirtyeggroll]

Without being able to network you almost need the second map card. If you could network the waypoints, I would say you can just use your waypoints to judge where you are. Also, consider that humminbird units come with at least 2 preloaded maps for MOST lakes and 3 for some. These aren't in near the detail of the map card, but are a good place to start. In fact, some of the base maps cover lakes that map cards do not.

[slonezp]

On 1/28/2020 at 9:37 AM, clemsondds said:

You are right, but it would be nice to see those ledges/points when going along bank hitting docks and points. But mostly it's only needed on console. Thanks 

A map card is only as good as the data that was inputted at the time it was inputted with the coordinates it was inputted. A lot of map cards were made based on coordinates  when impoundments were first formed, flooded etc. Things change over time, especially on rivers and river systems. I expect a map card to get me close. No more, no less.

 

Might be disappointing to you but I have Ipilot Link and Lakemaster cards. I can "follow the contour" with the link, but if the cards aren't accurate, what does it matter?

 

With the newer technology, you can map your own lake. I would trust that more than the $150 generic card you can buy. As I said, I'm happy if I can just get close.