Humminbird MSI+ Install and Startup

[Grumpy Dangler]

Im an avid weekend angler, that takes my fishing pretty seriously. Ive been running a basic Helix 7 Di unit for a couple years now, and wanting to upgrade my unit to help improve my fishing. I'm looking into purchasing a Helix 9 MSI+ unit. Is this as simple of an install as the unit i have now, or are there more specifics to pay attention or more accessories needed. More of the reason for my question, is i see in the description it specifies select models only. I appreciate any information!

[GaryH]

What gen helix do you have now? If your existing unit is a older version and your getting a newer version with mega SI/DI you should upgrade your transducer to the newer version for much better performance. Other upgrades would be if your going to be networking this unit with other units/ equipment. 

[GaryH]

And also Welcome aboard to the forum

[Dirtyeggroll]

The SI transducer will need to be leveled and made sure to have no obstruction on either side. Other than that the install is very similar.

[Grumpy Dangler]

Alright, awesome thank you so much! Im looking to just swap the units out, move the older unit to the bow, and then the new MSI+ unit at the console for better graphing. Both responses answered my questions, thanks again and the good welcoming!

[Grumpy Dangler]

On 2/20/2021 at 9:18 AM, GaryH said:

What gen helix do you have now? If your existing unit is a older version and your getting a newer version with mega SI/DI you should upgrade your transducer to the newer version for much better performance. Other upgrades would be if your going to be networking this unit with other units/ equipment. 

Just Received the unit, now in doing my research i found some different recommendations. Some recommend installing transducer right above drain plug, slightly un level favoring the driver side. Some say mount away from any obstructions. Also found that wiring directly to battery with an inline 4A slow blow fuse. Was curious if you knew or have any insight on these installs or person recommendation. I'm only running an aluminum 17 ft Crestliner storm with a 40 HP.

[Dirtyeggroll]

40 minutes ago, Grumpy Dangler said:

Just Received the unit, now in doing my research i found some different recommendations. Some recommend installing transducer right above drain plug, slightly un level favoring the driver side. Some say mount away from any obstructions. Also found that wiring directly to battery with an inline 4A slow blow fuse. Was curious if you knew or have any insight on these installs or person recommendation. I'm only running an aluminum 17 ft Crestliner storm with a 40 HP.

Use a transducer mounting plate and first start with it level. If one side has a bad picture then you can adjust, without making more holes in your boat if you use a mounting plate. Think of the transducer signal like a beam of light coming out of the sides of the transducer, you want that light to reach the structure on the lake you want to graph. If the beam hits something on the boat then that’s the return you will get.

 

Regarding the wiring, I recommend an isolated circuit of wiring to the battery. This circuit should include a switch to cut power and the manufacturer recommended fuse.

[GaryH]

On 2/27/2021 at 9:55 AM, Dirtyeggroll said:

Use a transducer mounting plate and first start with it level. If one side has a bad picture then you can adjust, without making more holes in your boat if you use a mounting plate. Think of the transducer signal like a beam of light coming out of the sides of the transducer, you want that light to reach the structure on the lake you want to graph. If the beam hits something on the boat then that’s the return you will get.

 

Regarding the wiring, I recommend an isolated circuit of wiring to the battery. This circuit should include a switch to cut power and the manufacturer recommended fuse.

Grumpy there’s your good answer. Good luck and let us know how you made out. ?