Advice on new purchase of Helix, Ultrex, and possibly Mega 360

[-Jason-]

Hey everyone,

 

I've been trying to search the forums as well as youtube but everyone's setup is different so it's a little confusing. I have also tried reading the install guides from Humminbird but it’s a lot to digest as well.

 

I have an electric only 1448 jon/bass boat conversion that I haven't taken out for a couple years due to working all the time. I've finally pulled it out and decided to upgrade the trolling motor and depth finder. It currently has an 898c si on it and a Terrova trolling motor. It has the transducer that came with the 898 on the back as well as the us2 built in to the Terrova. I have a rocker switch from Humminbird that will go back and forth between the transducers.

 

Now…. I had planned on getting the Helix 15 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N and the Ultrex 80/MDI/IP w/i-Pilot Link. I have also been considering getting the Mega 360. I was going to leave the 898c on it but if I'm reading correctly, I would need to buy an ethernet switch that is over $300 and the only thing it would share is waypoints. I'm not sure it’s worth it to keep the 898 on it if that's the case, or maybe I can use it independently. Will it interfere with the other transducer?

 

I'm also reading that the Mega 360 uses its own transducer for side scan and not the one on the transom. If that’s correct, should I even get the transducer with the Helix or does it make more sense to just buy the display and use the Mega 360 and the ultrex transducer with a Y cable?
I'm just looking for what makes the most sense before purchasing and don't want to get something to find out I have to order other equipment or that I ordered something that is redundant and unnecessary.

 

Thanks for any advice!

[Tennessee Boy]

You should be able to network the two fish finders together with just a cable.  It you want to add any more things to the network then you would need a switch.  If you get an Ultrix with I-pilot link then you would need the switch to add it to the network with two fish finders.  
 

The Mega 360 transducer can be used as a side imaging transducer.  I’ve never tried it so I don’t know how well it works.

[padon]

correct 2 fish finders will work with just a cable. trolling motor and 2 finders will require a switch. definetley get the link alot of the features of the motor work through the finder so they need to be linked. also be patient last i heard they are all hard to get.

[-Jason-]

I think I have it figured out. Thanks for everyone's help!