Networking Humminbird Helix Units | The TRUTH
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- čas přidán 19. 01. 2021
- My boat now has 2 Humminbird Helix units networking and an Ultrex all in the same network. I installed a Humminbird Helix 7 on the dash to network with the Helix 12 on the bow. Not without some surprises along the way. In this video I break down the adventure and what it took to get it right. This is a DIY project and hopefully it helps some others looking to do a similar set up.
#humminbird #helix #networking
Thanks for the explanations. I had no idea either. BTW… Your channel’s logo on your boat looks fantastic!
Doing that now to My boat, thanks for the info. Highest respect for straight shooters.
Appreciate that. Good luck with it!
I wish I had watched this video before I started my set up. Glad I I figured out like you did and it works wonderful.
That’s why I made it. Glad it worked out for you. It’s rigging season!
Just picked up another unit. Thank you for explaining everything.
No problem. Good luck rigging it up!
Great content; thanks! I just upgraded to a new boat and bought it outfitted with a Mega DI model Helix (Network capable) with a MNKota Link Terrova w/MDI but now I found a great deal at local boat show on a Helix Mega SI (network capable) so I'll be adding the side imaging unit on an ethernet OneBoat network so both Helixes and transducers can talk. Everything that I've found investigaing the networking requirements align with what you were saying.
Edit: I just completed purchasing all the cables and hardware to complete my network; it totaled just under $750 (including high speed transducer and external GPS heading sensor). Never thought it would be that much when I purchased the Helix 9 MSI. My boat dealer wanted $1660 for hardware and installation of the network of which $1050 was for hardware through them so I sourced the hardware and cables online and will install myself when I take possession of the boat.
For sure. It doesn’t make sense until you hook it all up. Complicated and simple at the same time. Definitely cool once it’s all working together.
Wow, a big thanks. Installing a Ultrex this weekend. Been thinking out the helix network. But, the added cost is not what I need to catch fish. I’ll keep my present birds which are on the boat, now. Give me great info! Thanks
Love my ultrex. Good luck with everything!
what a great video, thank you so much and I learned a lot.
Awesome. Glad it helped. Good luck!
Thanks for the video. I just bought put a helix 15mdi up front hooked up to my ultrex and a 12 msi at the console. I was wanting to network them together to have msi up front. Didn’t realize I was gonna need the Ethernet switch. Might hold off on the networking for now…
No problem. That’s kinda what I ran into and I figured others would too. Thought the video might help. Thanks for watching!
Very helpful. Thanks for the insight
Hope it helps. Thank you.
Very helpful. Thank you
Glad it helped. Good luck with your set up!
Thanks for making this
Thanks. If it helps anyone, it’s worth it.
found out the exact same thing, the exact same way this week....lol down the rabbit hole
It’s a journey 😂
I have a Heli 12 Si G4N and bought the Mega Live. Humminbird has a $500 off sale, must be expecting new stuff or something. Cabela's gave me Military discount of 10% and because of a mess up another 10% off. I got $700 off a Helix 10 Di G4n. I kicked around spending the money for the Ethernet Switch. If I didn't have the Mega Live, I could have just used the Ethernet cable. I had thought about just using the Mega Live with adapter from the Helix 10 back of boat. I ended up buying the Ethernet switch and two network cables. I already had the two Ethernet adapters for the two Helix units. I have three transducers on my main unit left and right Si and Sonar. I agree seems a bit overpriced for an Ethernet Switch and the cables and then the adapters.
Sounds like an awesome set up.
I’m torn between Alfred auto pilot and The Quest series. I run a helix 7in G3N up from my and a helix g2n at the console. I have a Garmin 12/9 so I’m torn which direction to go on the trolling motor . Bass guy ..decisions!!! Thanks good info
Just went through the same exact thing with my new boat!!!! LOL
Just got the helix 9 G4N for my Tracker pro . For the bow . Did you run the Ethernet cable under the deck or along the rail ? I’m getting ready to run the cable !
Under the deck. Pulled the foot tray on mine and the storage compartment in front of the driver counsel. Mine had a wiring tube from the top corner under the deck that went through the “firewall” up into the dash wiring. Pulled it through there and up into the back of the dash. Good luck!
If one unit has side imaging and the other doesn’t and you network them, can you see side imaging on the unit that doesn’t have it?
So Glad I found this after I just went through the same thing you did lol. Guess I'll go by a 5 way splitter wtf
That’s why I made it. Didn’t factor in the ultrex. It’s nice once it’s all done at least. Good luck!
I appreciate the information shared as I too just learned the 5 port switch is a must have.. nest of luck to you. Do you sell the logo as a sticker for the boats will purchase one for support of the sight. TY
I have some vinyl stickers. Shoot me an email with your address and I’ll shoot a couple out to you hookandneedletv@gmail.com
Thanks for the support 🤙
Thanks for video! Can a g2n unit be networked with a g4n unit?
It should as far as I know but between g2 and g4 there might be things that will or won’t communicate. I would think all the basics still will. You can probably find a list of what each do. Could be the same.
did the ultrex cable plug into the 5 port box directly? or was an additional adaptor needed for that as well?
The cable off the ultrex did. The two for the helix units both needed one dongle adapter into the unit.
You can use si on thr trolling motor at low speeds i do it all the time...you have to match yiur graph speed to your boat speed
That’s what I always did. It does work but when changing direction it puts a lot of blank lines on the screen. Also reading it from 6’ away while standing. Hard to catch the tiny details of fish on a flat. It’s been great having it on a stable transom mount right in front of me on the dash.
So I just purchased a ulterra with DI and SI . My budget is 2k for sonar and would like one at bow and the other at helm. Any suggestions on hummingbirds?
I run an ultrex. I’m not real sure on the ulterra. My ultrex has a spot for a mounted transducer but I use the transducer that came with the unit with ring clamps. I run the helix 12 and 7. I think they’re great. They have another series with touch screen I’ve never used.
Great video! I am planning to network two Solix’ units together and was wondering if you have experienced any networking or interference issues, or any other issues with the units.
Thanks, Tony
I haven’t worked with solix units but I can’t see the connections being any different. Since the video I’ve had no connectivity issues at all. The way they designed the network system is solid. Seems similar to aircraft grade materials.
@@HookandNeedle That is good news, thank you for letting me know.
Great vid. Just installed an ultrex and bought another helix for the bow.
Question: In all honesty do you think its really that beneficial to have the ultrex pairer with the graphs? How often do you actually use that functionality? Im thinking to just link the graphs and save a few hundred bucks
The function I used most was marking waypoints on both. Then I can find them on both. I can mark things trolling in the seat and mark things I find when I’m on the trolling motor. But between 2 units and the ultrex, that’s why I needed the box for all 3 to be in network together. Just nice to have full functionality of everything at its full capabilities. Everyone has their own preferences of course.
If I only want to network the console to the bow do I need a hub? Or can I just connect them to each other via the Ethernet cable?
Just the Ethernet cable. You will also need a dongle for both ends of the cable. The hub is only needed for 3 or more devices.
@@HookandNeedle thanks
I am ding this right now . And this is my largest issues the complete amount of confusion with which module then hooking up to get it all to network which transducer you need where its at for helm vs bow etc
Yeah. I agree. I’m not an expert but figured this video of mine might be helpful. Once you get into it it makes more sense but out of the box it’s confusing for the average joe like me.
@@HookandNeedle it did in fact to the point I just today bought almost 6g in gear all lowrance I got a great guy on the phone that took the time to walk me through EACH item which cable proper length for my boat etc etc to the point at the end i asked about map card and he said the newest maps in the graphs are as good or better than what you can buy .
Well that’s awesome. Sounds like you’re rigged and ready to go!
If you're only running 2 humminbird and just want to link both unit. Do u still need the box? I do not have a ultrex
No. Just one cable and 2 dongle ends. 3 or more networked parts need the ethernet switch box.
So what do the networked graphs share other than waypoints? Can they share imaging from different transducers, etc...?
Humminbirds site says
•Waypoints
•Transducer information (sonar and temperature)*
•GPS Signal (not mapping)
•i-Pilot Link information and control
•Bluetooth Talon Control
•360 Imaging
•MEGA 360 Imaging
•Humminbird CHIRP RADAR
•NMEA 2000 network information
@@HookandNeedle kewl thanks!
@@Randy_Savage_ohyeah no worries. Thanks for watching!
Nice set up. Where did you get the cover on the dash to fill the old hole?
I knew I should have talked about that and made a video. So I mapped the shape on paper and cut out a $6 black plastic cutting board. Sanded the edges. Hit it with a little matte UV protectant clear coat. Jb weld it in place and added a screw and nut on both sides. Came out real clean. I bolted the ram mount to it and drilled out a hole for the grommet to run the wiring behind the dash.
No kidding. I never would have thought about a cutting board. Looks awesome.
Thanks. It luckily worked out. Always good when you can save a few bucks on a DIY solution.
would a nmea2000 backbone work? would that be cheaper?
I couldn’t answer that. Never tried.
Did you buy a navionics map ? If so did you install it on both unit or only one ?
Yes. That’s another thing. So I had a navionics map chip in the helix 12. They DO NOT share maps. So....I need another for the dash unit unfortunately.
@@HookandNeedle thank you for your feedback. Navionics said to me we can install the same card on both unit. Have you tried ?
I have not. Not sure how that would work. I’ll look into it. But I’m pretty sure the map card has to be in the unit for it to work. Maybe there’s a work around but nothing I’ve found so far.
Helix will not share maps, doesn’t matter what chip it is.
Right. I’ve looked into it again and I’ve found no way for it to work. Just have to buy a second chip.
So which transducer did you use? The one for the 10 or the 7 since the 7 is on the console?
There is a side imagining transducer on the stern. So I have 3 total transducers.
Thanks for you fast reply. I already have a SI transducer for the 7. When I buy the 10 will I have to use that transducer instead of the 7? @@HookandNeedle
I have not purchased the 10 yet. I have a 7 already on the console. Trying to figure out if I can just purchase the 10 CHO or will I need the transducer for that one. If the transducer goes into the 7 at the console will I be able to see that on the 10 when networked up front?
A lot that I’ve seen use the same connections as the other sizes but it can also depend on the model. If you look at the rear of the model you have and look online at the rear of the new one, you can see if it’s the same. As long as the new unit has si and the same connection, you shouldn’t have an issue using the transducer you already have mounted.
I've been reading that if the two displays are networked and you already have a SI xducer the added unit will display all the same xducer info even if it's not a SI model. I'm in process of adding a 7" mega DI, G3 to my existing 9" mega SI G4.
This vid and comments are very helpful!
You can see mega side image on thr dash unit and its not a mega si unit?
My 12 is. My helix 7 dash unit is not mega si.
Can you hook up a helix to a solix ?
Yes. Here’s direct from the site what does and doesn’t work when networked.
When networked together via Ethernet, HELIX and SOLIX or HELIX and APEX models will share:
Waypoints
i-Pilot Link information and control
360 Imaging (note that HELIX and SOLIX will not share MEGA 360 with each other)
Humminbird CHIRP radar
MEGA Live Imaging*
Bluetooth Talon control**
NMEA 2000 network information***
Additional Ethernet sharing notes:
Depending on technology built into each networked fish finder, some sonar images, such as MEGA Live or MEGA 360, may not be shared if unable to be supported by your unit’s software. Ensure that you are running the latest software by finding updates here.
If both HELIX and SOLIX are on the network and need control of Minn Kota's Bluetooth TALONs then at least one SOLIX and one HELIX G2N/G3N must be paired to the Bluetooth TALON at the same time.
If both HELIX and SOLIX are on the network and need to view NMEA2000 data, then at least one SOLIX and one HELIX G2N/G3N must be connected to the NMEA 2000 network. The HELIX G2N/G3N would be connected via the AS ETH NMEA2K, NMEA2000 Gateway. The AS ETH NMEA2K is not compatible with HELIX G4N models, and G4N models do not share NMEA2000 data over network.
While an ONIX and SOLIX can network with each other, they must be on the same software version. Any SOLIX over software version 4.020 or higher will not network with an ONIX. SOLIX software version 3.350 is the last version compatible with ONIX.
Why doesn’t side imaging work cruising around?
I was referring to when I only had it on my trolling motor. It does work but has a lot of interference on the screen because of the trolling motor movement. Definitely has been easier to read trolling around with the transducer on the transom.
I networked and yes it costs with all the adapters and cables. What I would like is an ethernet cable "extension " cable shorter than 30 feet!!! They just don't make one.
Yeah. It gets crazy once it’s all added up. Definitely nice once it’s connected though.
I dont like ram mounts for much
you can etch grill marks in ram body to help hold the ram ball
Once I got it where I wanted it and locked it down it hasn’t budged. So far so good. Hopefully it holds up. Luckily that 9” isn’t too heavy.
@@HookandNeedle my raaymarine axiom 9 is super heavy and slips a lot but I think it has sen its last day, it would not even turn on today
Bummer.
@@HookandNeedle I am looking at dual solix 10 at consol
Now that’s a set up! I’d love to go bigger on my next boat. Starting to out grow mine. Just waiting for the right deal.
there is some truth there, but it will depend on if you have g2n, g3n, g4n, because of the different cost of the network box (2 different ethernet boxes depending on if you are using a g2n or g3n, if you have a g4n, and want to connect it to your g2n, your gonn apay more for the ethernet box.) The cords change based on that box you link them two.
Thanks for the insight. G4n was released about 8 months after this video was made. It launched 9/2021 if I’m not mistaken. Things were a tad more simple 3 years ago 😂 but this may be helpful for people finding this video now. Appreciate it!
Minn Kota said the new upcoming units will come with the cables.
It's all too pricey anyhow. That hub is way too much.
There are videos 5 to 8 years old that tell you about connecting 2 or 3 plus units and what you need.
Good video. Went down the same rabbit hole. Only comment is directed at Humminbird...no reason to make the setups SO complicated and require multiple cables etc.. Just a money grab.
I agree for the most part. I kinda understand now that the system is pretty bulletproof. While expensive I think this system is similar to aircraft grade information wiring. Maybe overkill and pricey but at least I’m confident it will hold up and it’s not cheaply made. However. My purpose for the video remains. Giving the extra info that I didn’t get from the dealers. Not every salesman is knowledgeable enough to ask the right questions and give you a straightforward answer for your rigging plans. Good luck with yours!
Idk how you couldn’t figure that out from a quick search on CZcams
Well like I said. I took the word of the salesman that it was just one cable. Simple as that. Then once finding that the ultrex talked to the helix on the bow through the Ethernet port I had to then figure that out as far as multi unit connections.
That’s why I made this video. Just maybe putting out some information for others before they have to take the long way around like I did.
@@HookandNeedle yep…..went to cabelas and talked to the salesman. He said, ”all you need is the transducer and head unit”. Thankfully I did some reading after I left the store.
Yeah. Same thing happened to me. Hopefully this video helps some people along the way.
It would have been easier if everything was WIFIi enabled, but it's not.
I was thinking the same thing. They have Bluetooth for certain things. No idea why they can’t link everything through it. It is nice once everything is set up though.
all helix 9,10,12 and 15 can network no mater the generation
Yes. They all do. Some older gen models just don’t show newer gen capabilities like mega live. But basic waypoints and imaging transfer just fine.
Moral of the story, do your research
That’s what I hope this video helps others do. The Bass Pros aren’t always “pros”. He was pretty confident though lol
They are money pits for sure
You got that right. All worth it when it hits the water though 🤙
Couldn’t watch it. Music kept coming in over you talking.......
Viewing on some devices can be like that. Thanks for the feedback.
This is why I hate hummingbirds and minkotas. Way to much money when your 3500 in a locator with crap graphics compared to some others.
I added a Garmin unit for live scope. I really like it a lot. Next boat will either be all Garmin or Lowrance. See what headaches those give me haha.
Don't even get me started. I've had 13 Birds (no exaggeration) over the last 19 years. A once great company is now just a corporatized greedy money suckin machine. How much do you think they pay the Chinese manufacturer per cable? I could go on a 1000 word rant but......it's just pathetic.
It’s good technology just way overpriced all the way around but no different from any of the other big names. Upside to garmin is free maps. But I do love my set up after the price tag sting wore off 😂
Guy spends 6k on finders and complained over 300$ for cables ???
Not the cost of cables. The lack of information given when bought. I made this to simply explain there’s more to it than an Ethernet cable when you have 3 or more devices linked. Not everyone has that in their budget also. Good things to know going in.
He’s right! In fact, Humminbird told me I would be able to plug my 7” Helix G4N into my 9” G4N just using an Ethernet cable. No mention about the dongle on each end of the control heads, no mention of needing an Ethernet switch and plugging my Terrova MSI DI into the switch. Gets pretty annoying having to add stuff when they tell you different.
Question for you, in my setup, am I going to need the Ethernet switch, 2 or 3 Ethernet cables and 4 or 5 Ethernet adapters? Pretty sure my Terrova came with an Ethernet adapter because it plugged right into the Helix 9 G4N unless that was the transducer connection off the trolling motor. Kinda confusing!
Lose the music on instructional videos. 🤷♂️🤦
Probably not
Simple doesn't mean cheap dumb dumb. That's why they are two different words
Audio is terrible