Moderately annoyed with 'Bird

[kzoofisher]

All the new Helix are micro SD cards. None of my current chips are any good.

Nothing bigger than 5" comes with just 83/200 and GPS. If I want a bigger unit to use with the terrova I've got to pay for whistles I can't blow or have a cable running on the outside of the TM.

Bottom line is I won't be getting one for the bow. I'll use the Lowrance Elite 7 for 2D (likely better anyway) and set the old Helix 5 next to it for mapping. Takes more space but whatevs. 'Bird will probably switch back again in a couple years or I'll find an old 9 sonar gps combo somewhere.

The micro SD is the most mysterious change to me. I suppose they just couldn't see their way to adding a 1/4" to cases so standard SD would fit. Most people wanting CHIRP/DI/SI makes sense.

[Ndstallmann]

How old are your chips? Most have a micro chip inside.

[kzoofisher]

They might. Anywhere from 3-6 years old. Still have to pay for CHIRP or imaging I can’t use.

[Boondock]

I’m with ya. Odd change

[rnvinc]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but ...
-----

True - all new unit models have CHIRP (which can be shut off and use fixed frequency) ...

But there is still 2d/GPS units without imaging ...

HELIX 10 CHIRP GPS G3N (and larger) does indeed come with SD card slots ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.c...737.1568173842

(HELIX 9 CHIRP GPS G3N (and smaller) is micro SD card slots) ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.c...737.1568173842

Feature icons under each product listing on the HB website indicates SD card size ...
(One should not trust dealer feature listings) ...

Rickie

[Boondock]

Originally Posted by rnvinc

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but ...

HELIX 10 CHIRP GPS G3N (and larger) does indeed come with SD card slots ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.c...737.1568173842

(HELIX 9 CHIRP GPS G3N is micro SD card slots) ...

Rickie

Bet you are right
Mine are “old” now. Buddy got a g3n 9” mega si and has micro sd

[kzoofisher]

Originally Posted by rnvinc

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but ...
-----

True - all new unit models have CHIRP (which can be shut off and use fixed frequency) ...

But there is still 2d/GPS units without imaging ...

HELIX 10 CHIRP GPS G3N (and larger) does indeed come with SD card slots ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.c...737.1568173842

(HELIX 9 CHIRP GPS G3N (and smaller) is micro SD card slots) ...
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.c...737.1568173842

Feature icons under each product listing on the HB website indicates SD card size ...
(One should not trust dealer feature listings) ...

Rickie

Yeah, I’m not going to drop $1000+ on a unit when I can’t use to it’s full capacity. But that’s me which is why I’m only moderately annoyed. Maybe I’ll really like the 2D on the Lowrance and the two units won’t crowd me out. I can always change my mind next year.

[lawson2343]

kzoo, I thought you had a Helix 9 G2?

And sorry to hijack this thread, but does anyone know if there will be a G4 for next year and what it might enhance over the 3?

I'd really like to buy a Helix 10 mega SI, but I've been holding out for a year or two because of all the upgrades. When I buy my next unit, it will be a LONG time before I buy another.

Currently on a Helix 7 SI Gen 1. Love the SI, but the screen definition isn't good enough on the water. The sonar is crap. I catch fish all the time w/o marking anything on it.

Thanks guys for any info.

[kzoofisher]

Originally Posted by lawson2343

kzoo, I thought you had a Helix 9 G2?

And sorry to hijack this thread, but does anyone know if there will be a G4 for next year and what it might enhance over the 3?

I'd really like to buy a Helix 10 mega SI, but I've been holding out for a year or two because of all the upgrades. When I buy my next unit, it will be a LONG time before I buy another.

Currently on a Helix 7 SI Gen 1. Love the SI, but the screen definition isn't good enough on the water. The sonar is crap. I catch fish all the time w/o marking anything on it.

Thanks guys for any info.

I do have a G1 9SI which is on the console. The Lowrance was on the console of this new (to me) boat and nothing on the bow for the terrova. If the terrova had link I'd be upgrading at the console and moving the 9 up front. You're right about the G1 2D and that's why I originally planned on putting the L up front; so many people say their 2D is much better. Then I got to thinking about screen size and split screens and looked into a 9 gps/2D. Doesn't exist anymore. My 5 is way to small for split screen duty but ought to do as a gps only unit and the L dedicated to sonar.

As for G4 or any other upgrades, I haven't heard anything. Not surprising, I usually find out from message boards. But that's another good reason to be patient and see how things work out. Might be some good deals on superseded 'Birds next year and I can upgrade the console and move the 9 forward.

BTW, friend of mine also just bought a new to him boat and he has an Onix he doesn't know what to do with. Just doesn't have room for it and four Helix as well as not wanting to learn a new operating system. I can put you in touch with him if you have any interest.

[lawson2343]

Thanks for the offer KZoo, but I think I will hold out for a bit yet.