Helix 7 fishfinder

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Panfisher
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2016/09/24 09:47:18 (permalink)

Helix 7 fishfinder

I am looking at the Helix 7 fish finder with DI SI sonar and GPS.  There is a KVD model for $100 more.  Is there a difference or just because Kevin Van Damm endorsed it.
 
BTDT
Do you still have yours and how is it working for you?  Hopefully, I will own one soon.

The only thing better than 1 day of fishing is 2 days of fishing.
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    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2016/09/24 11:31:50 (permalink)
    I do Panfisher and the more I use it the better I like it even though I have fun telling about my experiences using the Helix, it does have user friendly menus.
     
    I would recommend going directly to Humminbird's web sight and watch their videos that will explain the different features included with models such as the KVD.
     
    I have the SI that will allow me to record  all of the sonar features of which I can review later in my boat while  parked in the comforts of my garage.  At this time you will be able to mark any spots you see and set them as way points you can investigate at a later time.  I tried watching a recording once, while parked in my driveway, and soon learned I was the talk of my neighborhood.   I think it was the "BooYAH" I was hollering each time I saw a hot spot so I now, park in the garage.
     
    Anyway, with some models you can convert the recorded information into actual maps and create your very own map files.  With the SI unit I have, I'll need to purchase a additional program (average cost $100.00) in order to convert my recordings into real time maps.
     
    Now without further ado, PM sent.    ummmm, will be shortly.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #2
    Bsapp15401
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2016/09/28 13:46:44 (permalink)
    If you do purchase one do yourself a favor and look at www.thedigitaloasis.com, by far the best prices I have seen yet! $550 for the 7SI....
    #3
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2016/09/28 14:08:04 (permalink)
    Bsapp that does appear to be a good buy along with free shipping, thanks for the heads-up.  As you can see I have the 7SI but I got a wish list started for Christmas and I'll be lookin' to do some shoppin' at the Digital Oasis.  Thanks.
     
     
    Now if you will excuse me, I have some shopping to do.
     
    PS. I like the PayPal thingy too.
    post edited by BeenThereDoneThat. - 2016/09/28 14:09:38

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #4
    Bsapp15401
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2016/09/28 16:29:13 (permalink)
    Yes, I want to pull the trigger on it but if I can find a used one I may go that route. Ice shelter or Side imaging.....That is the question!
    #5
    Panfisher
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2016/09/29 11:14:04 (permalink)
    bsapp
    That is a good price.  It is $50 cheaper than the one I am looking at.

    The only thing better than 1 day of fishing is 2 days of fishing.
    #6
    chasmo
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2016/10/02 21:42:21 (permalink)
    KVD includes 2 fishing lures and a red power button.

    ******************
    We have met the enemy and it is US.... Pogo 1970 

     
    #7
    Porktown
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/06 10:47:21 (permalink)
    If still window shopping, check out Gander Mt. in Robinson and W. Mifflin.  Electronics are 50% off.  Getting to be kind of slim picking, but can still get a monster deal.  Not sure if any Helix 7 available.  They did have the 859ci combo, which is basically the same unit with some add on features.  A few of the Lowrance Elite 7 units still at the W. Mifflin store.
    #8
    Panfisher
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/14 20:21:42 (permalink)
    Bought the helix 7.  Now have to figure out how to use it.  lol

    The only thing better than 1 day of fishing is 2 days of fishing.
    #9
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/14 20:55:46 (permalink)
    Congratulations Panfisher..

    I would suggest, if you have not already done so, getting your Helix 7 registered and a account set up with Humminbird.

    You will find all of the instructions listed there plus the customer help service will answer your questions.

    Which model did you buy?

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #10
    Panfisher
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/15 12:05:01 (permalink)
    I got the Hummingbird HELIX 7 SI/GPS Combo.  

    The only thing better than 1 day of fishing is 2 days of fishing.
    #11
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/15 13:14:16 (permalink)
    Your gonna love that Helix. Best thing I've found. use the SI and DI in "known waters" to get a hang of what you see on the screen. Toy with the different screens in each fucntion also.

    Pay attention to mounting the transducer. Use an adjustable mount if your budget permits and keep the recommended distance(s). You will find the Side imaging can and will be affected by your motor. Also high speed readings will be radical if the transducer is not level and set at the correct height.

    Once the transducer is installed and correctly adjusted you only need spend as much time as possible using, learning and enjoying, your new sonar/gps.

    Congratulations and tight lines.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #12
    Panfisher
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/15 19:03:34 (permalink)
    Hopefully early March I can get out and start fooling around with it.

    The only thing better than 1 day of fishing is 2 days of fishing.
    #13
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/01/15 20:26:39 (permalink)
    Don't be disappointed if you don't see bunches of fish in the spring cold water. Walleye Bill and I were scratching our heads last spring looking for fish in cold water with our new 7s.

    Once we got the right settings and the fish began moving as the water warmed a few degrees it was more fun "scanning" the area for fish than fishing, for me.

    Which is obvious cause I caught few fish last year. Stupid fish!

    But hey, there's always this year!!

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #14
    Chasing Tale 165
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/02/21 09:57:36 (permalink)
    I want to get one of these also with GPS Si di soon
    #15
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/02/21 10:48:58 (permalink)
    Just put mine to use yesterday for the first time this year.

    Going to try recording areas of my favorite waters then converting that info to maps.

    Located submerged road beds and bridges over old stream beds using another mapping system then scanned the areas with the DI and SI. Awesome!!!

    Pay attention and follow the instructions for mounting the transducer and remember your motor can interfere with the SI.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #16
    Chasing Tale 165
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/02/21 10:53:43 (permalink)
    What model to you have?
    #17
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/02/21 11:14:35 (permalink)
    The Helix 7 SI GPS

    Have you looked at the Hook 7, I think it's by Lowrance?

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #18
    Panfisher
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/02/22 19:37:53 (permalink)
    BeenThereDoneThat.
    Congratulations Panfisher..

    I would suggest, if you have not already done so, getting your Helix 7 registered and a account set up with Humminbird.

    You will find all of the instructions listed there plus the customer help service will answer your questions.


    How do I go about registering the helix 7 and setting up an account?

    The only thing better than 1 day of fishing is 2 days of fishing.
    #19
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/02/22 21:38:29 (permalink)
    Panfisher


    How do I go about registering the helix 7 and setting up an account?



    PM sent.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #20
    LetMeBeFishing
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/12 13:25:20 (permalink)
    BeenThereDoneThat.
    Your gonna love that Helix. Best thing I've found. use the SI and DI in "known waters" to get a hang of what you see on the screen. Toy with the different screens in each fucntion also.

    Pay attention to mounting the transducer. Use an adjustable mount if your budget permits and keep the recommended distance(s). You will find the Side imaging can and will be affected by your motor. Also high speed readings will be radical if the transducer is not level and set at the correct height.

    Once the transducer is installed and correctly adjusted you only need spend as much time as possible using, learning and enjoying, your new sonar/gps.

    Congratulations and tight lines.

    Never knew about any adjustable mount. can you tell me where to gey one and mybe the make,model or Item number. I cant seem to be able to find one.
    Thanks 
    #21
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/12 14:54:42 (permalink)
    http://m.basspro.com/Sully-Transducer-Brackets-for-Outboard-Motors/product/387

    With all do respect, you might check with FishUSA first.

    OR Google "adjustable transducer bracket". You may find more mfgs. I know Cabelas did carry one.

    I'm on my phone so I copied the above link to give you get a better look at the brackets.
    post edited by BeenThereDoneThat. - 2017/03/12 15:01:56

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #22
    PArussian
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/12 17:47:18 (permalink)
    Just got a HELIX7 SI DI NAV PLUS . WITH GPS. AND NAVIONICS MAP CARD... Great price flash sale ..549 .00 Now. Need it instead...before I do that need to read how it works...should not be any trouble doing it... just have to do it and not be fishing lol..just more to look at....
    post edited by PArussian - 2017/03/12 17:48:59
    #23
    EMitch
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/16 12:27:15 (permalink)
    Guys, I just got a flyer in the mail from the Field & Stream Shop, (division of Dicks) and they have deals on these units right now. They're showin' the Lowrance Hook-7 as a bundle (lake insight card and sun cover), regularly $499.00 for $349.98.
    They have the Humminbird Helix 5 S.I., (that's side imaging, down imaging, GPS, temp, and speed) for $399.98, down from $499.99.
    They have the Humminbird Helix 7 w/S.I. as a bundle (the print is very small but I can see the Navionics card and can't make out the other thing with it). Normally $699.99 for $599.98. Neither 'Bird has GN2, (networking capability) that I can see. You only need that if you're using multiple units hooked together on the same boat.
    I think I'm gonna go with the Helix 5, 'cause I'm really disappointed with my 581D.I., which I'll move up front to the front trolling motor.
    I'd get in real trouble with Momma Bear if I hit the card for $600 bills right now, 'cause I only have about a hundred and a half in "MAD" money saved up.

    Never try to argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.
    #24
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/16 13:43:24 (permalink)
    C'mon, you want the 7 SI...... go for it! 😜

    Check the map offer thingy closely, mostly a rebate only if you buy the map from Navionics.

    Also check each map card mfgs. for purchases of separate lakes. Arthur and Pymatuning are offered as single buys for a fraction of what you'll pay for the cards having thousands of lakes you will never visit.

    Maps can be downloaded by 'puter directly to a mini SD card which you must first format using the Helix.

    I just found AutoChart Pro selling for $169.00 at HodgeMarine. Same program selling for $229.00 at other locations.

    AutoChart will take recorded information by the Helix and turn it into maps which can be viewed on a 'puter or the Helix.

    Don't know if that is possible with the 5.

    Go for it and tell the better half.... Jigs made ya do it! 😉
    post edited by BeenThereDoneThat. - 2017/03/16 13:47:12

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #25
    Bsapp15401
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/16 16:41:46 (permalink)
    BeenThereDoneThat.
    C'mon, you want the 7 SI...... go for it! 😜

    Check the map offer thingy closely, mostly a rebate only if you buy the map from Navionics.

    Also check each map card mfgs. for purchases of separate lakes. Arthur and Pymatuning are offered as single buys for a fraction of what you'll pay for the cards having thousands of lakes you will never visit.

    Maps can be downloaded by 'puter directly to a mini SD card which you must first format using the Helix.

    I just found AutoChart Pro selling for $169.00 at HodgeMarine. Same program selling for $229.00 at other locations.

    AutoChart will take recorded information by the Helix and turn it into maps which can be viewed on a 'puter or the Helix.

    Don't know if that is possible with the 5.

    Go for it and tell the better half.... Jigs made ya do it! 😉

    I have the original Helix 5 DI GPS, as long as you have a GPS version you can record and convert to maps using Autochart and Autochart Pro. The Difference in the two is the Autochart does only Depth Lines while Autochart Pro does Depth Lines, Bottom Hardness, Side Imaging Mosaic (If recorded with a SI Bird) and now with the new update Vegetation overlay (unsure if this is any bird or just DI or SI). I have been making maps for a couple of years now and I love it! Just purchased a 698ci HD SI Combo from Gander (in the end it will cost about $175) just for the SI for Autochart Pro!! However to support the Helix 7, the G2N comes with Autochart Live.....I wish I would have just went with the 9 when I got my 5 for the Autochart live feature. When you calculate the money for the Finder then the Autochart Pro software I wasn't very far off...   
    #26
    outasync
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/16 17:17:26 (permalink)
    I purchased the hook 7 bundle from cabelas at that price last month. Comes with the insight card with all the lakes on it. Can't wait to try it out
    #27
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/16 18:52:44 (permalink)
    Bsapp if you have any "how to" or "don't do" making maps, I'm all ears.


    Dave keep your eyes open on the water, rumor has it there's a new "Billy Big Boater" in the area with a big motor. lol

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #28
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/16 21:58:50 (permalink)
    Map purchase update.... 2gb SD Card to fit your machine that needs be "encrypted" by your Helix.

    Go to "Humminbird Chart Select" where you can search for a particular body of water, purchase and, download the map of your choice.

    Happy fishing 😉

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #29
    psu_fish
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    Re: Helix 7 fishfinder 2017/03/17 08:28:34 (permalink)
    I don't know how I make it using my older handheld GPS and my Eagle Fishmark 320 mono-chrome unit 
    #30
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