Hummingbird Helix Ice transducer questions?

dfrobert · #1 12-01-2019, 01:55 PM

Looking at turning my Helix 7 first generation into an ice unit and have a couple questions.

Firstly what ice transducer does a guy need for the first generation Helix models?

Also, anybody running something similar on the ice and have any tips or settings they care to share?

Thanks in advance.

calgarygringo · #2 12-01-2019, 05:22 PM

xi 9 20 is the one for the early Helix models. Yes it works great. I made a bit of a stand mount and have it fitting in a backpack with the battery so it is all in one piece and well protected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfrobert

Looking at turning my Helix 7 first generation into an ice unit and have a couple questions.

Firstly what ice transducer does a guy need for the first generation Helix models?

Also, anybody running something similar on the ice and have any tips or settings they care to share?

Thanks in advance.

th3count · #3 12-01-2019, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfrobert

Looking at turning my Helix 7 first generation into an ice unit and have a couple questions.

Firstly what ice transducer does a guy need for the first generation Helix models?

Also, anybody running something similar on the ice and have any tips or settings they care to share?

Thanks in advance.

xi 9 20 works but prepare to be disappointed, I ended up building a jig and using the one that came with the unit as it works a lot better.

dfrobert · #4 12-01-2019, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by th3count

xi 9 20 works but prepare to be disappointed, I ended up building a jig and using the one that came with the unit as it works a lot better.

Where was the ice transducer lacking?

HappyHunter · #5 12-01-2019, 06:45 PM

If you are indeed looking at purchasing the xi 9 20, Cabelas north has one in the bargin cave for 85$. Looks like damaged packaging. Thought really hard as I just upgraded to a gen2 so I need to find a 9 21.

I have a 9 20 on a old 343c and no issues. I did connect it to the first gen helix 5 and it did read but I never tested in water for accuracy.

HH

dfrobert · #6 12-01-2019, 06:52 PM

Thanks happyhunter for the heads up.

th3count · #7 12-01-2019, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfrobert

Where was the ice transducer lacking?

I found the resolution and beam width were not as good. I am assuming this is because the ice ducer does not support the same frequencies or the dual beam frequencies of the stock transducer.

I have an H5DI

calgarygringo · #8 12-01-2019, 07:57 PM

It is not the same transducer so the same results should not be anticipated. Different width, 2d for basically depth and mark fish only. Dont need much more for ice if you set it up properly. If you want it to be the same then as described make a . And run the summer ducer. Just make sure it is always level for proper readings. Gps and mapping still all works like on the with either ducer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by th3count

I found the resolution and beam width were not as good. I am assuming this is because the ice ducer does not support the same frequencies or the dual beam frequencies of the stock transducer.

I have an H5DI

th3count · #9 12-01-2019, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calgarygringo

It is not the same transducer so the same results should not be anticipated. Different width, 2d for basically depth and mark fish only. Dont need much more for ice if you set it up properly. If you want it to be the same then as described make a . And run the summer ducer. Just make sure it is always level for proper readings. Gps and mapping still all works like on the with either ducer.

For a single hole it works fine, Me and buddy try to share the ducer and set it up in the middle,. our holes are 8' apart on the shack so depending on depth we can can barely see both hooks

calgarygringo · #10 12-01-2019, 08:49 PM

About how deep are you fishing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by th3count

For a single hole it works fine, Me and buddy try to share the ducer and set it up in the middle,. our holes are 8' apart on the shack so depending on depth we can can barely see both hooks

th3count · #11 12-02-2019, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calgarygringo

About how deep are you fishing?

12-15' on the narrow beam, the resolution on that ducer with the wide beam is trash.

calgarygringo · #12 12-02-2019, 03:08 PM

Remember most flashers that have dual beam are running about a 10 and 20 degree angle. The bird is running at a 20 and 60 degree cone angle so huge difference. Wide beam at that depth will be way outside your fishing area and narrow probably more correct for that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by th3count

12-15' on the narrow beam, the resolution on that ducer with the wide beam is trash.

SamSteele · #13 12-02-2019, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calgarygringo

Remember most flashers that have dual beam are running about a 10 and 20 degree angle. The bird is running at a 20 and 60 degree cone angle so huge difference. Wide beam at that depth will be way outside your fishing area and narrow probably more correct for that.

The XI 9 20 is a 20/60 degree cone. This is the ice transducer for the G1 and non CHIRP units. The XI 9 1521 for the G2 CHIRP units is 15-21 degree cone.

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