Humminbird helix 7 si review

Our test

An experienced fisherman is worth two and he knows how to handle various equipment to make his fishing party a success. Among the most important equipment remain the sounder. This is an electronic device that can scan the bottom of the water and the marine environment for optimal fishing. The Humminbird Helix 7 sounder is one of the best models on the market. It is equipped with innovative technology to offer comfort, practicality and efficiency.

Humminbird Helix 7 sounder description

The Humminbird Helix 7 sounder is part of a long range of sounder of the brand. It comes in several versions to reach a wide audience. There are models of sounders only but also handsets that are both sonar, tracer and GPS for better efficiency on the surface and in the depths of the water.

Among the most sought after models are for example the sonar Helix 7 GPS, Helix 7 G2 SI, Helix 7 DI and many others. The GPS combined model offers you more than 50 tracks and 20,000 points per track. Some versions have a transverse probe when others do not have one. But most versions of the sonar Helix 7 have the following features:

Quick features

All versions of the Humminbird HELIX 7 sounder share most of the following features:

User friendly and convenient interface
7 inch 256 color TFT screen with a resolution of 800Hx 480V pixels
Compatibility with Navionics Gold
Water surface temperature integrated into the probe
bottom speed for combined GPS sonar
caliper or flush mounting
all models are available in with an optional probe

A panoramic screen

Unlike the Deeper sounder, the Humminbird Helix 7 sounder is distinguished by its convenient 7-inch panoramic screen that allows the display of 2 screens from different information that emanate from the echo sounder. The screen remains legible with impressive 8-bit colors, readable even in the sun with a LED backlight system.

Innovative technology

The Humminbird Helix 7 sounder is accompanied by CHIRP technology. Handset models include DI or Down Imaging or Side Imaging SI technologies that provide a true picture of the backgrounds you want to play.

CHIRP technology offers improved photographs. There is no ambiguity with this technology. You can clearly distinguish the arches that represent the predators and their prey that are trying to hide in the algae.

Thanks to the precision of the CHIRP, you perfectly distinguish the contours of the structures like a wreck, a cave or the hiding places to locate the fish. It also offers unparalleled precision by letting you choose the frequencies that allow you to see the most endless details.

This technology also makes it possible to identify more and more an object on the move from its departure to its arrival. It scans many frequencies to eliminate interference and information parasites.

An exceptional cartography

All versions of Humminbird Helix 7 sounder are equipped with an exceptional Gold mapping that includes the necessary information for navigation and fishing such as the level of the curves, the sectors of navigation lights, the shapes and symbols to facilitate the phases of navigation. approaches.

Polling points, tidal data, currents are also part of the information you can get from the Humminbird Helix 7 sounder. The bathymetric charts can be viewed in real time during navigation, or saved for later reference. They allow you to know in detail and to trace the most frequented places of fish as well as their environment.

The built-in bi-frequency sounder of 83 and 200 KHz, is equipped with a dual beam probe from 20 ° to 60 °. It allows to have at the same time an excellent precision on the relief of the bottom and a detection of the fish on a total coverage of 60 ° with an optimal range of 200 meters.

By using CHIRP modulation rather than a constant frequency over three ranges, the Helix 7 sounder offers exceptional frequencies at all depths. In this way, you can have up to 540 KHz, automatically selected according to the underwater environment and the depth

A micro SD plotter card

This model is equipped with a micro SD card and can receive Navionics Gold cards that enhance the functions of a plotter. The integrated GPS provides a precise position at 3 meters that will detect the abundant areas of fish and memorize them for later reference.

Compatibility

Most models of sonar or Helix 7 handsets are compatible with a Bluetooth application that allows you to connect them with your Smartphone to read or exchange information in real time.

Some versions of the Hélix 7 series

To maximize your chances of catching fish or to make fishing successful, here are some models of the Humminbird Helix 7 series fish finders most used by fishermen

The Helix 7 GPS G2N handset

This is a product that has a 2D CHIRP digital sounder, coupled by an internal GPS antenna that stores 2,500 navigation points, 45 tracks and 50 tracks of 20,000 points.

This model has a feature named Auto Live Chart. It allows you to record up to 8 hours of bathymetric mapping but also to display in real time (in online mode) the cartography, the hardness of the bottom and the vegetation. By adding a zero line card, it is possible to increase the recording capacity of the device up to several days. This version also has a Bluetooth module that can display some information from your smartphone such as calls or SMS …

The Helix 7 G2N DI Handset

This model has the same features of the previous version Helix G2N. In addition, it has CHIRP technology on the legendary Down Imaging technology. This technology gives you a glimpse of everything that’s happening on your boat. Incredible images are created with high frequency sound waves.

Down Imaging technology provides an X-ray image of the background through two systems:

Down Imaging 455 kHz / 800 kHz technology
Dualbeam Plus 455 kHz / 200 kHz technology

The Helix 7 G2N SI Handset

This handset also has a CHIRP digital sounder on the three 2D technologies, Down Imaging and Side Imaging. It offers more performance and an optional speed sensor. This model offers a real plus for the detection of fish stations or for the identification of submerged structures such as wrecks, caves or fish hiding places. It can also detect underwater vegetation and distinguish algae from other plants for example.

The Humminbird Helix 7 sounder is a powerful device that you can use in fishing or in a simple expedition on the water aboard a boat, an inflatable kayak 3 places, a canoe … Combined with a GPS or plotter it allows for more precise and clear information during navigation or fishing. This is a worthwhile investment that you will not regret.

Summary:

Same as the HELIX 7 HD Handset with the extraordinary Side Imaging technology for a very wide fishing area survey and a photographic quality background image.

7 “widescreen TFT 256 Color Full Sun LCD.
Very high definition screen 800×480 pixels.
GPS multifunction handset / 2D echo sounder.
Side Imaging Technology (SI) 455 kHz: 2 x 86 °.
Down Imaging (DI) technology 455 kHz / 70 °
Dualbeam Plus 200 kHz / 20 ° and 83 kHz / 60 ° technology.
Peak power 4000 watts (500 W RMS).
Shortcut keys.
IPx7 sealing.
WAAS internal GPS antenna.
Micro SD card reader.
Navionics Gold compatible.
Ability to take screenshots.

Technical characteristics :

Characteristics of the probe:

– 200 KHz / 20 ° @ 10db

– 455 KHz / 2 x 86 ° @ 10db

– 800 KHz / 45 ° @ -10db

– 83 KHz / 60 ° @ 10db

Integrated cartography: Contour of the coasts
Waterproof: IPx7
Card reader: Yes
French menu: Yes
Number of beams: 2
Total sweeping width: 180 °
Quick assembly / disassembly system: Yes
Card type: Navionics GOLD SD
Number of navigation screens: 2
Screen Type: TFT Color
Diagonal screen: 7 “panoramic”
Number of traces: 50
Target separation: 6.5 cm
Number of points per Trace: 20000
Standard Probe: Rear Panel (TA) (SH-A06T)
Number of Waypoints: 2500
Screen resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Water temperature (T ° C): Yes
Number of roads: 45
Number of colors: 256
RMS power: 500 W
Through-Tube (TR) Plastic: Option (SH-B06T)
Power (Peak): 4000 W
Dimensions on support: 175 x 190 x 114 mm
Recessed dimensions: 175 x 137 x 32 mm
Installation kit: Option (SW-T700)
GPS interface: Yes
NMEA0183 Output: Option (AS-HHGPS)
Power supply type: 10 – 20 VDC external
Gross weight: 2.35 Kg

GPS function:

Arrival alarm
Drift alarm
Off-road alarm
Card reader
Road projection line
North map orientation
Map to destination orientation
Road plotter

• GPS speed

Sonar functions

Low battery alarm
Temperature alarm
Fish alarm
Alarm depth
Pause
Bottom lock
Screenshot
Giant figures
Customizable data
Split screen with 2 frequencies
Customizable screen
RTS window
Noise filters

Fish ID
Fish ID +
Fishloc
History of navigation data
Structure ID and Inverse
Navionics Card Reader
Gray line and white line
X-Press Menu
Integrated simulator
Echo Enhancement Sonar
Selection of displayed colors
TruArch technology
Water temperature
Direct access key
Scroll speed

Optional surface speed
Speed background
Zoom on the bottom

In the box :

Handset screen
Fixing bracket of the screen
Transom Probe (TA)
Probe clamp
12Vdc power cord