Best bow mounted finder for my current set up - network?

I currently have Humminbird 998c SI on the console. Going to start spider rigging and want a unit on the bow. Have Minn Kota 112 riptide Ulterra. I am considering a Helix 7 or 9. Primarily concerns are 2D (what I best understand at this point) and GPS for contour maps, way points etc. DI would be a plus as I want to learn to use it in the future.

Would like to be able to see what is under the bow and not just the back of the boat which is where my curent transducer is mounted.

From what I can gather it is difficult to mount a transducer on my TM...

My limited understanding is that my current unit is network capable via ethernet, and that there is a transducer built into my TM??

If in my shoes what would you suggest?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Best,

Tru

If you plan on networking you will need to go with the Helix 9 as the Helix 7 will not be capable of networking. This is a post that Rickie posted awhile back about the two Helix units and I am sure he can tell you even more about them. You may want to wait awhile also as Humminbird is coming out with a new version of Helix's Mega's with even better pictures.

"HELIX 7 SI GPS ...:

*1 SD Card slot ...
*No preset buttons ...
*Not Ethernet capable ...
*Not RC-1 remote compatible ...
*Navionics +Platinum not supported ...
*Cannot utilize 800kHz imaging frequency of XHS 9 HDSI 180 T upgrade xducer ...
*Not AS GPS HS antenna compatible ... (Well not plug and play anyway - but cut and splice) ...

HELIX 9 SI GPS ...:

*2 SD Card slots ...
*3 preset buttons ...
*Ethernet capable ...
*RC-1 remote compatible ...
*Autochart Live built in ...
*Can utilize 800kHz imaging frequency with XHS 9 HDSI 180 T upgrade xducer ...
*AS GPS HS antenna compatible ...

Rickie"

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/side-down-imaging/342362-humminbird-mega/

I would add that the new HELIX 7 G2N will have networking ... and Autochart Live ...
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Dedicated DI on the TM is very advantageous for many methods of fishing at the front of the boat ...

In the previous HELIX units this will require a HELIX DI unit to get dedicated DI on the TM ...

In the new HELIX series, there are still dedicated DI units ... but there are also new HELIX G2N units in 9", 10" and 12" that will have dedicated DI in the same xducer with SI and 2d ...

Many options now for users ...

http://www.humminbird.com/Freshwater...tyle/HELIX_FW/

Rickie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

I would add that the new HELIX 7 G2N will have networking ... and Autochart Live ...
-----
-----

Dedicated DI on the TM is very advantageous for many methods of fishing at the front of the boat ...

In the previous HELIX units this will require a HELIX DI unit to get dedicated DI on the TM ...

In the new HELIX series, there are still dedicated DI units ... but there are also new HELIX G2N units in 9", 10" and 12" that will have dedicated DI in the same xducer with SI and 2d ...

Many options now for users ...

http://www.humminbird.com/Freshwater...tyle/HELIX_FW/

Rickie

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Will Helix network with a 998 Rickie??

what are my options for transducer @ bow with the Ulterra?

If I went with one of these new units would you put it on bow or move 998 to bow and new unit at console?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

Will Helix network with a 998 Rickie??

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Yes but it will only share Waypoints, Accessories, and "like" Sonar technologies (can't view dedicated HELIX DI on the 998 SI) ...

Rickie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tru3vol

what are my options for transducer @ bow with the Ulterra?

If I went with one of these new units would you put it on bow or move 998 to bow and new unit at console?

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Minn Kota built-in US2 is 2d only ...

There are brackets to mount most any xducer to the foot of the TM ...

998 SI does not do "dedicated DI" ...it is computer generated from the SI data ...

A dedicated DI option at the TM is advantageous for most fishing methods ...

Rickie

OK so after looking at the mounting options for the Ulterra that is not a route I want to go.

what I am thinking is Helix 9 combo hooked to US2 in trolling motor and ethernet to the 998.

this would give me 2d at bow, maps, and if I wanted I could view DI/SI data from the 998 via network. this is assuming I bought a SI Helix.

If my understanding is correct then I would likely buy the Helix 9 gps combo and would have 2d (what I use primarily due ton lack of experience with DI) at bow and maps. Those are my 2 primary wants at this point.

Thoughts? Am I missing something or making a mistake in going this route?

I'm also open to moving the 998 to bow and buying a new unit for console...

But I definitely don't want to mess with mounting hardware for Ulterra transducer. So whatever I do will need to utilize US2 and my current SI ducer on rear of boat.

I really like my 858 CI HD. Good size screen and can hook up with your console unit with Ethernet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It is my understanding that a xx9 series or larger - HELIX 9 Sonar G1 (or larger) - or a HELIX 7 Sonar G2N or larger can show SI/DI from the 998 SI ...

The 998 will need version 6.640 or higher ...

Rickie