Which bow mount, SI or DI to complement MEGA 12 SI unit?

I'm narrowing down my electronics, and need clarification for decisions I've got to make soon.

Purchased a new 2017 RT188C two weeks ago, and the Trolling motor supplied is the Minn Kota Fortrex 70.

Keep in mind this is a two phase process:

Phase 1 is console and bow mounted GPS/fish finding units. Ready to "pull the trigger" NOW, and very excited to do so.

Phase 2 is the Ultrex/Terrova trolling motor with spot lock feature (Haven't researched enough to make a determination on which one.... I just GOTTA HAVE that spot lock feature!:notworthy) And perhaps... the HB 360. This phase will be accomplished sometime mid February of '18.

Console has been determined, HB Helix 12 MEGA SI G2N.

I had intended to run the Helix 10 MEGA on the bow... but ran into a snag. The transducer WILL NOT FIT on the current Fortrex! The measurement on the bottom of the tm from the skeg to the prop is approximately 7". The transducer on the MEGA is 8"!

Learned this during a conversation with Brian @ BBG.

His suggestion was to go with the Helix 10 SI GPS (Gen1) at the bow. Says the units will inter phase with each other, no problem.

I questioned him about the SI vs DI. He said the Helix 10 DI GPS (Gen1) would be acceptable, as well.

I've recently learned that the SI must be "moving" to process the data image.

My thought process is such...

I use the "big MEGA unit" at the console to actually locate the fish, and the smaller unit up front to "stay on" the found fish. Wouldn't the DI be better suited for this purpose?

Keep in mind that I'm not a trolling fellow (yet, anyway) as I prefer to find them & fish over them.

So, for the dock shooter/ brush pile jigger..... which is better, the DI or SI?

Any help or insight would be appreciated!!!

Decisions, decisions!

:scratchhead Beavz

I've seen reports of some notching the skeg on the TM for the MEGA xducer to fit ...
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Keep in mind HB will be releasing MEGA DI units this fall ...

This may be important because MEGA (1200kHz) will not share to any HELIX G1 unit ... (455kHz/800kHz DI/SI will share) ...

And CHIRP imaging from a MEGA unit will not share to any HELIX G1 unit ... (Fixed frequency imaging will share) ...

And CHIRP 2d from a MEGA unit will only share with a HELIX 12 CHIRP G1 unit ... (Fixed frequency 2d will share) ...

Rickie

I think I would still get a Helix SI Mega unit for the bow. That way you have MEGA and a dedicated DI, SI, and 2d all in the same transducer. Get you a different transducer, for now, that works with the unit and will fit on the existing trolling motor. Then when you get to phase 2 and get a different trolling motor, you can just put the Mega transducer on it and be set. Then sell the other transducer that you were using to get by with. Can possibly pick up a used transducer somewhere here or there if you look around.

I have a Helix 12 Mega and a Helix 10 Mega. However, I like the 10 at the console where it is close to my face and I have the 12 at the bow because the bigger screen is easier to see details on while standing up or sitting back spider rigging. Just my opinion though.

Thanks Rickie.... I'd never considered notching the skeg, that's a great idea!

Yea, Sly... I'm thinking I want to stay with the G2N. I'd not realized that you could put a different transducer on the unit (and save the skeg notch.) I don't know if I'll sell the original TM, or just keep it as a back up... (If notched, very little resale value.)

Problem is... I'm SO NEW to this technology, that I don't even know the questions to ask. It's a bit overwhelming... but it's slowly making sense (I'm kinda slow, but once I've "got it," it's locked in!)

Thanks for the ideas, fellers!

Beavz

Edit....
Just checked... the current TM is a Maxxum 70, not Fortrex.

BEAVZ,I FISH BP AND DOCKS AND I MUST SAY THAT THE ULTREX WITH CABLE AND SPOTLOCK IS THE BEST FOR THIS,AS FOR FRONT DEPTH FINDER ,A GOOD DI AND 2D AS BIG AS CAN AFFORD THAT IS NOT TOO BIG FOR BOAT IS BEST WAY FOR FRONT UNLESS YOU ARE PLANNING ON TROLLING,AND AS FOR DI WHILE SETTING OVER BP IT STILL WILL DO A GOOD JOB OF TELLING FISH FROM PILE AFTER YOU LEARN IT ,YOU CAN ALSO SEE FISH ON EDGE OF PILES WHILE 2D MAY NOT SHOW IT.IF I WERE TO PUT SI ON FRONT ,THE UNIT WOULD HAVE TO HAVE DEDICATED DI OR I WOULD NOT DO IT,HAD A 998 UP FRONT ,NO TRUE DI, SO I GAVE IT TO GRANDSON AND WENT BACK TO DI AND 2D UP FRONT

genec,

I really appreciate your input (as well as the others,) as that's my method of fishing for crappie.

I've finally "seen the light" as to the placement of the larger unit. :banghead I now understand, and can see why I'd want it on the bow. Especially when I add the 360 in a few months.

I've received a diagram via pm that I originally resisted, because of my reluctance for the larger unit up front. You fellows made me think through the process, and I guess you could say..... I've come "full circle." (And he was right, all along!):ThumbsUp

Helix 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N for the console.

Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N at the bow.

Thanks to all who've contributed. Now to get it all ordered, and determine mounting methods!

There's a wealth of knowledge on this board, thanks to all for helping us newbies out!

Beavz

Unless you are planning to fish behind your trolling motor, save your money on the Mega up front anwd just mount a 83/200 on the trolling motor. Mega or not, DI is a razor blade thin cone looking straight below the trolling motor. The returns your see on the screen is what you have already passed. Unless you are fishing out the back of the boat they are useless while fishing. We scout with DI and SI and mark points of interest on the map. If you are gonna buy a 360, you have to have a 83/200 for depth and gps puck anyway.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Yep...

Mega (DI) isn't available at the moment, but will be soon.

Front unit ordered is the Helix 12 CHIRP DI G2N... I'm anticipating receiving the units early this next week in the hopes of installing latter in the week...

I feel like a 7 year old the week before Christmas!!!! Can't hardly wait! :ThumbsUp

SEMO,HE SAID HE FISH BP AND NOT TROLLING,IN SPIKE OF WHAT MANY THINK THE DI UP FRONT WITH 2D IS GREAT FOR THIS,I FISH BP AND DOCKS ,NO TROLLING, I SEE FISH IN PILES AND SIDE THE PILES ALL THE TIME ,MANY TIMES WITHOUT 2D SEEING IT,THE THIN SLICE BEAM IS WIDER THAN 2D AND WILL PICK UP FISH ON SIDE OF BP AND BY TURNING TM ONE CAN TELL WHICH SIDE FISH ARE ON,WOULD HATE TO BE WITHOUT DI UP FRONT

Haven't seen any posts here or other forums on preorders for the new MEGA DI units but may be possible with some of the board sponsors. But would recommend sticking with two MEGA units as they will share better with each other and newer than the G1 units which adds service life. Wish I had waited about 3mos before updating my electronics...LOL