Humminbird Helix 2D Sonar Settings, Images, & So Much More!!!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- This detailed video on 2D sonar will help anglers, especially new Humminbird Helix users, get the most out of their unit. A comparison between 2D dual beam and dual spectrum chirp is included. 2D beams are also compared to down and side imaging beams. Learn more about fish arches and interpreting sonar images plus check out actual on the water images. Settings are discussed in great detail as well as selected sonar tab features including clear mode/max mode, structure ID and many more. Learn how to avoid some common mistakes new users often make. If you make some of these mistakes, you will be shown how to restore defaults which will often get you back to a properly functioning Humminbird Helix. Humminbird Helix tips are abundant in this in depth video!
Steve, I have searched for two years for an instructional video of this quality on 2D sonar!!! I had almost given up and stumbled upon this video. I made notes and can't wait to get out and start using the information. I really appreciated the thorough review and detail. GREAT JOB!!!
Raymster, your comments made my day! I worked harder on that video than any of my other videos! When someone notices your hard work, it is truly appreciated.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 OBTW I subscribed as soon as I finished the video. I'm one of those older guys that needs a lot of detail and this video delivered perfectly!
That’s awesome, thank you Raymster, hopefully you find my other videos helpful too. I have DI, SI, M360, and MegaLive settings and images videos similar to the 2D one you watched. I also have videos on how to use the Helix buttons.
So many here have said it and I will repeat it. Hands down best Helix tutorial on TH-cam. Thank you,thank you, thank you.
Thank you Michael, your kind words are very much appreciated! I know my videos are long but I try to be as thorough as I can so that Humminbird users have a clear picture/summary of the video topic.
New to this site. Very well explained and easy to follow tutorials! Great job.
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated, and glad you found the videos helpful.
Absolutely best helix instruction Ive found. Thanks Steve
You’re quite welcome and thank you for sharing your kind thoughts. I put a lot of time and effort into making that video and it’s rewarding when you know people appreciate the video content.
You have the BEST instructional videos I've fond. Your very hard work is appreciated so much, thank you!
Thank you for your supportive comment, what a great way to start my day! 😊
This one of the best videos for information on 2d that I have watched , thanks because I just got a boat with hummingbird on it and this really helps
Thanks for the kind words, your comment is very much appreciated!
thank you Steve; Just want to give you a big thank you for this video and your explanation. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who has struggled with the Hummingbird Helix. You have helped so much..
You’re quite welcome Galen. There’s always a learning curve! It won’t take you long to get used to using your Helix.
It’s funny that when you buy a boat, that’s rigged with a new Hummingbird or other brand depth finder, the sales people have no clue how to show you how to work it! My boat was the first photo ever purchased and I had no clue how to use this equipment. Your video Steve is amazing.
You are so soft spoken you remind me of Mr Roger's and that is a good thing 😊
Thanks Eric, I will definitely take that as a compliment!
Thanks Steve. You bring so much to setting up my Hummingbird depth finder helix great video👍
Thanks Malcolm, I spent a lot of time making this video and comments like yours are very much appreciated. 👍
Steve, I have a mega g3 si helix 7 that I am playing with in simulation mode because it is too hot to be out on the lake. Thank you so much for this video. It has really helped an old man get more familiar with unit.
That’s awesome Bill, your kind words made my day, thank you.
Steve, I just found your video on SI Settings, and found so very informative, so I subscribed to your channel, and now have viewed your 2D Settings Video. Your videos are far more informative and helpful compared to other videos I have reviewed, including Hummingbird's produced videos. Being able to following along with your simulation presentations, with my Helix 7 unit, was extremely helpful. Thank You for your excellent work.
Thank you David for your kind and thoughtful words. I am always so appreciative when I hear people have tuned in and learned from my videos. It validates the time and energy I put into making the video. I worked the hardest on making my 2D video! It always means so much to me hearing positive comments. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.
Wow Thank you I am learning so much about my unit from you. Well done Steve.
Thank you Tom, your kind words are much appreciated!
Great video. I really enjoy your teaching method. Thank you so much!
Thank you for the teaching compliment! I definitely try my best to teach people to get the most out of their electronics.
I bought my 1st ever fish finder, a Helix 5 DI/G2 and tht makes the learning process confusing enough (newbie). But then the Humminbird manual is for ALL Helix units, which have different buttons, different features and functions, etc. So, I have to try to weed thru info on TH-cam videos, tossing out anything on side Imaging or any of the other features I DONT have, (no glossary iin the manual) etc. I can't find a chart anywhere that shows all the Humminbird models, and what features they have or don't have! Anyway, some bloggers speak to experienced users, talk fast, skip quickly along. I like that you move methodically, thoroughly showing which buttons to hit, so I can begin to visualize the way the internal menus of the machine are set up. Good info, thank you.
Thank you Roy! I truly appreciate your thoughtful words.
Well done teacher keep them coming. Thank you!!
Thank you Roger, I appreciate the kind words and I am starting to work on the next one.
Very very informative, keep them coming!
Thanks Lee, I have other similar videos for 2D, DI, SI, Mega 360, and MegaLive on the channel Steve Chiasson Fishing plus lots of other videos.
Very informative. Your presentation is clear and concise - thank you.
Thank you John, I appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for this video! I learned some things I never knew before!
That makes me happy Scott when people learn new stuff from my videos. Thanks for the kind words.
Steve, great videos, I am spending some dreary winter days watching them all, and making notes. I am sure I will soon be getting better information from my Helix units. I certainly have learned a lot from your videos already.
Thank you so much Terry, you made my day with your kind comments!
Great video. Very detailed!
Thanks John, with 2D being a familiar topic, I wanted to do a deep topic dive to have something for everyone.
Great help u make it easy catching a lot more now
Thanks David, I am glad you found the video helpful and appreciate you sharing your kind words.
Congratulations Steve 👏 Thanks for the info 👍
Thank you Ed and you’re quite welcome!
Great Video, Thanks. I always learn something new.
Awesome, that makes me happy. Thanks for the kind words.
Steve, as usual a very informative video. You have done a fantastic job explaining pretty well everything on the 2D sonar. Only little thing to remark about is when you set your lower limit on depth, there is an M which shows up beside that depth. I believe that M represents the depth control is in memory. I find if your fishing 30-35 fow for SMB you might want to cut off the top 5-10 ft. as your not interested in anything close to surface, and set your depth down to about 40-45 ft. so that you increase the pixels and get a much clearer picture of what's going on near the bottom. In the views section there are many listed. Perhaps a video on what is really necessary, vs. the few which you MIGHT use once in a while, like zoom and double zoom of bottom. Went thru my snap recordings and found I had 62. Had never set this up to occur. When I hit mark, I sometimes get readings of s000004 snp and so on. Found out this was recording a snapshot, which wasn't my intention. When I hit Mark to set a waypoint I don't get all the screens which you brought up. Congrats on achieving the first 1000 subscribers. I'm sure your site is going to expand more.
Thank you Brian, I sincerely appreciate your feedback. I did not notice the M and will check it out.
Without your help, was almost impossible for me to buy my hummingbird helix 15 and the connections for my Minnkota Ultrex, I pilot Link thank you for your help. I’m in Mexico in the north part in Monterrey city and I fish in a spectacular Reservoir call el cuchillo
Thanks for sharing your kind words Carlos. I am happy my video helped you.
just outstanding 👏 very informative thanks
You’re quite welcome Horace, thanks for taking the time to share your kind words.
Best video ever thank you sir!!!
Thank you so much Brian. I worked harder on that video than any other so it means a lot to me when people notice and appreciate the video. 😊
Steve, Thank you for a very informative video on 2D Sonar. This is one of the best videos I've seen so far. Liked the demonstration with the hose nozzle to show the cone angles!! 👍👊Question: You are doing this in simulation mode, so does this change the settings for the normal mode or do you have to go out and set them when you're out on the water? Thanks for the help!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!! Happy Easter!!
Happy Easter 🐣, the settings will stay when you switch to normal mode.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks for the quick response. Much appreciated!!!!
Great Video Thanks for Sharing it
You’re quite welcome Paul, I appreciate you taking the the time to share your kind thoughts.
This was Great thanks....had my unit a long time and still learned a bunch. My biggest problem is down image...my lake is max 14 ft deep and that is only main basin lake is 46 acres. They put green dye in it. So I have no confidence in anything but Crankbaits or moving baits. My down imaging is horrendous just looks like millions of debris dots.
My down imaging video is my most popular on my TH-cam channel. Please check it out, sensitivity and contrast are your most important adjustments. Contrast adjustments especially should help clear up your image.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 will check your video out, also went out today, did your trick on refund transducer, and changed colors on down imaging to colors I would never use on other lakes I go to, kinda almost black and white, and contrast and sensitivity....down imaging much better.
That’s awesome, so glad you are getting better images!
If u go to default settings for 2D sonar will it erase your waypoint also ?As many have mentioned XXX video on hummingbird helix it has a lot of menu options thanks for clarifying! Best tutorial I’ve found 👍
Thank you for the kind words. It’s always a good idea to back your waypoints up to a sd card. Restoring defaults should not erase your waypoints.
Thanks for your expertise
I appreciate your kind words Jonny, thank you.
And thanks for this video I’m new to this and your video has helped me tremendously . I’ll be watching all of your videos. Thanks again
That’s awesome Jerry, thanks for the kind words and enjoy the videos 😊
Hey this is an amazing video. I appreciate the work you put into it.
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words.
Great instructions
Thanks Mark, your kind words are much appreciated.
Thank you for video. 😊
You’re quite welcome.
Interesting note. If you have a Gen 2 Helix Mega si (I believe 9" or bigger, not the 7"), you can use a Gen 3 Mega+ transducer and get the dual spectrum 2d sonar. You will not get the + si or di though. You must update to newer softare and select the HW mega si+ transducer.
Awesome thanks for sharing
What a great video !!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your kind comment. I really worked hard on that video and it’s rewarding when your hard work gets recognized.
Hi Steve,
Very informative video, thanks so much.
Maybe you can help me? Have asked two other TH-camrs and they said they would, but never did.
I would like to see a step by step video on how to mark a waypoint, more importantly how to get back to that waypoint. Would be good if someone would throw out a marker buoy, then mark that location with a waypoint. Go down the lake and show us on a video how to return.
Hope this isn’t too much to ask, but would be very much appreciated. 👍
Thanks Vicki and Marv for the kind words. Hopefully I can do that video for you. Our season is winding down here in Ontario so a limited # of days on the water left. I still plan on doing a “Mark” button video and “Go To” button video as part of my playlist. Those two videos will have what you’re looking for. In the meantime, go to my channel, Steve Chiasson Fishing and watch the zoom in, zoom out keys and you will see a sneak preview of how to use the go to button to get back to a waypoint that I marked as a random example of how to get back to a waypoint.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks for the quick reply, appreciate you sharing this information.
Hi Steve. I just found your channel and have nothing but thanks and respect to you for providing such an in-depth, easy to follow tutorial on the Helix units. I have a Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N. I have been experiencing a fuzzy return on my screen and found out via another TH-cam channel that my transducer was tilted up a bit too much. I have readjusted it to a couple clicks down and am wondering if you think this should sharpen up my images? One other question: as I watched this video, it appears that you have more menu options under each menu category than I have. Are the number of options based on the model unit with the bigger screens having more setting options? Thanks in advance for any advice. You have another big fan!
Thanks Sox4Life, your thoughtful words are very much appreciated. Adjusting the transducer angle should help with your images. To maximize your options, hit menu, menu, go to set up tab, scroll down to user mode, switch angler to custom mode.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 yes, I have been in custom mode based on other TH-cam videos I have seen. I still feel like I have limited menu options compared to a lot that I see on different videos, including yours. I just wonder if it’s because I have a helix seven, and it doesn’t have as many features as the bigger screens?
What example is your second item under sonar on your video is DI display frequency. My second item on my unit is Imaging CHIRP. Display frequency. I do not have the DI display. Frequency option.
I keep my units up to date with software updates so that could be an explanation for why I have more or different options. A Helix 7 G3N is not compatible with MegaLive whereas the G4N will do MegaLive so there’s different possibilities to explain options.
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens th-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
Question: Is the RTS window showing what is going on directly below the transducer or at the leading edge of the sonar radius?
Yes, RTS, real time sonar is directly under the transducer/most recent reading.
Discovered your channel this morning. Thanks for this detailed info! I have a transducer question (or 2). Ill be adding a high speed, 2D xducer to my Helix 9 mega si, gps using the appropriate Y cable. Can i assume that i just leave my sonar transducer selection as is? And using the new xducer, do you know if settings will need to change? I realize these questions will kinda be answered when i get the new xducer hooked up. Maybe you have a video on running a two transducer setup and what if anything might change.
You’re welcome JD, lots more Humminbird videos on my channel. Yes just leave your transducer selection, when you run at high speed it will pick up the 2D transducer from the y cable connection.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks much! I have been browsing your playlists, etc. Will check out some of em for sure
As far as 2D settings go, sensitivity and contrast are generally the “go to” adjustments needed.
Can you use the simulation whilst your boat in in the Garage and not over water without damaging the Transducer
Yes, it will not damage the transducer. At shows, all the demonstration units are placed in simulation mode at the beginning of the day and run that way.
Very informative. I have one question. If you are anchored or ice fishing in a static location, what chart speed do you recommend?
Thank you Harry, Humminbird would recommend a low chart speed because you are not moving. I generally just leave mine at 10 that way if I am running from spot to spot it works best (over 10 mph) so that’s the best chart speed I can get. My advice would be to play with chart speed next time you’re anchored and see what you think. Remember that adjustable wrench 🔧, it’s quick and easy to change and you will see what’s best for you. When I am ice fishing the quicker speed let’s me see what happened a little quicker. As much as I am fixated on the RTS window, I still like seeing the bigger picture too. The rule of thumb is to match the chart speed to the boat speed. For me, I like the higher chart speed.
This is the unit I have.
859 ci HD sonar GPS down imaging
Helix units came after the 859 series.
Sorry just read the earlier comment.
GREAT :)
Thanks for the supportive comment 👍
👍
Hi Steve I am having a problem setting up my views and putting my picks on the 3 quick buttons on the bottom.. it's not the same menu that comes up as in your videos. When I go through the views I can't find any of DI/sonar views. Way to many chart views and other systems views. I did not get a manual when I got the boat. No just sonar views that I can find. I don't know why they don't show up in the menu.
As far as I know you press and hold the buttons just like Helix, I had a 958 and 959 units and they were press and hold too. In case you haven’t seen this one
th-cam.com/video/by5OwxaZWUQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_cbwoUbjQGHJCYxc
In the views menu what are your suggestions.
I generally stick to the basic 2D view. I do adjust the bottom range and sometimes the upper range as well to enhance the image. I have down imaging, side imaging, Mega 360, and MegaLive so I keep 2D pretty basic.
What is Imaging+ presets??? And what is better for me to use in 40-70ft of water depth FULL or WIDE (i have H10MSI+ g3n)
Personally I haven’t used the imaging + presets. It is an option that is explained in this video. th-cam.com/video/3UYjxBhC0YA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=gZsELE0mfWmZXR_Z
Try full or wide and see what looks better to you. It’s a personal preference.
Steve,
Is there a way to make the RTS window wider? And if you set up the unit in simulation will it retain the settings when you use the unit?
My apologies for taking so long to reply. I try to get back sooner but I wanted to access my units to verify. On my Helix G2N at current 2.280 update it does not allow me to expand RTS window. On my Helix G4N at update 2.800, there is no option to expand RTS window either. I do remember being able to expand the RTS window in the past but I believe it was in ice fishing mode or on my older units.
Your settings made in simulation mode carry over to normal mode in my experience.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks that's exactly what I needed to know.
I just purchased a new Hummingbird 411450-1 Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N. Unit is being installed on my 24 foot striped bass deep V center console fishing boat, replacing an old 2010 Lowrance 10" unit. I've never used a Hummingbird unit, always Lowrance, going back to 1970s. At age 75, I'm still learning, but everything I read recommended Hummingbird. I have much to learn, now a starting novice, even though I've been an avid bass and striper fisherman since teen years in 1960s. I much appreciate your instructional videos.
If you have any suggestions for this new Helix I just purchased, I'm be most grateful. I want to combine mapping, fish finding, and also learn side view application. Learning lakes is essential, by use of detailed mapping, GPS waypoints, along with detailed fish finder. Side view is totally new to me, never used this before. I also prefer to use two or three screens, simultaneously, side my side, when cruising around large lakes, looking for structure, hazards, and fish.
On my channel, Steve Chiasson fishing, I have videos on all the Helix button functions. I also have videos, like the 2D one you watched, on side imaging, down imaging, Mega 360, and MegaLive. I am confident they will help you with your Humminbird Helix units.
Side imaging is a key tool finding fish and structure!
What color palette do u like best
Hi Bill, Colour palette 1 is what I use most often but I really like 5 too.
I have the Helix 5, not installed yet. Can both panes be active so you can run your chart as a navigation tool and the left so you can see whats going on under you at the same time?
@@davidwelday3276 you can run both at the same time, no problem, but only one active pane at a time.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 hope it holds up better than my Lowrance Hook 2, it didn't even last a season and it went totally whack on me and I've tried everything. This will be a better unit anyway with mapping built in instead of using my phone. I don't even fish, but I like the data and the visuals
@davidwelday3276 with the map, you can use Autochart to map your own contour lines too. You’ll enjoy your Helix.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Its awesome, Im very impressed with it
My question is if you change the settings in the simulator does it save the settings in running mode?
It will save the settings. Keep in mind that you will have to adjust on the water for different lakes and conditions but it’s generally a good starting point.
Why not leave the 2d in combo? What's the point of choosing wide mode? Narrow mode I understand.
Personal preference, just trying to show the available options.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 I was just wondering. I'm gonna leave mine on the combo mode. Might as well. Lol
I just got my Helix 9 MDI+ g4N GPS today.
How do I get back to a waypoint after I save one. Can you show me how . I have a helix 10 gen 4
th-cam.com/video/tc55Og2wn_w/w-d-xo.html
Have you watched my video linked above, marking and navigating to a waypoint?
Need help with a solid 15 can't get the 2d to work
Solix
Can you give me a little more information? Does 2D show up at all or is the image not clear?
Hey Steve did you play pro hockey ?
Hi Michael, I did not play pro hockey. Unfortunately the NHL player, Steve Chiasson, died in an automobile accident. We both fished a celebrity pro bass tournament in Ontario, with many joking they should have paired us together. I was hoping to meet him there and, tragically, I believe it was the following year, he had that horrific accident.
Steve I’m learning dome much from you and Bob from holding the line can I call you sir
Hi Curtis, thank you so much for the kind words. It’s always rewarding when you know your efforts get noticed and appreciated.
What fish finder would you recommend for fishing in rivers
I prefer the Humminbird Helix series. It really depends on your budget and what features you want and will use. At minimum, I would go with a sonar/gps unit. Down imaging will help you interpret your sonar images. Side imaging units will allow you to scan areas and learn more about the river and lakes. If you want to upgrade to things like Mega 360 and MegaLive then you need to make sure units are compatible.
You think the Helix 7 would be good I have a 10 foot John boat
I use a Helix 5 on my kayak and it works well. Nobody ever regrets going to a bigger unit. The Helix 7 will definitely work well on a small John boat.
Ok thanks for the info
How do I find which transducer I have
There may be a label on the transducer cord . If it’s got “hw” in it, it’s a dual spectrum chirp. Humminbird Helix G3 and G4 comes with the dual spectrum chirp.
My Helix 8 has 3 presets. Just curious what you recommend ie. SI, DI and map? I am not a bass fisherman, but target species such as striped bass, puppy drum, speckled trout, sheepshead and white perch. Thanks!
I like a 2D/Map for running, 2D/DI/ Map fishing, SI/Map for scanning would be my 3 presets.
Thanks again!
Way too complicated fish finders for most folks, have busy lives not much time to master these things, how wide a 2d shot in 20' ?
Similar to phones these days, you will use what you are comfortable with and go from there. The width of the shot depends on the cone angle you are using. The narrower the cone angle the less width the 2D cone will cover, conversely the wider the cone angle the more area your sonar will cover. For example, the older 20 degree cone angle would cover about 7’ of the bottom in 20’ of water versus the 60 degree cone angle would cover about 20’ of the bottom. The newer dual spectrum transducers use 25 and 42 degrees cone angles.
Seeing your reply’s to comments, shows “hide reply”. What gives?
Thanks for the heads up Zeke. If that’s the case it’s definitely an error. I will look into it. Much appreciated!
At a quick glance on my phone, I don’t see anything that says my replies are hidden. I will check on my computer at home. Comments and questions are always welcome and appreciated.
Thanks again Zeke, problem should be fixed now.
Arch length has nothing to do with size. Arch thickness and color do.. The color in the middle of the arch has nothing to do with the position of the fish. Full arches or partial arches tell you more about position of the fish under the boat.
Thanks for the feedback David. I neglected to mention thickness of the arch in arch size but it is certainly a factor in my thoughts even though I only mentioned length.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876, I have done a little research on my own and found that I was partially wrong and you were partially right. The color does have something to do with the position of the fish under your boat. Sorry for my uninformed post.
I believe arch length is more about screen speed to boat speed.
@@ZZ430T56, I agree!
get to the point sooner, 5 minutes is way too long for your introduction
I try to be thorough with my videos. Yes I could be quicker in my delivery and more concise but I have had many supportive comments, especially from new users, that people appreciate not leaving out the small details. I do appreciate your comment. My last video on MegaLive Update 1.170 has a title slide so the introduction is right there. Similarly, I am planning on releasing a video Friday that has a title slide as well.
GREAT VIDEO. JUST SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR CHANNEL
Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your kind words!