Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G3N

Like all the other MEGA Imaging+ units, the HELIX 10 CHIRP MDI+ GPS G3N is one of the new units released by Humminbird in 2019. It basically offers the same features as the HELIX 9 CHIRP MDI+ GPS G3N but has a larger display, and a dual SD card reader, not microSD. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410880-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 10.1″ diagonal, 1024H x 600V pixel resolution, WVGA 16-bit color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP, CHIRP Mega Down Imaging+
• Transducer: Transom XM 9 HW MDI T
• Frequency and Coverage:
  2D Narrow Mode: 180-240 kHz / 25°
  2D Wide mode: 140-200 kHz / 42°
  2D Full mode: 150-220 kHz (adjustable) / 42°
  DI+: 435-535 kHz / 75°, 800-860 kHz / 45°
  MDI+: 1100-1200 kHz / 75°
• Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  Dual Spectrum CHIRP: 1,200 ft (365 m)
  DI+: 400 ft (122 m)
  MDI+: 200 ft (51 m)
• Power Output: 1,000 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20V DC
• Power Draw: 1.2 Amp
• GPS: Internal
• Cartography: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 47; 2,500; 50 (20,000 points each)

Sonar and transducer

As its name suggests, this Humminbird fish finder does not support Side Imaging or MEGA Side Imaging. In terms of sonar, it only has Dual Spectrum CHIRP and MEGA DI+. However, since it’s a G3N unit and has Ethernet capabilities, it supports 360 Imaging sonar.

The unit supports multiple base frequencies. These are 50/83/200/455/800 kHz and 1.2 MHz for MEGA DI+. It includes the XM 9 HW MDI T transducer which supports all the unit’s sonar types. It’s a High CHIRP transducer featuring 20′ (6m) of cable, a transom mount, and an internal temperature sensor.

With the included transducer, this Humminbird fish finder system covers a frequency range between 150-240 kHz for Dual Spectrum CHIRP. It makes available three modes; these are Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz), and Full Mode (150-220 kHz). The Narrow and Wide Modes have a fixed frequency interval, while Full Mode is adjustable. The (150-220 kHz) is the default value, but you can adjust the range between 140-240 kHz.

For Dual Spectrum CHIRP, the transducer uses conical beams. Their coverage is 42° for Wide Mode and Full Mode, and 25° for Narrow Mode. The greatest depth that this transducer can reach is 1,200 ft (365 m) when using Wide Mode.

In terms of Down Imaging, the unit can use either regular DI at 455 kHz (435-535 kHz ) or 800 kHz (800-860 kHz), or MEGA DI+ at 1.2 MHz (1100-1200 kHz). The transducer uses oval beams for all Down Imaging modes. Their coverage is 75° @ 455 kHz and 1.2 MHz, and 45° for 800 kHz. Also, the greatest depth that can be reached for Down Imaging, is when using the 455 kHz mode. With this beam, the system can scan depths up to 400 ft (122 m), while for MEGA DI+, the depth capability is 200 ft (61 m).

The unit makes available all the standard sonar features. The list includes Selective Fish ID+, SwitchFire, Circular Flasher, Real-Time Sonar, Bottom Lock, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm, Sonar Recording, and more. A Temperature Graph function is also available.

Navigation features

The Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G3N is equipped with an internal GPS receiver. It supports WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS for position augmentation. It has a GPS speed function as well. Plus, since it’s a G3N unit, it supports Radar and i-Pilot Link, in addition to AIS units and GPS heading sensors.

The unit has waypoint and route creation functions, and also trackplotting. You can save up to 2,500 waypoints, 47 routes, and up to 50 tracks with up to 20,000 points per track. Tracks can be converted to routes, so you can re-trace them and add waypoints to them.

The unit has the Humminbird Basemap as its internal chart platform. These charts are based on the NOAA charts, offering both in-land and coastal coverage for the U.S. waters. They cover more than 10,000 U.S. lakes and provide precise data for the off-shore U.S. waters, showing buoys, marinas, hazards, spot soundings, daymarkers, hotels, camping grounds, and more.

The unit is compatible with various premium charts as well. It supports LakeMaster charts, LakeMaster Plus, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, and SmartStrike fishing charts.

The AutoChart Live feature is also available with this Humminbird unit. This is a depth contour recording application similar to the Navionics’ SonarChart. It uses the 2D sonar information and the GPS information in order to reveal and draw the depth contours of the lake you’re scanning on the map. The unit can save up to 8 hours of AutoChart Live recordings, but you can always expand the recording possibilities with a Zero Lines contours card. AC Live also offers bottom hardness, vegetation data, and depth range shading features, so you can easily view the safest path for navigation.

Control unit features

This HELIX G3N unit features a 10.1″ WVGA display with a 16-bit color range and a pixel resolution of 1024H x 600V. It has LED backlight for superior readability even in direct sunlight; it also offers excellent visibility from sharp angles and if using polarized sunglasses.

The unit does not have touchscreen technology like the SOLIX units. It’s keypad operated. It has a fairly intuitive and easy-to-use interface. It is also IPX7 waterproof which means it can withstand rain, splashes, and other incidental water exposure.

Since it’s a G3N unit, it has Ethernet, NMEA 2000, and Bluetooth capabilities. Therefore, you can easily connect it to various other boat instruments. The Bluetooth connection allows you to sync your unit with your smartphone or tablet via the FishSmart app, in order to receive smart notifications from your phone. Plus, the unit is also compatible with the RC2 Bluetooth remote control which gives you the possibility to access and use most of the unit’s functions and applications from the distance.

As we’ve mentioned above, the HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G3N features a dual SD card reader (not microSD) like the smaller units. Therefore, you can use two extra chart platforms simultaneously, or a chart card and a data card for backup or sonar recording, without the need to continuously swap cards.

The included mount for this unit is the standard Gimbal type. The in-dash mounting kit is only optional. Also, it’s important to mention that all the unit’s cables are unified into one connector which makes it easier to disconnect/reconnect.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• CHIRP Mega DI+ sonar;
• XM 9 HW MDI T transducer included;
• Depth capability up to 1,200 ft with the included transducer;
• Multiple standard sonar features available, such as RTS, Bottom Lock, Selective Fish ID+, Alarms, SwitchFire, etc;
• Sonar Recording and Screen Snapshot functions;
• Precision internal GPS;
• Humminbird Basemap chart platform built-in;
• AutoChart Live;
• Supports Navionics+, Navionics Platinum, LakeMaster Plus, and SmartStrike charts;
• Route and waypoint creation functions;
• Trackplotting function;
• 10.1″ display, 1024 x 600 resolution, 16-bit color display, with LED backlight, providing clear images, easy to read even in direct sunlight;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• Supports Ethernet and NMEA 2000;
• Supports AIS and GPS heading sensors;
• Supports CHIRP Radar and Minn Kota i-Pilot Link;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the FishSmart App and the RC2 Bluetooth remote control;
• Dual SD card reader;
• Upgradable internal software;
• Gimbal mount included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• The in-dash mounting kit is not included;
• No unit cover;
• No trolling motor for the transducer;
• The Bluetooth remote is not included.

Summary

The HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G3N offers Dual Spectrum CHIRP and MEGA DI+ sonar, GPS, the Humminbird BaseMap charts, and includes the XM 9 HW MDI T transducer. It also has AutoChart Live and can support various premium charts from LakeMaster and Navionics. It’s a fish finder and chartplotter great for both in-land and off-shore fishing. It also offers superior connectivity features such as Ethernet, NMEA 2000 compatibility, and Bluetooth. It’s a versatile unit, great for a wide array of boats, and offers excellent value for the price.