Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N

The HELIX 12 CHIRP Mega DI GPS G2N is one of the first MEGA Imaging units released by Humminbird. It is also one of the discontinued Humminbird fish finders as by now it has been replaced by the G3N unit. It basically offers the same range of features as the HELIX 10 CHIRP Mega DI GPS G2N. However, it has a wider display with a higher pixel density. For reference, this is the Humminbird fish finder part number 410520-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 12.1″ diagonal, color TFT 16-bit, 1280H x 800V pixel matrix, and LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum 2D CHIRP, MEGA Down Imaging
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 2D CHIRP: 140-200 kHz/42° and 180-240 kHz/25°;
  • Down Imaging: 455 kHz/75°, 800 kHz/45° & 1.2 MHz/45°
• Depth Capability:
  • 2D CHIRP: 1,200 ft. (366 m)
  • DI (455 kHz): 400 ft. (122 m)
  • MEGA DI: 125 ft. (38 m)
• Transducer: XM 9 MDI T
• Power Output: 1000 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• Power Draw: 1.2 Amps
• GPS: Internal
• Charts: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 47; 2,500; 50

Sonar and transducer

The Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP Mega DI GPS G2N includes the XM 9 MDI T transducer. Needless to say, this is a Mega DI capable transducer, but also supports normal Down Imaging and 2D CHIRP sonar.

For the 2D CHIRP mode, the unit’s sonar offers a frequency range between 140-240 kHz. For this range, the transducer can use two conical beam. One is Wide – 42°, in a 140-200 kHz range, the other is Narrow – 25°, in a 180-240 kHz range. The maximum depth capability for the 2D CHIRP sonar can be achieved with the wide beam, and can reach up to 1,200 ft (366 m).

For Down Imaging, the transducer uses thin beams, but with a wider coverage. For Mega DI, the beam provides the highest resolution; it has a coverage of 45° and a depth capability of 125′ (38 m). For the regular DI at 455 kHz, the transducer uses a 75° beam with a depth capability of 400′ (122 m). And finally, the transducer can operate at 800 kHz as well, as an alternative to Mega DI.

The unit itself supports multiple frequencies, including 50/83/200/455/800/1200 kHz. For its 2D sonar, it supports dual spectrum CHIRP. In other words, if used with a 50/200 kHz transducer, it can use both 50 kHz and 200 kHz beams simultaneously and you can view the results in split-screen format. With an optional 50 kHz transducer, this fish finder system should be able to scan depths up to 3,500 ft (1066 m). Also, the unit is compatible with 360 Imaging transducer and supports 360 Imaging sonar.

Needless to say, the unit offers the full range of standard sonar features. To begin with, it has the Selective Fish ID+ function and SwitchFire. Selective Fish ID+ is a 2D sonar view that replaces the fish arches in the standard sonar mode with fish icons. It can also display the depth of each fish icon next to it. SwitchFire is a quick filter that allows you to alternate between a Clear Mode and a Max. Mode. The Clear Mode filters out all the clutter leaving only the bigger targets on the display. Conversely, in Max Mode, the unit will bring on the display all the sonar data provided by the transducer.

Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind features are available as well. This being said, the unit gives you the possibility to record and scroll back through the sonar history in case you want to review a certain spot. This way, you don’t have to turn the boat around in order to re-scan that particular area.

Among other standard sonar features, we can count Real Time Sonar (RTS), Circular Flasher, Structure ID, Bottom Lock, Sonar Zoom, and more.

GPS, charts, and other navigation features

The HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N is equipped with a 10 Hz internal GPS. This means it can update your position 10 times per second, showing the movement of the boat on the map in real-time, without lag, or jumping from a point to another. It can also offer enhanced fixes by using the WAAS, EGNOS or MSAS satellites. The GPS system can also calculate the speed of your boat which can be toggled on the unit’s display.

The unit can save up to 2,500 waypoints and 47 routes in its memory. It can also save up to 50 recorded tracks with up to 20,000 points per track. Each track can be converted into a route; you can add waypoints to it, etc.

In terms of charts, the unit is equipped with the Humminbird Basemap bundle. Although these are not premium charts, they’re still a considerable improvement over the previous ContourXD chart base. They’re based on LakeMaster, NOAA and other trusted chart sources and provide an impressive amount of information, including nav-aids, depth contours, various points of interest, spot soundings and more. They also cover more than 10,000 lakes.

Of course, this Humminbird unit supports various premium charts including LakeMaster charts, Navionics Gold, Navionics Platinum, and SmartStrike fishing charts. Future updates will also add compatibility with C-MAP charts.

In terms of dynamic mapping, the unit has the AutoChart Live feature. AC Live uses the GPS and 2D sonar information to give you the possibility to reveal the depth contours of the area where you’re fishing and draw them on the map. Since it’s a G2N unit, its AC Live offers vegetation and bottom hardness features. The unit can save up to 8 hours of chart recording, but you can considerably increase the recording possibilities with a Zero Lines chip, which provides a blank map platform, ready to be filled in with depth contours.

The unit’s navigation capabilities don’t end here. It supports Radar units, AIS units and also offers Minn Kota i-Pilot Link compatibility.

Control unit features

This Humminbird fish finder and chartplotter unit has an LCD display, 12.1″ in diagonal, with a 16-bit color range, and a pixel matrix of 1280H x 800V. It has integrated, adjustable LED backlight, which considerably improves its readability even in direct sunlight. The unit is also IPX7 waterproof; in other words, it can withstand incidental water exposure and even immersions in freshwater.

The unit has a user-friendly interface. It does not have touchscreen technology, though; the navigation and usage of its functions are done via the keypad on the right. It does have Bluetooth technology though. Not only that you can sync it with your phone in order to view notification on its display, it’s also compatible with the Humminbird RC2 Bluetooth remote control. This remote has several keys and gives you the possibility to use several functions from distance.

Needless to say, the unit is networkable, compatible with a 5-port Ethernet switch. This way, you can interlink various other fishing and navigation instruments, such as Minn Kota Talon, i-Pilot Link, CHIRP Radar, or a deployable 360 Imaging transducer. It’s also NMEA 2000 compatible.

The unit features a dual SD card reader (not microSD). This way, you can use a charts SD card and a data SD card simultaneously, without the need to continuously swap them.

Last but not least, the box includes a unit cover. The included mount is a gimbal-type, but there is also the option of an in-dash mounting kit.

The Pros

• CHIRP Dual Spectrum Sonar and MEGA Down Imaging;
• MEGA DI transducer (XM 9 MDI T) included;
• Depth capability up to 1,200 ft with the included transducer, great for inland fishing, and even for shallow off-shore fishing;
• Multiple sonar functions available, such as SwitchFire, Selective Fish ID+, Bottom Lock, Mark Structure, Real Time Sonar etc;
• Sonar Recording and Screen Snapshot functions;
• Precision GPS with MSAS, ENGOS, and WAAS enhancing;
• Humminbird Basemap charts;
• AutoChart Live with Bottom Hardness and Vegetation features;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• Large, 12.1″ display, with a 1280 x 800 pixel matrix, and LED backlight for a better reading in direct sunlight or at night;
• AIS, i-Pilot Link, and Radar capable;
• Bluetooth wireless control capable;
• You can sync the unit with your phone as well via Bluetooth, in order to view smart notifications;
• LakeMaster, Navionics, and SmartStrike capable;
• Ethernet and NMEA 2000 ready;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• SD card reader (2 slots);
• Upgradeable internal software;
• Unit cover included;
• Gimbal mount included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• RC2 Bluetooth remote control is not included;
• In-dash mounting kit is not included.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N is a fish finder and chartplotter unit, featuring Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, MEGA DI, internal GPS, Humminbird Basemaps, and AutoChart Live. The MEGA DI transducer is also included with the unit. It’s Bluetooth control capable, offers superior networking possibilities (NMEA 2000, Ethernet) and is compatible with various external modules such as Radar, AIS or i-Pilot Link systems. In all, it’s a highly versatile unit, fitting to a wide array of boats, offering an excellent price/value ratio.