Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT

The HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT is one of the Humminbird portable fish finder and GPS combos released in 2017. The system basically includes the HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 unit, but comes with a suction cup transducer and also includes the portable case. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410260-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 256 color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: DualBeam Plus with SwitchFire
• Depth Capability: 1,500 feet (457 m)
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 200 kHz (175-225 kHz) / 20°
  • 83 kHz (75-95 kHz) / 60°
• Transducer: XNT 9 20 T
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10-20 VDC
• GPS: Internal
• Maps: Humminbird Basemap
• Portable kit: Included

Sonar & transducer

Since it’s a portable fish finder, the HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT comes with a portable version of the XNT 9 20 T transducer which has a transom mount but with a suction cup which allows quick installation and removal. The transducer also integrates a temperature sensor and has 20′ of cable.

The base operating frequencies of this transducer are 83 kHz and 200 kHz. However, the unit’s internal sonar uses CHIRP technology and can modulate the sonar pulse over a frequency range of 75-95 kHz instead of using just one 83 kHz frequency pulse, and respectively 175-225 kHz instead of 200 kHz. The unit also supports 50/200 kHz frequency transducers and can use CHIRP modulations of 28-75 kHz for deepwater scanning, or higher CHIRP of 130-250 kHz.

The CHIRP technology offers a better separation between targets. Therefore, the unit’s 2D CHIRP sonar makes it easier to distinguish between fish arches and vegetation. Also, the images appear clearer, with less unnecessary clutter.

The unit’s sonar is DualBeam Plus. This essentially means you can use both frequencies simultaneously in order to view and compare both the returns in a split-screen format. This being said, the unit also has the SwitchFire feature. This is basically a quick filter with two main modes: Max Mode and Clear Mode. In Max Mode, you can bring up all the sonar information on the display, in order to see any fish target. Conversely, the Clear Mode filters out most of the smaller targets focusing only on the biggest targets. This allows you to quickly see if any bigger fish were detected by the sonar.

The transducer uses two conical beams for the two main frequencies. Their coverage is 20° @ 200 kHz, and 60° @ 83 kHz. With this transducer, the system’s maximum depth capability is 1,500 ft (457 m) when scanning at 83 kHz. However, if the unit is paired with a 50 kHz capable transducer, its depth capabilities can reach 2,500 ft (762 m).

Most standard sonar features and functions are available with this unit. For example, the unit has the Selective Fish ID feature, Circular Flasher, Real-Time Sonar, Bottom Lock, Freeze Frame, Sonar Recording, Fish Alarm, Depth Alarm etc.

GPS & charts

All the new HELIX 5 G2 unit have been upgraded with the Humminbird Basemap. This chart database offers quite more information than the older UniMap chart base. They’re based on LakeMaster, NOAA charts, and other trusted sources. They provide depth contours, points of interest, nav-aids, and spot-soundings the entire U.S. coastline. They also cover more than 10,000 lakes.

The unit is compatible with various premium charts as well. For example, it can use LakeMaster, LakeMaster PLUS, SmartStrike fishing charts, Navionics Gold, and Navionics+ charts. On top of that, it also has the AutoChart Live feature which uses the 2D sonar and GPS data giving you the possibility to reveal the depth contours of the lake where you’re fishing and create richly detailed and personalized maps. The unit can save up to 8 hours of recording, but with an optional Zero Lines car,d you can expand the recording time exponentially.

The HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT unit is equipped with a 5 Hz internal GPS. This means it can provide position updates five times per second. Fixes can be enhanced by WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS. It can also calculate the speed of your boat.

The unit can save up to 2,500 waypoints, 45 routes and 50 tracks with up to 20,000 points per track. Each track can be converted into a route; you can add waypoints to it and re-trace it.

Control unit features

The HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT features a 5-inch 16-bit color TFT display, with a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. It provides very clear and sharp images for the charts and sonar and also has LED backlight which provides an excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.

It has a user-friendly interface, and as opposed to the older HELIX units, the G2 units have an improved view, with smaller digits that cover less of the sonar or charts view. It offers split-views of up to 2 panels per view.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. In other words, it can withstand rain, splashes, and even immersions in freshwater up to 1 meter.

The unit offers NMEA 0183 support. It also has a built-in microSD card reader with one slot. This way you can transfer data, save waypoints and sonar recordings, upgrade the internal software or add charts.

Since it’s a portable unit, the doesn’t have the Gimbal or the flush mount, but does include the protective case. A 7AMP hour AMG battery and a charger for the battery are included. The battery should last for at least one day of fishing if fully charged.

The Pros

• DualBeam Plus sonar with SwitchFire;
• CHIRP sonar technology;
• Powerful transducer (XNT 9 20 T), CHIRP capable and temperature capable, with transom mount;
• Depth capability up to 1,500 ft with the included transducer;
• Multiple sonar functions available, such as RTS, Bottom Lock, Selective Fish ID+, Alarms etc;
• Sonar Recording and Screen Snapshot functions;
• Precision GPS with MSAS, ENGONS and WAAS enhancing;
• Humminbird Basemap charts included;
• AutoChart Live included;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• 800 x 480 resolution, 16-bit color display, with LED backlight, providing clear images, easy to read even in direct sunlight;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• NMEA 0183 port;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Upgradable internal software;
• Portable case included;
• 7 AMP Hour AMG battery included;
• Charger for battery included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• No unit cover;
• Some units may still have the older UniMap charts, but you can always upgrade to Humminbird Mapping for free.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT is a portable fish finder and chart plotter. It has DualBeam Plus sonar, GPS, and the Humminbird Basemaps. It includes the XNT 9 20 T transducer which features a suction cup mount. It also has the AutoChart Live feature and is compatible with Navionics, LakeMaster and SmartStrike charts. Evidently, since it’s a portable unit, it includes a protective case, a battery, and a charger. It’s an excellent unit to have if you need to rent a boat. It’s also great for using on the ice. In all, it offers great value and versatility for the price.