Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2

The HELIX 5 DI G2 is a newer version of the HELIX 5 DI model. The two units are very similar, but the newer G2 unit features a smaller, friendlier interface. This Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 is a fish finder only unit. It does not have a GPS plotter and does not support charts. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410200-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, color TFT 16-bit, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, with LED backlight
• Sonar: DualBeam Plus, Down Imaging
• Depth Capability:
  • DualBeam Plus: 600 feet (183 m)
  • Down Imaging: 350 feet (106 m)
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • DualBeam Plus: 200 kHz / 28° and 455 kHz / 16°
  • Down Imaging: 455 kHz / 75° and 800 kHz / 45°
• Transducer: Transom XNT 9 DI T
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• Power Draw: 650 mA
• GPS: No
• Maps: No
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: No

Sonar & transducer

The HELIX 5 DI G2 has two types of sonar, traditional DualBeam Plus, and Down Imaging. It supports three frequencies, these being 200/455/800 kHz. It comes with the XNT 9 DI transducer which supports all these three frequencies. This transducer also integrates a temperature sensor; it has a transom mount and 20′ (6 m) of cable.

With the included transducer, this Humminbird fish finder system can use two conical beams for the traditional sonar. Their coverage is 28° @ 200 kHz, and 16° @ 455 kHz. And since its the DualBeam Plus sonar, it can run both these frequencies simultaneously and you can observe the sonar returns in split-screen. Also, the depth capability of the 2D sonar is 600′ (183 m).

For Down Imaging, the system can also use two sonar beams, but very thin fore-aft, not conical. Their side to side coverage is 75° @ 455 kHz, and 45° @ 800 kHz. The depth capability for the Down Imaging sonar is 350′ (106 m).

This fish finder does not have CHIRP sonar technology. However, it does provide pretty crisp images with a target separation up to 2.5″ (6.3 cm).

The HELIX 5 DI G2 offers most standard sonar features available with the more expensive units. To begin with, SwitchFire and Selective Fish ID are available with the DualBeam Plus sonar. SwitchFire is a quick filter which gives you access to a Clear Mode and a Max. Mode. The Clear Mode removes most of the clutter and insignificant targets, leaving only the biggest targets on the display. This way, you can immediately see the bigger fish. Conversely, Max. Mode brings on the full information provided by the transducer, showing even the smallest targets.

Selective Fish ID (photo above) is a sonar mode also available only for the DualBeam Plus sonar. This function essentially replaces the targets interpreted as fish, with fish icons. You can also set it up to show the depth of each fish target right next to it.

Bottom Lock, Real Time Sonar, Mark Structure, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, and several other functions are available. However, the unit doesn’t have Sonar Recording. It also does not have Screen Snapshot and Temperature Graph.

Control unit features

The HELIX 5 DI G2 is equipped with a 5″ LCD display, with a 16-bit color range. It has a pixel resolution of 800 x 480 which means that the images are very condensed and sharp. It also has LED backlight which considerably improves its readability in direct sunlight.

It has the G2 interface which is slightly different, more user-friendly than the interface of the first generation unit. It does not have touchscreen technology; its usage and navigation through the menus can only be done from the keypad on the right.

A classic Gimbal mount is included with the unit. However, there is also the option of an in-dash mounting kit. The box does not include a unit cover.

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit does not have GPS and charts, and cannot be upgraded with any GPS and charts. It’s also not networkable; it does not have an Ethernet port, does not support NMEA, and does not have a microSD (or SD) card reader. It’s pretty much a standalone fish finder.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. This means it can resist incidental water exposure, rain or snow, and even immersions in freshwater.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 is a fish finder only unit without any navigation functions. It offers DualBeam Plus sonar and Down Imaging sonar. It includes the XNT 9 DI T transducer which is capable of 200/455/800 kHz, and depths up to 600′. It’s an affordable fishfinder system, great for inland and off-shore fishing, perfect for a wide array of boats.