Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N

As opposed to the HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3 that we’ve already covered here, the G3N offers several extra features. For example, it supports 5-port Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Radar, i-Pilot Link, and 360 Imaging. But other than these, it’s pretty much the same unit. It also includes the new Dual Spectrum CHIRP transducer. For reference, this is the Humminbird fishfinder part number 411060-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA 16-bit color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP
• Transducer: Transom XNT 9 HW T
• Depth Capability (with the included transducer): 1,200 feet (365 m)
• Frequency and Coverage:
  Narrow mode: 180-240 kHz / 25°
  Wide mode: 140-200 kHz / 42°
  Full mode: 150-220 kHz (adjustable) / 42°
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20V DC
• Power Draw: 800 mA
• GPS: Internal
• Cartography: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 45; 2,750; 50 (20,000 points each)

Sonar and transducer

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N has only one type of sonar, this being Dual Spectrum CHIRP. It does not support Side Imaging or Down Imaging but does support 360 Imaging, so you can pair it with an AS 360 transducer via Ethernet.

This HELIX unit supports the same base frequencies (50/83/200 kHz) as the older HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2N but offers different CHIRP intervals. For example, it has three available CHIRP modes. These are Full Mode (150-220 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz), and Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz). The Wide and Narrow modes have fixed intervals, but the Full Mode is adjustable. You can basically set the desired CHIRP interval if you’re using it. It’s best to use the Narrow Mode if you want to benefit from maximum detail, and the Wide Mode if you need extra coverage.

The box includes the new XNT 9 HW T transducer which has a transom mount. It features 20 ft. (6 m) of cable and also integrates a temperature sensor. This transducer supports all three CHIRP modes we’ve mentioned above. It uses conical beams with a coverage of 42° when using Full Mode or Wide mode, and a coverage of 25° when using Narrow Mode.

The system’s depth capability with the included XNT 9 HW T transducer is 1,200 ft (365 m). This stands for the Wide Mode, and freshwater. But nonetheless, it paired with a 50 kHz capable CHIRP transducer, it should be able to scan depths up to 3,500 ft (1,066 m).

The unit offers a wide array of standard sonar features. Even though it has different sonar than the older G2 units, it still has the SwitchFire feature. This is a type of filter that allows you to switch between a Max. Mode (for full sonar information) and a Clear Mode (for minimum clutter and focus on the biggest targets). It also has the Selective Fish ID feature, Real-Time Sonar, Circular Flasher, Bottom Lock, Sonar Recording, various alarms, and more.

Navigation features

As its name suggests, the unit is equipped with an internal GPS system. It can provide position enhancements via WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS. It also has a GPS speed function, which basically allows the unit to calculate the speed of your boat through the GPS system.

The unit offers waypoint creation, route creation, and track recording functions. It can save up to 50 plotted tracks in its memory, with up to 20,000 points per track. Each track can be converted into a route, or you can create a route between several waypoints that you’ve already marked. You can save up to 2,750 waypoints in the unit’s memory using various suggestive icons, and up to 45 routes.

The internal chart base is the Humminbird Basemap. These charts offer U.S. coastal and inland lake coverage. For saltwater, they are based on the NOAA charts offering plenty of data for the whole U.S coast including hotels, marinas, hazards, buoys, daymarkers, spot soundings and much more. For freshwater, they cover more than 10,000 lakes with depth contours, points of interest, and other navigation aids.

Although the Humminbird Basemap platform provides decent detail, you can always upgrade to Navionics or LakeMaster. The unit supports Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, LakeMaster, LakeMaster Plus, and SmartStrike fishing charts.

Another extremely useful feature available with the HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N is AutoChart Live. This application uses the 2D sonar and the GPS information to reveal and draw the depth contours of the body of water where you’re fishing as you sail your boat. This way, if the current charts don’t offer satisfying coverage for your lake, you can create your own fishing chart. The unit can save up to 8 hours of AutoChart recording, but you can also opt for a Zero Lines microSD card to expand your recording possibilities.

As we’ve mentioned above, since it’s a G3N unit it supports CHIRP Radar and Minn Kota i-Pilot Link. It can also display data from AIS units and supports external GPS heading sensors.

Control unit features

The HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N has a 7″ LCD display with adjustable LED backlight, a 16-bit color range and a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V. It is also IPX7 waterproof, which means it is designed to support incidental water exposure and even quick immersions in freshwater up to 1m.

The unit’s interface is keypad operated. It has integrated Bluetooth technology though, which allows you to operate it from distance via an RC2 remote control. You can also sync it with your smartphone via the FishSmart App, in order to get notifications and use other features.

In terms of networking, the unit is Ethernet and NMEA 2000 capable. This gives you the possibility to connect multiple fish finders in order to transfer data or share transducers, upgrade to add-on technologies such as Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, 360 Imaging transducers, or CHIRP Radar.

The unit has one microSD card slot. Therefore, you can upgrade your charts, or use a blank microSD card for data backup, data transfer, or even update its internal software. You can also update the unit’s software (if needed) by using the Bluetooth connection.

Like most other Humminbird fish finders, this HELIX G3N unit comes with the standard Gimbal mount. An in-dash mounting kit is also available, but not included. A unit cover is also not included.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• XNT 9 HW T transducer included;
• Depth capability up to 1,200 ft with the included transducer;
• Supports 50 kHz;
• Multiple sonar functions 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 included;
• Supports Navionics+, Navionics Platinum, LakeMaster Plus, and SmartStrike charts;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• 7″ display, 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 output;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the FishSmart App and the RC2 Bluetooth remote control;
• Supports Radar and i-Pilot Link;
• Supports 360 Imaging sonar;
• Supports AIS an GPS heading sensors;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Upgradeable internal software;
• Gimbal mount included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• The in-dash mounting kit is not included;
• A unit cover is not included.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N is a fish finder and chartplotter featuring Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, GPS, Humminbird Basemap, and AC Live. It includes the XNT 9 HW T transducer. Since it’s a G3N unit, it supports Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Radar, 360 Imaging and i-Pilot Link. Although it does not have Side Imaging or Down Imaging, it’s a fairly decent unit, great for both freshwater and saltwater.