Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP GPS G3N

The Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP GPS G3N offers similar sonar, navigation, and networking features as the HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N. However, it has a larger display with a richer pixel matrix and also has a dual microSD card reader. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410810-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 8″ diagonal, 1024H x 600V pixel resolution, 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: 1000 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20V DC
• Power Draw: 1 Amp
• GPS: Internal
• Cartography: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 45; 2,750; 50 (20,000 points each)

Sonar and transducer

The HELIX 8 CHIRP GPS G3N supports three base sonar frequencies, these being 50/83/200 kHz. But as opposed to the older HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2N which has DualBeam Plus sonar, this unit is equipped with Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar. This type of sonar is a bit different than for the older unit. It offers three main modes, these being Full Mode (150-220 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz), and Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz). The Wide and Narrow modes are fixed, operating in the mentioned frequencies. However, the Full Mode is adjustable, allowing you to select a desired CHIRP interval within the maximum range (140-240 kHz). The (150-220 kHz) is the default value.

The unit comes with the new XNT 9 HW T transducer which supports all the modes of the unit’s sonar. It is a plastic transducer featuring a transom mount, 20′ (6 m) of cable, and an internal temperature probe.

The transducer uses conical beams for all the sonar modes. For the Wide and Full modes, the beam coverage is 42°. For the Narrow Mode, the beam coverage is 25°. The maximum depth capability of this Humminbird fish finder with the included transducer is 1,200′ (365 m). However, if you opt for a 50 kHz capable transducer, the system’s depth capabilities can reach 3,500′ (1,066 m).

The unit has Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind functions. But in order to use these, a data microSD card must be inserted into the unit. The SwitchFire feature is available as well. This gives you the possibility to select between Clear Mode if you want to eliminate all the clutter and focus on the biggest targets, and the Max. Mode, if you want to view all the sonar information on the screen. Other features available with this unit are Selective Fish ID, Real-Time Sonar, Bottom Lock, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, and more.

Navigation features

Like most other G3 units, the HELIX 8 CHIRP GPS G3N is preloaded with the Humminbird Basemap platform. These charts are based on the NOAA official charts and offer inland and coastal coverage. The inland coverage comprises more than 10,000 lakes with 1′ contours and other information such as navigation aids, docks, camping grounds and other points of interest. For saltwater, the Humminbird Basemaps cover the whole U.S. coast, offering plenty of data with regards to marinas, hotels, buoys, daymarkers, spot soundings, hazards, and more.

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

The AutoChart Live feature is also included. This application uses the sonar information and the GPS data in order to draw the depth contours of your lake on the map. Therefore, if your current charts do not offer satisfying detail and information for your lake, you can also create your own personalized maps for your favorite fishing spots.

As its name suggests, the unit has internal GPS. Evidently, it can show the coordinates of your location or of any other point of interest. It can provide enhanced fixes via WAAS, EGNOS, or MSAS. It can also calculate the speed of your boat.

Waypoint creation, route creation and trackplotting features are available as well. You can save up to 2,750 waypoints in the unit’s memory and choose from a large database of icons to make each waypoint more suggestive. You can record up to 50 tracks with up to 20,000 plots per track, and save up to 45 routes, with up to 100 waypoints per route.

The unit can display data from AIS units and support external GPS heading sensors. However, like all the other G3N units, it also offers Radar and i-Pilot Link support.

Control unit features

The Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP GPS G3N is a keypad control unit. It does not have cross-touch technology like the SOLIX units. It does have a user-friendly interface which can be easily customized.

The unit’s display is 8-inch in diagonal, with a pixel matrix of 1024 x 600, which is considerably more than for the 7-inch unit. Therefore, the unit provides sharper images for the charts and sonar applications. It also has adjustable LED backlight offering excellent readability even from sharp angles up to 80°.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. This means it can withstand incidental water exposure such as rain or splashes. It should also withstand immersions in freshwater up to 1 meter.

Like all the other G3N units, this one offers superior networking capabilities. It is Ethernet and NMEA 2000 compatible, and therefore, it can provide data from various other navigation instruments such as CHIRP Radar, AIS units, etc. Plus, it has wireless connectivity. It is compatible with the Bluetooth remote control RC2, so you can control it from distance. You can also sync it with your smartphone via the FishSmart app. This way, you can benefit from smart notifications from your phone on the unit’s display, download charts, get software updates and more.

A dual microSD card reader is available with this unit. This can be quite a plus as it offers the possibility to use two different chart sources, or a chart microSD card and a data microSD card for data backup, without having to continuously swap cards.

Finally, the unit includes the classic Gimbal mount. A unit cover and an in-dash mounting kit are not included, though.

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;
• 8″ display, 1024 x 600 resolution, 16-bit color display, with LED backlight, providing clear images, easy to read even in direct sunlight;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• NMEA 2000 and Ethernet capable;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the FishSmart App and the RC2 Bluetooth remote control;
• Supports Radar and i-Pilot Link;
• Supports AIS and GPS heading sensors;
• Dual microSD card reader;
• Upgradeable internal software;
• Gimbal mount included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• The in-dash mounting kit is not included;
• The unit cover is not included;
• The Bluetooth remote control is not included.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 8 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. It is Ethernet and NMEA 2000 capable and thus it supports Radar, and i-Pilot Link. It also has wireless connectivity and a dual microSD card reader. Although it does not have Side Imaging or Down Imaging, it’s a fairly decent unit, great for both freshwater and saltwater.