Humminbird HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N

The HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N is one of the Humminbird fish finders released at the end of 2017. This particular model is no longer available. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410500-1. Also, a new version is available, this being the HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G3N.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal, color TFT with a 16-bit color range, 800H x 480V 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: 1,000 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• GPS: Internal
• Charts: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 45; 2,500; 50

Sonar & transducer

As we’ve mentioned above, this Humminbird fish finder is capable of multiple base frequencies, including 50/83/200/455/800 kHz and 1.2 MHz. Its sonar is CHIRP enhanced, which means that the sonar pulse is modulated over a range of frequencies rather than using just one frequency. This results in crisper images, less clutter, and a better target separation.

The unit comes with the XM 9 MDI T transducer which is capable of a CHIRP range between 140-240 kHz for the unit’s traditional sonar, while for structure scanning, it supports Down Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging, at 455 kHz/CHIRP, 800 kHz/CHIRP, and 1.2 MHz/CHIRP. The transducer also integrates a temperature sensor. Of course, it’s a CHIRP transducer and can modulate the sonar pulse over a specific range of frequencies in order to provide clear images, with less clutter, and a better bottom lock. This transducer also has 20 ft. (6m) of cable and has a metallic transom mount.

For its CHIRP Dual Spectrum Sonar, the transducer can use a Wide Beam and a Narrow Beam. The Wide Beam is 42° @ 140-200 kHz, while the Narrow Beam is 25° @ 180-200 kHz. A Full Mode is also available which allows you to adjust the frequency range between 140-240 kHz. The maximum depth capability of this Humminbird fish finder with the included transducer is 1,200 ft (366 m) and can be achieved when using the 200 kHz CHIRP mode.

For Down Imaging, there are three main frequencies available for this system, these being 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1.2 MHz (MEGA). The 455 kHz offers a wide angle beam with a coverage of 75° and a depth capability of 400 ft (122 m). The 1.2 MHz is the MEGA DI beam which has a coverage of 45° and provides the highest resolution and image sharpness. This beam has a depth capability of 125 ft (38 m). And there’s the 800 kHz frequency which is an alternative to the 1.2 MHz, offering the same depth capability and coverage but with a less sharp imaging. It may be useful if you want to save battery. All Down Imaging beams are fan-shaped, approx. 1-2° fore/aft.

In terms of sonar, the HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N is also capable of 360 Imaging. However, in order to use this type of sonar, a 360 Imaging transducer (not included) is required.

Just as many other Humminbird fish finders, this unit offers the full range of basic sonar features and functions. To begin with, it has the Selective Fish ID+ mode which replaces the fish arches with fish icons, making them easier to distinguish from other targets. When using this standard sonar view, you can view the depth of each fish target displayed close to it.

Since the unit is capable of DualBeam Plus sonar, the SwitchFire feature is available. This is essentially a quick sonar filter which allows you to swap between a full sonar information view and a clear view which eliminates most of the targets and clutter, keeping only the bigger targets.

Sonar Recording and Sonar Rewind are also included features. These can be useful in case you want to have a second look to a certain area, without re-scanning it. Among other standard sonar features, we can count Real Time Sonar, Circular Flasher, Structure ID, WhiteLine, Bottom Lock, various other alarms, and more.

GPS & charts

The Humminbird HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N is equipped with a 10 Hz internal GPS receiver. This means it can provide position updates up to 10 times per second. The unit’s GPS can also calculate the speed of your boat and offers enhanced fixes by using information from WAAS, EGNOS, or MSAS satellites.

The unit can store 2,500 waypoints in its memory. It has a trail recording function and can save up to 50 plotted tracks in its memory, with up to 20,000 points per track. Each track can be re-designed as a route. You can add waypoints to it and re-trace it if needed. And in terms of routes, the unit can stock up to 47 routes.

In terms of charts, this Humminbird unit comes with the new Humminbird Basemaps. These charts cover more than 10,000 U.S. inland lakes, with 1-foot contours, nav-aids, POI and other information. They also make available an extended waypoint icon database. However, the unit is capable of using premium charts, such as LakeMaster, LakeMaster Plus, Navionics Platinum, Navionics Gold/HotMaps, and SmartStrike fishing charts.

AutoChart Live is also on the list of included features for this HELIX 9 unit. AutoChart Live gives you the possibility to reveal the depth contours of the lake, reservoir or body of water where you’re fishing. This way, you can create personalized maps with the most up to date depth contours. Also, since its a G2N unit, its AC Live makes available two extra features, these being Bottom Hardness and Vegetation. These allow you to color code various areas in order to see at a glance what type of bottom does a particular spot have, or outline the vegetation. The unit can record up to 8 hours of contours with AC Live, but you can always opt for a ZeroLines card which is specifically designed to fit the AC Live feature and increases the recording time and possibilities by a lot.

The unit’s navigation capabilities don’t end here. It’s also compatible with various external modules such as RADAR, AIS, i-Pilot Link, Compass & Heading sensors, and more.

Control unit features

Since it’s a HELIX 9 unit, it’s equipped with a 9-inch display with a pixel resolution of 800 x 480. It has a 16-bit color range and adjustable backlight, for superior readability even in direct sunlight. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, which means that it can resist incidental water exposure.

The mount included with the unit is the Gimbal model. However, a flush mounting kit is also available.

As opposed to the SOLIX 10 unit, this one only has keypad control; it doesn’t have touchscreen technology. Its interface is very intuitive, easy to use, and highly customizable. It provides several split-screen options with the possibility to view up to 4 applications at the time.

In terms of networking, the first aspect to mention is the Ethernet port which gives you the possibility to build a professional fishing system including, Radar, AIS or Minn Kota i-Pilot link units. It also supports NMEA 2000 and has a built-in dual SD card reader.

Last but not least, this Humminbird HELIX unit has built-in Bluetooth technology. Therefore, it is compatible with the RC2 remote control which allows you to wirelessly operate your unit. It also gives you the possibility to pair your unit with a smartphone in order to see any message alerts or phone calls if needed.

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 included;
• AutoChart Live with Bottom Hardness and Vegetation features;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• Large, 9″ display, with an 800 x 480 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

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

Bottom Line

The Humminbird HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N is a fish finder and chartplotter combo, featuring Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, MEGA Down Imaging, 10 Hz GPS, the Humminbird Basemaps and AutoChart Live. The MEGA DI XM 9 MDI T 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, great for inland and off-shore fishing and navigation, perfect for a wide array of boats, offering an excellent price/value ratio.