The HELIX 10 CHIRP DI GPS G2N and the HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N are very similar units in terms of specs, networking and navigation features. However, they offer different Down Imaging sonar features, and they also have different transducers. These differences can be confusing for many anglers, so, in this post, we’re going to try and outline them better, and also put both units in a side-by-side comparison. For reference, this post refers to the Humminbird 410110-1 and the newer Humminbird 410510-1.
Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP DI GPS G2N – Short Description
The Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP DI GPS G2N is part of the second generation of HELIX units released at the beginning of 2017. As opposed to the older HELIX 10 DI GPS, it has CHIRP sonar, integrated AutoChart Live and a friendlier user interface.
As its name suggests it is a fish finder and chartplotter combo. In terms of sonar, it has CHIRP DualBeam Plus and CHIRP Down Imaging. It also includes the XNT 9 DI T transducer which supports both types of sonar technologies built-in the unit. Although the unit is capable of 50/83/200/455 kHz for its 2D standard CHIRP sonar, the included transducer can only use 200/455 kHz. Also, for Down Imaging, it is capable of 455/800 kHz. Of course, since the unit’s sonar is CHIRP enhanced, the CHIRP modulation intervals are 175-225 kHz, 420-520 kHz, and 790-850 kHz.
In terms of navigation, the unit includes the Humminbird Basemap charts. This is the new standard Humminbird mapping, which provides superior detail to the previous ContourXD charts. It also has built-in AutoChart Live, a feature that gives you the possibility to record the depth contours of your lake as you sail your boat.
The internal GPS can provide fast and accurate fixes, and even enhanced fixes by WAAS, EGNOS or MSAS… Read Full Review.
Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N – Short Description
Since it’s a G2N unit, this Humminbird HELIX model is still part of the 2nd generation of HELIX units. However, it was released after the one mentioned above and features superior Down Imaging sonar. As its name suggests, it is equipped with MEGA Down Imaging sonar, and capable of scanning at 1.2 MHz in order to provide cleared Down Imaging. Of course, apart from the 1.2 MHz capability for MEGA DI, the unit can also provide regular DI, at 455 kHz and 800 kHz with their corresponding CHIRP modulations.
The unit also comes with a different transducer – the XM 9 MDI T – which supports the unit’s MEGA DI sonar. It’s a transom transducer with a metallic mount, and also integrates a temperature sensor.
For navigation, the HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N features the same charts as the previous one, these being the Humminbird Basemaps. It also has the AutoChart live feature which uses both the GPS and 2D sonar applications in order to reveal and draw the depth contours of your lake on the map.
The unit’s internal GPS can operate at 10 Hz and therefore, provide position updates 10 times per second. It’s also WAAS, MSAS, and EGNOS capable… Read Full Review.
The Differences
Transducer. The HELIX 10 CHIRP GPS G2N includes the XNT 9 DI T transducer which supports Dual Beam Plus sonar and regular Down Imaging sonar. It does not support MEGA Down Imaging. It operates at 200/455 kHz for DualBeam Plus, and at 455/800 kHz at Down Imaging. The coverage of its beams is 28°/16° and 75°/45°. Its max. depth capabilities are 350 ft (106 m) for DI and 600 ft (183 m) for DualBeam Plus.
The HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N includes the MEGA DI transducer XM 9 MDI T. It supports CHIRP Digital Sonar, regular Down Imaging, and MEGA Down Imaging. For the 2D CHIRP sonar it can use only one conical beam in a CHIRP range between 140-240 kHz. There are three modes available for it, though. Two are preset at 140-200 kHz, with a coverage of 42°, and at 180-240 kHz with a coverage of 25°. The third “FULL” mode is adjustable, allowing you to select any frequency range between 140-240 kHz.
For regular DI, it operates at 455/800 kHz, with a beam coverage of 75°/45°. The CHIRP intervals are 420-520 kHz, and 790-850 kHz. While for MEGA DI, it operates at 1.2 MHz, with a coverage of 45° similar to the 800 kHz beam. The CHIRP interval is 1.125-1.130 MHz. Its max. depth capabilities are 1,200 ft (366 m) for 2D, 400 ft (122 m) for regular DI, and 125 ft (38 m) for MEGA DI.
Both transducers have temperature sensors, 20 ft (6 m) of cable, and transom mounts. However, the XNT model has a plastic mount, while the XM model has a metallic mount.
Sonar. As we’ve mentioned above, the HELIX 10 CHIRP DI GPS G2N only offers 2D sonar and Down Imaging sonar; it does not support MEGA DI. Evidently, the MEGA DI unit offers the higher 1.2 MHz scanning frequencies for the Down Imaging sonar.
Side-by-Side Comparison
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Bottom Line
Both units offer superior sonar and navigation capabilities, however, the HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N also offers MEGA DI sonar which can make a lot of difference when fishing in freshwater. However, the MEGA DI unit costs approx. $150 more than the other. So, it’s basically up to you if you want to pay extra for the MEGA DI feature.
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