Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3

The HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 is one of the units released by Humminbird in 2021. As opposed to the older HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2, this one has Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar and comes with the XNT 9 HW T transducer. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 411660-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 256 color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP
• Transducer: XNT 9 HW T
• Depth Capability: 1,200 feet (365 m)
• Frequency and Coverage (with the included transducer):
  Narrow mode: 180-240 kHz / 25°
  Wide mode: 140-200 kHz / 42°
  Full mode: 150-220 kHz / 42°
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Draw: 615 mA
• Power Input: 10-20 VDC
• GPS: Internal
• Maps: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 47; 2,750; 50 (20,000 points each)

Sonar and transducer

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3 has Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar only; it does not have Side Imaging and Down Imaging. It supports 50/80/200 kHz but with the included transducer it can only use the High CHIRP frequency range between 140 and 200 kHz.

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit comes with the XNT 9 HW T transducer. This has a plastic construction with a transom mount and an internal temperature sensor. Its cable is 20 ft. (6 m) long with a 3-pin connector.

The XNT 9 HW T transducer casts conical beams with different coverages depending on the CHIRP range selected. You can select the Narrow Mode, the Wide Mode, or the Full Mode. The Narrow Mode beam (180-240 kHz) has a 25° angle while the Wide Mode beam (140-200 kHz) has a 42° angle. The Full Mode covers most of the High CHIRP range (150-220 kHz), and also has a 42° angle.

The maximum depth range of this Humminbird fish finder with the included transducer is 1,200 ft. (365 m). However, if you pair the unit with a 50 kHz transducer, it should be able to reach depths up to 3,000 ft. (914 m).

The unit offers a pretty decent range of standard sonar features. The list includes SwitchFire, Selective Fish ID+, Amplitude Scope, Bottom Lock, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, Ice Fishing Mode (Flasher), and more. It also has Sonar Recording and Sonar SnapShot features but in order to use these, you will need to insert a data microSD card into the unit. Sonar recordings and snapshots cannot be saved in the unit’s memory.

Navigation features

The HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 411660-1 is pre-loaded with the Humminbird Basemap. This chart platform offers coverage for both inland and coastal U.S. waters. It covers more than 10,000 lakes with high detail and contours. It also shows a lot of other data similar to the Navionics charts, such as buoys, day markers, depth markers, hazards, marinas, and more.

Like all the G3 units and above, the HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 supports various premium charts. The list includes LakeMaster, LakeMaster Plus, Navionics Gold & HotMaps, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, SmartStrike, and the newer CoastMaster charts.

The unit also has the AutoChart Live feature. This application offers you the possibility to create your own bathymetric maps. It uses the unit’s GPS system and the CHIRP sonar to reveal and record the depth contours of the lake you’re scanning. Thus, if the Humminbird Basemaps or other charts you might be using, do not offer satisfying detail for your favorite lake, you can always craft your own fishing map.

The unit does not support Radar or GPS heading sensors but does support AIS data. It is Autopilot capable.

Needless to say, the unit has its own built-in GPS. Its internal receiver operates at 10 Hz which means it can provide position data 10 times per second. It has a GPS speed function and also supports MSAS, EGNOS, and WAAS for position augmentation. Plus, it can save up to 2,750 waypoints, 47 routes, and 50 tracks in its memory.

Control unit features

The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 features a 5-inch display with a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V. It has LED backlight for a better view in direct sunlight and at night, and its display can be viewed even with polarized sunglasses on. It is also IPX7 waterproof, which essentially means that it should withstand incidental water exposure with no problem.

It does not have touchscreen technology, only the side keypad. It has quick keys for MENU, GO TO, Mark (waypoints), Zoom, (+/-), View, Exit, and Power. It also has the large cursor control key. Its interface is highly intuitive and easy to use.

The unit does not have an NMEA 2000 port or an Ethernet port. It also does not have wireless connectivity. However, it does support NMEA 0183. It also does not have a USB port or an HDMI port but does have a microSD card slot which you can load with a Navionics, LakeMaster, or a data card for sonar recordings, data backup, or software updates.

Last but not least, the unit comes with the standard gimbal mount, power cable, and mounting hardware. An in-dash mounting kit and a unit cover are not included. Also, the transducer only has a transom mount.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• XNT 9 HW T transducer included;
• Depth capability up to 1,200 ft. with the included transducer;
• Multiple sonar functions available, such as A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish ID+, Circular Flasher, Alarms, etc;
• Sonar Recording and Screen Snapshot functions;
• 10 Hz internal GPS;
• Humminbird Basemap charts included;
• Supports LakeMaster, CoastMaster, Navionics, and SmartStrike charts;
• AutoChart Live ready, function that gives you the possibility to map or re-map any body of water;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• NMEA 0183 support;
• MicroSD card slot;
• Upgradable internal software;
• Gimbal mount included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• In-dash mounting kit is not included;
• Unit cover is not included.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 is a fish finder and chartplotter featuring Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, internal GPS, Humminbird Basemaps, and AutoChart Live. It’s a 5-inch color unit and comes with the XNT 9 HW T transducer. It’s a great unit for a wide array of boats, for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.