Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4

The HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 is one of the Humminbird fish finders released in 2021. As opposed to the older models, such as the HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3, it has a display that is richer in pixels. it is also compatible with the newer CoastMaster charts. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 411590-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 7″ diagonal, 1024H x 600V pixel resolution, WSVGA 16-bit color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP, CHIRP Down Imaging, CHIRP Side Imaging
• Transducer: Transom XNT 9 HW SI T
• Depth Capability and Side Range (with the included transducer):
  Dual-Spectrum CHIRP: 1,000 ft. (305 m)
  Down Imaging: 125 ft. (38 m)
  Side Imaging: 250 ft. (76 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 (adjustable) / 42°
  Side Imaging: 420-520 kHz / 2×86°
  Down Imaging: 420-520 kHz / 75°
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10.8-20V DC
• Power Draw: 900 mA
• GPS: Internal
• Cartography: Humminbird Basemap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 47; 2,750; 50 (20,000 points each)

Sonar and transducer

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 offers tree sonar technologies. These are Dual Spectrum CHIRP, CHIRP Down Imaging, and CHIRP Side Imaging. Evidently, as its name suggests, it does not support Mega SI or Mega DI. But nonetheless, it does offer pretty decent imaging for all three sonar technologies.

The unit supports five main frequencies. These are 50/83/200 kHz for the standard CHIRP sonar, and 455/800 kHz for the structure scanning sonar. However, it comes with the XNT 9 HW SI T transducer which only supports the Dual Spectrum CHIRP (High Wide CHIRP) frequencies, and the 455 (420-520 kHz) CHIRP range for Side Imaging and Down Imaging.

The transducer features a durable ABS construction and comes with a transom mount. A trolling mount or an in-hull mounting kit is not included with the box. The transducer also has a built-in temperature sensor and 20 ft. (6 m) of cable.

The transducer uses conical beams for the Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar. Their coverage is 25° for the Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz) and 42° for the Wide Mode (140-200 kHz). The fish finder unit also offers a Full Mode (150-220 kHz) for which you can adjust the frequency within this CHIRP range, and the beam is also 42°.

For Side Imaging and Down Imaging, the transducer casts thin oval beams at 455 kHz (420 kHz – 520 kHz). Their coverage is 86° for the Side Imaging sonar, and 72° for the Down Imaging sonar. The side range of each SI beam is 125 ft. (38 m), while the depth range of the DI beam is also 125 ft (38 m). The maximum depth capability of this fish finder with the included transducer is 1,000 ft. (305 m) when using the Wide Spectrum CHIRP beam. However, if the unit is paired with a 50 kHz transducer, it should be able to scan depths up to 3,500 ft. (1,066 m).

The unit offers multiple standard sonar features. The list includes A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Fish ID+, SwitchFire, Structure ID, WhiteLine, Ice Flasher View, various alarms, and more. It also offers the possibility to snap screenshots and record sonar. However, the sonar recordings and the snapshots cannot be saved in the unit’s memory. You will need a data microSD card for them, which is not included.

Navigation features

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 offers a fairly decent range of navigation features. To begin with, it has a 10 Hz internal GPS receiver. This being said, it can provide position updates 10 times per second. It also supports GLONASS, WAAS, MSAS, and EGNOS for position augmentation.

Trackplotting, route creation, and waypoint creation are also included features. The unit can save up to 50 tracks into its memory, 2,750 waypoints, and 47 routes. Each track can be converted into a route as well, and you can add waypoints to it.

Like most other Humminbird HELIX fish finders, the 411590-1 is pre-loaded with the Humminbird Basemap platform. These charts offer both coastal and inland coverage for the U.S. waters. They include charts for more than 10,000 U.S. lakes at 1-foot contours. They also show marinas, day markers, depth markers, buoys, and more.

The unit is also compatible with several premium charts. The list includes LakeMaster, CoastMaster, Navionics Gold & HotMaps, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, and the SmartStrike fishing charts.

The AutoChart Live feature is included as well. This is a bathymetric mapping application that lets you create your own fishing charts based on the GPS and CHIRP sonar data. The unit can save up to 8 hours of recording, but you can also opt for an AutoChart Zero Lines microSD card in case you’ll need more mapping data.

The unit does not support radar. However, it does support AIS and external GPS. It also has an AutoPilot feature and supports Minn Kota motors.

Control unit features

The HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 features a 7-inch display with a pixel resolution of 1024H x 600V (richer than the older HELIX 7 models). It also has LED backlight and is IPX7 waterproof.

The unit does not have touchscreen technology. It is controlled exclusively from the keypad on the right. It features a large cursor control key, MENU key, GO TO key, Mark (waypoint) key, +/- keys for zoom control, View (shortcut) key, Exit key, and Power key. Its interface is pretty easy to use.

The unit doesn’t have Ethernet, HDMI, USB or NMEA 2000 ports, but does support NMEA 0183. It also does not have wireless connectivity. It is equipped with a single microSD port for chart cards or data transfer.

Finally, the unit comes with the standard Gimbal mount. It does not include a unit cover or an in-dash mounting kit.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• CHIRP Side Imaging sonar;
• CHIRP Down Imaging sonar;
• XNT 9 HW SI T transducer included;
• Depth capability up to 1,000 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;
• 1024 x 600 resolution;
• 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.
• The included transducer does not support 800 kHz;
• No touchscreen technology.

Summary

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 is a fish finder and chartplotter. It offers Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, Down Imaging sonar, and Side Imaging sonar. It comes with the XNT 9 HW SI T transducer. It has internal GPS and is pre-loaded with the Humminbird Basemap. It also has AutoChart Live. It’s a mid-range fish finder, great for a wide variety of boats, for both inland and off-shore fishing and navigation.