Humminbird ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 410970-1

Humminbird has released several versions for the ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 so far; we’ve already covered the 410430-1 (2018 model), so in this post, we’re going to address the 410970-1 (2019 model). It’s a fish finder and chartplotter unit, offering an advanced ice flasher, Humminbird mapping, the new AutoChart Live Ice feature, and several other new features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, 256 color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Dual Spectrum CHIRP
• Depth Capability: 400 ft (122 m)
• Frequency and Coverage:
• 130-250 kHz, 15°-21°
• Transducer: Xi 9 1521
• Power Output: 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Draw: 600 mA
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• GPS: Internal
• Charts: Humminbird Basemap & AutoChart Live Ice
• Waypoints, routes, tracks: 2,750; 47; 50/20,000
• Portable kit: Included

Sonar and transducer

To begin with, the unit offers the same sonar features as the ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2 (the version without GPS). It supports three main 2D CHIRP frequencies, these being 50/83/200 kHz. So, depending on the transducer used, this fish finder system offers the possibility of using 50/200 (28-75/130-250 kHz), 83/200 (75-155/130-250 kHz, or the Dual Spectrum CHIRP modes Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz), and Full Mode (150-220 kHz).

The included transducer is the older model Xi 9 1521. This is an ice transducer featuring 8′ (2.4 m) of cable and a stabilizing floater. It offers a High CHIRP range of 130-250 kHz and a beam coverage between 15° and 21°. With this transducer, this Humminbird fish finder is capable of scanning depths up to 400′ (122 m).

Of course, since the unit’s sonar is Dual Spectrum CHIRP, it also supports the XNT 9 20 T transducer, the one included with the HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2, so it’s a year-round unit and can be used on a boat.

As opposed to the older unit, the ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 410970-1 offers 6 interference rejection settings (up from 5) for keeping competing sonar signals from cluttering the display of your unit and for delivering a clear view of what’s under the ice. It also offers a superior target separation of 3/4″ (up from 1.5″).

Since it’s a unit designed for ice fishing, it offers an advanced 1024-segment ice flasher, considerably better than the 526-segment fiber-optic flasher of the ICE-55 model. Along with the superior sonar segment number, the flasher also provides plenty of other readings, including Gain, Depth, Range, the diameter of the sonar beam based on depth, Battery Status, Zoom Range, and more. The unit can also read Temperature; however, the included transducer does not have an internal temperature sensor.

The unit also has Adjustable Sonar Zoom. This application allows you to focus the bottom of the lake or a certain suspended height in the water column for improved target detection. There is a 2X zoom for the flasher, and up to 8X zoom for the 2D sonar view.

Navigation features

First of all, the Humminbird ICE 5 CHIRP GPS G2 410970-1 (2019) has built-in GPS. It also supports GPS heading sensors. It has waypoint creation, route creation, and track recording functions. You can save up to 2,750 waypoints in its memory, you can create and save up to 47 routes, and record up to 50 tracks; each track can have up to 20,000 points. Each track can be converted into a route to which you can add waypoints if necessary.

Similar to the other HELIX units, the ICE 5 CHIRP GPS G2 (2019) is equipped with the Humminbird Basemap platform. These charts cover more than 10,000 U.S. lakes with 1-foot contours. They also provide coverage for the entire U.S. coastline. This includes depth contours, navigation aids, spot-soundings, and a wide array of points of interest. Also, the unit is compatible with Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, LakeMaster charts, LakeMaster Plus, and SmartStrike fishing charts.

The new AutoChart Live Ice feature is also included with the 410970-1 unit. This is a depth contour recording application similar to the AC Live included with most other HELIX GPS units, but since it is optimized for contour recording while on ice. Therefore, it gives you the possibility to create your own personalized fishing maps with the most up-to-date contours. It also includes LakeMaster features like Depth Highlight, Water Level Offset, or Shallow Water Highlight.

Control unit features and accessories

The Humminbird ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 410970-1 unit features a 5-inch, 256-color LCD display with LED backlight, and a pixel resolution of 800 x 480. Its waterproof rating is IPX7 which means it can withstand incidental water exposure and rain.

The unit does not have touchscreen technology; it is keypad operated. It has a highly-intuitive interface and allows the usage of up to two applications in split-screen.

One of the new features included with the 410970-1 unit is the Jig Charge Mode. This application allows you to light up your unit in order to charge your glow-painted lures so you won’t have to use a flashlight or a different device if fishing in low lighting conditions.

The unit does not have Ethernet like the ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N All-Season. It also does not have wireless connectivity. It does have a microSD card reader, though, which you can load with Navionics or LakeMaster charts, or with a blank card for backups or software updates.

Last but not least, the unit includes the ice fishing portable kit. This consists of a carrying case with a built-in cable wrap, a 9 Amp Hour battery, a charger for the battery, plus the power cable and the transducer with its cable.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• Supports 50/83/200 base frequencies, and High, Mid, and Low CHIRP;
• Supports Narrow, Wide, and Full Mode Dual Spectrum CHIRP;
• Ice transducer Xi 9 1521 included;
• 1024-segment flasher view and 2D view for the sonar;
• Interference Rejection function – 6 settings;
• Superior target separation 3/4″ (up from 1.5″);
• Jig charge function;
• Internal GPS;
• Humminbird Basemaps;
• AutoChart Live Ice;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• Compatible with LakeMaster, Navionics, and SmartStrike charts;
• 800 x 480 resolution, 256 color display, with LED backlight, providing clear images, easy to read even in direct sunlight;
• MicroSD card reader;
• Upgradable internal software;
• Carrying case and mount;
• 12V-9AMP battery included;
• Charger for the battery is included.

The Cons

• No view preset keys function;
• No temperature graph function.

Summary

The Humminbird ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 410970-1 offers Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar with a 1024-segment flasher, GPS, Humminbird Basemaps, and AC Live Ice. It includes the Xi 9 1521 ice transducer and the portable kit with battery and charger. It’s a fish finder designed for ice fishing, but it is also compatible with other HELIX transducers and can be used on a boat. It’s a versatile fish finder and chartplotter, offering excellent value for the price.