Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2

The ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2 is one of the Humminbird ice fish finders released in 2018 which was discontinued in 2019 and replaced by the ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N. It shares many similarities with the ICE HELIX 5 model, but as its name suggests, it’s a 7-inch unit. Also, as opposed to the older ICE 55 model, this is a digital flasher, and also has navigation capabilities. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 410980-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 7″ 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: 850 mA
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• GPS: Internal
• Maps: Humminbird Basemap
• Portable kit: Included

Sonar and transducer

The Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2 offers Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar. This means the sonar pulse is modulated over a specific range of frequencies rather than just being one frequency per pulse. This results in less clutter and noise, a better target detection, and clearer imaging on the unit’s display. Plus, this Humminbird fish finder provides a superior target separation than other units, being able to distinguish between targets only 1.5″ apart.

The ICE HELIX 7 includes the Xi 9 1521 ice transducer. This is a CHIRP transducer and it’s only compatible with the ICE HELIX CHIRP units. It operates in a CHIRP range between 130-250 kHz, offering a beamwidth between 15° and 21°, and is capable of scanning depths up to 400 ft (122 m). It features 8 ft. (2.4 m) of cable and the characteristic foam floater for extra stability.

The unit itself is capable of three main frequencies, including 50/83/200 kHz. When it comes to CHIRP sonar, it can support High CHIRP (130-250 kHz), Med CHIRP (75-155 kHz), and Low CHIRP (28-75 kHz).

This fish finder does not have sonar recording or sonar rewind but does have two other features that we have to mention here. These are SwitchFire and Interference Rejection. The SwitchFire function works just as for the other HELIX units. It’s basically a quick noise filter with two modes, Clear Mode and Max Mode. Clear Mode eliminates all the clutter from the display keeping only the dominant targets. Conversely, the Max Mode brings on the display all the data transmitted by the transducer, allowing you to see even the smallest targets.

The Interference Rejection feature has six settings to keep the competing sonar signals from cluttering your display. It helps to give you a clear view of the underwater environment all day long in both sonar and flasher mode.

Navigation features

Even though it’s an ice fishing flasher, the Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2 basically has the same navigation features as the HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2. To begin with, it has an Internal Precision GPS which allows you to pinpoint your location and mark waypoints for the most important fishing spots. It can actually save up to 2,750 waypoints in its memory. It gives you the possibility to create and save up to 47 routes, and record up to 50 tracks (20,000 points per track). Also, in case you’re going to use it on a boat, the unit’s GPS system can calculate and display the speed of your boat.

In terms of charts, this HELIX unit is equipped with the Humminbird Basemap. This is an enhanced map database that provides a clear view of the underwater terrain and the surrounding points of interest. They’re based on LakeMaster, NOAA charts, and other trusted chart sources. They offer all kinds of information including depth contours, points of interest, nav-aids, spot-soundings, depth markers, hazards, marinas, and more. Plus, this chart base covers more than 10,000 lakes all over the U.S.

The unit’s chart base is upgradable. For example, you can opt for LakeMaster Plus charts, Navionics Gold and Platinum, or SmartStrike fishing charts. The unit has a microSD card reader, so, if you’re going for any of these premium charts, make sure you purchase a microSD card, not an SD card.

Last but not least, the unit also has the AutoChart Live feature. Even though it’s an ice fishing unit meant for stationary fishing, the AC Live can be very useful on the water. You can mount your unit on a boat and pair it with a compatible transom transducer, in order to draw the depth contours of the lake on the map for later use.

Control unit features & accessories

The ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2 features a 7-inch LCD display with LED backlight and a 256 color range. Its pixel resolution is 800H x 480V, and the unit is also IPX7 waterproof.

Since it’s an ice fish finder, its flasher sonar view offers several extra readings over the older HELIX units, including Gain, Depth, Range, the diameter of the sonar beam based on depth, Battery Status, Zoom Range, and more. Also, the flasher can be viewed in split-screen with the 2D sonar and the RTS feature.

The unit does not have Ethernet or NMEA ports, but as we’ve mentioned above, it does have a microSD card reader with one slot. Therefore, you can upgrade your charts, transfer waypoints, or upgrade the unit’s software via a data microSD card.

This Humminbird ice fishing flasher includes the portable case which has a built-in cable wrap that allows you to easily select the correct length for the transducer cable. The hard mounting bracket, a 12V-9Amp battery, and its charger are also included. Users have reported that the battery should last for at least 24 hours if the unit is set on a brightness setting of 4-5.

The Pros

• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar;
• Flasher view and 2D view for the sonar;
• Supports 50/83/200 base frequencies, and High, Mid, and Low CHIRP;
• Ice transducer Xi 9 1521 included;
• Interference Rejection function;
• Internal GPS;
• Humminbird Basemaps;
• AutoChart Live;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• Compatible with LakeMaster and Navionics charts;
• 800 x 480 resolution, 256 color display, with LED backlight, providing clear images, easy to read even in direct sunlight;
• MicroSD card reader;
• Upgradeable internal software;
• Carrying case and mount included;
• Wrap for the transducer cable;
• 12V-9AMP battery included;
• Charger included.

The Cons

• In order to use AC Live for fishing charts creation, you may need a different transducer.

Summary

The Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2 is a full-digital ice fishing flasher that offers Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, GPS, charts, and even AutoChart Live. The bundle includes the ice CHIRP transducer, the carrying case, the battery, and its charger. It’s not exactly one of the most affordable ice fish finders, but does offer considerably more features than a basic flasher, and can always be used on a boat as a navigation tool.