The HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 is one of the new generation of units from Humminbird. As opposed to the older HELIX 5 DI GPS system, this one features CHIRP sonar technology and also has the AutoChart Live function.
In terms of sonar and navigation, this unit offers the same functions as the HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2. It’s equipped with the UniMap charts, which are basically the most basic charts that you can find in a Humminbird unit. However, they do cover the contiguous U.S. coastline and inland lakes and rivers at 30 m / pixel. The unit, on the other hand, is compatible with various other chart bundles that offer much more detail, such as LakeMaster, LakeMaster Plus, Navionics Gold, and Navionics Plus. Also, as opposed the older unit, this one is also compatible with SmartStrike fishing charts.
This is an AutoChart Live capable unit. It means it has this software built it, but in order to use it, the unit must use LakeMaster or Navionics charts. Or, you’ll have to equip the unit with a Zero Lines chart chip.
Evidently, the unit has built-in GPS, which enhances its fixes via WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS. The unit can also save up to 2,750 waypoints, 47 routes, and 50 tracks, with up to 20,000 points per track.
When it comes to sonar, like all the new gen. Humminbird HELIX units, this one features CHIRP sonar technology. It can use 200/455 kHz for its DualBeam Plus sonar, and 455/800 kHz for its Down Imaging. But since it also has CHIRP, it can modulate the pulse between 420-520 kHz and 175-225 kHz, in order to provide clearer images with less clutter, a better definition of the fish targets and structure, and a better bottom reading.
The unit comes with the XNT 9 DI T transducer, which is CHIRP capable as well, and also temperature reading capable. With this transducer, the unit can scan depths up to 600 ft (183 m) with its DualBeam Plus sonar, and up to 350 ft (107 m) with its Down Imaging beams. In 2D, its coverage is not extraordinary, the beam angles being 16° and 28°. However, in DI the 455 kHz beam offers a coverage of 75°, while the 800 kHz has a 45° angle. The DI beams are not conical, though.
This unit also offers several useful sonar-related functions, such as Sonar Recording, Selective Fish ID+, SwitchFire, Flasher Sonar View for ice fishing, Fish Alarms, etc.
As its name suggests, this is a unit with a 5-inch display. Its pixel matrix is 800H x 480V, offering excellent clarity and color. The display is equipped with LED backlight for easy reading in bright light or at night. The unit is IPX7 waterproof, meaning that it can resist water splashes and even immersions.
Last but not least, the unit comes with a classic, gimbal mount. It has a microSD card reader with one port, for chart upgrades, sonar recording or software updates. Also, this is an NMEA 0813 capable unit.
