The HELIX 7 GPS unit, newly released in the summer of 2015, is pretty similar with the HELIX 5 GPS in terms of features and functions. Also, the unit itself is basically the same as the HELIX 7 SI GPS, only it’s not capable of Side Imaging or Down Imaging. But nonetheless, it’s a great unit to have on the water, a unit that packs a considerable amount of useful functions.
So, to begin with, this unit is equipped with a powerful internal GPS antenna, the Humminbird’s Precision GPS, with 5 updates per second and highly accurate position capabilities, typically within 4.5 meters. The GPS system of this HELIX 7 unit uses WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS information, in order to provide the most accurate results. The speed of your boat is also measured via the GPS system.
In terms of charts, the unit comes with the UniMap charts pack built-in. Although this maps software is pretty basic, it still does cover the continental U.S. coastline, inland lakes and rivers at 30 m / pixel. The charts are pretty accurate, however they do not offer much detail. However, the unit can always be upgraded with a Navionics Gold/HotMaps or LakeMaster charts chip. This unit does support however a 3D view for improved situational awareness. The point of view in 3D mode is situated above and behind the boat. Two other useful functions to be mentioned here, are the Drift Alarm and Off-Course Alarm.
Last but not least, in terms of navigation, this unit can store up to 2,500 waypoints in its memory, along with 45 routes and 50 trails (20,000 points each). These can always be copyed on a SD card, for backup.
When it comes to its sonar capabilities, this unit is pretty basic, and does not support DI or SI technology. But due to this fact, this unit is considerably cheaper than the SI or DI models. Like all Humminbird units, the HELIX 7 GPS comes with the XNT 9 20 T transducer, which is capable of two frequencies: 200 kHz / 20° and 83 kHz / 60°. It also has a temperature probe built-in, therefore the unit is temperature-capable. Its depth capability can reach 1500 ft.
Since the Humminbird HELIX 7 GPS uses DualBeam Plus sonar, it can display the returns from both beams simultaneously. They can be viewed either in split screen, separately or even blended together. Like most other HELIX units, this one also has the FishID+ function, the flasher function for ice fishing, and is capable of sonar recording. However, in order to be able to record your sonar feed, the unit requires a blank microSD card. It cannot save the recorded sonar in its memory.
The display of this unit is 7″ in diagonal. It’s also HD and LED backlit, providing bright color imaging, easy to read in direct sunlight. The unit is IPX7 waterproof, which means it can survive incidental water exposure. It’s not recommended its complete immersion though, especially in saltwater. Since it has upgradable software, evidently it has a microSD card slot. It also has a NMEA 0183 port. Finally, the box includes the gimbal, tilt and swivel mount type.
