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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Ice Fishing With Electronics => Topic started by: Kandk50 on Jan 06, 2020, 12:16 AM

Title: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Kandk50 on Jan 06, 2020, 12:16 AM
Hi guys its my first time on I'm hoping to get some help with my
Humminbird Helix 9 SI GPS. Hoping to use this on the ice but having some issues
I have the XI 9 20 - ICE Transducer when I go into sonar to switch to ice fishing mode
The option isn't there and when I try the option to change transducers I doesn't show
The transducer I have either
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 06, 2020, 01:40 AM
Did you try downloading the some of humminbird's latest software? Don't think the bigger helixes had ice mode on them until recently in the past year with the software update.  I have the same exact unit as you do set up for ice fishing.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 06, 2020, 09:52 AM
Shouldn't make a difference I wouldn't think but I was recommended to use the XI 9 1521 transducer for my unit.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 06, 2020, 10:46 AM
Pretty sure Bigfoot has got it right. If you have a unit larger than the 7 you will need to do the down load that became available last year.
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Kandk50 on Jan 06, 2020, 10:33 PM
I did an update and I couldn't find any settings for ice fishing
Seems like its not even recognizing my transducer


(https://i.postimg.cc/hhBNgT8V/IMG-0754.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhBNgT8V)
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Muggsy on Jan 07, 2020, 05:36 AM
Check with HB to be sure but I think you need to be at 2.110 in the software to get ice fishing mode. As to transducer, you probably have an option for generic 200/83; I'd try that. Also, look for "jigging mode" and turn that on.  If I remember correctly, this give priority to the 2D over the SI in the ping sequence. If you must have the flasher view then I guess you need ice fishing mode; if you just want the graphing views, then you should be OK with what you have.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Buckshots on Jan 07, 2020, 08:29 AM
Shouldn't make a difference I wouldn't think but I was recommended to use the XI 9 1521 transducer for my unit.
Is your unit a gen 2 helix? That has chirp and the transducer you mention is the correct one for a gen 2 unit.

To the OP, looks like your unit is a first generation helix. That does not have chirp. The XI 9-20 transducer you have, is correct. Unfortunately, the last update for your first generation helix is 1.9. They fizzled those units out after that. So 2.1 is not available for your unit and unfortunately, neither is ice mode. I May be wrong, if I were you I’d call Humminbird and ask them to be sure.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 07, 2020, 08:50 AM
Is your unit a gen 2 helix? That has chirp and the transducer you mention is the correct one for a gen 2 unit.

To the OP, looks like your unit is a first generation helix. That does not have chirp. The XI 9-20 transducer you have, is correct. Unfortunately, the last update for your first generation helix is 1.9. They fizzled those units out after that. So 2.1 is not available for your unit and unfortunately, neither is ice mode. I May be wrong, if I were you I’d call Humminbird and ask them to be sure.

My helix is a gen 3 (basically same as gen 2).....you may be right though, format be different on the first gen units.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Kandk50 on Jan 08, 2020, 12:24 PM
Actually I plan on using the graph anyway but just thought the Ice Mode would make things easier

so do any of you have suggestions for settings . Hell the way this weather is here I might never get out lol  >:(
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Muggsy on Jan 08, 2020, 05:55 PM
If you are not using any ice fishing mode, then I'd start by making sure you're in the advanced options in the setup tab. I'd use the clear mode in water less than about 12' and max mode in deeper water. I think you have "jigging mode" on that unit and software version; I'd turn it on.  Depending on your jig size, I'd adjust sensitivity until it is clearly visible but not big and fuzzy; that will vary with depth and jig size. Contrast in the middle of the range to start. Turn off the auto depth and set it manually to a couple of feet deeper than you're currently in. Easy to change if you hole hop, too.  If fish are deep or near bottom, while open water fishing I've set the upper limit to 3-4 feet since I never seem to catch anything there. This gives better detail to the rest of the water column.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 08, 2020, 06:29 PM
If you are not using any ice fishing mode, then I'd start by making sure you're in the advanced options in the setup tab. I'd use the clear mode in water less than about 12' and max mode in deeper water. I think you have "jigging mode" on that unit and software version; I'd turn it on.  Depending on your jig size, I'd adjust sensitivity until it is clearly visible but not big and fuzzy; that will vary with depth and jig size. Contrast in the middle of the range to start. Turn off the auto depth and set it manually to a couple of feet deeper than you're currently in. Easy to change if you hole hop, too.  If fish are deep or near bottom, while open water fishing I've set the upper limit to 3-4 feet since I never seem to catch anything there. This gives better detail to the rest of the water column.

Where do you go in the menu to put the unit into jigging mode?  What is jigging mode supposed to do?
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Muggsy on Jan 08, 2020, 07:22 PM
From another fishing forum:

"Jigging Mode - this is a selection in the 2D Sonar Express Menu. It allows the user to select the sonar ping pattern for use while vertical jigging. When turned ON the ping pattern will be: 200 kHz, Left SI Beam, Right SI Beam, 83 kHz, repeat. With this mode turned OFF the ping pattern will be: 200 kHz, Left SI Beam, Right SI Beam, 83 kHz, Left SI Beam, Right SI Beam, repeat. Basically this feature prioritizes the 2D beam over the SI beam."  I think this is direct from Humminbird.

I have it on my 1st generation H10; I don't have it available at the moment but I think I'm at software version 1.64 something or maybe 1.46; not quite sure; it's been a while since I looked at that particular bit of info.  I do have the advanced user option active. I think jigging mode is for SI versions only, it may not show up on DI units. I think it was added back somewhere around 2015-16 or so.

Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 08, 2020, 07:54 PM
Oh I see, thank you.
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Kandk50 on Jan 08, 2020, 10:20 PM
Thanks guys I really appreciate it. Have to give it a try but first

FIND ICE
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 09, 2020, 10:27 AM
Good luck finding ice! Probably have a better chance before this neck of the woods!
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: Kandk50 on Jan 12, 2020, 07:20 AM
So went to set it up and in my settings there is no advance mode , I have custom and angler no jigging mode
Is it the new update? I did see them in the past .
Title: Re: Helix 9 si gps
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 12, 2020, 07:28 AM
So went to set it up and in my settings there is no advance mode , I have custom and angler no jigging mode
Is it the new update? I did see them in the past .

Thought I remembered someone saying the new helix g3's don't have the jigging mode even after a software upgrade.    Could be wrong though.  Think it had something to do with the small change they made in 2d sonar.