Helix Question

[wyogator]

Hey guys, I have a question.  I just got a Helix 7 for Christmas.  I didn’t get the ice version, because I want to use the mdi on my boat during summer.  My plan was to order an Xi-9 1521 ice-ducer now and build a plywood ice shuttle until I can get a Humminbird shuttle maybe some time next year.  Now the ice-ducers are all on backorder until God knows when.  So my question is, does anyone know of a good way to use the transom mount mdi transducer that comes with it for ice fishing?  About 20 years ago, I had an old Eagle Fish Easy 2. I rigged the transducer for ice fishing with a 2x4 and a hole in it.  But that’s all I remember.  It didn’t work well anyway, which is probably why I got a dedicated ice unit.  Does anyone have any better ideas until I can get an ice-ducer?

[bassh8er]

Did you try eBay?

I got a Blue Genz box to mount my Helix to using a Ram mount that I took off my boat.

[Muggsy]

How long is that transom mount DI transducer? If it won't fit in the hole, then you might have to find a non-di compatible HB 'ducer and loop the cord to have it hang correctly. I think it was Matzilla that posted the picture of how he hung his that way. I'll look and see if I have it saved somewhere.
I have a H7 CHIRP GPS unit (non DI or SI), G3, and it has a very small transducer that I looped the cord to start off until I got the 1521.

On the HB website, they should have a list of compatible 'ducers that should work. You might not get all the features of the 1521 but it will get you up and running, I bet.

Edit to add:   try page 2 of this thread, it shows a picture of the looped transducer :
                https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=347490.30

[Muggsy]

Here is the link to the compatibility chart on HB's website:
https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/sites/johnsonoutdoors-store/files/assets/misc/HU/H/HUM_productmanual_transducer_guide/HUM_productmanual_transducer_guide.pdf

Pay attention to the legend or key in the top left.

The small transducer that came with my unit is a XNT 9 HW T .  It looks to be about the same size as the one in the picture I linked to in my previous post. It may work for you, depending on exactly what model your unit is. You'd probably have to use it in open water mode rather than ice fishing mode but at least you'd be up and running. You could use a piece of flotation above it if desired, I'm sure. If this model won't work, perhaps there is one on that list that might.

[PIKE FISHERMAN]

I’ve heard of people making transducer mounts out of PVC. Pretty much anything will work. If I was going to build one, I’d try to make one from a telescoping pole. As far as the shuttle, I made mine from a Home Depot milk crate. Here’s a video link to how I made if you want to check it out.

[Smat64]

You can use a piece of aluminum or anything and some parts from a tip up for the ducer. I c-clamp this aluminum on my transom so I can take it off and use it for multiple things.

I rhino lined this tool box to for the finder.

I dont fish the same hole typically.

[Muggsy]

Depending on his drill size and the overall length of his DI transducer, that is a great solution.

[Kevin23]

Matzilla had a hack for how to hang the normal 2d transom ducer level for ice fishing. You may try that or buy a cheap transom ducer off ebay to use like this. Would probably take some searching on here to find his instructions, or PM him.

You'll never find an ice ducer for it this season. Out of stock everywhere, humminbird says no more being made until july. All ice pack conversions are out of stock, and all ice helix units are out of stock. For the last 3 weeks guys have been buying these up and parting them out to sell the ice ducers. The 9-1521 are selling for over $300 on ebay now.

[wyogator]

Thanks for the tips so far.  Keep them coming.  I like the loop in the cord idea, seems simple and efficient.  I may try that first.  If that doesn’t work, I’ll try PVC.  I am not interested in buying a different transducer, because I will get the xi-9 1521 when it becomes available.

[lundin-loading]

Stole this from the interwebs for rigging a regular ducer to hang vertical for ice purposes



Here's the diy shuttle I just finished for my lowrance. I opted to rig this up as I couldn't find power cables or a ducer for my helix unit

[wyogator]

$300, that’s nuts!  I guess I’ll be using the transom set up this entire season then until I can get a 1521 in July.  So, I’m going to have to come up with something good, or use an old Vex.

[wyogator]

That looks like my old Lowrance Lundin.  Did you tig weld aluminum for the shuttle?

[lundin-loading]

That looks like my old Lowrance Lundin.  Did you tig weld aluminum for the shuttle?

If your from butte and sold an HDS last winter it is your old one lol!
I fit everything and bolted it together as design concept then had a buddy with a tig buzz it together for me.

[wyogator]

I’ve never seen an aluminum one.  That’s a sweet shuttle.

[bee]

Big issue is the flxability of the cable and keeping it level. Both work against you.

[wyogator]

I’m now thinking the loop may not even be necessary.  It hangs pretty level on its own.  I may not even need the ice-ducer.

[9huskies]

This will work for using any transom mount transducer for ice fishing.

[trophytaker1]

A couple of years back i bought the Helix 7 ice pack came with a nice carry bag and mount. In the spring i bought the open water ducer and i leave that on my boat. I transfere the gimble mount and the head unit back to the ice pack in the winter. I did replace the battery with a dakota Lithium so it would last all day.