Helix 12 Mega SI/DI/GPS/G3N Problem

Ladies/Gentlemen,

I’ve never been part of an online forum. But, I can’t get answers very quickly from Humminbird. I know there are some electronic gurus here who may be able to help me out. I’m a beginner lake/river fisherman (2 1/2 years on the water now exclusively in Ark). This is my first go around with fishing gear and electronics. I have a problem installing my Mega 360 transducer to my Helix 12. I’m hoping to find some resolve to this issue soon. I’ve been running the factory transducer (XM 9 H W MSI T) fine for about a month. I decided to add the 360 Imaging transducer about 10 days ago and that’s where I’ve ran into a wall.

I have one stand alone Helix 12 to run both the factory transducer that came with the Helix 12 and the Mega 360 transducer. I was told you could do this. Many of you probably know that the “BIRD” only has one transducer port on the back. So, I went to the local dealer and told them what I had. They advised me that I need to purchase a Y-splitter 9 M SIDB Y-7 pin, SI/2D cable. I did this and went home to install it. I have nothing on my graphs now. (These cables will only hook up one way)

So, I contacted Humminbird because the local dealer has no idea how to hook it all up (I didn’t purchase the unit there). Humminbird told me everything I needed was in the 360 Imaging box (not). After i responded to them, they told me i needed a 9 M360 2DDI Y – MEGA 360 and 2D/MDI 7-Pin y cable. I have this cable ordered now. But, I’ve been studying it (see the attached document) and still can’t figure out how it works. After I hook everything up, I still have a 14 pin connector to hook up and the back of the “BIRD” has a 7-pin connector. I’ve attached a picture of the bird and cables I have to hook up for this unit. Hopefully, someone familiar with these units can help me out. The only thing not pictured are the two cables that came with the 360 Imaging transducer. (2) 10′ Helix & a Solix cable.

Looking forward to the responses and assistance. I appreciate all the help you can give me.

Here’s the attachment. I don’t think it posted to my original post.

Attachments:

1. HELIX-12-new.pdf

What version of software are you running on your helix?

I would update to the latest if you need to. I recently updated mine. I found the instructions on Humminbird’s website helpful.

I just happened to have this video pop up on the YouTube suggestions. I thought he did a good job of explaining it. https://youtu.be/-IIK62oC-6s

I recently got a mega 360 also. I have a DI helix. I got the y cable a few months ago. I just hooked everything through the y cable and it worked. I didn’t look very close, but doesn’t the extension cord that comes with the 360 have an end on it that works with the helix.

I will send you a PM also.

Eric,

When I had 360 imaging I had it hooked up through a Humminbird Ethernet Switch, gives you the ability to have up to 5 things hooked up at the same time. That might solve your problem.

Ryan

Ryan, the mega 360 is different. It needs to plug into a helix g3 or a solix g2.

arcticm1000 wrote:

Ryan, the mega 360 is different. It needs to plug into a helix g3 or a solix g2.

Good to know, was considering getting one but won’t now since I don’t have a helix g3.

Ryan

I bought a g3n just so I could add a mega 360. I have only had it out a few times, but it has been pretty impressive. I have g2n’s and if you have 1 g3n to plug the mega 360 into you can share it through the ethernet to a g2n.

arcticm1000 wrote:

I bought a g3n just so I could add a mega 360. I have only had it out a few times, but it has been pretty impressive. I have g2n’s and if you have 1 g3n to plug the mega 360 into you can share it through the ethernet to a g2n.

I went the Garmin Livescope route and really like that, but was considering running the Mega 360 and Livescope up front.

Ryan

I have heard with 360 you need to be stationary to get a clear picture. Any truth to that?

mojogunter wrote:

I have heard with 360 you need to be stationary to get a clear picture. Any truth to that?

Yes and no. I just got mine and only have only used it a couple of times. I think it depends on the bottom type and how deep of water you are in. This was the shallow sand off of Pine Island on lake of the Woods last Sunday morning. We were trolling crawlers at 1 to 1.5mph and did good. I think sand will be the best image quality. I couldn’t see much with it in the mud, but I am still trying to figure it out. We are going back up to troll cranks in the basin next weekend. We will see what that looks like. I would also say the slower you are moving the better the image quality. That was on speed 4 of 6 for the spin speed. Speed 6 would smear the image.

I appreciate the response guys.

Acticm1000,

I’m running everything from the bow with my unit. I watched the video you suggested and it has some good information. But, I wish he would’ve added more installation instructions. Humminbird did reply back to me and they’re sticking to their guns on the Y-splitter i mentioned originally. I’m sure they know what they’re talking about. But, they’re sure slow about it.

I don’t know if you were able to see the word document I attached. But, that is the exact wiring i’ll be trying to hook into the single transducer port of the Bird. I do have the 10′ cable that came with the 360 which plugs into the Helix unit. It will have to hook into the single port 14 pin connector thats left from the Y splitter after hooking the factory transducer and Mega 360 transducer to work. I’m not sure if its a male or female plug yet. It does seem like that cable only has 6 pins to plug into the back of my Helix unit though and should be 7. But, I can’t remember or look right now. I knew I’d lose some functionality when doing my research prior to purchasing.

I see you have (2) Helix 10’s. I’m guessing you run DI/SI on one unit and 360 on the other? I’ll be adding a Solix 15 to mine soon. But, for now, I’d like to see this in action. I have to (2) Garmin 7sv (only one hooked up) and the Helix 12 on the bow.

Mojogunter,

I’m not sure on that. But, I’ll gladly post a video of the Bird in action “if”/”when” i get it working correctly.

I can tell you this. The mega DI/SI is amazing compared to the garmin unit(s) I’m running. I’m sure that’s not a good comparison. But, I did have pictures of beds that were crystal clear with the bird.

Ryan,

That maybe something I have to add when i add the Solix 15. I’ll have to do more research to know for sure though.

Thanks again for the pointers.