Helix on the dash with I Link

I just purchased a new Skeeter wx 2190 with a Helix 12 at the console and a helix 9 at the bow. It also has a Terrova with I Pilot/Link. I’m new to Humminbird and to I-Link. I played around with it this weekend and so far so good. I still haven’t figured out how to use the follow contour function however.

Here’s my question/dilemma: I mistakenly thought I needed a Humminbird at the bow for everything to work together. I’m really intrigued with the Garmin Livescope. If I swap the Helix9 for the Garmin will I lose any functionality with my current system? Is there anything that I’m missing? I haven’t seen many reviews for the Livescope yet(besides the typical sponsor reviews), but man does it look sweet.

You could keep the bird on the bow for mapping and the Link. What dephfinder do you use to control the trolling motor (link)?

So far I have been using the Helix 12 (console unit) to run the I link.

Highlight a depth contour on your map, click go to, then select follow the contour. Then two colors will pop up. Select the Color to select which way you follow the contour

Do you have the Lakemaster chip installed??? It’s required to “follow the contour”

Andrew Rice wrote:

Do you have the Lakemaster chip installed??? It’s required to “follow the contour”

Yes I do

Has to have the I-Pilot logo on the map card. Won’t work with older cards.

It says it is i Pilot link compatible. Ill play with it more. Im really more interested to know if I need the Helix at the bow. Can I sell it and just go with a panoptix unit and not lose any function? I know that I wont be able to see waypoints on the Garmin unit that are marked on the console Helix, but that isnt a big deal for me.

trapsht wrote:

It says it is i Pilot link compatible. Ill play with it more. Im really more interested to know if I need the Helix at the bow. Can I sell it and just go with a panoptix unit and not lose any function? I know that I wont be able to see waypoints on the Garmin unit that are marked on the console Helix, but that isnt a big deal for me.

You will need one Helix unit to utilize the Link features (follow the contour). It’s location in the boat doesn’t matter, but the Ethernet cable from the trolling motor needs to be connected to the Helix unit. The location of the unit is solely dependent on where you want to use it, whether its at the bow or the counsel or in the far back (if you have enough cable). Keep in mind that to utilize follow the contour that you need to physically select the contour line on the Helix unit. You cannot select it from the remote.

Thanks. Any reason why I would want both at the bow?