Helix series and Mapping

Maybe this has already been discussed but I can’t find it anywhere.

I just purchased a Helix 10 Mega and it arrived today. I have been using Lowrance for the past 3 years but excited to get back to the birds.

I am wondering what mapping chips you all are running? Looking online it looks like Lake Master and Navionics are both now compatible with the birds. I was learning towards LM but looking for input. Also, is the “Plus” version worth the extra $?

Anyone know if the zero lines cards work with both of them too?

Any info would be great.

Thanks

I run lake master. I don’t have a need for the plus.
Zero lines works with it.

Not sure about navionics

I was mapping the upper Croix between Osceola and interstate park yesterday.

Lakemaster all the way for this guy. However, Navionics has really stepped it up in the last couple years.

As far as getting the plus chip, I have it and like it. It slows down the unit considerably when using satellite imagery, but I have a gen 1 Helix. Your mileage may vary with a Gen 2. For the most part, I don’t use the satellite imagery when using it on a boat but I turn it on when I have it mounted on my ATV for trail use. It doesn’t specifically show the trails, but most are easy to distinguish with the imagery.

My understanding is that if you want to network with your Minnkota and follow contour you need to have Lakemaster. That made my decision for me.

I didn’t bother with the plus.

I am curious about what the zero line card will do for me. Don’t have one. Should I?

fishingchallenged wrote:

My understanding is that if you want to network with your Minnkota and follow contour you need to have Lakemaster. That made my decision for me.

I didn’t bother with the plus.

I am curious about what the zero line card will do for me. Don’t have one. Should I?

I think the zero lines card (autochart live) really comes into play on rivers. I cannot begin to count the number of areas on P4 that are nowhere near accurate on many of the big name chips. I use autochart live while trolling P4, constantly fine tuning my maps. Luckily my FW likes to go for “boat rides” but sadly isn’t really into fishing. Most of these rides are my mapping runs. One thing I found out quickly is that it is crucial to know the river stage for your area at the time of mapping. Then in the future, just use the offset feature for level adjustments. I’ve got probably 20-30 hours of mapping one one card and it shows no signs of being full.

If you primarily fish popular lakes, most of the big name chips seem to do a nice job. I wouldn’t necessarily NOT use autochart in these situations, rather it wouldn’t be as big of a priority.

fishingchallenged wrote:

I am curious about what the zero line card will do for me. Don’t have one. Should I?

You’ll know when you need one. It’s for storing extra maps you created in Autochart in excess of what your current card can hold. Tough to say whether you’ll need it or not.

So I turned on AC Live and it’s been mapping the lakes I’ve been on. It looks like I can choose to stores it internally or externally. Why would I want to buy a $100 card vs just storing the data on an empty $15 card?

Because the unit only stores 8 hrs of recordings and using a $15 card requires the purchase of $200 worth of Autochart software.

Hmm… Says the young grasshopper as he realizes he knows less than he thought he did an hour ago.