Humminbird Helix 9 GPS/DI

Hi all.. I had a question about my Helix 9 this being my first Humminbird I wasn’t sure if this was normal. The problem I seem to be having is, my unit takes some time to acquire GPS position. This past weekend I fired up the unit at the launch ramp and I almost drove out the harbor before it acquired GPS position. Is this normal on these units? I’ve only used Lowrance units in the past and it seemed like my Lowrance would acquire GPS as soon as I turned it on. I like my Humminbird unit I just wanted to make sure there isn’t anything wrong with it. It would suck not to have GPS out on the water lol

Thanks Rich.

I’ve got 2 of these on average mine take a minnute or so to acquire.

Sometimes my Helix 7 takes a few seconds sometimes a few minutes. Last time ice fishing out on Mille Lacs it wouldn’t acquire. That really stumped me. Never had that happen before. Even up there.

I have owned two Helix units. The time it takes to load GPS data varies from almost instantly to a full minute.

One thing to try is turning on GLONASS if you don’t. It’ll allow the GPS receiver to see and use GPS and GLONASS satellites(Russian equivalent of GPS) in addition to a WAAS satellite. I can even sit at my basement workbench with my Helix 7 G2 powered up and the location will be locked on in a fairly short time.
It may help you and it certainly won’t hurt.

What I have noticed is which map card I have in Navionics seems to come up quicker then my newer Lakemaster. From what I have read is the map card can make a difference because of how much data the unit has to read from the card.

Thanks for the replies guys! I appreciate it, it sounds like this is the norm with these units.