Hummingbird Helix 5

I am thinking about making the switch to a graph unit so I can use it in the boat as well as on the ice and not have a separate unit for mapping.
I was going to buy a Helix 5 G2 nonnice model and buy an ice transducer and mount it on a Genz pack.
I have a couple questions for those of you running these units.
Does the flasher setting have zoom as well? Or is the zoom feature only available on the graph setting? How is the battery life on these units? I prefer to fish outside and have heard mixed reviews about the battery life. Most of my trips are 8hrs or less will the battery last that long? Any other feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks

Flasher and graph both have zoom features. Both can be adjusted to zoom at various levels in the water column
Battery life is good if you turn down the display brightness.

Search the IDO site (top right hand corner of the screen) there have been many posts regrading settings and battery life for the Helix units on the ice.

I did what you described to a gen1. I’d recommend putting your power source in the form of AC plug. Then you can put a ram mount on the gimbal mount and switch from car dash, sled, wheeler, boat (s) and genz box. Super versatile.

This one is for sale…fyi

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Charlie W what is the difference between the Gen1 and the Gen 2? I sent you a PM regarding details of the one you are selling.

Charlie W wrote:

I did what you described to a gen1. I’d recommend putting your power source in the form of AC plug. Then you can put a ram mount on the gimbal mount and switch from car dash, sled, wheeler, boat (s) and genz box. Super versatile.

This one is for sale…fyi

DC plug??

B-man, I believe he is referring to a cigarette lighter type plug, so you can power the unit from any source with a plug in and it can be moved from your truck dash, snowmobile, ATV etc.

Gilgetter wrote:

Charlie W what is the difference between the Gen1 and the Gen 2? I sent you a PM regarding details of the one you are selling.

gen2 has the newer ice fishing software, leagues better than the G1’s basic flasher dial. G1 cannot be upgraded to the new software.

Gillgetter is correct. The gen1 is not as nice for ice fishing as it does not have as many views but does still the get job done. I still use my vex almost exclusively unless I am shallower than 10′, then the helix gets to shine. I also use the helix for mapping whether I am on a sled, truck, or walking.

I have a first version that I would sell with Ice Ducer. Mine is an SI but I have to get the ducer back for it for the boat… Message me if your interested it is in excellent shape. If this post is inappropriate for the thread I apologize.

I can get an easy 8-11 or 12 hrs on the 9ah battery, the trick is selecting a dark graph screen, avoiding the bottom white-line, finding the correct gain setting, and i’ve also noticed the chart speed setting of ultra or ( real time seeing the jig to fish) also seems to drain the battery faster, so i set it to the number right below. I never use the flasher, just the split graph screen with the 8x zoom. If i change anything it will be adding the Dakota Lithium for around $100 to get 2+ days on the unit. Otherwise the g2 software is awesome, and i won’t update to the 1.83 until its fixed ( bad reviews so far).

I’ve only had the battery die on me once and it was well over 12hrs. You should have no problem if the battery is in good shape.

Sorry to anyone above, but avoid the G1 units if you plan on using it for ice fishing most of the time…I have one and wouldn’t recommend it. The G2 is lightyears better for that application.