Navionics chip compatibility question

A guy I know purchased a Helix 7 that came with a Navionics+ chip that he doesn’t want to use. The card is unused and never been registered or activated. I should be able to activate this card on my computer and select my Lowrance unit when going through the process, making it work with my Lowrance unit, correct? My understanding is that the unit-specific stuff isn’t added to the chip until activation, but I just want to be sure since this particular card came packaged with a Bird and even says “Helix 7” on the chip itself. The product code is MSD/NEB-3/HUM5

I would check with a navionics rep

I’ve sent emails. Trying to avoid calling in. I guess that’s plan C.

I would reach out to “Kirt” or “KirtH” on IDO here.
He has been a great resource for me in regards to Navionics

Thanks bullcans. Sent a Pm to @kirth but tagging him here as well.

Appreciate the help!

Kirt PM’d me and I figured I’d share with the rest — he believes this card will only work with that Helix unit. He said I could potentially call Navionics and get them to clear it, but just a fair warning to those buying used chips.

tangler wrote:

Kirt PM’d me and I figured I’d share with the rest — he believes this card will only work with that Helix unit. He said I could potentially call Navionics and get them to clear it, but just a fair warning to those buying used chips.

A used chip is still of value if that chip belongs to a friend. I believe that you can buy an upgrade chip for cheap and that chip can be activated to a specific brand and model.

Yes that is true. But the updates chip from Navionics still cost $100 and not many people are selling used chips for a price that would make the combination a better deal than buying a new one for $150.

I was thinking that the guy you know would let you use it to get a new chip. He can even keep the old chip.

I did sell a chip to a friend and used it in a Hummingbird unit with no issues from my Lowrance.

The chips that come in bundles will work in any unit from my testing.

Setting the unit brand seems to have no effect on the chip from what I can see, and talking with Navionics about this yesterday.

Now if its a different style of Card (SD/MicroSD/etc..) that’s a different story.

Also one other thing…. When those bundles are purchased the Navionics chip is supposed to be registered within 2 months of purchase.

Let me know if you want to sell it.